- Image via Wikipedia
(Disclaimer – I apologize – but not too profusely – for the title of this post. Having been “born bad” – without a sufficiency of better judgement – I just couldn’t resist; yet I’m positive I won’t be the only blogger guilty of being lured to triteness. Glenn.)
Glenn – The subject line of Katrin’s email was “Next new place”. Opening it up, the text was brief “The Gallows another gastropub in South End”. I had recently received a Zagat email about the place and knew that the people who did The Biltmore, the original gastropub in the Western Suburbs, were behind the project. Gastropub, bistro, brasserie, tavern - whatever – I thought the concept bordered on being overworked. However, as the recession continues – and continues – the idea of mixing good cocktails and comfort food continues to have appeal. We’ve been to some of the best and most inspired – a “tavern” in a boutique hotel – and the not so good and lacklustre – a “bistro” in a clothing store on the waterfont. So, why not try another? And they also serve up that somewhat minor food trend – poutine – straight from the canon of French-Canadian cookery.
Katrin - The interior is simple but well-designed with eye-catching design details. Plus looking out to the street from the bar area, the expanse of windows are filled with the Cathedral of the Holy Cross across the street. We both started with cocktails; Glenn had the “hysteria-inducing” Elisabeth Aplegate, which featured gin, absinthe, and cucumber puree, while I chose the Angel’s Share, named for the wine that evaporates during aging. Both were good starters, before the food and wine. The wine list is well-selected and fairly priced, with enough options to keep both of our interests.
Glenn – I have to say I really admired the design and typography of the menu. I know that stylistically it references the historic nature of the Sound End site where The Gallows sits – that of the colonial hanging ground of Boston on the Washington St. neck – but I found it well done. And what a menu! We finally picked 5 items – 2 from the “hors d’oeuvres” section, 1 from the “meats section”, 1 from the “poutine” section and 1 from the “mains”.
Katrin - The menu presented somewhat of a quandry, offering too many dishes that both of us wanted to try. In the end our five items were a bit too much food, though everything was excellent. Our hors d’oeuvres were a satisfying variety of tastes and textures. I was still thinking about the Buffalo Chicken Livers today and how perfectly spicy and delicately crispy they were. The firm Bourbon pickled peaches were still firm and subtley sweet and sour. We shared the traditional poutine and the Meyer Ranch Brisket, both of which were generous portions and would have been perfect on a chilly fall evening.
Glenn – Without a doubt, the Buffalo Chicken Livers were my favorite. Why hadn’t I seen these before? I also liked the pork terrine – well seasoned and presented and so reasonably priced. I like this trend that we’ve been seeing of house-made charcuterie. The poutine was fine but as I said earlier, I think of this as a somewhat minor trend.
Katrin – In closing, The Gallows was a delightful dining experience – the setting, the service, and the food. I am very much looking forward to returning and trying some of the other offerings, especially the platters. Great addition to the growing list of gastropubs in Boston and to the South End.
