mimish's Profile
Caffeine Cocktails
Based on your description, I had that drink for dessert the other night. Wow, was it good.
Oysters for a first timer?
I'd never understood oysters and always got clams until going to 28 Degrees in the South End for their $1. an oyster special which I see they still have. They had a mignonette sauce that made me a convert.
Annapolis Royal and Advocate Harbour
I'm so there this summer. Thanks for the update.
Fresh Smoked Fish
I've been meaning to try these guys. Stayed near here last summer and then failed to pick up my order on the way home.
http://www.stoningtonseafood.com/index.html
Ferran Adria at Harvard
Since I regrettably never heard about the first visit, how would one find out about a possible second?
New Bedford, Ma
Third for Antonio's. For many same items, fancier atmosphere, raw bar, goofy cocktails try :
http://cafefunchal.com/index.php
Do you have an easy, 'heart-healthy' cake recipe?
Third the clementine cake. I made it with xylitol from globalsweet.com , no one noticed and everyone raved.
FALL TRIP TOP TIPS ?
In Moosehead try The Birches. We stayed there a couple of summers ago and really enjoyed. My Dad who's up there frequently swears by Maynard's.
http://www.birches.com/index.htm
Custom Diabetic Recipe
I'm type 2 and I've had great luck with Xylitol from this company. I use it in coffee all day and have even made the Chowhound Clementine cake with it. I think it is the BEST sugar substitute going.
http://www.globalsweet.com/?gclid=CPqKwb_815UCFQuHGgodyxucXw
Omikase and Cannoli's on the South Shore
We’ve gone for years to Mai Place in Canton and always ordered off the menu at the sushi bar. We’ve never been disappointed. Usually the chef would treat us to something different to try. Last week we tossed the menu and told Kevin the chef to just give us whatever. Wow! I’ve read about omikase before but didn’t realize this is what we had. It was so good we did it again tonight. I wish I wrote down what we had because my description doesn’t do this justice. We started with a torched tuna and salmon dish that had some spicy elements on a bed of shredded radish. I usually don’t like the spicy items as I think it takes away from the flavor but this was great. Next was a crunchy tuna salad served in a martini glass with avocado, seaweed , maybe panko crumbs, lots of roe and I don’t know what else. Yummy. Next was some standard sushi; tuna belly, salmon and little sweet shrimp from Maine. All, especially the salmon was melt in your mouth. Next was a dish he called fire and ice. Some kind of mild white fish sashimi served on a bed of ice. In the middle is a lemon cup flaming with brandy or maybe saki. On the side was a sauce to dunk. Delicious! Lastly was a roll with chopped tuna and scallions on the top. Inside was shrimp tempura, a smidge of cream cheese, and other seafood chopped fine. Tiny swirls of sauce on the plate and sprinkled with black sesame seeds. Again, cream cheese in sushi doesn’t usually thrill me but this worked overtime. With several Mai Tai’s it came to $100. Not including tip. The only disappointment was they didn’t have the fresh sea urchin from Maine that Kevin says is now the season for. He said when he went to the seafood market; they were too small. They also have a limited drink menu but that’s a minor quibble. The Mai Tai’s were pretty good.
Then our tipsy selves went down the road and got double expressos and dessert at La Scala’s in Randolph. Spumoni for me and cannoli for him. The cannoli wasn’t Modern but acceptable he said. I liked the spumoni but don’t have anything recent to compare it to. The bartenders were really nice there.
Periodista questions
Yes; I got some Cointreau from a NH state packy recently and went through it rather quickly.
Periodista questions
TY so much. I've been making these all summer. First used Myers and Apry with the Bols. Have also tried it with the Rothman & Winter (love that one.) and white Myers. I like that equally well. Now I have to get the Appleton, Flor de Cana, and Orange Curacao.
Best food finds at Costco? [old]
We are huge Costco (Avon, MA) shoppers. It helps to have a freezer. I love their cheese selections and recently enjoyed a French Triple Creme in a wooden box (forget the name), an Italian Trugole, and an Irish Kerry gold cheddar. Lately we've been big fans of their shrimp salad; med size, not overcooked, with a little celery finely chopped, lightly coated in a peppery, herb mayo, on a bed of romaine. One container (about $10.) feeds the 2 of us for 2 days. We had some amazing champagne grapes about 2 years ago and I've been looking for them ever since. Yesterday they appeared again. They're from California and come in a 2lb. box. I don't remember how much but saw the exact same brand in my local supermarket in a 1 lb. box for double the price. It takes a supreme effort of restraint not to inhale the entire 2 lbs. in one sitting. I'd like to make something with them but they're so insanely delicious that we can't stop ourselves from sucking them off their little vines as soon as they're rinsed off.
Newburyport this weekend.
We had dinner at Mad Martha's Sat. night. It's BYOB. Apps of Cajun Shrimp on skewers and crab cake were so so. Small salads that came with the meal were just right. The BF said his rack of lamb with mashed potatoes was excellent. I had penne with scallops and mushrooms in a cream sauce. While the mushrooms were nice it was overall bland. It was a small cute place and service was great. The posted breakfast menu looked better than average. I'd go back and try that.
The Rusticator (Sargentville, ME): not good enough (long)
Thanks, I left out we had a lunch at your mentioned Bagaduce Lunch. The crab rolls were some of the better we had, and the ice tea and lemonade weren't from a mix. We passed the Mexican place several times but we were there for only a week and as we were so busy wolfing down all that seafood and homemade pies..
Annapolis Royal and Advocate Harbour
So, did that chef buy the lighthouse? Is Darcy Snell no longer there? Who's cooking at the beach Cafe? Just wondering.
The Rusticator (Sargentville, ME): not good enough (long)
We were at the Rusticator last Fri. and the Cockatoo this past week. At the Rusticator the BF had the mentioned Elk Tartare with quail egg. He liked the presentation with the egg shell, the crackers served with it didn't compete with the flavor, and the elk itself was gamey in a good way but not overpowering. I had the crab dip thing. Not much crab flavor but the melted cheese and herbs was fine. (note-I'm pretty happy with any kind of cheese you put in front of me.) Bf also had the grilled buffalo. Slightly undercooked, but good flavor. Came with maybe a pureed pepper sauce. I had swordfish and it was cooked perfect; crackely browned on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. I was looking for that lavender custard but it wasn't on that night, so passed on desserts. I wished they had cocktails but the wine was ok and the BF enjoyed his Stella Artois. We were at the 5:15 seating and there was only one other table being served in the peaceful setting next to the garden. Families were as noted seated elsewhere. Left us plenty of time to scoot over to the High School and catch Richie Havens where we scored front row seats. Terrific!
At the Cockatoo we had no service issues at all. Had a rum drink with lots of local cut up fruit at the cute little bar. The waiter was young, sweet, and attentive. We had clams in Mozambique sauce. My comparison is Antonio's in New Bedford and Cockatoo's was better. Lots of garlic with a kick. Overdid my bread quota lapping up that stuff. As Maingal says, the portion of paella is way too much for 2. What I liked is that all the seafood including an entire lobster was cooked right on the money. If I was in the area I would definitely go back.
We stayed in Stonington and hit the Friendly Fisherman 1st night. Had the fried seafood sampler for app. Good fry job but clams were small. Crab roll ok. A lobster coop was right down the street from where we stayed, so had several meals of that on the deck. With the exception of the rain, it was near perfect on the harbor there.
Other places we tried in the area-
Dennett's Wharf in Castine. Nice view and pleasant atmosphere but crab roll and fried clams meh. Would not go back except for drinks.
Cleonice in Ellsworth. Had excellent Dark and Stormy; rum, ginger juice, and lime. gin and tonic for him. Tried a dozen clams on the half shell with red and green sauces.- Great! Escargot- not quite enough garlic for me. Melted kasseri cheese with chorizo and toasts. -right up my alley. Tenderloins on toast with bernaise sauce.-very very good. I thought the prices were very reasonable for what you got and loved the atmosphere. The bread was memorable but not on sale that night because they were afraid of running out.
Further finds- Sow's Ear Winery- Rt. 176, Brooksville. When we got there, it was just an old barn by the road but after ringing the bell, the owner I think came an offered us tastes of 4 different wines. I'm not the greatest judge of wine but we ended up buying a rhubarb, a sparkling rhubarb, and a blueberry- all dry. These'll probably work for Thanksgiving. Cool place.
Ice Cream Lady ice cream purchased at Burnt Cove Market. Madagascar Vanilla- very good but texture almost like soft serve. Ginger- candied pieces throughout but my comparison is Rancatore's in Belmont. Mango was the best. Creamy with dense mango flavor.
Stonington Farmers Market, Friday 10AM -12 at the Community Center. Lot's of great looking veggies, crafts, jewelry etc. Got some outstanding summer sausage and a pepperoni combo. Don't remember the vendor name.
Spencer Pies and Gifts, Sunset Rd. Sunset. (Go past Burnt Cove Market a few miles on the left. Ask at the market; they'll tell you) We bought Medley pie (blueberries, razz, and strawberries) It was OMG amazing! We went back a few days later and got rhubarb. Also amazing. She has blueberry, rhubarb/strawberry and other types. All $16. If you are in the area, go get one of these pies. Unreal!
Many thanks to Passadumkeg, Scargod, and other posters for your help.
Klam Krawl Trip Report
A little late to the discussion, but wanting to wait till I hit the Lobster Pool that we missed on the Krawl and where I had to meet some relatives tonight before a Shakespeare performance at the nearby Windhover Center. The clams had as mentioned; a good crispy fry job but were small and only one or 2 noticeable bellies in a small box. The tartar sauce was dreadfully sweet with too much pickles or else Miracle Whip-yech. The lobster roll was decent on a grilled hotdog roll with a little mayo and nothing else. I also tried bites of others’ clam chowder (no thanks), french fries (awful), cole slaw (again too sweet and not crunchy. Why is it so hard for most places to get that right?) and fried haddock (very good!)
This was our first Chowhound outing and I’m so glad we chose the Krawl. I feared not being able to keep up with such eloquent posters but everyone was so charming with interesting stories and further chowish tips. We were the ones who ordered the scallops and shrimp at the end but our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. I have to give a shout out to Scuba Jr. too. When asked what was his favorite food, he said he liked the hot stuff and mentioned Vietnamese Pho. Oh, where do you get that?- My Dad makes it! We are teachers and that boy is too cool for school! It was fun, fun, fun. I hope to go on other outings but will have to keep up my gym membership.
Help! Seafood dinner for 9 on the NH seacoast....
I agree with you Harp. I bring my parents there all the time. Yes, it's not fine dining. You take a nice bottle of wine and any other snacks to munch on while you wait for the steamers, oysters and clams on the half shell. Skip the chowder etc. Order 2+pounders all around. Hopefully snag a table by the water. In good weather it's pretty. My parents love it there. ( Sometimes combined with some outlet shopping and perhaps a walk at the nearby fort afterwards.) I think the op's people would love it too.
Metamorphosis cocktail
Does anyone have a recipe for this drink that they serve at Eastern Standard here in Boston? I'd like to make one for my friend who loves them. The menu says bitters and lemon juice. How much lemon? What kind of bitters? Would they give the recipe if asked?
Periodista questions
That Noir recipe was right on the money. I did 1 1/2 0z. of Myers, 1/2 oz. triple sec, 1/2 oz. Apry, and 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice. Shake over ice and strain. Almost perfect. Now I'm on the hunt for a better triple sec; maybe Marie Brizard again. Also want to try the Rothman per Punchbowl's advice. Happy camper this weekend. Thanks again.
Periodista questions
TY Blue. Chez H is now top of my list. The recipe you mentioned sounds more like it.
Periodista questions
I've been trying the Periodista at several places here in Boston. (Eastern Standard, B Side Lounge, and Highland Kitchen) So now I'd like to make it at home. Talking to the bartender at B Side last night , he said they are always made with Myers. He also used Apry, lime juice, dash of grenadine, maybe triple sec. He said so and so also uses sugar but he thinks that's too sweet. Meanwhile, I look up the recipe online but they all say white rum, triple sec, and sugar. Also online I read about 3 kinds of apricot brandy: Giffard Abricot du Rousillon, Rothman and Winter Orchard Apricot, and the Marie Brizard Apry. Which of these (or any other) would be best for the Periodista, so I can then ask the Boston board where to find it. (My quest of 4 major liquor stores here and in NH was unsuccessful.) I ended up buying a pint of Joe Blow apricot brandy to tide me over and my first attempt was nothing like I've enjoyed at the mentioned places. I also put in Grand Marnier for the triple sec but maybe that was wrong too. For rum I have Myers, Mount Gay Extra Old, and Matusalem. So does anyone have a favorite recipe? Brother Cleve?
Excellent Service-in East Boston and at Gitlos
Old posts say Peaches and Cream is both sit down and take out. Do they serve dinner? Drinks? That chicken sounds great.
Level, Purple Feather Provincetown, MA
Last minute road trip to Ptown. Saw their menu outside 386 Commercial St. and decided to try. Had a Spanish Rueda Blanca, spicyish, nice. He had Sangiovese. Smooth he said. (We're not experts.) Steamed clams with chorizo, saffron, wine, shelfish broth for app. Very good. Spanish Fish Stew for him with similar if not same broth as the app. Cleaned his plate. Special of cod with risotto for me. Sauce had lemon and tarragon elements. Grilled asparagus on the side. Excellent. Service was attentive and friendly. Prices reasonable. Apps $9-16. Entrees $10 for burgers to $36 for Beef Wellington. Would absolutely go back.
Expresso ,sinful pastries, and gelato at Purple Feather. Expresso delicious. His triple chocolate cheesecake right up his alley. I see both these places totally slammed this summer.
Mini Chow Tour of Favorites
After driving to Amherst today to drop off my friends daughter, we had planned to go to her yoga class in Cambridge. But first she stopped off in Harvard Sq. to get a new battery for her cell. What should've been a 10 min. stop turned into about an hour. It was a beautiful day, great for people watching. While I was waiting, I read on Chowhound about the $1. oysters at 28 Degrees. When she got back (I know she loves oysters.) I say-We're already late for yoga. We have to go to the South End right now! Myself I prefer clams but I must say that those oysters were so good. Duxbury I think they said. They were served with horseradish, cocktail sauce and 2 kinds of mignonette sauce. One they called hot and had cilantro in it. That stuff made it for me. I'm converted. The drinks were excellent. I had a caipirinha drink that was kind of like a mojito and she had a vodka something that was very smooth. So for 2 drinks and a dozen oysters with tip we left $50. lighter. Then I tell her trusty Chowhound says they have $1. tapas at Masa that's close by. A Mojito for me(too sweet) and red wine for her (swill she said) and the $10 tasting of all the tapas. The little chorizo was tasty but the rest -meh! Then she says- lets go to No. 9 Park, that she tried to go there before like I told her but that her friend complained about the prices. I said we can't go there, we're in gym clothes! She said no it's ok. Beacon Hill people don't all spend their money on clothes! So off we went and had a great time in our t-shirts talking to Brahmins and the wife of some Hollywood film person who was wining and dining her way around town. I had a Floridita (reminded me of a Periodista) and she had another vodka drink along with the prune stuffed gnocchi. (another $50.+) Oh My! If I ever hit the lottery, No. 9 is on my list for a full course meal. With all the drinks we needed more food. Since making her go to Eastern Standard awhile back, now I can't get her away. I fretted that with the game on we wouldn't get near the place. But since everyone was already in the park; (you could hear the roars) we snagged a parking space and there was plenty of room at the bar. Metamorphis for her and Old Cuban for me. Grilled cheese and Niciouse salad. They put the sandwich on 2 plates without asking. They don't have the Tres Leche cake anymore and that was a good thing for us. Pretty good day.
Braintree/Canton Visit
Mai Place in Canton for sushi. Freshness, service, and price all good.
http://www.bigbigmenu.com/dispmenus.asp?args=Mai%20Place:canton&instant=no
