Gather, Innovation District, South Boston

Reflection from our table at Gather

As the crowds of people poured out of the Boston Wine Expo we knew the race would be on to find somewhere to eat.  Walking to the left would take us to Del Frisco’s, Legal’s and 75 Liberty, all places we knew would be seriously crowded.  We decided to head right towards Sam’s, which is a favorite restaurant of both mine and Kerry’s.

As we walked down Northern Ave we spotted a new restaurant called Gather.  I had heard of this place but wasn’t exactly sure where it was; now I know.  We decided we would give it a whirl.

Located inside Boston’s new innovation center inside District Hall, Gather welcomes its patrons into an urban, industrial looking open space with two walls of windows looking out onto Northern Ave and the ICA.  It’s a little casual and a little crunchy and very techy.

Seated against the window your eyes are immediately drawn upwards to the lighting which hangs down on long wires at different lengths.  The seating is wooden tables and metal chairs with no hint of warmth until you open the menu, where there is a list of comforting looking dishes on offer.

Cool lighting at Gather

Although we had just enjoyed a day of wine tasting at the Expo, we were not quite done with drinking wine so decided on ordering some wonderful Sancerre, while perusing the choices on offer.  The appetizer list offers interesting dishes of Dates, Blue Cheese & Bacon, Marrow Toast, Chicken and Waffles and Roasted Duck Tacos, which is what we picked.

Sweet roasted shredded duck is plentiful in soft tacos.  The chips, which you roll into the taco give them a different and curious crunch.  I would definitely order these again.

Roasted Duck Tacos – Apple Kimchee, Salsify Chips – $15

They also offer a great selection of salads all of which I would choose.  We were torn between the Roasted Beet & Carrot and the Gem Salad.  We settled on the Gem.  Buttery gem lettuce with crisp asparagus and a crunch of pistachio.  The only thing I would change next time is to get the dressing on the side as there was too much given how sweet the honey pear vinaigrette is.

Little Gem – White Asparagus, Pistachio, Honey Pear Vinaigrette – $15

Entrées offers welcoming options such as Braised Short Ribs, Local Cod and Lamb Osso Bucco.  How could we not share Lamb Osso Bucco.  The lamb fell off the bone with delectable bites of tender, juicy meat.  This is an incredibly tasty dish.

Lamb Osso Bucco – Milled Polenta, Confit Tomato & Shallots – $26

We also order a side of Brussels Sprouts, which I was not a fan of as they were far too sweet and sugary.  Kerry, however, loved them.

In addition, the menu offers sandwiches and pizzas and for the beer lovers, what looks like a decent selection.

Overall, I did enjoy Gather but I also felt a bit awkward in the space.  I think if I was 25 and worked at Facebook or Google, I would fit right in.  This 40-Something gal may have felt more comfortable at Sam’s.