Beefeater Gin Presented: A Very UK April Fools, An Urban Legend Event at Abby Lane (Theatre District), 255 Tremont Street, Boston, MA

 

This event, featured Hell's Kitchen's Chef Gordon Ramsay and his progeny and Chef/Owner of Blue, Inc. and latest venture Abby Lane, Chef Jason (Jay) Santos.
 
The place was absolutely packed - so much so that, just as at the last Blu, Inc event we attended, getting access to the limited hors d'oeuvres was impossible - so we enjoyed the cocktails, company, and "Mr. T", then ordered food later on in the evening.

The Cocktails:

All cocktails were made with Beefeater Gin.  Not being a huge London dry gin fan by any means, I still decided to try the cocktails that were offered.  I would say that my favorite out of the two that were available once I arrived would be the English Sparkle.

English Fizz
Beafeater
Rosemary
Honey

Abby Lane Crumble
Beefeater
Ginger
Carrot
Walnut Crumble

English Sparkle
Beafeater
Lemon Sugar
Elderflower
Champagne




The Abby Crumble was heavily sugared and mostly undrinkable.  This was a disappointment because I am always drawn to drinks with ginger.  The English Fizz was discontinued by the time I ordered on, so I ordered a classic French 75, then tried the English Sparkle with was just ok, but way better than the Abby Crumble, mostly because I enjoy St. Germain (elderflower liqueur) and bubbles.


Our photo shoot with "Mr. T":

"Mr. T" and Me

Jacquinn and "Mr. T"

Danette and "Mr. T"

Danette knocks "Mr. T" OUT!

A Few Late Night Snacks:

I ordered some a few oysters and a couple of sliders, which were delicious - tender, juicy kobe beef slathered in smoked onion aioli and topped with pepper jack cheese and lettuce on a soft bun.
My friend had one of the full-sized burger, which he seemed to enjoy and another was disappointed by the grilled shrimp tacos.  I found the slaw to be pretty basic.  One other friend enjoyed the tuna tartare with wonton chips, red ginger, and sesame dressing.

 

I'll definitely head back to Abby Lane for a proper full dinner service.

Seafood Tasting Dinner @ Pigalle (now closed), 75 Charles Street (South), Boston, MA

The Jewel of the Bay Village neighborhood/Theater District, dining at Pigalle Restaurant was an absolute treat!  Co-Owner/Manager, Kerri was charming and the perfect hostess while William, our server, was a perfect gentlemen with great personality and pacing skills!

Ceiling candy

My friend and I decided to try the Gilt Seafood Tasting Menu after an evening of wine, cheese, and art at the BCAE, so we had no room reserved for trying the wine pairing, however, the value (just an additional $30.00) was great!

Me & Danette @BCAE event.

Courses

Amuse bouche- ceviche- chilled salad of grapefruit, plump shrimp and herbs.

Bubbly aperitif

First Course:

I loved the crispy tuna "roll" wrapped in phyllo and served over a soy-wasabi emulsion along with pickled shredded carrots and cubed turnips, and a sesame-coated spinach sphere.  The tuna was uber fresh, slightly cooked on the surface during the cooking of the phyllo but with a cool and rich center!

Crispy tuna roll

Second Course:

My favorite dish of the evening was the asparagus soup, served piping hot (not chilled) over butter-poached lobster claw and tail meat, shiitake mushroom, and asparagus tips.  The base was creamy, bright, and lovely. 

I wanted nothing more than to forget all manners and lick the bowl clean!

The progression of preparation was pleasingly dramatic! 

Third Course:

Easily my second favorite of the night was the pan-seared filet of sole!  A generous portion size, the sole was served with spinach, roasted red onion, plum tomatoes, shrimp, and garlic confit served in a lovely, frothy scampi sauce!

Pan-roasted filet of sole scampi

Fourth Course:

Crispy half duckling served over a crisp rösti cake, beautiful succotash, and kumquat glaze + marmalade!  Delicious!

Half portion of the duckling, shared with my dinner mate! We were definitely stuffed!

There's always room for dessert, right?!?

We enjoyed the creme brulee topped with mandarin slices and blueberries and served with three housemade cookies.

I can't wait to return for more!!!

Also check out Pigalle's Pre-Theater Prix Fixe menu and other specials! 
And their prepared foods to go at Bacco Wine & Cheese!