Tucked away on a small side street off Charles Street in Beacon Hill, 75 Chestnut has become a welcoming dining establishment for the neighborhood locals and beyond.  Luckily enough I have friends who live in Beacon Hill that remind me this place is still around and still good.

Back in the day 75 was more of a romantic and somewhat elegant spot, also a little pricey.  About seven or so years ago they made some changes that I for one thoroughly enjoy as it reminds me of a few of the gastro pubs back home in England.  The dĂŠcor is still cozy with dark wood furniture with a warm feel and a place you can go to with your grandmother or on a date.  75 also offers a lovely long bar and some high top bar seating for those who want to stop by and enjoy a more casual feel to dinner or brunch or just a cocktail.

We were seated at the back of the busy restaurant and were immediately greeted by our very nice and courteous waiter who offered us water and warm crusty bread and time to check out the menus.  Wine Wednesdays.  We had no reservation and the place was packed when we arrived, around 8.30ish.  Stacey, being a regular of Wine Wednesdays and I believe many other nights, was welcomed by the very friendly host with a “welcome back, how are you?” and a “it will be just a few moments for your table to be ready.”  Wine Wednesdays offers a two-course dinner along with half bottle of wine for just $30.  They also offer “Sweet Tooth Tuesdays”, “Green Thursdays” and of course their always fabulous “Sunday Brunch.”

We decided to order items from the main menu rather than the Wine Wednesday and started with the Steamed Mussels to share.  I am a fan of mussels so can be judgmental of them.  These deserved only solidly good judgment.  Perfectly plump and soaked in delicious tomato broth with salty bites of chorizo that worked in harmony with the mussels.  There was plenty of broth left over to mop up with toasted bread.  This dish would also serve as a perfect main dish for one.

For my entrĂŠe I picked the Meyer Lemon Chicken Breast.  The chicken was moist, ridiculously tasty without being over tart from the lemon; however the fingerling potatoes are what had me cheering.  I dont think I have tasted potatoes that good in a very long time.  I am not quite sure what they do but they were so fluffy and creamy inside with just a slight salty crispness to the skin.  

Stacey enjoyed the Char-Grilled Atlantic Salmon Filet.  It was so prettily presented and looked and smelled amazing.  I didn’t try it, which I am normally do.  I always want to steal food from my friend’s plates.  Stacey commented that the salmon was cooked perfectly and very nicely spiced, however she wasn’t a huge fan of the polenta as it was a little dry and perhaps needed some salt.

After stuffing my face enjoying my entrĂŠe with all of the best potatoes I have tasted, I could not find any room for dessert.  Instead, we just ended our pleasant evening with a cup of coffee and more of a little chat fest.

Service at 75 is friendly and attentive without being rushed.  Our waiter checked in on us often with a smile and a little chat and helped to make our evening that much more enjoyable. 

This is really a great place for family dinners, an evening with friends with great food or a date.  In fact the couple right next to us was quite obviously on a first date and we could not help ourselves with overhearing some of their conversation.  The tables were very close in our defense.  I believe they will be having a second date.

I am now looking forward to going back for Sunday brunch in the very near future. 

Now, these Franco Sarto shoes I love and have had a lot of use out of them.  I am not sure if it is the leopard print or the mary jane look with big strap, but I just feel fun when I wear them, even more so when I match them with a leopard print skinny belt. I did also notice about four other pairs of similar looking shoes in my closet.  I suppose it’s the cougar in me ;).  To add to that, I get lots of compliments from people I know and even strangers at Starbucks about these fun shoes.

I was in Chicagoa few years ago for a workshop and was staying at a Kimpton Hotel.  A friend told me there was a Nordstrom Rack in the same building.  Surprisingly, I had never been to a Rack before, however I knew from friends that they were known to hold smaller sizes.  I arrived at the hotel, checked in and immediately asked where the store was.  I asked the hotel reception to watch my bag and before even going to my room, I ran out one door and into the door next door to the Rack.

Within an hour, I had six pairs of size five shoes in my arms and a smile as big as the Cheshire Cat.  This particularly lovely shoe was missing its other half and I was feeling a little desperate searching around trying to find it.  Well, wouldn’t you know they have a little room with a sign above it called “Shoe Buddy.”  I have never come across such a thing.  I walked up to the counter, handed over my one single sad leopard print shoe and was presented back with its buddy.  What a fantastic concept… ‘The Shoe Buddy!”

I did end up buying all six pairs.  Could I have been happier.  I think not.

Also, who doesn’t love Franco Sarto prices.  You just cant go wrong. 

These shoes I am going to keep.