Aragosta at the Fairmont Battery Wharf

Boston’s best waterfront dining space, and the site for a blogger dinner last night, Aragosta at the Fairmont Battery Wharf replaces Sensing and is the new place to be for sunset on a beautiful spring/summer evening.

Last night I arrived a little early to the Aragosta event and got to take a few photos of the Boston waterfront, breathing in the salty air and, for what seemed like the very first time in my life, soaking up some spring sunshine.

I have said it before, but Boston does not utilize its expansive waterfront for dining the way that it could, but the Fairmont certainly makes an exception to that rule. Every little detail at Aragosta, from the sea grass to the comfy wicker couches to the fire pit tables makes it feel like New England summer.

The staff at Aragosta was amazing, first sharing with us some of their homemade cocktails which included a Moscow Mule and their signature drink, a Yellow Pepper Lemoncello Sour. Both drinks were beautiful and fresh, but the spicy ginger of the Moscow Mule won me over immediately. You know I love my ginger!

While we relaxed in the open air, we got to taste through many of Aragosta’s menu items:

Hand Crafted Selection of Salumi, Caponata, Hot Cherry Peppers, Crusty Bread

Bread with olives in olive oil

Fries cooked in duck fat with truffle aioli, a religious experience for a fry-lover like me. So good. I will return for cocktails and fries in the very near future.

Lobster & Truffle Crostini, White Bean Puree – when you go to Aragosta, get this! Sweet chunks of lobster, plus truffle and creamy white beans on crunchy crostini = three messy but perfect bites.

Sautéed Calamari Salad, Baby Arugula, San Marzano Tomato, Balsamic

Braised Veal & Pancetta Meatballs, Soft Polenta, Arugula – I didn’t know there was veal in there, oops, but this meatball with soft, fluffy polenta was right up my tastebuds’ alley. It was rich, welcoming, and great for sharing.

We moved on to more house-made cocktails. Megan, Daisy, and I opted to have the Setanta Cinque:

The Italian version of the “French 75”; a cocktail that “hits with remarkable precision.” Aperol liquor shaken with freshly squeezed lemon juice charged with Prosecco.

I loved the slight bitterness of this cocktail. As a huge Aperol fan, I found the flavors to work really well, and I totally got that it was an Italian French 75.

And then there was more food

Pappardelle Bolognese, Veal Cheek & Ox Tail Ragu, Porcini Powder – another favorite, this dish was hearty. It was full of love, the kind of recipe that comes from a nonna’s kitchen somewhere in Italy, straight to people’s hearts and bellies. Both the sauce and handmade pasta were beautiful.

Gnocchi, Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Rosemary Citrus Jus, Asparagus – Soft, pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi with meat just falling apart. I don’t eat lamb, but I didn’t realize this was lamb. . . another delicious oops.

I ended the night with a glass of Prosecco. There were more food courses which I missed photographing because Aragosta is one of those places where you just melt into the experience, the delicious flavors, textures, sights, sounds, and friends you are with. While I was invited as a blogger, I left as a huge fan and as someone who will be longing to return, especially when the warm weather awaits.

Thanks to the Fairmont staff for taking such great care of us and for the generous food and beverages they provided, making the first night of nice Boston weather one of the most memorable. I was sad my husband could not join me, but I will be bringing him back soon. And I am grateful they kept my brunch favorite, the Coast Guard Omelet, from the Sensing menu!

Do you have a favorite outdoor restaurant or bar space where you live?

In other news, I never heard back from the first winner of my Stop & Shop gas card giveaway, so the new winner is Megan! Megan please email me with your address so I can mail the card out today!

Also, one of the consulting projects I expected to start this week is postponed for a few weeks, so I have some open hours. If you know anyone looking for PR, Marketing, or Social Media assistance, please send them on over!