I actually find my fellow customers, and also the folks who work at the West Medford Whole Foods to be (for the most part) very pleasant! There was definitely some group bonding in the long checkout lines on Sunday for hurricane prep. I admit to avoiding the craziness of the Alewife branch though.

I will definitely miss Rt 16 Foodmaster, I shop there often for some specific staples (Martin's potato rolls, for example...!). I always counted myself lucky to be located right between two supermarkets with a pretty different array of products.

Although many locations can be iffy, to say the least, I've enjoyed myself at the Burlington Mall location. I usually stick to the simple items, like the grilled fish, though. On one visit there was a slight server misshap with a spill on my husband's shirt (I can't remember of what, but not something devestating like red wine!) but they offered us a comped dessert, and the manager came over with a reimbursement slip for dry cleaning. The spill truly wasn't a big deal, but we appreciated their thoughtfulness.

I agree Bob, I do find the service to be much more pleasant at Ball Sq and the food a bit better lately (but they are still pretty close in quality).

I also like Maria's Cold Cuts in Teele as well for a nice Italian grinder.

Rode by Tacos Lupita in Somerville last night and noticed a new awning and a new name (I should have written it down but didn't)... anyone have the scoop here? New owners or just a new name? I hope the tortas continue to be delicious.

I know them as hungarian rolls - but I haven't found any here in Boston. I love this question as they are one of my favorite treats! When visiting relatives in PA I always buy some rolls for the road and the freezer. The place we go to (Kiffle Kitchen) does do mailorder if you are interested! http://www.kifflekitchen.com/

Maria's Cold Cuts is now open in Teele Square on Broadway (just around the corner from Rudy's). Their Italian grinder is delicious!

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Teele Square Cafe
Somerville, MA, Somerville, MA

I just went there for a quick lunch bite and really enjoyed it! Very reasonable prices (5.00 for a perfectly lunch sized roll/sandwich), and is nice new addition to my Harvard Sq lunch rotation. I thought the bread (masala roti) was particularly yummy.

Good luck with the race and be sure to let us know how dinner was (and how the running went!)

Upon finishing my first marathon I went directly home and ate about 5 pieces of pizza while sitting on the couch. It was perfect. I would have been an unhappy diner elsewhere!

At Formaggio Kitchen they have a nice smoky baba ganoush available - Samira's - made in Belmont! It is my favorite around, but I haven't had Sevan's version.

We visited Wellington last week and had a lovely meal at Matterhorn. Nice cocktails and great ambiance, service was attentive and pleasant. We had to wait for a table (no reservation) but the host was great - he checked in on us to let us know that a table would soon be opening up. A really nice/cool space with a good crowd.

Agreed. I really like the Wagamama version, it is my favorite dish there.

I've also seen them (and enjoyed them!) as a special at Shiki in Brookline.

We just came back from BA, and had awesome meals. I think in terms of trendy (at least in terms of design) I really liked Standard. It is a lovely looking space, mid century modern, small, maybe a bit "bright" for some but I actually thought the lighting was perfect for me, full of locals and I had a wonderful meal. Price point was good (but we didn't find any restaurants in BA that wasn't a great deal compared to Boston). I am not so into "trendy" eateries so maybe this doesn't entirely fit the bill but I always enjoy your Boston posts, Joanie and happy to put my two cents in! Have a great time.

Thanks so much for the great recap - I couldn't make it. Much appreciated!

3 regular sized sized tacos (maybe 6 inch tortillas?). I felt somewhat gipped although they were yummy!

I thought the Green Street tacos were good as well, if not a bit overpriced - $21!!!

I've found Helen's classes to be great (I've gone to the raw fish class and the pasta making class). Always a great mix of people, in a comfortable home environment, and Helen is a very knowledgable (and accessible) teacher. Usually only about 8 people to a class, if I remember correctly.

I've also seen them labeled as local Greenhouse tomatoes. This was the case at the new Allston farmer's market...

When I visited the new store there was a staff member right in front of the prepackaged meats, and explained that they didn't have room for the full counter. They also offered to cut to order (I didn't ask specifically about this, the staff member offered it up).

I live within walking distance, and the convenience of it all trumps any problems with size/selection for me.

Great news! You made my day.

Sorry to hear about the Saugus WO. The Wild Oats in Medford is my closest market (the only one that is a short-ish walk from my home), and I am afraid they may close. I haven't heard anything either way. I've asked at the store a while back, but they didn't know what was going to happen. It is pretty slow there as well, so I am worried. If anyone has any info on the Medford location, it would be much appreciated.

The tortillas are also at Market Basket on Somerville Ave. I love them too!

Does anyone know of a good source in Boston for poppy seed filing (even in the can, Solo is the most common brand)? I've looked in my local Shaw's (Porter Sq.) and Foodmaster (Rt 16), but no luck so far. I'm looking for the sweet kind, not just regular old poppy seeds, obviously. I'm on a mission to make hungarian poppy seed roll! Thanks!

I have preferred Firefly's catering to their actual in-house meals in the past... I am not sure why this is, but the quality had definitely been better at catered events. The SO and I were excited about making it to the restaurant after having Firefly's at an event, but I found their in-house food underwhelming.

I prefer Blue Ribbon overall, although I haven't been to anything they have catered!

Oh but it is more than just cheap! Their arancini (rice balls) are the best I've had, a trip to Galleria Umberto is nothing without them.

I had a similar bad experience this summer (damaged veg, yellowed broccoli, overripe fruit), and for the first time I had to send an email complaint. I received a prompt, pleasant and apologetic reply. The next week I received extra produce that more than made up for the previous week's items. I think they have had a LOT of growth in the past year or so, but I am willing to look past some of the growing pains, especially when they are so helpful and responsive to any comments or complaints. I wish more companies would have such competent customer service.

The B-side has a number of hot alcoholic drinks. Last month a friend had one of the hot chocolate/booze concoction and really enjoyed it! Sorry for not having many specifics but I would check it out.

The Pisco Sour at No. 9 Park is definitely frothy! I had my fair share of pisco sours in Chile, and it met my expectations.