Way up in the north-east there is this gastropub… gastropub I wanna tell ya about.  Gastropub by the name of JM Curley.  At least that was the handle the owner gave it but it’s regulars call it Curley’s.  Now, “Curley’s” – that’s a name no one would self-apply where I come from.  But then there was a lot about Curley’s that didn’t make a whole lot of sense.  And a lot about where it is located, likewise.  But then again maybe that’s why I found the place so darned interestin’.  They call Boston the “Bean-town.”  I didn’t find it to be that, exactly.  But I’ll allow there are some nice folks there.  ‘Course I can’t say I’ve seen London, and I ain’t never been to France.  And I ain’t never seen no queen in her damned undies, so the feller says.  But I’ll tell you what – after seeing Boston, this here story I’m about to unfold, well, I guess I seen Somethin’ every bit as stupefyin’ as you’d see in any of them other places.  And in English, too.  So I can die with a smile on my face, without feelin’ like the good lord gypped me.  Now this here story I’m about to unfold took place back in early 2012 – just about the time the republicans were starting a war on women’s vaginas.  I only mention it because sometimes there’s a gastropub… I won’t say Michelin Star, (yet) ‘cause, what’s a Michelin Star?  But sometimes, there’s a gastropub.  And I’m talkin’ about Curley’s here.  Sometimes, there’s a gastropub, well, it’s the gastropub for it’s time and place.  It fits right there.  And that’s Curley’s, in Boston.  And even if it’s an easy gastropub – and Curley’s is most certainly that.  Quite possibly the easiest in Suffolk County, which would place it in the runnin’ for easiest worldwide.  But sometimes there’s a gastropub, sometimes, there’s a gastropub.  Aw. I lost my train of thought here.  But… aw, hell.  I’ve done introduced it enough.

Have you ever had fried chicken and waffles?  Maybe some ham on the side?  Well I’m pretty sure you have not had this.  Chicken Cordon Blisto Sliders.  Fried chicken with a slice of tasso ham and melted swiss cheese between two mini buttermilk waffles covered in butter, maple syrup and powdered sugar.  To die for.  Two for $16

Now we took a bit of a break from eating after that, but if you’re still hungry I suggest the Eastern North Carolina BBQ pork plate.  Served with white bread, slaw and two sauces, the Alabama white and Kansas City sweet and spicy.  $12

There are all kinds of fixin’s to go with your platters or to order on their own.  We ordered some soul food.  Collards $5 and some fried pickles $4.

Do remember that this is a gastropub.  Pub meaning bar.  So while you are eating you will want to try one of the many craft brews or specialty cocktails.  The beer list is long, interesting and will keep any beer connoisseur occupied.  And the bespoke cocktails will stand up to any speakeasy.  Below is Beverley’s Bloody Mary – Vodka, Grilled Veggies, Horseradish, Namprik, Okra $12

So do yourself a favor and get up north to “Bean-Town”, stop in at Curley’s and say hello to the fine folks that make this place what it is.  Cheers to you.  In the meantime check out their website for a full menu.  They do lunch, supper, late night and brunch on Sunday.

And don’t leave without trying the Bacon Peanut Brittle.  $5

It was great hanging with Kevin, Natalie(Vincent) and Sam.  Sam, “the Dude Abides.”  Props to the Cohen Brothers for the intro.

As the saying was in Bean-Town “Curley gets it done.”  JM Curley was a four term Mayor of Boston, served two terms in the US House of Representatives and later became the 53rd Governor of Massachusetts.  He was a respected historic member of Boston’s, Massachusetts’ and America’s History.     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Michael_Curley

http://www.jmcurleyboston.com/
21 Temple Place – Downtown Crossing