Recent Lowell Discoveries

[Dinsdale45]

I was riding around the Lowell/Dracut area looking for new restaurants. I found an interesting authentic looking Latin place on Bridge St. called Delicias Paisas. They call themselves a bakery, but serve regular food.

http://www.menupix.com/menudirectory/menu.php?id=660012

Spotted Pete's BBQ Pit in Dracut.

https://www.facebook.com/petesbbqpit

Another little Iraqi place

http://www.abunawaslowell.com/

"Foody Goody", a pan-Asian place that offers a freshly made sushi buffet

http://www.foodygoodyrestaurant.com/

There was another Chinese fast food place in Dracut called "#1 Taste House" featuring "Authentic Hunan Cuisine", but the people running it barely spoke English and when I asked them to point out the "authentic" dishes they just pointed to the 3-4 things on the menu that said "Hunan"

Since I lost my job a while ago I can't try out all these places right now (trying to economize), but I'm hoping some of you adventurous area 'hounds can check them out and report back.

[Dinsdale45]

I just spotted a Grand Opening sign for Pailin Garden, next to the Pailin Market on Branch St. The sign says Thai cuisine, which was a bit surprising. Can't wait to try it, though.

[Dinsdale45]

Went to Pailin Garden for takeout. Ordered basil chicken, pad see ew with pork, chicken massaman curry, and a spicy ground chicken dish, similar to larb. All were very tasty, and had plenty of meat in the dishes (I've found that Thai places often go easy on the protein). Value was pretty good, the dishes were in the $9-12 range, and the portions were better than some of the other local Thai establishments, where getting a second meal out of one dish is a rarity. There was one other party in the restaurant at the time, but the food took nearly 40 minutes to come out. If the prep work is done, there's really no excuse for this. But, this is a small family owned place and they are trying to make a go of it, so I'll give them more business. I'll just remember to call ahead first.

[mami_eggroll]

Thanks for checking out my blog Dinsdale45! Yes, Chinastar is now open everyday from 9-3 PM for dim sum. Service is pretty bad right now but hopefully they will iron out the kinks.

I don't have much confidence that the new Cambodian buffet place
New Asia" will do well on Market street. Before it changed from Southeast Asia, the restaurant also changed ownership and it still didn't survive.

Bonchon is definitely a go! My cousin is in the industry and just got his serv safe certification as a cook there. I will definitely post a review once its up and running.

For other reviews for Lowell restaurants, most recently the Dim Sum, please visit my blog.
http://www.mami-eggroll.com/

[Dinsdale45]

Has anyone ever tried Marko's Mediterranean Grill? Its a truck that sits in a parking lot at the beginning of Appleton St.at the Thorndyke/110 intersection, just before the Owl Diner.

[Gogangela]

yes -- I have tried it. Really great falafel sandwich. I get it spicy. I have heard the shawerma is really tasty but kinda salty. I love this spot though.

[Dinsdale45]

There's a new place where SE Asia used to be, and the place has only been open 10 days. They have a lunch buffet, and it's kind of sad, with a few tired Thai offerings. The thing is, they are Cambodian, and their menu has all the stuff you can find at Red Rose, Simply Khmer, et. al. I don't get why they throw this horrible buffet out when Viet-Thai does it much better around the corner. Since Khemara closed, there really hasn't been any Cambodian buffet in Lowell. Maybe I'll suggest that to them when I try some of the menu items.

[hotoynoodle]

on appleton st., across from the tedeschi's, a place called irwin's has opened. very barebones, serving sandwiches and chicken and waffles. it's surrounded by transient housing and the last place there, 2 hearts cafe, got seized by the sheriff, lol.

we shall see.

[FinnFPM]

Someone's put a picture of the chicken & waffles on Yelp. It looks rather sad.

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/irwins...

[Jeff_the_Kid]

Pete's apparently has closed, according to their facebook page

[justbeingpolite]

Yanagi Sushi has opened at Drum Hill ( in Chelmdford, technically), in the mall behind the strip where Pho 88 is. I think there was a Greek-American restaurant there before. On one visit, I was impressed. Friendly staff. The non Japnese (Chinese, I think) sushi chefs trained in NYC and were very pleasant. Nice atmosphere. I had very nice toro ( otero, too), Anahi, hamachi, and scallop, as beautiful as I've seen, and served on top of the shell, over a bed of ice, with a cute light embedded in the ice. Ll be back

[greygarious]

I chuckled at this when I passed by - there's a sign which from one side says Yanagi Sushi and right below it, Fin & Feather Pet Shop. The denizens of the latter must be on their best behavior!

[Dinsdale45]

Saw a sign for a Bon Chon restaurant coming soon just around the corner from Drum Hill and Pho88. I was excited because it sounded like a new Korean place, then I realized then name sounded familiar. It's a (Korean) fried chicken franchise.

http://www.bonchon.com

Other notes: Pete's BBQ only had sandwich plates when I was there in early August, but I only wanted some bulk meat. They plan to have this available in the fall.

The China Star dim sum place still has a way to go before opening.

Found this place in Dracut. I've been there twice, at around 6PM on Saturday nights, and they were closed both times, with a flashing "OPEN" sign in front. I've called several other times on the phone and they appear to be open. Seems like an odd menu, and they appear to be partnered up with a coffee and doughnut shop. I'll give it one more try.

http://www.indiankitchenma.com/buffet...

[Swankalicious]

No Lowell thread would be complete without a mention of the luscious Good Thymes restaurant. It's in a bizarre little corner of the city, surrounded by graveyards, and the patrons kind of have one foot in the grave -- but the food and service is OUTSTANDING. Lots of homestyle American stuff and oldies music warbling on the radio. A definite scene out of a movie (maybe the Fighter?), and the food is really luscious. Best fried clams I've had in a long time.

[Dinsdale45]

Had a Cuban sandwich at Delicias. Solid, tasty, but nothing spectacular. Looks like a nice little place, though. They also have a small bar. Picked up some cheese arepas and chicken empanadas to go, too.

[bakerboyz]

Stay tuned, I cannot reveal the details yet but there will be a large Asian restaurant opening in Lowell which will be the first in the area to serve Dim Sum 7 days a week and will also be catering to the Asian community for large parties, Asian banquets and celebrations (weddings, births, retirement parties, etc). Right know, the Asian community in the Lowell area essentially needs to travel to China Pearl in Woburn or Boston for Dim Sum or if they are planning a wedding or Asian banquet.

[hotoynoodle]

why is this super-top-secret?

[Dinsdale45]

Spotted this, too, but I thought it was too early to post about it. Any idea when they are planning to open?

[bakerboyz]

Hoping for perhaps September 1 depending upon permitting, construction, liquor licenses, etc. Licensing and permitting can be a hold up so it could be longer.

[ParisLady]

Is this place on Middlesex Street?

[bakerboyz]

Yes, it will be next to the new Walgreens being built.

[Swankalicious]

That's awesome! What is the really great Indian restaurant on the Boulevard?

[hargau]

China Pearl Lowell?? That would be great!

[Dinsdale45]

I thought I saw "China Star" on the sign. There's a pretty good Cantonese place (they even have roast ducks hanging in the window) in Lowell called China Star, I wonder if it's the same owners.

[bakerboyz]

Hopefully, better than China Pearl. The owners are the same as China Star in Lowell and they are very good operators. The Father has owned numerous successful Chinese take-out restaurants and for a short time owned a supermarket in Chinatown. Both son and father get the whole "QSC" (Quality, Service and Cleanliness) concept and I am sure it will be a great success. I have not discussed it with them, but I imagine that they will be doing cart dim sum service as they do at the big dim sum palaces in Chinatown.

[bakerboyz]

Construction well under way but a long way to go. Owner optimistically hoping for a New Year's opening but probably not. Still needs to go through liquor license hearing process. I can't wait. They will be serving dim sum 7 days a week!

[Dinsdale45]

I keep checking over there, and its been slow going. I can't wait either. I hope they do it right.

[bakerboyz]

I will be by there tomorrow night as there is a hearing at City Hall for liquor license. I am convinced they will do it right. The owners are very capable, very experienced and care deeply.

[Dinsdale45]

Any update? Still on for early January?

[hargau]

Any news on this place?

[Dinsdale45]

I keep obsessively checking for some kind of internet reference. Nothing. I keep asking my wife to drive over there but she never does (I'm stuck recovering from ankle surgery). Can someone local run a little recon mission?

[bakerboyz]

Here is the latest. Hoping to hear next week from ABCC on liquor license. Inside build out should be done in about 7 weeks, waiting for some equipment from China. They will be doing dim sum with carts from 9 AM-3 PM daily.

[Dinsdale45]

Wow. I remember when they were looking at a Labor Day opening. Too bad they won't be open for Chinese New Year. Can't wait, though.

[tallen103178]

Yeah with the way the building is looking I would think it would not be another 7 weeks. The outside looks very nice and it's a major upgrade from what was there before. I live up the street so on the weekends I typically drive down there and peek to see if anything says about when they are opening. I look forward to walking down there and trying out the food.

[hargau]

Yesterday i read that BonChon is opening in lowell too! They say March.

[Dinsdale45]

The place where BonChon is supposed to open is a little unusual for a restaurant. I haven't seen any work going on there.

[hotoynoodle]

where is the bon chon going? downtown someplace amidst all the new, and likely fleeting, fro-yo joints?

[justbeingpolite]

I heard it was Drum Hill, but I've been looking for signs, and can't find one.

[hargau]

down past pho 88 and the car dealer where the road turns to the right...

[justbeingpolite]

Yeah, between Drum Hill Rd and Stedman, Its on their facebook page, I'll have to check that location out. May be dangerously convenient for lunch some days.

[hotoynoodle]

we get their roast duck and pork belly pretty regularly. both very good.

[hotoynoodle]

eesh -- does sysco sell the combo pack like that now? although the paint and all on the inside looks much nicer than what was there before.

[Dinsdale45]

It's looked like they are ready to open for a while. I guess it's the licenses/equipment that they are waiting on. BTW, if a place is only open until 3PM, how important is a liquor license? I see "Lounge" is part of the name of the place, but most people don't do too much drinking before 3PM.

[bakerboyz]

Dim Sum served daily from 9 AM-3 PM but restaurant will be open late for dinner/banquets until probably 1-2 AM depending on the day of the week.

[Dinsdale45]

Cool. Will they have the same non-dim sum menu as the other China Star, or will they add more authentic Cantonese options?

[hargau]

Are these the same people? http://www.menupix.com/menudirectory/...

[Dinsdale45]

I'm pretty sure. They have roasted ducks and freshly cooked meats hanging in a case, like many places in Chinatown. I've had a few things there, but since I'm more into big flavors, Cantonese isn't my favorite cuisine. But, it looks like they are a cut above most area Americanized Chinese places.

[bakerboyz]

Yes, that is them. I have seen their new menu and while much of it is similar to this, they have added about 4 pages in the back of the menu that is entirely in Chinese and Vietnamese. They seemingly will have far more authentic dishes than the China Star on Broadway.

[Dinsdale45]

Can't wait, but I hate the practice of keeping the good stuff hidden from English-speaking people. More and more Americans are seeking out authentic dishes.

[Dinsdale45]

Called the number on the outdoor sign today. Still 3 more weeks.

[bakerboyz]

Heard on Friday that liquor license was approved. Owner hoping to open March 15th. I will be stopping by this week to check on progress and will report back.

[justbeingpolite]

I swung by today. If we're talking about China Star, they say they're aiming to open this Friday.

[bakerboyz]

Just left China Star. Lots of activity going on but still looks like best case scenario is 2-3 weeks away from opening. Seidman Bros was there today working on the kitchen, electricians there, chefs and waitresses were there, tables are in place, etc. The place looks great. Can't wait to try their dim sum!

[Dinsdale45]

Weren't they targeting Labor Day 2012 at one point? Can't wait to try it, but man, what a drawn out process.

[hargau]

Wish they had a website or facebook or something

[hargau]

I called today and they said they estimate 1 week but have no firm date.

[bakerboyz]

All licenses issued today. Building Inspector would only give them 200 seats due to amount of toilets; they wanted 285 for banquets and dim sum but they will start with 200 and try to increase after they open. They are planning on opening April 3rd.

[hotoynoodle]

picked up a peking duck at china star last night. they confirmed all permits have been issued and staff is in the building training. so, next week for sure. he was most excited about the multiple thanks they will have for live fish.

and yes, duck was mucho yummy.

[pinehurst]

Anyone tried out Pete's BBQ?

[justbeingpolite]

Here's Gary's PigTrip review from 2010:

http://www.pigtrip.net/review-PetesBB...

[twinky101]

I have a feeling that Iraqi place has really good coffee. Maybe it's the picture on the splash page, I don't know, but that looks interesting to me, and now I also want coffee. //