nm424's Profile
Sunday Dining?
I second Craigie Street! A great deal. Also, Sage has a Sunday Suppers prix-fixe menu which if I recall is extremely affordable ($25?)...
Central Square Breakdown
I'm a HUGE fan of Hot Off the Press, though I haven't been to this location (I used to go frequently when they were in Charlestown). You can't go wrong with their Southwest Turkey Panini or, for breakfast, their Spicy Start...really nice staff (at their old location anyway) too...
Boston's best salads?
Middlesex Lounge had a surprisingly good pulled chicken salad with stilton cheese
Visited Sagra in Davis Square
Got it! Maybe I was there on just a really bad night? Who knows.
Visited Sagra in Davis Square
I hate to contradict you but I had the complete opposite experience at Sagra - the pretty terrible food was only outmatched by the worst service I have seriously ever seen - me and my boyfriend thought we were being Punk'd. We were basically trying to throw money at the restaurant, begging for our drinks to be refilled (while we waited 45 min for a sub-par appetizer sampler), and we still only managed to get 2 rounds out of her (the second one only as a result of me lunging for her like a crazy person). Anyway, we wanted to cancel our entree order but are too polite to do so - we proceeded to wait another 40 min for 2 pretty lame pasta dishes (mine was some disorienting seafood/ginger combo, which was at least memorable as a result of how random the flavors were – while my date’s was so forgettable it totally escapes me). I wanted to like it too, oh well.
Opening day: where to watch and chow
Miracle of Science is open for breakfast, has TVs, and is on the Redline I think...
Looking for a Seafood Rest with Ambiance
I feel a backlash coming on already, but how about Great Bay? From my experience, food is good and I think it's a beautiful restaurant.
best bakery for pickup pastries?
Athan's in Washington Square is pretty great from my experience!
lunch near mass general
I recently discovered that Lala Rokh is open for lunch (I believe sister restaurant Bin 26 might be too). Lala Rohk's lunch menu is a modified version of its (glorious) dinner menu, with some sandwich and salad options for those who don't feel like eating a lamb shank for lunch (apparently i have no problem doing that, however :). Quicker service than I expected too - you can be in and out in 45 minutes.
Restaurants in Beacon Hill
Lala Rokh is great and, to my knowledge, the only (non-kebab) Persian restaurant in Boston. Sister reataurant Bin 26 is excellent too - small plates, amazing wine selection, etc...also, I really like Grotto (on the other side of the hill).
Highland Kitchen
I've been to HK for both dinner (a couple weeks back) and drinks (just this past weekend). Definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood but I'm not going to lie - based on everything I've heard about it I was a little underwhelmed (but had this been a place I just randomly stumbled upon, I probably would have felt as though I discovered something kind of cool - funny how that works). Anyway, for dinner I had the pork which was actually pretty good, and my date had the short ribs (not great). We sat at the bar and drink service was pretty weak (but I should probably point out that there's no easier way to make me happier - or more annoyed - than with good/bad drink service). Bartender was really sweet when she was paying attention to us, though, so that was a plus.
This past weekend, popped in for some after dinner drinks. Place was pretty packed but we still managed to snag bar seats at the front window. Specialty drink list looked solid so, despite the fact that I'm not too big on specialty drinks, I went for this hot cider drink (I'm glad I did - it was excellent) and my bf ordered what I think was a hot buttered rum drink (I couldn't stop laughing at how funny he looked drinking it, whipped cream and all, but he said it was good).
Two Burger Reviews: The Palm and Miracle of Science
It's too bad to heear about your experience...I've always been a huge fan of Miracle's burger, maybe you just went on an off night
Andover, MA-area restaurant rec for Company function?
I second Glory, but only based on what I've heard through others...
Nachos, anyone?
The Italian Nachos at Anchovies in the South End...the rest of the menu is pretty sub-par (in my huble opinion) but these are pretty good, as along as you don't mind an off-shoot of the original. Ricotta cheese, meat sauce, etc-definitely a guily pleasure.
Favorite Beer in America?
Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat or Honey Weiss, Longtrail Harvest Ale,
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Harpoon Raspberry UFO...love 'em all.
New Restaurant Coming to INQ space, FINALLY
Did you know that there was even another restaurant in the space since INQ? I'm pointing this out, only because it was there for, like, a month. I, myself, would have missed it, had I not worked across the street. Luigi and Roscoe's, I believe it was called-not surprisingly, it wasn't very memorable.
teatro vs. les zygomates before Wicked
Teatro...not only are they always totally prepared to accomodate the theater-going crows in terms of how efficient the service is, but I've never had a bad meal there. Their orrechiette is done really well (with sausage and broccoli rabe), as is their pork chop (perfectly seasoned and served with a warm potato salad). Actually, I remember liking the scallop dish a lot, too (with pancetta and some sort of corn salad).
Mexican Food
I went to Tu Y Yo again this weekend, and I have to say I'm still quite impressed with it. This time I got the Chile Relleno de Camarón...a huge poblano pepper stuffed with shrimp, cheese and black olives, and topped with some kind of red pepper sauce. It couldn't have been better. Other guests got the Salmon in a guajillo sauce served with potato and shrimp cakes; the Tinga, which is slow-cooked, shredded sirloin, flavored with assorted peppers; and, in my humble opinion, the all-star of the table- Pollo Fortín de las Flores, which is chicken breast covered in a creamyish wine sauce made with scallions, red peppers, mushrooms, and I think cheese. Top the whole thing off with cactus cake, made with a a tequila-infused frosting, and you have what amounted to a really unbelievable meal-I highly recommend this place.
Sometimes a girl just wants to eat alone...
I know there are mixed reviews about this place on these boards, but I've always been a fan of the Parish Cafe, specifically if I'm looking to grab a quick bite by myself. I love the bar, they always have a good beer selection, and in my humble opinion, The Alternative is a respectable, solid standby :) Plus, the bar is designed in such a way that you kind of feel like you're hanging out with everyone else sitting around it. My point is, you'll likely feel very comfortable eating alone there...
Charlestown restaurants
Joanie, I think you're referring to Paolo's? Yes, it's still there, just ate there recently, in fact. Go for their specials. Really decent pizzas, too.
Also, Chow Thai Cafe is right next door-haven't actually stepped foot in there, but I used to order takeout all the time (when I was living in the 'hood) and I have to say I've never had a bad meal from there. Owner Dan is extremely involved in the business (to the point where he does all the deliveries himself..via moped!) and I think it shows. Good place.
Flat Iron
Had a great meal there this weekend. Small plates are everywhere, but I feel like they're done poorly so often that it's worth noting a positive experience. Had the mussels special (the chorizo gave the dish a nice spicy, smokiness); the crab cake (simple but fresh and really well done); the pork belly (my least favorite as a result of the more-gooey-than-normal texture, but it still wasn't too bad); and the short ribs (which I think were served over basic mashed potatoes, and it worked). Also, I'm a sucker for good bread service (with tapas, specifically) and they certainly delivered. They also did a nice job with the wine list, and they offer half glasses, which is kind of cool. I had a great cab blend...I'd recommend giving it a try.
Fun but not too crazy place for dinner
The Publick House hostess is great news! I do love the place, but the table situation was a bit of a free-for-all. Perfect reason for me to go back.
Fun but not too crazy place for dinner
How about the Publick House? It's right in Washington Square. The one thing I don't love about it is the fact that tables are first come, first served. But there are always so many great beers on tap and their menu is really solid. Or right across the street is the Washington Sq. Tavern. I used to live in that 'hood and I really miss both those places.
Dinner Near Boston Sheraton?
Back Bay is a tough area, dining-wise. I haven't been yet, but Vlora, a new Mediterranean place, just opened. It's right on Boylton, so 5 minutes from the Sheraton. I really love Caffe Jaffa (their lamb shawarma is, in my humble opinion, amazing)...Tapeo has never really let me down (despite the fact that some may say it's overrated)...and I do love the Parish (though I wouldn't be able to tell you what else in on the menu besides the Alternative, I guess you can say I'm partial :)...
best cheap lunch by Beacon Hill?
I've never been to this place, but someone mentioned it to me recently-the Spotted Apron on Cambridge...anyone know anyhting about it?
Wanted: trendy yummy fun and flirty...
Cuchi cuchi is the first place that came to mind for me...I wouldn't say the food is out of this world (but it's certainly good) and it's just a really fun place overall...
Grafton Street in Harvard Sq.
I hadn't been in there in awhile, but recently gave it a whirl...really great experience overall-food surpassed pub grub in a big way (i had the cod, which was excellend, and my friend had the steak frites, which, according to her, was the best she's had in awhile), nice wine list, the place itself was so comfortable I felt as though I could sit there long after I was finished with my meal (we sat on the patio-you can't beat the people-watching)...I've read some mixed reviews about it on this board, so just wanted to share...
CODA
Has anyone tried the mussels? I went to Coda once for dinner (I had the turkey meatloaf, which was great, and my friend had the chicken-also good). Our meal was a little bit spoiled, however, after receiving the mussels app. To me, mussels are a seemingly easy enough dish to master—but Coda’s take on them, at least that night, was perplexing to me at best. They looked, and tasted, as though they were just pulled from the Charles (yes, that bad). Based on all the great things I’ve heard about this place from others, I want to believe that this was just an off night (or maybe an off dish). Any feedback would be great, because I would love to get past this little hurdle
