We have had a crummy start to summer- far too many rainy days with temperatures hovering in the 60s. With weather like that, we have spent many days inside, drinking coffee with a kick, and reminiscing about summer days in which we complained about it being too hot and humid.
However, in the past week, summer seems to have arrived. So, with the sun shining and nothing scheduled last Sunday afternoon, we decided to find a restaurant that had outdoor seating for an afternoon drink and snack. Some of the restaurants we frequent do have tables outside, but we wanted to try something new. Although it took some perseverance in our Internet search, we were able to find a new to us restaurant that had a patio, Blue Taleh.
Located on the Merrimack River, Blue Taleh is a Thai-Japanese restaurant with an almost overwhelming menu. Arriving in the midafternoon, we were greeted promptly and seated at a riverside table at our request. We were given menus and an appropriate amount of time to decide.
We decided to sample cocktails from their decently sized drink menu. My husband chose the Dirty Goose. Made with Grey Goose vodka, olive juice, and blue cheese stuffed olives, it was declared a hit. I chose the Pomapolitan, which contained Three Olives pomegranate vodka and pineapple and cranberry juices. My drink was excellent, having a fruit flavor that was slightly sweet but not overbearing or syrupy.
To accompany our drinks, my husband chose our first appetizer of Scallion Pancakes. They were delicious with a tender inside and crunchy outside. Served with a green curry sauce, they were eaten quickly. With no need to rush, we took time to enjoy our cocktails, views of the river, and good conversation.
Ready for another round of food, I chose the next munchy: Love Triangles. With a name like this, how could I resist? The triangles were pieces of tofu that had been fried and were accompanied by a peanut-topped sweet sauce. These were my favorite nibbles of the afternoon.
With two appetizers and a round of cocktails finished, we decided to indulge and try another cocktail. I chose Mango Madness, as my first fruit cocktail had been well made. Delightfully, so was this drink. A combination of mango vodka, triple sec, and orange and pineapple juices, it had a great tropical taste. My husband ordered the Cuke Margarita on the rocks. This was a refreshing drink made with Patron Silver tequila, cucumber slices, simple syup, lime juice, and watermelon schnapps. Served in a lime-salt rimmed glass, it was appealing to taste and sight.
With our appetites still not quite satiated and having decided that this mid-afternoon snack would be our dinner, we chose to end our dining with some sushi. They had a great menu of creative maki choices that we enjoyed immensely.
Although it is about a 30 minute drive for us to visit Blue Taleh, I am certain we will return on another quiet, sunny afternoon. A great place to relax and dine, it also had excellent service. Our water glasses never were empty, orders were taken promptly, dishes were cleared in a timely manner, yet the waitstaff was unobtrusive. It was a perfect place to celebrate the arrival of summer.
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