A Little Bit About a Lot of Things

Last week I attended Blog and Tweet Boston’s first progressive dinner. We started off at Bel Ari and moved over to Les Zygomates next door later in the evening. Bel Ari used to be Sorriso, but the restaurant went through a major renovation just about a year ago. The new space is amazing, with a private room in the back,. Their attention to detail with the design work is just lovely. The used the artwork of Janice Eve Dale in both the Bel Ari and Les Zygomates space, but more on that in part 2.

Owner Mark Tosi was at the dinner, walking us through both restaurants. We started off the evening with a whipped ricotta, made with honey and pistachios which was served with a crispy sunflower and cranberry bread. The ricotta was light as air and I love the honey and pistachio flavor combination – it’s one of those things I could have eaten all night!

Next on the menu was the Arancini Di Riso, a goat cheese stuffed risotto ball with basin and served with an onion marmalade. The onion marmalade made this dish for me. I usually don’t love goat cheese, as it can be too “goaty”, but this had a very subtle flavor that I really enjoyed.

For the pasta course, we had our choice of penne a la vodka or shrimp and lobster gnocchi. Of course I went with the gnocchi. The dumplings were light as air and it was served in a lobster cream sauce that was comforting without being heavy. The dish paired nicely with the 2013 Terre di Tufi, Toscano Bianco.

Check back tomorrow for part 2 on the progressive dinner!

Disclaimer: I was invited to be a guest at Bel Ari and Les Zygomates. My meal was provided complimentary. All opinions are my own.

Bel Ari

107 South Street, Boston, MA

http://belariboston.com

 

Tags: downtown crossing, italian, leather district, live music, restaurant, steak