This year we moved our Thanksgiving feast from Sel de la Terre on the waterfront to their new restaurant on Boylston Street.
We had another memorable holiday meal in this new setting.
First a word on service
That word would be "Outstanding." We almost imagined ourselves next door at L'Espalier. And, this is important because service is one of the reasons we go out for holiday meals.
We were welcomed at the street level entry by a hostess who took our coats.
Our server, Jamie, greeted us and dealt with our water choice almost instantly. As we watched the room, we saw food runners following waiters like little ducklings insuring that those at large tables received their meals at nearly the same time.
Our dinners were delivered by a runner the moment they were ready, and he stopped to ask whether we needed anything else at that moment. (This is becoming rare in restaurants today where many food runners dump meals and scurry away as quickly as possible.)
Jamie had an ability to concentrate on each of her tables, engage in conversation, answer questions, and make suggestions. However, she instantly switched to a careful scan of the whole area and made unobtrusive eye contact with customers as she stepped away. If you looked as if you needed something, she was on it, if not she gave you a smile. Other servers seemed as professional.
Penny's take on her meal.
I opened the meal with the "Rillettes and pâtés with toasted brioche, mustard, pickles and homemade jam."
One pate is in the photo. (I photographed only one course because I didn't want to distract other patrons there for a special meal.) The tray also contained a ramekin of duck rillettes, and a tiny pear hollowed out and stuffed with chicken pate and topped with a deeply delicious fruit jam.
My main course was the traditional turkey (local of course) with an herb stuffing, carrots and cranberry marmalade. The dark meat was shredded and served between pastry layers. The white meat was full-flavored, and the gravy made the dish.
(The table next to us had the brilliant idea of ordering a side of Sel de la Terre's masterful pomme frites and asking for more gravy for the table. They had a great time dipping the crisp frites in gravy. Perhaps this should be a regular menu option.)
For dessert, I choose the creme brulee with spiced pear and a ginger-molasses cookie. Again, one of the best around. I finished with a fine cup of coffee- rich, fresh, and smooth.
Here's Ed's version:
I began with "Chopped salad with dried autumn fruits and roasted nuts; baked apple and goat cheese." The sweetness of the dried fruit balanced the acidity of the dressing.
I was in the mood for a non-traditional Thanksgiving feast and went for the agnolotti. It turned out to be the perfect choice! When the dish arrived, my first thought was, "This is the wrong preparation. Where are the half-moon shaped agnolotti?"
These were a less-traditional square-shaped agnolotti sauteed in a sage brown butter, giving each piece a slightly caramelized texture. Combined with the dried cranberries, toasted almonds & sage, there was just the right amount of sweetness.
We had started with a glass of Westport's RJR - one of our favorite sparkling wines. But, for my main course, I wanted some other ideas. Preparing for this menu, Jamie had tasted the agnolotti with a French pinot noir and was excited about it. I was sold. And, she was right – a great match.
Since I always get to try some of Penny's meal, I was almost ready to say, "hold the dessert." But, when my chocolate, spiced bourbon, pecan pie arrived, I had to have a taste. Not heavy. Just sweet enough. Perfect with coffee.
Details:
Sel de la Terre
774 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199
