Tasting Menu – Not Your Average Joe’s – Spring 2013 – review
May 22, 2013
One of the great benefits of being a travel and food writer is that when new seasons roll around, I get to visit restaurants to sample their new menu offerings. That was the case last night when the fine folks at Not Your Average Joe’s invited me and a guest to try out some new food.
Thanks right off the top to the Watertown store’s chef Mark Hallett and general manager Ralph Vitiello. They made a fun evening more special with a bunch of tasty food and good conversation. I was also tickled (and thankful) that they let me taste one of their new cocktails, too.
What was on my plate? Here’s a photo of the entire menu.
Of the two new drinks, I only tried the Pisco Sour. And from the food menu, we actually had every item and three dessert items that weren’t listed.
So, here are the photos of all the food with my captions… I’d love to hear your questions or comments. NYAJoe’s is one of my favorites already, but it’s night like this one that drives home how much they really understand their core customer – and the expertise they use in preparing their cuisine.
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- Cisco Grey Lady
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- My signature beverage. A sample of the Pisco.
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- Neighbors were taking photos of their food, too.
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- Creme Brulee Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Lava Cake. Yum.
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- The Chicken Caprese was great. Little mozzarella balls were great too. Tomatoes were perfect.
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- Nice flavor and texture. Rice was done perfectly. Turkey Kabobs…can also be put on salads if you so choose.
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- Loved this dish. Only wish the pretzels were soft instead of crunchy.
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- I liked the taste of this a lot. Some folks thought the lemon was prevalent, but I really enjoy citrus.
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- The standard fan favorite at Not Your Average Joe’s – the bread before the meal.
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- The Creme Brulee Cheescake at NYAJoe’s. Good taste and consistency. Lighting was a bit wonky. I assure you it was less yellow.
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- The sign on the back side of the Watertown Not Your Average Joe’s. There’s a cool patio here for when it’s warmer and not raining.
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- Seared scallops. A good dish, nicely balanced and cooked. Pesto was interesting and the edamame was a nice touch.
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- The shrimp fettuccine was really tasty. The noodles were done perfectly.
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- Social media played a role at the NYAJoe’s tasting dinner. My iphone and photo is featured here.
I had a great evening last night. They have lots of locations and if you do social, you can follow NYAJoe’s on Twitter via this link. You can follow me on Twitter or FB or leave a note in the comments right here on my site. Enjoy!
