Good Eats: Masa

It's Restaurant Week here in Boston and last night we visited Masa in the South End. Brig had heard good things about this place (and/or it was the closest option to her office) so we made after-work reservations. Turns out, 6:00 reservations are only needed on New Years Eve and Valentine's Day (Thanks, Garry Marshall!). There were a few people sitting at the bar but the dining room was barren. There were only two other couples seated when we arrived. (Is 6:00 really that early? Am I old?)

The hostess took our coats and guided us to our booth. The first thing she said was "Watch out for the lip." Brig figured this meant there was a small step up to the table. Alas, she was caught off guard when she slammed her hip into what I can only describe as something like an armrest on the end of the booth seat. These "decorative" booths sure are nice but they're not practical in the least. There is no room between the table and the lip to casually slide into your seat so instead you look ridiculous trying to slowly guide your body in without smashing into anything.

Once finally (awkwardly) seated our server greets himself and asks if we want some Pellegrino (They have bottles on every table). We say no and then start a debate over how things get carbonated (It's science). When he comes back to take our order Brig immediately tells him not to ask for our dessert selections as she has an unsatisfiable craving for anything sweet and how can she ever choose just one she's not ready yet.

We both order their house caesar salad (blue corn tortilla chips instead of croutons) while Brig gets the roasted yellow pepper and I have the young chicken (menu). I didn't for one moment consider why they felt the need to describe my chicken as "young" but needless to say I was surprised when I was served a full rotisserie chicken. This wasn't your run of the mill supermarket chicken but it was literally a small chicken. Long story short, I should have ordered the steak frites.

We make it to dessert and Brig has her choice ready: banana bread pudding. I chose the chocolate truffle tamale. This was the best choice of the night. One of the greatest desserts I've ever had and Brig was so jealous that even after I let her try a bite she kept trying to steal more. That's so unlike her.