Jana's Profile
Roadtrip up East Coast
If you're going that route, you'll go through Ogunquit center, a really lovely place to stroll around, with a beautiful ocean walk called Marginal Way. Don't miss Bread n' Roses bakery and the wonderful candy store next door, which looks exactly like an old-fashioned candy store should (the divinity fudge is wicked good).
Family Get-together - Andover, Stoneham, Woburn, Burlington, Billerica, Lowell areas
We used Whole Foods in Andover to cater a business lunch at our office: cold cut wraps, grilled veggies, salads, etc. We ordered for a specific amount of people and it was much more food than they could eat and very tasty, so it was a better value than you'd think.
When Pigs Fly Pizzeria In Kittery-- any thoughts?
Now that you bring up the oregano, I remember that we also had an issue with it. If we went again, we'd have them leave it off (seemed like it was sprinkled on vs. in the sauce).
When Pigs Fly Pizzeria In Kittery-- any thoughts?
Tried this place a few weeks ago and thought the pizza was very good, although I would say that it can't handle a lot of toppings. The crust could have used a little salt; the bottom crust was nicely charred but it was still floppy. The housemade sausage on top was nice with a bit of a spicy kick to it. As mentioned, the short rib appetizer was very yummy -- lots of flavor. All in all, I would return.
Japanese/Chinese/Seafood near Andover?
The last 3 times I've gotten take-out there, I've only ordered the dry hot chicken and white rice, which I'm sort of addicted to, so I can't say for sure. However, I do feel the chicken has not been as spicy/hot lately. I used to get a nice mouth burn from the peppercorns and I'm just not feeling it anymore.
Japanese/Chinese/Seafood near Andover?
Ditto on the very limited options. Teatone is primarily a take-out joint of mediocre food. The only really good Chinese I can think of in the area is Top Garden in Tewksbury but its specialty is Szechuan, not Cantonese.
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Top Garden
1921 Main St Ste 1, Tewksbury, MA 01876
Business Dinner in Medford/Arlington/North Cambridge?
Good suggestions all -- I forgot about Parson's Table, so thanks for the reminder.
Business Dinner in Medford/Arlington/North Cambridge?
Hi, I'm looking for a place with good food for a business dinner in the West Medford, Arlington or North Cambridge area (could be Winchester as well). Some place that will allow for quiet conversation where 2-4 individuals can have a leisurely meal. Was thinking along the lines of Bistro 5 but wanted some additional options.
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Bistro 5
5 Playstead Road, Medford, MA 02155
Abe and Louis
We went to A&L for Sunday lunch a few weeks ago and had Sam as our waiter. I agree -- professional yet friendly and relaxed -- he really made our afternoon!
Best Steak in Woburn Area/North of Boston
Ditto on Beacon Grille; went there for a group dinner in January. Everyone was happy with their meals, the bill was reasonable and they provided a small room (there were 8 of us). I had the double pork chop, which was very tender and flavorful; leftovers made a good dinner the following night. And, the profits go to charity!
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Beacon Grille
400 TradeCenter, Woburn, MA 01801
Breakfast between Shannon and Galway?
Any recommendations on where to have breakfast off the N18 between Shannon and Galway? Since we'll be arriving very early at Shannon, we're looking for a place to refuel before a drive up to Westport.
Seeking breakfast venue in Woburn ... (prior to a pitstop @ Woburn Mall)
Just had breakfast there this morning. It's a good deal: 2-egg panini breakfast sandwich (with bacon), homefries and coffee (agree - not good) for $8.13 plus tip.
Seeking breakfast venue in Woburn ... (prior to a pitstop @ Woburn Mall)
Ditto on Pignone's; they serve a very nice breakfast sandwich...
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Pignone's Cafe
319 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180
Loretta - new find in Newburyport, MA
Ditto on that...Raspberries is sorely missed in our office as a primo lunch option.
Jasper White's Summer Clambake on Spectacle Isand
Even if the food is just okay, I'd still do it for the great view of the city from the harbor and a chance to explore one of the harbor islands.
Where to buy really good Birch Beer
Would "white birch soda" be the same thing? Chronicle just highlighted old-fashioned businesses last week and one of them was Simpson Spring products in South Easton. They have a line of sodas, one of which is white birch.
http://www.simpsonspring.com
Source for beaten biscuits, or other tiny rolls or biscuity things, in quantity
Harrow's Chicken Pies in Medford and Reading sells biscuits (or maybe you'd call them "biscuit-like" rolls). Those might work...
Absolutely Fabulous - Long
Went to AbFab last week with large concerns about service and food based on previous reviews (we had a gift certificate). However, we ended up having a really nice meal with good (not great) service. Granted, we were early diners (about 5:30pm) on a Thursday evening but we had no issues with pacing or attitude -- the waitress couldn't have been nicer, the atmosphere was very welcoming and the chef made the rounds to each table to while we were there. You could tell that it was a "family run" place by the way the staff interacted with each other and with diners.
We started with two soups - Italian wedding soup and the special, cream of parsnip. Both were excellent and very generous portions (I thought they mistook our "cup" order for a bowl). In fact, as the OP mentioned, the servings were of the type that you could make another meal from the leftovers (and we did). I was fine with the bread that they served, sort of a crusty multigrain, which came with seasoned olive oil.
For entrees, we had pork piccata, chicken francaise and roast chicken Madeira. My entree was the roast chicken which was a breast served Statler style, with rabe and a risotto rice cake (sort of a flattened arancini). It was very tasty and moist, although I could have used a little more sauce. The piccata and the francaise received thumbs up, with the caveat that the francaise was covered in bread crumbs rather than the egg batter mentioned on the menu, a bit of a disappointment. In contrast to my dish, both of the other entrees had an overabundance of sauce (maybe because the cutlets were served on top of pasta?).
All in all, a very good value -- the prices were reasonable and we did get two meals via leftovers. I would definitely return...
Donuts in Andover Area
There's Donna's Donuts in Tewksbury on Main Street, fairly close to the Andover line. They open at 4am most days.
Yella in Andover
I tried Yella this week and was unimpressed. We dined early - about 6pm - and there were only a few tables occupied but by the time we left at 8:30pm, the place was packed. Service declined, though, as the place filled up. Our waitress was very nice but difficult to find.
We received pita chips and hummus, which were "meh". The hummus was good but not very bold tasting. The dishes we had were the "Mediterranean chicken" and a fish dish. We also had the feta-filled "spring rolls". These were tasty but could have used a dipping sauce of some sort. I had the chicken, which was shredded, mixed with almonds and served around rice with homemade yogurt on top. The yogurt was very light and airy but lacked tanginess. The chicken was very dry, but flavorful (cinnamon-y) and the almonds gave it a pleasant crunch. The dish lacked salt (as did the lentil dish we ordered as a side). My DC had the fish (sea breem, I think?) with mashed potatoes. It looked good on the plate but the entire dish was oversalted (she must have gotten the salt that was supposed to be in my dish).
There was a looong stretch between the time we finished our entrees and the time we were asked about dessert. More time before we received the dessert menu (just 3 desserts - 2 types of crepes and baklava). We ordered crepes and coffee. There was another wait for coffee (very weak and lukewarm), which we finished long before we got dessert (which was just okay). They did re-fill the coffee.
I might go back if someone invited me (or for lunch to try the falafel and babaganoush), but I wouldn't go out of my way. The people were very friendly, and the atmosphere was nice but I was hoping for food that was much more flavorful. They seem to be doing well, though, with virtually every table filled on a weekday evening.
Sweet Sixteen Suggestions?
The limo is being donated (and driven) by a relative -- the better to keep them all somewhat contained.
Sweet Sixteen Suggestions?
Wow, so many great ideas for an "in between" age group. I particularly like the Cafe Fleuri idea, but I'm biased as I have gone myself, years ago, and really thought it was a lot of fun, with some elegance thrown in.
Hard Rock is also a good idea -- as mentioned, food is not the highlight there but location would probably appeal.
I'm sure the cocktail-oriented locations might stir some interest on the part of the 16-year olds but they will have to just wait a few more years. Thanks, everyone!
Sweet Sixteen Suggestions?
Does anyone have any suggestions on where 6-8 teenage girls in a limo can go in Boston for a "sweet sixteen" lunch, dinner (or even just appetizers or dessert depending on their mood)? Looking for something that is age appropriate: a little bit grown-up but still fun and different.
Stumped in Manchester NH
I ate here with a friend on Saturday and there were at least two solo diners, one of whom was clearly a regular. The host was nothing but nice to both. You should try it -- wonderfully spicy and flavorful food.
Winter 2009-2010 Openings and Closings
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought so. You could get into an accident trying to make out what the sign says. They should find a new graphic designer.
Raspberries Eatery Andover
Judging by the mysterious remarks on their "daily specials" web page this past week, Raspberries will be closing next week. I haven't been for awhile, so I don't know the reason. Has anyone heard anything?
Beach pizza and breakfast buffet in Tewksbury?
I tried it today -- got a couple of slices. Definitely befitting the name "beach" pizza; tastes like something you'd get at a beach snack bar. Lots of (very, very sweet) sauce with a smattering of cheese on a very thin crust. Slices are about 6-7" square and $1.75 each.
The bakery part had what seemed like a cross between Brazilian and Italian sweets, which didn't look appetizing enough to try out. Among these were the little Brazilian cheese rolls, cream puffs with a very yellow custard in the middle and something called "sugar bread" which looked like a giant yeast donut with sugar sprinkled on top.
New Sandwich Shop in Andover?
Has anyone tried the new sandwich shop that took the place of Mawby's in Andover Center? It's called LaRosa's, I think. I hope it's decent; we need lunch places around here.
Tuk Tuk Thai Cusine - Tewksbury, MA?
Very nice food...especially the beef larb and the weeping tiger salad - they don't hold back the heat.
Top Chef Vegas Ep. #3 09/02/09 (spoilers)
Right...I have no wish to see any of the chefs judged on "personality" but I wasn't criticizing their talents, just pointing out how their on camera actions/appearances alter our feelings towards them as people.
I would be curious to know how they appear without the editing. For instance, Bryan didn't even smile when his brother won. Or did he -- and it was just edited out?
