Any event that has the words “Taste of” in the title, is one we generally want to attend. Hello, we LOVE tasting! Especially food from some of the area’s best restaurants. Which, of course, is what the Taste of Cambridge is all about. When Chels and I were offered press passes, we immediately decided to head over to the Charles Hotel yesterday evening and check things out. Why wouldn’t we??
Cambridge, of course, is right next to Boston and super easy to get to. But for some reason, I don’t get over there as much as I’d like to. It takes forever on public transportation and parking can be a bit tricky, so dining on the “other side of the river” doesn’t happen as much as I’d like it to. Because, heaven knows they have a TON of amazing restaurants.
The Taste of Cambridge was the perfect opportunity for us to try samplings many of them. And the Charles Hotel was the PERFECT place to hold an event like this.
The more of these types of events we go to, the better we get at navigating them. It’s seriously an art! There’s so much food and it’s easy to get really full, really quickly. We generally like to hit up the restaurants we haven’t yet had the chance to visit. We try to stay away from chains and we take it slowly and pace ourselves. And stay away from too much alcohol near the start of the event– Not only for obvious reasons, but because it’s seriously difficult to hold a plate and full drink, while trying to eat, take photos, and navigate the crowds!
Tory Row is one of those restaurants I’ve been hearing about forever, but have never stopped by. But when I tasted the chilled asparagus soup with poached lobster, I fell in love. It was thick and creamy with generous pieces of lobster. This would be a fabulous start to a meal and fitting that it was the first thing we indulged in for the evening.
As you can see, Tory Row serves breakfast 7 days a week, too. I kind of want to try the jalapeno chicken sausage.
Next up? We spotted lobster rolls from the West Side Lounge and I knew I couldn’t pass them by.
This was a pretty fabulous lobster roll! I have to say it was a tad bit salty, BUT I loved that it didn’t have a whole lot of mayo in it and was pretty much pure (and delicious) lobster meat.
And, we learned about West Side Lounge’s Monday night special. All summer long, you can get 2 lobster rolls, house-made chips, and slaw for only $12.95. Yes, $12.95! I definitely need to make it there very soon. Who’s coming?
And yes, the house-made chips were awesome.
Next up? Basha Cafe. I’ve been to Basha before, but it’s been a while and their offerings looked pretty tasty.
Chels and I split a beef kebab and some rice. I definitely could have eaten more, but I knew it would be smarter to save room. Guess I’ll have to return to Basha for more!
I’ve actually never heard of Amelias Trattoria and their dish looked quite interesting.
It was a type of arancini with basil, fontina cheese, and panko. I loved the presentation; it reminded me of something fun you’d get at the fair! It was delicious, but a tiny bit dry. However, I always remind myself it must be nearly impossible to cook food for events like this… SO much food that you have to transport. It can’t be nearly as good as it would be in the restaurant, hot from the kitchen!
Amelia’s menu looks pretty interesting, so I’d love to get there some time in the future.
Oh, Harvest. I’ve only had the pleasure of dining at Harvest once as an adult, but it was an amazing experience. And one that I’d like to repeat over and over again. I’ve been pretty obsessed with all things lamb lately, so I was immediately drawn to the lamb sausage slider.
Yup, it was awesome. In fact, I seriously wish I had a full-size sandwich for lunch right now. I highly recommend dining at Harvest if you want a really wonderful experience in Harvard Square. The restaurant is kind of tucked away, dimly lit, quiet, country-like and romantic. Basically everything I want after a crazy day in the city.
Right after Harvest, we headed to Bambara’s table, where I indulged in some sort of bruschetta with figs and proscuitto, which is pretty much a dream come true for me. I love the salty/sweet combination! I also noticed they have warm lobster sliders on the menu, making Bambara a future must for me.
Then we spotted Grafton Street! The first thing I said was, “there’s no way I could eat corn on the cob at an event like this.” And it’s true. I’m one of those brats who needs my corn cut off the cob for me (thanks Dad!). And if I chowed down last night? I wouldn’t have been able to smile for any photos.
But I still had to take a couple photos because Grafton Street is where Chris and I first met 
And so, it will always have a very special meaning to me. I think it’s our goal to go back for all our anniversaries.
Plus, the corn was just so pretty! And if the employees working the table had offered to cut it off the cob for me, I totally would have indulged.
From these photos, it doesn’t look like the Taste of Cambridge was too crowded, but it really was!
We spent a good amount of time hanging out with the lovely Julia Rappaport and her hilariously awesome friend Jon.
East Coast Grill is one restaurant I CANNOT even believe I still haven’t been to. My dad talks about it all the time as he’s a huge Chris Schlesinger fan and I’ve heard nothing but awesome things about it. I tried to make reservations for the restaurant’s last “Hell Night,” but they filled up amazingly fast, so I’m looking forward to making it to the next one (I hope!).
For now, I was content trying their pork tacos, which were pretty delicious and super flavorful. I could definitely eat a plate-full!
We were wandering by Hungry Mother‘s peanut butter sorghum sandwich cookies and I had to grab one. OMG. These were like the Girl Scout’s Do-Si-Dos cookies, but about a million times better. And so satisfying. I NEED the recipe. Or I just have to go to Hungry Mother for a few more. Delicious!
Of course, we stopped by to see our good friends over at the How2Heroes table. I didn’t even take any photos of their beautiful dessert display because we were immediately bombarded by shots. Jello shots. Alcohol-free jello shots, at that. So, why was How2Heroes forcing jello shots upon us??
Well, they were 5-alarm ghost pepper jello shots. In case you don’t know, ghost peppers are otherwise known as the hottest peppers in existence. Not ones to turn down a challenge, Chels and I signed the waivers (yes, waivers!) and prepared to down the jello shots. How2Heroes took this shot of us looking thrilled (and semi-nervous) for the challenge:
OK, yeah, we were pretty nervous. And yes, I’m double fisting (Chris loves anything super spicy, so I grabbed one to take home for him). Thank you so much to Megan of Delicious Dishings for catching some fabulous action shots of us!
OK, let’s go!
Well we downed, part of them anyway. These were HOT. Like one of the hottest things I’ve ever eaten, and I love spice. But really, it was more of a pleasant type of hot… Which I’m obviously saying after the fact. Check out my expression in the below photo.
I guess that says it all. By “pleasant” I mean, it was kind of cinnamony-tasting. But our mouths were BURNING and Lynne kindly handed us frosting shots and milk. Yes, a good chaser for too hot jello shots is a frosting shot. Who knew? Now you do.
Now can I get my invitation to East Coast Grill’s Hell Night, please?
By the way, Julia’s friend Jon downed the entire shot without flinching. It made me feel like kind of a wuss.
We wandered around a bit more after that excitement and checked out a huge dessert display. The cupcakes from Lyndell’s looked absolutely scrumptious, but I was too full.
Too full for a cupcake? I can’t even believe I just said that. Kind of regretting it today.
But Chels did grab a super cute, super mini ice cream cone!
OK, I lied. I wasn’t too full when I saw the beautiful-looking strawberry rhubarb crisps from Henrietta’s Table– another Cambridge restaurant I really, really need to make it to.
Especially after hearing from Julia how delightful these desserts were.
We could not turn them down. And I’m SO glad we didn’t. This might just be the best “crisp” I’ve ever had. I wanted to snag the whole table. Even though I was incredibly full at this point.
I’ve always known that Cambridge has an absolutely wonderful dining scene, but last night proved it to me even more. And made me want to head across the river for dinner every night. We had so many amazing dishes and really, I’m not sure which restaurant I want to make my first stop!
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Cambridge?
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I’m so upset I missed that lamb sausage slider! It looks really good. I loved that crisp too. Probably the best I’ve ever had, and I loved the way it was served. Henrietta’s Table is my favorite Cambridge restaurant to go to for breakfast (just their breakfast, not their pricey brunch). Garden at the Cellar, which was shockingly absent last night, is my favorite Cambridge restaurant.
So happy you were able to use the pictures!
So fuN! I went to one of the taste of events down here- amazing food! I would be all over that summer corn and strawberry rhubarb crisps. Love both of your outfits.
Hi Ladies,
Thank you for sharing your great review of the Taste of Cambridge! We had such a fun time hosting the event. I’m sorry, I missed both of you and Julia R.
So glad you enjoyed the treats from Henrietta’s Table. You’ll have to come back and sample the rest of their menu asap. We started you off at Noir and will slowly show you the rest of our restaurants!
Thanks again,
~Elizabeth
E-Marketing Manager
The Charles Hotel
estefan@charleshotel.com
I wasn’t able to go, so was glad o read your post. I felt as if I was there – but my empty stomach tells me otherwise
I especially love your tips on navigating a “taste of”. Thanks for sharing!
OMG SO SO SO JEALOUS! you need to let me know abotu these events!i wish i was there! (unless it was invite only
) then i couldnt go! haha
i LOVE east coast grill and also want to try ‘OM’ rendevous is awesome in central square!!
love the pics!!
oh man, i totally wish i had known about this one!! the same thing happens to me with restaurants in cambridge… so many good ones, i must go soon
Thanks, Elizabeth
We’re sorry we missed you too! And yes, Henrietta’s Table was definitely one of the major faves, so I can only imagine what the rest of the menu has to offer!
12.95! What a deal. Lets plan a blogger meet up at West Side Lounge some Monday night! I would love to meet Boston bloggers! Thanks for the recap.
I love tasting events! Looks like you guys had some amazing dishes. My fave tasting I ever had at one of those was a lobster roll…my first ever! Seeing yours brings back memories
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yuuuuum!!! i’m full just from reading that post! nicely done, ladies!
and since you asked, my favorite restaurant in the Republic of Cambridge is Tupelo. my friends took me there for a birthday brunch this february — and the chicken and waffles changed my life. no lie. i even went up to the kitchen door and informed the chef of this. go there right now — you won’t be sorry!!!
oh my, all that food looks amazing!
I am salivating, just reading your post…You did a great job reporting on this fantastic event…what an incredible opportunity for WANM!
The East Coast Grill would be crazy not to invite you to Hell Night…I certainly hope someone tells them about your blog!!
That all looks so delicious! I hope you had fun!
Oh WOW — what a fantastic event. All the food looks amazing!!!
I lllllllove We Are Not Martha recaps because you totally map it out as if we were there! Very organized.. props to you!!
I really need to stop reading your blog when I’m hungry, but since I’m always hungry that’s impossible. So I read it anyway. Because it is awesome.
I am in major MAJOR food lust mode right now. Kudos to you on the ghost pepper front but that lamb sausage slider and the strawberry rhubarb crisp (in a corn husk??) is where my heart yearns to be…with my stomach in tow!
I havent been to a lot of restaurants in Cambridge. The ones I have been to that i love are Cragie on Main and Cuchi Cuchi.
This event looks like SO MUCH FUN. I also saw you downing those jello shots on Travel Eat Love! (the other Meghan!)
after all the wonderful mouth watering pictures of food all i want to comment on is chelsee’s super cute outfit! LOVE the purple shirt and flowered skirt. (where is the skirt from) and those bangels totally rock.
Hi, its my first visit to your blog, and I love it. I cant believe I missed the Taste of Cambridge! It looked like you guys had a great time and all the food looks delicious! I also have heard great things about East Coast Grill and cant believe I haven’t been before!! I have to make it a mission to go this summer so I can see what all the fuss is about!
you need need need to go to east coast grill. i definitely think it is onw of the top 3 restaurants in the boston/cambridge area. just so well done for mixing seafood and bbq…unique, but reliable and classic at the same time.
also, garden at the cellar between central and harvard. aside from me finding the chef/owner will gilson incredibly adorable (to the point i just blush and cant speak when he delivers the food), the locavore/upscale pub menu is everything i want in a meal every time…the tater tots, tomato soup with grilled cheese, and anything wilth pork will pretty much change you for the better–probably shines best in the fall–but SO good!!