I have never eaten inside the little eatery known as Citrio Catering & Provisions, but I can tell you the cuisine is 100% delightful. My husband has been a frequent lunch visitor there and has surprised me on more than one occasion, like tonight, with their beautifully-boxed take-out.
Tonight, he surprised me with their Sancocho, a Colombian-Style Chicken and Lime Soup. It was divine and soothed my flu-filled body. The paper container was filled with slivered chicken and tortillas, potatoes and piles of cilantro and lime. When your taste buds are numb, a little lime and cilantro go a long way to wake you up, make you taste what you’re eating.
Next, we had one of Citrio’s House Smoked Chickens with Pomegranate Herb Marinade. This is my third time indulging in that chicken. I say “indulge” because it does feel like a luxury. We smoke meat during the Summer, a process that takes up to 13 hours. But to have that clear smoke flavor instantly, on a dreary April day, felt so lucky and fortunate. It was delicious.
My husband also picked up their Chunky Beet Salad with Pecans and Maple Vinaigrette and their Toasted Cous-Cous Salad with Fresh Ginger, Grilled Plums, and Basil Pesto. I was fairly full after the soup and chicken, but can never ignore those beets. Oh my goodness - they are sweet and healthy and rich. In addition, the grilled plums in the cous-cous reminded me of Summer’s hot grills loaded with roasted vegetables and fruits. We love it.
Besides the great food, Citrio’s packaging is adorable. Last time around we picked up a log of their uncooked cookie dough to bake off a few cookies here and there. The laminated label is sweet and thoughtful, using old-fashioned fonts and images of fresh lemons.
If you don’t have a moment to pop in for lunch, definitely pick up some take out. And don’t forget to try their dessert. My husband just fought off purchasing a chocolate mousse loaded with soaked black cherries. I applauded his courage, but am still thinking of forcing him to sleep in the other room tonight. Husbands, don’t forget to pick up Citrio dessert!
Citro is located at 2 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands, MA 021461. (617) 969-1234. No photos of tonight’s meal; the flu just has the better of me. But below is a photo of one of my husband’s most recent lunches there, a pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato chips.
