Bar 10 Brunching

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Jilian Murphy

I’ll admit…a few…actually 4+ (yikes!)…years ago when I first started writing this blog the idea of actually *meeting* other bloggers scared the crap out of me. What if they didn’t like me? What if I was totally different than they thought I’d be? Taller? Weirder? Quieter?Louder? (I’m all of those things…haha)

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!!

Boston, you’re my home…

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Jilian Murphy

You know, I can’t believe it’s been two weeks since tragedy struck my little slice of the world. I wasn’t there – though I know family and friends who were, including my brother who was too close to it for comfort, to be honest. While, I may not have experienced it first-hand…it impacted me. Intensely.

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.

B.A.A. 5K & Playing Catch Up

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Jilian Murphy

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?

Surviving Nemo

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Jilian Murphy

You know, before this weekend – Nemo was an adorably rebellious clown fish who found himself in quite the predicament at 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. Okay, so he still is…but now Nemo is also a crazy ass snow storm that dumped 28 inches of snow on us in less than 24 hours.

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.

Go {Cocoa} nuts!

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Jilian Murphy

One of my big “resolutions” for this year is to put myself out there more – meet new people, and blogging has been such an amazing way to do that.

I went to the Healthy Living Summit this summer, met Erin, Erin started the Healthy Living Boston Blogger group – which I then joined, the group introduced me to some great people and events like Wellness by the Water –where I met Jen and found out about her Blog and Tweet Boston group.

Is your head spinning yet? haha

You know, the post-college realization of “Oh my God, I’m in the real world and I’m a peon in a ‘big’ city and my friends are all over the place…and busy… and not necessarily next door…or even in the same state..” can be daunting. Meeting new people is hard. Fact. Being a part of these groups have given me some great opportunities to try new things and meet people…who love food [and like to take pictures of it], love health/wellness [and like to talk about it], love writing, and are introducing me to new things.

Last night, I had the opportunity through Jen’s Blog and Tweet Boston group to attend a private tasting event for bloggers at Cocoanuts Boston. CocoaNuts is a cute, boutique-style chocolate and confection shop nestled in Boston’s North End.

It was great to see Jen – whom I’d met at Wellness by the Water – and Erin was there as well. Tara and ( a different) Jen, who own Cocoanuts, hosted us and were so kind. They poured us champagne, and it was great to hear their story (they’re besties!) and how the shop came to be.

Erin and I tasted our way through the shop. I tried some sea salt caramel (multiple times) by Suss. I’m obsessed with salted caramel and this didn’t disappoint. So good! We were also able to try some of the creative shortbreads from Lark. I loved their rosemary sea salt shortbread.

We had a great time chatting with Rebecca Novak from Yes Chocolates. She makes her chocolates out of her own kitchen – and they’re incredible. They were stunning and delicious. She sampled her chocolate covered brownies, and chocolates: Sticky Bun – cinnamon ganache, caramel & candied pecans…yummm, The Perfect Pour – Guinness stout ganache in dark chocolate, Cloud Nine – marshmallow and dark chocolate, and Berry Smoothie – strawberry puree and raspberry liquor. I tried…everything…duh. No shame.

Heather and Melissa Forrester, owners, sisters-in-law, and candy makers of Little Bits Toffee, were there as well – and just the sweetest things. I have a huge weakness for toffee – I’ve eaten a lot of it! – and theirs is fantastic. I tried a sample of their new coffee flavor and I *had* to try their coconut. Two of my favorite things, and it was amazing. Also, I just discovered that they have a cookies & cream toffee on their site….need.now!

On top of some great chocolate – I met and was able to chat with some fantastic ladies. I met Becky from Pop & Circumstance. My first reaction was “LOVE your blog name!” I’ve always had a not-so-secret love for interior design (I was that girl who moved her bedroom around in the middle of the night as a child… what no one else did that??…okay, I *still* do this) so it’s no surprise that her blog is already lined up in my reader.

I also met Sara, who knew Erin from some other events, and we got chatting about (my newest obsession) yoga, and the great teachers and classes in the city.

So I walked out of there toasty from a little bit of bubbly, with some new acquaintances, and on a sugar high (and I also bought some candy for some lucky people this Valentine’s Day!…it’s only a couple of weeks away, people!).

Not too shabby for a drizzly Tuesday, eh?

big city, lil kitchen

Tag Archives: Boston

Bar 10 Brunching

Boston, you’re my home…

B.A.A. 5K & Playing Catch Up

Surviving Nemo

Go {Cocoa} nuts!

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