The Channel Cafe, South Boston

I'm going to take a quick break from my weekend recap of Portland, Maine because Valentines day is coming, and while we all know that it's a contrived Hallmark holiday, don't we all get sucked into its charms, or witchcraft, every year? Whether single, in a couple, on a date, whatever the circumstances might be, so many of us end up looking for a place to go for a nice dinner. Unfortunately, this need to be out on February 14th results in insanely long lines, limited reservation possibilities, stuffy stereotype romantic settings, and expectations that are far too high. I have a cure for you- are you ready for it? How about heading to Channel Cafe on Summer Street in South Boston?

Channel Cafe is beyond awesome. Located within an art gallery, they bring the words of "hip" and "delicious" together in one glorious marriage. Even better? They are celebrating "Local Love" this year- and utilizing local, sustainable ingredients! How's that for some lovin'? Lovin' the great state of Massachusetts! Ok-want to get ONE MORE better? They are holding their awesome Valentine's Day love fest on Saturday night, February 13th rather than the 14th.

Their menu is prix fixe for the evening- $30.00 for four courses-including the beer mentioned in the first course. So maybe there was one more better...So let's recap- awesome space, great food, reasonably priced, including a great beer AND celebrating local love? Good, Better....BEST.

The menu is:

FIRST COURSE:

Organic Vegetable and Local Cheese Pizzette

Narragansett Lager

SECOND COURSE (Choice of 1)

New England Pork Rillette, Grilled Garlic Crostini, Roasted Apple, Red Leaf Lettuce, Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Puree of Celery Root Soup, House-made Creme Fraiche, Gremolata

Roasted Delicatta Squash Salad, Red Leaf Lettuce, Spiced Pecans, Warm Herbed Goat Cheese, White Balsamic Vinaigrette

THIRD COURSE (Choice of 1)

Foraged Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Marsala Wine over Fettuccine, Herb Medley, Shaved Romano

Balsamic Braised Short Ribs, Sweet Leeks, Butternut Squash Homefries

Horseradish Crusted Gloucester Cod, Pan Roasted Wild Mushrooms, House-made Grain Mustard Beurre Blanc

FOURTH COURSE (Choice of 1)

Patron Affogato

Flourless Chocolate Cake -Dulce de Leche

Orange Mascarpone, Chocolate Wafers

If it isn't already obvious- I have a lot of love for The Channel Cafe. Just today I ran over to have a delicious lunch - their Italian Tuna Salad and a cup of Tomato Basil Soup. Their Italian Tuna Salad is a favorite of mine- Tuna mixed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice tossed with mesclun greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, capers and carrots. It is light, well seasoned, healthy and delicious. Their tomato soup had incredible flavors, with just a background of spice. The flavor combination reminded me of the sauce that was served with my mom's stuffed peppers, so it was a wonderful comforting meal for me on a cold snowy day!

My advice- RUN to Channel Cafe on Saturday, February 14th for a unique Valentines experience.

PS-they do take reservations!