The Painted Burro in Somerville

Davis Square is probably one of my favorite neighborhoods in Somerville, and we're lucky to live right outside of it. Davis is full of great craft beer, delicious food, and even has a movie theatre where you can drink beer while watching a film. Yeah, Davis is pretty much the coolest.

One of Z and I's favorite restaurants in Davis is The Painted Burro (brought to you by the same folks behind Posto and the soon-to-be Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar). The Painted Burro consistently has delicious, innovative Mexican food and fantastic margaritas, which both pair well with the fun atmosphere and the friendly waitstaff. (Remember when I helped judge their Guac Off?).

I returned to The Painted Burro on a recent humid night for drinks and dinner, and the Pineapple Habanero margarita was an ideal way to kick off the evening. (I didn't mark down the price, but it's probably around $10-$11).

This refreshing margarita on the rocks was slightly sweet with a kick of subtle spice. It really hit the spot on such a hot evening. 

A meal at The Painted Burro always begins with complimentary chips and salsa, but I highly recommend ordering some Mango Guacamole ($10) to help use up your chips with. 

This fun take on traditional guacamole adds juicy mango and serrano chile to the mix for a sweet-and-spicy flavor. The guac was obviously fresh, and borderline addicting (as most guacs are).

Another appetizer worth getting here is the "Cholo" Corn Cob ($6).

Perfectly split between three people, the grilled corn is smothered in garlic mojo mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and cayenne. I loved the flavors in this corn, and the cayenne was present without being overwhelmingly fiery. The corn's definitely messy to eat, but isn't that the fun of eating corn on the cob anyway?

For our entrees, everyone at the table ordered tacos, and I went with the one vegetarian taco option (that's on the summer menu): Grilled Summer Squash ($7).

The summer squash tacos were piled high with fire-roasted tomato salsa, basil puree, and cotija cheese. I originally thought a summer squash taco sounded kind of boring, but the abundant, flavorful toppings really made this taco delicious and surprisingly filling. 

The Painted Burro also has a few fish tacos on their menu right now, which always remind me of summer. One of my dining companions ordered the Mahi Mahi a la Plancha taco ($7.50), served with avocado, jicama, pineapple and serrano salsa, and frisee, and she highly recommended it.

Overall, I had another great meal at The Painted Burro, and I love how they tweak their menus with the seasons (especially considering how often I go there). If you haven't been yet, I definitely recommend checking them out for the consistently good food, strong drinks, and inviting atmosphere. (They also apparently have a great brunch, which I need to check out soon).

What's one of your go-to restaurants? 

This meal was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Drink This: Night Shift Brewing Viva Habanera

Two things I love about living in Somerville/the Boston area: Night Shift beer and The Painted Burro.

Z and I have become regulars at Night Shift's tap room in Everett, and we've more recently discovered the beauty that is The Painted Burro. This Davis Square gem serves up some delicious Mexican food, with reasonable prices and friendly service to boot.

Last weekend, I got to combine both of my local loves at The Painted Burro's 2nd Annual Guac Off, where I was one of three judges (along with Jen Che of Tiny Urban Kitchen and Jay McKenzie, Somerville firefighter and winner of The Painted Burro’s Burro Churro Challenge). I'm the dorky one in the glasses in the picture below.

Source: Marlo Marketing/Communications

During the Guac Off, we had to sample 12 different types of guacamole - the competitors really made some interesting guac creations. Some had booze in them, others had fruit, and one had ghost peppers - grown right in the competitor's backyard. They were all really interesting and creative, but the winning guac went to Somerville local Issac Hendrickson (pictured above, with the giant check). Isaac walked away with a $150 gift card to The Painted Burro, as well as the honor of having his recipe for Granada Guacamole with pomegranate seeds featured on the restaurant’s menu.

While I was eating my body weight in guac, I enjoyed one of my favorite brews to order when I'm at The Painted Burro (and Night Shift's brewery): Viva Habanera.

Night Shift's Viva Habanera is just the right combination of sweet and spicy. This rye ale is brewed with agave nectar, which helps to tame down the spice from the habanero peppers that this beer's aged on. The habanero peppers are present in the back of your throat, but not overwhelmingly fiery, which makes this beer easily drinkable and friendly with food. Especially Mexican food - I love ordering a glass of this and sipping it alongside nachos, tacos, and/or guacamole (clearly).

Viva Habanera is available year-round (and at many local liquor stores), but if you go to the brewery, ask to get it combined with Night Shift's Taza Stout. It's like a rich and delicious chocolate-pepper party in your mouth. 

Have you tried any great beers lately? 

The Painted Burro in Davis Square

Ever since the Boston Brunchers held a brunch at The Painted Burro months ago, I've been dying to check this place out. One of the newer additions to Davis Square, this restaurant - whose menu showcases the diverse flavors of Latin America - has been buzzed about since it opened its doors.

Z and I tried on a previous occasion to get table here on a Friday night, and we were told there was a two-hour wait. This time, we planned ahead and made reservations on OpenTable. 

As soon as we were seated in the busy restaurant (they originally sat us right next to the kitchen doors, so we asked if we could relocate, which they accommodated), we were given complimentary chips and salsa. (Side note: Please excuse the heinous photos throughout this post. Got to love dim lighting!).

Z and I both adored the salsa. It was fresh, flavorful, and had just the right kick of spice.

I washed my chips and salsa down with a Night Shift Viva Habanera ($7).

The Painted Burro doesn't have a ton of vegetarian-friendly options, but they do have some - and I can wholeheartedly appreciate their devotion to seasonal and local ingredients. I ended up ordering the Squash Tacos (two for $12 - the menu only lists one for $6), and Z went with the El Campenchano Torta ($11).

My tacos were filled with roasted local squash and collard greens, an inventive and healthy combination I appreciated. Atop the vegetables were spiced pepitas and cotija, and on the side was a zesty coleslaw that was studded with minced jalapenos.

Z's torta was our favorite of the evening. Piled high with grilled portabello, red peppers, charred onions, black bean puree, Oaxaca cheese, and roasted garlic mayo, this was one flavorful and filling sandwich. I also loved how the crispy roll held all of those ingredients together well, so you weren't left with a mess on your lap after one bite.

Overall, we had a great meal at The Painted Burro, and I do plan to return to try one of their margaritas (the restaurant offers over 100 craft tequilas). I am also excited to check them out for brunch - I've been told their Iced Coffee Horchata ($6) is incredible.

Have you checked out any new (to you) restaurants lately?

Brunch at Five Horses Tavern

I'm a big fan of Five Horses Tavern in Davis Square (rumor has it they're expanding to the South End, too). The food is always inventive and delicious, the vegetarian options are plentiful, and the draft beer selection is top notch. However, I had only been for dinner before last weekend when we decided to use my Living Social coupon on Five Horse's newer brunch menu.

Five Horses serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu is chocked full of sweet and savory breakfast and lunch items, as well as several brunch-approved cocktails (their regular beer/drink list is also available). Although Five Horses offers their "Bloody Three Ways" (meaning, you can get a bloody mary with vodka, gin or bourbon), I stuck with the traditional vodka bloody mary ($8).

Made with Five Horse's own house mix, this bloody mary was packed with tomato and horseradish flavor, without being overly spicy. Fresh lemon and lime rinds were found at the bottom of the beverage, which gave the liquid an extra refreshing kick. And any bloody mary garnished with plump, juicy olives is a winner in my book.

I'll spare you the photos of the Donut Holes ($6) we shared amongst the table (those suckers aren't pretty to photograph), but they were definitely tasty, and perfect for sharing amongst five people. The doughnuts are made with a house apple cinnamon dough, and chunks of fresh apple were apparent in each bite. A maple glaze was served on the side for necessary indulging.

After kicking back a few doughnut holes, I decided to get one of the lighter entree options: The Tavern Breakfast ($10), which came with two eggs, hash browns, fresh fruit, and your choice of toast (I ordered seven grain toast). 

I ordered my eggs sunny side up, and they were perfectly runny. The thick, slightly overburnt toast helped to sop up the luxurious yolks. The hash browns were a little odd, as I am an Irish girl who likes my potatoes "meaty" - but these hasbrowns were thin and crispy enough that I think they'd be best as a garnish on soup versus a side dish. Regardless, the meal was just what I wanted in terms of not leaving the restaurant insanely full, and the fruit made me feel like I started the day with a good, healthy decision. (Side note: Although this menu item isn't marked as "vegetarian" on Five Horses' menu, it is!)

Overall, our brunch experience at Five Horses was a successful one, and I'm eager to go back to try their Chimichanga ($10)..."goat cheese sour cream" hasn't left my mind since we left the restaurant last weekend.

Today's question: Bloody mary or mimosa?

Amsterdam Falafelshop in Davis Square

Last weekend, I checked out the new Amsterdam Falafelshop in Davis Square...twice.

This shiny new eatery - located right next to Diva Indian Bistro - is a falafel lover's dream. Basically, you start with your choice of three or five falafels, in a wheat or white pita (they also have salad options). The falafel are fried-to-order, and although we did not have to wait long, busier times (i.e., prime lunch or dinner time) might require you to wait a little bit longer. But trust me when I say, it's worth it.

Once you pick your sandwich size, you are free to pile your pita high with Amsterdam's wide array of toppings and sauces. On our first visit, I smothered mine in tahini sauce, Thai chili sauce, coleslaw, and pickles. We visited again the next day, and their toppings had changed a bit - something that delighted me, as it immediately inspired me to visit this shop a third time in the near future. Change can be good, people!

Although my topping arrangements need some work, the falafel were perfectly fried and perfectly seasoned, and the toppings were obviously fresh (something that can be difficult with a do-it-yourself toppings bar). The pita also tasted fresh and homemade, and was able to stay strong amidst the heavy falafel and toppings.

I didn't jot down the actual prices for my sandwiches, but I do remember my and Z's meals were affordable (especially given the massive amount of toppings we each had).

If you haven't had a chance to check out Amsterdam Falafelshop yet, I highly suggest you do. The affordability, creativity and downright quality of the food is worth the trip to Davis Square.

$5 Wine and Discounted Pies at Pizzeria Posto

I love local restaurants with quality food, a passion for local produce/ingredients, and a great atmosphere - with plenty of vegetarian options. I dined at one such establishment last night in Davis Square: Pizzeria Posto.

I met my friend Julie for some long overdue dinner and drinks. On this particular Monday night, Pizzeria Posto had a 20 minute wait (if that doesn't speak to the food/service, I don't know what will). We opted to sit at the bar, and took advantage of Posto's Blizzard Menu Mondays. Now through the end of winter, Blizzard Menu Mondays offers economical diners any of Posto's wood-fired pizzas for $9.95, and your choice of Chianti or Orvieto for $5 a glass. Julie and I both sipped on two Chiantis over the course of the night (two for the price of one!), and also split an appetizer and a pizza. Our appetizer: Rosemary Sea Salt Bread ($2.50).

The Rosemary Sea Salt Bread is baked to order, and served with Posto's chili pepper oil. The oil packed a serious - yet comfortable - kick, and paired beautifully with the salty, airy bread. This was the perfect light appetizer to split between two people, without filling ourselves up before the main course. 

The pizza we decided to split was the Mushroom (originally $16.50), topped with asiago, parmesan, homemade fior di latte, sliced garlic, oregano, arugula and lemon zest. 

Seasonal, mostly local pizza toppings and ingredients go a long, long way. This pie - which gave us both two generous slices - was satisfying, yet light and abundant with fresh flavors. The crust was also wonderfully thin, with subtle charcoal marks from the wood fire oven. The crust was even better dipped into the chili pepper oil, as an FYI.

Our experience at Posto was a very successful one. The service was friendly, albeit clumsy at times - there were several spills and dropped glasses along the way - the food was seasonal, fresh and flavorful, and the atmosphere was cozy - perfect for a girls' night out or a romantic dinner spot. 

Have you ever been to Posto? What's your review?

Pet Peeves and Parathas at Diva Indian Bistro

Earlier this week, Z and I tried using one of our Groupons at Red Bones - which was as packed as a sardine can - so we used another one of our Groupons right up the street at Diva Indian Bistro.

We were both excited to try Diva's food, but had both read pretty negative reviews about their service. I walked in expecting the best, however, as to not let other people's opinions put a damper on my experience.

Upon walking in, the host oddly sat us next to one of the only other tables in the place with patrons at it. Z asked if we could have a booth, on the opposite side of the restaurant, and the host led us to our booth silently.

We easily shook off this instance, and ordered a round of beers. Much to our disappointment, Diva was out of just about every beer on their menu, including the Indian varieties. Without much choice, I ordered a Harpoon IPA and Z ordered a Sam Adams lager.

For our meal,  Z and I split three plates, including the Diva Vegetarian Platter ($8.95), Masala Dosa ($11.95), and Punjabi Paratha ($2.95).

The presentation for the vegetarian platter was sad, but everything on the plate was seasoned beautifully and cooked perfectly. The platter included vegetable pakoras, samosa, tikki and cheese pakora, with two different kinds of sauces for dipping. 

There's no better way to say this: I heart masala dosa. I mean, what's better than spicy, soft potatoes and onions wrapped in a light, airy crepe? Diva's version could feed an army, too, and we asked for it extra spicy - which is what we got. Z, who studied abroad in India during college, even commented that Diva's masala dosa was the closest to authentic that he's had in Boston. Well done, Diva. 

Since we were on a carb rampage this particular evening, the Punjabi Parathas totally hit the spot. Multi-layered, whole wheat bread cooked with butter on a griddle, these babies tasted as comforting and delicious as they sound. We asked our waiter if we could have some dipping sauces for our parathas, and he gladly obliged, which made them that much tastier. 

Our dinner at Diva was definitely a wonderful experience, and I was pleasantly surprised at the diverse, authentic Indian options on their menu - but some aspects of the restaurant could use a little work. The first beer glass I was given, for instance, looked like it had never been cleaned, and I think the presentation for our vegetable platter could have been much more impressive.

Have you ever dined at Diva? What's your review?