143770 Mon Jan 06 20:17:49 -0800 2003 4 12 Boston Area 0 769707 Anyone remember Ichiban, in Arlington Center and in the kiosk across from the Gap and the Sushi bar in Porter Square? It closed a couple of years ago. I loved those steamed buns. Is there any place like that in the area? Obviously, some chinese restaurants have buns on the menu, but Ichiban ONLY had buns and they had so many "flavors." My favorite was the beef sukiyaki. Thanks! Mon Jan 06 20:17:49 -0800 2003 0 Doug M 1 769709 The kiosk now is from the Japonais bakery from Brookline - they have incredible an-pans, creme-pans, castella, katsu-curry rolls, and the most incredible sort-of cream puff with both creme and an pan (to die for). As far as the steamed bean or meat buns, chinatown has lots of places that keep the steamed buns (better yet - Char Siu Bau - with the sweet pork). But Closer to Porter Square, try the Korean supermarket - Reliable Market in Union Square. They have one of those steam cases and often have both bean and meat buns in them. They're also a good place for both Japanese and Korean foods, including fresh sashimi material - prepared, pre-cut fish, octopus, small sizes of Uni. They're generally cheaper than Kotobukiya (Porter Square) and have lots more selection of just about everything. Mon Jan 06 21:46:57 -0800 2003 769707 0 applehome 2 769725 Where would you say has the best Char Siu Bau in Chinatown? Tue Jan 07 10:42:12 -0800 2003 769709 0 C. Simon 3 769791 This isn't going to help... but no particular place stands out for me in Boston. My favorite of all time is in Washington DC - it's a very small Chinatown (smaller than Boston), close to the convention center. It's on 7th just next to their Chinatown gates. Last time I was there, I bought 6 huge ones and ate them all in my Hotel room (not at once). There's also a great Q place nearby run by a kid from Austin, TX - best brisket I've ever had including Memphis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Dallas. (see url and pix). All this has absolutely nothing to do with Char Siu Bau in Boston, sorry about that... Link: http://www.capitalqbbq.com/ Image: http://home.attbi.com/~applehome/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-512002.html Tue Jan 07 23:17:54 -0800 2003 769725 0 applehome 2 769727 I don't eat pork (or shrimp, for that matter). So, I hope that Reliable Market has some beef/chicken/veg ones that look appealing. Thanks for the tip! Tue Jan 07 10:48:09 -0800 2003 769709 0 Doug M