Valentine’s Dinner @ Catalyst

Apparently Valentine’s day “snuck up” on us this year, or should I say snuck up on a certain husband of mine ;)  When the topic of dinner on the 14th came up the week before, I knew our top choices of restaurants would have to be put on the back burner unless we wanted to eat at 9:30pm…no thanks.

(pink sparkly V-day nails)

So on Feb 11th I just decided to check out my options on Open Table!  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a 6:30pm reservation open at Catalyst!  I was sure I had checked there a few days earlier with no such luck.  It was our best option at the time, and so I booked it! 

I usually like to try new places, since my list of “to try” restaurants is ever growing, but I knew Catalyst had great food and would provide an inviting atmosphere with it’s modern decor and cozy fireplace and open kitchen. 

The other time I had eaten here was for a blogger dinner not long after it opened.  I was looking forward to a different kind of experience as a table of 2, and was excited to try out a cocktail as I skipped on the drinks last time. 

HOWEVER, when I checked the website again the day of Valentine’s Day, I noticed a Prix Fix Valentine’s Menu…  I was not too pleased. 

Generally, I try to avoid places with prix fix menus and did not see this on the website when I made the reservation…good thing too, because I would have missed an INCREDIBLE dinner. 

When we arrived, things got off to a great start when, instead of being seated in the big open dining room where I sat for the blogger dinner, we were escorted to the other side.  Behind a long fireplace built into a partition wall, was 4 tables of 2 with bigger comfy fabric chairs…and they were nicely spaced so you didn’t feel like you were sitting with your neighbor.

It was also nice to keep warm from the fire place. 

I knew I wanted to try “The Undecided” off the cocktail menu.  This is bartenders choice; you just tell them what you like and don’t like.  I said I liked NOT sweet, citrusy, and tart. 

They delivered.

 

This was gin, lemon juice, and a French aperitif called Lillet.  I had never heard of Lillet before, but I LOVED this cocktail and now am on a mission to find it.  It was just what I asked for.  The fresh lemon flavor came through, it was not sweet at all, and I could barely taste the alcohol.  I had no trouble finishing it. (I’m notorious for ordering a “fun” cocktail and leaving half in the glass)

On to the food.

We had 4 courses…an appetizer, pasta course, main, and dessert.

For the appetizer I went with the Warm Lobster Strudel, Braised Leek, Tarragon, Herb Salad…

while Brian ordered the Arugula Salad, Asian Pear, Candied Walnuts, Berkshire Blue Cheese, Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette

The salad was crisp and refreshing with a bite to the mustard vinaigrette, but WOW, the lobster strudel!!  Warm, flaky, filled with warm lobster filling…melt in your mouth delicious.  Don’t worry, we went “halvsies” on the appetizers.

I was looking forward to the pasta course as I remember the pasta as being my favorite from the blogger dinner…they were all stand out dishes.

There were 2 options and we got 1 of each.

I got the Mushroom Ravioli, Roasted Oyster Mushrooms, Parmesan.

 

I had this at the blogger dinner, but it was good enough to order again!

Brian had the Goat Cheese Tortellini, Braised Brisket, Smoked Paprika-Almond Crumble

We shared.  Both were outstanding…this place does some amazing pasta dishes!

For my entree I ordered the Roasted Blue Cod, Bacon, Olive Oil Crushed Potato, Chowder Nage

I had to ask what “Chowder Nage” was and I was told it was a lighter version of a clam chowder which the Cod is served in.  Our waitress said it was delicious and one of their best dishes…sold

I could have just eaten a big bowl of that chowder you see surrounding the Cod…it really was light, delicate, but so so flavorful and I loved the big whole clams.  The Cod was tender and cooked beautifully.  I did everything but lick my bowl clean.

Since I had finished my cocktail, I decided to order the wine that my entree paired with.

2009 Pinot Noir, Copian, “Tous Ensembles”, Andrew Valley, CA

I also loved the wine and finished it!!  (hey this is unheard of for me…a cocktail AND wine)

Brian chose the Braised Kurobuta Pork Shank, Caramelized Apples, Herb Spaetzle

I had a few bites.  Incredibly flavorful with some great textures from the meat and the spaetzle. 

Lastly it was dessert time. The Butterscotch and Passion Fruit Pudding with Warm Pound Cake Croutons was on the menu and I decided one of us HAD to order it as it was my favorite dessert from the blogger dinner!!

Brian took care of it…

Those pound cake croutons?  Yeah, deep fried.  So good.

I opted for the Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Toasted Marshmallow, Peanut Brittle.

I mean you can’t go wrong with salted caramel anything right!? 

As good as they were, we couldn’t finish either dessert…so full!! 

I’m SO happy that we ended up at Catalyst!  I couldn't stop raving about how good my meal was while we were eating it.  We had a fantastic date night out!

Aside from the delicious food, flowers, and candy…my other favorite part of Valentine’s day is wearing PINK!  And lots of it!

 

So glad “color blocking” makes it okay for me to rock hot pink AND bright red!

• pink dress – Old Navy
• gold belt – was my grandmothers
• red cardigan – Banana Republic
• purple/pink paisley scarf – Banana Republic
• grey tights – DKNY @ Nordstrom
• grey/yellow/gold t-strap heels – Seychelles

 

And to think we almost said “screw it” to going out on V-day.  I realized we hadn’t had a nice dinner out like this since our trip to CA in November!  Reminds me that we need more date nights out! 

Prix Fix Menu’s…love or hate?  How often to you get out for nice dinners with your significant other or good friends??

Freezing 5K & Glazed Gingerbread

‘Tis the season for a busy schedule and when I had my first chance to rest all week yesterday afternoon the last thing I wanted to do was blog…no really, 4 hours at the mall yesterday afternoon = exhausted.

Anyways, at least the 4 hours were productive!  I’m 93% done shopping, but still need a few things.  I also realized I wish I had more kids to buy for!!  Kids stuff is WAY more fun.  Like this thing I saw at the Learning Express…almost just bought it for myself ;)

How cool is that!?  Ok that’s my geeky side coming out, but I’m an engineer I can’t help it.

I’m grateful I had yesterday afternoon to basically just rest because we had to get up for a CHILLY 5k this morning!! 

All December people around here have been amazed at the mild weather, and I get the urge to punch someone when they “complain” that it “doesn't feel like December”…seriously?  Enjoy it!  Because it will come back to bite you, like today!  Easily the coldest day we’ve had this season, and me and hundreds of my closest friends had to fun a 5k! 

(like my elf tights??  I LOVE them!)

Actually there were two 5K’s this morning.  The jingle bell run in Davis Square, and the Yulefest 5K in Harvard Sq!

I ran the Yulefest!  They were the ones who hosted that really fun Oktoberfest 5k earlier this fall!

Once again this one was 21+ with a block party following the race with beer sponsors: Pretty Things, Notch Session, and Peak Organic, and also Clover Food Lab.

It was just hovering over 20 degrees at 10AM when the race began, and this very well might have been my coldest run ever!  Brrr.  You know it’s bad when the water at the water station was frozen!

Regardless, we ran slow had fun and saw some great costumes…like the guy dressed at Santa riding an ostrich!!  Hahaa.

(took that from the Cambridge5k facebook page)

How do you run in that?!

Anyways, after have a beer, thawing our tight and frozen muscles in the car, grocery shopping (yes I wore the tights…got lots of weird looks…and think little kids thought I was really an elf), we made it home to relax all afternoon…heaven!

Even had time to make a nice dinner AND bake!!

For some reason I was in the mood for gingerbread, but also a healthy version I could enjoy for breakfast this week.

 

Whole Wheat Gingerbread with Yogurt Glaze

• 2 cups White Whole Wheat Flour
• 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup unrefined sugar of choice
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground clove
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 egg + 1 egg white
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/4 non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup skim milk

Preheat oven to 350, and spray a loaf pan with canola oil spray

In a medium/large mixing bowl combine dry ingredients (flours through to all spice).  Whisk to combine.

Beat egg and egg white in a small mixing bowl.  Add in applesauce, yogurt, molasses, canola oil, and skim milk. (TIP: spray your measuring cup with canola oil spray before measuring out molasses.  It will easily slide into the bowl instead of sticking to the measuring cup).

Add wet ingredients to dry, and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. 

Fill pan about 2/3 to the top.  Bake for 45-50 minutes. 

Let cool for 10min, then remove from pan and continue to cool for another 30min or so.  Then glaze the bread!  The glaze is definitely optional…it’s great without it too.

Yogurt Glaze:

• 1/3 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 Tbsp skim milk
• 1/4 cup confectioners sugar

Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Keep refrigerated until bread has cooled slightly (it can still be a little warm).  Drizzle over loaf!

Lemon option: replace milk and vanilla with 2-3T fresh lemon juice. 

It’s also REALLY good with the Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter (aka their version of Biscoff spread).     

(source)

I love love love having a delicious yet healthy baked good with my morning coffee.  Much less sweet and heavy than anything you pick up at a bakery. 

Last week before Christmas!!  What do you need to get done this week??  I’m going to see the Nutcracker one night, getting to Crossfit at least 2x this week, and finishing my shopping somewhere in between all that and work. 

Catalyst in Kendall Sq + Tufts 1ok

Monday was one of those days where I had a very “balanced blogger” type of day! 

Note: big delicious dinners always go down easier after you burn a bunch of calories earlier that day ;)

Now I know this isn’t often possible, and I wouldn’t say I had a “great” time running that 10k…but it sure worked up my appetite!

Last year I ran the Tufts 10k for the first time, and at that time it was longest I had ever run before!  My friend and I trained, and come race day I felt awesome!  I took it easy, but felt great the whole time and it was at that moment I realized I could handle a half marathon if I wanted to!  Which I did about 7 months later!

This year…not so much.  I didn’t really train, no one came to watch me or run with me (thank goodness I had Elizabeth in the beginning!), and well…it was hot as balls!! 

(we were already sweating before the race began…not a good sign)

We would have a heat wave on Columbus Day wouldn’t we.  So I took it easy, ran slow, stopped for water at every chance…to drink and to pour over myself.  H.O.T.  I was feeling OK until halfway through, then the heat was getting to me,I just didn’t feel so hot (pun intended), but luckily I did NOT eat a sticky bun prior to this race, so all I needed were some walking breaks…and walk I did! 

(at least with this crappy iphone photo you can’t tell JUST how sweaty I really am) 

I walked more in this race than any other…hell this felt harder than my half-marathon!  But I did finish!  :)  Grabbed my WARM water and PowerAde (ew), pretzels, Luna bar, and dole fruit cup and headed to a shady spot on the lawn to cool down and stretch before heading home.

My time was 1:15:26, which is actually better than I was expecting considering all the walking I did…but the last thing I was looking for was a good time.  I even forgot to stop my Garmin when I crossed the finish line haha!

All this sweating however worked in my favor when I arrived for a beautiful blogger dinner that evening at the new Kendal Square restaurant: Catalyst.

It’s amazing what a shower and some make-up can do!

(had to take advantage of shorts weather! Navy lace top: F21, tan shorts: J. Crew, heels: Libby Edelman from Lord & Taylor)

It was a beautiful summery evening, and I immediately noticed their great outdoor space!  I bet they get a great after-work crowd…but it was a holiday this night so it was on the quiet side…which was actually nice for a change.

The restaurant has a gorgeous large space!  It appears as though they fitted out part of an office building! 

There were many different stunning glass light fixtures throughout the restaurant.

And a fabulous bar area and lounge with an awesome fire place

Our table was right in front of the open kitchen.  I love being able to see the chefs at work!    

My company for the evening were these lovely ladies: Elizabeth, Emily, Megan, Daisy, Shannon, and Bianca! 

We sat down and perused the menu, but it didn’t matter…little did we know we were about to taste almost everything they had to offer!

First the bread basket, which included a deliciously salty focaccia!  Mmm that bread was addicting!!

Creamy butter drizzled with olive oil…oh yes, they did.

Then the wait staff started bringing seemingly endless plates of almost every appetizer on the menu.  A few of each for the 7 of us to share!

Grilled scallions with a (walnut?) pesto.  These were a favorite of the group!  Such a great flavor. 

Crispy Quail, Black Mission Fig, Gastique, Mizuna, Autumn Berry Jam  
there wasn’t much meat to eat, since we were sharing, but the meat+greens+accompaniments were delicious.

Chicken Liver Mousse, Pickled Onions, Country Bread, Herb Salad
Not a big fan of liver, but I gave it a try with the grilled bread and mustard!  Pretty good!  I probably wouldn’t order it but glad I tried it.

Seared Spice Crusted Hiramasa, Orange-Yuzu Syrup, Cucumber Radish Salad
This was a rare/raw very mild/fatty fish, and I thought it was really good with the syrup and the orange slices!  I was surprised how much I liked this!  Very light and refreshing.

Farmer’s Market Vegetable Salad, Peppercress, Crispy Onion  
Basically pickled veggies!  I LOVE pickled veggies so this was a favorite!
 

Next course was soup! 
Jerusalem "Sunchoke" Artichoke Soup, Lobster, Curry Oil, Creme Fraiche  
We had it with no lobster (I believe someone had an allergy), and I actually had no idea there was curry oil on it until now!  I didn’t taste curry at all (Thank god! I hate curry) but thought the soup was comforting and delicious.  Creamy, but not heavy, and a strong artichoke flavor…so you really need to like artichokes for this.  I bed the lobster would pair very well with it!

Pasta course was next and by FAR my favorites of the night!!  I want to go back right now just for some of these delicious bites!

Garganelli, Chicken Oysters, Bacon, Black Truffle Butter  
Garganelli, being the pasta shape, had a great firm texture…a really fun alternative to a ziti or penne! 

Chicken oysters!! 
Wondering what those are??  I was for a second too, but then I remembered!!!  My dad used to always dig out the oyster from the bottom of the chicken or turkey if we roasted one at home!  He always said it was the most tender bite of meat in the whole bird :)  I can’t believe I almost forgot…I haven’t heard their name in so long.  This dish brought back great memories :)

By the way…DELIICOUS!  The bacon and truffle butter made for a decadent taste. 

This next pasta might tie with the chicken oyster pasta as my favorite dish of the night…

Georgia Candy Roaster Squash Tortellini, Braised Escarole, Parmesan  
Seriously, nothing beats a good homemade pasta!  These little purses of dough were filled with such a pure and naturally sweet tasting squash puree!  They just melt in your mouth.  The braised escarole had quite the butter bath, but in a totally yummy way :)  And who doesn’t love cute little carrot balls! 

Last pasta:

Mushroom Ravioli, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

I’m really REALLY glad I’ve gotten over my mushroom “issues” because man they are flavorful!  I’m still not keen on biting into a big chunk, but the flavor they impart is incomparable. 

We were all starting to get filled up fast at this point, and a couple people passed on these (more mushroom issues haha), so long story short I got to take home the extra…score!! 

It was now that we realized there could be a number of main courses coming our way and we were already borderline full…so to save room for dessert we asked the chef to pair down the rest of the entrées. 

We tried 2:

Chilled pork tenderloin with warm spices, honey, an apple and cilantro salad, and an apple puree.
Don’t let “chilled” turn you away, it was more room temp.  Plus all the flavors and textures were amazing!  The apple and cilantro were so great together.  I really loved this dish.

I could hardly even muster a bite of the fish, but of course I did :)

Lemon Sole, Roasted Baby Fennel, Creamed Leeks, Lobster, Vermouth Butter
Or at least picked out a lobster chunk from underneath!  Crispy light fish, and I loved the fennel with this one. 

We were all highly anticipating dessert, and were shocked when instead of sharing, we each got an individual plate of 4 different tastes!

Butterscotch and Passion Fruit Pudding, Warm Pound Cake Croutons  

If you go here, GET THIS!! OMG!! I don't think it would be something I would order just from reading the description but it’s incredible!!!  Reminds me of my family’s butterscotch pie!  I must try to make this one at home!! 

This was a coconut cake, with creamsicle ice cream in the middle, and  chocolate shell!

pear tart.  Simple, soft, not to sweet…this was my #2

Finally, a cantaloupe sorbet with hazelnut brittle  

Thank you so much to Chef William Kovel and everyone at Catalyst for a gorgeous and delicious dinner, and a big thanks to Elizabeth for putting this together!!

Full Disclosure: the meal was complimentary, however all opinions expressed are my own.