Generally speaking, two things mixed together tend to be better than one. Chocolate−and−vanilla swirl frozen yogurt is better than either flavor individually. New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys have fused to form a new boy band supergroup with the potential to surpass all '90s fame. And the same goes for Newbury Street's Trident Booksellers & Cafe, which assumes the roles of bookshop and restaurant simultaneously.
Located at the far end of Newbury Street, just outside of the Hynes Convention Center stop on the Green Line, Trident is a great way to fuel up for a long afternoon of shopping. Open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, it serves quintessential brunch fare all day long and steps up the selection with a dinner menu for those later diners. The menu offers many homestyle favorites, often with a unique twist, and truly runs the gamut in terms of brunch offerings. Also on the menu? Books of all varieties.
Because Trident is an extremely popular spot in the world of Newbury Street cafes, a short wait may be in order. But luckily, the bookshop part of the venue is there to provide endless entertainment while you pass the time until a table is available. Trident is proud to call itself Boston's last independent bookstore, and it retains the vibe of a cozy old−world bookshop, filled with literary types and devoted readers. Replete with an impressive selection of magazines, classic tales and new releases, it's difficult to walk away empty−handed. Books are priced very reasonably, and the friendly staff is quick to offer recommendations.
The menu provides an impressive array of coffees, teas, juices and smoothies to choose from. Keep it simple with a latte or a hot chocolate or branch out and try a Viennese espresso (espresso, coffee, whipped cream and cocoa) or a Chocolatino (espresso, steamed chocolate milk, whipped cream, cocoa and chocolate syrup). If you're looking for something a bit more filling, try the Trident Smoothie (apples, strawberry yogurt, bananas, wheat germ, honey and orange juice). Add in bee pollen for an extra $1.25 to any smoothie, which supposedly staves off the effects of aging.
When you're ready for food, try not to be overwhelmed by the delicious−sounding selection on Trident's menu. At brunch, you can try a twist on an old favorite (get the Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon or avocado) or try an unusual combination of winning ingredients. The Morning Monte Cristo sandwich features fried eggs, Canadian bacon, raspberry jam and cheddar cheese on Challah bread French toast. Another fan favorite is the lemon ricotta French toast, smothered in blueberry sauce.
If breakfast food at all hours of the day doesn't tickle your fancy, there are more lunch−centric options available on the brunch menu. Start out with a basket of sweet potato fries before turning healthy with a fresh Asian chicken salad. If sandwiches are more your style, try the unique avocado and Havarti melt (avocado, mustard, and dill Havarti melted on sourdough) or the prosciutto and melted Brie sandwich, featuring a walnut pesto along with greens and tomatoes on a French roll.
If you're visiting Trident after dark, the menu is far less expansive but equally appealing. Start out with appetizers like spinach and artichoke dip or Korean short−rib wonton tacos, and complete the meal with pumpkin and Brie ravioli with maple sage cream or the poached salmon with horseradish root vegetable mash. Top it off with a Boston cream pie, or go for the exotic with a cinnamon−orange creme brulee.
As long as your intellectual curiosity doesn't draw you immediately back to the shelves of books on your way out the door, you will leave Trident having spent an extremely reasonable amount of money for all the food in your belly. The American−with−a−twist cuisine satisfies immensely, and you might end your day needing to go up one more size in your Newbury shopping expedition. A delightful spot filled with bookworms and foodies alike, Trident's hybrid of delicious and literary proves to be a winning combination.
