laura jean's Profile
First Printer in Harvard Square
I checked in out in early March. My BF wanted to watch the UNC/Duke game at Tommy Doyle's, so I bailed to find better food. So, at that point I was just happy to NOT be at Tommy Doyle's and anything may have looked good - but I did really enjoy First Printer.
Roasted Harvard Beet Salad: Harvard, gold, and candy stripe beets, parsnips, turnips, mixed greens, toasted almonds, Vermont Creamery goat cheese, craisins, Honeycrisp cider vinaigrette - Yeah I really hate turnips, that was confirmed. But the rest was good.
Shrimp and Grits: asiago cheese, andouille sausage, Holy Trinity tomato broth - I am a sucker for shrimp and grits, plus anything with andouille, so, YUM.
Side of Braised Baby Spinach, Rainbow Swiss Chard and Broccoli Rabe - Too bitter for me, but I was trying to be healthy.
Looking forward to going back, with more people so I can try more. Also, the wine was cheap.
Backbar Open and Worth Seeking Out
Yes, the "plate of goodies selected by your bartender" ($15 per person) was a bit of a miss - and FYI it's a pre-set plate, not something the bartender whips up with your preferences in mind. Once we added on the cheese and rabbit that appealed off the chalkboard menu, it came to $49 for basically a charcuterie plate for 2. Yikes.
Union Mule was delicious - not at all cloying like most St Germain drinks are these days. Nouveau Carre was a play on the Veiux Carre, with tequila and mezcal and other things I forget. I couldn't taste any smoke in the smoke 'n coke(they use smoked ice) - perhaps it's too subtle for me. Then again, it was my 3rd quite strong cocktail....
I'll be back for drinks (as often as possible!) but agree with Gini that the snacks really aren't the strong point. Too bad they were out of the pork cracklin's - maybe they were the magic piece we were missing....
Bosphorus - Inman Square - Another "meh" vote
They must have recently changed the menu - I went on Sept 22nd, and they had none of those items. The current online menu reflects what I had: http://www.bosphoruscambridge.com/.
Everything is offered in half and full sizes, which i do appreciate, as we were able to try several dishes that way. I enjoyed everything we had, but it was not earth-shattering. I am also assuming this is no longer authentic Turkish cuisine?
Marinated Beets with Halloumi Cheese, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Parsley-Mint Salad
Grape-leaf Dolma with Currants, Rice, Pine Nuts and House-Made Yogurt Sauce
Seared Sea Scallops with Creamy Cauliflower Risotto and Truffled Mushrooms
Poached Turkish Beef Dumplings in Tomato Sauce
I was disappointed that they were out of the Eggplant-Wrapped Braised Lamb Shank with Caramelized Onions and Eriste, as it sounded interesting and the most unusual of the meat offerings.
Loved the design/decor of the room. Food was fine but not exceptional. I won't rush back, but I would definitely go again if in the area.
I shuck, therefore I eat...oysters
Can I ask, where and how did you learn how to filet fish? Was it from someone you know, or did you get a professional lesson? The nice gentlemen at Courthouse have described the technique several times, but I don't seem to be learning it well (as is obvious if you saw my fish filets), and I would love to find a place that does hands-on lessons.
August 2011 Openings and Closings
The giant "open" sign was up last weekend when we walked by, but they were closed - a worker told me they were opening this past Tuesday. Not sure if they actually did though - I can't get to Back Bay during the week much. Urban Daddy says they'll be open for the weekend.
Estragon reviews?
The pringa is amazing (bone marrow, beef shank and pork belly) and the crisy spicy garbanzos are beyond addictive. I also really liked the grilled chorizo (I'm a sucker for smokey flavors). It's been a while, so I don't remember everything in perfect detail, but I recall not being as impressed with the crispy pork belly or the lamb empanada.
They won't accept the groupon during restaurant week, even if you sit at the bar and not order off the special menu. Not that I minded, since it gave me an excuse to go back. :-)
Fantastic meal at Journeyman in Somerville
(I was gini's DC.) It was absolutely amazing! The best tasting dinner I've had in Boston (which made my boyfriend sad when I told him cuz he sprung for the Craigie tasting on my last birthday. Well, now I have a new birthday place!)
Cost was $65 for 5-courses and $45 for wine pairings.
With the addition of the starters I had waiting for gini, I was absolutely stuffed at the end of the 5 courses. But I would definitely do 5 or even 7 courses again - just skip lunch next time.
Any recent reviews on Brunello Bistro?
I live down the street and have been a couple times. I like the space and want to love the place, but I have not been impressed with most of the food.
The baked gouda wrapped in phyllo dough over greens with berries was insanely sweet, even if it had been a dessert instead of an app. I don't remember specifics about the stuffed eggplant appetizer except that it was very heavy. My DC liked the seafood risotto, which had lots of seafood, but I found it bland. I was also unimpressed with the carbonara. I actively disliked the lobster gnocchi - I probably should not have ordered such a tricky dish, I realize. I did really like the rigatoni bolognese - I'll go back for that. And I still want to try the ravioli and osso bucco. I do wish they offered half-size portions of the pastas - the portions are too large for me.
Gallaria Umberto: did they change the arancini?
Are there variations/flavor choices for the arancini, panini or panzarotti? I'll eat anything, but I'm just curious how it work at GU.
I've never been and am hoping to make a trip there this Friday. Thanks!
Sick of gazpacho - need some new chilled soup ideas
I just made this Peach Soup with Ceviche and it was super easy and delicious - sweet and spicy:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1988533
What is the last new recipe you tried, and how would you rate it?
I went on a cooking binge this weekend, since my parents came over for dinner.
Braised Lettuce Crostini: I used ricotta because my father won't eat goat cheese; the cheese was too bland and the lettuce came out soggy and slimy. Not sure what (if) I did wrong. Will not repeat.
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/guest-post/weekend-snack-braised-lettuce-crostini-guest-post-from-gabrielle-of-honest-fare-115059
Peach Soup with Ceviche: I used bay scallops instead of crab in the ceviche. This was delicious (and I'm not a sweet soup fan) - sweet but spicy from the radish and jalapeno. Definitely a keeper, and soo easy.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1988533
Nigella's Watermelon Salad - It was great day-of, but I didn't like the leftovers at all.
Grilled Pork Burgers: These were highly recced by the board, so I was excited to try them. They smelled heavenly when I was prepping them, using chorizo from a local farm and Niman Ranch applewood smoked bacon. I also omitted the chiles but added a touch of cayenne, and topped them with aioli, manchego and arugula (not the romesco). Once on the grill, they shrunk at least 50% into tiny round balls. Is that normal?
http://wellfed.typepad.com/well_fed/2006/09/grilled_pork_bu.html
Corn Boats with Zuchinni: The boats were actually easier to make than I expected, but even though it was cute, I'll never do that again. Plus, the corn would have been better grilled not sauteed, and I didn't think the pepper jack added anything (and I'm a cheese freak!). Leftover filling will be mixed with black beans and salsa to make veggie tacos.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Corn-Boats-with-Zucchini-and-Pepper-Jack-Cheese-12497
Yogurt Panna Cottas with Honey: I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the mixture, and served them topped with blueberry honey, fresh blueberries, and golden raspberries. Light, delicious and super easy, a definite keeper.
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/yogurt-panna-cottas-with-honey
Silvertone & Stoddards
The grits were thin and watery, and the smoked flavor of the ham was nowhere to be found. These grits are why many Northerners think they dislike grits.
I specifically *did* say I'd return for bar food - I much prefer bar dining over dining room/table dining, especially when a place has proven to have very slow/bad service in the dining room. I can't imagine having to wait 30 minutes for a drink refill at a bar....
Since all reviews of this place have mentioned the wait, the crowdedness, the after-work popularity, etc, I find it absurd that they would be "not accustomed to being quite that busy." I just think their service is subpar.
Newton-area Italian?
Hello,
I'm looking for a restaurant to host a private party (actually a rehearsal dinner) for 25 people, in a private room. The bride has requested Italian, which (to her) means red-sauce Italian. The preferred location is between Newton and Boston, as most guests will be staying in either Newton or Kenmore Square.
I've reached out to: Gran Gusto, Stellina, Amelia's (in Kendall), and quite a few North End places (Artu, Rabia's, Euno, Filippo, Lucia, Marco and G'Vanni's). Are there other places I have not yet thought of? I'd love something in the suburbs to make parking easier and keep the price down a bit.
Thanks!
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Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140
Stellina Restaurant
47 Main St, Watertown, MA 02472
G'Vanni's
2 Prince Street, Boston, MA 02113
Silvertone & Stoddards
Stoddard's is offering a deal this week (apparently a "thanks for being patient while we took forever to open" party) - any app + entree (full menu included) + a cask ale, for $18.68. I went last night to try it out.
Food: The gouda fondue is to die for - I'll be going back specifically for that. The charcuterie plate was monochronistic and visually bland, but good tasting - country pate and rabbit galantine in particular were delicious, the quail egg sausage nothing special. For entrees, the heritage pork was amazingly tender and delicious; the accompanying smoked ham grits a sad let-down. I had never had rabbit ballotine before so have no idea what to compare it to - I found it okay but nothing special.
Service: Bad. Initially the waiter was good - friendly, informative, etc. But once the appetizers were dropped (by a runner), we never saw the waiter again. My beer (and water glass as well) was empty by the time the entree was served, but I was never offered any refill. More than 10 minutes after we were done eating, my DC went to find the waiter and ask for the check (which still took several more minutes to arrive). I would have happily had another drink or two (one with dinner, one after) but had no way to order. Also, I was overcharged $1 for the wine I did order before dinner - no big deal, but annoying when I was already frustrated with service.
In summary, I'd go back for the fondue and possibly the burger, maybe as an afternoon snack, but definitely not for dinner.
Anyone have the scoop on new Mexican place going in where 33/Skewers/Bomboa used to be?
Pricing looks even more aggressive in the new location - I seem to recall the guac was ~$8.50, now it's $9.25. Other prices also looked incrementally higher. But the patio and full bar will definitely add value.
Pazzo for dinner
I've tried Pazzo twice now, and while it wasn't terrible, I don't think I'll bother to return.
First visit was dinner at the bar with 1 DC, to use the groupon (or whichever). Service was good and the food was good but not amazing. We tried the beef carpaccio, crab cakes, and the gnocchi which I asked to have topped with the boar and pancetta ragu. The carpaccio was fine, my DCs first time trying it but I wasn't impressed. Crab cakes were surprisingly delicious. Gnocchi (very large and somehow loose) did NOT work with the ragu (which I seem to recall was bland), guess I should have trusted the menu.
Second time was for drinks and apps on the patio with 3 DCs. The first bottle of wine we ordered was out, but they suggested a decent (same priced) alternative. We split the arancini, grilled artichoke, tuna tartar and maybe one other thing. Artichoke was great - I could have eaten several. Pet peeve of mine, but maybe I'm being too demanding - there were 4 of us, only 1 of 2 tables on the patio at 4pm on a Saturday, so obviously not a busy time. We were given 3 arancini - I KNOW that's the portion size, but I am very pleased when a waiter takes initiative to have the kitchen provide 4 pieces for 4 people. Anyways, they were only okay, after all that.
Overall, I guess an okay place for a drink and an app, but I'd only return for the $5 app "happy hour" at the bar.
Exchange Street Bistro in Malden now has the chef from Zon's...anyone been?
Do you know when the new chef started?
I went in early March - just had drinks and appetizers. I remember most being ehh, but one thing was really good - I think the brisket taco?
Within walking distance of W South Beach - what's the best?
I was just at the W last week for work, and had one dinner at Solea and one at Talula. Solea was very good, but Talula was fantastic!
The cork-braised octopus salad was the definite highlight, as well as the stuffed pork chop (amazing crust, delicious overall). I highly recommend trying Talula.
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Talula
210 23rd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Help! Boston 30th bday celebrations for large group
Red Sky would be great for your group, for the drinks/music part. Last time I went, it was a 20's and 30's crowd (not too too young and college-y) with top 40 and dance music. Lots of flavored-vodka type drinks - not a place for a "classic" cocktail, but fun and lively.
The food at Red Sky is very mediocre (at best) bar food that's trying to appear upscale. I'd eat elsewhere - there's not much in Faneuil Hall though. Perhaps Marliave or Silvertone for dinner?
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Silvertone
69 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108
Marliave
10 Bosworth Street, Boston, MA 02108
Chacho's, Mission Hill: thoughts?
Wow - flashback! I lived in the neighborhood during college and ate there many times, but I have no memory of how it was.... Pizza was fine, what you want for breakfast when you're regretting all those beers the night before. I remember the Puerto Rican (?) specialties - there was something that was like a giant arancini, stuffed with ground beef, fried but not deep-fried like an empanada. I remember it being really good - but who knows if it really was?
Recommendations for Erbaluce please
Guess I can chime in, as gini's DC. Almost totally agree with her review.
I arrived first (6pm), and there were 5 people at the bar and no one in the dining room. There was also no bartender behind the bar, and no one at the host station. I hovered awkwardly for about 2-3 minutes (which REALLY is a long time in that context!), peeked into the dining room where 2 servers saw me but didn't acknowledge me, and then sat at the bar. Memories of negative service reviews were making me nervous.... A couple minutes later, the bartender came back, and after that there was no hitch at all in service. James the bartender was friendly and helpful; I spoke briefly with Joan; and as gini mentioned, the chef came and talked with us a couple of times.
Wine was great and very affordable - I think $7-9/glass? The boar meatballs really were amazing - and the sauce they were served over made the dish even better. I was nervous about tongue (yes I can be squeamish, sorry! but at least I try stuff I'm scared of!) but it was delicious. The smelts were okay (again a little scary to me), but the plate with the garlic aioli-type sauce was whisked away before I could try it on the fish - I bet it was awesome. Tuna pate was fantastic! And the cheese.... wow. I agree that the spaghi didn't match up to Coppa's - I kinda wish we had tried the mushroom lasagnetta instead. (And I was sad there was no rabbit.)
I will definitely be back - as gini said, this place more than compares to Coppa, with tons of seating and none of the waiting.
January 2010 Openings and Closings
Firefly (on Dartmouth St next to Back Bay Station) has closed and reopened as Six Burner, "serving Inspired Comfort Food." I was at Firefly right before Christmas, had no idea this was in the works. I'll probably be checking it out tonight (it's a convenient location for meeting friends) and I'll report back.
Winter 2009-2010 Openings and Closings
Do you have any idea of the date Jae's will close? I have a couple restaurant.com gift certificates there that I'd like to use before they renovate.
Going to Coda on Friday, What's Good?
Definitely the burger - I love it with blue cheese. I also liked the bruschetta and the last incarnation of the fritters. I've not been too impressed with the entrees I've tried though (monkfish osso bucco (but the grits were good), duck papardelle, mushroom fricasse) - I'd say stick with the burger.
As for drinks, I like the Grapefruit Press (Ruby Red Vodka, St. Germain, Grapefruit Juice, Lime), but understand that I'm into girly drinks.
Holiday Closings?
Do restaurants tend to close for the week between Christmas and New Year's? I have that week off and am looking forward to trying several places for lunch (Sam LaGrassa, Toro, Locke Ober), assuming they are open. Is that week a typical restaurant vacation week?
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Toro
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
where is the "it" restaurant of Boston?
There are actually TWO "Market"s in Boston - one being Market Lounge, the nightclub on Water Street, and the other being the new restaurant at the W Hotel. (I guess we've run out of restaurant names and are forced to recycle now....)
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Market Lounge
120 Water St, Boston, MA 02109
Group Birthday Dinner Downtown
For my birthday, I usually have similar requirements (price and atmosphere). Here are some places I've gone:
- Ivy - dinner up on the 2nd level, stay for drinks in the basement (they don't let people mill in the aisle by the tables on the 1st level)
- Good Life - under the previous chef, though
- Bar Lola - when it was Geoffrey's, it had a small private room with no rental/minimums - maybe they still do?
- Kingston Station - considering for this year
I've also considered (but not selected for b-day dinners, for various reasons): Silvertone, Coda, 28 Degrees, Rocca, Audobon Circle, Les Zygomates.
Rocca 5 @ 5
Fairly indicative of service there, though. I love the downstairs bar and the patio, but the service can be dreadful. Extremely long waits to be acknowledged by staff, even longer waits for drink refills, and longer still waits for the check and your change/credit card slip. It's a shame, but that service level really knocks it out of top consideration for me, even with the awesome parking.
Cooking with black bean sauce with chili
Hello,
I recently bought a jar of black bean sauce with chili to use in a specific recipe, and now I have the almost-full jar to use up. I've never cooked with this before, except for the monkfish recipe for which i bought it - can anyone give me any ideas? I'd love to try different recipes with this ingredient. Also, the chili makes it quite spicy, so a little goes a long way - any ideas on how to cut the spice level?
Thanks!
Business Dinner - Research Triangle Park
I am looking to book a business dinner in RTP, but am totally unfamiliar with the area so I am hoping to get some guidance. It appears that Durham is close to RTP - are Raleigh and Chapel Hill also considered close?
I'm looking for a "classic" business dinner place - steakhouse, Italian or American. The dinner will be for 10-12 people, and budget is not a concern. Some options I've found online: Bin 54, Fearrington House, Bistro 54, and of course Ruth's Chris. Would you particularly recommend or un-recommend any of these places? Are there other places I should look at?
Thanks!
