Turner FIsheries, Westin Copley, Boston

As the temperatures increase around these parts my infatuation with seafood begins to flow off the charts. I don't know what it is but summertime just seems made for all things that live within the ocean waters. Last week I had the chance to try out the menu at beloved Turner Fisheries in downtown Boston and I couldn't have been more excited.



See the great thing about Turners is not just that they select only the freshest, often organic and sustainable, seafood to serve to their patrons but they create masterpieces around it. Simple twists on age old classics, award winning clam chowder and creative new dishes makes the menu interesting and fresh. They also have some daily specials that are both taste bud and wallet friendly.


We kicked off our evening with the Atlantic Shelf -a generous tower of fresh shellfish including clams, mussels, scallops, oysters and mammoth shrimp. Served with a delightful helping of cocktail sauce enhanced with extra horseradish, the sweet, fresh, chilled shellfish was a delight.


The evening that we dined at Turners was damp and gray and as I perused the menu I was drawn to the warming dishes most of all. The table began to rave about the milk product free Smoked Tomato Bisque served with fried basil and I knew I had to order it. A big bowl of steaming tomato soup was set in front of me, artfully served with a single leaf of fried basil balanced on top. The scent that wafted to my nose-full of natural sweetness, hearty acidity and a hint of smoke made me reach for my spoon. The soup was delicious, full of rich notes of smoke balanced with the brightness created by the acidic fruit. The true wonder here was the creamy undertones that were present, comforting and delicious, that were created without the addition of cream. This is a lactose intolerant persons dream. I cleaned my bowl, despite my desire to resist.


Still craving the comfort of broths and soups I settled on Turner's New England Bouillabaisse for my entree. Another large bowl was set in front of me, chock full of perfectly cooked seafood. Table side a small pot of tomato based broth was poured over teheran top, and with a mashed potato swirled crostini decorating the side, my dinner was complete. The dish contained a wonderful mix of flakey white fish, plump shrimp, tender calamari and tasty mussels. Every piece was well cooked and full of fresh natural flavors. The broth was light, thin and yet bursting with flavor of tomato and herbs. This was a wonderful dish for those stormy summer nights, creating an ocean oasis away from the pounding rain.


Of course dessert was next to arrive, and are choices were well varied. The menu artfully ranged from decadent chocolate to refreshing chilled treats, and one that truly intrigued me-lemon puffs. Fresh pastry puffs filled with a lemon cream, this burst of citrus flavor screamed summer dessert to me. The sweet tart flavor of the lemon created the illusion of "light" and as each little treasure seemed small on its own, this was a dessert that one could easily pretend was part of that summer diet.


Turner's has become a go to for me. The staff is welcoming and knowledgable and management is constantly seeking ways to keep their offering fresh, interesting and current. This summer Turners has a host of offerings to maximize the diners value-I urge you to check them out!

• Bar Bites & Beverages

Monday – Friday, 5-7 pm
Turner’s is now serving a special bar bites and beverages menu on weekdays from 5-7 pm. Come relax in our lounge after work with your co-workers and friends and enjoy a menu of $5 appetizers, all of which are made with fresh, sustainable seafood and the finest ingredients. The special menu will also feature a rotating selection of beers, red and white wines and a specialty cocktail.


• Monday Night Sustainable Fish
Mondays, 5-10pm
A different sustainable fish entrée featured each Monday for only $20.00!


• Wednesday Lobster Night
Wednesdays, 5-10pm
2 Lb. Lobsters for $35.00 – while supplies last.


• Thursday Neighborhood Night
Thursdays, 5-10pm
50% off your entree if you live in our neighborhood. (Back Bay or South End)


• Dollar Oyster Friday
Fridays, 5-10pm (while supplies last)
An array of East Coast oysters for $1.00 apiece.

Avon Walk Boston- 2012

Oh so many things to talk about and lately- very little time!!

I wanted to start off though by saying one great big, giant, yelling from the rooftops- THANK YOU!  Thank you to everyone who supported Jen and I through our Avon Walk journey this past weekend.  I am blown away by the support pre walk with every one's donations, both financial and baked, and the outpouring of kind words and supportive advice.  As this was my very first walk, I was shocked to find how much apart of the community I immediately felt.  During the walk itself- I again was astounded by the kindness of strangers.  All along the route people turned out from their homes, interrupting their Saturdays, to offer us water, Popsicles, candy, or anything else they felt might aid us in our journey.  Every round of applause that occurred as we trekked past, every "thank you", every car horn beep willed us on and kept us on track.  I won't lie to you and say it was easy.  The Sunday route was tough- injured feet from Saturday, high temperatures and long stretches of road made it difficult, but as I thought about the incredible strength of those women out there fighting this terrible disease, and WINNING- I put one foot in front of the other and kept my head in the game.  

The sad truth is that every three minutes- EVERY THREE MINUTES- a new diagnosis of breast cancer is found.  Every three minutes a woman hears that she is about to enter the fight of her life.  Together, here in Boston, we raised $4.8 million dollars to help aid in the research and funding of projects to help end breast cancer...I feel unbelievably blessed to be a part of finding a cure. 

So, before we return to our food chats, I need to say thank you.  Without the love and support of family, friends, and complete strangers- we wouldn't be standing here in such good spirits.

And finally, I realized an incredible thing this weekend as well.  I don't often talk to you all about my personal life- and so many of you don't know that I am a ridiculous dancer.  And by ridiculous- I mean TERRIBLE but a frequent dancer. I have about 3 "moves" that I rotate through and greatly enjoy piecing them together in different patterns- no matter what the music is.  I found that when my spirits were low, my feet were blistered and I was struggling- throwing on Pandora and getting into my awful dance moves got me through.  So if you were on the course this weekend and saw a really awful dancer on the way and didn't make fun of me - you get a great big thank you as well ;-)

Up next- many posts featuring seafood, coffees, liquor and more :-)

David Burke's Prime Steakhouse Sunday Brunch, Foxwoods

After our incredible evening at the David Burke's Prime Steakhouse at Foxwoods, my sister and I were also treated to their brunch spread the following morning...and what a spread it was!  We were both a bit stuffed still from dinner the evening previous to be able to fully enjoy it's bounty, but I was able to photograph quite a bit.

Limitless coffee, a steady round of orange juice and hot entrees, breakfast items, cold salads, meats, cheese, yogurt, granola, fresh fruits and an incredible display of desserts made up one of the most exciting brunch line ups I've seen.  Those craving savory, sweet, traditional, creative, light or heavy can find something to match their desires here.  The eggs benedict were cooked perfectly, the scrambled eggs were creamy and cheesy.  The chick pea salad was full of flavor and texuture and the french toast was a heaven of cinnamon and nutmeg goodness.  Be sure to stop by David Burke's for their Sunday brunch before you head out of Foxwoods- their selective will keep you content all the way home...