MA Chef Challenges Diners To Beat Him At His Own Game: Cheap Eats

WATERTOWN, MA — Renowned Boston-area chef Jason Santos has added a new restaurant to his ever-growing quiver with Watertown's ButterBird.

The new imprint specializes in chicken with a heavy lean toward chicken sandwiches in a fast-casual setting.

Santos opened the space in late June in Watertown's Arsenal Yards and, upon its opening, also launched a challenge to diners, food enthusiasts and creatives: Make the next great chicken sandwich.

Billed as the #BeatJasonSantos challenge, Santos offers up a chance for creative development. By going to the ButterBird website, anyone can submit their offering to be taste-tested by Santos and the ButterBird team. The winning sandwich will be added to the menu as a monthly special with a name honoring the creator.

Though chicken is the main attraction, the new restaurant will also be open for breakfast and fill a need for additional grab-and-go options in Arsenal Yards.

The breakfast menu at ButterBird features sandwiches served on Santos’ signature biscuits and brioche rolls, breakfast burritos, French toast sticks and a selection of tater tot bowls with fillings such as bacon, gravy and avocado.

Some of the lunch items include a selection of fried chicken sandwiches, chicken “tendies”, Flamin’ Hot corn ribs, a variety of salads and black truffle mac and cheese bites. On the sweeter side, guests can enjoy made-to-order beignets or southern-fried butterscotch apple pie pockets.

The restaurant will offer counter service with a dining room, a patio for seasonal seating as well as the option for to-go and delivery.

“We noticed that many of our Buttermilk & Bourbon guests would dine with us and order takeout to enjoy a second meal at home the next day. There was a need in Arsenal Yards for more grab-and-go and counter service dining options,” said Santos.

“Creating ButterBird solved the issue of giving guests something that they already craved in a fun and casual atmosphere to meet every daypart.”

The menu embraces Santos’ whimsical and creative side with an eye towardfun combinations. To compliment the playful menu, Santos leaned on Assembly Designs to create and equally fun and vibrant interior. Santos and Assembly had worked previously to create the interiors for Citrus & Salt, Nash Bar and Buttermilk & Bourbon.

ButterBird is located at 112 Bond Square at Arsenal Yards in Watertown. The restaurant will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.