Grace By Nia on Phantom Gourmet
“What’s old is new again in Boston’s Seaport district.
“This really does date back to true history in the Midwest, where families would spend the evening with that great cocktail moving to the next course where you're all kind of sharing a melange of things. And then you get to the entertainment and then you might just start dancing the night away.”
And the food and mood will have you swept away at Grace by Nia.
Located in this stylish spot in Boston’s red hot Seaport district, Grace by Nia is the brainchild of Nia Grace- a maverick in the Boston restaurant scene who’s behind spots like Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen and The Underground Cafe and Lounge.
“Grace by Nia is a nod to a period that really celebrated dining out, community, as well as entertainment something like the Cotton Club, or a Copacabana. We focus a lot on our southern comfort food as well as local entertainment. It's a celebration of arts, culture, and cuisine.”
So when it came to creating her latest venture, she took all that experience and made a place that wows you the second you step foot through the padded leather door.
“When you walk in, your eyes are automatically going to be drawn up to these very picturesque columns. And when you turn that corner, you're going to see a really grand stage where we host talent five nights a week. And then we've got a long bar and a raised dining platform."
And when it came to the menu, she decided to go back to the nostalgic dishes she’s had throughout her life.
“My menu is based on my southern roots but also inspired by my travels. And so I really wanted to take some of the familiar ingredients and flavors and then put a new twist on it.”
There's no better way to kick things off than with a cocktail like the Aye Aye Aye- with coconut, rum and hibiscus that's lit on fire. From there, it's all about sharing, with options like this gumbo served ceviche style. Chargrilled oysters topped with garlic butter and cheese. And sweet and sticky bourbon peach spare ribs.
“Peach is a really great southern ingredient. Adding an excellent sweet note to a sauce for the ribs. And I love ribs smoked slow cooked. I would say it's fall off the bone right? And it definitely is. It's a perfect starter."
There are twists on traditional southern favorites, like the stuffed collard greens filled with Cajun rice and black eyed peas served with a trio of sauces. And the tasty Fried Green Tomato Salad stacked with buffalo mozzarella, pickled red onions, basil oil, and balsamic glaze.
"It's heaven. I've had a friend who describes the fried green tomato salad as like a deconstructed mozzarella stick. I mean breaking it down. When you get all those flavors in your mouth. It's perfect."
And for a family favorite, try the Smoked Deviled Eggs.
“For almost every family function, my mom used to make deviled eggs and who doesn't love bacon. And so you throw a little bacon on the deviled eggs and some of that Sriracha oil. And it's like a little fun little pop."
The entree section of the menu provides you with both southern fare and Caribbean classics. So you can get yourself a jerk seasoned whole chicken with root vegetables. Or this unique take on chicken and waffles.
"Who doesn’t love chicken and waffles. Right? But I particularly love carrot cake as well. And so now we've got your Belgian waffle mix with spices, as well as fresh carrots and then you got your buttermilk fried chicken on top and cream cheese vanilla icing. You can add syrup you don't need it. Every bite is perfect.”
There’s southern style blackened shrimp but instead of being served traditionally with grits, it’s presented with polenta. But if you ARE craving grits, they come by way of Nia’s Caribbean roots.
“I do have some Caribbean background. And oxtail was one of my favorites growing up and so I wanted to again give that nod to my family bringing oxtail to this menu. And then add in the coconut grits. It's unexpected, but it's really a perfect pairing for the molasses braise on the oxtail. You're used to..shrimp and grits. But now you're getting your oxtail and coconut grits and you're not getting it anywhere else.”
And you're not getting Lobster Mac like THIS anywhere else either.
“We're serving lobster mac and cheese with a deep fried lobster tail and that comes blazing out of the baked macaroni and cheese. The baked macaroni and cheese does have fresh lobster in it as well as a five cheese blend. Eyes are big. Mouth is watering. Cameras are out. You've got to get it before it gets cold.”
Once your meal is complete, you should take in some music as you put back one of Grace by Nia’s desserts, like this German Chocolate Cake with a caramel coconut filling.
“We've got German chocolate cake base. You've got that caramel coconut filling, and then you have chocolate mousse on top and then you've got the chocolate ganache on top and then a gold dusting. I mean it's decadent."
And whether you're coming for drinks, dinner, or to take in all of that live music, it’s time you go to Grace by Nia.
“There's nothing like it in the city of Boston. I dare to say there's nothing like it in the state of Massachusetts. And so you'd be remiss if you didn't show up here and see what's playing.“
60 Seaport Blvd
Boston
MA
02210