I Fell for Catalyst

On Monday evening, Z and I finally got a chance to try out Catalyst in Kendall Square. We knew it wouldn’t be a cheap meal, but we had heard so many good things about this restaurant that we assumed it was worth the splurge.

We assumed correctly.

It was a beautiful evening, so we opted to sit outside on the patio. Our attentive waitress came up to us almost immediately – a little too soon, actually – as we had to ask her for a few additional minutes to peruse the drink menu. Once she returned, I went with a glass of pinot grigio ($9), and Z went with the Lexington Brewing Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale ($7).

While we sipped our drinks, we contemplated what to order – Catalyst had a surprising amount of vegetarian options on their menu (we weren’t expecting to find as much as we did). After some deliberation, we decided to start with the cheese plate ($15), which is pricey, but we will always pay for good, quality cheese.

I loved how Catalyst’s cheese place came with just enough crusty bread and garnishes, including what we think were thinly-sliced plums, as well as candied pecans.

For my entrée, I went with the Israeli couscous-stuffed eggplant ($22) (Catalyst’s menu changes with the seasons, thanks to the focus they place on locally-grown, organic produce and farm-raised food. With that being said, I didn’t write down the actual name of this dish, but it’s currently on the menu!).

Z went with the smaller-portion of the zucchini ravioli (five raviolis for $10; large portion, 10 raviolis, is $20), as well as the Marinated Beet Salad, made with local burrata, watercress, and pistachio vinaigrette ($9).

Each plate was presented beautifully, and the best word to describe the beet salad is “whimsical.” Several of the beets were prepared differently than the others (one reminded us of a tuna tartare), which worked, although it seemed a bit random. My Israeli couscous dish was flavored perfectly, too – lots of smoky cumin and coriander enveloped this surprisingly light dish. I would have licked my plate clean if I didn’t fill up on cheese beforehand.

Our meal at Catalyst included delicious, local food, attentive service and lovely libations. We will definitely visit this recent Kendall Square addition again soon!

Oh, and if you’re wondering how “I fell for Catalyst”…on the way home, my bike flipped over – and so did I – which explains why I’ve been gimping around for the last few days.

Note to self: Don’t wear flip flops when biking, no matter how close to home you are.

 

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