lissy's Profile
Good place to celebrate a 40th birthday with the girls?
I love Eastern Standard but have a strong preference for the bar over sitting at a table. I think Stella is a great recommendation. It's always lively, the food is good and it's not expensive. My 40th was at Via Matta which is another favorite of mine and I'd also add Monday Club at Upstairs on the Square which I think is a great place for a group of ladies.
Anyone been to Pops recently?
I love that they made the bar area bigger being someone who eats most of her meals at a bar. The small plates menu is a plus too. My only minor quibble is that the bar itself is a bit narrow and was actually too small for the size of the plate that our food came on.
New Shanghai feast
I really enjoyed those rice cakes with shrimp. That was new to me and something I would definitely order again. I love pea pod stems and theirs were quite tasty and I did especially like the vinegar sauce that the bok choy came in. Oh and the wontons were fantastic. It was great fun and delicious!
Bistro Du Midi
I too heard they would be opening Monday from someone who went to one of the pre opening dinners there last weekend.
Birthday Dinner at Post 390
I must admit to being quite surprised that your experience was so good. I've been three times and each time I ask myself why I went back. The first two times I found the servers far from knowledgeable about the menu though I guess that could be chalked up to how new the restaurant is. Every time I've been, the food has been extremely salty, so much so that when I went for lunch this past weekend, neither me nor my friend could eat what we ordered. And by the way we had a salad and an omelet that literally had salt crystals on top. I will give them credit though for noticing that we didn't really eat and then taking the meals off of our bill. I do like the atmosphere and would go for drinks on a night it's not too crowded.
Any other experiences at Market?
I went last night with three friends. We arrived early for drinks in the lobby bar and true to almost any W Hotel I've been to, it was a mob scene. Luckily enough we scored a place to sit which was unfortunately by the fire. That might be cozy on a cold winter evening but it was just downright hot on a 50 degree night. We ordered a bottle of Evolution which is one of my favorite bottles of wine and enjoyed ourselves in the bar.
Our dinner reservation was for 8PM and when I checked in at the restaurant and told them we were there our table wasn't ready yet. We finally sat down after 9PM which we were not pleased with but I have to say that they absolutely made up for seating us late. They bought us two bottles of wine, an appetizer of that delectable tuna coated with rice crackers and two desserts (I loved their cheesecake). I ordered the steamed shrimp with salad which I loved. Another friend had the foie gras app which I've had at Jean George in NYC and it was delicious (and very rich). I had the parmesan crusted chicken which was a juicy chicken breast but it along with the artichokes it came with were oversalted. Also the cauliflower side was very salty. We didn't have the salt problem with the apps but we did with the mains. And I am also a salt lover so for it to be salty, it really has to be salty.
The service was great, friendly but professional and they more than made up for our late reservation. We also gave them the feedback on the salt so hopefully since it sounds like it's coming from enough diners, they will correct it. I'll definitely go back and the early experience I had here was night and day to my earlier experiences at Post where I really have no need to go back for awhile.
Coming back home - suggestions please!
Do you eat sushi? If someone else was picking up the tab I'd definitely go to O-Ya. I can't remember exactly when they opened but it might be more recent than four years ago. Actually, I'm way overdue for a trip there and I'm even willing to pay for it myself.
Prezza recs
I was there last night and had the egg ravioli. It was very tasty and done right with the egg nice and runny though this version has no truffles to be found. But even without the truffles, I highly recommend it. I agree that the portions are quite big. I had the egg ravioli to start and then split the polenta with sausage, meatballs and ribs and still only ate half of my half order.
Ginger Park
I was at Ginger Park this past Tuesday. I was never a fan of the food at Banq so am happy that they've changed the menu. There were four of us and we had a sampling of several things; naan flatbread, ribs, banh mi, pork and shrimp dumplings, dan dan noodles and we ended up with the bi bim bap even though we didn't order it. The food was good though no real standouts for me.
The service was friendly but they kept bringing things that we didn't order to the table and then one or two things we did order went missing but I chalk that up to its newness. The bi bim bap with pork belly was more like fried rice to me and MC Slim is right, it was rather bland.
I will definitely go back to give this place another try. I can see sitting in the bar area for drinks and maybe some snacks.
Post 390 visits?
I've been twice only because I went with different people and not because it was that good. The first night I sat at the bar downstairs. Given this was two nights after they opened, I thought the service wasn't too bad. They were extremely slow getting our wine and the knowledge of the menu is surely lacking but overall it could have been much worse. The food in my opinion was just OK. My friend and I split the romaine salad which was tasty though overdressed and I have a preference for my romaine cut but this was the whole head. Then we shared the meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes that we ordered because when asked, we were told it didn't come with anything other than the gravy. Well it came with green beans and mashed (they did end up comping us for the side since we didn't need two orders of mashed). The meatloaf was tasty but it and the green beans were way oversalted in my opinion.
I went again a few nights later with a group. Our waiter's first utterance to us was "hi ladies, how are you tonight, tired?". A very odd way to start off the night. This waiter was also unknowledgeable about the menu (didn't know what came with what) but at least he went and checked each time we asked a question. Again the food was OK but honestly, it's nothing I'd go out of my way for. I split the duck postickers which were actually quite tasty and then had the crabcakes which were good but a bit burned and their housemade tartar sauce and ketchup were both a bit too spicy for my tastes.
Overall it's a place I might pop into for total convenience (it's a block from work and three blocks from home) but at this point, if it weren't right there, I wouldn't be going back.
alta strada or scampo? first time visiting boston
I'm going to be the dissenter here. I'm not a huge fan of Scampo. I do like the atmosphere though I'm not sure how lively it is on a Monday or Tuesday. I've been many times but it's always been a Friday. Personally I just find the food OK. I've never been to Alta Strada but that's because I don't get out to the suburbs very often. I totally agree with the recommendations for Prezza. It's one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Boston. They have a great bar area which is where I usually sit to eat unless I'm with a bigger crowd but it's fab for a pre or post dinner drink. Also unlike many North End restaurants, they take reservations.
And p.s. Toro is delicious! I also heard that Andy who is a fantastic bartender that I know from when he worked at Eastern Standard (and then Green Street) is now there so I would imagine definitely check out their cocktail list.
RW at Pazzo on Newbury St.
I ate dinner at the bar at Pazzo a few weeks back. I agree with what's been posted so far. The food and service were pretty good and for Newbury Street, I think it's a good option. I had the mozzarella al minuto. Don't be fooled by the name, it doesn't get to you in a minute but they start making the cheese the minute you order it. I thought it was pretty tasty. I'd go again if I wanted somewhere to eat on Newbury St.
Chez Henri, bar? dining room? recs?
I've only ever sat in the bar area and the Cuban is tasty for sure!
Tomato Season
Atlas Farms at the Copley farmer's market has had them for the last couple weeks. They've been $5/lb but they've been quite tasty.
Coming to Boston 9/3
Formerly the Jury's Hotel (now I think called the Back Bay Hotel) is usually quite reasonably priced and very nice. My family usually stays there when they come into town. I'm not sure about the hotel's dining situation but it is right on the edge of the South End where there are plenty of places you could have a good meal.
A couple months ago I had a really good meal at Stella in the South End and it was quite reasonably priced. The half orders of pasta are still big and I think they were around $10. It's probably not new since your last visit but it also has a bustling bar. I second the Eastern Standard rec though I don't sit in the dining room. I prefer to sit at the bar where the bartenders can recommend and whip up some fabulous cocktails. There have been some lukewarm reviews on this place recently but I haven't given up on it yet.
The Butcher Shop in the South End
I used to be a big fan of the Butcher Shop but the last couple of times I've been there (which admittedly were months ago other than buying meats to go) the portions got too small for even my tastes compared to the prices they charge (the portions were never big to begin with). That being said, their antipasto and charcuterie are always good options. I also have always thought they had the best steak tartare in town but the last time I tried it it had too much stuff going on and was overseasoned for my taste.
Romantic Dinner on Newbury St
My first instinct is to say that there are much better restaurants if you stay away from Newbury St. I personally would go somewhere else and you can always go for a stroll along Newbury after. I haven't been to La Voile in quite some time but if you must stick with Newbury St, I suppose that's one of the best options.
OK BOSTONIANS-UES MAYOR RE-Visiting!
For fun dining large bar in restaurant the first thing that comes to mind is Eastern Standard. They really have some of the best cocktails in Boston. I've really enjoyed the food at Persephone the two times I've been but I'm not a big fan of the location. There's just nothing else over there. The bar scene at Scampo is quite lively and fun but haven't loved anything I've eaten there. The Liberty has a great and very big outdoor patio where I had drinks last night though I think it gets mobbed on the weekends.
Yummy finds at Giorgianna's (South End)
I go there pretty often to grab takeout. They make some pretty good sandwiches and I also regularly get their Greek salad with chicken. They grill it fresh while you wait and the chicken is never overcooked. I also like their chicken gyros.
Week of 6/1: Farmers' Markets reports
I've been somewhat disappointed in the Copley Square farmer's market. Last summer there was a nice selection of lunch items but so far, this summer is totally lacking. Iggy's had only one sandwich option. The cooking school isn't there (yet I hope). The stuff from Oleana/Sofra is way overpriced. $3 for 8 crackers, $6 for a very small rice/chickpea salad. Atlas Farms had some gorgeous tomatoes but for $4.75/lb I'll hold off (though at least they lowered the price from the previous $5.50/lb)
Hammersley's Recommendations
I agree with the recommendation for the roast chicken. I'm sorry to the person who had a dry one but I think I eat that chicken at least once a month and it's never, ever been dry. It's really a very delicious dish and quite large so good for sharing. The duck confit is also always a good bet as is whatever pate' they are doing at the moment. Have a fabulous meal!
Halal Cart in Boston?
I've been to that halal cart that you are referring to but I've never seen anything like it in Boston sadly.
Eastern Standard-new menu item
I have no patience for overcooked burgers so I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience. My most recent visit previous to this one was somewhat lukewarm but for me, ESK hits way more than it misses.
Eastern Standard-new menu item
Several of us hit ESK Saturday night for flowing cocktails and some good chow. Our friendly neighborhood bartenders pointed us toward some new items on the menu, one of which we just couldn't resist. It was an appetizer of succulent and tender lobster in house made puff pastry served in a brandy cream sauce. There was not a drop of sauce leftover on our place as we sopped every last bit of it up with bread and as one of said that night "I could bathe myself in this stuff it's so good". We also tried the tilefish ceviche served with house made potato, taro and lotus root chips which was a very fresh, citrusy dish. Despite the decadent beginning, I continued on with the raclette but requested it be prepared "the old way" with cornichons and potatoes instead of apples. It was oozey cheesey goodness as always. I also had the pleasure of a bite of the perfectly cooked strip steak (it was a very large hunk of meat) that was served with gratin potatoes (though my DC doubled down on the potatoes and also ordered a side of mashed potatoes since she loves them so much).
I can't believe my memory of the food is this good after having had two vespers, one jasmine and two very large glasses of rose cava!
Year End Vacation Closings
Hamersley's is open for New Years Eve but then I think they are closed until January 7.
Boston Chow Myth-Busters
One thing that influences how much I enjoy an oyster is the temperature at which it is served which certainly can vary from one place to the next.
When is Kefi moving?
I ate at Kefi last week and had the very rushed service described above. There were 5 of us and we were out in under an hour. We started by ordering the Greek salad (tasty but same Big Mac-y lettuce described above) and an order of the spreads and pita. The waiter encouraged us to order our entrees right away even though we preferred to wait. He explained that it could take the kitchen quite some time to get our entrees out but we waited anyway, thank goodness. Once we finished our appetizers, we ordered the rest of our food which was all served in less than 5 minutes. Almost everything was lukewarm and clearly not prepared to order. The taste of what we got was good but it was hard to get past the fact that nothing that should have been hot was. Both the food and service were disappointments. I'm not sure I'd bother to go back.
Salumeria Rosi - preliminary report - kinda long
I could swear I saw it there today.
Boston Common Post-Movie Sun Night
A bunch of us went to Marliave (downstairs) a few weeks ago on a Sunday and it wasn't all that crowded.
Need a neighborhood and restaurant to explore on Wednesday afternoon/evening
Charles Street on Beacon Hill was what first came to mind for me too when I read this post. I think it has lots of antique shops, some lovely clothing boutiques and gift shops. I'd stop in to Bin 26 for wine and cheese or go to sit at the Bar at Toscano.
