Checking out hotel restaurants is a rare thing I do, but I’m noticing as time passes, I’m getting more into it. Something about the idea of dining with hotel guest seems almost intrusive since I come in just walking off the street. But with that negative invisible line null and void I made my way to Nubar, adjacent to the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Harvard Square.
Opened in April 2011, Nubar puts a spin on American cuisine while obtaining a chic, contemporary lounge appearance. As their site states, “Nubar’s Chef’s (Executive Chef Thomas Connaughton and Chef de Cuisine William Flumerfelt) combines a modern approach applied to classic dishes.” With an affordable menu (priced between 10 and 30 dollars) this restaurant allows patrons to dine in style without blowing the bank.
Although I stopped by for dinner the location is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. I started off with the Taleggio Polenta with Wilted Baby Spinach and a Crispy Poached Egg followed by Pat’s Littleneck Clam Roast, which came with Baby Shrimp, Toasted Angel Hair, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes, Bacon, and Garlic in White Wine. Is your mouth starting to water?
As I waited for my drink and app to arrive I snacked on the tasty complimentary herb-based bread with creamy butter. I never had such bread before a meal and was quite impressed with the culinary teams approach to the typical dinner bread.
My whistle wetter for the evening was the Tru Gin Horse (say that FAST! lol) and I sampled the Absinthe Minded. I got the Tru gin mainly because of the ingredients, which made me happy: Tru Organic Gin, Apple Cider, Muddled Apple, Rosemary, and Thyme. It was like a manly drink made for ladies who like bite! Very good. The Absinthe contained Tito’s Vodka, Clandestine Absinthe, Fruitlab Jasmine Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Lemon and Lime. Though I’m not a big fan of absinthe-based drinks (mainly because I don’t enjoy licorice) this one was smooth. I could see myself having another in the hot months of August while in the city.
Out in no time was my polenta (cornmeal boiled into a porridge then baked, fried or grilled). This was, by far the BEST polenta I have EVER tasted!!! So glad the host recommended it! I LOVED the fact that it wasn’t heavy. I’ve had polenta before as a starter and it was too dense. To me that makes no sense, I mean why would you want to full up in the start of the meal? The poached egg added to the baked lightness. I could have eaten 2 of those polentas! Nice size to share and conquerable for one. I would recommend the Truffle Fries for those not interest in the Italian cuisine. They’re crispy and lightly sprinkled with Parmesan.
Completing my memorable noshing was Pat’s Littleneck Clam Roast. Wow. It wasn’t just good that night but it was good as leftovers the following day. My shrimp and clams were tender, my angel was pleasing both toasted and cooked, and the random bacon bites were superb. I must go back whenever I’m in the area again and again!
Maybe next time I visit I’ll have some dessert. I’m always up for trying a good cannoli or to try their Pumpkin Spiced Cheese Cake.
Xo.
Nubar at the Commander
16 Garden St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.234.1365
PlaneTastebuds 