I recently watched an episode of the Food Network series "Opening Soon." In it, A-List chef Todd English was opening up his latest venture- an Italian restaurant called Todd English Is Italian. I recalled thinking the chef looked like a dark-haired Ken doll- all chiselled angles and jet black hair. It also appeared as if the man could cook. I particularly liked the concept of one of the restaurant's signature dishes- mozzarella cheese prepared table-side. I had no idea then how famous/branded Todd English is, or that I'd soon be dining at one of his restaurants - Todd English's Kingfish Hall (all of his restaurants include his name, giving rise to the claim that the chef has a healthy ego).
On a recent trip to Boston, Chef English's home town, I met up with fellow suite101 food writer Jacqueline Church (look for her in the Gourmet section). Luckily for me, she agreed to guide me through some of her city's culinary terrain. A quick flurry of emails, and my wish to eat somewhere that screamed "you are now in Boston" led Jacqueline to choose Mr. English's seafood eatery.
We started with a dozen fresh oysters- six west coast Kumamotos and six from eastern waters. Clean, briny flavours from the sea- a wonderful culinary greeting to the seafood tradition that reigns in Boston. I'd heard that Kingfish Hall's chowder was not to be missed and given the drizzly day, it seemed a perfect way to beat the rainy chill. The chowder was rich, creamy and full-flavoured with pieces of smoked bacon and chopped clam lending the dish a toothsome, savoury bite. Jacqueline and I both agreed that our seafood mains were lovely, save for the over-cooked, bland risotto. My scallops were caramelized plump perfection and Jacqueline enjoyed her fish fillet, but the rice side-dish reminded us of a dressed up version of Uncle Ben's.
We held off on dessert and made our way out of the Quincy Market area and into Boston's own Little Italy, or the North End as locals call it. Our next stop was Mike's- a traditional Italian bakery that prepares its very own torrone (nougat) and mini marzipan fruit amongst the various mouth-watering choices. The chocolate torrone I exported back with me to Toronto, saving the best for last that day- home made canoli! This pleasantly stuffed traveler shared a perfectly crisp canoli filled with a rich, velvety cream(ricotta is what my taste buds told me) with my dining companion. Amidst line ups of students, couples on dates and old friends meeting for a cappuccino, I sat with my fellow foodie in this crowded bakery polishing off a mighty fine Italian treat and thinking to myself- one day, I'll be back to add another chapter to my Boston culinary adventures. Thanks Jacqueline- I've got a lot to live up to, but when you're ready, a food tour of Toronto awaits!
