I love the two times a year that I enjoy the deals from Dine Out Boston – The spring and the late summer. There is still time to get in on the deals through August 17th. There are 180+ restaurants participating in this deal which offers a Prix Fix 3 course menu. Depending on which restaurant the cost ranges from $22-$36 for lunch and $36-$55 for dinner. This is such a great way to have a special night in the city without breaking the bank. I have noticed that not every restaurant offers the Dine Out Boston menu unless you ask for it. I made a note in our reservation that said we were there for Dine Out Boston menu, but you can just ask when being seated as well.
Ocean Prime
Last weekend we met a group of friends (from high school) at Ocean Prime in Boston’s Seaport and had a wonderful meal. The company was wonderful, too!!
Our group arrived early for our reservation, so we had a cocktail at the bar. The bar is a large rectangular shape with plenty of seats. The bartender was very attentive and super friendly. We were there early on a Friday evening and there seemed to be quite a few people grabbing cocktails after work.
When our table was ready, we were escorted to the dining room which was gorgeous. Some of the walls were lined with floor to ceiling wine racks and others had stained glass. I would call the interior a modern steak house vibe. The seating was comfortable and our table of 8 had adequate space, not crowded at all. We always tend to sit with the women at one end and the guys at the other “junior high school style” as one of our friends has dubbed it.
We took a look at the regular menu in case anyone wasn’t happy with the choices on the Prix Fix menu, but even those with certain food allergies were thrilled with their meals from it.
For starters, between all of us, we tried the different salads and the French onion soup. Everyone loved their choices. I love French onion soup, and it is hard to find a really good one, and this was a very good one.
We also covered all the entrees on the Prix Fix menu between the 8 of us, and again, all happy with our choices. I had the filet, which is not my favorite cut of beef. I prefer rib eye, but this filet was so tender and cooked perfectly. The teriyaki salmon was excellent. The cod with lobster and gnocchi looked great, but I am not a fish or gnocchi girl. The chicken even looked wonderful, even though I tend not to order chicken while I’m out to eat as we have enough chicken at home. The plates came with sides, so we did not order any extra add-ons, but there was that option.
Dessert was to die for – all of them! The carrot cake, which had no nuts in it, was 5 layers high and so moist. The lemon sorbet and cinnamon swirl (with cinnamon bun in there) ice cream (no picture) that each came with an almond cookie on top were excellent.
Our experience at Ocean Prime was exceptional – from the staff, to the cocktails and meals, to the Dine Out Boston price, we loved it all. They also have valet parking out front, which is so helpful in the Seaport.
The Chart House Boston
I try to get out with some fellow retired (or almost) co-workers every few months, so what a better time to do it than during Dine Out Boston. We opted to take the ferry from Hingham Shipyard to Boston’s Long Wharf and walk across the courtyard to The Chart House.
The Chart House is located in the oldest building still around from colonial times when it was john Hancock Counting House. It is on a wharf with beautiful views of Boston Harbor and the skyline. Even the newer buildings on the wharf have been made to look old.
The restaurant is newly remodeled, but the old wood and wrought iron are still apparent. The walls are brick adorned with vibrant, colorful art making for was cheerful, warm and cozy feel.
The four of us ordered from the Prix Fix menu. Three of us ordered the prime rib, which was cooked perfectly. One even asked for and was given the end cut. The beef came with garlic mashed potatoes, horse radish sauce and au jus. One ordered the lobster stuffed scrod that came with garlic mashed potatoes and a couple of asparagus. Unlike Ocean Prime, these entrees did not come with vegetable sides, so we opted to order a couple and shared amongst each other. We ordered the mushrooms and asparagus. This incurred an small additional cost, but they were delicious.
There were two desserts to choose from, but as usual, I forgot to take pictures before we dug right in. We got 2 each of the Boston cream pie and strawberry cheesecake and shared. We couldn’t decide which was better as they were both very good.
Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the Dine Out Boston deals. If you don’t make it this time, there is usually another “restaurant week” in March. Plan for a special night that is both affordable and delicious!! And don’t forget about the ferry if you are not someone who is comfortable driving (or parking) in Boston.
Until next time!!
Patti & Jim
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