http://www.chow.com/boards/12 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:04:19 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/664609#5164531 You may want to look into Season to Taste (www.seasontotastecatering.com) catering. They are very locavore focused, vegetarian friendly. Great food! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:18:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664609#5164531 http://www.chow.com/topics/662722#5164528 What do you do with canned sardines? I'm a huge anchovy fan, but have only had fresh grilled sardines (on the Medit. coast). Would love to try -- any suggestions? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:15:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662722#5164528 http://www.chow.com/topics/661848#5164483 I'm late in replying, but as a Polish girl who grew up on Polish deli kielbasa (Hillshire Farms is NEVER allowed in our house), I wanted to comment on Karls. I found the smoked kielbasa at Karls a little too salty, and not garlicky enough. But then again, I like super garlicky kielbasa. But, while I was there, they were making fresh kielbasa -- which I waited for. If you haven't had fresh kielbasa, it's basically a fresh sausage, not smoked. Karls' was outstanding. Now, how to cook kielbasa. Traditionally, prick the skin and boil. Grilling is always an option. But my favorite way to cook -- and now standard go to way -- oil up the sausage (fresh or smoked) with olive oil. Throw in a roasting pan and prick the skin a lot. Throw into a hot oven -- 400 ish and roast for 45 minutes or so, or as Julia Child says, cook until you smell it. You can eat it hot, room temp or cold. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:12:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661848#5164483 http://www.chow.com/topics/664074#5164477 Did a walk thru tonight and the place was jamming. Walked in the side door to take a look at the menu and was told they were fully committed. They still don't have the menu on their website or copies to take which is odd. Walked by the W Bar and it was packed too. Leaving out the front door, there were about 70 people waiting outside - for something? To get into a hotel bar? Not sure if there was another event at the hotel, but it was packed. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:57:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664074#5164477 http://www.chow.com/topics/561559#5164471 I'm not a fan of prepackaged fish, but don't discount frozen (filets, etc., not processed) fish out of hand. Much of the industry freezes at the processor, before even shipping. Much of the "fresh" fish at any fish counter is defrosted from original flash freezing. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:55:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561559#5164471 http://www.chow.com/topics/665514#5164453 Certain restaurants are treated as demigods by the morning to night Hounds on this board. Most have been spot on and have provided me with meals that I could have never come close to discovering on my own. Which ones have missed the heavy posters' excellent palates? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:38:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665514#5164453 http://www.chow.com/topics/657794#5164445 My dinner at Scampo exceeded all my expectations, especially given the poor food at Blue Sky. We had a great time sitting at the food prep area, getting many samples of what the chef thought was his best stuff. Lydia stood about 15 feet away, so this may explain the excellence of the meal. I have to admit, I did find the bread sticks on the table rather funky. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:31:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657794#5164445 http://www.chow.com/topics/665147#5164440 It may be that you have hit the wrong stores, as some have a wine specialty designation. The selection of the hard stuff and wine at the store on I-95 north exceeds anything that I have seen in MA. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:25:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665147#5164440 http://www.chow.com/topics/665325#5164368 Duck is roasted with fresh lemon juice all over and served with a warm cranberry relish. Lamb is done grilled over coal for Thanksgiving and oven roasted for Christmas. Slight variations depending on who's hosting. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:12:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665325#5164368 http://www.chow.com/topics/665458#5164355 Sorry, right block, wrong restaurant: Good Life was what I was thinking of. Kingston Station doesn't even have a downstairs! http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:06:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665458#5164355 http://www.chow.com/topics/665505#5164335 barismo, in arlington. easy bus ride from cambridge. or just pick them up from simon's on mass ave, b/w harvard and porter. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:54:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665505#5164335 http://www.chow.com/topics/664322#5164297 I did cry a little inside, because I really wanted the sausage, spinach and cheese. Got my blood work in a few days, though, and can't have excess cheese clogging up the test tube. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:31:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664322#5164297 http://www.chow.com/topics/664933#5164295 we had a "maine lobster boil" as our rehearsal dinner, it was a great way to go about it, you still got the festive aspect for the wedding, but people were dressed more casually. every guest got a mesh bag with corn, red potatoes, an onion, a sausage and a hot dog and then a lobster. If you didn't want lobster you could have chicken (we had guests specifiy on their RSVP cards) and the lobsters were steamed seperately, so there was no cross contamination. this was years ago, so i don't remember the name of the caterer. it was a blast, easy to plan and clean up. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:30:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664933#5164295 http://www.chow.com/topics/665457#5164225 Yeah, a little pricey. But for us this was an excellent family outing, and also a place I want to come back to on date night. We're probably pretty difficult--two adults, three kids all under 5--but we all were happy here. In contrast, we've had a hit-or-miss experience at Aquitaine, mostly due to a somewhat green waitstaff, I think. I like the food there as well, so I hope they'll improve. Anyway, Met Bar: Today, we just came for burgers and kids' food. My 'kobe' burger, rare with American trimmings, was very good. The seeded bun was rich but not overwhelming; I got to add my own ketchup and mustard (I am not a mayo or cheese girl when offered a properly fatty burger); and the raw red onion rings are superthin. My husband ordered, and was very happy with, the "Idol" burger rare, with sesame seed bun, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and sprouts. Oh, and I got the grapefruit fizz cocktail and was very happy--fresh grapefruit juice, grapefruit infused vodka, simple syrup, and soda. It was a little sweeter than I like (too much simple syrup?) but otherwise lovely--fresh clear grapefruit juice, good bitter rind flavor, grapefruit wedge garnish. The side order of fried onion strings (astonishingly thinner and crisper than Bartley's) and "sweet potato planks" was a study in contrasts. The onion rings were exemplary, if you like them thin and crisp; the "sweet potato planks" . . . odd. There were four or five thick, deep-fried wafers, each with a paper-thin sliver of sweet potato buried inside. I like sweet potatoes, so was sorry to find so little there. The mushroom and spinach sides were good if small. The mushrooms claimed to be "exotic" but I'd be shocked if there were any varieties other than cremini or standard button mushrooms in the (otherwise delicious) side we had today. My four-year-old's spaghetti with meatballs was unusually good--the pasta was a little overdone for my taste but he loved it, and the meatballs were exceptional. I had to stop my husband from eating them, since they were the kids' favorite. My daughter's mini burgers with fries were also good, and popular with all of us. Our server was really excellent. She gave us our space while we juggled the kids and perused our menus, but also quickly jumped in for refills, timely orders, getting kids' orders in quickly, etc. She checked with the grownups before bringing over a gratis cotton candy treat for our two older kids. Both ate their spinach beforehand to earn the sugary treat, and both were properly awestruck and grateful. I was really impressed with the Met Bar's handling of our (probably annoying) party, and I thought the food was solid. Pretty rare for us to be happy both with the handling of the kids and the food. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:49:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665457#5164225 http://www.chow.com/topics/665487#5164219 Searching this board yielded the following threads: The Best Donuts in the Planet are in East Boston... Best Donuts: Yeasty Wonders, Betty Ann Food Shop, E. Boston... Kane's Donuts Donut Holes Mmmmmm.... DONUTS Kane's Donuts - amazing! Hello Fellow Hounders, What do y’all think of the 2005 Donut Rankings (as linked below)? Donuts with a difference.........really! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:47:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665487#5164219 http://www.chow.com/topics/642462#5164143 I went last night. It is quite expensive. I only got edamame and some maki.... the sweet potato maki was the best. But yes, expensive. It was awfully good though... I'd go back just for that. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:03:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/642462#5164143 http://www.chow.com/topics/663561#5163986 Wow, three pounds of nuka is quite an ambitious pickling project!! My previous japanese grocery only sold it in 5lb or bigger, so I always went in together with friends on a bag to avoid having a freezer full of it :) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:25:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663561#5163986 http://www.chow.com/topics/664965#5163899 Ba Le in Fields Corner rearranged itself a few months ago -- there are now a few tables in the back that usually have space so that you can sit down with your Banh Mi. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:34:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664965#5163899 http://www.chow.com/topics/665430#5163887 I think people should get their Negroni however they like it, and that drink is very fine on the rocks. But I did order one at the Caffè Giacosa (originally known as the Caffè Casoni) in Florence, where the cocktail was invented, and didn't specify how I wanted it. They served it to me up, so I consider that the canonical version. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:25:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665430#5163887 http://www.chow.com/topics/665433#5163848 Thanks Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:06:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665433#5163848 http://www.chow.com/topics/625840#5163777 http://www.islordhoboopen.com/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:14:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/625840#5163777 http://www.chow.com/topics/665073#5163697 Thanks everyone. The flu has struck and taken down one of our party. I was able to get a table at Erbaluce at 8 and that would have been the choice (emailed restaurant directly vs. the choices opentable had given me). It will have to wait until next time and thanks again. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:28:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665073#5163697 http://www.chow.com/topics/665119#5163694 if anyone thinks of it while there - are they serving these dishes at lunch? Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:27:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665119#5163694 http://www.chow.com/topics/665393#5163654 What kind of food are you looking for? YOu could go for the bar at Alta Strada in Wellesley Center- not my favorite but ok Italian food. The new lounge at Blue Ginger in Wellesley is really nice and good- a few tables and the bar- nice food, less expensive than the dining room, tapas style. No reservations taken- go early and you will not need to wait. There is a new restaurant in WEllesley/Lower Falls called Bobby's American Grill. Supposed to have a nice bar. I believe they have opened but you can try to call them- search on the internet. For a good bar in a Chinese restaurant you can't beat Jumbo SEafood in Newton. Comfy bar, tv, good drinks. The bar at the Metropolitan Club on Route 9 in Newton is a scene.Also, the Met Bar and Grille in the Natick Collection is lively. For a quieter bar scene try Sel de la Terre at the Natick Collection. Hope you find a good place. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:07:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665393#5163654 http://www.chow.com/topics/665267#5163624 Thank you for thisinformation...I've had a helluva time getting good Reubens even down the road where You-Know_Who plays baseball. It's a shame, really....I'm a curmudgeon, of course, but it seems to me that the good sandwiches and deli stuff we took fro granted on the East Coast (defined for these purposes as, essentially, Philadelphia to Boston) have become rare. New shops trying to do it are to be appreciated but it is a shame we have to "go back" to the old days. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:50:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665267#5163624 http://www.chow.com/topics/665431#5163616 My sweetie and I will be in Boston for 4 days in December. I haven't been back since I graduated from college quite a few years ago, so I am no longer familiar with the good restaurant spots. We will eat one meal out per day, a late lunch, and are looking for excellent, local restaurants that serve a real meal for a good price. A great place in the North End would be appreciated, as would a couple in the Beacon Hill area and in Back Bay, and one in Chinatown. (Sweetie has never been to Boston, so we are going to be sightseeing.) We are staying in Cambridge, and will be traveling around by T. I would love to expose him to some great Boston fare (including ethnic fare), but want to avoid touristy spots. (On another note, what one Boston attraction should we definintely visit, other than the obvious ones?) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:42:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665431#5163616 http://www.chow.com/topics/665404#5163598 We buy huge tubs of Nido whole dry milk, which we use in making yogurt, at one or another of the Indian grocers on Moody Street in Waltham. We also recently got a small tub of Klim brand whole dry milk at the Allston Super 88/Hong Kong Supermarket (probably more what you want for your purpose unless you plan to make a LOT of hot chocolate!). Your best source in general will be ethnic markets, especially Latin or Indian. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:34:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665404#5163598 http://www.chow.com/topics/651179#5163562 I live right around the corner...I asked the guys last week and they said "Nov 1 for sure. We will be working round the clock to make sure it is done by then." Fast forward to Nov 7 and they're still working..... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:13:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651179#5163562 http://www.chow.com/topics/664748#5163523 I have not yet been to Dharma Buns, newly opened in Lowell www.dharmabuns.net but the reviews I've read are thus far favorable, and I like the idea that they are roasting their beef and turkey in-house, and have their rolls baked specially for them. They only have a few sandwich choices, because their aim is to do a few things very well. They also have soups, Belgian fries, and some 60 bottled beers. Lowell also has some wonderful banh mi sandwiches but they are mostly from take-out places. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:54:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664748#5163523 http://www.chow.com/topics/665175#5163432 I had a platter of oysters and cherrystones last weekend at Smith and Wollensky's and they were superb. Served on a big platter of crushed ice and sprinkled with big fat caperberries, Good Mignonette and cocktail sauce with wedges of lemon, a bottle of Tabasco and lots of warm lemony cloth napkins. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:08:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665175#5163432 http://www.chow.com/topics/665363#5163107 I'm going to be no help as to local options because in any enclosed space it's hard on other diners/staff (and you!) to have a kid who's running around/jumping off stuff. (I've got a kid like this too.) But if you ever head north, American Flatbread Pizza in Waitsfield, VT will be pretty good, especially during the good weather months, as there is a giant field behind the barn/restaurant/seating area where kids can run and jump and play. If you eat outside, you can keep an eye on the kiddo and have a wonderful meal. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:41:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665363#5163107 http://www.chow.com/topics/663579#5163031 The owner also owns Dean's Pastacchia - the pasta wholesaler near Stop and Shop in Somerville/Medford line (near Assembly Square Mall). The pasta that they sell is very good, espcially the RAVIoli's. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:58:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663579#5163031 http://www.chow.com/topics/143333#5162928 Ya just can't BUY publicity like this; you have to do it yourself! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:32:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/143333#5162928 http://www.chow.com/topics/648856#5162910 A few quick hits from the North Shore: Edgewater Cafe and Clucky's Wings in Salem have closed. Super Sub in Marblehead, which was around forever, has closed. Flynnie's on Marblehead now has a new owner, no idea yet on any impending changes. The Lyceum in Salem has undergone a major renovation and has re-opened with a new team and menu. In Hamilton, North Shore restaurateur Jeff Cala, who founded Cala's in Manchester, Latitude 43 and Alchemy in Gloucester, and Hale Street Tavern & Oyster Bar in Beverly Farms has taken over the space previously occupied by Indigo Bar and Grill and has opened the new 15 Walnut. In Newburyport, not one but two raw food restaurants opened in October. Grezzo, which is a second location of the upscale North End eatery, and Revitalife Cafe, a more casual place. http://www.northshoredish.com/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:16:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/648856#5162910 http://www.chow.com/topics/665271#5162896 Lizzy's in Waltham and Harvard Sq. has both chocolate and coffee tofutti. I'm not sure if it's made on site like the rest of the ice cream, but my husband used to enjoy it when he was mostly vegan. Decent flavor and texture. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:04:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665271#5162896 http://www.chow.com/topics/665011#5162879 Finn, check out my post and the link above. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:39:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665011#5162879 http://www.chow.com/topics/665279#5162579 If you are in the western suburbs, try Cake on Mass Ave in Lexington or Bella Moto on Mass Ave in Arlington. They have very nice cupcakes for under $2-2.50 and will make them up fresh if you order them. Also, Petsi's has delicious cupcakes. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:42:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665279#5162579 http://www.chow.com/topics/665315#5162576 I'd offer up Eastern Standard which usually has some iteration of FG. While you can have a fine dining experience there, it can also be casual, it's what you make of it. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:40:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665315#5162576 http://www.chow.com/topics/665137#5162575 We've hit Da Vinci a few times since we're only a 5min walk and have enjoyed it every time. They have a prix fixe menu that's better than ordering directly off the menu. Portions were good and the food was good :-) Place is a bit dim but that's the ambiance they're going for... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:39:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665137#5162575 http://www.chow.com/topics/665188#5162495 Another vote for Scampo! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:44:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665188#5162495 http://www.chow.com/topics/664865#5162485 Yikes! maybe i'll give it a weeks before going. I'm only interested in it because I (now) live in Newton and like staying out of the city sometimes. Thanks for takin' one for the team ;) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:33:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664865#5162485 http://www.chow.com/topics/665233#5162425 Falafel King and Fordees are great, though I still really miss House of Ararat in Watertown. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:01:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665233#5162425 http://www.chow.com/topics/664956#5162403 Hi all, Thanks for all the replies. I will definitely suggest the vegan cafe to my friend. I actually got saved by my mother and we went to Hei La Moon and took over two tables for 20 people total. We knew they would have plenty of space and would be able to easily fit everyone. We split the tables into largely vegetarian and a bit of everything tables. The restaurant was really great about meat free versions, but I don't think I could have done it with my Chinese skills. My mother explained really well, but they were very nice to the group. The meal was delicious and everyone seemed full and pleased with their meal. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:43:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664956#5162403 http://www.chow.com/topics/615670#5161846 I second the motion for Christina's, but also wanted to mention that H-Mart has the largest selection of Asian-flavored ice creams in their freezer case that I have ever seen. I was very impressed. In addition to green tea, I bought a lychee and coconut jelly sherbet that is just fantastic. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:49:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/615670#5161846 http://www.chow.com/topics/391789#5161765 I really liked the Thai place. Anyone know what became of them? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:22:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/391789#5161765 http://www.chow.com/topics/664070#5161755 I agree about the desserts. Normally I'm not huge on desserts, but IMO it was the best part of the meal. The raspberry panna cotta and choc banana desserts were playful, light, and tasty. As for the rest of the meal, bland and believe it or not, overcooked. The pate tasted like whipped butter, and the sweat breads like any misc fried food. Don't get me wrong, I love me some butter and fried anything, but these two dishes were missing their yummy distinct flavors. Both fish dishes were overcooked..and one of them was oil poached. I was under the impression that if you regulate the oil temp it is very hard to overcook anything poached..but then again I aint no chef. Thought service was great and sommelier very helpful. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:17:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664070#5161755 http://www.chow.com/topics/662998#5161743 I typically put them under a puff pastry duvet or wrap them up in a polenta snuggie, but yeah, you got the general drift. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:14:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662998#5161743 http://www.chow.com/topics/665190#5161727 $28 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:09:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665190#5161727