cods's Profile
Russell House Tavern...everyone's favorite small plates there?
Overall I really wanted to like RHT small plates more than I did. That being said, the crispy poached egg is one of the best things I ate in 2011, the pig cake was also very good and we had a nice crudo dish on one visit. Oysters have always been good there as well. I would avoid the foie dish as yumyum noted, overpoweringly "scotchy". The terrine on the day we had it was a bland disappointment, but other charcuterie has been pretty decent though not amazing.
Strip T's increasing funkiness
Had the pork/kale/provolone special earlier this week, it was superb. DC got the tongue sandwich, it was also soggy from getting it as takeout, but was pretty delicious.
Slim's assessment seems most likely, alot of regulars present while we waited.
Post Your Three Favorite Things You ate in Boston in 2011
pigs head toast @ Strip T's
chu toro sashimi @ Oishii Boston
Crispy soft poached egg @ Russell House Tavern
Couldn't pick one aspect, but the pig roast @ Citizen's Public House was a wonderful and memorable experience.
Pork belly
Planning on doing a whole belly porchetta in few weeks, butcher at John Dewars said they could get me whole/skin on belly with just a few days notice.
Source of "trash" fish for bouillabaisse
Nice, got a good chuckle from this "recipe".
Strip T's increasing funkiness
In for the first time 11/12, all of the food we had was excellent, loved the small plates we tried - octopus, pigs tail, and grilled romaine/oxtail/poached egg were all great. Burgers were also very good. We will definitely be back for the grilled romaine (really, really excellent) and to try some of the stuff we didn't as well as the specials. Very pleased to see a place in the 'burbs doing interesting food at a reasonable price.
Coppa
I finally made it in recently, too. We pretty much wore out the garde manger, but did have a few dishes from the kitchen . I generally have a lowish tolerance for salt and had no issues. Solid all around, and we took the italian grinder to go for later that night - it was stellar.
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Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
pork fatback
Thanks for tips all.
@StriperGuy
I actually have a bit frozen from prepping a shoulder for Momofuku recipes, it's good stuff for sure, and the confit jelly is pretty wonderful as well (though salty).
pork fatback
I'm looking for it to make terrines/pates, more as part of the grind than to line. I'll keep Savenor's in mind if P&J's doesn't work out. Thanks.
Which new Mexican-ish place should I visit first?
Taqueria Mexico is pretty decent, but Taqueria El Amigo (a mile or so away) has consistently better food in my experience. It lacks the outdoor patio, and no beer or wine, but strictly from the food perspective, you'd be better off at Taqueria El Amigo.
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Taqueria El Amigo
196 Willow St, Waltham, MA 02453
Taqueria Mexico
24 Charles St, Waltham, MA 02453
pork fatback
Anyone know a source for fatback in the waltham/watertown area? I'd be willing to travel a bit if necessary. I've asked at a couple of butchers, Market Basket (Burlington), HMart and my usual supermakets and come up empty. Best I've seen is saltpork. Any suggestions appreciated.
Most common fish caught and eaten in Boston?
Bluefish is edible & tasty raw? I'm a huge fan,but have never eaten it sashimi style.
Farmers' Markets, Farm Stands, CSAs etc. Mid-Late June
Waltham Farmers Market had it's first day this past Sat., produce selection was a little thin, but what I did see looked pretty good and I got some nice strawberries and arugula. Seemed like a decent turnout early, also had a nice chat with the "pork guy" from http://www.burnshirtvalleyfarm.com/.
Take Out Waltham Area
Upper Crust makes a pretty solid pie, but if Blue Ribbon is close enough, I think Sweet Tomatoes is better and right around the corner. Second Taqueria El Amigo,a real gem. I too have read good things about Beijing Star on this board, but outside of the "tea smoked duck" my personal results have been pretty mediocre to awful.
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Beijing Star Restaurant
835 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451
Sweet Tomatoes
421 E Falmouth Hwy, East Falmouth, MA 02536
Buying Asian cooking wines in MA?
I can only speak to Mirin, but I've seen it at Shaw's in addition to asian markets.
6/4-6/6/10 Arlington Greek Festival
Any advice for a first time attendee? Food sounds great (spit roast whole animal, hard to go wrong). Thinking Sunday evening.
Favorite ethnic food in Newton or surrounds?
Farm Grille as previously mentioned, Taco El Amigo in Waltham, and I think the wonton noodle soups at Number One Noodle House in Newton Centre are really good, though not quite to Chinatown standards.
Nantucket Bay Scallops
Does anyone know a vendor that currently has these? I'm located in Waltham but am willing to travel a bit, I tried special ordering through Steamers in Nonantum and they were unable to get any. Thanks.
Oishii
Headed to Oishii 3 tonight, any "must have" menu items? 4 people, so I expect we'll have some variety.
