I would just like to start this blog by letting you all know I’m writing from a few thousand feet above the earth.. Yes dedicated readers, I’m finally flying to a much needed escape in Cabo!! I think right now we’re somewhere over Texas? So as my dear friend Fiona reads I thought I’d share one of my recent food escapades!
I have a new dining companion who shares my interest in trying new spots.. Whether they’re brand new and still working out the kinks or have been on the block as long as J Lo, it doesn’t matter.. This chap likes food too… Thank God! This particular evening I let him choose between a few, the choices were The Buttery or Row 34. I’ve been toThe Buttery and swore id return so I was far from disappointed when it was designated as the evening’s location. I also found thus to be the perfect opportunity to debut my new cowl neck, cable knit sweater.. Perfect for the cold, snowy night!
We arrived a bit later, which was perfect as The Buttery is quite small and can be challenging to acquire a table. And even though it was quiet by the time we got there we opted for seats at the bar. The whole feel at The a Buttery is just comfort, you feel it from the moment you walk in to the moment the door swings closed on your departure. The bartender was so warm and welcoming, and he made me one hell of a Manhattan while also schooling me on some lesser known bourbons (my fave of the brown liquors).
After a somewhat lengthy perusing of the menu, choices were made. We’d start out with the Devils on Horseback, I’d have the salmon, and my dining companion would have the chicken Parmesan. The tasty little devils came out first, piping hot with a side of romesco. They were sheer perfection, the absolute perfect mix of sweetness from the dates, and salty smokiness from the bacon enveloping them in love (it IS Valentine’s week!!!). I tried one small bite with the romesco and didn’t touch it again. Don’t get me wrong, it was lovely, but the flavor profile without it was perfection.
Following after come the entrees, the chicken parm arrived thick cut and precisely coated under mozzarella sliced thin enough not to be overwhelming but thick enough to be dangerously wonderful. The plate came with the chicken resting on a plate of angel hair lightly dressed in a wonderfully flavorful red sauce. I stole a bit, maybe two, and let me tell you.. It rivals any chicken parm I’ve had in Boston’sNorth End. Ok, now we can talk about me! I had previously had the salmon at The a Buttery and it was, hands down, one of the most enjoyable pieces if fish I’ve ever had.. This was no different. While the last plate was accompanied by baby squash and zucchini, this was served alongside kale and parsnip purée and a recent change now has the crispy skin left on… Consider yourself enticed! The kale was sautéed and wilted to the right level, with the right amount of vinegar and garlic. And the parsnip purée? Let me just say, it was heaven on the palate. It had just the right amount of sweetness to balance the vinegar in the kale but without being overpowering on the plate. And finally welcome to the mainstay.. The salmon. Expertly cooked, light on the salt and pepper to give it that little kick of flavor, prepared at just the right temperature so the the ends are a little more well done but the inside has the right balance of semi-rare. But I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t tell you about the incredibly crispy skin that really completed the dish and gave it a little umpf of salt.
While usually my dinners end here, there’s been a recent trend of dessert.. So we opted for the flourless chocolate cake with a passion fruit sauce. Little known factoid about me, I have a mild obsession with passion fruit. This dessert did not disappoint. The portion was perfect off sharing, and the tartness of the passion fruit was a wonderful compliment to the chocolate.
All in all The Buttery brought it in my second visit, and I highly recommend you all make a cameo there as we’ll!

Bon appetit (or however they say it in Mexico)!