Today: Tea and treats on the terrace.
[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]I love happening upon a new spot in the city to enjoy a cup of tea, a chat with friends and a plate full of treats. I also love being surprised. When I think of a Hyatt, I think of that time I had to go to Texas for 24 hours for business. It’s nearly impossible to enjoy room service when the view from that room is a strip club, the freeway, and some sort of tire mega-super-store. Come to think of it, I may have stayed in a Marriott. Either way, the food was essentially poisonous, resulting in a 3lb. weight loss and a strong desire to fly home to Boston and never, ever leave.
It turns out, though, all hotel food need not be judged so harshly. The ever-animated and knowledgeable Chef Kelly Armetta at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Crossing may have changed my impression of hotel breakfasts forever. At the very least, I probably gained back those 3lbs. I joined a lovely group of Boston Brunchers (and our friends from Eversave!) on Sunday morning at the Hyatt’s Terrace at Avenue 1, a fantastic outdoor space in the heart of the city, to sample some of Chef Armetta’s soon-to-launch menu.
The new menu’s focus on locally sourced, seasonal food means that each Hyatt will feature its own, unique items. For $25, we got to sample everything from gluten-free granola to strawberry and almond paste tarts. The more adventurous brunches enjoyed Maine lobster eggs benedict and triple chocolate pancakes.
A little Zen in the city As the terrace started to fill with fellow bloggers, I enjoyed a quick cup of tea and practiced saying non-nerdy things in my head. Which in itself… is nerdy. I’m always a bit nervous when it comes to meeting new people and being out of my element. That’s the trouble with having an over-active imagination; you’re certain you’ll spill orange juice on your dining mate’s camera, or fall over the edge of the terrace and onto a hotel guest. Needless to say, those things never (or rarely) actually happen.
Me and Bridget, up on the roof I was thrilled to see Audrey and Bridget, and to meet so many of the girls I love to tweet (that sounds weird, but I am going with it). I also loved chatting with Lyn and learning more about The Boston Food Swap. In between conversations, I sampled a little bit of (vegetarian) everything, and enjoyed it all.
I love a strawberry or twenty The sun made an appearance, at last, making the morning all the better. Lovely company, delicious food, and some Vitamin D? Not bad at all. The Terrace at Avenue 1 is currently open for drinks and “seasonal bites” from Tuesday through Friday, 5pm to close. I think it might be the perfect place to enjoy a post-work cocktail on a summery evening. I’ve posted a few more photos of the morning on Facebook, if you’re interested.
Many thanks to Boston Brunchers and Chef Armetta for proving me wrong. Brunch at this hotel far exceeded my expectations (and the view wasn’t bad either!). It’s time to rethink hotel food, my friends.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Ooh! Recipes for 12 tomato salads 🙂
- I am dying for the official Warrior Dash photos to be posted!
- Starting 100 pushups (again)
What did you eat of note this weekend? Try anything new?
Comments (12)
Megan
June 27, 2011 at 3:35 pm
This was definitely a lovely brunch. We lucked it with some great weather. It was nice to see you there!
Megan
June 27, 2011 at 3:36 pm
lucked out! Typing too fast. 🙂
Elizabeth
June 27, 2011 at 3:37 pm
🙂 So nice seeing you too, Megan! Such a lovely morning!
Tea and treats on the terrace – On Tap for Today | Boston Brunchers
June 27, 2011 at 3:40 pm
[…] View my full recap at On Tap for Today. […]
alicia
June 27, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Nice to see you again Elizabeth!!
Bridget
June 27, 2011 at 4:12 pm
It was so great to see you and be able to chat all morning! Mmm I want that almond paste pastry right now, looks so good. Can’t wait for August!
Jul
June 27, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Yum!
I spent the weekend in Italy, so there were all kinds of delicious foods on the table.
Daisy
June 27, 2011 at 8:11 pm
fabulous review! so great to meet you.
Michelle
June 28, 2011 at 7:35 am
It was so nice to chat about our obsession with Whitey Bulger! 😉 Hope you have a great week!
Emily @ A Cambridge Story
June 28, 2011 at 8:31 am
Brunch looked great this time around! so glad the weather held out with you all!
Stephanie
June 28, 2011 at 1:12 pm
I am soo joining this. let me know when you are going again!
Boston Food Swap
July 29, 2011 at 2:15 pm
I don’t think I ever said how much fun it was to meet you the first time!! I was just checking out some blogs from Brunchers and TECHmunch (it’s intimidating to have to check MANY at once) and saw your kind words! Your pics are gorgeous!