Trendy Spot - Boston / South Shore?

[Ali G]

Going the gift card route for Christmas this year and looking for some ideas for one couple in particular. They live in Quincy, but I'm sure they would travel a bit. I know they go out for brunch a lot and like cool / trendy spots. I'm out of the loop these days, so I don't know what's good / hot. These are guys in their late 40's / early 50's, so not trendy in the just-out-of-college sense. A place for a good cocktail or wine would be a plus.

[Ali G]

Thanks for all the replies. This gives me some good options to check out. I'll take a look at the menus tonight!

[C. Hamster]

Alba is decidedly not "trendy" but I like the place.

We recently had a fabulous experience at Steel and Rye in Milton (lower mills). Very trendy, cool space, good food, interesting cocktails. Parking is sort of a pain but I highly recommend it.

[CocoDan]

C-Ham, What did you try there? Was thinking of giving it a shot tonight. Street parking?
CocoDan

[C. Hamster]

Pickled Quail Eggs – Beet, Sea Salt $3
Ham Salad – Meg’s Pumpernickel, Mustard $5

Both very good. The ham salad is more like homemade deviled ham and comes in a little glass jar.

Polenta – Beef Ragout, Fresh Farmer’s Cheese

The "ragout" was chopped up meatballs. I dont recommend

A frisee and feta salad that was excellent

The Burger – Paul Strobel Farm Beef, Aged Vermont Cheddar, Potato Chips, S&R Steak Sauce, Meg’s Brioche Buns $15

Brioche buns make me want to pull my eyeballs out but the burger was very good and so were the chips. I dont think they do fries. I liked the sauce, DC hated it.

We ate at the bar and I had a Gin Fizz and a couple of beers.

The space is very interesting and the bartenders were terrirfic.

PARKING: They have a lot but it is small. There were no spaces when we arrived. The intersection its in has 1 hour parking and we got a space thinking we'd just have a drink and leave but were shood away by the pizza parlor guy who said he'd call the police if we parked there. Since he clearly was very angry we decided to leave but then spotted a space in the lot. I havent been able to explore more parking options. I can take the trolly there from my house though.

Heres the emnu: http://steelandrye.com/?page_id=2373

[CocoDan]

The pizza parlor guy shood you away?????????
C.

[C. Hamster]

Indeed ... He looked like a very loose cannon

[libertywharf]

Has alba done recent renovations? Last time there for me was two years ago. The rugs were in need of replacement and the bathroom was filthy. Great bar and drinks but the food was average.

[CocoDan]

Alba has added a new dining room since they took over the Thai restaurant next door. New carpet and new rest room. They now offer dry age steaks. Have heard good things about them. I think they do a pretty good job with an unimaginative menu. Decent bartending. Very good wine list.
enjoy,
CocoDan

[foodieX2]

Of course if "trendy" is the operative word you could do Alma Nove. Personally for the $& I would do Tosca over them but the food is passable and they have good though expensive cocktails. Plus you get the big "rush" among many of the customers wondering if the big guy will show up.

[Gabatta]

I don't know if it qualifies as trendy, but I recently was surprised to have a steak at Alba in Quincy which rivaled anything available in Boston. They also have a strong wine list.

[CocoDan]

A gift card from Tosca in Hingham has always been well received. They have all the elements for an enjoyable evening of dining out.
Enjoy,
Cocodan

[libertywharf]

Yea, tosca's is good but has been there forever. Chances are your friends have been there.
Look into something at patriots place. Either CBS scene for the ultimate sports junkie or tosca's. I went to Tavolino the other night and would go back.

[foodieX2]

Tosca is an excellent choice. As is Square Cafe, also in Hingham.

If they like Vietnamese La Dalat in Hull is nice. Good wine list, nice bar area too.