silver queen's Profile
Purple Taro at HMart?
Is that also the same thing as a purple yam? I got one at Russo's a couple of months ago. I haven't noticed if it has been there lately. It was in the outside section near the sweet potatoes. It was a beautiful lavender color when cooked- just like the coating on the taro buns at Yi Soon Bakery.
China King in CTown
I just got an "Urban Daddy' email that says it is the King Fung couple. Maybe you should try the duck!
Ga ga Seafood, Chinatown.
Went there for dinner last night. Although many places in Ctown had lines out the door, Ga Ga was less than half full. One plus in winter- it was nicely heated and it's up a flight of stairs, so it doesn't get cold drafts of wind like some of the smaller places.
Another poster mentioned that the roasted squab was a favorite, so we ordered that. It was good, but not too exciting. I think I just prefer squab cooked med rare, and this was a crispy, well done version. Of course the squab I've had in the past that I really liked cost 3x more at a fancy chef-driven restaurant.
On the wall, there were a bunch of specials that the owner patiently translated for us. I remember one was twin lobsters, another was a pork blood dish, and unfortunately now I can't remember most of the others. But one sounded good and turned out to be slices of surf clams stir fried with lots of thick chives and ground pork. The clams were not 'clammy' like cherrystones or steamers- they were more like squid body in texture. They were tender and sweet and the dish overall was quite tasty.
We also had the seafood combination soup, which was a thickened clear soup chock full of small pieces of fish, lobster claw and maybe some fake crab. It hit the spot on a cold night, but it wasn't mind-blowing.
The owner was very nice and described all the live fish and seafood they have available. The staff is pleasant too, and if you were wondering, yes, the background music does seem to include lots of Lady GaGa!
I suggested that they have a translation of their specials so those of us who can't read Chinese can order those too. The owner said it was his experience that non-Chinese really only want the chicken fingers, etc anyhow. Perhaps there are other hounds out there to prove that wrong! They're worth a try.
Strip T's increasing funkiness
I went last night and it wasn't that crowded. There were a number of empty tables at 7:30. I think they were expecting a bigger crowd because of the Phoenix review, but it was totally empty by 9pm and they had planned on staying open until 10. Maybe this weekend will be more crowded, but it hasn't hit yet.
Although the flavors were great, much seemed rather dry or overcooked last night, especially the bluefish over the very tasty grits. The baby octopi and pig tails were perhaps chewier than they should have been. The brioche doughnuts were like lead sinkers...
I'd go back, because it's interesting, the service is nice and the prices are good. Certainly worth another try! (except for those doughnuts....)
Thumbs down for Beach Haven Fishery, thumbs up for Mud City Crabhouse- LBI area
We got takeout from Beach Haven fishery the other night. They should be ashamed! The menu says:
Famous Fishery Crab Cakes - Two large fresh all lump crab cakes made daily. It was $22-
They were small, shredded, not lump and tasted mainly of the pickle relish they added to them. There should be a black box warning on them. Caution! Tastes like hot dog relish!! Fries were soggy, and I'm sure they would have been better if not takeout, but not by much. We tried heating them in the oven back at the rental, but they didn't improve sufficiently for any of us to eat many.
The Northeast Twin (fried Scallops & Shrimp) for $21 was composed of 4 shrimp, 4 scallops and more soggy fries. The scallops and shrimp looked like they were bought frozen and already breaded.
The cole slaw was forgettable and the tartar and cocktail sauces were prepacked commercial stuff.
I would not recommend them at all. Very poor quality to price ratio.
In contrast, on another night, for about the same price, the lump crab cakes at Mud City were very good. They were a decent size and tasted of crab, not filler. Fries were crispy and good. We also enjoyed a special of sauteed cod with a tomato caper sauce.
Maybe those who go to LBI often already know these things, but perhaps this is helpful info for those of us who haven't been very often.
B&G Oysters - Are you kidding me!?
I once sent the lobster roll back at B&G after a bite or two. I couldn't believe how cold and tasteless it was for the price. If the price is high, so are my expectations. It was a case, as hyde mentions, of something that I've made better at home.
Need suggestion for Thursday (sept 1) for 7-8 people after our civil ceremony at Castle Island.
What about Sam's at Louis next to the ICA? Its a beautiful view from there. Or maybe Strega Waterfront would have something for you.
It's supposed to be nice on Thursday: charter a boat for where you can bring your own drinks and food!
One example: http://www.comesailawaynow.com/Boston_Sailing_and_Boat_Cha.html
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Strega
379 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
East Boston suggestions wanted!
But you can go around the block to Frio Rico and get a minuta! (Shaved ice with fruit and sweetened condensed milk)
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Frio Rico
360R Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128
Best of Dorchester Vietnamese?
Will they let you get the bo 7 mon for 2 people for a table of 3? I'd like to get it, but perhaps would like to get some other things too. If I get it for 3- will we have room for anything else?
Nudo Gelateria - Newton
Sorry, I don't know if it is the same. Rancatore's is right across the street from SHP, so we go there instead! I just think Angelato's is better than Nudo- the flavors are stronger, but I don't think it's great. Unfortunately I haven't found a gelateria anywhere in Boston that that I think is great. And I do look! What I want is intensely flavored, with a taffy-like consistency. I've had it everywhere in Italy, and even in Montreal, but not in Boston, not even in the North End.
We do have good ice cream in Boston (Rancatore's, Toscanini, Christina's, 3 Scoops) and I do love me some pinkberry or the like, with mango, blueberries and strawberries on top, just no good gelato. But I'm an optimist, I keep trying! I mean, even if it's not great, it's still dessert, not a poke in the eye!
Nudo Gelateria - Newton
I'm afraid I wasn't very impressed. We got 3 flavors and they all were pretty boring and way too soft. The guy who scooped them didn't even try to make it look appealing- just a mess. It's certainly not even in the ballpark with anything I've had in Italy. Angelato in Belmont is better. I really was hoping that it would be good, even if it's not real gelati, as it's within walking distance for me and open late, but it's just not worth the extra price over Cabots. Not that Cabots has great ice cream either (although the sundaes can be fun), but at least the value/price ratio is good. Nudo's isn't worth it in my opinion.
Best of Boston for the heat wave?
I like to go to Cabots in Newton, sit in the AC, and have the Belgian waffle sundae with french vanilla ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream. I think that covers all three food groups.
Sweet Potato Bistro- Newton
I was driving by last night and saw it was open. I already had some dinner waiting at home, but thought an order of "Beef Tendon in Spicy Sauce" couldn't hurt on a hot night. While waiting the few minutes the order took, I noticed that the dining room seemed pleasant enough, with a great fish tank (for looking, not eating). The staff seemed stressed (perhaps understandably because it was their first day!), but friendly.
Spicy beef tendon is one of my favorites at Taiwan Cafe. This version had much bigger and thicker slices, but the texture was good- more tender than it looked and the flavor was excellent- salty and spicy with some fresh cilantro on top. It was promising!
I'll be back to try more, after giving them some time to get in their groove.
Kowloon, Floating Rock, More Attitude at Craigie, and Guanachapi
We saw DF at Pailin City in Lowell in 2007. That was tons of fun- the cover included several family-style courses of food and a 2 liter bottle of coke. The Cambodian food wasn't the best, but the place was hopping- everyone was dancing the electric slide to DF. Not sure the venue still exists in that form, but if it does, I'd recommend a visit.
Plus DF is coming to Brighton Music Hall June 7! Maybe I can start up the electric slide there...
Fresh Lobsters in Waltham/Newton?
There's a place in 'the lake' called Steamers (on Rt 16). And Captain Marden's in Wellesley. But it's also pretty fast to hop on the pike, get off at the S. Boston (Seaport) exit and go to James Hook or Yankee Lobster. I'd call all four places to find out the hours and prices, then decide. Shaw's and Stop and Shop have them too, of course, but if they don't have fast turnover, they may not be as good. Too long in a tank with inferior salt water and the flavor suffers too.
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Yankee Lobster
300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA
Captain Marden
279 Linden St, Wellesley, MA 02482
Living Social - Sea to You
I've had a sushi platter from Sea to You, purchased with a Groupon. It was fine. Certainly not the best sushi ever, but perhaps a step above the stuff you can buy at most supermarkets. It was impressively large, at least.
Is Dosa Factory in Waltham open yet?
Seems like it's been 'coming soon' for quite a while.
where to get a sacher torte for Saturday
Looks like the Danish Pastry House makes them. I've always liked their stuff.
http://www.danishpastryhouse.com/specialtycakes.html
They have a shop in Medford too.
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Danish Pastry House
205 Arlington St, Watertown, MA 02472
Where can I get a "Michigan" hot dog?
I just had a Michigan dog across the lake from Burlington. I never heard of them before, but it was a lot like the NY system dogs you get in RI.
Where can I find the best shrimp scampi pizza or even a clam pizza?
You don't have to drive that far-- Pepe's has a branch near the Buckland Hills Mall just off Rt 84, north of Hartford.
Morel mushroom hunting
Last summer, with all the rain, I was finding LOTS of boletes, some oyster, chicken mushrooms, a few chanterelles. In fall, a few maitakes. I've never found a morel in MA, and I've been looking, but I hear people find them. I'm not telling my exact spots, of course, but look on lawns under big oak trees in July, you'd be surprised how common boletes can be. Just be careful, make sure they don't turn immediately blue when you cut them, and only eat a bite or two the first time- you can eat more the next day if you don't have any GI distress. You may want to avoid lawns that appear to be chemically maintained. Also- only test ones that you are sure DON"T have any lethal look-alikes (all of the above fall into that category). There is a lot of good info online-it may sound risky, but that's how I learned. It may be a little scary at first, but stick to the ones easy to ID and don't mess with anything dangerous. I know some people think all wild mushrooms are dangerous, but the ones above are pretty easy if you take reasonable caution, look at lots of pictures and do some reading.
A Restaurent with Elderly In-Laws for Mother's Day in Newton
I don't think Lumiere is open for lunch. Use opentable.com to search the date. You can search the Western suburbs. Looks like Legal Seafood, the Met Club and the Capital Grill in Chestnut Hill are all open. Fiorella's is tasty enough, but it's not very 'special occasion'.
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Lumiere Restaurant
1293 Washington St., West Newton, MA 02465
Fiorella's
187 North St, Newtonville, MA 02460
Where to buy beef cheeks in Cambridge/ Watertown/ Somerville
Call the Meat Spot in Watertown square , maybe they can get them for you. Or try one of the Brazilian butchers in Somerville.
Privus closing, Bon Chon moving to Harvard Square
Stopped in last week for some chicken and was told that they are closing in April or May, but that they were going to take the Bon Chon franchise to their new place- Bull Korean BBQ, on JFK, I believe where Shilla used to be. So bad news for Allston, good news for Harvard Sq. At least it's not disappearing from the Boston area altogether..
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Shilla Restaurant
57 Jfk St Ste 9, Cambridge, MA 02138
Where to find red snapper on the North Shore?
You know, I think Costco sells whole red snapper. At least that's what I thought they were. The last time I was there, they looked nice and fresh, but my schedule didn't allow for a whole fish purchase at that time. But I made a mental note that I wanted to get one some other time.
Fresh Lavendar - Waltham/Watertown/Brighton?
BTW, the plants at Russo's are $3.49 each or 4 for $12. You'd probably get 2-3 3-inch sprigs from each one, if that's enough.
Fish Fry in Boston?
There's the shad bake in Essex CT.:
http://www.essexrotary.com/fundraisers/CT-Shad-Bake-Picnic/index.html
A bit far from Boston, but unique and fun.
Mission: Decent Greek salad in metrowest
Andros diner in Belmont has a tasty salad. It's a lettuce-based one, but their dressing is really good and the pita is always fresh. They make the best chicken souvlaki around too (which you can get with salad).
Egyptian Dining in Boston
Bumped up the thread. Doesn't look like a white tablecloth kind of place, but it does advertise itself as Egyptian. Haven't tried it yet, though. Hopefully, it's trend-worthy!
www.azamagrill.com
