It was the last business to reopen after this April’s Boston Marathon bombing, and it has come back stronger and better than ever. Forum and its employees and guests experienced tragedy in an up close and very personal manner on Marathon Monday. As a result, it took until August for the restaurant to reopen, and every time I have run by, it has been packed.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to a blogger dinner at Forum, and while I promised myself I would not go out the week before the NYC Marathon, I couldn’t miss a chance to experience and share Forum.
I arrived early to a friendly welcome and ordered a cocktail off of the seasonal cocktail menu. The Cranberry Cobbler was tart-sweet perfection and just tasted like fall and the holidays, without being overbearing.
Our group started to arrive, and we were taken to the beautiful upstairs space, overlooking Boylston Street, where we were completely spoiled with dish after delicious dish.
There was Cauliflower White Bean Hummus ad Bacon Wrapped Shrimp (insanely good).
We also sampled indulgent Steak n’ Cheese Spring Rolls and my favorite, Crab Fritters.
For dinner, I switched to a beautiful Sacha Lichine rose, which I first tasted at Wine Riot last spring. Forum has a nice selection of wines by the glass, something I am always happy to see.
As long as I am drinking rose, I can pretend it’s summer, right?
Since so many of us expressed interest in the Braised Wild Boar Pappardelle, we each received our own small portion that was full of rustic homemade pasta and meaty, flavorful sauce. I ate every bite of this cozy dish. I highly recommend going to Forum just to check it out.
By the time my gnocchi arrived, I was only able to eat a couple of bites before having it packed to bring home. It was just as good reheated; I loved the fragrant, earthy truffle broth and pops of sweet corn throughout.
I missed dessert because I was adamant about getting enough pre-marathon sleep, but I would imagine desserts were also creatively made treats. I don’t think I would have had room even if I had stayed!
We were truly treated to a feast at Forum, and I loved getting to taste a number of menu items to get a real sense of the food they are crafting there. It’s the perfect spot for a date night or a get-together with friends, and the menu offers up plenty of comfort in a beautiful environment. I would recommend it for all that it has to offer and also because the businesses around the bombing area still need our support. Creating thriving businesses that bring people together is the opposite of what those evildoers wanted; let’s continue to provide support businesses and survivors who bear physical or emotional scars to show the world how strong Boston truly is.
My meal at Forum was complimentary, however all opinions are my own.
Thank you to all of the veterans and their families out there for their bravery and sacrifice!
