Eclectic Kim Review: Verse

There are two moments I love: celebrating success and having to look at my own website to see what I previously ordered at a place I love. For our very first Bespoke Art Society holiday dinner, I got the chance to do both.

What started as an idea had grown into successful events, vendors that regularly enjoyed being a part of our art markets and personal professional success. And what better way to celebrate a year of us working together – along with the two men that help make it happen – than at Verse?

The live music was vibrant and the space was busy. I ordered a NEGRONI BLANCO (Lemongrass Infused Agua Magica Mescal, Luxardo Bitter Biunco, Distillerie des Alpes Vermouth Routiu Blane, Cloves) and it was love at first taste.

Ordering the AGED YELLOWTAIL CRUDO (leche de tigre, parsnip chips, Fresno peppers, persimmons) again as a starter was a no brainer. It was just as delicious as it was, during a previous visit.

My MALAMENTE (Hibiscus Infused C4 Blanco Tequila, Vanilla Baharat Syrup, Chipolle Tincture, Lime Juice) was fantastic.

As the four of us toasted to a fantastic year, I felt myself burst into tears. This had been on of the hardest and most exhilarating year. And it felt so good to toast to making it through.

My main course for dinner – the BRAISED LAMB PASTA (Pepita Seeds, Charred Green Onions, Lime, Grana Padano) was outstanding. Hearty, comforting and filling, it was extremely satisfying.

For dessert, the ESPRESSO MARTINI (Hardy VSOP Cognac, Santa Teresa Coffee Cask, Mario’s Hard Espresso, Demerara Simple Syrup) was the perfect accompaniment to the CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL (Tuille, Brown Butter, 626 Miso Caramel lce Cream).

Returning to Verse was the perfect choice to celebrate success.

Previously at
Verse

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Before I knew it, I’d checked my calendar and saw dinner plans with Erik were up for the evening. Since it was my turn to choose the restaurant, I thought back to a few memorable experience at Verse. After recent visits to Somerville and Sam First, I’d been craving the magic of live jazz again. Verse offered the perfect pairing of music and cuisine. One reservation later, and we were all set for an evening to remember.

As we browsed the menu, our anticipation was high. Everything looked delicious.

I took the lead on ordering, choosing dishes with a balance of intrigue and flavor. We clinked glasses of sparkling wine, welcoming the evening as the first notes from the jazz trio floated through the air.

I started us off with the AGED YELLOWTAIL CRUDO (leche de tigre, parsnip chips, Fresno peppers, persimmons). Though the portion was smaller than I expected, the quality and taste more than made up for it.

Soon, our table filled with shared plates: the LOBSTER TAGLIATELLE (Calabrian chili, squid ink, durum wheat), ROASTED BROCCOLINI (Thai chili, parsley, sesame oil), and the ALMOND WOOD NEW YORK (plantains, Peruvian beans, crème fraîche, lime). Each dish was bursting with bold flavors and crafted with clear intention. Everything was simply delicious.

To sip alongside it all, I chose the M.A.A.D. CITY COCKTAIL (Lost Explorer Mezcal, Pierre Ferrand Orange Curaçao, L’Aperitivo Sonino, Teeling Small Batch Whiskey, passionfruit purée).

While the flavor was strong and layered, the drink felt a bit over-iced. I found myself wishing it had been served in a different glass with a single large cube to let the flavors shine through more cleanly.

For dessert, we shared the CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL (Tuille, Brown Butter, 626 Miso Caramel lce Cream). It was absolutely spoon licking delicious and the perfect way to end the meal.