ScubaSteve's Profile
Review? Porthole Restaurant-Lynn
Haven't been here but have heard good things-
http://www.theblueoxlynn.com/
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/662153
Review? Porthole Restaurant-Lynn
I'll second the suggestion to avoid this place. The last time I was there, granted it's was a few years ago, the place was dirty and nothing we ordered was decent or memorable.
Wiener Schnitzel?
I've only had (many) beers here but Jacob Wirth has it on their menu.
http://www.jacobwirth.com/pages/menu_dinner.html
What time do you all eat dinner?
if dining out we usually go about a half hour after the resto begins dinner service.
at home it's around 8-9pm.
Seeing Someone Touch Your Food
doesn't bother me at all. i do get bothered by people wearing gloves.
Taiwan Cafe, reopened yet?
Thanks, I didn't know they had a FB page. I used to subscribe to their Twitter feed but there was never any activity so I stopped following.
Taiwan Cafe, reopened yet?
Tried to visit Taiwan Cafe a few weeks ago and they're still closed for renovations. The sign in the window said they were going to be reopening in March. Anyone know when/if they're going to be opening again?
TIA,
-SS
I finally figured out how to get Teflon clean
i don't use them on the outside, who cares what's on the outside?
if they're not Teflon then i suggest buying them.
i use the pads on the inside. as well as all metal utensils and very high heat. never had a problem and eggs/omelets slide right out with a swipe of oil on a paper napkin.
I finally figured out how to get Teflon clean
idk if All Clad Ltd is Teflon but I've been using ScotchBrite pads on this pan for over 10 years.
Mass issues Cape Cod oyster warning.
FYI-
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/capeandislands/12007442155873/mass-officials-warn-of-bacteria-on-oysters/
Wang's Table, raising the sushi bar in Haverhill.
Allrighty folks, this place is getting better. Either that or the Itamae is finally getting the point that I want The Good Stuff.
On a visit a few weeks ago they had live uni (pictured) and it was wonderful. Their presentation wasn't quite up to Fugakyu's standards (no rock salt base that the spines crunched around in) but hey, it's Haverhill. I think that after seeing my enthusiasm for this uni he started to open up a bit.
Having a sushi craving in Haverhill on a Tuesday and not wanting to drive too far I reluctantly made my way back to Wang's for a little nigiri and maybe some sashimi. I grabbed a seat at the sushi bar and asked my usual question "any Toro?". Nope, no Toro. I scanned the case and what did I find? LIVE SCALLOPS!!!! they had four big boys right up front. I stood up and took a peek inside the slightly opened shells and spotted the true reward, scallop roe. Jackpot.
At $10.75 each I ordered two sashimi style and asked for the roe to be prepared as the Itamae saw fit. The waiter was a bit incredulous that I wanted the roe but I caught the Itamae smiling. He knew.
Presentation (pictured) was typical and the scallop was just as sweet and tender as any that I've ever had and served with a ponzu dipping sauce in a cocktail glass.. The roe (also pictured) was lightly torched and served nigiri style. The roe was the highlight of the night, smooth, creamy and with a taste more subtle and nuanced than uni. I wanted more.
They also had Japanese giant scallop, these were about 5" across and about 3" thick. I asked for some sashimi and it was delivered thinly sliced as one would slice abalone. It was Very Good.
Wang's is definitely stepping up to the plate when it come to unusual (for the area) offerings and I hope more people get into the Good Stuff and leave the Maki for the noobs.
The Grill Next Door, Haverhill.
I went to TGND a few months after they first opened specifically to try the beers and i was quite impressed with the selection and quality.
Recently in an effort to explore the local dining scene a friend suggested I try the food at the TGND so off we went. On my first visit I was tempted by the prime rib and decided to give it a go. I asked for a slab that was as rare as they had and was not disappointed. The meat was just as rare as I had hoped. They serve it off the bone which I'm not really a fan of but it was a nice cut with great flavor. I chose the baked potato and broccoli for my sides. The sides were not as hot as I had wanted and the butter I added just kinda sat there, not melting but that wasn't a big deal.
On a second visit with The Kid I got the scallops risotto and my son got the Mac-N-Cheese. The risotto came with about 10 small to medium scallops all with a nice sear and the risotto was a little tight but had great flavor with mushrooms and spinach throughout. The Kid's Mac-N-Cheese looked great but was under salted and came with a bread crumb topping which neither of us really care for. But with a shake of salt and a bit of digging under the topping we found this dish to be above average, very creamy.
On the second visit The Kid got a slice of cheesecake which was declared "Ok". It's more of a cake-y style while I think he prefers the creamier version.
We sat at the bar (when don't we?) and the service was cheerful and prompt.
We will definitely return and explore the menu a bit more and to sample some more beers which they take obvious pride in using appropriate glassware and serving techniques.
http://www.thegrillnextdoor.net/
The Lasting Room, great steak tips in Haverhill.
For years I had avoided this place for the only reason that it is too bright. It's a Townie dive bar not a Christian Science Reading Room right?
Anywhoo, I found myself here this St. Patrick's day with a friend and found the only standing (it was still early) room near the small open kitchen. Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked Really Good, really. I made a note in my phone (I knew my memory would be abandoning me soon) to come back and give the food a shot.
A few weeks later I went and I'm really glad I did. The menu is short and sweet with typical bar fare and pub grub. I opted for the steak tips as there's no place this close to me that has decent tips anymore.
My plate arrived with about 8 decent sized tips that were dead on MR. When I tried the first bite I was hooked, they were Seriously Good. You get a choice of sides and I went with the sweet potato fries and cole slaw. Again I was pleasantly surprised when I found that the sweet potato fries were actually CRISPY! I can't tell you how many places I've been where the SPFs are sad and limp, not these. The cole slaw was good, nice and crunchy and not swimming in mayo or other sauces.
Service was quick and super friendly and the rest of the clientele were locals who were well behaved as it was early in the evening.
Since discovering this gem I've been back almost twice a week for those tips as I just can't seem to order anything else at the moment. The Kid has had their burgers and a buffalo chicken wrap which he said were above average for the area. Oh, and the last time I was there the bartender highly recommended the Shrimp Risotto, once I can tear myself away from those tips I'll give that a shot.
My only complaint is that on every visit there doesn't seem to be a bartender that knows how to pour a proper pint of Guinness. I guess you can't have it all.
And at night it's still too bright.
http://www.thelastingroom.com/
Joe Fish, North Andover
I went a few years ago and was not impressed so it took a bit to get me back. However I was craving me some clams and oysters and this is the closest thing to a raw bar to my hut so we decided to give it a go.
We arrived on a Friday around 545pm and were able to snag a couple of bar seats which is always a good thing. Drink orders were taken promptly and the bartenders knew quite a bit about their draught beer offerings although there aren't that many of them. I had the Whale Tale ale, I think, and it was really pretty good.
There was only one type of oyster being offered and (don't know if this is the usual) and they had littlenecks and cherrystones. The bartenders, who double as the shuckers knew from where each bivalve offering was from which is always a good sign. We ordered 3 each of the oysters, littlenecks and cherrystones and all were expertly opened and plated with plenty of liquor in each shell. They were all yummy.
I was wanting some fried scallops so that's what I got and The Kid got the special, a Filet Scampi which was a beef filet and two jumbo shrimps over mashed potatoes. My scallops were fried perfectly but were on the smallish side although the quantity made up for that. The Kid's filet was spot on MR but the plate suffered a bit from a busy presentation, there was vegetable "confetti" all over it.
Service was friendly and prompt and we got out for under $100 including tip.
We'll definitely be back to try some of their other specials and check on that raw bar again.
http://www.joefish.net/
Heel and Toe, proper cocktails in Haverhill.
Finally. After having to get my cocktail fix far from home Heel and Toe opened within walking distance of my Hut.
Located in the space formerly occupied by Bistro 45 above Peddler's Daughter this self proclaimed "Speakeasy" is hitting home runs on the cocktail front.
The vibe is chill but can get lively as the locals that have discovered this gem relax and drink up until the town's last call hours. Low lighting and a hip soundtrack add to the ambiance and a sign with the House Rules adds a bit of whimsy.
There is a drink list but I feel this place really shines when you engage Ryan (Owner/Bartender) and let him riff on the classics or just ask what he's been working on lately. You will not be disappointed.
Currently I have been letting Ryan work around the classic Negroni and my current favorite uses rum, Aperol (instead of Campari), and sweet vermouth in the traditional 1:1:1 ratio. Another plus is that Heel and Toe uses properly sized glassware.
I would like to see more of the classic spirits such as Frenet Branca, Batavia Arak and a few of more gins in the style of Old Raj or Plymouth.
I have not tried the food coming out of the small kitchen but what I have seen was very much enjoyed by diners.
So, if you find yourself in Haverhill and are looking for a Proper Cocktail please go see Ryan at Heel and Toe.
p.s. If you follow Heel and Toe on FB watch for secret "passwords" that when uttered will get you a free appetizer.
Baklava in Merrimack Valley?
I'd give J&M Subs in North Andover a shout. I've had the stuff they sell by the piece and it's pretty good. Maybe they can tell you where they get it or sell you a whole pan.
http://www.jmsubs.net/index.php?link=contact
First Soft Shell Crabs Sighting
ESK has them tonight-
https://twitter.com/#!/ESKDboston/status/192719354402578433/photo/1
Is All-Clad nonstick a waste of money?
see my post and pictures of my AllClad Ltd nonstick pan downthread. I have violated every recco regarding the suggested care and have been very happy with that pan for 15+ years.
Is All-Clad nonstick a waste of money?
As am I. This particular pan has been left empty on high heat, accidentally, for 15+ minutes a few times and still cleans up with a little salt scrub and light coat of oil.
Is All-Clad nonstick a waste of money?
a year? here are two pics of my iirc 15 year old AllClad Ltd non stick pan that has survived extremely high heat, the dishwasher and other horrors and still works like new.
Maker's Mark bourbon - faux wax seal?
i remember that the dippers do the slam dunk when a grain trolley goes by the finishing bottle line, about 3-4 times per day.
Wirtshaus Restaurant in Methuen, MA--Property for Sale
http://www.joescrabshack.com/
