Delux Redux

I love Delux Café. An unpretentious gem of a dive bar and restaurant located in the otherwise fairly self important food district of the South End. Yup, my hood. The food hood.

Anyways, Delux is superb. The dark interior is comprised of high windows and wood paneling, with most of the light coming from Christmas lights that give you the feeling that someone put them up years ago for the festivities and just decided not to take them down (same with the mini Xmas tree that sits at the end of the bar and the 3 foot tall Santa statue that greets you at the restrooms). A shrine to Elvis, record murals and old art adorn the walls while classics, oldies and the right dose of Johnny Cash play in the background. A full bar (it's CASH ONLY people - again CASH ONLY), two choices of house wine and a slew of beers make this the best watering hole in the South End.



But let's talk about what people might not know Delux for - the food.

The seasonal menu include choices like fresh Atlantic cod, made-to-order fresh fried tortilla chips and mango salsa, veggies and basmati rice and black bean for sides and seafood paella. All the food is made by one cook in a teeny station in the back. Granted, this increases the wait time a bit, but hey, let's not forget you're in a bar here. Order another round and your food'll be up in no time.

About a month ago, I was at the bar when a stranger next to me ordered the cheeseburger (a new summer addition to the menu!). Since then, I've been craving it. And let me tell you, it was worth pining over for a month when I went back this week.

A friend and I started with the warm chévre, shaved apple and beets and arugula salad. Fresh and delicious. We moved on to split the pork enchiladas and the wanted cheeseburger. The enchiladas are one of the most popular items on the menu and for good reason. The burger. Was. Amazing. It's sure to be a staple for me this summer.

I could go on and on about Delux. But really the take away is: go there. It's a gem.

-xo-

eb

It's pork ya dork!

I usually am not a fan of rice. But Delux's basmati is always spot on in flavor and moisture.

 Sliced taters make for fresh fries. The aged cheddar, grilled onions, watercress and dijon mustard give this burger the right amount of bite. NOM. 

The Brick 'n Blooms of Comm Ave

One of the best things about Boston is its architecture. A wonderful day about town can simply be had by strolling through the neighborhoods. (Possibly made more fun with a road soda, #justsayin.) 

Back Bay's Commonwealth Avenue has no shortage of beautiful brownstones that flank the grassy, tree-lined mall which divides it. This mall, filled with trees and statues, forms the narrowest link in the "Emerald Necklace" of Boston. The historic plan, hatched in the late 1880s, connects more than 1,100 aces of park space from Boston to Brookline. How very before-their-time green of Boston.

As the three day weekend approaches, plan to take some time to get out ya walkin' shoes, get outside to get moving and enjoy the city.

-xo-

eb

BOS to the Tundra

I'm headed to Alaska in two days (read: I will be away from the internets/facespace/instagrams all week - what a vacation!). And what does one pack for Alaska? Well, I'm not entirely sure, but this Colorado girl knows one thing: it's all about layers. With hiking, canoeing and camping on the to do list, highs in the sixties and lows in the forties, you can be sure I'm all about the mix of comfort and functionality. 

Check out my illustrated packing list. Lululemon stretchy pants for botttoms, Patagonia and Mountain Hardware for tops, a good pair of shoes, a camera (or two) and a great read is all about I need. 

Friends have pointed out I'm missing harpoons, bear mace and a machette, but really, who is keeping track? Here's hoping I won't need any of those ;)

-xo-

eb

What's WASPy, Walking and Red All Over?

Saw this lady walking out of the market the other day on a rainy day. Head to toe red, yeow!

There is something so incredibly charming and daring when women don't let their fashion risks die as they grow wiser (ie older).

Hope you're doing the same on this overcast Boston day.

-xo-

eb

To the Sea!!

----------------
for whatever we lose(like a you or a me) 
it's always ourselves we find in the sea 

e.e. cummings

----------------

I grew up in a landlocked state (Colorado). And then moved to a state where the beach was the Coast and it was cold and rainy nine months out of the year. (Oregon). And then to a city where the beach is only hot hot hot two days a year and the only people stripping down are free spirits down at the Baker Beach in the nudist section (San Francisco). 

So this whole concept of "summer," "swimming," "heat" and "the beach" is a little new to me. Not sure I entirely took advantage of it last summer (ok, let's be real, I went to the beach once), so I've vowed to be in the sea this summer. 

Now comes the fun part. What to wear?! Jury is still out, but I've done a little research. See below for some of my top runners. 

-xo-

eb

1 // jcrew rosebud bikini 

2 // jcrew ratti regatta bikini 

3 // the seea riviera one piece

4 // madewell rosie bikini

5 // free people estella bikini

You Know it's a Spring Trash Day in New England When...

1.) This is found in your neighbor's trash pile.

2.) And this is found in another neighbor's pile two doors down.

Apparently it's out with the old and in with the new (boat shoes). I have yet to purchase any of these. But let me tell you. They. Are. Everywhere.

I'm all for regional fashion and style seeped in purpose and authenticity, but it seems to me that boat shoes are just a tad over worn here. But if you are gonna rock 'em off the dock, best to keep them classic, a tad tattered and paired with something with a little laid back, something swingy for a day in a beach town. A little West Coast beach meets Right Coast beach? A little like this...

So, happy boatin' or hangin' or whatever you're doing in those old and worn in comfy shoes of yours!

- xo - 

eb 

1 // old sperry's - new here
2 // t by alexander wang slub classic t
3 // bamboula ltd for jcrew tote
4 // rag & bone distressed boyfriend short
5 // jcrew various friendship bracelets (but better to make your own instead!)
6 // oliver people's jacey sunglasses

NYC Adventure Time

I spent this weekend in NYC. One of the best things about Boston and East Coast living is how close together new adventure spots are. It took me a few months to get used to passing through or visiting multiple states in a day. That's a tough concept to understand, having lived in states that can take at least six hours to drive through. Pretty sure you could fit 5.78 Massachusetts in California. 

Regardless, a hop and a jump will get you to a fun-filled NYC weekend. And once you're there, adventure comes by merely choosing which direction to head in. Details of the weekend coming soon!

-xo-

eb

Spring Snows Showers in Boston

Just kidding.

THANK GOD.

Instead of snowy scenery here in Boston, all we're seeing is tons of bright blooms. Such a refreshing and wonderful change!

The blooms do have a way of falling off the trees in piles, making it look a bit like snow. So pretty.

-xo-

eb

Oh, Daddy, oh!

Sunday morning started out with a mission: adventure. A friend and I, searching for fun food choices, debated our options. The Cape?! No - too dreary of a day. Portsmouth?! Ok, yea, great idea! And shortly rethought when the friend remembered they had to take their dog out later. Ok, so scratch adventure, let's head across the river to Somerville for PLAIN OL' GOOD EATS. 

We stopped first at Highland Kitchen. One of my favorite places to eat and hang in Somerville, it was freakin' packed. Like eight people deep at the bar freakin' packed. Every Sunday, they hold a live country and bluegrass brunch, and remember where I'm from everyone? Well, guess what. I like country and bluegrass. And I've been dying to try the brunch at Highland Kitchen. So, imagine my disappointment when the hostess said the wait would be an hour and a half. So, scratch that, too.

My friend had heard of a new joint down the way called Daddy Jones. So off we went. An unsuspecting building that lays off the beaten path, this ol' Daddy looked hip from the outside. Walk inside and the decor is definitely clued in. There are some really charming parts about this place. While very low key, I think it'd be a great neighborhood place to hang. Owned by a Greek woman, the dinner menu hints to lots of Mediterranean goodness, with nods to mezza plates, skewers and things topped with feta, peppered in with American classics like mac 'n cheese and meatballs. 

We split a pancake FTT (that's For The Table here people), which was amazing. They make the batter from scratch. And while they forgot to add the requested blueberries in, it was my favorite part of the meal. My brekkie companion ordred the herring, which was served with grilled romaine and two poached eggs. It was delicious. Fresh and salty. Nom. I opted to stay classic with a cheese omelette and breakfast potatoes. I was a little bummed at the lack of healthy brekkie options. I would have loved to see a little green on my plate. It was also a tad over salted, but I definitely left satiated. I'm not sure what I'd order if I returned for breakfast, but I'm definitely looking forward to return for dinner and drinks.

Oh, Daddy, oh!

After our Somerville exploring, we cruised back to the South End where we ended our extended morning adventure with a Aperol Spritz (ok, and a spicy margarita) at Toro. Noms the word. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

-xo-

eb

Slick outside, eh?

Love the gray painted brick.

Really digging the type on the windows.

The inside has TVs that plays different episodes of the Cosby Show 24/7.

Me thinks we all have a little to learn from the lovely Huxtables.

 

Nice little touch of gold lockers of glassware.

Totally doable at home for cabinet sub.

Mmmm.... Morning Margarita.

(Seeing a trend here, people?) 

A peek at the brunch menu.

A friend ordred the Harvey Wallbanger, which was delicious.

They used frozen OJ as an ice cube, which melted as ya drank.

So nommers at the bottom.

Here fishie fishie!

Want a flapjack?!

Eggs 'n cheese.

Yes, please.

Nothing better than ending the escape with an Aperol Spritz back in the South End. 

Haven't had such a stellar one since sipping on one in oh so fair Verona.

Freakin' Fun Friday aka Sunshine Funtime

Sometimes, you need to have a lot of fun on a sunny Friday. The weather is warming up, the humidity is sneaking back into the air and summer is right around the corner. Time to get back on the saddle and out enjoying the goodness of sunshine. 

A couple of friends and I went in search of those sunbeams by bike and found them in Cambridge. Take a pleasant ride over the Mass Ave Bridge, through MIT and Harvard and you'll find yourself in the middle of a mecca of goodness. From Central to Harvard Square, on through Somerville, there is much fun to be had on the other side of the River. 

We started at Charlie's in Harvard Square on their back patio. A lunch of their homemade black bean burger and a couple of BBC Steel Rail Pale Ales had us well on our way to enjoying the day. The energy of the follows diners and drinkers was contagious. People are ready to be out of their houses and down jackets. Ditttttto. 

Charlie's is a great little joint that has live music inside and two patios, a rare find in Boston. Patios are a bit hard to find here, due to the bizarre (read: really annoying) Blue State laws MA abides to. In addition to no happy hour (yea, that's right, no freakin' happy hour), it states that patrons may not be outside on a patio or roof for the sole purpose of drinking. (And this is a college town?! I feel like that's all I did in Boulder. Just kidding, Mom!) A meal must be purchased and you must have your tush in a chair. Lame. But, still Charlie's has good eats at cheap prices, so taking down a homemade black bean burger as the price to some Vitamin D is no big deal. 

After Charlie's, we meandered to Bowery Ballroom's new location, The Sinclair. A fantastic restaurant and venue, it's the hot new kid in town.  And their patio is unreal. A friend of mine did the interior design and let me tell you, it's one hip place. The menu, logo and identity were done by local design shop, Oat. Really well done. A nom-worthy meal of kale salad, deviled eggs, some grilled octopus and a dish they call Diablo Fries (waffle fries covered in chorizo, cheese and jalapeños - umm yes please) put us our quota of things to chew on. We ordered margaritas, old fashions, cicadas, wine, you name it. It was time to really let loose and enjoy a day in the sun. 

The food didn't disappoint and I'll definitely return to try out some more items from The Sinclair's menu. They have a fried chicken dish that is already beckoning me back. All in all, it was a great day in the sun over the River. Looking forward to many more in the coming months. 

-xo-

eb

This is one of my bike crushes.

My old neighbor in SF, Bike Mike, had one.

Real pretty.

Let's go riding!

Aka always wear a helmet, fool!

Daran breaking both the always wear a shirt and helmet rules.

Thumbs up for locked bikes!

Chaaaaaarlie's.

Lobstahbuuurgher.

(We're in New England here, people)

Kat's ready for summer!

A Berkshire Beer Company's Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale. 

One of my best New England introductions.

#FLNE

Homemade black bean veggie burger?

Don't mind if I do.

The back patio. 

Goodness happens here. 

The front patio. 

Goodness happens here, too.

Marg!

My FAVORITE summer drink.

Diablo Fries.

Don't tell me my business, devil fries.

Are we having fun yet?

HELL YEA!

Thumbs up for fun in the sunnnnn.

Saturday Stoop Lunch

So, most people who look for sandwiches in the South End head straight to the Buttery. And maybe, just maybe, I haven't given enough of a chance to the Buttery. But I think it's just... a little overrated. I'd much rather swing by the wonderful South End Formaggio. This go-to gourmet market deserves a entire series of posts dedicated to it's cheese, charcuterie, wine, beer, baked goods, exotic oils, fresh produce... you get the picture. 

In addition to all this mad goodness, they also have an array of sandwiches. Classics like butter and ham and turkey and swiss sit pretty next to more fun combinations like goat cheese arugula and fig jam and avocado and black bean torta. Being the fish girl I am (which is bizarre considering I grew up in wonderful landlocked Colorado), I opted for the homemade tuna with american cheese on grilled wheat. Filled with yummy things like pickles and green olives, this is a tuna for kings. 

One Tate's Butterscotch Pecan cookie from the bakery counter and a decaf iced tea from Wholy Grain across the street and I had the perfect makings for a stoop lunch. I polised it all off seconds before a spring shower started. Happy Saturday, all!

-xo-

eb

RAWR! Yum.

Butterscotch is just so good. 

Has always been a favorite of mine.

Tulip Time

Ain't this just a charming little South End park? Hayes Park is one of my favs. A quiet quaint corner space with weeping willows, a small playground and a couple of benches for moments of contemplation. Wonderful.

-xo-

eb

The 570

Friend! Friend! Have we talked about The Five Seventy?!

My most sincere apologies.

Where to start when it comes to The 570 (as I like to call it)? The 570 is a market. The market. My market. And, in my humble opinion, the best damn corner market in Boston. (Yelp thinks so, too) This little place, conveniently located right around from my oh so humble abobe, is the jam. Owned by my Union Park neighbor, Alan, The 570 has it all. Beer, wine, local produce, oodles of fine chocolate, fresh-from-the-oven-every-morning baked goods, deli wonderfulness, salads, fresh squeezed juices, breakfast sammies,  the best curry chicken salad you'll ever have and well, you get the idea...
THEY HAVE EVERYTHING.

And not only are they stocked to the brim, they are really incredibly nice in there. Every time I walk into The 570, I feel at home. They go out of their way to make sure everyone who walks in their door, walks out a little happier. A certain special they make (a vegan eggplant parm that will blow your mind) is a favorite of mine. The people behind the counter are so amazing, that they give me a call every time they make it. Talk about good service.

(Now I don't drink coffee, but I hear that people rave about the coffee down the street at the South End Buttery. But here's the truth, everyone who has tried both swears by the coffee at The 570. Just an FYI for all you caffeine fiends.)

As I settle more into my little life in Boston, it's so nice to have a place that makes ya feel good. A morning started with my favorite Swiss Chard and Celery Juice puts a smile on my face. The next time you find yourself in the charming South End, swing by The Five Seventy Market (that's 570 Tremont, y'all), tell Alan hello and find yourself falling for the best little corner store ever.

-xo-

eb

MY JAM.

MY JAM (in the fall!)

Alan loves a good seasonal display. 

Lights and trees in the winter. 

Flowers in the spring and summer. 

And pumpkins in the fall. 

(Don't call me pumpkin, pumpkin)

Ma!

My mom always says she's so lucky to have kids that live in places that are great to visit. I guess that makes me happy, too, cause it's pretty easy to talk her into a weekend trip. She's been here before, but we explored a bit more this time, knocking Cambridge walking, the indy Coolidge Corner Theatre and Fenway off our list.

In true "parents are in town" fashion, we also hit up some superb eats. Russel House Tavern called for a brunch of Salad Niçoise with Salmon and a brekkie pizza (farm fresh eggs make all the difference) and some rosé. Nom. Coppa in the South End for dinner - where you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Ever. A Fenway Frank and Sam Adams brews as we cheered on the Sox (how Boston is that?). And even though she's been before, we hit up favorite Island Creek Oyster Bar for dinner. You can't have guests in Boston and not stuf their face with fresh New England seafood. We ended the weekend with salads and one peanut butter cookie to share from Flour. Their new Back Bay location now offers the best lunch option around.

All in all, a wonderful weekend with ma. And, the best part wasn't that she did my laundry at the end of her visit (although what are mom's for other than to take care of their little chickens?), it was spending some QT with someone so positive, strong, caring and sincere. Hope I can be half the mom she is someday.

So, in anticipation of Mother's Day, Mom, guess what? You're the best. Love you!

-xo-

eb

The Russel House Salad Niçoise was unreal. Look at the salmon! NOM.

Sweet Caroline! (and eb and mom!)

My All-American Beer Holder. Aka white Chucks.