Boston Bites Back
Seven years ago I was working my first real job. A fancy college degree and $20,000 in debt later (could have been worse) I wasn't making much money. A night out for dinner usually meant soup at Au Bon Pain.
Then our office decided to have dinner at Ming Tsai's Blue Ginger for our holiday outing. It was that experience that sent me on all future foodie adventures. A few bites into the Miso-Sake Marinated Butterfish it was clear that I had been missing out on something.
During that visit Ming came to our table to say hello and make sure we were enjoying our meal. I've seen him do the same at every visit since. Even as a celebrity chef he has ease about him that makes him everyone's friend and neighbor in Boston. So, it was no surprise that Ming would be part of bringing us Boston Bites Back. In an effort to raise $1 million for the The One Fund, 100 chefs came together at Fenway Park for a night of great food, drink, and most importantly company.
The event seemed to come together seamlessly, though I'm sure it was no small feat. Walking into the concourse and seeing the signs for so many delicious restaurants was awesome!
Favorites of the night were TORO, Clio, Petit Robert Bistro, Sweet Cheeks, and Harvest. Disclaimer: We did not eat anything from the amazing chefs at Ming's restaurants.
The Salty Pig blew me away with this pretty dish.
In one little bite I got creamy, refreshing, salty, and a little kick at the end. This is what they mean when they talk about layering flavors.
After we were sufficiently full we went out onto the warning track. We sat in the dugout, posed with Wally, touched the Green Monster, took photos for strangers and chefs.
Wednesday night was a magical night at Fenway. There was no crack of the bat, no starting lineup, no Monster Dogs. There was great food (including lobster corn dogs), drinks, laughter, and above all there was an inspiring sense of community that will never be broken.
Thank you to Ming Tsai, Ken Oringer, Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino, all the talented chefs and their teams. Thank you to ARAMARK and all the Fenway staff. Thanks to everyone who promoted, tweeted and attended this amazing event.
I'm looking forward to trying Blue Dragon on a future foodie adventure.
