A Culinary Main Squeeze Trots into Somerville

I’ve always had a bit of a culinary crush on Tony Maws.  When my boyfriend and I first moved to Cambridge we actually came close to moving into an apartment just above what was then …oh its on the tip of my tongue.. American something?  Butter something?  Anyone remember the name of the restaurant space that Craigie Street Bistrot put on the map?  No matter, because now Chef Maws has a new spot The Kirkland Tap and Trotter, which is opening, on Monday.

My first visit to Craigie Street Bistrot was less about the amazing food, and more the way the food triggered an experience of being whisked back to France.  I lived in France when I was in 6th grade and it has been a long long long long time since I was in 6th grade.  Since then I have had many fabulous meals, including meals in France, Prague, Spain, home in New York and out at some exceptional restaurants.  Yet, this is the first meal, since the 1980s that transported me right back to the days of living and dining in Grenoble, France.  Two of my most memorable meals ever have been at Craigie (the aforementioned one at Craigie Street Bistrot and the Road Less Traveled dinner at Craigie on Main).

The Kirkland Tap and Trotter will not be Craigie Street II or III depending on where Craigie on Main fits into the picture.  Apparently it will be a place to go for “just” good food…    Ha!  I may not know Chef Maws well, but I know him well enough to say that he’s incapable of doing “just good”.  I do get what he’s saying though.

“You’ll find the same ingredients on the menu at Kirkland Tap & Trotter that you see at Craigie, but here they will be prepared simply and perfectly executed. You won’t see any swooshes on the plates here. I wanted to create a place where I could hang, and guests can embrace my jeans and a t-shirt philosophy, feeling comfortable enough to eat with their hands and play air drums.”  – Chef Tony Maws

The Kirkland Tap and Trotter is calling you to the table for a bite to eat with friends, in a relaxed environment, but don’t be fooled.  I have no doubt that each plate on the menu has been meticulously put together, tested, tweaked and perfected.  I just can’t wait to sink my teeth into some of the grilled spice crusted chicken wings with a nice cold beer at the 12 seater bar or sip a cocktail while I nibble on some grilled sardines Provençale!