I don't usually blog on a Sunday, esp. when the sun's out, but I need to share the news. We had a fantastic VD dining experience last night at Moonstones. I'm still full as I type and in a slight food coma, which I take as a good sign. First off, for those naysayers who claim Moonstones has a table time limit, you're off your rocker. We enjoyed a leisurely three-and-a-half hour meal starting with a French Kiss (champagne and apricot brandy w/ a hint of raspberry and rim-side strawberry) as we contemplated the night's menu.
Gourmet Guy threw in an order of oysters while we conspired by the fire. The affable waiter never once prodded us to speed things up. It was brilliant bliss. I admit I had second thoughts about a lavish night out in this furlough-forward economy, but all skittishness receded when we sunk into the plush leather chairs in the cosmopolitan dining room. We kept commenting, "Are we really in Chelmsford?" And "why haven't we eaten here before?" The pancakes layered w/salmon and salmon roe, Devonshire cream and fresh green chives were a perfect pick- me-up. Transitioning into an acai berry margarita, (btw, cocktail list is a work of art) had us feeling no pain.
Next up grilled radicchio salad laced w/ strawberries and a shaved sheep cheese was a nice change of pace. For an unexpected treat the ham, lightly poached egg, spinach and sour cream app — a slant rhyme on an eggs bennie— flanked by edible rose petals was a gastronomic gas, gas, gas. We certainly didn't need the Chilean sea bass and U10 scallop entrees, but what the hell, cupid only pulls back his bow once a year! Moonstones keep on shining.
Funny, my wife and I went to Moonstones for VD also. We sat next to a very well dressed couple in red leather chairs next to the fireplace in the dining room next to the bar who I noticed also ordered oysters and irish coffees... could it have been the Gourmet couple?
After being ushered into a little side dining room, my first reaction was, crap, why did I not wear a collared shirt. Oh well, I was also the only one in the room drinking beer. Yes I like casual... this is Chelmsford and wasn't this a Ground Round once? We started off with the oysters. Our reservation was 9pm, and unfortunately by then, 1) the scallops 2) the ribeye and 3) the salmon were 86'd. I couldn't convince my wife to get the pheasant (tastes like chicken I presume eh govenah?); she got the ceaser salad, poached egg, spinach and sour cream app, and the short ribs app. I got the twin filet mignon. We shared it all, and it was excellent. Loved the lighting and ambiance of the bar. Scott P, while I've got the conch, one suggestion. My wife and I could not understand the silly breadstick thing (instead of bread you get a weird vase with a handful of slim breadsticks). At Cobblestones we really enjoy the bread with the tasty dill butter... it's a rough economy out there, can we please get some bread at Moonstones? Finally, if I was king of Moonstones, I would add potstickers (like the kind you get at Audubon Circle in Kenmore Square) to the menu. All in all though, fantastic experience, our server was great, we look forward to another visit.
A Sunday even :) We are honored..and so glad you had a great night. The managers must've noticed your celebrity. Normally at that two hour mark we loudly ring a bell, abruptly sweep unfinished food into cardboard, give remaining drinks to the cooks (they love that part) and while scowling, warn guests about having too much fun the next time!! Cheers GG, and Thank you.
3 1/2 hours? Really? I hope there weren't other people waiting to enjoy a nice VD dinner out. I just don't understand why you would need to spend 3 1/2 hours in a restaurant!
Gal, its not very lady like to say that moonstones gave you gas, gas, gas...
So which has better stones Cobble or Moon? I love raw oysters too, but they sometimes upset my stomach.
And scott, this may be a dumb questions but are you involved with gemstones in anyway?? Just thought you may be cause of the name and everything.
On another note./. the brewery has square dancing on sundays i discovered.... there's alot to like about lowell
For the sustainability-minded, Chilean sea bass is a big no no. The rest of the meal sounded great though.
Just a side note about the comment on the Chilean Sea bass being a no-no for the sustainability minded. Some restaurants and only one grocer that I know of (Whole Foods) actually sell sustainable MSC certified sea bass.
Not sure how you would find that out if you're eating out at a restaurant, but just thought I'd throw it out there.
Ruby: You are right about Whole Foods re-introducing sustainable CSB, and that there are now some sustainable sources in operation. But unfortunately they represent only a fraction of the CSB sold in restaurants. While Moonstones may be one of the select few, chances are it is not. It would be really great if restaurants chose (or were forced) to disclose their sources, so that consumers could make informed decisions - but until that day, its safer to simply avoid it (or take your business elsewhere) if that is something that concerns you (as it does me).
Cheers,
Jeremy
We stopped by a couple of weeks after VD. Not exactly a value menu. 4 small plates, 1 desert, 4 drinks and it was over$100. Food was ok but nothing special. They raised the drink prices and didn't reprint the menu--you should assume they're at least $1 more than listed. They were playing old old disco music AM radio style in the background. Not very classy.
My recommendation is to stay on 3 and go to Surf. Better food. Better ambiance. Better Value.
Sometimes I am just amazed at how different the calculations are when it comes to what people pay at the same restaurants.
I just went to Moonstones last night for dinner and there were 3 of us.
We ordered a coconut drink special, a warm Sake pitcher, 2 caipirinha's, 4 small plates which included: short ribs, turkish meatball, scallops in bacon, potato & chorizo with cheese. We also ordered the chicken chili soup, carnitas entree, oyster brie soup, zeppoli & creme brulee for dessert and the total was $105. I think that's a pretty good price for the amount of food and drink. And our food was fantastic!