I went yesterday for the first time (read the same Globe article). I liked it (had a pork loin sandwich with scallions, cucumber and a very tasty sauce. The bread is sort of like a cosi flat bread, but thinner. Not a huge sandwich, but a pretty good amount of pork. Menu looks pretty interesting across the board. it's a bit of a hike for me for lunch, so it probably won't be a regular, but a nice change of pace.

Happened to stumble on this place on Sunday when I ran an errand in the city. Ironically, I had been meaning to go to the newish BBQ place in Needham (can't remember the name right now) and wound up here instead.

They are clearly still ironing out the kinks, but the food showed real promise, I tried the brisket plate with sweet potatoes and collard greens on the side. Had the spicy sauce. Meat was quite tender and very flavorful, potatoes were OK (a few were undercooked). Collard greens were a highlight -- best I've had in a while. Sauce had a kick and nice flavor.

It's a ways from home for me, but I might meander back once in a while to explore some of the other options on the menu.

I like La Verdad at the end of Lansdowne street -- very good burritos/tacos and easy to port in. Also, a bargain compared to the food inside (but what isn't?).

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La Verdad
1 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215

Not sure about the awning, but when i ate there the server mentioned they planned to start serving lunch but weren't doing so yet.

We went last night, and I was actually quite impressed. Food was quite good (as a party of four we covered a significant portion of the relatively short menu -- pork belly appetizer was a highlight, as were the pretzel rolls, the veal cheeks entree and butterscotch fondant dessert). I found the meu generally appealing and the dishes well-presented. Nice slection of wines by the glass, and while the cocktails sounded silly those we tried were pretty good (Strawberry Fields and Angry Tomato).

Staff was very knwoledgeable (and plentiful) and things ran smoothly (especially considering it was the third night open). Everyone was very friendly -- Chef was back and forth between the dining room and the kitchen, so perhaps he took a more active role this time!

I too am curious as to how this kind of menu will do in that area, but i'd imagine people said the same thing when Radius opened on High Street. As someone who works in the area, i welcome the addition.

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High Street Cafe
591 High St, Dedham, MA 02026

thought i read somewhere that Pavia is actually owned by same people as Viga. I actually like their food -- good chciken parm sandwich and some of their special pastas. A nice addition to the area.

Finally tried it yesterday. Had two slcies, once chees, one pepperoni. Nothing special, unfortunately. Might go back and try a sub ($4 on Tuesday sounds like a pretty good deal).

Got a flier for another new pizza place opening in the Financial District - Pavia on Water Street (space used to be a Boloco, I think). WIll give it a try.

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Water Street Cafe
25 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360

Boloco
82 Water St, Boston, MA 02109

anyone else tried this place? I've walked by a couple of times. Would be nice to have a good place to buy a slice in the area.

I like Cafe Assisi a lot as well. Really nice sandwiches and pastas. Hours can be a little unpredicatble (recall they may not be open on Sundays?) but a good value. Also, very close to the outlets, so less shopping time lost!

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Cafe Assisi
667 South St Ste 5, Wrentham, MA 02093

Looking to meet friends this weekend for dinner. We're in the Dedham area, while they are north fo the city. Looking for recommendations of anything fun and nice in the Needham/Waltham/Lexington stretch off of Route 128. We're fans of Ten Tables, Hungry Mother, Zebras (in Medfield), Sel de la Terre. Thanks.

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Hungry Mother
Cambridge, MA, Cambridge, MA

Sel de la Terre
1245 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760

Ten Tables
5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA 02138

I like Jalapenos too, although I think their prices have come up a bit. I prefer them to the other Metrowest mexican outlets (Alamo, etc.). I think the Chef had a small place on the same block first, which i really enjoyed before moving into the current space. Very good Carnitas.

We like King BBQ, if that's your type of thing.

I' work near there, and I'm a fan of Kingfish Hall (Seafood) and Wagamama (asian noodles/rice). Both have outside and inside seating.

There's a Cosi there now - otherwise fairly standard fast food options, plus a pub/bar type place I can't remember the name of.

I'm a fan, too. I find myself looking for errands at Patriots Place on the weekends around lunch time. And this from a guy who has always liked his burgers very rare - there well-done policy gave me pause, but they tast great.

And I like the fries. A lot.

Was trying to think of something new to introduce the kids to thsi weekend and thought of banh mi. Does anyone know of anywhere in the southern part of Metrowest (Westwood/Norwood/Needham) that is any good?

Thanks.

I'm a fan of Boston Kebab House as well. never done the mezze bar, though it looks pretty good - I usually get the chicken kofte kebab over a greek salad. Really nice lunch. Also, the chicken shisk kebab platter. Plus, they have a special deal where you can pay $40 for a $50 gift card

I just gave Karo's a try for the first time and was quite impressed. The chicken and sauce were quite tasty, and $5.50 for a sandwich that size is good for downtown.

Might be adding it in to my lunch rotation

I've always enjoyed Chiara as well. Place seems to have hit its stride and never looked back. Nice to have this type of restaurant in the 'burbs.

I've worked in the financial district for 10+ years, and I've never been a fan. Sandwiches are OK, but overpriced. It has its supporters, though, and they tend to be very enthusaistic. Me, I'd go to Dooley's down the block for a burger.

Haven't done Davios yet but looking forward to trying it at some point. 5 Guys is soemthing else - have been twice now, and the burgers are excellent. Was nervous about the "well done only" policy, but it was quite juicy and flavorful. Also tons of fries, and free peanuts. Could be dangerous, living close to that place.

Another place there -- the bar at the movie theater. Not a destination, but I had some good boneless wings and beer at the bar watching the football game while my kids went to the movies. Not a bad time at all.

Seems very odd to me - maybe they rely on the deck for business (though it's hard to see why). We're not talking about an ice gream stand here. hard to get/keep wait/kitchen staff if you close for the winter.

We did think about heading south to Patriot's Place, but only remembered Davio's and Skipjack's and weren't up to that price point.

Will ahve to try five guys, and soon.

Tried to go to Wicked last night. Was all dark. Thought it might be a seasonal closing, but there website says "close for the season -- reopening in April 2009" Seems pretty weird to me.

Wound up at Clyde's on route 1(Walpole?) -- not very chow, but tasty.

I live out that way, and I've been to Saigon a couple of times over the years. I think the food is OK - can be a little greasy, btu pretty fresh. prices are reasonable but have crept up.

One thing to be aware of - their hours can be unpredictable, and they are closed Sunday and monday.

We went recently looking for something different after reading the review in the globe. We went on a Saturday afternoon and did the BBQ option (there were others doing the buffet, which looked average).

The food was very good. We had seafood and a marinated beef -- which came with lots of side dishes, including good kim chi. They could tell we were korean bbq newbies -- our waitress showed us how to do everything, and made it a lot of fun.

We also tried the oyster pancake which was delicious. They also have an assortment of other dishes, including a number of bibimbop varieties that I look forward to trying.

All in all, a positive impression -- we'll be back.

I would second the recommendations of Chiara and Ten Tables. Two of our favorites. Zebra's in Medfield is a possibility, though a bit more of a drive. Bon Caldo in Norwood is within range as well.

I went there a few months ago (soon after they opened) and was pretty impressed. The steak compared favorably to the best I've had in Boston. The service was very attentive. Sides were big but good. Some kinks they were working out (slow on coffee, then the milk served with it had turned). Pricey, but enjoyable.

I work downtown and I'm a big fan of sakura bana for lunch. Good value. never done dinner there.

I used to live around the corner from Oishii in Chestnut Hill when it opened ten years ago or so. It was a fantastic find then, and really good value. Still very good, but not the same level of value.

For those who have been to Summer/Winter recently, how was the service? I went a while back (maybe Jan/Feb) and though I thought the food was great, the service was abysmal.

Here's a post to a recent thread on Norwood -- http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/545520

Personally, my office is one block from Durgin Park and even that's much to far to go, but that may be just me.