Where: First Printer – 15 Dunster St. Cambridge, MA 02138
When: April 2012
The name “First Printer” still sounds a little odd too me as a restaurant name but I suppose it makes sense as this new restaurant is on Dunster Street which is apparently where the first printer was ever housed.
We walked in and waited to be seated while the somewhat frazzled hostess tried to find someone to help the gentleman waiting ahead of us. The atmosphere is pretty cool with a “printer” theme, booths (my fav), and large bar.
We both started with the Sparking Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Chardonnay – Veuve du Vernay Brut which was different (sparkling!) and refreshing. A perfect summer drink even though its not quite summer.
For starters I got the raw Cape Cod Oysters with Caves de Pomerol Mignonette. The oysters, although small, were very good as was the mignonette. I am always surprised by how expensive oysters are though – I need to seek out some cheap but good oyster bars in Boston (note to self).
Alyssa got the Brie en Croute which came with apricot brown sugar jam, toasted almonds, house made pickles, and baguette crisps. I had a piece of the brie which was really good – I loved the apricot brown sugar jam. Alyssa liked it as well and said the little jar of pickles was good too although I couldn’t bring myself to try them (I’m not a cheese and pickle person). Another time.
For our meals we both got soups and shared a side of Braised Baby Spinach, Rainbow Swiss Chard and Broccoli Rabe. I got the First Printer Clam Chowder and Alyssa got the Guinness Beef Stew. The greens were fine although pretty watery and nothing to write home about. Both soups were really disappointing though. They tasted as though they were made a couple days earlier and had just been sitting in big pots over a water bath. The texture of the clam chowder was really unappealing and it wasn’t particularly flavorful. Alyssa didn’t get halfway through her stew saying she wouldn’t have ordered it if she had known it would be like this. Sad.
Overall, I was disappointed with dinner but enjoyed the atmosphere and would go back for drinks. I’d like to try a couple other things on their menu as perhaps soups were a mistake.
How did First Printer measure up? 2 Spoons!
Five Spoons 