Sweet Basil on Moody Street
Even though Elena and I see each other every day, we rarely have time for ourselves to decompress especially with our commitment to our brand and families. After an extremely hectic week, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner. Sweet Basil on Moody Street in Waltham, Massachusetts, was the choice for that rainy evening.
To prepare, we only had light snacks earlier in the day, so we were both ready to eat. We started with their crusty artisan bread, but instead of your basic butter or oil, they served it with the most delicious pesto. This fresh and creamy basil puree is seasoned with the perfect amount of garlic and spices.
Our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs, so we felt compelled to order the Baked Gouda, an appetizer that was big enough for three people. The cheese was wrapped in flaky phyllo dough drizzled with a truffle vinaigrette and served over a bed of mixed greens, dried apricots, and strawberries. Did I mention that there was a big slice of buttered garlic bread with the salad? This could have been an entrée.
Because we love food, we each ordered the Rosemary Chicken Pasta. The tender, juicy chunks of chicken and ziti were smothered in a garlicky cream sauce, with bits of pancetta, tomatoes, and asparagus. Just a few bites put us over the edge; stuffing our faces with bread, pesto, and salad did not help.
Here are two helpful tips when you decide to visit Sweet Basil, either at their Waltham or Needham locations: ask to purchase a take-home container of their amazing pesto and be sure to wear a waistband with some stretch. You won’t regret it.
