After a crazy busy, yet beyond fun summer in Newport, I am happy to be home and getting back to a routine and all the fun activities the fall season has in store! I took a break from posting to enjoy warm weather but did sneak in a few new restaurants that I have been wanting to try. This post is from dinner with friends at Gather, a new restaurant that opened this year in Boston’s Innovation District within District Hall.

District Hall is a dedicated civic space encouraging people to come and collaborate in beautifully designed building where you will find open work spaces, classrooms and assembly spaces.

Take the online virtual tour to get a better look inside the space. I am looking forward to working from here – I think it is the perfect spot to get the creative juices flowing!

When we arrived at Gather we were lucky to get a table on their patio. Before I even opened their menu I knew I was going to like it there!

As we looked everything over we all sipped on the Contemporary Art: The ICA Cocktail. This refreshing drink of muddled mixed berries, Stoli Strasberi Vodka, Pom and lemon juice is a fitting drink for the restaurant as the ICA is located so close by.

We decided to share some appetizers and while all options on the menu looked interesting to me we chose the meatballs and the hummus and olive tapendae plate. I could eat 100 of these meatballs made from a veal and pork blend smothered in a roasted tomato sauce and topped with fresh parmesan cheese. We cleaned this plate in 2.5 seconds flat. I will dream about these meatballs.

The hummus and olive tapenade plate with grilled naan bread and veggie chips was not an option I would have chosen but I am so glad my friends suggested it. The naan was so fresh and was the perfect dipping vehicle for the hummus and olives (and for the extra sauce from the meatballs!). The portion size was perfect for sharing and did not fill us up before our entrees arrived.

One of my friends ordered the steak frites that came with a house made steak sauce. Look how perfectly that meat is cooked with the warm pink center! The fries were well seasoned and cooked just enough to give a crunchy bite with a warm center.

My other friend chose the sweet and savory chopped salad with chicken. I find chopped salads easier to eat and would love to go back to Gather and get this beauty for lunch one day. Look at all the yummy ingredients they pack in here: mango, feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, apple, avocado, grilled corn, lemon and basil.

Based off a recommendation from a coworker I chose the braised short rib gnocchi with apple slaw and ricotta salata. While I am still not exactly sure what ricotta salata is, I have been seeing it around a lot and really enjoy it.

The short rib was so juicy and the gnocchi were nice and tender. The apple slaw gave just the right amount of kick to the dish as well. I was shocked at how large the portion was and by the time I was full it didn’t even seem like I made a dent! I was able to take home most of it and enjoy it again the next day.

As the sun set the hanging pendant lights from the restaurants interior were glowing through the glass.

I am looking forward to my next trip to District Hall and meal at Gather.

Have you been yet?

Gather
75 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210

617.982.7220