An Elastic Waistband Can Serve You Well

There are but a few occassions in which it is acceptable to overindulge in food.  Generally speaking, these times are holidays and when celebrating some sort of accomplishment (i.e. a graduation, birthday, anniversary, running a marathon, etc...). There is something about celebrating that lends to eating a bit beyond what one should consume in one sitting.  Perhaps it the relaxed atmosphere surrounding the gathering. 

The husband and I recently celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary and did what we normally do while celebrating this milestone, we went big.  Sometimes, going big for the anniversary dinner means splurging on a tasting menu, or going someplace that is supposed to be "romantic".  This year, due to a big vacation, buying a house, and then another vacation, we decided to go lighter on the wallets, but bigger on the food that was to be consumed. 

We recently moved to the 'burbs and were excited to try a restaurant where one parks themselves.  Imagine that, no city restaurant with valet parking!  We opted to try Scarlett Oak Tavern in Hingham, MA.  Normally, we don't go to steakhouses for dinner, but this was a nice establishment with a great menu, also rated a Best of Boston in Boston Magazine in 2008. 

We were not disappointed with our selection.  The mood was lively and not quiet in this huge restaurant located in a 250 year old colonial house.  It was perfect for what we wanted.  Sometimes, it is not fun to be in a super quiet restuarant...BORING. 

Prior to our appetizer, the bread basket arrived at the table.  Lots of people suggest not eating the bread as it fills you up and leaves no room for dinner.  Those people would lose out at this dining establishment.  The basket had a variety of sourdough, cranberry bread, and cornbread.  All were wonderful, but the cornbread really struck out onto its own.  It was perfectly moist and sweet. 

From the menu, we selected to start with the tuna and golden beet carpaccio which was served with a small arugla salad.  Normally, I am not a fan of beets, but these were sliced as thin as paper and the tuna that sat on top was spectacular. 

The husband chose to have the steak tips for his dinner.  With his steak came the choice of two sides.  He is still in love with me as he sacrificed having baked beans so that I could have onion rings.  His other choice was the macaroni and cheese.  His steak tips were wonderful, though they may have been slightly overcooked.  The onion rings had a perfect golden crust and the right amount of salt.  The macaroni and cheese was a little disappointing, they didn't taste as though they had much flavor.  Then again, earlier in the week I made my classic macaroni and cheese and had been eating it all week long. 

I selected to try the sirloin special of the evening.  It was dusted with porcini mushrooms and topped with blue cheese.  After the blue cheese was added on top, the steak was thrown in the broiler until the cheese started to melt.  This was served with horseradish mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.  It was a wonderful choice.  Our server and the the runner who brought out the food were raving about it and saying that I would not be disappointed.  The steak was also brushed with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  The cheese and the vinegar created a harmonious balance of flavors that I can only replicate in my dreams. 

One should have stopped eating after the entrees were finished, but we each have a sweet tooth and can rarely turn down dessert.  I am glad that we have this weakness as the desserts were fabulous.  The husband selected the S'mores tart and I chose the carrot cake.  The tart was a graham cracker crust with tiny marshmellows drizzled with chocolate on top.  Um, awesome.  The carrot cake was the size of a cupcake with a generous amount of cream cheese icing.  Perfect!

I highly recommend a visit to Scarlett Oak Tavern.  The prices are great, the atmosphere is lively, and the service was fantastic.  Our server sent us home with a bit more cornbread.  Love her!