BY RITCHEY HOWE
Alden and Harlow
There’s a new “best restaurant” in The Square. This restaurant has been raved about by Boston Magazine, Boston Globe, Tasting Table, and more recently…myself. ‘Alden and Harlow’ is located beneath the Brattle Street Theatre and is wonderfully hidden from the swarms of tourists adorned with Harvard swag. In order to enjoy the exotic and delicious food pairings and cocktails, you need to descend.
I arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before my date, and was pleasantly surprised to see many 20-somethings swarmed around the bar with colorful drinks in various shapes of glasses. As Kanye West played through the speakers, I ordered a “Kon Tiki Mai Tai” with Rum, Ginger, Honey, Orange and Lime, Absinthe and Ango. My date complained that he always orders the girly cocktails so he went with the masculine-sounding “Spanish Armada” (Brandy, Fig Honey, Lemon, House Bitters). Unfortunately for his masculinity it came in a martini glass, but more importantly, it still tasted delicious.
Upon sitting, the menu seemed overwhelming. Burrata and pine nut granola? Lamb sirloin with cocoa rub? I never enjoy when an entrée appears to have too many ingredients within it. Yes, I like burrata and yes I like granola…but together? Rest assured, Chef Michael Scelfo does no wrong.
On the advice that we get five items between two people, my hungry date and I decided to order six. My favorite dish was probably the Charred Broccoli, Squash Hummus, Montasio and Cashew Crumble. Even meat-lovers (like my date) loved it. We also ordered lobster and tamale toast with basil and corn, corn pancakes, and chicken nuggets with honey, all of which were unusual, surprising, but mostly delectable. I was least impressed with the kale salad — it appeared simply as a handful of kale tossed in a creamy dressing. Although I am an avid kale fan, I was disappointed with this dish in comparison to the other creative plates.
Although you may be full for dessert, do not skimp out. We ordered the Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding (with ice cream of course) that came out in a hot stone plate. The warmth of the chocolate bread quickly melts the vanilla ice cream into a pool of deliciousness. Is this making you hungry yet?
With $8-$15 entrees, and $12 drinks, this restaurant is great to go with a group of friends to share various plates and beverages. The dim lighting, contemporary music, and young crowd will not fail to please.
Ritchey Howe ’17 (ritcheyhowe@college.harvard.edu) looks forward to the next restaurant.