I learned two things yesterday: Infusions Bistro in Chelmsford is still open and kicking butt, and I'm in love w/ lava cake. Maybe that's three. First the dessert. I had this sublime cake 11 years ago at the Boston Harbor Hotel and I still remember the hot, crunchy gooey experience. So I was surprised, caught-off-guard, downright awed that Phil Proulx at Infusions Bistro on Fletcher St. in Chelmsford makes a dynamo version. Words fail when trying to describe a truly transforming dessert. So all I'll say is it transformed my day. I was feelling tired, cranky and undernourished before eating this treat. On my way home I was so focused and relaxed it was like I took a yoga class followed by a roll in the hay. Great day, right? Before dessert, Proulx came out w/ roasted pork chops served w/ a nice fresh tomoato sauce w/ delectable sauteed yellow beans and ...drumroll please... corn cakes! I know how fresh it was because I spent the day going farm to to farm w/ the chef/owner yesterday (see story in next Wed.'s sun). I, like you perhaps, had forgotten about the two-year bistro, it is totally worth the trip! Go now while corn is in season. He was making a great corn chowder yest w/ ears from Gary's in Groton. And don't forget this dessert! Although I hear the peach cobbler is tops here too.
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Lava love
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GG,
Thanks for the comments, I too feel that we have fell off the radar in the local dining scene, with four new eateries opening in Chelmsford in the not so distant past it has been tough with our location and economy to stay competitive in the local market. It has always been my goal here to espouse the benefits of eating locally for the quality of ingredients, betterment of the local economy, local environment, and our eco-culture as a planet. I sometimes feel that people think that farm to table is our concept or our gimmick but in reality I chose this ideal of a bistro to further the connection between the farmer, me the chef and my clientele. I truly hope that we turn Lowell Sun readers and hopefully a few more restaurant owners to the benefits of eating locally. I truly appreciated spending the day with you showing you what I do on a daily basis and welcoming a broader audience to all that we do at Infusions Bistro.
Thanks again,
Chef Philip Proulx
Posted by Chef Phil | August 7, 2008 9:51 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 21:51
For someone who appreciates fine dining, I don't think that you can do better than Infusions Bistro. It really makes a difference to have an owner who is also the chef. Philip cares about food quality and clearly enjoys creative cooking.
Let me also say that we have not found any other restaurant in the greater Lowell area that offers the same level of professional service. Too many, otherwise good restaurants in the area fall down on that score.
Posted by Jim Lee | August 8, 2008 10:01 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 10:01
Somehow, Infusions had fallen off the radar, at least mine. I don't know why - we ate there once and it was very good (and now we'll definitely be back for the lava cake). Maybe it's the location?
Speaking of local, heading down to the farmers market this afternoon.
Posted by tim | August 8, 2008 2:55 PM
Posted on August 8, 2008 14:55
Hi GG
I like the food and the service was good but, (you knew there was a but coming) I think the ambience could be jazzed up a little. You know maybe some flowers or room divider. It seemed a little plain. the store front could be done over too. It kind of looks like a deli from the outside. Let people see in. Let them see how busy it is and how the patrons are enjoying themselves
Posted by ken g | August 11, 2008 1:47 PM
Posted on August 11, 2008 13:47
I love Infusions! The food is consistently good and love that Chef Phil comes out of the kitchen to chat with us. I tried Fiddlehead ferns for the first time there. The wait staff is always attentive and nice that they recognize repeat customers. Dining dollars are small lately but Infusions is always top on the list of favorite restaurants to eat at!
Posted by Heather | August 12, 2008 11:35 AM
Posted on August 12, 2008 11:35
There are only two reviews of Infusions Bistro on yelp.com, one of them mine. Start adding some reviews on a site like that where folks from out of the area will hear about IB and make it a point to plan a visit there.
The place really is a hidden gem, I'm thinking too hidden.
Posted by hella enthusiasm | August 13, 2008 1:58 PM
Posted on August 13, 2008 13:58