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. 

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

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

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.

What a Lovely Seasonal Muffin

Nommers, Flour does it again.

A quick morning trip to the Back Bay location this lazy Saturday called for one of Flour's seasonal muffins, the raspberry rhubarb and a cup of oh-so-fresh grapefruit juice. Big, not to sweet and generously filled with plump raspberries and my favorite summer ingredient, tart and refreshing rhubarb. It was nice and quiet this morning, the tables filled with old couples sharing sweets. The crowds sure to come had yet to rustle from their slumber. What a perfect way to start the weekend.

-xo-

eb

Love me some grapefruit - in any form.

YUP!

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. 

Park ya heart at Union Park

----------------
sweet spring is your

time is my time is our

time for springtime is lovetime

and viva sweet love

e.e. cummings
----------------

So my little park, Union Park is waking up from it's New England hibernation. And, let me tell you, I couldn't be happier. The fountains have been turned back on and this year's flowers have been planted and are joining the perennials. Nothing is quite as relaxing is sitting on my stoop or up in my apartment with the windows open, listening to the sound of the fountains. One of my most favorite New England things. 

The only issue with Union Park is that you can't get it in. Enter one giant collective waaaah waah here. Well, technically, I lied. You can enter the park a few times a year. And it's actually pretty great when you can. The neighborhood association throws concertes four times a year where you can bring a blanket, wine and snacks and listen to music in the park. Pretty stellar, indeed, right? 

But you know what? A little rebel in me is thinking that four times a year is not enough. Yesterday morning, I saw a couple had jumped the fence and were laying on a blanket, relaxing in the sun. It looked awesome. So if you can't find me and my Instagram feed is blowing up with photos of grass 'n fountains 'n flower 'n sunshine, you'll know where to find me. Breaking the rules, soaking up goodness right in the middle of my own little park. 

-xo-

eb

Brrr... Kind of...

It's finally feeling like winter here in Boston. It's not cold or windy enough to make it miserable, although I'm told it's coming.

For now, I'm ok with it. Appropriate for the holidays and it's nice to have an excuse to cuddle up and enjoy some tea and good book. Or, let's be real... most days it's good whiskey and online shopping.

Here some pics from my first real snow in Boston. It's so pretty - I'm wanting more of this white stuff! Famous last words, as I'm sure come February I'll be online window shopping for trips to the Caribbean. When in Rome, eh?

- xo -

eb

My street and own little park. Ain't it cute?

BRING YOUR RED HAT!

Brunch at Coppa

Oops. Turns out I've taken the past month off. Apologies. But don't worry, I've done plenty of exploring to share with you!

Let's start with brunch...

I think I've posted about Coppa before (remember my meal after my first day of work?) and since then, I've been frequenting it for everything from an evening meal to a casual glass of wine. It's my neighborhood go to for something delicious. A few weeks ago, I stopped by for a Sunday brunch. 

Coppa doesn't disappoint for the first meal of the day. A friend and I started out with a housemade yogurt, fruit and granola dish. It was topped with fresh apricot jam, which we also ordered a side of for a sourdough toast. Nom. For the main course, we split the "Hang Over 'Za," which was slightly fitting for our morning.  This deliciousness is topped with bacon, prosciutto, potatoes and two over easy farm eggs. Yup. It's as good as it sounds. We washed it all down with a pitcher of Blood Orange mimosas - fresh and refreshing. 

Overall, perfect for a weekend brunch. Grab a spot on the patio, enjoy the people (read: dogs) watching of the South End and get ya fill. 

xo, 

eb

That's the jam!

This granola is the real deal.

I love pizza - anytime of the day.

SOWA Market - Perfect for a Sunny Sunday

A few Sundays ago, a friend and I headed out to explore the South End via the SoWa Open Market. Every Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, vendors in the form of food trucks, farmers, artists, antique wheelers and vintage clothes dealers spread out in a parking lot of an old mill. It's a great way to get your fix of local crafts and food, as well as get out and enjoy a sunny New England Sunday. 

xo, 

eb

Market day!

Love this retro swimsuit.

In line for the food trucks.

Wolf tank!

Sunny Friday

Brick by Brick

The longer I live here, the more I'm coming to love my neighborhood.

The faces are starting to get familiar, the spring showers are causing some awfully gorgeous blooms and the food is still the best in Boston.

Enjoy some South End snaps.

xo,
eb

Every 'hood needs a cathedral. 

Faces of the Vine.

Red and Blue.

My park.

Waking Up in the Rain

Last night I awoke to a the soft fall of rain in spring.

I'm so excited to be back in a place with four seasons. The Colorado born (and mostly bred) girl in me lives and dies by the changing of the seasons. My time in Oregon really screwed with my head - that nine months of almost straight drizzle can really bum a gal out. And San Francisco - that place is truly a bubble. I think mostly it's due to the fact that the weather exists in a constant warp, so months, seasons, years all start to blend together. Spring lasts about a day. Summer is that blessed three weeks in October. Fall and winter seems to blend together. And then the fifth season, fog, just shows up to blanket us whenever it feels like it.

So, anyways. Spring showers are here. Everything is blooming and green. It's a fresh start, a new beginning. Yay, Boston spring, yay...

xo,
eb

Union Park in green spring symmetry.

Ripple, ripple.

Spring!!

I'm ready for spring! So I can go outside and PLAY!

Instagram snaps from yesterday and today.

xo, 

eb

View from work. Hello, Boston. 

(that's the John Hancock tower. notice how much bigger it is than all the other buildings?? #americanhistoryjunkie)

Flowers on the walk to work.

A great sign in my agency.

A Boston Walkabout

I had another great weekend in Boston. 

My mom flew in from the Wild West so she could get a sense of where in the world her daughter has ended up. We had a fun time exploring a bit of Boston via foot and local fare. Winning combo. 

We headed up to Top of the Hub Friday evening. This place is somewhat of a tourist trap. Read: the food's not great and is generally overpriced 'cause the view is fantastic. But that was a-okay for us, we were just there for the sights of the sprawling city and a glass of wine. Great way to take visitors so they can get a lay of the land. After that, it was off to my neighborhood joint, the Butcher Shop for wine, amazing brussel spouts and chicken with asparagus. YUM! (Anyone else think brussel sprouts are hot right now? they're everywhere!) Topping it all off was a bit of chocolate mousse. Perf.

Saturday we explored the Boston Public Garden (make way for ducklings!), the Common (the United State's oldest city park, it dates from 1634! What does that even mean?!) the Freedom Trail and the North End. We saw some old gravestones and crossed a lot of cobblestones. We refueled at Giacomo's Ristorante on Hanover Street. The meal deserves its own post - but for the time being, I'll tell you we waited an hour in line and then were in and out of our table in less than forty minutes, blissfully full, happy and content from amazing food and a bottle of wine. 

We did Easter brunch at... surprise, Island Creek Oyster Bar. Love that place. The rest of the day we strolled around Newbury and just relaxed. Oh yea, and split a Strawberry Cupcake. 

All in all, a great weekend. Good to have some QT with the mom and show off my new city. Can I call it yet that? My city? Maybe not yet... Let's give it some more time people. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. 

xo, 

eb

Thinking these will be the Top Siders I get. Metallic Snakeskin. Haute. Embrace the prep, right?

Here lies Mother Goose!

History: Mom's first iPhone picture on her first iPhone of Paul Revere's grave. #nobiggie

The Freedom Trail.

This is the kind of stuff that happens in Boston. Just Ben giving off electricity at the local pub.

A city o' spires and steeples.

This building is old. 1868! Spring is on its way to Boston. Can't wait!

Boston, I double dog dare you.