Restaurant Week at Rialto

Happy Paddy’s Day! Despite the fact that my husband is from Ireland, we have no big plans for the day. Its difficult when fun holidays fall on a weekday.  A laid back and quiet night at home will be the perfect way to spend the evening for us. I wish you all a really fun and safe holiday!

Last night we had Boston Restaurant Week reservations at Rialto in Cambridge, and since Chef Jody Adams is on the second season of Top Chef Masters, premiering this April, we thought we would try to get a reservation before it becomes even more in demand.

I left work and walked through the public gardens and down Charles Street to the Charles MGH red line stop. Along the way I took in the lovely spring day.

Beacon Hill. . . the best and worst part of my Boston Marathon training

Signs of spring on Charles Street

Once we arrived at Rialto, we were seated immediately, and I took in the simple and bright decor.

I love Gerbera daisies!

We were there for the Restaurant Week fixed menu which is a fantastic deal. I decided to start with a glass of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene. The hubs had Sakonnet Vineyards’ Vidal Blanc, a wine that we tried last summer at the Coastal Wine Trail Kickoff.

We were served crusty rolls with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt.

And we ordered the obligatory Duxbury Oysters which were perfectly fresh and delicious with a classic shallot mignonette.

As you can see, we started losing daylight on our first course. Do I need to start eating all of my meals at 5 so that there is good food photo light? 😉

My first course was Asparagus risotto…aged gouda, chervil. Springtime in a bowl, this green dish was perfect for mid March.

I tasted a bit of the hubs’ Quercia cured ham with mozzarella, pickled beets, candied walnuts. It was yummy with a blend of salty, sweet, savory flavors.

My entree, pollack with smashed potatoes and an eggplant caponata, perfectly delicate flavors and just the right portion size.

Our desserts, Chocolate espresso torta with strawberries and cream and Coconut semifreddo with roasted pineapple and lime-rum syrup. The meal was great, but the desserts were unforgettable. Holy delicious! I still don’t know which I liked more, but the buttery coconut semifreddo might win by a tiny margin. It was topped with the most perfect butter cookie I have ever eaten. The service at Rialto was incredible, and it was a really special yet comfortable meal. Although it is in The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square and has a famous chef, there was absolutely no pretension about the restaurant, just really good food in healthy portions. I can’t wait to go back.

Outside the Charles Hotel at night

And I hope you don’t mind me sharing, but here are the 30 + tulips that arrived at my office Monday morning, with love from my mom, sister, brother in law, and baby niece.

Does your city celebrate Restaurant Week? Have you had the chance to try any new spots?

Also, just a reminder that my ALLY Foundation raffle ends THIS WEEKEND. To encourage entries, I have changed the raffle pricing. $10 gets you 2 entries, $15 gets you 4 entries, and $20 gets you 6 entries.

The prizes?

$100 gift card to Williams Sonoma

A mixed case of wine from Wine Cellar of Stoneham

A custom granola blend from me & goji

One month membership to all Healthworks Fitness Centers

A private tour and tasting for 10 at Westport Rivers winery

Visit htttp://firstgiving.com/meghanmalloyteamally  for information on The ALLY Foundation and on my Boston Marathon fundraising!