KOSHER IN BOSTON

[hobie]

Any suggestions for a Kosher dinner in Boston area ? Have car so location is not a problem.

[peregrine]

http://www.shamash.org/kosher/
worldwide

select the Boston area for local results

[y2000k]

A bit off-topic, but over a decade ago I used to live in Coolidge Corner. I ate at a Chinese Kosher take-out once on Harvard Ave. It was in the format where pans of pre-cooked food sat on top of a steam bath. To order, you point to what you want and the proprietor ladle it for you. It's on the eastern side of Harvard Ave. Does anyone remember the name? I drove by Harvard Ave last week and it's no longer there.

Also, when did Shalom Hunan go out of business? The Korean place that's there now - is it the one that gets good raves here?

[galleygirl]

Shalom Hunan went out of biz a few years ago, when the Zoe's people opened an outpost there, couldn't seem to manage a liquor license, then sold to the current owners...
I think many people rave about the Korean places in Somerville and Brighton, but I'm in the Minsok camp because it's around the corner from me, very good, and reasonable...

[peregrine]

That must've been Ruth's Kitchen. I didn't know it had closed. Too bad - they had some great stuff.

[BobB]

No, Ruth's Kitchen is still there, in fact they just recently renovated so it doesn't look like such a dump anymore.

[y2000k]

Thanks for the info. I was driving down Harvard Ave so I probably missed it while zipping past.

[BobB]

I'm not sure Ruth's is the place you're thinking of though - I haven't actually been inside but it doesn't look particularly Chinese.

[peregrine]

I believe Ruth is Korean. Her kitchen serves both Asian and US dishes. I'm glad to hear it's still open.

[stillworkinonthat]

Ruths kitchen in Coolidge is in fact closed for good.

[BobB]

Wow! That must be a fairly recent development, I live a couple of blocks from there and haven't noticed. Then again, I never did shop there so wasn't really paying close attention.

[stillworkinonthat]

Bob, Curious as to why you never shopped there ? Im trying to figure out why these places close. It seems like a great corner location.

[BobB]

Two main reasons: 1) I don't keep kosher, and it's been my observation that most kosher places are (understandably) more expensive than their non-kosher equivalents, and (not understandably) with a few exceptions don't offer what I'd call really great food; and 2) until recently it looked from the outside like a real dump.

[stillworkinonthat]

Thank you. I do agree with you.

[StriperGuy]

For those who follow kosher dietary restrictions options are often limited, in Boston particularly so.

In my opinion the only kosher food worth eating from a deliciousness perspective are traditional eastern european or sephardic faire prepared with traditional techniques. i.e. a nice brisket, matzo ball soup, cholent, stuffed derma, stuffed cabbage, gribbenes, chopped chicken liver, etc. (I am not particularly knowledgeable about sephardic cuisine, but I understand it can be exquisite...

Even in NYC there are fewer really yummy old school glatt kosher places then there used to be. Though I am sure in Brooklyn there may even be some new ones that are really chow worthy.

As soon as you attempt to make Chinese, Korean, French, Italian or really nearly any other cuisine kosher, you generally run into trouble from a deliciousness perspective. I am sure there are exceptions, but as a rule terms like "Kosher Chinese Food" make me shudder.

[BobB]

True in general, but Ta'am China (at least the Brookline location) does better than most. We've dined there several times with kosher friends.

The only thing I find really odd there is their hot & sour soup. Traditional versions of this either have pork or are vegetarian, so one would assume that they'd do it meatless, but instead they've chosen to add beef, which doesn't really work for me (I'm picky about my hot & sour soup).

[the modern serf]

TONS of places in the Coolidge Corner area. I work in the area, and when I'm not paper bagging my lunch I tend to get it at Michael's Deli.

If you're looking for something a little fancier, you could try Zaftigs - deli food with restaurant service. Someone will probably chime in here saying that its overrated.

[galleygirl]

I don't think Zaftig's or Micheal's Deli are kosher.....They may be "kosher-style", but that's not the same thing....

[Allstonian]

"Someone will probably chime in here saying that its overrated."

No, I'll chime in to say that Zaftig's is absolutely, positively NOT Kosher. I know this for a fact because I have eaten bacon there.

[kimfair1]

Though I enjoy both restaurants, neither Zaftig's nor Michael's are kosher. As Allstonian stated, I've had bacon at Zaftig's, and a nice pastrami with swiss at Michaels, making both very Treyf!

[addicted2cake]

There is Ta'am China on Harvard Ave., Coolidge Corner, Brookline. Milk Street Cafe is down town, in the financial district. There is Rami's and Reuben's, also on Harvard Ave and I believe Cafe Eilat is in the same neighborhood,. Reuben's has a full course menu, I'm not sure about Rami's. There is a new restaurant that just opened, Jerusalem Pita, but the reviews I've seen thus far haven't been all that positive. It's also in the Coolidge Corner area. I have eaten at Ta'am China and Reuben's. They are OK. I really can't speak for the other restaurants, not having eaten at them. Perhaps, someone else can chime in. You may get some helpful feedback on the Kosher board. Good luck. I hope you have a great meal.

[weinstein5]

I have eaten at Ta'am China and enjoyed it very much (http://www.taamchina.com/) and Rubins (www.rubinskosher.com) - you might also post this on the kosher board for other suggestions -

[BobB]

You don't say what level of experience you're looking for. Ta'am China is about the only glatt kosher option for what you might call a "nice restaurant" experience - the rest are all on the deli/pizzeria/falafel joint level. Also, if it matters, Ta'am China has a full liquor license, while the others generally don't serve any alcohol.

[weinstein5]

I really enjoyed Ta'am China - most recently went to the one in Newton and really enjoyed my meal - been to many kosher chinese restaurants and this near the top -