Each Friday, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
The Hot Five is a weekly feature created by the Heavy Table and supported by Shepherd Song Farm.
Pork Ramen at Meritage
It’s a shame ramen isn’t on the permanent menu at Meritage because this is the best we’ve had around here. This dish, part of the restaurant’s Japan installment in its World Tour series, featured house-made noodles with great al dente texture; a really rich, lovely broth with supreme depth of flavor; tender pork belly; and tenderloin. Japan has sadly concluded, but next week (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) is India, followed by China (Feb. 7-9), Italy (Feb. 21-23), Greece (Feb. 28-Mar. 2), and Morocco (Mar. 7-9).
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]
Wood-Grilled Oysters at Red Rabbit
The wood-grilled oysters at Red Rabbit are plump and tender and swimming in a scallion butter that’s both rich and tangy. Topped with herbs and Parmesan, and served on freshly toasted crostini so you don’t have to waste a single drop of the liquid, this is a luxurious plate that could appeal to even those who are squeamish about the raw version.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from an upcoming review by Amy Rea]
Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur by Du Nord
Locally made coffee liqueur that actually tastes like coffee: Cafe Frieda is 52 proof and made with Peace Coffee’s cold brew coffee and roasted chicory root. It is in possession of both depth and subtlety. Sweet, but not aggressively so.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #3 | Submitted from an upcoming review by James Norton]
Sugarbush Whiskey Barrel-Aged Barleywine at Dangerous Man Brewing
A beautiful symbiotic relationship between spirits and beer can be found at Dangerous Man Brewing right now. The Sugarbush Whiskey Barrel-Aged Barleywine is an English-style beer that has been put into barrels from the North Shore’s first aged whiskey. Its tempered sweetness and viscosity make it an ideal winter warmer.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Paige Latham]
Longevity Noodles at United Noodles
United Noodles had a press dinner this week to ring in the Lunar New Year, and the highlight was long, delicate, garlicky noodles bedecked with giant prawns and scallions, symbolizing long life. The evening was a reminder that there are a lot of ways to celebrate, a lot of dates that are sacred to somebody, and a lot of good things to eat under the sun.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]