A Little Bit About a Lot of Things

I have to admit that when I first heard about Roche Bros. in Downtown Crossing, I didn’t realize that there was a downstairs. So here I am thinking, hmm… a market with just a salad bar, a hot bar and prepared foods? What’s so special about that. It was only after talking with a friend and finding out there’s an ENORMOUS downstairs, did I return and see the market in its full splendor. So let’s back track a little: upstairs. So many grab and go options, super convenient for the office workers looking to run down and grab a bite to wolf down in between conference calls. Me, I’d probably never make it past the hot cookies. Downstairs is the actual market where you can pick up produce and something more substantial for dinner.

This market is my happy place. I love Roche Bros. in general, and their sister brand, Brothers Market. They have great products and I love to just walk up and down the aisles and find new delicious things. The bakery has every kind of sweet you can imagine, their pastry case is to die for, they have a cookie bar, and the seasonal candy at the holidays would make santa proud. Let’s not even talk about the $200 chocolate covered almond christmas tree…I’m surprised I restrained myself.

They have a great floral department, perfect things here to bring home to a loved one or maybe pick up something for a hostess gift. Check out the photo in the bottom row, in the middle: a bud vase that attaches to a bottle of wine. BRILLIANT! They have a large liquor selection with a bunch of local brands as well as something a bit pricier if you are looking for a special something something.

Give me ALL.OF.THE.CHEESE. Great local options as well as some brands I hadn’t heard of. The seafood case is super fresh and if I cooked at home, which I don’t, I would definitely pick some shellfish up . Instead, I picked up the party platter of bacon wrapped potatoes and Swedish meatballs and fed my family that for dinner. Hey, don’t judge.

Here’s a cool and  unexpected thing about the market, they have a cute little tasting counter where you can grab lunch. Everything is made to order so they can accommodate most everyone. The housemade sodas were top on my list as well as the flatbreads – and what’s great is that you can buy all the ingredients for the flatbread right there at the market and make one at home for dinner. The tasting bar has a dozen seats around the U shaped bar – the service here is top notch.

We also sampled a selection of pastries from their bakery – each one was delicious, it was hard to pick a favorite, but that brownie/cake in the middle photo was probably the winner for me.

So yes, there is a great option available to you if you want to grab lunch out.  But can’t make it out of the office? Need some catering for a meeting in the office? Roche Bros. takes care of that too. They have a nice breakfast and lunch catering selection that are anything but ordinary: try 10 assorted muffins for $24.99 – trust me, they’re delish!; a create your own Greek yogurt bar that serves 8-10 is $39.99; how about a breakfast sandwich box? Egg and cheese with bacon, sausage or ham served on an English muffin. Way to be the office hero! For lunch they offer individual boxed lunches, sushi platters, carved pork tenderloin, poached dill salmon…again, office hero – because let’s face it, those sandwich platters from your “regular spot” are just getting old. Need a little extra something to impress the clients? They offer floral arrangements. Celebrating your CEO’s birthday? Yup, cake and balloons can be delivered.

So go. Run. Stop in immediately! 🙂 You can thank me later.

Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest of Roche Bros. to visit their Downtown Crossing location. My meal at the Tasting Counter was provided complimentary. All opinions are my own.

Tasting Counter at Roche Bros.

8 Summer Street, Boston, MA

www.rochebros.com

Tags: casual dining, downtown crossing, hosted, restaurant