Napkin Notes

Food editor Mecca Bos on Blackbird's not-to-be-missed lunchtime offering, and the happy hour menu at Eat Street Social

Image credit: Eat Street Social

Recommended by the Editor

Oh My Darling

Best Bites of 2012

By: Mecca Bos

They say good things happen in threes, but this week, culinarily speaking, there have only been two. I’ll take them – eye opening as they were.

Much has already been said about the potential boon that the relocation of Blackbird might have been for the sweet little bistro burned down in the tragic restaurant fire last year. The new space is bigger, brighter, friendlier, and if my palate serves me right, more delicious.

A lunchtime dish of fat Udon noodles bathing in a perfectly balanced peanut sauce is a prime example. It came adorned with the freshest aldente bok choy, broccoli, pea pods, shitake mushrooms, smoked chicken, and the most beautiful poached egg I have perhaps ever seen. All of it was served with a garnish of lemon wedges and Sriracha, and man. What a steal at $12. I think of this dish the way some women think about their boyfriend. I’ll be back.

I have been a longtime devotee of Northeast Social, and once sent an out-of-town friend into a wild goose chase in a taxi, miles out of his way, through a snowstorm in order to get there. When he finally did arrive, he was pissed. When he left, he thanked me for sending him where there was so much “love in the room.”

Which makes my point: owners Sam Bonin and Joe Wagner know a thing or two about hospitality, and how to put together a place that’s not just a bar or restaurant, but yes, a social club. Stay long enough, and you’ll receive a shooter of beer, like everyone else around the bar. Wait a little longer and your barman will ring a gong, and yell out “social!” Toasts all around ensue.

But hopefully you already know all of that – and that the mixology mavens from Bittercube are heading up the bar at Northeast Social’s new companion, Eat Street Social. While the drinks are what’s getting attention here – and rightfully so – I’m here to talk about the not-to-be-missed happy hour menu.  

Brazilian-influenced grilled meat skewers make the perfect accompaniment to your libation. Priced at $3 to $5, these mashups of filet, chicken hearts, bacon-wrapped scallops, and about a dozen other options come heavily marinated in garlic, caper, and herbs. Add a swipe of Romesco to the plate, along with buttery hunks of grilled bread, and just be sure you’ve ordered enough to avoid fisticuffs at the table. Heck, you can order them all for about $30, and to my mind, this makes the best crowd-friendly food & drink moment in town just now.

+ METRO's resident foodie Mecca Bos contributes to the magazine's food and drink section. She blogs for metromag.com between meals. See more of her work on her author page.