dinner with my (fresh pond) movie?

[makiman]

Hi. Movie at 7, fresh pond.

My wife wanted Amelia's (teele sq) because she hasn't been in ages but the buzz here was not positive. Suggestions?

thanks,

makiman

[dulce de leche]

I third, fourth? Gran Gusto. Also, haven't been, but a Lebanese place opened up definitely within walking distance. It's called "Basha Cafe" I think. I like Summer Shack, too. If you have the time and can get in, I also suggest Ten Tables Cambridge.

FWIW, I found Annapurna to be really awful.

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Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140

Summer Shack
149 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, MA 02140

Ten Tables
5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA 02138

[heypielady]

My vote also goes to Gran Gusto. If your there early you can get in and out pretty quickly. And its so good!

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Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140

[digga]

I've been curious about Basha...It's rather expensive. I think lipoff posted favorably about this place. Not much recent chatter. Is it still hanging on?

Amelia's Teele Sq is quite different from the Kendall Sq spot (which most of the recent reviews have been about). It's a pleasant spot. Food is decent (although we almost go since we don't eat Italian out).

How about Hana Sushi?

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Hana Sushi
2372 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

[bear]

I'd strongly suggest that you go with Gran Gusto over Amelia's if you want Italian. We were at Amelia's a couple of weeks ago and it was pretty meh.

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Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140

[GretchenS]

All good suggestions. There's also Toraya in Arlington.

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Toraya Restaurant
890 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

[justbeingpolite]

Not always a favorite on this board, but Summer Shack is just across the street. Some raw bar and apps (I like the grilled clams) could be a good pre-movie take.

[StriperGuy]

Mmmmm, Toraya. Might have to hit it for lunch today...

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Toraya Restaurant
890 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

[greenzebra]

TW Food is really excellent, but also quite a bit fancier than the other options on StriperGuy's list (and is very small so you probably need a reservation).

In North Cambridge, there is also Qingdao Garden (Northern-style Chinese; closed Tuesday if you are going tonight, though), Cafe Barada (Lebanese; doesn't take credit cards), and Greek Corner (haven't been, but gets good reviews).

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Greek Corner Restaurant
2366 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Qingdao Garden Restaurant
2382 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Cafe Barada
2269 Massachusetts Ave Ste 1, Cambridge, MA 02140

[StriperGuy]

All of these are turning out pretty good food these days:

Kathmandu Spice
Anapurna
Shangri-La
West Side Lounge
Chez Henri
Temple Bar

and I've never been to these two but good reviews on chound:

Gran Gusto
TW Food

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Shangri-La
149 Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478

Kathmandu Spice
166 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474

West Side Lounge
1680 Mass Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

Chez Henri
1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140

[justbeingpolite]

Gran Gusto is almost directly behing the Fresh Pond theater, almost walkable. I think they've got some truffle specials going, too!!

[makiman]

Thanks so much, all... will let you know.

Makiman