A Hearty Winter Lunch at Harvest

A few weeks ago we headed to Harvard Square for a nice, leisurely lunch. The choice was mine, and I chose Harvest. I had recently been to Harvest for a work function and was eager to go back for a meal. Harvest is tucked away down a small alley off Mt Auburn Street and is a Harvard Square institution.

We were seated in the Fireplace room, a warm, cozy room in the back of the restaurant. We had plenty of time to look at the menu and take it all in. We ordered a bottle of wine, and slowly decided what to order.

First Course
Our starters included French Onion Soup, Charcuterie, Caesar Salad and a bread basket (with fantastic, home made corn bread). I was craving a caesar salad for some reason. More specifically, I was craving my mother's caesar salad with home made dressing. The fresh, crispy romaine and thick, creamy anchovy dressing hit the spot. The balsamic on the plate was a nice touch, too. Everyone else loved their first courses as well. So far, so good!

Second Course
There were so many great options on the lunch menu that I really didn't know what I wanted. My salad craving had been met, and I wasn't sure what I wanted next. Most of the time I go out to eat, I order things that I can't, or won't, make at home. Today I ordered pulled pork. I love pulled pork, and it is something I can make at home but when I do, we end up with enough for 3 months worth of meals. Good choice, because this pulled pork was fantastic. Smoky, a bit spicy, and it came with a salad which helped me think this indulgent sandwich was on the healthy side. Well that, and whenever I get fries I eat all of them first, and don't leave enough room for my sandwich. Then I am chock full of grease and still not satisfied and still hungry! Salad was a good accompaniment.

Other entrees at the table were steak, cod sandwich and a burger. Everyone was thrilled with their entrees. We ordered more wine, and had a nice, long, casual lunch. Rushing through meals is not something I like to do. Sit down, talk, drink some wine, enjoy your food and your company and relax! Far too often people scarf down their meals or, even worse, eat while working. The shame! I am guilty of it recently, but those 5 days in Europe last month reminded me that meals are meant to be enjoyed...so enjoy them!

Dessert
I have a confession. Before going to France in December I had never had crème brulée. Ever. I am not a fan of custards, mouses, and the like. I've also never given them a fair chance, to be honest. Well I hadn't been in France too long (it was the first day) when I had my first creme brulee...and I am in love. So, it was only natural that I wanted this for dessert. Harvest has a pumpkin creme brulee on their menu. Pumpkin AND my new favorite dessert. This was a no-brainer. And it was fabulous. I would go back there just for this.


Overall, it was a fantastic meal. I was happy from start to finish. Good food, good wine and great company, that's all I need.