NESN’s “Dining Playbook” features two of America’s favorite pastimes: food and sports, with help from the region’s best known hosts, athletes and tastemakers. Emmy Award-winning duo Billy Costa and Jenny Johnson will leverage their considerable following and bring NESN viewers a fresh new approach to enjoying the best of what the region has to offer.
Host: Teresa’s Prime
One of the North Shore’s newest restaurants is also one of the finest. Located in North Reading, Mass., this steakhouse has a wide selection of only the best brand prime beef that is sure to make even the finest palate water. This fine dining experience offers an extensive wine list and only the best quality service.
*20 Elm St, North Reading, Mass., 01864; (978) 276-0044; http://www.teresaseatery.com/
Before, During and After the Game: Best Restaurants
Ocean Prime: Located right in the heart of the Seaport District, Ocean Prime has the perfect combination of surf and turf. With only the highest quality steaks and fresh seafood brought in daily, there is sure to be something on the menu to satisfy everyone. Along with the amazing food there are some great hand-crafted cocktails and an award-winning wine list that makes this a go-to place for any occasion. Just recently opened at the bottom of the 100 Pier 4 complex, there is never a customer that comes in and leaves unsatisfied.
*140 Seaport Blvd., Boston, 02210; (617) 670-1345; http://www.ocean-prime.com/locations-menus/boston
Buffalo Wild Wings: Televisions surrounding the entire restaurant and plenty of beers on tap makes this a spot for any sports lover looking to watch their favorite team win. Along with the electrifying atmosphere, their wings are all the rage. They have a wide range of flavors to add into the mix. Not a wing person? That is OK. They have some juicy burgers to sink your teeth into along with some delicious French fries. Rumor has it that they have a spicy wing challenge that will make even the spiciest palates run and hide from them.
House of Blues: The House of Blues is not just famous for its great shows and performances. It also has some rockin’ food dishes. With a mixture of Southern comfort dishes and some good old fashioned American foods, this place will keep everyone happy. Some great game day foods provide a great dining experience for all demographics. This is where art, music and food will rock the house and have even Elvis leaving the building happy.
*15 Lansdowne St., Boston, 02215; (888) 693-2583; http://www.houseofblues.com/boston/
Review: The Table at Seasons to Taste
The Table at Seasons to Taste: Through the use of some French techniques and both seasonal ingredients and international ingredients, the small restaurant is a great place to go for an intimate night out. With an open kitchen, guests get the enjoyment of watching the chefs prepare their masterful creations right in front of them. Along with the full dinner menu comes a small plate menu for those just looking to have a light snack. Accompanied by the extensive beer and wine lists, this place is a hot spot for a night out.
*2447 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass., 02140; (617) 871-9468; http://www.cambridgetable.com/#about-us
Cocktail Segment: Abby Lane
Abby Lane: This great local restaurant caters to the community. Abby Lane ensures its guests will have a great experience while enjoying hand-crafted food and a large selection of spirits all at an affordable price. Whether you are a beer lover or have a passion for fine wine, the extensive drink menu is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy. Located right on Tremont Street in Boston, this friendly restaurant ensures that it provides guests with approachability, affordability and excellent service.
*253 Tremont St., Boston 02116; (617) 451-2229; http://www.abbylaneboston.com/
Shape-up Segment: Bubble Ball
Bubble Ball: Have you ever wanted to just run full speed into someone without anyone getting hurt? Well with bubble ball soccer located in Boston, this is now a possibility. This large indoor soccer facility offers a new twist to one of the oldest sports. With your body completely enclosed in a large bubble from the waist up, you can run full speed into your opponent and knock them to the ground. You can have hour-long soccer matches where the only rule is you can’t hit an opponent that already is on the ground. Easy enough, right? This brings a form of exercise to the table where people can get out their physical aggression in a safe way and feel like a kid again.
Extra: Far From the Tree Cider
Far From the Tree Cider: This is not just your everyday cider — this is a hard cider. After traveling the world, Al and Denise Snape finally found the perfect mix for a great tasting drink. This brewery, which opened in 2013, has been a long process in the making dating back to well before the grand opening. Located in Salem, Mass., this is the perfect day trip for a cider lover. You can tour the brewery and try samples of the different products. Why go apple picking and have to endure the elements when you can go to this nice indoor brewery that puts a new twist on an old family activity?
*108 Jackson St., Salem, Mass., 01970; (978) 224-2904; http://www.farfromthetreecider.com/
