Blue Stove at Nordstrom

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Tucked away in Nordstrom of the Burlington Mall is a warmly lit tapas bar and a fabulous wine list. You can feel a comfortable orange glow walking through the elongated room where a bar nestles itself on the left and cozy booths burrow themselves on the right. It is not only a place for shoppers to relax, but also a great spot to share and engage in a variety of small plates with friends and family.

PS: It’s a good conversation starter for first dates too. You’re welcome!

Crispy Parmesan Polenta & Arugula Salad - $5.95

Sweet Potato Fries with Cilantro Lime Aïoli - $5.50

Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos - $7.75

Bacon Frisee Salad with Buttermilk & Truffle Dressing (special not listed on menu) - $7.95

Crispy & Spicy Dark Cherry Glazed Beef - $11.50

Salt & Pepper Calamari with Lemon Zest - $7.95

Risotto Croquettes with Serrano Ham & Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce - $5.95

Shrimp & Asparagus Tempura with Lemon Soy Dipping Sauce - $9.95

The diverse variety of tapas were set down at our table two at a time, and each and every one of them looked absolutely tantalizing. Three savory dishes stood out to me as being memorable, especially the Crispy & Spicy Dark Cherry Glazed Beef. Each bite burst with sharp, full, bold flavors as subtle heat trailed along until the end. Pieces of fatty beef and aromatic scallions greatly contributed to the dynamic flavors of the dish while creating a wonderful contrast of textures. I definitely recommend it! The Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos were also fantastic. The four mini tacos (ignore the one we ate) went by quickly. The flavors were bright and clean, while the colorful bell peppers and refreshing cilantro made it a lively dish. Lastly, the Risotto Croquettes were delicious. Fried to golden perfection, grains of risotto melded nicely with melted cheese and pieces of Serrano Ham. It laid on garlic tomato sauce that did not disappoint.

Chocolate Banana Creme Brulee - $6.25

Butterscotch Pot de Crème - $6.25

Lastly, it is safe to say the Butterscotch Pot de Crème is one of my favorite desserts. It is a creamy, buttery custard that satisfies your sweet tooth without being overwhelming. The portion is perfect too!

I find Blue Stove very refreshing. Its comfortable decor and engaging dining environment is shown with class and elegance- exactly what you should expect from Nordstrom. I look forward to coming here again and recommend others to experience this great restaurant like I have.

Oh, Blue Stove! How do you put so much flavor in such petite plates?

Total Meal: $90
Servings: 3 people

Blue Stove on Urbanspoon

Fish Market

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What do you get when high end sushi chefs unite together to open up their own restaurant? Surprisingly, not another high end restaurant. Instead, a bright, simple and humble space with five tables and seating around a sushi bar filled with experience. It’s fresh, it’s friendly- it’s Fish Market.

                                                       Avocado Ball

In 2010, Fish Market’s Avocado Ball was listed as the most memorable dish in the Boston Globe. It’s 2 years later and the statement still stands strong. Inside the creamy layer of beautifully arranged avocado slices is a mixture of tuna, white tuna, flying fish roe and wasabi flying fish roe. Outside lies rings of lemon mayonnaise that ends each bite with a crisp and light feeling, leaving your taste buds excited and ready to try some memorable rolls.

Crazy Eggplant Maki, Kobe Beef Maki, Spicy Salmon Maki, Seared Salmon Maki

Yellowtail Truffle Maki

Foie Gras Sushi

The dishes served were in a certain order, which heightened the experience overall. First served was the Avocado ball, then the special maki rolls. All of the rolls were fantastic and the fish quality was excellent. The Seared Salmon Maki was quickly seared on top so your bites are filled with intriguing temperatures of warm, melt-in-your-mouth salmon that compliments cool sticky rice that holds a bundle of tempura flakes and flying fish roe with a mixture of flattering sauces.

Served last was the foie gras. You always save the best for last! The luxuriously decadent foie gras was doused in rich truffle oil where any sane person would savor this morsel by closing their eyes for the next few minutes smiling. I would happily sacrifice dessert for the rest of the week to justify another mouthwatering bite.

My experiences here have always been great and I do not have a single complaint for Fish Market. These sushi chefs have clearly not given up their standards for high end quality. There’s really no need to anxiously wait for an elegant meal during Restaurant Week anymore! Their down-to-earth attitudes give us an opportunity to taste refined sushi any time of the day at an affordable price.

Long live Fish Market!

                Avocado Ball              $12
    Crazy Eggplant Maki              $9
            Kobe Beef Maki              $15
      Spicy Salmon Maki              $5.5
    Seared Salmon Maki              $12
   Yellowtail Truffle Maki              $16
 Foie Gras Sushi (each)             $6

Total Meal: $100
Servings: 2-3 people

Fish Market on Urbanspoon