What if they weren’t who I thought they were?

I mean honestly, I don’t know why…these are people who share their whole lives on the internet…I probably know more about their lives than I do about my own brother’s. Who would really “pretend” to be some girl eating overnight oats every morning? It would take a lot of effort.

But hey, weirder stuff has happened…and as a chick who probably STILL would not do online dating (I meet enough questionable people in “real life”)…the idea of meeting people from the internet is still a little…strange and I guess I’m a skeptic at heart.

“Oh look! Here’s comes my date. Met him on the internet. He’s a French model.”

I digress.

However, things have definitely changed, and now one of my favorite things about blogging in this city is the awesome people I’ve met and opportunities it’s given me. This blog is no longer chronically everything I put in my mouth, it’s about experiences – most of them out of my kitchen — though probably 80% of the photos on my phone are of food… (Hi, my name is Jil, and I take too many pictures of what I eat…)

I had the change to get together with some other bloggers and the Westin Copley’s Marketing Manager, Anna, for Derby Day brunch at Bar 10 in the Westin Copley in Back Bay. I’ve walked through the Westin a million times…my company had our National Sales Meeting there this year, the Starbucks there is always a go-to when Boylston and Newbury are jam-packed with tourists and it’s a nice *air-conditioned* cut through to the Mall at Copley Place. But…I’d never been to Bar 10. It’s tucked away beyond the main reception area, and is a lovely open space with a big bar and cozy booths.

Tracy, Jodi, Kerrie, Amy, Stellina, Stacey, Jane, Jen, Semirah and I got the chance to try some awesome eats. We got to pick our meals (crab eggs benny? yes.) and they let us try other items on the menu, like their burger, steak & eggs, hashbrowns, and they even brought Jane out little something sweet for her birthday! It was all delicious…and while definitely not discount dining…you get huge portions.

What else?

It was great to see some familiar faces and meet some new local bloggers, writers and food lovers.

Jen, me, Stacey

 Bar 10, it get s a thumbs up  – I devoured everything put in front of me. Self-control? Out the window. And it was a pretty stellar start to the Derby Day/Cinco de Mayo weekend. Thanks to Jen and Kerrie for organizing and Anna for having us – it was a great experience!!

However, more than the horrific stuff…which has been chronicled over and over and…over…again…it’s the little things that have left a lasting impression. The national anthem (sung without the “r’s” if you listen closely enough haha) at the Bruin’s game, the fundraisers, the runs, and the hugs that have stuck with me.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good hug.

I am more in love with this city and the scrappy, loud, passionate, kind and generous people that I can call my friends and neighbors than I ever have been before. In Boston, you’ll probably get called a “moron” by a random guy at least once…but that same stranger (and all of his buddies) will stand up for you and make sure you’re okay when some jerk hits you with his car…on purpose… when you’re walking across the crosswalk with a group of people (yes… that happened to me this weekend).

This is the place where I found myself, a place where I’ve laughed and cried, loved and lost, a place where I’ve been chased down the street at 8 a.m. in the rain just to be asked if I was European [it was urgent apparently], a place where Singing Spare Change Guy [not to be confused with our other famous Spare Change Guy] sings about my toenail polish, hair and jewelry regularly, a place where the watch guy at Saks insists he’s got to introduce me to Tom and Gisele…cuz you know, we were totes neighbors, and a place where I got coffee “with” Doc Rivers on a fairly regular basis. Some moments more poignant than others…but that’s life, right?

Slowly but surely, things are rebuilding, repairing and healing.

A little slice of that normalcy? I had the chance to attend the first annual Taste of the Columbus Hospitality Group. CHG and its restaurants have been a Boston staple for me. Teatro was a part of my finals study routine in college (stay at the library til 8pm…go get a cocktail and some calamari by 8:30pm). We’ve celebrated birthdays and bridal showers at L’Andana and Mooo… Plus, Mooo…’s bread definitely helped me overcome a killer Cinco de Mayo hangover one year. I’ll be forever grateful. So when I had the opportunity to attend this event, which was held at Mistral in the South End…I jumped at it. Not only did I get to eat and drink some fabulous stuff – I got to see Jen from Boston Bachelorette and my friend Delia, as well. Plus, I got to meet some great people, like Isara from Alone with a Cupcake!

Teatro’s Executive Chef, Jeff Howe, offered up their amazing Fig & Prosciutto Sausage with Shishito Pepper, Cipollini, Spicy Tomato Brodo. So delicious – and spicy…and you know what, I have a soft spot for spicy food.

Mooo.. served up  their Sirloin Sliders with Caramelized Onions. One of my favorites!

L’Andana grilled up some swordfish skewers which I inhaled long before I actually got a photo. Whoops.

Mistral had an absolutely amazing tuna tartare.

Sorellina had their Chilled Pea Soup with chive blossoms.

The sweet ending? Mistral’s sorbet and ice cream. Housemade. Ahhhmazing. I had more than one. No shame.

One of my favorite things? No surprise…a cocktail. After walking in the door, I was greeted by a tray of drinks…and the Spring Thyme just called my name. Rhubarb & lime simple syrup…thyme…vodka. Yes please.

it’sa me!

Hungry yet? Well, if you’re in the Boston area – you should stop by any of the Columbus Hospitality Group’s five restaurants on May 1. They’re donating a portion of all sales to The One Fund Boston. Eat, drink…and help others. Win, win.

Thanks again to Mistral, Teatro, L’Andana, Sorellina, Inn @ St. Botolph, & XV Beacon for a fabulous night. Can’t wait to do it again next year.

Words can’t express how sick I’ve felt all afternoon. This is Boston….I was just there. In that exact spot. Yesterday morning. I watched those exact flags I am standing in front of get torn down to get to those hurt and killed.

This weekend was amazing. The vibe in the city was so joyful and positive….and then this. I can’t even.

Prayers for Boston.

Source: Instagram via annagovert

]]> http://bigcitylilkitchen.com/2013/04/15/prayers-for-boston/feed/ 1 Jil photo(2) photo(3) http://bigcitylilkitchen.com/2013/04/14/b-a-a-5k-playing-catch-up/ http://bigcitylilkitchen.com/2013/04/14/b-a-a-5k-playing-catch-up/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:10:02 +0000 Jilian Murphy http://bigcitylilkitchen.com/?p=7495 Continue reading →]]> Hi guys! Ahh, I’ve been such a bad blogger as of late.

Things have been busy, busy – and I haven’t been on top of my game.

In March – I am aware we’re halfway through April…oy – I had the opportunity to go to this great event at Whole Foods in Wellesley, MA with Chef Chad Sarno. Katie at K is for Kale invited me, and it was so fun. We ate amazing food – all vegan – and learned some pretty cool stuff (like smoking mushrooms and that jack fruit can totally pass as pulled pork…so good!)

Plus, we got Chad’s cookbook - and y’all know how I feel about cookbooks.

Now….fast-foward to present. Today, I ran the B.A.A. 5K. It was a blast…a picture-perfect spring morning, and a great run for me.  As someone who really only recently ramped up her running game, I was happy with roughly 10.5 minutes per mile and 32 overall. I hit the pavement at 8:00am with about 5,600 other runners and walkers. I kinda wish I was further up in the pack as I got stuck behind some groups at certain points…but I can’t complain (plus, it’s my fault for running late in the morning!) It was nice to dominate the normally traffic-filled streets of Boston – plus the cowbells didn’t hurt either.

Plus, I got to see the lovely Becki from Fighting for Wellness!

I’m bummed I have to work Marathon Monday (technically it’s a “holiday” in Suffolk County)…with all of the road closures – getting to work in the a.m. will be interesting, but I’ll definitely be following the race from work!

If you’re in Boston – what’re your Marathon Monday plans?

Wooooooo.

Boston came to a stand still…hell, Massachusetts came to a standstill. Cars were banned from the roads starting at 4pm (people complained but I think it was a smart decision), and driving wasn’t allowed until 4pm the next day. The MBTA haulted for 3 days so there was absolutely no public transportation…sooo what did I do to keep the cabin fever at bay? Well – if you follow me on Instagram (which you should if you don’t!), you’ll know…I baked. And ate. And baked. And ate. Oh…and drank some wine.

However, between all the carbohydrates and alcohol – I did consume some vegetables. I swear. Balance. Haha

Ones of those veggies? Rainbow chard.  I’d never had or made it before…but when I saw those colors pop out at me at the grocery store I had to get it. Prettty! It was a buy now, figure out what to do with it later situation.

I did some Googling, and decided to keep it simple. Extra virgin olive oil, 2 large shallots, 2-3 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper…and I think some Onion & Herb Mrs. Dash and red pepper flakes…and steamed/sautéed until it looked good.

Very technical, I know.

And ya know what, it was awesome. I have another bunch in my fridge right now just waiting for the same treatment.

Now, as I sit here watching the news…we’re in for another 1-3 inches Thursday. Pshh…a dusting….a dusting.