The Needham Dine Around

One of my  family's favorite thing to do on a free night is to go on what we like to call "the Needham dine around". It's a delicious evening that takes place in Needham, MA beginning at Masala Art, a fabulous Indian restaurant in the town center. Masala Art has possibly the best bar I have ever been to...because they don't just make you a cocktail, they make you a 'what you're in the mood for custom cocktail' and each one promises to be amazing. The very awesome and intense bartenders Jason and Kyle will approach you as you take a seat, welcome you to the restaurant, and ask you what you'd like. If you're in the mood for a custom cocktail, you're questioned on a number of things, including base alcohol, sweet and sour preferences on a scale of 1-10, spices, teas, fruit etc. The other night, I said I wanted something that tasted like spring...and by golly they whipped one up that was exactly that. Genius! I can't ever give them enough praise! 

The second stop on the dine around is Sweet Basil. It's a magnificent little Italian restaurant run by David Becker, an incredible and humble hometown chef who delivers a memorable meal every time with out fail! The dining experience alone is reason to check out the place. They've got  a sweet mix of music playing all night, the staff is a hip group of people who have worked there for years so you feel like you know them. And the food...the food is orgasmic! Large enough portions to have a meal for left overs the next day, you can't go wrong with any dish. The flavors create an Italian party in your mouth with the perfect mixture of sweet and savory!  Just be sure to bring your own booze to dinner if you're interested in dining with wine, they don't and probably won't ever have a liquor license. It's all a part of the small town, neighborhood feel.

Lastly is desert because how can you end a marvelous night with out something perfectly sweet? Right next to Sweet Basil is a little frozen custard joint Abbott's Frozen Custard who's treats are a flawless ending to a flawless evening ;)

If ever in the area, do a Needham Dine Around...because you will not regret it, but you will regret missing it!