Block Party

Ever have one of those weeks where you hardly eat any of your own food at home? This was one of those weeks. However, we had the pleasure of dining 3 times this week with neighbors. Here's what my week looked(s) like:
Saturday night I made dinner for my next door neighbors, Scott and Maryanna who is the fabulous cook from Russia I've written about. I previously posted a blog about using my new oven and practically destroying the entire meal I prepared for them. See my post of 9/14/09.
On Tuesday we walked up to our neighborhood bistro and compared notes with our neighbors and recent fellow empty-nesters, Annette and Blake. The Chicken Piccata at Savoury Lane wasn't bad, btw; although the pasta it was served on was kind of mushy.
On Wednesday night, my husband and I ate at The Navy Yard Bistro in Charlestown, our go-to place when we're in Boston overnight. The quail appetizer was really, really good and enough for a meal. But no matter how little I eat there, or at any number of restaurants like it, I always come away feeling stuffed. I know the amount of butter restaurant chefs use is legendary and that seems to be the culprit--everything is very rich.
On to Thursday: dinner with old neighbors Bob and Donna. We ate at a relatively new place in Maynard called The Cast Iron Kitchen. Despite quirky service my meal was great. I had swordfish prepared arrabbiata style, that is with a spicy Italian tomato sauce. It was moist, full of flavor and not overly rich--I would order it again. Everyone else was happy with their meals, as well.
Tonight we're dining at the home of friends who live in Vermont, Kate and Bill Piper. Kate loves to cook and Bill is carnivore extraordinaire, so there's always something meaty and delicious for dinner. Can't wait.
I also can't wait to get back to cooking and eating in my own kitchen!