ebone's Profile
Craigie on Main- Recent Faves?
Had some squid ink pasta at the bar a few weeks back that was delicious. Seemingly simple preparation, but hit on all the right notes for me.
Grill 23 Restaurant Week
I am not even saying that the service was "bad" per se, I just didn't feel like our server did much. I think I just found it interesting that I was actually looking for a reason to show my appreciation, but wasn't presented with one.
All of that said, I am certainly not expecting a server to do a song and dance for my extra couple of dollars. I suppose my comment just relates to the chill I felt as a RW customer.
Grill 23 Restaurant Week
I had something to add re: servers on restaurant week and maybe adding a little extra tip on for the effort (to make up for the fact that your party didn't have a bill up to the usual level at that restaurant).
I went to Radius last night for RW and fully had this premise in mind for when the bill came out, but as the meal started I got the sense that once our server realized we were not going to go for the +$22 tack-on for the sea bass or an expensive bottle of wine, they basically mailed it in with our table. Don't get me wrong, our server was pleasant, but barely spoke to us and didn't provide much in the form of "service" in the hour and a half or so we were seated. So, long story short, we still gave a 20% tip, but backed off the idea of padding it a bit to acknowledge the RW aspect.
I am wondering if others have had similar experiences or if anyone thinks this was poor form on my part...
The annual springtime Speed's thread
They are supposedly going to be at City Hall Plaza on Wednesdays after April 1. For a complete schedule:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/Images_Documents/2012%20Live%20Lottery%20Schedule%20%20Updated_tcm3-31256.pdf
Hope that link works...
Bar/Restaurant with great whisky selection
I recall Citizen's Public House having an extensive collection. At least of Bourbon...
March Madness in the Financial District
I just had lunch there and watched some of the Murray State game. They have one big flat screen in the middle of the bar, but that is it for TV. If you want multilpe games etc, its not your place, but if one screen is fine they have great food and beer (haven't tried any cocktails yet). Worth a look.
Zo's original = best sandwich-ish offering downtown?
Thanks to you southie_chick there is a new hat in the ring. I checked out Casa Razdora for lunch today and had an Italiano (an italian with the usual fixins) on foccaccia and definitely found a new competitor for "best sandwich-ish offering downtown".
We also had a seafood pasta with shrimp, scallops, and sundried tomato, thyme, and garlic sauce. Also delicious.
Casa Razdora has a new fan.
Law & Order at JM Curley
I find it amusing and I appreciate it frankly. As someone who has been called "Chief" or "Boss" or something similar too many times in my life already, I like the attempt by the place to diffuse that behavior in a toungue in cheek manner. Is the "Law & Order" page really offensive to anyone? If it is, I wouldn't know what to tell you anyway. And if you are a person that acts that way while out, there may not be hope for you as it is...
I think it reaches the right audience and I am assuming the audience they intend to reach.
That said, I had a burger at JM Curley last night and really liked it. It was topped with kimchi, a fried egg and sriracha mayo. How could you go wrong?
Zo's original = best sandwich-ish offering downtown?
Exactly...I never did say I actually excecuted the half-way plan.
Zo's original = best sandwich-ish offering downtown?
I agree that Cafe Latino has amazing pork, but I much prefer it in a plate with some crispy skin, rice and beans, and tostones on the side. I have done it in sandwiches as well, but always go back to the plate-form with some hot sauce. Beware though, because the plate will put you in a serious food coma if you pass the half-way point...
Zo's original = best sandwich-ish offering downtown?
Interesting...there are a few things mentioned on here I have not tried yet. Specifically,:Pita Kabob's kubideh in pita, pastrami sandwich at JM Curley's (or anything at JM's for that matter); crispy sardine bocadillo at Neptune; corned beef at Emmett's Pub; Cubano at Volle Nolle; or anything from Casa Razdora. Looks like I will have to make a list. I am glad I asked!
I will note that I am happy to see someone else mentioned the Mrs. Marliave, I love that thing and wondered why I don't often see it (or their other sandwiches) mentioned. Also nice to see a Karo's mention, they do a nice job on something so simple.
Zo's original = best sandwich-ish offering downtown?
I like that one too. Which reminds me, I haven't had one in a while...
Who makes the best french fries in Boston?
I have 2 entries and both are different in their own way (best french fry is definetly subjective and depends on personal taste):
Sel de la terre - perfectly crisp, thin cut fries w/ a hint of rosemary
Saus - beligian style, thicker than SDLT, double fried to provide a good contrast of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Also offer a variety of dipping sauces (I liked the vampire slayer, or killer, can't recall)
Zo's original = best sandwich-ish offering downtown?
I just had an original gyro from Zo in Center Plaza. That has got to be one of the best sandwich-type offerings downtown, if not the best. Any competitors? (I know, I know, Chacerero is great too)
Kendall Sq. burger?
If you could only recommend one thing at Area 4, what would it be? I am planning to check that out sometime in the near future.
Kendall Sq. burger?
So, went with Catalyst for the burger and thought it was excellent. The aforementioned brioche bun was delicious and airy and the toppings included caramelized onions and bacon (and a cheese that I can't recall that was nicely melted). Also on the side came a garlic aioli and a homemade ketchup, which were both nice. Anyway, all of this made for a great post-movie burger. Albeit not classic, but I thought quite tasty just the same. Thanks for the rec. Abigail's is next.
As an added bit of info, we saw Pariah at Kendall and it was excellent.
Kendall Sq. burger?
Going to the movies today in Kendall and had my mind on a burger. Anyone have a suggestion for that area? Thanks.
Need a lunch rec for Friday
You could try Trade. I had a holiday lunch there recently with my coworkers and the room is certainly nice and the menu touches on enough tastes that your wife should be able to find something to her liking.
Neptune Oyster Feast of 7 Fishes 12/23; Who Else?
Did anyone go to the Feast at the Marliave? I ended up having to cancel my reservation and wonder how it was...
Neptune Oyster Feast of 7 Fishes 12/23; Who Else?
Here are the Marliave and Grotto feast menus:
The Feast of Seven Fishes at the Marliave
Please choose one from each of the following for 70 dollars per person
First Course
Bouillabaisse Cod, Clams, Shrimp, Mussels, Garlic bread, Tomatoes, Saffron broth
or
Insalata Grilled Calamari, Octopus, Shrimp, Arugula, Lightly smoked trout, Lemon, Thyme
Second Course
Rockefeller Oysters, Escargot, Spinach, Cream, Sea salt crackers
or
Macaroni & Cheese House cut ziti, Lobster, Osetra caviar, Black truffle, Farmhouse cheeses
Third Course
Halibut Pan roasted, Fingerling potatoes, Artichokes, Carrots, Black olives
or
Scallops Pan seared, Sweet potato ravioli, Wild mushrooms, Sage, Pumpkin seeds
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Grotto
Please choose one from each of the following for $60 per person
First Course
Insalata di Mare
Grilled, Calamari, Shrimp, Octopus, Arugula, White beans, Lemon
or
Ostriche
Island Creek oysters, Caviar, House cured salmon,
Prosecco
Second Course
Fra DiavoloTagliatelle, Butter poached lobster, Mussels, Chiles, Tomatoes
or
Ravioli
Crab, Salt cod, Saffron, Almonds, Asparagus, Roasted Tomatoes
Third Course
Pesce Spada
Swordfish, Clams, Potatoes, Spinach
or
Pettini
Pan roasted, Jumbo scallops, Monkfish, Wild mushrooms, Risotto, Leeks
Steak Tips
Those are probably the country style pork ribs, which I like to go with in a combo with the steak tips from time to time.
I would also recommend an antipasto if there are more than one of you (its basically the salad with italian meat draped over it, the small is huge!)
Kingston Station
I had eaten the burger a few times there and liked it a lot, so this time wanted to try something different. We ended up splitting the beet salad, buffalo wings, and the bolognese (with pappardelle). The beet salad was just ok, but I suppose we only got that in a veiled attempt to get some veggies into the meal. The buffalo wings were pretty good for Boston standards, they had a nice crisp to them, which amazingly you don't find a lot around here. The bolognese was also very tasty, with a rich sauce and al dente pasta. I would get either of the two of those again.
Must-Eats for a 5-day Trip - staying Downtown
Go to Toro in the South End and wait for a seat at the bar. I don't know if it is exactly unique to anything in particular, but I think it has a vibe and a flavor all of it's own. The food and cocktails are great, you will not be disappointed.
Chowder and a clam roll somewhere is probably a more unique-to-Boston experience, but I am not sure who is tabbed as the best at those in Boston currently. If Neptune Oyster has either or both I would imagine they'd be done well.
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Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113
Toro
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Marliave
I haven't gone much beyond the sandwich part of the menu, but I am a big fan of those. They make their own bread, which I am a sucker for and I pretty much go for either the Mrs. Marliave (croque madam) or the rueben every time. Both of which I have found consistently good. Just my two cents.
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Marliave
10 Bosworth Street, Boston, MA 02108
Kingston Station
Anyone been here lately and if so, any particular dishes you would recommend? I am thinking of going there for a bite to eat this evening...
My experiences here for lunch have been solid, but I have never had dinner.
Eating through Portland in 2.5 days...
So, we made it back from Portland, had a great time and truly enjoyed the food. I will list the restaurants we went to and dishes we had (not all necessarily in one sitting mind you):
-Otto: In a couple different stops we had plain cheese, mashed potato, ricotta mushroom and sausage/scallion/tomato. Their pizza is amazing, just the right amount of crunch in the crust, although all were great, I think we especially liked the plain cheese.
-Duckfat: also more than one stop here, but had the fries w/ 3 dipping sauces, thai chili mayo, truffle ketchup and garlic aioli (thai mayo was my fav, but all were good). Also had the poutine and a meatloaf panini. I loved everything there, the panini had just the right amount of filling, great bread and the flavors melded well together (I believe cheddar, horseradish mayo and peppers maybe), and the fries were some of the best I have had (although no expert on belgian fries).
-555: sat at the bar and had a couple drinks and a mussels appetizer. The Mussels were quite good, with some sort of chive lemon butter sauce that we loved. Would love to return for more sampling.
-Fore Street: had dinner at the bar there, grilled romaine salad and a scallop entree and a wood fired hake entree. Scallops were the highlight, seared perfectly with I believe it was a pea puree (or fresh garbanzo beans...).
-Novare Res: belgian beer bar. Just had one beer at the bar, but it was a very cool space and would love to return for a longer sitting another time.
-Nosh: Great late night option post-Sea Dogs game, really like the vibe at the bar and the beer selection. Had a buffalo pork belly sandwich and some chili dusted fries with hot pepper cheese sauce and jalapenos. Great drunk/stoner type menu here, enjoyed the playfullness of the buffalo pig belly, but the pork maybe gets lost a bit by all the buffalo/blue cheese flavor. I enjoyed it though and would probably order it again. Same for the fries, the cheese sauce was great (think ballpark nacho cheese, but handmade), but a little heavy handed on the salt and ancho powder, which made some bites overly salty.
-Flatbread Co.: Great patio out back over looking the ocean. Had a plain cheese pizza that was solid, but nowhere near Otto IMO.
-Hot Suppa: Breakfast here on the way out. Comfortable, funky little place with a cool southern-inspired menu. We had eggs benedict, biscuits and sausage gravy and one pancake to share. Loved the pancake and the biscuits and gravy, it was a perfect last meal for me on the way out of town. I don't see biscuits and gravy often so I like to sample when I do. Filled me right up for the train ride. Very solid, if unspectacular food and would like to return another time to try more.
-Standard Baking: loved their bread on the panini at Duckfat. Also had a couple other items for snacking on the ferry to Peak's Island (croissant and some cheesy/crusty not quite a bagel thing that I liked).
Overall it was a great trip, one that we will most certainly repeat sometime in the near future. So many more things and places to try, as well as places to return to.
Thank you guys for your suggestions and I will report back on Portland Part Deux.
Eating through Portland in 2.5 days...
Thanks! I am now leaning on just going straight to Otto for pizza (they do have one with egg), but it'll likely be a gametime decision. Appreciate the info.
Eating through Portland in 2.5 days...
For Sunday brunch...Is that something I should be making a reservation for? Or just show up, but expect to wait a bit?
Eating through Portland in 2.5 days...
How late can you get food in Portland on Sun-Mon nights? Restaurant kitchens close at 9-10? Anything open late night for food?
