had a nummy dinner at Hungry Mother in Cambridge. They were just named one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants according to Bon Appetit. [link]

I got there early (since it is close to work) and had the boiled peanuts and a Sazerac Rye Manhattan while waiting for Tom. He arrived and got one of their specialty cocktails, the no. 43, made with Overholt Rye, 10 year old tawny port, maple syrup, and bitters. We had 2 small plates- the beef tongue canape and the country ham (like prociutto but more so), with homemade biscuits and pepper jelly.

I also requested a "bartender's choice" cocktail and got something that was based on a drink called a Woodstock, but instead of bourbon, it had applejack. Also lemon and maple syrup, and some other stuff and it was awesome.

I had the roast chicken with grits, kale, and redeye gravy (I never get the chicken at restaurants, but I've heard such awesome things about this one.) Tom got the grilled bluefish with farro, corn, and cranberry bean succotash. We got a side of the local corn which was partially creamed and topped with bacon lardon and chives.

SO FUCKING AWESOME.

We finished up with a small peach-rasberry cobbler with creme fraiche ice cream and after dinner drinks- a cappuccino for Tom and a coffee cocktail (chilled) for me, the no. 20, a chilled double shot of espresso, grand marnier, vodka, and sorghum syrup.

Best. Birthday. Dinner. Ever.

And yes, a definite Happy Birthday to Trudy! I admit I often screw up in properly wishing birthday wishes to Buffistas. I think I even missed Flea! It's because I often have to threadsuck and read over a period of hours at work (sneaking in a few minutes here and there) and by the time I get to the end, I forget every meaningful thing I wanted to say.

Best. Birthday. Dinner. Ever.

Awesomecakes!

Those cocktails and menu items sound very much like Alembic (in SF) by the way.

Tom just said, "I *knew* Smay would like the sound of that."

Tom just said, "I *knew* Smay would like the sound of that."

He was correct.

Also, Sazerac Rye Manhattan by my friend Alberta

Also (also), Alberta in the No. 209 distillery botanical room. All about gin. (This is seriously fascinating stuff for any foodie or cocktail fan.)

Happy Birthday, Trudy!

You all made me hungry. I blame you for the fact that I just ordered delivery from Cheesecake Factory. With low-carb cheesecake, but still.

I can attest to Hungry Mother's awesomeness. I don't think I need to attest to the awesomeness of the McWaringles. Happy Birthdays, you two!!

I can't decide if it's evil that you can order cheesecake delivered, or that it's evil that you can order cheesecake delivered...and I can't.