Where to Go from Influencers In the Know
ALL ABOUT @BostonBeerGirl_EJ
Name: Erika Johnson
Account: @BostonBeerGirl_EJ
When and why you started blogging under your current handle:
I started @BostonBeerGirl_EJ a little over 3 years ago to document the craft beers I was drinking and the new breweries/beer bars I was exploring in a more creative way than just checking in on an app (Like Untappd). Who knew I would find a whole community centered on Craft Beer on Instagram and meet some of my best friends through the platform?!
TOP PICKS
Three seems to be the best number, so what are your top three for the following categories, and feel free to give some insights:
Top 3 Things You Have Ever Eaten:
1) Purple Cow Frozen Yogurt from Richardson’s Ice Cream
2) Gremolata dumplings with soured cream, beech mushrooms, preserved lemon, and sea urchin from the Tasting Counter – this dish left me absolutely speechless, I felt like I was on an episode of Chef’s Table on Netflix – Tasting Counter is the ultimate culinary experience in the Boston Area, I highly recommend! Plus, it’s located right next to Aeronaut Brewing
3) Freshly caught fish in the Bahamas when the fisherman threw the fish from the boat up on deck to the waiter, I asked for it blackened and the chef whipped it up it
Top 3 Restaurants Inside Boston:
1) Row 34 – Unbelievable craft beer menu and to-die-for seafood! My boyfriend and I spent this past New Years Eve there with Champagne and Caviar – the best!
2) Pastoral – When you go, order the charcuterie board (all made in house and constantly changing) and literally any pizza, one of our favorite spots!
3) Time Out Market – Technically a food hall but some of Boston’s best chefs under one roof! I love coming here with my friends, grabbing a beer from the bar and then we order 1 or 2 dishes from each stall and share. Such a great concept and always a blast! PS – Trillium Brewing opened a location right next door!
Top 3 Restaurants Outside of Boston:
1) Public Kitchen in Wakefield – Unbelievable craft beer selection that is constantly rotating and hands down my favorite fried pickles! Order the Cauliflower Rice too with Steak Tips, you won’t be disappointed!
2) Local 438 in Stoneham – This is the ultimate hidden sports bar with a killer beer selection, pub food and won’t break the bank. My go-to is their wings and their baby back ribs!
3) Tremezzo Ristorante in Wilmington – This is my favorite hometown spot! Great Italian food and always friendly people at the bar. Order the Charcuterie board and scallop risotto, you’ll be amazed!
Top 3 Favorite Restaurant Pages to follow:
1) @Publickitchen_
2) @BostonBurger_co
3) @thesmokeshopbbq
View this post on InstagramIt’s a beautiful day for some Baby Back Ribs 🔥 available every Sunday and Monday!
Top 3 Favorite Influencers to Follow:
1) @porkandpintsboston – Lisa was one of the first local beer instagrammers I followed! She’s been a role model that quickly turned into a great friend! PS – She also owns @themodernbutchershop and has totally reinvented any preconceived notion you may have of sausages!
2) @thebeermama – Ashlee is a badass mom living near Portland, ME and always drinking the best beers/cooking the best food/doing fun things around one of my favorite beer cities!
3) @bostondatenightguide – Melissa always has the best inspiration for any night out – inside and outside of Boston!
SUPERLATIVES
If someone asked you for a restaurant that would “Even Keep the Inlaws Happy” where would you suggest they go?
The Local – they have 3 locations right outside of Boston, great menu, classy interior design and a $15 brunch menu that includes a Bloody Mary or Mimosa!
What are your “bucket list” items/restaurants to try that you haven’t yet been to?
Mariel in Boston
Shore Leave in Boston
Rusty Can in Byfield
Lofty (non-local) Bucket List:
Eat a dish (literally any dish) made by David Chang
Eat at a Michelin Starred Restaurant
If you were “going to the electric chair” What would your last meal be and from what restaurant?
Killer Beer Burger and (alcoholic) Freak Frappe from Boston Burger Company!
