2peasinapod's Profile
Thoughts on Brasserie Jo?
This is my and my husband's (a frenchman) favorite French restaurant in Boston (I know this is a controversial statement and we have not tried every place). The service has been great every time regardless of the size of our party. The coq au vin is excellent. Also, they have great aperitifs and a house beer that is very good.
CSA Review
I recently joined a Meat CSA in the Boston area - Chestnut Farms. It is $70/month for 10lbs. half of the selection is prime cuts the other is made up of things like ground meats/bacon products/smoked meats. Also, the have sausage too. There is beef, lamb, pork and chicken. Untill recently, I have not been a big meat eater and had sworn of hamburgers compleatly. With the CSA meat, I now love hamburgers again and can taste the difference in all the meals. I very much enjoy supporting local farming and as all chowhounds I love good food.
The pick up is in Arlington at the farmers market (which is great!). The CSA continues pick up after the farmers market ends in October too - so same location.
I can not comment more highly on the quality of the meats and the kindness of Kim (farmer). She is very knowlegable and will answer any of your meat/farming related questions.
On a side note, I have a "spot" (waitlisted from a year ago) for Red Fire Farm. I am hesitating to sign up due to the large quantity of produce. I would be willing to split a share with anyone who is interseted and lives near where I work (Roxbury) or live (Brighton). Just let me know if you are interested.
Pumpkin tortellini, for take-away
I second the pumpkin and smoked mozzarella which I also had for dinner over the weekend.
Best N. Carolina-style BBQ in Boston Area?
M&M Rib Truck! It is located in a truck on the corner of Norfolk ave and Hampton Street in a little lot. It formerly was on Columbia road for about 25 years and then had a brief stint in Dorchester on Geneva ave.
Over all, this is the best BBQ I have had up north. The flavors of the meat are highlighted by the great sauce and not overpowered by it. I highly recommend checking it out. They also do catering.
How Long Does Saffron Last?
Also, does anyone know if keeping it in a container that blocks the light prolong its life?
Everyday Allston Village Lunch Recs?
shanghi gate is great for takeout. It came reccomened by another CHer. It is right next to Great Scotts on Harvard (brookline side of Comm ave).
Ten Tables or Craigie St?
I had the worst experience at Craigie street about 2 years ago and will NEVER go back and NEVER recommend it. Here is the short version...Arrived 5 minutes early for our reservation and was told our table was not ready and we could sit and have a drink. After a few minutes, the "waiter" came over and asked which wine we would like. Did not know, since no wine list was provided. The wine list never came and we were seated at our table 10min past our reservation time of 6:30.
When we went to the dining room, the place was 3/4 empty. We had horrible service and the waiter made us feel as if we had a palette was better suited for McDonalds. One point that sticks out in my mind is how the waiter explained what veal was!!! The wine (which we ordered prior to our meal) was brought after our main dishes were served. We had to ask for it multiple times. The food, although good, was not worth the price in our opinion. One last point of annoyance is that at a table adjacent to us was the fish monger that provides fish for Craigie Street. They received top of the line and were provided with many extras (somewhat understandable) while we are sitting having miserable service and a lackluster meal.
Tell me about your CSA
I chose to use Chestnut Farms (http://www.chestnutfarms.org/) based on thier pick-up location. Kim (one of the farmers) is great and very knowlegable about her products.
I can not speak highly enough of the quality of the meat.
Shanghai Gate
I second the thanks as well. My husband and I, orriginally from NY, have tried in vain to get food that resembles the Chinese we are acustom to eating in NYC. Shanghai Gate is now are new go-to for Chinese food.
Any Thoughts on the Garden of Eden?
I enjoy the sweets there, also the breakfasts are good. The sandwiches, for me atleast, have too much going on in them. Particularry the one with the rosemary foccia with brie and prosciutto.
What is the deal with Stella?
I have a friend who is a manager at a liquor store and he said that stella is now owned by Budwiser. This could be a main reason for the increase in distribution points and the down turn in quality.
Why does Whole Foods' Seafood Dept Suck?
I am under the impression that there seafood "processing" plant is in Gloucester. Perhaps that is why we, in Boston, have a better selection.
Does anyone have any experience with Ikea kitchen cabinets?
thanks, very good suggestions. for the base, you would need a carpetner to construct that right?
Does anyone have any experience with Ikea kitchen cabinets?
My husband and I are in the preliminary stages of getting ready for a kitchen remodel. We do not have very much money to spend on the project and were interested in Ikea cabinets but are fearful that they will fall apart. Does anyone have any experience with them? How did they hold up? Did your installer get angry at the “wired sizes”?
Tell me about your CSA
I recently joined a Meat CSA in the Boston area. It is $70/month for 10lbs. half of the selection is prime cuts the other is made up of things like ground meats/bacon products. Also, the have sausage too. There is beef, lamb, pork and chicken. Untill recently, I have not been a big meat eater and had sworn of hamburgers compleatly. With the CSA meat, I now love hamburgers again and can taste the difference in all the meals. I very much enjoy supporting local farming and as all chowhounds I love good food.
Vegan in Boston
The Other Side Cafe at the end of newbury has some vegan options. It is a great place to stop after shopping in the backbay/newbury area. I enjoy the food (I am not vegan) but my husband despises it.
Group happy hour in Back Bay?
Cleary's is a nice place to have a group get together at. The large windows are great on a nice day. They usually don't get busy untill 6:30ish. Also, if you tell the hostess that you will be a larger group later on, they will let you pull tables together to "save" spots for people.
Where to buy Grass fed beef ?
You should try looking into a local CSA (community supported agriculture). It is basically a co-op farm. You pay for a share, and they raise the beef, lamb, chicken etc. The cost, at least in the Boston area, is reasonable. It's also great for the enviorment and it helps support local farmers.
Sweet potato side dish for Thanksgiving-no marshmellows!
My mom roasts them with butter, sugar, and Burbon. Very good!!!
Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]
The butternut squash mezzinni and the crab ragoons!!! Where are you?
Trader Joe's - Mezzaluna
Trader Joe's had been selling a dried pasta called Menzzini/Mezzaluna (sp?). It was bascially a small ravioli filled with squash. Does anyone know what happened to it? or where to find something simmilar?
Secret Food Myths - Let the De-Bunking Begin!
I to have heard that chicken tikka masala is from London. The story goes (taken from Cooks Illustrated a month or so ago), that someone in an India resturant in London did not like his dish and sent it back, the cook made some quick sause up and reserved the meal, thus inventing the tikka masala.
Interesting Uses For Won Ton Wrappers
Fill them with Nutella and fry. Dust with sugar and if you like serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!!
Village Fish on Harvard Street
I have been wanting to try Carols Cucina, is it true the wait is usually hours long. Any suggestions on when to go (day of week or time)?
M&M Ribs - Report/Review
if you take 93 south and get off at the Mass Ave exit, follow signs to Mass Ave (follow the "mass ave" connector). Once you get to the mass ave intersection, go straight onto first light onto Melnea Cass, make your first left onto Hampden Street. Go down a bit and you will see a big brick building that says "FIREPROOF" on the side, make a left onto Norfolk and pull into the first dirt lot you see. If you pass the car repair shop you have gone too far.
The prices are very reasonable.
Need help re: Times Square area (and, perhaps, Lupa)
any tips on what to stay away from at Joe's Shanghi
Thanks for the La Bonne Soupe reccomendation, I'll try there next time I am in the area.
Defunct restaurant equipment auctions
Almansa, where is this appliance store you mention? I live in Boston and we are looking to price out a kitchen rehab.
Need help re: Times Square area (and, perhaps, Lupa)
If you want good chinese food, try Joe's Shanghi - 24 W. 56th (between 6th/Ave of Americas and 5th). it is very close to MOMA. This location is more "americanized dining" but I find the food just as good as thier Pell Street location. You must have the soup dumplings.
As a former NYorker (I now live in Boston), I crave this place about once a week.
