Experience A Night In France and Morocco Right Here In Boston

Couscous Sunday dinner in Boston is worth the trip into the city.

I learned that this week when we were invited to Marseille in Boston for Couscous Sunday in the SOWA Centre in the South End. Plus, they are right next to a huge parking lot AND they validate! Suburban BLISS.

To be honest, I have NOT been feeling Boston lately. It's winter, the parking is ridiculous, the bike lanes make driving a personal nightmare filled with gridlock and angry drivers.

But it was Sunday. It was 4 p.m. And I was looking forward to a trip to France without getting on a flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

Loic Le Garrec and Chef Robert Fathman from Marseille started Couscous Sundays as a way of of celebrating Marseille's connection to North Africa. They're inviting diners to savor the flavors of Algeria and Morocco.

Chef Robert has crafted a mouthwatering dish called Couscous Royale. Imagine a hearty vegetable stew with chickpeas, harissa, raisins, caramelized onion, and semolina, topped with leg of lamb, lamb meatballs, chicken, and merguez sausage. There's also a tasty vegetarian option available. It's the perfect meal to ward off the Scary Sundays. Who can feel anxious when you're eating this comfort food?

I went for the full-tilt couscous and it was BEYOND. Prices are $38 per person for the full version and $35 per person for the vegetarian dish. Plus, they've got some special drinks to go along with your meal.

Meanwhile, Lucy had the perfect Steak Frites (for those who want classic French) and Dave hit up with filet mignon. Both were in a culinary haze for the rest of the night. But we found more some more room! We finished the night with their delicious bread pudding.

Did I mention they offer $2 oysters with frites Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m?

These Couscous Sundays are happening every week throughout the winter, from 4pm to 10pm. Swing by Marseille Boston at 560 Harrison Avenue to indulge in this culinary adventure. You can find more details on their website, www.marseilleboston.com, or give them a call at 857.277.0366.

Loic and Chef Robert are thrilled to bring this tribute to North African cuisine to your table. It's their way of exploring new flavors within the realm of modern French cooking. Come join them for a delicious night on the town.

And this guy?  Loic Le Garrec arrived in New England as the General Manager of Fine Dining at the Chatham Bars Inn. He opened his first restaurant in Kenmore Square with Jackie Robert in 2005.  Together they opened four more restaurants in the South End, Downtown Crossing, Needham and Allston. In 2015, Le Garrec retained Petit Robert in the South End.  Le Garrec’s French-concept expertise led to the opening of Frenchie (one of my favorites!) in the South End and Collette in Porter Square, Cambridge. He is also created Batifol in Kendall Square, Cambridge and PRB Boulangeries in Somerville and SOWA Centre near Marseille.

From Cape Cod to Boston, Newton to Cambridge, these are some of the hottest new restaurants people are talking about. Open Table recently shared some of the newest, most popular spots around the state. There's quite a variety of food options, from traditional New England seafood, to Pan- Asian, authenic Italian and flavorful Mexican. Take a look at these 8 trending new Massachusetts restaurants to try from Open Table.  ha

Most of these highlighted restaurants are fairly new. One is a new locaiton, in a small chain. One is brand new, and aother has recently been made over and features a new menu. It's always good to mix up your usual routine, and so fun to try new places. If you are headed to the Cape for the Spring or Fall, it's always a good idea to make reservations in advance, as we all know it gets quite busy starting next month. Here's to good food, friends family and new experiences! Check out 8 trending new Massachusetts restaurants to try from Open Table, below.

Back Bay/Fenway

61 Brookline Ave

The popular Loco Taqueria in Southie has opened a new location in Back Bay, near Fenway Park. Open Table describes it as "is a funky neighborhood joint located on Brookline Avenue in Boston that specializes in tacos, raw bar, and tequila." Yes, please! You can  make reservations, HERE. Menu items can be found on their original location website:

https://www.locosouthboston.com/menus/

Pembroke

403-7 Washington St

It's all about the view, and the food at this Pembroke spot. Enjoy a picturesque indoor lounge and outdoor patio overlooking Duxbury Bay. This establishment adds that the location is "Home to our working oyster farm, and now a year-round dining destination serving the oysters we grow, conservas, light fare for the whole family, rotating drafts, natural wines, and cocktails." They don't accept reservations, it's first come first serve. 

https://islandcreekoysters.com/the-raw-bar-at-island-creek/

West Newton

1293 Washington St.

Conveniently located across the street from the West Newton Cinema, this neighborhood vibey spot offers $1 oysters daily from 3-5pm! They spin vinyl records, serve quality crafted cocktails, curated wine and your favorite beer. The menu is mostly Mediterranean, and they do offer patio dining, weather permitting. Looks fab. Reservations HERE.

https://www.thebluebirdbar.com/

Woburn

305 Cambridge St.

You'll find this "Italian Dream" on the Winchester line. The name, Songo (Son-yo) translates to "dream." If you've been dreaming of meals "inspired by Italian hospitality, comfortable spaces to gather with your family and friends, owner Ron Martingnetti invites you to his "home." The whole concept of the restaurant was influenced by Ron's Sunday family dinners. The focus here is on fresh ingredients, "locally sourced, made in house and imported from Italy." I'm hungry just reading about it.

Reservations on Open Table

https://sognoitalian.com/

Theater District, Boston

660 Washington St. 

The Q is a hot newer restaurant that serves a variety of Asian dishes, from Chinese to Japanese and Mongolian. It's described as a hip, upscale, spacious spot with a "cozy lounge." A highlight of this establishment, for those who love food that warms their soul, is the hot pot. The Q's website describes it as, "the perfect and healthy choice! Families or groups of friends sit around a table and eat from a steaming pot in the middle... Cooking, drinking and chatting." It's an experience!

https://thequsa.com/

Cambridge (Kendall Square)

314 Main St.

A newer location for this popular small chain. The other Row 34s can be found in Boston, Burlington, and Portsmouth, NH. This Cambridge spot is seafood heavy, and already a local favorite. One reviewer said, "Row 34's new branch matches the high standard set at the Seaport location for food as well as amazing service. This was the only place we went back twice during our stay in Boston and Cambridge. Must try is the warm butter lobster roll. They have tons of beers on tap. For something really unique try the mezcal amontillado sherry cocktail." The website adds, "We source the best oysters from our friends, pick up our fish fresh from the Fish Pier, and are always on the hunt for the most delicious beer around."

https://www.row34.com/cambridge/

Dennis (Cape Cod)

85 Taunton Ave.

If you like a relaxed, modern atmosphere with Cape Cod favories and some eclectic twists, live music, and just steps from the beach, this is your spot.It's actually been around a long time, but Chapin's has a fresh new look now. They also have a new menu. So, next time you are headed to the Cape, get your reservations HERE. 

https://chapinsbayside.com/

Yarmouth Port (Cape Cod)

43 Main St.

Before I head to the Cape for summer vaca, I always make reservations far in advance. It does get so busy down there. You may want to put Leonessa on your list. This Italian-inspired Kitchen & Bar just opened. It's owned by a husband and wife team and their menu features "scratch made regional Italian cuisine." 

https://www.leonessacapecod.com/