Table Talk + This Week's Edible Events
Blue-haired chef Jason Santos, a finalist on FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen last year, is set to open his first solo gig, Blue Inc., later this week. With the help of another TV personality, interior designer Taniya Nayak (of HGTV’s House Hunters) the former Gargoyle’s chef has spent the last few weeks speedily redesigning a restaurant space on Broad Street in the Financial District to create his own stage. “I’m, like, a dude so I have no idea what matches. I have Ikea art on my walls at home. She’s the professional. It was fun, the process, then it wasn’t fun but now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I love it,” says Santos.
He’s more content focusing on the menu which “took me about a day,” he admits. “I wanted something that was my style but I’ve been so nervous about getting reviewed so I decided to do a ‘best of’ menu, the best things I’ve served in 10 years. Things I know, things that were well received,” he told Chowder. Look for his duck confit, a holdover from Gargoyle’s, as well as a braised lamb dish with potato gnocchi and charred broccoli rabe. He’s most excited about the calamari spaghetti (“noodles” made from calamari with a pastrami-based bolognese and a salt cod espuma). Lunch service, which will begin later this summer, will introduce his take on burgers and shakes (Blue Inc., 131 Broad St., Boston, 617-737-0854; blueincboston.com).
And speaking of reality TV, the latest in a string of Boston chefs to show up on Food Network’s Chopped is chef Marie-Claude Mendy of Teranga. Her episode appears Tuesday at 10 p.m. and she’s celebrating by offering three courses (based on dishes she made on the show) for $30 before the show airs that night. (Teranga, 1746 Washington St., Boston, 617-266-0003, terangaboston.com).
This Week’s Edible Events
Monday 6/27 – Summer of Riesling Kickoff
Two guys from NY have made it their mission to get the country drinking Riesling—and Boston is next on their list. Check out the 40+ events taking place around the city including a kickoff party tonight at Drink (10pm-close; 348 Congress St., South Boston. For more info on the Summer of Riesling, go to upstairsonthesquare.com.)
Wednesday 6/29 – Whim, The Restaurant at Smolak Farms
A new weekly dinner series launches at the North Andover Farm. Each week finds a new chef and a different cause: This week, Jason Bond cooks for Faith Kitchen. ($60 per person; 315 South Bradford St., North Andover. For reservations, call 978-682-6332 or visit smolakfarms.com.)
Thursday 6/30 – Meritage Seasonal Sips: Tales from Oregon Pinot Camp
The weekly wine tasting series at Meritage takes a Northwest approach with 3-4 pinot noirs from Oregon. Chef Daniel Bruce and sommelier Betsy Ross lead the discussion and serve up small bites. ($25, 5:30-7 pm. Inside the Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, 617-439-3995, meritagetherestaurant.com.)
Friday 7/1 – Great American Barbecue at 51 Lincoln
Chef Jeff Fournier kicks off a month of American cooking, showcasing ‘cue from Texas, Georgia, Kansas City, and North Carolina. Look for these smoky treats on 51 Lincoln’s lunch and dinner menus throughout the month of July. (51 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, 617-965-3100, 51lincolnnewton.com.)
