Lovin’ Spoonfuls at Lineage

Boston has so many great events for foodies, but there are none better than when a great restaurant brings people together to both celebrate and do good. Last night I had the opportunity to spend some time helping Lovin’ Spoonfuls at the 5th anniversary party of Lineage, one of Brookline’s most-loved restaurants.

Having had only incredible experiences at Lineage, I jumped at the chance to head over to celebrate their anniversary. And having wanted to help out Lovin’ Spoonfuls in some way for quite some time, I was glad to finally have the chance.

Have you heard of Lovin’ Spoonfuls? The work that they are doing is incredible. From their website:

Headquartered in Brookline, MA,  Lovin’ Spoonfuls is a 501c3, non-profit organization that facilitates the recovery and distribution of perishable and unserved foods that would otherwise be thrown away and wasted. We deliver this food directly to local crisis centers, soup kitchens and other social assistance entities. Lovin’ Spoonfuls was incorporated in 2010, and is committed to do its part to help eradicate hunger in Massachusetts.

It sort of seems like an obvious act; people are hungry, and food is being thrown away. Get food being thrown away to the people who need it. Yet it hasn’t been happening, and Lovin’ Spoonfuls is changing all of that.

Lineage is the perfect size for a restaurant. It is small but does not feel crowded, and it has a really nice, laid back vibe. Last night the usual tables were removed so that people could mix and mingle throughout the event.

A wood-fired oven is the central fixture in Lineage’s bar area, and it provides some toasty warmth and incredible aromas throughout the restaurant (and neighborhood!).

A table was set up with a Lovin’ Spoonfuls guest book. Elizabeth, Fiona, and I had the easy task of asking guests to fill out their contact details so that the organization could follow up with a tax receipt.

The evening was chock full of good food, as you would expect from such a great restaurant. There were bowls of homemade chips and spiced nuts scattered throughout.

Island Creek set up an oyster boat, and they were shucking fresh oysters all evening.

It seriously seemed like a never-ending supply of oysters.

Spoonfulls’ founder, Ashley Stanley, got in on the shucking action.

Servers passed other delicious treats like mashed potato pizza, lobster tacos, and sliders, along with signature cocktails. This is a Beekeeper, made with rye whiskey, honey, coriander, and lemon. It was the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tart, with a kick from the whiskey. I am excited to have a new cocktail that I love!

While all of the food throughout the evening was great, I went back for seconds of the cauliflower soup. Served in cute, easy-to-hold little cups, it was velvety, warm, with a subtle roasted cauliflower flavor and a little hint of saltiness, in a very good way. I didn’t see this soup on the menu, but I could definitely eat a huge bowl of it on a cold day.

The vibe at the event was great. It was clear that everyone attending loves Lineage and was happy to be there to celebrate its anniversary and also to learn about Lovin’ Spoonfuls, if they didn’t know about the organization already.

It may have been a raw Boston winter evening, but there was a lot of love, joy, and warmth in the room. People can say what they want about Bostonians, but I am constantly amazed at how many people I meet who want to do good things.  

Happy March 1! Do you have any goals or travel plans for the month?