Dinner at Harvest, Harvard Square
As a self-proclaimed foodie (in spite of the negative connotations, I am embracing the word for what I understand it to mean: someone who geeks out about good food) and as a resident of Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA for almost ten years, I am ashamed to admit that I’ve only had drinks at Harvest, one of area’s restaurant institutions, once.
I’ve only had drinks there once, and while I’ve tried chef Mary Dumont’s food at plenty of food events (most recently at Taste of the Nation), I’ve never actually sat down at the restaurant for dinner, or brunch, or dessert. Eeep.
This was certainly a travesty.
Thank goodness I was able remedy that last week, when I had dinner there for one of the monthly tasting series. For June, it’s a “Berry Good Time” or the Strawberry Harvest Review – a four course meal with wine from specialties by executive chef Mary Dumont, executive pastry chef Brian Mercury, and wine director John Mooradian.
My meal was complimentary, but I want to point out that this is one of the best prix fixe deals in the area. For $44 per person, diners get 4 courses with wine pairings. At other restaurants, four glasses of wine alone would cost more than that! And while I don’t recommend drinking four glasses of wine every night, every once in a while, it’s nice to indulge in a food tasting with wine pairings.
Plus, you’ll get to eat at Harvest. My advice is please don’t wait 10 years like I did, because the restaurant truly is a gem. Tucked in a cobblestone pathway in the middle of the square, Harvest serves modern New England fare and has received both local and international acclaim. The restaurant has served as training ground for some of the country’s best chefs, including Boston’s own Lydia Shire and Barbara Lynch.
And if those names or prices don’t mean anything to you, perhaps these pictures might convince you to drop by for a meal at Harvest soon:
Grilled Kurobota Pork Sausage (with pickled green strawberries)
Lavender Compressed Strawberry Salad
Seared Scottish Salmon
Fresh Strawberry Sorbet
I ate every last bite from each course, and my favorite was the sorbet with little bits of crunchy strawberry meringue, lovage cream, and teeny oat crackers. My favorite wine pairing was also the dessert course wine: a sweet moscato from Piedmont, Italy.
We were able to chat with Harvest’s pastry chef, Brian Mercury, for a little bit and he told us how he makes his own salt. This is the same guy who chooses the Taza chocolate cremeux with sea salt and salted caramel as his quintessential dessert. Salted chocolate? Salted caramel? Can you guess where I’m going this weekend just for dessert? I have a feeling I’m going to be at Harvest a lot more often this year.
What was the best multi-course menu you’ve had in recent memory? I’ve had some really extravagant multi-course meals and lots of other food tastings with wine pairings and I unabashedly admit that I always have room for dessert!
Welcome, I’m Bianca Garcia. I love food, yoga, running, shopping, and writing. I'm an advertising professional, social media enthusiast, blogger, freelance writer, and grad student. I think about dessert constantly. 
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I absolutely LOVE Harvest! I’ve dined there three times and I definitely need to go again. ;-) I had a DELICIOUS cinnamon nutmeg heath bar ice cream one time. I still think about it.
pickled green strawberries?! cool! what a wonderful meal :) and crazy how brian makes his own salt- i’ll definitely remember that dessert next time i’m there!
This was a great multi-course menu. I loved the one I had at Harvest in Feb too — it was all Brian Mercury’s desserts!
Brian is a dear, dear friend and (sure, I may be biased) but I think he makes the best dessert in Boston. (I have two recipes of his on my blog that are killer.)So glad to hear you had such a good time! Wish I was able to go to that dinner-would have been lovely to meet you in person!
Bianca Garcia replied June 21st, 2013 at 5:06 pm
I do remember reading about him in your blog – and in fact, I linked to your Edible Boston article above if you didn’t notice :) I would’ve loved to meet you in person, too. Perhaps we can arrange a dessert date at Harvest sometime this summer?
This was such a fun and delicious dinner. Beautiful photos, by the way!
Bianca Garcia replied June 21st, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Thanks, Michelle! Great seeing you last week!
I adore Harvest. Such a wonderful, classic Harvard Square restaurant. Your dinner looks to be no exception!
I love the beautiful looking dishes here :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I’ve eaten at Harvest many times and can honestly say that I’d go there again in heartbeat. Inventive cuisine, great wine list, and they always find something great to make with chocolate!
Bianca Garcia replied June 21st, 2013 at 9:26 pm
Yes and the location is pretty perfect too :) Hope all is well!
My family and I ate at Harvest when I first went to Boston for college and I remember liking it but I wasn’t really INTO food yet so I think it was lost on me a bit. Time for a return trip!
Looks like a delicious meal!
I must go there soon.
I love Harvest! Looks like a great menu!
Your photos are some of the best in-restaurant photos I’ve ever seen- so beautiful!! And obviously dinner looks fabulous :)
Wish I had known about this place when I lived in the area! Looks amazing!
Oh that looks like such an incredible meal! I should really try it sometime!
that is some stunning food! i don’t necessarily put a lot of stock in presentation, but i can appreciate a plate presented as beautifully as these. :)
Amazing! I had one of my favorite chocolate desserts here as well =) you – and I – will have to go back!