Darwin's LTD (Tasty sandwiches in Harvard Square)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Anthem Kitchen and Bar
Sunday night, Ann and I used a Groupon for a gorgeous Sunset Cruise with Boston Harbor Cruises. Awesome views of the city, and a water view of Old Ironsides firing its cannon prior to the lowering of the American Flag at sunset.
Back on dry land we ended-up for dinner at Anthem Kitchen and Bar at Faneuil Hall. Standard gastropub fare. Decent, but nothing too special. Filled us up proper, though.
* Red, White + Blue Burger - roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, blue cheese. Served with seasoned fries + a really good pickle
* Mac + cheese cheesy - 4 cheese sauce with herb-crumb topping. Added Tasso Ham
Mac and cheese was spicy from the Tasso Ham. We were both surprised, and I realize now that I was mistaken in thinking it was an Italian ham. According to Wikipedia, "Tasso ham is a specialty of Cajun cuisine. It is a spicy, peppery version of smoked pork made from the shoulder butt... Tasso is not eaten on its own, but is used as part of a flavor base for stews or braised vegetables. It is used in dishes ranging from pasta to crab cakes, soup to gravy. Appropriate to its roots, tasso is most often found in recipes of southern or Cajun/Creole origin, such as jambalaya."
Burger was well-cooked, a juicy medium rare. Burgers were fine, but the "seasoning" was limited to a little salt.Best for me was the pickle, which is more a commentary on a great pickler than the other food.
Back on dry land we ended-up for dinner at Anthem Kitchen and Bar at Faneuil Hall. Standard gastropub fare. Decent, but nothing too special. Filled us up proper, though.
* Red, White + Blue Burger - roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, blue cheese. Served with seasoned fries + a really good pickle
* Mac + cheese cheesy - 4 cheese sauce with herb-crumb topping. Added Tasso Ham
Mac and cheese was spicy from the Tasso Ham. We were both surprised, and I realize now that I was mistaken in thinking it was an Italian ham. According to Wikipedia, "Tasso ham is a specialty of Cajun cuisine. It is a spicy, peppery version of smoked pork made from the shoulder butt... Tasso is not eaten on its own, but is used as part of a flavor base for stews or braised vegetables. It is used in dishes ranging from pasta to crab cakes, soup to gravy. Appropriate to its roots, tasso is most often found in recipes of southern or Cajun/Creole origin, such as jambalaya."
Burger was well-cooked, a juicy medium rare. Burgers were fine, but the "seasoning" was limited to a little salt.Best for me was the pickle, which is more a commentary on a great pickler than the other food.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sol Azteca
Friday night Ann and I took the Green Line over to Fenway for a little dinner and a movie.
Dinner was the use of Buy-with-Me coupon for Mexican at Sol Azteca. Food was fine, standard fare. I'm realizing that I find most Mexican restaurant too heavy and unsatisfying. Give me some fresh tasting (and cheaper) Anna's Taqueria any day of the week. We ordered:
* Taco Fritos - Crispy taco shells filled with beef. Served with rice, refried beans, cabbage salad
* Combinancion Azteca - Choice of any three dinner items.
- Enchiladas Verdes: Soft tortilla rolled with chicken, topped with green tomatillo sauce, cheese and sour cream
- Enchiladas Poblanas: Soft tortilla rolled with chicken or cheese covered with mole sauce and cheese
Dinner was the use of Buy-with-Me coupon for Mexican at Sol Azteca. Food was fine, standard fare. I'm realizing that I find most Mexican restaurant too heavy and unsatisfying. Give me some fresh tasting (and cheaper) Anna's Taqueria any day of the week. We ordered:
* Taco Fritos - Crispy taco shells filled with beef. Served with rice, refried beans, cabbage salad
* Combinancion Azteca - Choice of any three dinner items.
- Enchiladas Verdes: Soft tortilla rolled with chicken, topped with green tomatillo sauce, cheese and sour cream
- Enchiladas Poblanas: Soft tortilla rolled with chicken or cheese covered with mole sauce and cheese
* Frozen Strawberry Margaretta
* Flan De Cafe - Coffe-caramel flavored custardAfter dinner we saw Ben Affleck's terrific new film The Town at the Fenway Regal Theater. Critics and Hungry Bakun agree, highly recommended!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Missing Restaurants (C)
Tacos Lupita
Walked over to Tacos Lupita for a late lunch on Monday while listening to Pastor Kristina Kaiser's first Kick-Off Sunday sermon at her new church, The River South. Awesome food and thought-provoking content.
* Tortas Al Pastor (cerdo) [Roast Pork Sandwich] - Open bread with beans, lettuce, avocado, cheese, mayonnaise and jalapenos.
Just the right amount of meat, beans, mayo, and heat. Hidden off Someville Ave outside of Porter Square.
* Tortas Al Pastor (cerdo) [Roast Pork Sandwich] - Open bread with beans, lettuce, avocado, cheese, mayonnaise and jalapenos.
Just the right amount of meat, beans, mayo, and heat. Hidden off Someville Ave outside of Porter Square.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Way Behind!
Gotta catch-up on the last few weeks and get back in the habit! Have been to:
Dorado Tacos & Cemitas
Cemita: Mexican Sandwich, Shrimp Taco (Brookline)
Pollo Campero
Guatemalan Fried Chicken (East Boston)
(From 2/8/10)
Dorado Tacos & Cemitas
Cemita: Mexican Sandwich, Shrimp Taco (Brookline)
Pollo Campero
Guatemalan Fried Chicken (East Boston)
(From 2/8/10)
Radius
On Monday, Ann and I took the opportunity of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to head to Radius to try the 2007's Best Burger in Ammerica.
We both ordered:
"The Burger" - -vermont cheddar, crispy onions and horseradish sauce
Mint Lemonade
Quite fine!
(Clearly an old posting that never went live... when was MLK Day?)
We both ordered:
"The Burger" - -vermont cheddar, crispy onions and horseradish sauce
Mint Lemonade
Quite fine!
(Clearly an old posting that never went live... when was MLK Day?)
Missing Restaurants (A-B)
Ann has been keeping her own running list of restaurants which she periodically emails to me. Perhaps they are a mild shaming tactic to encourage me to post more often. Well here are some additional food establishments I've been to, prompted by Ann's list.
* Basha Café (Bad experience
using a Groupon where they ran out of everything including ketchup and falafel)
* Bina Osteria
* Blue Fin (Tasty sushi and Pork Cutlet Curry. Does seem to have gone downhill a bit in quality)
* Blue Ribbon BBQ (Much better than Redbones. Love the Gold BBQ Sauce and the Chipotle Mustard on the Kansas City Burnt Ends)
using a Groupon where they ran out of everything including ketchup and falafel)
* Bina Osteria
* Blue Fin (Tasty sushi and Pork Cutlet Curry. Does seem to have gone downhill a bit in quality)
* Blue Ribbon BBQ (Much better than Redbones. Love the Gold BBQ Sauce and the Chipotle Mustard on the Kansas City Burnt Ends)
* Boston Burger Company (Decent burgers, but many nearby are better)
* Bostone Pizza (Good slices on Newbury Street)
* Bull McCabe's (Irish pub, Fish & Chips, Live music)
* Bostone Pizza (Good slices on Newbury Street)
* Bull McCabe's (Irish pub, Fish & Chips, Live music)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
J.P. Licks
Fall brings something that I look forward to every year... CARAMEL APPLE ICE CREAM from J.P. Licks. They describe it as:
* Caramel Apple - It tastes just like Grandma's Apple Pie with a creamy swirl of caramel.
* Caramel Apple - It tastes just like Grandma's Apple Pie with a creamy swirl of caramel.
Typically it arrives in October, and Ann have a routine of heading there October 1 to make sure we beat the crowds. This year we almost missed it since it came a month early. No worries, we have a 2.5 gallon party tub in our freezer. Boston friends, ready your sweet tooth for an upcoming caramel apple ice cream party!
Best ice cream ever!
Best ice cream ever!
Bergamot
Sunday night... another dinner out with a Buy-With-Me certificate. Thing about buying all these half-off deals is that you sometimes back-up against expiration dates and need to eat-out more than normal. Oh well! :)
Bergamot is a tasty treat near Inman Square in the spot where Evoo previously stood. I had a nice glass of red wine and Ann had a tasty cocktail. They don't have an updated menu on their website, so let me try to recall what we ate.
* Tomatoes Four Ways
* Prosciutto and Melon
* Duck breast
* Seared scallops
All were very tasty. Best were the main courses. Perhaps a bit high on the price point / quality ratio, but good food and friendly, informative servers.
Bergamot is a tasty treat near Inman Square in the spot where Evoo previously stood. I had a nice glass of red wine and Ann had a tasty cocktail. They don't have an updated menu on their website, so let me try to recall what we ate.
* Tomatoes Four Ways
* Prosciutto and Melon
* Duck breast
* Seared scallops
All were very tasty. Best were the main courses. Perhaps a bit high on the price point / quality ratio, but good food and friendly, informative servers.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale
Dinner out to use a Groupon!
Fun pub in downtown Boston named Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale. Ann and I indulged on:
* HOUSE CHARCUTERIE PLATE - House made pates, terrines, salamis, pickles, and toast
* LOBSTER SCALLION HUSH PUPPIES - spicy avocado aioli
* GRILLED MEYER RANCH HANGER STEAK OVER BRAISED OXTAIL - pomme Frites, three peppercorn aioli, brandy jus
Great food! Would pass on the hush puppies next time, but the charcuterie and steak frites were scrumptious.
Fun pub in downtown Boston named Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale. Ann and I indulged on:
* HOUSE CHARCUTERIE PLATE - House made pates, terrines, salamis, pickles, and toast
* LOBSTER SCALLION HUSH PUPPIES - spicy avocado aioli
* GRILLED MEYER RANCH HANGER STEAK OVER BRAISED OXTAIL - pomme Frites, three peppercorn aioli, brandy jus
Great food! Would pass on the hush puppies next time, but the charcuterie and steak frites were scrumptious.
Zing! Pizza
Saturday was our annual gathering at the Boston Vineyard for Small Group Leaders. Catered lunch was from Zing! Pizza and included:
* Holy Pepperoni - Our pepperoni is all natural vegetarian-fed beef and pork raised humanely with no added hormones. Gluten and casein free!
* Augustus Classicus - Tomato sauce, mozzarella rounds, sliced local tomatoes & fresh basil
* Blue October - Roasted butternut squash sauce topped with fresh baby spinach, mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles
* What-A-Melon-Salad - Mesclun greens, baby arugula, watermellon, mint, feta cheese'
* Cran/Feta/Walnut/Salad - Sheeps milk feta cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts on a bed of mesclun greens.
Delicious with tons of leftover. My absolute favorite is the Blue October.
* Holy Pepperoni - Our pepperoni is all natural vegetarian-fed beef and pork raised humanely with no added hormones. Gluten and casein free!
* Augustus Classicus - Tomato sauce, mozzarella rounds, sliced local tomatoes & fresh basil
* Blue October - Roasted butternut squash sauce topped with fresh baby spinach, mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles
* What-A-Melon-Salad - Mesclun greens, baby arugula, watermellon, mint, feta cheese'
* Cran/Feta/Walnut/Salad - Sheeps milk feta cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts on a bed of mesclun greens.
Delicious with tons of leftover. My absolute favorite is the Blue October.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Upper Crust
Reunion of Ann and my Small Group that ended last spring. Welcomed Caitlin back from Europe before she heads out again to the UK. Potluck that featured two pizzas from Upper Crust in Harvard Square.
* Garden Veggie - A wonderful combination of fresh mushroom, onion, diced bell pepper, broccoli and fresh garlic
* White Spinach - Our white pizza topped with fresh spinach, mozzarella, feta cheese and fresh garlic
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tavern in the Square - Porter
Dinner with my former Cluster at Tavern in the Square - Porter using a Groupon.
* Sicilian Chicken - Tender chicken breasts with crispy pancetta and fresh mozzarella, baken with herb seasoned breadcrumbs and topped with tomato basil sauce.
* I replaced the two included sides (mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus) with a side salad w/ side of ranch dressing and tater tots.
Side salad was huge and tater tots were delicious. Unfortunately the chicken was dry and under seasoned. I saw breadcrumbs betweeen the chicken breasts, but barely detected any pancetta or mozzarella. The "tomato basil sauce" was pieces of stewed tomatoes on top of the chicken and had very little flavor. Disappointing.
* Sicilian Chicken - Tender chicken breasts with crispy pancetta and fresh mozzarella, baken with herb seasoned breadcrumbs and topped with tomato basil sauce.
* I replaced the two included sides (mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus) with a side salad w/ side of ranch dressing and tater tots.
Side salad was huge and tater tots were delicious. Unfortunately the chicken was dry and under seasoned. I saw breadcrumbs betweeen the chicken breasts, but barely detected any pancetta or mozzarella. The "tomato basil sauce" was pieces of stewed tomatoes on top of the chicken and had very little flavor. Disappointing.
Ball Square Cafe
Breakfast at Ball Square Cafe using a Groupon .
* 1 pancake
* Small Fruit bowl
* Veggie sausage (2 patties made in house)
* Bottomless Coffee
* 1 pancake
* Small Fruit bowl
* Veggie sausage (2 patties made in house)
* Bottomless Coffee
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Le's Restaurant
On Sunday night, after watching a disapppointing end to the season for Kurt Warner and the Cardinals, Ann and I headed out by foot to Harvard Square. We had pho soup on our minds and Le's Restaurant as our goal.
First though, we checked out the cafe and bar menus, respectively, at Harvest and Noir for future reference. Harvest offers delicious poutine, and a selection of sliders and small bites (missing from the linked menu). Noir has its own "5-4-3-2-1-0 Happy Hour Nibbles: $5 Flat Breads, $4 Sandwiches, $3 Snacks, $2 Salads, $1 Sweets, $0 Nuts. Available Monday – Thursday 5 PM – 7 PM with a minimum $6 beverage purchase per guest." Can't wait to try it all!
Eventually we made it to Le's Restaurant. We shared:
* Crispy Springrolls/Cha Gio - A savory mixture of ground chicken, carrot, onion, rice vermicelli and mushroom wrapped in springroll and fried golden brown. Served with nuoc cham on the side.
* Beef Noodle Soup with rare eyeround and will done flank - Beef soup with scallions, onions and cilantro offered with white (pho) noodles. Served with beansprouts, fresh basil, sliced lime and green chili pepper on the side.
* Grilled Meat & Crispy Spring Rolls Vermicelli - Grilled chicken with crispy spring rolls on top of vermicelli (thin rice noodles), shredded lettuce, mint, beansprouts and roasted peanuts. Served with homemade nuoc.
Great meal with leftovers to take home. I had hoped to walk home, but the rain drove us into the subway. Fine evening!
First though, we checked out the cafe and bar menus, respectively, at Harvest and Noir for future reference. Harvest offers delicious poutine, and a selection of sliders and small bites (missing from the linked menu). Noir has its own "5-4-3-2-1-0 Happy Hour Nibbles: $5 Flat Breads, $4 Sandwiches, $3 Snacks, $2 Salads, $1 Sweets, $0 Nuts. Available Monday – Thursday 5 PM – 7 PM with a minimum $6 beverage purchase per guest." Can't wait to try it all!
Eventually we made it to Le's Restaurant. We shared:
* Crispy Springrolls/Cha Gio - A savory mixture of ground chicken, carrot, onion, rice vermicelli and mushroom wrapped in springroll and fried golden brown. Served with nuoc cham on the side.
* Beef Noodle Soup with rare eyeround and will done flank - Beef soup with scallions, onions and cilantro offered with white (pho) noodles. Served with beansprouts, fresh basil, sliced lime and green chili pepper on the side.
* Grilled Meat & Crispy Spring Rolls Vermicelli - Grilled chicken with crispy spring rolls on top of vermicelli (thin rice noodles), shredded lettuce, mint, beansprouts and roasted peanuts. Served with homemade nuoc.
Great meal with leftovers to take home. I had hoped to walk home, but the rain drove us into the subway. Fine evening!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Lyndell’s Bakery
The cake for the Dority baby shower was from Lyndell’s Bakery. Ann and I picked it out and were very happy. From top to bottom:
Whipped cream frosting
Gold cake
layer of custard
Layer of strawberry jam
Gold cake
The cake was decorated with a red capital "D" in the red sox font. Very classy!
(Update: I've since learned from unnamed parties that the cake also makes a delicious breakfast.)
Whipped cream frosting
Gold cake
layer of custard
Layer of strawberry jam
Gold cake
The cake was decorated with a red capital "D" in the red sox font. Very classy!
(Update: I've since learned from unnamed parties that the cake also makes a delicious breakfast.)
Za
Saturday afternoon was the Dority baby shower at Za, a gourmet pizza and salad restaurant in Arlingon. Ann organized the co-ed shower, doing an outstanding job with the decor and activities. You can read more about her purchases and planning prowess on Ann's own blog.
My limited role included making up the fake answers for a quiz about Dave and Kristen. My favorite fake answer was to the question about Dave's childhood best friend. I snookered several people with "KR-49 (Imaginary Robot.)" Second best were the fake answers to Dave's childhood hero. Correct answer: Luke Skywalker. Incorrect answers: Mr. T, Hulk Hogan, KITT. (Love the idea of KITT as your childhood hero.)
Meal was quite tasty. I enjoyed:
* Diet Coke (multiple refills)
* Salad with Crisp Iceberg Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, and Grated Carrot Salad with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Creamy Buttermilk Dressing. (Shared the salad with Ann)
* Pizza with Bosc Pears, Caramelized Onions, Gorgonzola, and Smoky Bacon (I chose these toppings based on a specialty pizza, and then added bacon. Good, but too heavy on the gorgonzola.)
* Pizza with Pepperoni, Pineapple, and Caramelized Onions. (Ann's pizza, which I traded her a slice to try.)
* Pizza with Verrill Farm's Gala Apple, Homemade Pork Sausage, Onion, Sage, Cheddar Cheese, and EVOO's Apple Butter (Another friend's pie, which I traded slices to try. This chalkboard special was perhaps the best of the bunch once a little salt was added.)
Lots of food, which meant leftover pizza in the fridge. Made a great lunch along with a spinach salad after church Sunday.
My limited role included making up the fake answers for a quiz about Dave and Kristen. My favorite fake answer was to the question about Dave's childhood best friend. I snookered several people with "KR-49 (Imaginary Robot.)" Second best were the fake answers to Dave's childhood hero. Correct answer: Luke Skywalker. Incorrect answers: Mr. T, Hulk Hogan, KITT. (Love the idea of KITT as your childhood hero.)
Meal was quite tasty. I enjoyed:
* Diet Coke (multiple refills)
* Salad with Crisp Iceberg Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, and Grated Carrot Salad with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Creamy Buttermilk Dressing. (Shared the salad with Ann)
* Pizza with Bosc Pears, Caramelized Onions, Gorgonzola, and Smoky Bacon (I chose these toppings based on a specialty pizza, and then added bacon. Good, but too heavy on the gorgonzola.)
* Pizza with Pepperoni, Pineapple, and Caramelized Onions. (Ann's pizza, which I traded her a slice to try.)
* Pizza with Verrill Farm's Gala Apple, Homemade Pork Sausage, Onion, Sage, Cheddar Cheese, and EVOO's Apple Butter (Another friend's pie, which I traded slices to try. This chalkboard special was perhaps the best of the bunch once a little salt was added.)
Lots of food, which meant leftover pizza in the fridge. Made a great lunch along with a spinach salad after church Sunday.
Marco's Pizza & Grill
On Friday night, we picked-up a large order of Jumbo Roaster Wings from Marco's Pizza & Grill. These mamoth fried chicken wings are fabulous. Marco's is a go-to take-out pizza joint on Mass. Ave directly across the street from Ann and my first apartment. And only a few blocks from our home now. We also quite enjoy their chicken parm which is enough food for both of us to have dinner with a lunch portion leftover.
We brought the wings to a friend's happy hour. There I partook of my new favorite hot beverage. Ingredients were: eggnog, tequila, chocolate (baking and grated bars), cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves. Yummy and quite the winter warmer!
We brought the wings to a friend's happy hour. There I partook of my new favorite hot beverage. Ingredients were: eggnog, tequila, chocolate (baking and grated bars), cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves. Yummy and quite the winter warmer!
Diva Lounge
On Thursday, I went to lunch with Joanne, Dan, and Christine to Diva Lounge. We were there for the $1 tapas. Awesome deal that gives you tons of different tastes for minimal money. Last year Ann made us our own order sheets that feature our favorite 8 items. It gives me special pleasure to hand our paper slips to the waiter when we order. The waiter is always slightly confused, but then rolls with it. Love this deal!
On this day, I enjoyed:
* 2 Lamb Sliders - Mini burgers with lettuce & tomatoes
* Mini Cheese Dosa - Crepe stuffed with cheese
* Cheese And Mushroom Samosa - Spicy turnovers stuffed with mushroom & cheese
* Tangeri Kebab - Chicken Drumstick (Tender Chicken marinated in yogurt mint and spices and baked in Tandoor
* Utappam - A thick pancake made with rice & lentils, topped with tomatoes, onions, peppers & fresh coriander. Served with coconut chutney & sambar (lentil soup)
* Indian Spring Roll (I'm missing the correct name and description of this item. A new item that was fine, but not a top 8 choice.)
On this day, I enjoyed:
* 2 Lamb Sliders - Mini burgers with lettuce & tomatoes
* Mini Cheese Dosa - Crepe stuffed with cheese
* Cheese And Mushroom Samosa - Spicy turnovers stuffed with mushroom & cheese
* Tangeri Kebab - Chicken Drumstick (Tender Chicken marinated in yogurt mint and spices and baked in Tandoor
* Utappam - A thick pancake made with rice & lentils, topped with tomatoes, onions, peppers & fresh coriander. Served with coconut chutney & sambar (lentil soup)
* Indian Spring Roll (I'm missing the correct name and description of this item. A new item that was fine, but not a top 8 choice.)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Samurai Kuang Eatery
On Wednesday Ann and I grabbed a quick dinner near her work in downtown Boston at Samurai Kuang Eatery. We needed to eat quickly to make a 7pm showing of the touring broadway show In the Heights which was playing at the Boston Opera House. Ann had acquired us half price tickets through BosTix.
For dinner we both ate:
Deluxe Combo Box: Chicken Teriyaki - served with california roll, tempura, white rice, salad, miso soup
The food was decent and reasonably priced for a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant.
For dinner we both ate:
Deluxe Combo Box: Chicken Teriyaki - served with california roll, tempura, white rice, salad, miso soup
The food was decent and reasonably priced for a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant.
Qdoba Mexican Grill
On Monday night I was looking for a quick dinner for Ann and I. We had a narrow window to eat between Ann getting home from work and my Cluster meeting (Small Group Leaders I coach) beginning at 7:30pm. After shopping for groceries at the Porter Square Shaw's Supermarket, I headed to Qdoba Mexican Grill. I had a gift card from perhaps two years ago that I had purchased cheap through the online non-profit auction site Bidding for Good.
I used my last two free entree to pick-up:
2 Grilled Chicken Naked Burrittos (served without the tortilla in a bowl) - Cilantro-lime rice, slow-cooked black beans, corn salsa, bit of salsa fresca, and cheese. Sour cream on the side.
Very tasty. We reheat the bowls at home. I added some additional cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a few dashes of Frank's Redhot Chile 'n Lime Hot Sauce (a Hungry Bakun favorite!)
Quite enjoyable meal!
I used my last two free entree to pick-up:
2 Grilled Chicken Naked Burrittos (served without the tortilla in a bowl) - Cilantro-lime rice, slow-cooked black beans, corn salsa, bit of salsa fresca, and cheese. Sour cream on the side.
Very tasty. We reheat the bowls at home. I added some additional cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a few dashes of Frank's Redhot Chile 'n Lime Hot Sauce (a Hungry Bakun favorite!)
Quite enjoyable meal!
Gran Gusto
(Saturday continued...) After decompressing for a time, we headed to dinner at Gran Gusto. Our barber has consistently recommed their Italian food to us and we decided we'd finally try it. I had purposely eaten a lower calorie breakfast to accommodate this dinner. :)
We ordered:
* Scialatielli (Pasta Fresca) – Shrimp, radicchio, cherry tomato
* Margherita (Pizza) – Tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, basil
Food and service was sub par. First the tables were very tightly packed and our (large) waiter kept hitting my chair when passing by. We moved our table about 6 inches and he still was bumping me. Then he strongly recommended the Scialatielli pasta as their signature dish. The bowl arrived with one jumbo shrimp on top and abundance of "shrimp pellets." They were either chopped up shrimp or popcorn shrimp. In either case they were overcooked. The handcut pasta was nice, but the dish had an off, fishy flavor. The pizza arrived lukewarm and had clearly been sitting for awhile. We sent it back, and it returned warmer and crispier. Pretty tasty, but more expensive and not as good as other pizzas on my pizza poll. (See the left bar of the blog.)
Perhaps they had a bad night, but there are too many good restaurants in Boston to return here. Scratch Gran Gusto off the list!
We ordered:
* Scialatielli (Pasta Fresca) – Shrimp, radicchio, cherry tomato
* Margherita (Pizza) – Tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, basil
Food and service was sub par. First the tables were very tightly packed and our (large) waiter kept hitting my chair when passing by. We moved our table about 6 inches and he still was bumping me. Then he strongly recommended the Scialatielli pasta as their signature dish. The bowl arrived with one jumbo shrimp on top and abundance of "shrimp pellets." They were either chopped up shrimp or popcorn shrimp. In either case they were overcooked. The handcut pasta was nice, but the dish had an off, fishy flavor. The pizza arrived lukewarm and had clearly been sitting for awhile. We sent it back, and it returned warmer and crispier. Pretty tasty, but more expensive and not as good as other pizzas on my pizza poll. (See the left bar of the blog.)
Perhaps they had a bad night, but there are too many good restaurants in Boston to return here. Scratch Gran Gusto off the list!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1369 Coffee House
(Saturday continued...) From Union Square, we walked 1/2 mile to Inman Square. We looked in at the new restaurant East by Northeast, but it was only open for dinner.
Grabbed hot beverages at the 1369 Coffee House. Ann enjoyed her extra hot earl grey latte. (Earl grey tea bag in steamed milk.) My extra hot chai was mediocre. Note: extra hot is key on these cold Boston days. Only way for a beverage to withstand the frigid temperatures.
We finished our walk via Harvard Square (1 mile) and then along Mass Ave to home (2 miles).
Grabbed hot beverages at the 1369 Coffee House. Ann enjoyed her extra hot earl grey latte. (Earl grey tea bag in steamed milk.) My extra hot chai was mediocre. Note: extra hot is key on these cold Boston days. Only way for a beverage to withstand the frigid temperatures.
We finished our walk via Harvard Square (1 mile) and then along Mass Ave to home (2 miles).
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken & Grill
(Saturday continued...) After breakfast, we went to Lyndell's Bakery to order the perfect cake for the Zority baby shower. Can't wait!
Then we began our walk. 1.5 miles later we were at the main branch of the Somerville Public library. Hung out there for awhile. Then proceeded 1/2 mile to Union Square.
Sat down for a snack lunch at the Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken & Grill. This is the small original location of Machu Picch which specializes in chicken. There is a larger sister restaurant down the street named simply Machu Picchu.
We shared:
* Peruvian tamales
* 1/4 chicken (dark meat) served with house salad and fried plantains
The tamales weren't great, but the chicken was amazing! Deliciously seasoned. Great dipping sauces, one way too spicy and the other just right. Plantains and salad were fabulous sides. Highly recommended!
Then we began our walk. 1.5 miles later we were at the main branch of the Somerville Public library. Hung out there for awhile. Then proceeded 1/2 mile to Union Square.
Sat down for a snack lunch at the Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken & Grill. This is the small original location of Machu Picch which specializes in chicken. There is a larger sister restaurant down the street named simply Machu Picchu.
We shared:
* Peruvian tamales
* 1/4 chicken (dark meat) served with house salad and fried plantains
The tamales weren't great, but the chicken was amazing! Deliciously seasoned. Great dipping sauces, one way too spicy and the other just right. Plantains and salad were fabulous sides. Highly recommended!
Ball Square Cafe
On Saturday morning Ann and I had our 6-week ritual. We had our haircut at Salon Cu by the Umberto and then headed to breakfast at Ball Square Cafe.
Wanting to eat a bit lighter, I ordered the hot oatmeal (steel cut oats) with fresh blueberries. Tasty, but without any sugar. After I got some brown sugar the taste greatly improved.
Ann got a side of french toast with fruit. She graciously gave me more of her fruit for my oatmeal. We also both partook of the self-service bottomless coffee. A great start to the day!
Wanting to eat a bit lighter, I ordered the hot oatmeal (steel cut oats) with fresh blueberries. Tasty, but without any sugar. After I got some brown sugar the taste greatly improved.
Ann got a side of french toast with fruit. She graciously gave me more of her fruit for my oatmeal. We also both partook of the self-service bottomless coffee. A great start to the day!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Max and Dylans Restaurant
Friday Night, Ann and I went to Max and Dylans Restaurant with the Zoritys. Used a gift card we got a good deal on from the Phantom Gourmet at last spring's Hot Dog Safari.
The four of us shared everything and quite enjoyed the food, though somethings stood out more than others.
Top Tier
* Prosciutto Mac and Cheese - Parma Prosciutto, Truffle
* Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls - All Natural Sirloin, Chipotle Ketchup
* Mini Kobe Sliders - Lemon Dressed Greens, Gouda, Balsamic Onions
Middle Tier
* Grilled Pear Salad - Great Hill Bley, Spiced Pears, Lemon Vinaigrette
* BBQ Chicken Flatbread - BBQ Sauce, Jack Cheese, Scallions
Lower Tier
* BBQ Pork Sliders - Slow Cooked, Cole Slaw
* Pear Hot Hot Dog Mac and Cheese - Grilled and Sliced Pearl Hot Dog
The four of us shared everything and quite enjoyed the food, though somethings stood out more than others.
Top Tier
* Prosciutto Mac and Cheese - Parma Prosciutto, Truffle
* Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls - All Natural Sirloin, Chipotle Ketchup
* Mini Kobe Sliders - Lemon Dressed Greens, Gouda, Balsamic Onions
Middle Tier
* Grilled Pear Salad - Great Hill Bley, Spiced Pears, Lemon Vinaigrette
* BBQ Chicken Flatbread - BBQ Sauce, Jack Cheese, Scallions
Lower Tier
* BBQ Pork Sliders - Slow Cooked, Cole Slaw
* Pear Hot Hot Dog Mac and Cheese - Grilled and Sliced Pearl Hot Dog
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cho Cho's!
Last night I picked-up dinner so we had time to eat before Ann had her back-saving massage at Sollievo.
I walked to Porter Exchange and got takeout from a delicious Korean restaurant, Cho Cho's. We enjoyed:
Pajon - Scallion pancake with zuccini, summer squash, green and red pepper
Bulgoki Combo - Marinated beef served with mixed green salad, dumplings, shumai and steamed vegetables. White rice and miso soup.
Plenty of food and very tasty. I particularly like their orange-colored salad dressing... and of course the beef. But truth to tell, their food is better when you eat in. Especially the pajon which had lost its crispiness. Still, a tasty treat!
I walked to Porter Exchange and got takeout from a delicious Korean restaurant, Cho Cho's. We enjoyed:
Pajon - Scallion pancake with zuccini, summer squash, green and red pepper
Bulgoki Combo - Marinated beef served with mixed green salad, dumplings, shumai and steamed vegetables. White rice and miso soup.
Plenty of food and very tasty. I particularly like their orange-colored salad dressing... and of course the beef. But truth to tell, their food is better when you eat in. Especially the pajon which had lost its crispiness. Still, a tasty treat!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Berryline
On Tuesday I swung by and picked-up up a pint of the scrumptious original flavor frozen yogurt from Berryline in Porter Square. Glad to have a store closer than the one in Harvard Square.
One of Ann's favorites, and I thought she deserved a tasty treat. Topped it with defrosted frozen pineapple from Trader Joe's.
I've tasted numerous versions of the tangy-style frozen yogurt, and declare Berryline the best!
Lesser cups in the Bosto area include:
BoYO Natural Frozen Yogurt
YoTango at J.P. Licks
One of Ann's favorites, and I thought she deserved a tasty treat. Topped it with defrosted frozen pineapple from Trader Joe's.
I've tasted numerous versions of the tangy-style frozen yogurt, and declare Berryline the best!
Lesser cups in the Bosto area include:
BoYO Natural Frozen Yogurt
YoTango at J.P. Licks
Monday, January 4, 2010
Restaurants in 2009
Notable restaurants I ate at in 2009.
Cragie on Main (What a tasting menu!)
Fore Street Restaurant (Worth a trip to Portland, ME)
Great Bay (Now defunct)
Hammersley's Bistro (awesome chicken!)
Henrietta's Table (Thanksgiving)
Le Champlain Restaurant, Le Chateau Frontenac (When in Quebec City be sure to get the flambe!)
Maggiano's Little Italy (Annual Christmas Pilgrimage)
Oleanna (always a hit!)
Sel de la Terre (surprisingly bad service)
Scampo (quite tasty)
Teatro (Antipasto for two!)
Ten Tables Cambridge (with Adam Borden)
Cragie on Main (What a tasting menu!)
Fore Street Restaurant (Worth a trip to Portland, ME)
Great Bay (Now defunct)
Hammersley's Bistro (awesome chicken!)
Henrietta's Table (Thanksgiving)
Le Champlain Restaurant, Le Chateau Frontenac (When in Quebec City be sure to get the flambe!)
Maggiano's Little Italy (Annual Christmas Pilgrimage)
Oleanna (always a hit!)
Sel de la Terre (surprisingly bad service)
Scampo (quite tasty)
Teatro (Antipasto for two!)
Ten Tables Cambridge (with Adam Borden)
The Oak Room Restaurant
Ann and I had lunch today at the Oak Room Restaurant. Shared:
French Onion Soup
Maine Seared Crab Cake, red pepper coulis
Maine Lobster Roll, French Fries
Aged New York Strip (12oz.), Melot demi glaze sauce, mashed potatoes, asparagus spears
Delicious meal, especially the well-seasoned steak!
We used a Groupon coupon which gave us a terrific deal.
Also discovered they have a lunch special for $20.09. The Chef's Express Menu is four-course meal served on one plate, choice of soup, salad, entree, & dessert. We'll have to go back and try it since one option is a 5 oz NY Strip.
French Onion Soup
Maine Seared Crab Cake, red pepper coulis
Maine Lobster Roll, French Fries
Aged New York Strip (12oz.), Melot demi glaze sauce, mashed potatoes, asparagus spears
Delicious meal, especially the well-seasoned steak!
We used a Groupon coupon which gave us a terrific deal.
Also discovered they have a lunch special for $20.09. The Chef's Express Menu is four-course meal served on one plate, choice of soup, salad, entree, & dessert. We'll have to go back and try it since one option is a 5 oz NY Strip.
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