http://www.chow.com/boards/13 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:43:45 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/633891#4829969 Interesting that you said "dried" herbs. When we got it at the Farmers Market in Fairfield it was 100% fresh herbs, including real, fresh lavender. The Herbs de Provence from Beltane might be one of my favorite goat cheeses now. Also love their "plain" goat cheese. It's much better when it isn't shrink wrapped, but shrink wrapped is good too. The owners indicated they use shrink wrapping for the extra cheese that is made when the goats are lactaiting and it helps tide them over while the goats are not lactaiting. As for the experience, we actually bought from the owners at the market and they seemed nice (in a hippie sort of way). They indicated that we could visit the farm, taste cheese, and bring a picnic. When we asked about bringing wine, they said it wasn't allowed but that they didn't have very good eyesight (wink, wink). As for purchasing, the Fairfield Cheese company (next to Harry's Wines) carries it on a regular basis. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:22:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633891#4829969 http://www.chow.com/topics/633837#4829782 I'm surprised you can't get DFH in restaurants around you. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:30:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633837#4829782 http://www.chow.com/topics/633441#4829695 Chase's Daily is definitely the real deal! They also do good, if not exactly traditionally Asian, fried rice and their soups are almost always worth considering. Now that we're in season, it's very difficult to get a table for their Friday night dinners. You'll want to get your reservations in early if you want a table for Friday night. Lunch is just your usual mob scene. Early or late arrival is a good strategy if you don't care to wait for a table. We also love their produce. They are progressive about what they choose to grow, as you can see from their happy rich. Later in the season, they have an amazing assortment of melons, plus heirloom tomatoes, chili peppers, corn, herbs, all sorts of stuff. We often use their cinnamon raisin bread as a basis for French toast. On top of it all, they're nice people too! Just Barb's doesn't seem to be going anywhere and they seem to be staying pretty busy. Don't know what the future holds, but it's darned difficult to get a loan for restaurant or hospitality businesses around here these days. If they plan to stay open until they find a buyer, they might be around for a while! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:39:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633441#4829695 http://www.chow.com/topics/519403#4829587 I'm pretty hefty myself, but find the portions and prices at Tabella more than satisfactory. The wine and cocktail lists are exceptional. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:36:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/519403#4829587 http://www.chow.com/topics/561886#4829577 You should definitely try the Nashoba winery in Bolton MA, if you and your friend are still around the area. It's off Rte 2. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:28:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561886#4829577 http://www.chow.com/topics/632279#4829562 I ate there on Tuesday, June 23d, their "hard" opening night. I believe that it's clearly the best restaurant in Easthampton although that's faint praise since Imagine closed years ago. I had the scallops cerviche and the lamb. The scallops were fine, though a little limp. I asked that the lamb be cooked to the chef's taste and it came out medium +. The ingredients seemed to be of good quality. The room was well appointed and. although the seating is understandably tight for a small (30 seat) place, the acoustics were excellent. The service was excellent, particularly on an opening night. I didn't test the server's knowledge with any complicated questions, however. The wine list was matched to the food quite well and most choices were available by the glass. The wines were inexpensive, but definitely exceeded my guideline of double retail cost (local - T&V). I would have enjoyed a fairly good, faitly priced Champagne. The downstairs bar was a bar, not a lounge and was staffed that night by the delightful Sally. In all, I'll go again. Jerry Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:21:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632279#4829562 http://www.chow.com/topics/632035#4829507 Inaho is terrific. But, the rude behavior of the owners got to us and we quit. The Misaki, just off West Main Street, Hyannis has young new owners that are really putting out an effort to serve the freshest fish. And, Misaki has a highly skilled chief sushi chef. Last night at Misaki we had the best fresh marinated saba I've ever had, and Inaho is known for its good saba. We also had broiled Aji, simply wonderful. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:50:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632035#4829507 http://www.chow.com/topics/633752#4829436 If you can get to a farmers' market where Nantucket Wild Gourmet has a stand, you can get a great smoked haddock that is fresh and can be used where you might use finnan Haddie. I used it for a chowder I was trying to copy after I had a version at Hamersley's Bistro. It was delicious. I know he is at Harvard, Davis Square, Prudential, Copley, and Brookline but you can probably contact him through the site and preorder it for pickup. I don't know if he has it every day. There is also a list of stores on the site and he might be able to get it to one of those for you. http://www.nantucketwildgourmet.com/ Penny http://www.bostonzest.com/ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:05:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633752#4829436 http://www.chow.com/topics/632683#4829406 Well I recently had a crabmeat omelet at the Northport Diner (Route 1, between Lincolnville and Bayside), and it was spectacular: chock full of crabmeat and no fillers. Diner's owner is the picker. There's also a crabmeat roll on the menu for $10, and I'm guessing that's a beaut, too, but have yet to sample it. Heading up that way on Monday, so might do so then. By the way, don't be put off by the exterior, this place is a gem. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:53:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632683#4829406 http://www.chow.com/topics/633300#4829329 Has anything replace it? I actually liked the setting they had. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:11:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633300#4829329 http://www.chow.com/topics/633631#4829094 Le Bec Rouge (http://www.labecrouge.com/) has pretty good food like burgers, chicken, and steaks, plus their upper deck is a great way to relax with a drink and/or food (as long as you don't mind a guy on guitar while you eat). I would also suggest Ocean Wok (http://www.oceanwok.com/) for some decent Chinese food, over by the bridge. It's WAY better than the place on the strip, and well worth the longer walk! Let us know what places you try and any thoughts on them? I'm hoping to hit HB in August with my girls, so we'd love to know about any good eats and any new joints! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:09:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633631#4829094 http://www.chow.com/topics/633709#4829075 The cuisine is Vietnamese, if that's what you're asking. I've been there a few times and always left feeling satisfied without breaking the bank. It's usually on my list of places to hit whenever I go to Manchester on business, but then again I love Vietnamese food! Check it out, I don't think you'll be disappointed! BTW, it's ALWAYS a good sign when a restaurant is always busy! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:56:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633709#4829075 http://www.chow.com/topics/629036#4828924 I've attached the rest of the photos here. Note how thin that slice of meatloaf is! In response to this thread's OP re the Bridge House experience, I think "OUTSTANDING!!" is a big word for this place. The food is good, has a home cooking vibe and is served in a pleasant atmosphere. But "OUTSTANDING!!" (or "You'll only be able to eat half the sandwich!") sets my expectations high. The most mindblowing aspect of our visit to the Bridge House was the fact you can spend almost $50 for lunch and the portions are not that generous. Chowhounds, is Bin 100 a better deal/experience than this place in your opinion? Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:32:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629036#4828924 http://www.chow.com/topics/626617#4828911 We're in Wells now. Had a really nice dinner at Billy's Chowder House last night. The service was very good, and we all enjoyed our meals. The view of the fog over the marsh was nice too. Question: which steak place do you all recommend? The Steakhouse on rt. 1 or the Wells Beach Steakhouse on Mile Rd (which seems to be owned by the same family as Billy's and Varanos)? Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:23:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626617#4828911 http://www.chow.com/topics/633822#4828866 Pretty sure that was (is?) the place on the Eastport Road, not to far off Route 1, on the Passamaquoddy res. You could call the Passamaquoddy tribal offices to see if it's still in operation or call Quoddy Moc, which is closeby. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:03:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633822#4828866 http://www.chow.com/topics/630297#4828843 Thanks for the input, ezra! This gives me even more impetus to try it out, especially since I live on the West Side, right near the Hill. Cheers! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:46:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630297#4828843 http://www.chow.com/topics/633781#4828780 Thai: Sarah Thai is excellent (you should also try Pan Thai II in Exeter). Indian: Taste of India in Dover is very good (also Jewel of India in Biddeford and Gil's in Manchester) Indonesian: Dave's Spicy House in Somersworth Vietnamese: Than Than II in Portland Mexican: Loco Coco's Tacos in Kittery That should get you started . . . Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:31:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633781#4828780 http://www.chow.com/topics/633847#4828748 My Favs are The Starboard Galley on Matunuck Beach road in Charlestown: http://www.starboardgalleyrestaurant.com/1.html Narragansett: http://www.trio-ri.com/ http://www.turtlesoupri.com/turtleframe.html http://www.crazyburger.com/ http://www.narragansettri.com/markos.htm Estia Pizza & Restaurant To name a few Trio: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:51:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633847#4828748 http://www.chow.com/topics/629952#4828554 How disheartening! I swear it seems like a restaurant has to go out of its way to serve such bad food but maybe I'm the eternal optimist. I think hopegoode hit it on the head. All you really need is a good chef in the kitchen to make it fly. Managers and owners don't seem to get this! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:50:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629952#4828554 http://www.chow.com/topics/612393#4828518 You hounds are amazin! Over 100 replies!!! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:26:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/612393#4828518 http://www.chow.com/topics/631855#4828515 We're waiting for mj's report too. Good friends just bought a house in that area and have never had Dragon's food. Keeping hope! Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:25:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631855#4828515 http://www.chow.com/topics/630884#4828512 Valley machine knife did a REMARKABLE job!! The bevel was not too wide but not too small to hold an edge. They didn't overgrind at all, the serated knives were scarily sharp - I've never seen anyone do them like that.! We're sending out more next Thursday - the price is really fair too. I highly recommend these guys. they do know what they're doing . Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:23:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630884#4828512 http://www.chow.com/topics/617086#4828425 I think Spiro still own's and runs NE House of Pizza ll. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:20:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/617086#4828425 http://www.chow.com/topics/633818#4828284 ENN Japanese Restaurant: http://ennri.com/ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:42:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633818#4828284 http://www.chow.com/topics/633693#4828227 I don't have 1sthand knowledge, but a friend ate at Grace last night and absolutely raved about the food, the space, the experience. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:05:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633693#4828227 http://www.chow.com/topics/633539#4828217 Local 188 is great for a drink or tapas, but I'd recommend Caiola's more readily -- wonderful food, great atmosphere and really impressive hospitality. We've eaten there a number of times in varying situations - with a toddler, with parents, with friends, with a business contact -- and have loved it every time. I agree w/ PPs that you really can't go wrong w/ the places you mentioned. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:03:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633539#4828217 http://www.chow.com/topics/633784#4827963 I used to enjoy Jasmin's when I was in town and was wondering how this replacement is faring? Has anyone tried it? Any new recommendations in Williamstown or North Adams? Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:18:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633784#4827963 http://www.chow.com/topics/632029#4827891 Anneke Jans in Kittery Maine (next to Portsmouth) gets my vote. A small bistro, excellent food and service. You can reserve on Open Table. I love fisherman's Catch in Wells, but you should know that it is casual (picnic tables with rolls of papertowels hanging overhead), crowded and noisey. Not for a relaxing dinner. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:35:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632029#4827891 http://www.chow.com/topics/633358#4827867 Double ditto. We call it "Cheese Porn." Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:21:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633358#4827867 http://www.chow.com/topics/633357#4827860 Oh wow! Thank you so much!!! We've been vacationing in this area forever and while my husband and dad like to go play golf at Sebasco, I've never eaten there. Will DEFINITELY be doing this next week. Very excited. Will give a review when we get back too! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:19:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633357#4827860 http://www.chow.com/topics/632466#4827715 second that!! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:00:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632466#4827715 http://www.chow.com/topics/633567#4827626 It's true, we have lousy BBQ around here. BUT...on Rte 4 in Farmington is a BBQ joint under construction. "Lonestar BBQ" or something like it. It's across from the mini golf/driving range. It's a small single structure building. Could be good news for the area - fingers crossed. I drive by often and am looking for signs of the pit to show up: a big wood smoke vent, a few cords of wood being delivered, etc. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:07:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633567#4827626 http://www.chow.com/topics/633545#4827584 Gracies and New Rivers would be my choices Dowtown. Chez Pascal is a short cab ride (10 minutes) and probably my favorite spot in the city. All of these places are pricey, but worth it. Less expensive places to try would include: Broadway Bistro, the Red Fez, Julians. If you want to experience Federal Hill, try sitting outside at Constantino's. A heads up, restaurant week in Providence runs from 7/12 - 7/25. Not sure if this will overlap with your visit. If it does, on the plus side, you could can eat at any of aforementioned restaurants at a fraction of the normal cost. However, for the top of the line places you will need to make reservations early if you want to eat after 5 and before 9:30. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:39:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633545#4827584 http://www.chow.com/topics/161288#4827471 Hey 'Hounds - it's been fun reading your board during my trip to the nutmeg state. Had some great meals and snacks - including a nice dinner at Lenny's Indian Head and maybe the best donut (cruller) I've ever had at Neil's. As for the dogs, well, we hit Blackies - great summertime atmosphere, and no one has mentioned the birch beer which is a totally New England thing and not to be missed if you are an out of state foodie doing the regional eats thing like me (I don't think I have seen birch beer here in CA, but it must be here somewhere). The dogs are, I was told by another customer, Hummels but special make for them. They were, to me, very knackwurst-like in consistency - mild and plainish - a great backdrop for their relish, which is a surprisingly dark almost brown/army green color. We were glad we stopped - also glad to have coolered a five pound box of Mucke's and a buncha bags of New England style hot dog rolls for this weekend back here in L.A. from the Super Stop n' Shop! I snuck one already (you know, just to be sure they arrived safe and all) - they are waaaay better than the Hummels in my opinion - just a personal preference, but the difference was pretty striking. With Guildens and Blackies relish I think we will have no complaints on the 4th here in L.A. Hope you all have a great holiday weekend! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:31:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/161288#4827471 http://www.chow.com/topics/418468#4827467 And that is exactly why I patronizde Locke, Stock, and Barrel...Pat is not only extremely affable, but extremely knowledgeable about the cheeses she sells. What is in it for me to spend money at a store owned by somebody who is indifferent to whether I shop there or not? Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:28:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/418468#4827467 http://www.chow.com/topics/443892#4827320 We love Surf, the food and service is definitely in a league above Commercial Street Fishery.We have been so disappointed with CSF that we no longer will go there. We were regulars at the Starfish Grille (the restaurant before it turned Commercial Street Fishery) and LOVED the place --food and service were always excellent. As soon as new ownership took over it changed. The prices are high, service has been spotty and food definitely not as good. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:24:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/443892#4827320 http://www.chow.com/topics/631925#4827222 August 2nd. Admission is free. On the riverfront. Very safe. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:45:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631925#4827222 http://www.chow.com/topics/615804#4827166 We were there two weeks ago, while visiting Yankee Spirits. Fish & Chips was great. Had a draft ale(Arrogant Bastard). Creamy, delicious Porter-style. How crowded does it get before a PawSox game? Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:24:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/615804#4827166 http://www.chow.com/topics/633454#4827132 Convinced! Looking forward to it on a long drive home from Maine. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:12:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633454#4827132 http://www.chow.com/topics/567033#4827090 Thai AND French cuisine restaurant. See above menu Chowhound was so kind as to let thelimelight (the restaurant), post. They list three "French" entrees. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:56:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/567033#4827090 http://www.chow.com/topics/383343#4826665 The Concord Siam Orchid is a favorite of ours but we tend to head north to the small Asian Delight in Franklin NH next to the Opera House. DH thinks the food is better and less expensive. We always have to get the house special fried rice which we now like much better than Chinese fried rice. He also likes Massaman Curry. The Hot and Crazy Noodles sound great. Will have to try on our next visit to whichever Thai restaurant. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:39:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/383343#4826665 http://www.chow.com/topics/633596#4826072 Hi everyone, I'm hoping someone has some information on where to get the best glass bottled milk delivered in the Manchester Nh area? I know Catamount farms has the good stuff..are there any other fresh milk delivery companies in this area? Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:36:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633596#4826072 http://www.chow.com/topics/633443#4825693 I've had breakfast there a couple of times this year, "business" breakfasts, and it's pretty good, the omelettes are very good, but I love the blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon. Yum. And it is 100 times better than the junk they serve at the highly overrated Penny Cluse in Burlington. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:11:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633443#4825693 http://www.chow.com/topics/632620#4825630 Have you thought of doing this at a park or campground? Hathaway's Pond in Barnstable has several grills installed, available first come, first serve I assume. Likewise Gray's Beach in Yarmouth may still have them, but I think you need a Yarmouth resident to reserve one for you. Scusset Beach in Bourne? Nickerson Park in Brewster? Sea Street Beach in Hyannis? You might even find a caterer who will be glad to prepare the food and drop it off. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:45:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632620#4825630 http://www.chow.com/topics/627549#4825531 I went there and was seriously disappointed. Every attempt, at every junction, seems to be to make the most profit out of the tiniest serving. I have no problem with small portions at all (loved 158 in SoPo and a big Bar Lola supporter here), but Salt Exhange does things like serve no bread, because as I was told, it would fill people up and they wouldn't order as much. Beyond being tight and tacky in the extreme, this practice leaves the palate in a bad place at times through the course of a meal. The fish was "Ocean Perch": what we called redfish in Harpswell where I grew up, and used, pickled in waste, as lobster bait. With all the fish in the sea, if you're going to serve someone 2 ounces of it, couldn't it be a palatable, quality fish? There was some very (very) good food served, but there's plenty of very good food to be found in Portland where the owners are not so slavishly squeezing the blood from turnips. The service (I ate at the bar, which I do fairly often in Portland) was pleasant except for one nasty new phenomenon entering diners' experiences. It's bad enough when a waitperson asks you, fork-in-mouth, how the meal is, but the new trend is to cheerlead it: "How about them mussels???!!!", "Pretty amazing turnips, eh?", forcing you into a kind of fight-or-flight mode ("No, the turnips were soggy, but I would never have brought it up if you hadn't forced the issue*."), which is not where I want to be mid-meal. PLEASE don't put me in such an uncomfortable situation. It makes me want to leave the restaurant: not a good thing. This happened with every serving, meaning it happened a lot in this small-serving restaurant. A small dinner for one at the bar with a drink, glass of wine and dessert cost $89.90 with tip. -------------------------------------------------------- *No mussels or turnips in my meal, I'm just extemporizing here. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:05:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627549#4825531 http://www.chow.com/topics/633529#4825443 Thinking of going to Luxe Burger Bar tonight in the old Citron/Brewed Awakenings. Has anyone been and do you have a recomendation? They have not posted their menu online yet. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:35:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633529#4825443 http://www.chow.com/topics/632330#4825410 Shalimar is great for indian I like Red Fox in Jackson for Sunday Breakfast Wildcat Tavern in Jackson for Lunch or dinner The THe in Jackson is also grest REd Parka Pub for BBQ is one of our favorites Delaneys and Moat area also good choices The bagelry has great bagels. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:26:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632330#4825410 http://www.chow.com/topics/632285#4825379 The view and food at the Boathouse are both fantastic. The New England Chips and Dip is a great starter. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:17:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632285#4825379 http://www.chow.com/topics/631953#4825154 Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton, RI is a fantastic vineyard to visit, short tour and a wonderful tasting for around $7. Plus you can buy a cold bottle, visit the cafe and have a picnic lunch in the vineyard. Westport Rivers Vineyard is also wonderful. The Boathouse in Tiverton, has great food and wonderful views of the Sakonnet River. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:01:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631953#4825154