Submitted by Ken Gordon on behalf of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of reviews of restaurants that will participate in Flavors of Bedford, a Bedford Chamber of Commerce fundraiser, on November 8
While life is full of surprises, it’s also to know what to expect.
When you head for Burton’s Grill at the Middlesex Commons Plaza in Burlington (think Market Basket), you can expect a great food, great service, and at a reasonable price. There’s a good reason for that. The service employees at Burton’s Grill and Bedford-bound Red Heat Tavern have been telling me for years that the restaurant is a great place to work. It is likely why the service is so efficient and friendly, and why an invested chef makes sure the meals are up to standards all the time.
Long before Burton’s landed in Burlington, or Red Heat opened in Wilmington and soon Bedford, we were venturing to North Andover for Burton’s selections of salads, pastas, fish and meats. As anyone, we have our favorites.
First, the important part. My 12-year-old son loves the Maxx Burger. He orders it with ketchup only, but keeps the onion strings and fries on the side. While I would love to describe the taste of the Maxx Burger, I’m afraid I’d be risking my life if I tried to break off even one small bite to try it. So we’ll let him tell us. Two thumbs up. Sorry, but we can’t interrupt his chewing. While he may not be concerned about the “certified angus beef” quality of the meat, he’ll tell you it’s one great burger.
My wife and I seem to favor the shrimp feta pasta and the fresh catch risotto. Our pact is to order one of each , and share. When one of us is not in the mood for seafood, we usually go for the Ribeye or 8 ounce filet mignon.
The shrimp feta pasta is an unusual blend of tomato, feta, spinach, shrimp and olives on a bed of angel hair with a lemon butter sauce. Think of it as a warm Greek salad on fresh al-dente pasta. It is just the right mix of salty and smooth. The risotto combines a fresh fish selection on a bed of wonderfully prepared rice, with creamed corn and bacon. Those of you who can trust a politician, follow this recommendation and order it.
Each time we order the steak we are pleased. It is cooked to the degree the way we order it, which should be expected but some restaurants interpret “rare” or “medium rare” a little differently than we do. This one hits the degree of doneness on the mark. Seasoning is correct, and quality is terrific.
Mention of Burton’s is not complete, at least for me, without including the dollar oysters on Wednesdays starting at 4 p.m. while supplies last. Those of you who are shrimp fans may appreciate these crustaceans a little more than me, but the opportunity for these cool, briny oysters at a low price is a treat. There’s no reason to choose between work and enjoying these Cape Cod or Duxbury products, as the spacious bar area provides ample room for you to meet colleagues for meetings while dining.
President Kevin Harron and I do not always agree on everything, but I will tell you that when it comes to running a great restaurant, he knows his stuff. Burton’s Grill is a fine member of the vibrant Burlington restaurant scene and sister restaurant Red Heat Tavern will be a great addition in Bedford. We are looking forward to its opening.
Ken Gordon is Bedford’s State Representative in the Massachusetts legislature, a member of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, and a former restaurant reviewer on the North Shore.
By agreement with the Bedford Chamber, he does not announce visits to restaurants participating in Flavors of Bedford, so can objectively file these reports.
Gordon’s reviews will focus on restaurants participating in Flavors of Bedford, a fundraising event for the Bedford Chamber of Commerce.
Flavors of Bedford will take place from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday November 8 at the Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel, 44 Middlesex Turnpike in Bedford. Tickets are $40 per person, with special senior and group rates. For more information and to buy tickets visit https://www.flavorsofbedford.org/tickets.html.
Flavors of Bedford benefits the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Friends of Hanscom, an organization that supports military personnel at Hanscom Air Base in Bedford and though out New England.
Loading ...
