Mistral

Have you entered the Bauer Wines Howl-o-ween giveaway yet? If you live in Boston, you will definitely want to check it out! 

On a cold and unseasonably wintry night (also known as last night) I had the great pleasure of dining with a few of my favorite Boston food bloggers at Mistral in Boston’s Back Bay. Organized by Bianca, dinner also included Megan, Elina, and Daisy the perfect number and combination of women for a chatter and food-filled get together. Eager to get out of the office, I met Megan in Copley Square a little early, and we settled into Mistral’s cozy lounge area for a couple of seasonal beverages. Having been to Mistral long ago for dinner and just last fall for cocktails, I knew that I, a regular wine drinker, needed to have something with an autumnal twist. Megan and I both decided on the Harvest Martini which had a great cinnamon and apple flavor, complete with a cinnamon stick stirrer.

Once we had all arrived at Mistral and were seated, it was awhile before we decided on what to order. Every single appetizer sounded incredible, as did the pizzas and sides. Mark, Mistral’s General Manager, greeted us and along with our wonderfully knowledgeable and attentive server, helped us to narrow our choices down to a few items (and provided a few on the house) which ended up being the perfect amount of food and a great overview of Mistral’s culinary offerings.

It was quite dark in the restaurant, and my camera’s flash is obnoxious, so I didn’t photograph everything. I assure you, each plate was a feast for the senses!

We shared two pizzas, 

Beef Tenderloin, Mashed Potato & White Truffle Oil

White Cheese, Whipped Ricotta, Hot Pepper, Sea Salt & Arugula

Mistral makes their flavorful pizzas with a very light, thin, and crispy crust, just the way that I like it. While I donated the tenderloin from my pizza to Daisy, I delighted in the truffle oil and richness of the mashed potatoes on one pizza while loving the hit of spice from hot peppers on the other. We pondered ordering just one, but it turned out both pizzas were necessary.

My photos of the rest of the appetizers didn’t come out very well, so I will spare you the blur. But we also devoured Mistral’s signature Sushi Grade Tuna Tartare with Crispy Wontons, Ginger & Soy, Seared Foie Gras with Confit of Duck in Brioche, Wisconsin Dried Cherry Gastrique, and Maine Crab Ravioli with Rock Crab, Thyme & Tomato Broth, and the masterpiece of them all, a new menu item that combines macaroni and cheese with Burgundy truffles, and if I remember correctly, Madeira. I already knew Mistral’s tartare was the best I have ever eaten, and it lived up to its reputation. I only sampled the brioche that came with the foie gras, but it was soaked in a lovely thyme-flavored sauce, and I can only imagine the flavors of the foie gras and duch confit. And the ravioli, though a bit fishy for my taste, came in a light, flavorful, and delicious broth, a way that I wish more pasta was served. But the truffle mac and cheese. . . it was a pan of pure decadence, the truffles emanating that gorgeous, earthy, truffle-y smell, and the sweetness of the wine rounding out all of the flavors.  It was enough for us each to have a couple of bites, but I could have easily eaten the entire portion and licked the bowl clean myself!

And then there was dessert.

Vanilla Creme Brulee, Raspberry, Sugar Cookie

Warm Huckleberry Tart with Meyer Lemon & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Warm Chocolate Torte, Vanilla Ice Cream, Sauce Anglaise

And Mistral’s newest dessert, a chocolate mousse with homemade marshmallow, a glass of S’mores, if you will.
 

Throughout dinner, we enjoyed a bottle of 2007 Adelsheim Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a recommendation from our server, and a nice, light red with a bouquet and flavors of candied cherry, a great pairing for the variety of dishes we ordered.

Mistral is well-known for being a first rate dining experience in Boston, and last night lived up to that and more. Everyone was very friendly, the food was delicious and well-executed, and despite being a chic and stylish environment, Mistral felt very comfortable, a great place to spend a cold and rainy evening with friends.

I am so happy today is Saturday, I am going to the Boston Lobster Party, and I have less than 2 weeks left at my full time job! What are you happy about today?