Sam’s at Louis Patio Bliss

The sun finally came out on Wednesday after many long days of dreary, rainy weather that frankly made me hate Boston. I mean, we survived the winter from hell, craving sunshine and heat, only to enter a spring that has so far involved eight day stretches of rain.

It certainly took its time, but it arrived at the perfect moment, for the Sam’s at Louis patio party. Having already eaten a delicious brunch at Sam’s, I knew that the patio was a gorgeous place to eat, but  what I didn’t realize was that it is THE best place in Boston to watch the sun set. More on that later.

I had plans to meet Daisy at the event, and we found each other just before going in.

How beautiful is this dining space? Sam’s really utilizes their perfect waterfront location with floor-to-ceiling windows all around. There is both a modern, chic, city feel and a light, airy, vacation-y feel to the dining room.

Once outside, we were faced with more gorgeous views, along with cocktails and wine. The signature cocktail for the evening was a mix of tequila, grapefruit, muddled cucumber, soda water, mint, and maybe something else I am forgetting. It was garnished with a salted cucumber and turned out to be one of the most refreshing cocktails I have ever had.

The food started coming and didn’t stop all night. We ate very well! I loved these mini lobster BLT’s. They were perfect for celebrating National Lobster Day!

I also found this quinoa salad to be amazing. I don’t always love quinoa, but the flavors and the ratio of fruit to quinoa was perfect and has me inspired to make something similar at home.

These little pulled pork nachos had a nice kick and a crunch. I could have easily eaten a whole plate of these!

Throughout the event, I also sampled pancetta braised endive with grapefruit and sesame brittle that was absolutely, positively to die for and a crispy jalapeno crab rangoon with plum gastrique.

And then I decided to stay for dinner.

The location, food, and vibe were too perfect not to share with my husband, who had a long day at work and loved the idea of a mid-week date.

He ordered the girliest drink on the menu. And I ate more crab rangoon.

We watched a gas tanker sloooooowly pull out of Boston Harbor, surrounded by police. All of the effort (not to mention how potentially dangerous a tanker full of lng is!) made me really wish we had more sustainable fuel sources, but I tried to block that from my mind.

I went for a healthy option for dinner, garlic grilled eggplant with spicy romesco sauce and toasted almond orzo pilaf. I closed my eyes during lots of bites of this. It was absolutely incredible. Replacing the rice with orzo made me love pilaf, the crunchy almonds making for a beautiful contrast. The romesco was a perfect match for the hearty grilled eggplant. Vegetarians will be very happy at Sam’s!

My husband opted for the burger, which he thought was amazing, and I stole about half of his perfectly crispy fries.

We lingered over dinner long enough to see Boston bathed in light blue and pink, the prettiest I have ever seen it.

Sam’s provided both the group of bloggers and my husband and me with gracious, warm welcomes, impeccable service, delicious food, and a place to really relax. I learned last night that private boats can also pull up on the little marina outside. When our poor, sad boat is back from the mechanic, Sam’s will be our first stop!

Where is your favorite place to dine in the summer?