Need fun "destination" place, 50 miles from Boston

[Ginger_ninja]

I used to be a member here, but going back to grad school put a crimp in my eating habits... such that I couldn't even find my username anymore.

Anyway, I have an odd situation. My car just had new O2 sensors put in, and it must go through 1 complete "cycle" before it gets inspected... a cycle takes 100 miles, and it needs to be inspected before Friday. I don't normally drive much, and only have one evening free this week. Thus, tomorrow night I need to drive 100 miles. The thought was to pack the boyfriend and myself into the car and head somewhere 50 miles away for dinner (resulting in the needed 100 mile round trip). Not TOO expensive (I did just have to pay the car mechanics bill), but if we're going to drive 50 miles, we might as well go somewhere worth it. We love sushi, and I'm a fan of both quality pubs and New American. Mexican is the only suggestion I would shy away from.

Anyone have recommendations for a good place worth a 100 mile round trip drive from Cambridge on a Wednesday night?

[cajuntoast]

I guess I missed this by a day, but to add to the Providence suggestions, if you are ever in Providence on a Wednesday you should check out these wine tastings:
http://stephaniedoes.com/2007/wednesd...

Where did you end up going?

[captspankie]

Hi,
I highly reccommend Kaizin Sushi Bar in Sturbridge, Ma.
This should cover your 100 mile road trip and you can try a newly opened restaurant that is getting rave reviews.

[uncle rico]

Gee, that sounds like a good reason for a road trip. I've got two choices depending on how far you want to drive. For sushi I'd try Baba in Worcester. http://www.babasushi.com/

For good pub grub I would make the trek out to Sturbridge to Admiral TJ O'Briens. It's at 401 main st. which is basically Rte.20 East. Its only a mile or so off the Pike.

[JaneRI]

Uncle Rico, is the Sturbridge place newish? Never heard of that.

[LindaWhit]

No, it's not, Jane - I forgot about that place! Good call, Rico! I've been there a couple of times when I go out to Brimfield for their antiquing weekends. It is a great place! The bartenders and locals are great - fun, and very welcoming to us antique nuts. :-) Good food as well - at least the burger I got and the seafood my friend got (I think a lobster).

[uncle rico]

Yeah it's a heck of a lot better than the Picadilly pub. I had the meatloaf lunch special there not too long ago and it was some of the best I've had. Weird I know because most peopl wouldn't order meatloaf at a restaurant. It was huge and it only cost $6.95. They also have great live music I'm just not sure what nights they have it?

[trufflehound]

I don't know. There are so many restos with meatloaf that it must be popular. At home, there are usually no resources for gravy or fried onion.
I also like the Brass Cricket in Sturbridge. Cool pub stuff under $15 or so.

[JaneRI]

Definitely Providence - La Laterie. www.farmsteadinc.com (Farmstead is the cheese shop next door, same owner, and you access the La Laterie website through there).

[Trnrbrnr]

Wow, this place looks really nice!

[JaneRI]

The food is wonderful. It got a really nice write-up in Food & Wine magazine.

[Jerry Saywell]

I agree with previous posts.
Pick your "Ps" - Providence or Portsmouth. Providence bigger, Portsmouth cozier.
Can't go wrong with either.

Jerry Saywell
www.saywells.com

[emilief]

Anneke Jans in Kittery ME is just a little further than 50 miles- great new American food, bistro type place, excellent cocktails. Call for a reservation or you can sit at the bar without one.

[ginafly]

Portsmouth is so cute with many options, but I fear traffic won't be fun after work. Careful how you time it.

[LindaWhit]

Portsmouth, NH is just over 50 miles one way - lots of restaurants up that way.

http://www.portsmouthnh.com/dining/

[steinpilz]

The Portsmouth Brew Company is a great place if you go there:

http://www.portsmouthbrewery.com/

[cookiezim]

Worcester's Shrewsbury Street might fit the bill. There's a decent mix of pricey (Via) and less expensive pubs and Italian on the street. I think it's around 50 miles each way! Have fun and let us know where you ended up.

[finlero]

Providence should be a perfect fit for you, an almost miraculously chow-dense city, due in part to Johnson and Wales graduates sticking around and starting their own restaurants.

Search the general New England board; there are a ton of Providence recs there.