Summer has arrived. Hard. We're experiencing our second day of 90+ degree day, when just last week I was wearing wool socks and a fleece to stay warm. I prefer summer weather as this often means firing up the grill, dinners on the patio, and a fun cocktail served over ice.

My go-to summertime drink has always been the classic gin and tonic. But this year I am a Paloma girl. It's super refreshing with the different layers of citrus. The traditional Paloma is made with grapefruit soda. I prefer something less sweet with fewer calories and have become a big fan of Spindrift Sparkling Water made with real fruit juice.  The Paloma pairs perfectly with fish tacos - and ice cream sandwiches too. It's just as fun as a margarita, but without the nasty hangover.

To make: In a tall glass over ice, mix 1 1/2 oz of blanco tequila, 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice, juice from one lime, and top with sparking grapefruit water and stir. Sip and enjoy!

If this first week of summer vacation is any indication of what the rest of the summer will be like, then it it going to be a fun, fabulous and boozy one. I was able to join several fellow Boston Parent Bloggers for a Mom's Night Out at The Cottage Chestnut Hill. Here's a quick recap:

The Cottage Overview
I've heard great things about The Cottage in Wellesley so was excited to hear a second MA location opened five weeks ago in Chestnut Hill. Owners John and Laura Wolfe brings their upscale, casual, SoCal dining concept to the East Coast, focused on light, fresh and local ingredients.

The Location

After some confusion as to the restaurant's location (we were told they were at the Chestnut Hill Mall, only to find out they are down the street next to Legal Seafood on Route 9), we were greeted by  friendly staff and brought to a private dining room.  The place just exudes atmosphere, transporting you to a sophisticated beach side house. And the place was slammed on a Monday night. Off to a good start.

The Booze

(left to right) Rosemary infused pomegranate margarita, Thai basil sangria, spa drinks (non-alcoholic), summer ale by Pretty Things Beer

Amazing summer cocktails served with charm by the bar manager and servers. All the drinks went down way too easy. *Hiccup*

The Food

Servers brought samples of their signature bites:

Sesame Ahi Tuna Nachos

I'm a sucker for seared ahi tuna so practically stalked the server to get a taste of the Sesame Ahi Tuna Nachos. The tuna was prepared perfectly. Not sure how I feel about the "nacho" chip. I don't like my raw fish to be too busy with other flavors and textures.

Fried California Avocado

The Cottage's take on potato skins, the Fried California Avocado is breaded and fried, served with Vermont jack and cheddar cheese, spiced sour cream, applewood bacon, and pico de gallo. It was pretty tasty, but was on the rich side for me to go back for more.

Fried Calamari

Aloha Chicken Tenders with pineapple salsa

Cheese platter

Pretty local cheese platter served a selection of local cheeses, fruits and honey, toasted pistachios, artisan bread.

Raspberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding

The evening ended a sweet note with some signature desserts. I went with the highly recommended Raspberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding. It was dense but not too sweet.


Family-Friendly
The Cottage is touted as being family-friendly, offering a kids menu, crayons and wikisticks to keep small fingers busy. Lunch/dinner options for kids are the expected fare - Hot dog, grilled cheese, PB&J, chicken fingers, mac and cheese. I was disappointed (but not surprised) to see such items as I would have loved to have seen smaller portions of some of their popular entrees on the kids menu (my kids would love Ale Battered Haddock + Chips). But chef Todd assured us parent bloggers that offering kids healthy, balanced sides, along with consideration for allergies, was a high priority. 

Overall, it was a great night and fun to catch up with fellow Boston Parent Bloggers. Everyone at The Cottage was friendly and attentive. I'll be taking the family sometime soon and hope to see the same attention to service, food presentation, and addictive cocktails when we go!