birdy30's Profile
Grandparents Wedding Anniversary! Please help
The first thing that popped into my head was Lock-Ober. Something that is reminisce of days past for them... Although a bit pricy, it just may be that very special experience. Now I want to take MY grandparents there!
North End on a Thursday night?
Whooops! Meant the Central Parking Garage at City Plaza! (Thanks Bob!)
North End on a Thursday night?
Just an FYI... The Bruins have a home game this Thursday night which means parking will be tougher than normal. Don't go to the Parcel 7 garage. Park at the Government Center garage. It's only $7.00 more than getting your ticket validated and it's just on the other side of city hall. Taranta is also a great go to restaurant. Not your typical North End fare. Service is also excellent but probably not as good as when I worked there! :)
But if the snarly traffic is going to get to you, I definitely agree with the rest of the bunch, Vinny's in Somerville may be the best bet.
Top Ten Italian Restaurants around the World - Antico???
Yep, stumbled upon this today. I don't know how I feel about this other than I think there may be better Italian restaurants that aren't even located in the No. End.
Goodnuss Guinness - pardon me for not knowing how attach this link!
www.foodanddrinkdigital.com (the top ten will be on the right side of the page)
Birdy
Looking for the best Whole Foods in the Boston area
Although River Street WF may be smaller in comparison, they sell wine/beer. Instead of driving all over tar-nation (which you will be doing), you could kill two birds with one stone.
Do I tip the caterer?
The caterer is the owner of the company and his 'hired help' was his fiance. They own quite the smoker - surely made me say "Holy Crap!" when I saw them pull that thing into the parking area! He only mentioned that it was $25pp and nothing about gratuity. I just don't want to screw them over because they did such a great job. If you are ever in CT and want incredible BBQ (with this contraption) for your party , the Old Well Tavern in Simsbury surely is the place to go.
So DPGOOD, I done good ok?
Do I tip the caterer?
We recently had a BBQ catered event. $25pp. They smoked the meats and put them on warmers. No need to take orders or clean up the tables. Supplied the plates/condiments/stuff. When all is said and done, the bill was $1150. We gave them $100 more and two bottle of wine. It's killing me! Did I tip enough? Do you tip caterers? Is the tip included in the per person price? Do I have to call them with my tail between my legs? FYI, they had the most incredible food and the "service" was stellar.
Help! Seeking a Bruins game in the woods!
Wow. You guys need to get out more. I had to go to Facebook because no one replied here. So thanks to you, I found out where I am going to watch the game and get some grub. The answers are 1) Red Parka Pub in Glen and 2) Red Fox in Jackson.
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Red Parka Pub
RR 302, Glen, NH 03838
Help! Seeking a Bruins game in the woods!
Hubby and I are camping at the base of Mt. Washington (near wildcat) this weekend but we are avid Bruins fans. Is there any decent dive that we are able to catch the game this Friday night? We thought the sports bar (if it still exists. did it ever?) at the Mt. Washington Hotel may work although I am not sure that they will be able to handle our shenanigans.
Soft Shell Crabs
Ha! 9lives! We bought the scallops as well in honor of the Bruins soon to be victory over the Tampa Bay Scallops. (Lightning) Running joke between me and my husband.
Soft Shell Crabs
We picked up four SSC at Mercado this past Saturday. 2 for $12.99. Can't go wrong with that especially when they are fresh and freshly cleaned. Gladly pay anyone to do that job! Just call them up and place the order then do a drive by pick up.
Soft Shell Crabs
I recently spoke with the ladies at the North End Fish Market about soft shell crabs. Because of the bad bad winter we had, the SSC season will probably be pushed into June. :(
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Fish Market
170 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Marthas Vineyard in mid May
Totally agree with Offshore. Great selection of oysters and beer. Peanuts galore! Still being off season, per se, with 10 people in your group, you ought to make reservations.
Torrington recs
The Venetian. It's probably one of Torrington's higher end restaurants. Classic old world Italian and could fit right into the scene of Boston's North End finer establishments. And for dessert, take a right out of their parking lot and a little ways down the road on the left is a fabulous Italian bakery.
Thank you SF Chowhounders!
Birdy30 is exactly two weeks married as of this minute. San Fran and Napa Valley could not have been more perfect. We heard from everyone that the weekend of the 15th was the best weather you have had in months. So perfect that Mr. H2B and I drove around in our rented Mustang convertible with the top down the whole time. We dodged a blizzard the day before our flight into SF and the day after our flight into the snowfilled Bean. Thank you to the applicable weather gods and mostly thank you CH'ers!!!!
Reservation for Zuni Cafe the night of our arrival in San Fran. Holy hills you have! Couple of cocktails in the Tonga Room - who the heck was that lady in the water?!? - then hailed a cab with a driver who nearly clipped a bicyclist. Argument ensued, tummy and drinks prevailed. Onward. Down the hills to the destination. Fun, funky environment awaited. We made it! The hostess had called us the day before to confirm the reservation and congratulated us on making it through the snowstorm.
Beverage anyone? Up the stairs to our table. Oysters and Sparkling to be had! Funny to see west coast oysters at $1.75 a pop and Wellfleet/Duxbury for $3.00, but a selection of oysters and clams were in order along with the bubbles. Our dining companions were not too hungry so they split an entree which I can't recall. My hubby to be (H2B) and I split the infamous Chicken for 2 after asking the waiter if, one who has never in this restaurant or CA for that matter, what should we get. While the chicken was moist and tender and perfect in every way, H2B informed me (after the fact) it was indeed enjoyable but nonetheless, not mine therefore, not as good. He said it needed love. Awwwwwwwwww. Lovely experience and time overall and would highly recommend it.
Traveling on in 53 degree (and climbing) weather with the top down, next destination. Napa. Few stops along the way to some vineyards and tastings. You guys don't have any idea how special it is to be here! Gorgeous!. Amazing. Rolling scenic hills that all H2B and witness#2 wanted to do was run around up there and frolic. Nothing like Back East. Breathtaking.
Reservation next was at Bistro Jeanty. Somehow this place felt sooo much warmer and welcome that Zuni - even though there is no comparison. Napa high perhaps? Loved this place so much that when I left, everyone was clapping and joyful and glee that I was getting married, but I digress, I am getting ahead of myself... Seated near the back in the back room, a bubbly was ordered yet again and duck foi gras, escargot, and tomato soup were ordered for all to shared. Many many people have raved about the soup here in Boston and there as well. Couldn't agree with them more. Escargot reminisce of Paris of this summer past under the Eiffel Tower. The tomato soup? What the heck? That is soooo much more deserving here in Boston than there. This truly decadent dish is what we need on these cold dreary depressing days. So scrumptious that I would in a heartbeat go back (well, besides to taste some more wine) and eat the soup again.
Entrees - H2B - Choucroute, W#1 - Cassoulet, W#2 Coq au vin (devoured within minutes) and I had the steak tartare with frites. All entrees were executed as one would expect of Alsace/France. Service could not have been more impeccable. A chocolate creme brule was delivered to our table at the end. It truly was the most memorable meal of the two. Wait! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!!!!!!!
Skipping Saturday night out , H (not H2B anymore) and I decided to cancel our Bottega honeymoon reservations. Why go out when we still had leftover pizza and wine from the night before. A fireplace and tiny shovel in our room would suffice to heat up our leftovers in the coal and spend some quality time alone.
All of this elopement trip was a whirlwind adventure. Food being a huge part. I couldn't have done that part without you and I need to thank you so... THANK YOU. Mrs. Birdy30 B and the Mr B. :)
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Bistro Jeanty
6510 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
Tonga Room
950 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Bottega
6525 Washington Street Suite A9, Yountville, CA 94599
Boston's Birdy30 is eloping!
I just made a reservation for Zuni Thursday night. But I am curious to find out about this $20.00 corkage fee that I see in many restaurants. If they have a liquor license, isn't it illegal to charge a fee? I thought only dry towns could.
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Boston's Birdy30 is eloping!
Hi ChefJune!
I am a wine distributor here in Boston. I was a server for the longest time in many of the best restaurants too. I (we) like food a.lot. With that said, formality doesn't have to be the top choice. I just don't want a tourist trap. Zuni seems like it just might have to be the choice in San Francisco. Great food and a warm welcome - just sounds sooo inviting. (We are staying at the Fairmont)
Friday - Sunday night will be in St. Helena. Our Honeymoon night is Sunday because that is when our entourage of two head back to LA. We were in Paris back in July and had the most surly French waiter ever! Duh! Bistro Jeanty could fit the bill to redeem him. ;) Many people have recommended it so far. Even here.
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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Bistro Jeanty
6510 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
Boston's Birdy30 is eloping!
Thank you all for your posts. This is soooooo helpful. We have never been to California and we needed some sort of starting point. I promise you that I will let you know what we have decided. Oh! The entourage will consist of a whopping total of four people. :)
Gennaro's 5 North Square
With all the talk about where the famous/favorite North End server (well besides me anyway :)) went after he left AF, I decided to start a new thread. With the stints at Mare and Artu over, he finally ended up at 5 North Square. Why there? I wonder.
So if he can make it there, maybe we ought to try this place. I know for a fact that they want to make this place a bit more upscale and not be so much in the shadows of Mamma Maria. When you have to use another restaurant as a focal point for directions...
Newly renovated. A brand new chef from TX/FL. A new menu. A new wine list. A new bar. Maybe they are onto something here.
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Mamma Maria Restaurant
3 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113
Boston's Birdy30 is eloping!
I know that my questions were sort of on the broad side - that's why I came to this board for some help. I did my own research and here is what I came up with myself. Farmstead, Mustard's, Don Giovanni, Bouchon, Bisto Jeanty, Martini House, Restaurant at Domaine Chardon, Auberge du Soliel, and Morimoto. Any thoughts regarding these???
Thank you so much!
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Martini House
1245 Spring St., St. Helena, CA 94574
Bouchon
6534 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
Morimoto
610 Main Street, Napa, CA
Seriously, CHers... Antico Forno?
Birdy30 is back on board!!! Getting married in 12 days in Napa and the people on the San Fran Chow Board were HORRIBLE at helping me with restaurant suggestions. I know for a fact if the same question were posted here in Boston, I could completely count on you all. Fyi... :)
Seriously, CHers... Antico Forno?
Hi Pegmeister!
Your favorite waiter has now moved on to Gennaro's 5 North Square. With him there and a new chef that has completely revamped the menu and wine list, I MAY give this place a whirl.
Seriously, CHers... Antico Forno?
I don't think I will be back to AF for a long while until they get their act together. It has happened to me twice in recent history where I sit at the bar and wait and wait and wait and wait for someone to a) say hello b) offer me a menu, a cocktail, heck! anything! Even an acknowledgement... The first time I just walked out. This time, there is a guy sitting next to me drinking a beer so somebody somewhere got him something. Everyone sees me but nothing is said. After what seemed like an eternity, I get up to leave. That was when I was informed by a server that the bar is not open which brings me to my point. Shouldn't there be some type of communication to the customers, a sign, perhaps, stating that there is only table service? Shouldn't the hostess who was too busy gabbing to the beer drinking guy have said something to me instead of making me feel like an idiot just sitting there? Am I suppose to approach them for a menu? I just don't get it.
Boston's Birdy30 is eloping!
Hellooo Fellow Chowhounds! (i am very excited btw)
Just over a month to go until Birdy30 and her beloved are taking off to San Francisco and Napa Valley to elope.
On Thursday night, we will be staying at the Fairmont with other Bostonians. I must note that all in our little party are BIG on oysters/shellfish and champagne of some sort. Fun, festive, and something pretty awesome to remember this city by. My SO and I have never been and we have only one night here. If this helps, or maybe it doesn't, but we love alll sorts of food. But it just has to be good food.
Off to Napa for the weekend. The forum is open on this one because I am completely clueless as to where to begin/go. I am in the wine industry and I could always ask my boss but I am going to put my faith in you for great suggestions. Money really isn't any object either.
Thanks so much!
Birdy30
sunday lunch after the MFA
I know that lunch in Boston can be difficult and Sunday lunch can be even worse. I am not looking for brunch either - a true lunch. The SO and I (along with his parents! gulp...) will be at the MFA next Sunday. What is open? After seeing the Luiz Melendez exhibit, we will be very hungry for some good grub. Brasserie Jo, perhaps????
Where to get the best coq au vin in Boston?
Brasserie Jo. Now I want to have some coq au vin!!!!!
Longshot....Dried Figs (or fresh) in DT Crossing/Financial District
If you are going to Haymarket, you may want to go just a wee bit further into the North End. The little fruit/veggie shop on Parmenter Street normally carries them.
Female traveling alone to Seattle in November. Where should I eat??
Thanks Natalie.Warner! And sorry, I didn't mean to hijack your threadBabygirl1007... With all this eating between Portland and Seattle, the airlines may have to charge me for all the extra weight! I will report back next week.
Female traveling alone to Seattle in November. Where should I eat??
Hey Babygirl1007 -
Your post is the exact copy of what I wanted to write for this coming weekend! I am flying to Seattle from Boston alone for the first time. Was there other things that you wanted to try because you didn't have time? Steelhead and Elliot's sounds good. I am staying in Downtown Seattle. Just looking for a fabulous place for this Mary Tyler Moore girl to toss her hat off into the air and enjoy what Seattle has to offer!
birdy30
The Regal Beagle - opening night
I am going to sit at the bar tonight, I will report back!
