Ideas for 15 person fun dinner party?

Hi there,

I'm currently planning a February dinner party for my company, and we're looking for someplace willing to do a fixed menu for about 15 people. We don't necessarily need a private room (though that is acceptable), but would like a good corner/alcove.

For price we're thinking about $40pp before alcohol and tip, though less is always OK, too. The other important factor is that I'd like this to be a fun evening, not too stuffy. This group doesn't have particularly gourmet tendencies, so solid (as opposed to extraordinary) food and fun atmosphere are important.

Location can be anywhere in Cambridge, Somerville or Boston. Some thoughts I had (none of which are 100% what I'm looking for but could be fine): Monica's in the N End, Dali in Cambridge, Eastern Standard.

Any additional ideas would be much appreciated!

Thanks, ClippyZ

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Chianti ... with a toddler

Thanks, everyone, for the responses with specific restaurant suggestions. I hope we get to try Minchili's suggestion and have prosciutto as old as our toddler. :)

I'm sorry to have started the debate about children in restaurants, though. I didn't intend to bring the grouchiness out. I would think the fact that I ASKED about appropriate venues would suggest that, like Ambra, we're extra sensitive to making sure we don't disturb people around us. But kids have to learn somewhere. Which is why I asked about *appropriate* places. We're not going to crash anyone's romantic dinner or slow food experience ...

Thank you!

ClippyZ in Italy

Chianti ... with a toddler

Hi, all -

We're being adventure/stupid and about to embark on a 2 week trip to Chianti with our 2.5 year old toddler. We're under no delusions that we'll be able to enjoy relaxing 3 hour meals, but would still like to make sure we enjoy some delicious restaurant meals. We'll be renting an apt, so many meals will be in, but I need a cooking vacation, too!

I've spent some time perusing the board and found lots of places that sound great, but I'm having a hard time deciphering what places are child-appropriate and which aren't. We're pretty conservative about being careful to go places where children wouldn't be disruptive, and this trip is no exception, so any suggestions would be very welcome.

We'll be staying in Certaldo, which is about 15-20 mins from San Gim (which I suspect we'll only be visiting once, and then done).

Thanks so much !!

ClippyZ in Italy

Weekday Dim Sum in Chinatown?

Thanks for the quick replies!

Our party will likely be 10-15.

And sadly, yes, other than 2 people that have lived in China, we're all Chinatown novices (but with adventurous palates all!)

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Weekday Dim Sum in Chinatown?

Hi, everyone -

I'm planning a Chinatown lunch for some co-workers later this week, and many people were thinking that dim sum would be fun. As a chinatown novice, I was hoping for a bit of help. First, do most of the "regular" dim sum places have weekday dim sum? Second, it seems as if Winsor Cafe is a big hit here - but maybe too small for our party?

Given that there's a level of ease needed with these co-workers, I want to make sure this is somewhere we won't have to make a reservation or wait for a long time ... though quality of food is still important. Also, we'll be coming from Tufts Medical Center, if that helps with location.

Thanks, hounds - it's been a long time since I've posted here!

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus (or just allergy friendly)

Stone Hearth Pizza has GF pizza and pasta and are very, very accomodating:
http://www.stonehearthpizza.com/

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Sunday afternoon private party - som/cam?

Thanks for all of the ideas! We ultimately decided to cater this at home (using Jules Catering) ... but lots of good ideas for the future!

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Sunday afternoon private party - som/cam?

Hopefully around 25 pp, not including drinks (which I'm expecting to be minor on a Sunday afternoon, but you never know - after sitting through a christening, folks might be ready for a cocktail!)

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Sunday afternoon private party - som/cam?

Hi, all --

I'm trying to plan my daughter's christening party for August and am trying to decide if I want to do it at home or in a restaurant. We'll have 15-20 guests, and the christening is in Union Square. If we opt to do it out, it would be great if it was in Cambridge/Someville. Looking for something not too pricey but still special feeling, someplace with a private area, and someplace that feels appropriate for a christening in the middle of summer (read: not too dark and gloomy). Some options I've thought of but likely won't workl:
Oleana - too pricey
Gargoyle's - too dark
Blue room - maybe, but I'm not sure if they'll do an afternoon seating after their brunch
Upstairs on the Sq - too pricey and parking difficult

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!! Thank you!

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Best bang-for-the-buck extra virgin olive oil in the Watertown/Cambridge area

I don't have a favorite, but I do know that Capone foods offers tastings of most of their oils. When I asked for recs for a reasonably priced balsamic, they were happy to comply and I was happy with the results. I'm sure they'd do the same for the olive oil.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Restaurants everyone seems to love but you don't

I could have written the same thing verbatim. One of my DC's also used the word "precious" after eating there. I felt like I could relax with the meal - like it would be sacrilegious.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Wilson's BBQ (Fairfield, CT) on DDD Tonight

I had Wilson's this weekend and have mixed thoughts about the food, but a bad customer service experience that will stop me from going back. I thought the bbq was ok, but found the sides too one dimensional - beans too brown sugar-sweet, collards too much vinegary, corn bread dry and bland.

But what really irks me is that we spent 60 dollars for carry out for four people, and it didn't come with bbq sauce, even though three kinds were listed on the menu, and without prices. The meat on the menu says "sauce on the side," but it doesn't say you have to BUY it! I've lived in BBQ country for 10+ years and have never heard of this. When we called saying (nicely) that they forgot the sauce, they were VERY snippy. Said the owner would call back. After a week, I'm not holding out hope. Eating dry ribs and chicken without sauce just didn't cut it for me, and with that attitude, I doubt I'll be back.

ClippyZ in Southern New England

Good soft serve ice cream?

Wow!! I should have asked with more than a week to go until my due date! I'm thinking I now have some summer plans with the kiddo. I think soft serve might be a great first "real food!" :)

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Good soft serve ice cream?

I'm having a pregnancy craving for some soft serve ice cream ...really good, creamy, non-fake tasting (read: not TCBY), non-healthy soft serve. If anyone has had the delicious Cadbury soft serve in England, that's what I'm envisioning. I live in Somerville but am willing to travel. Any thoughts?

On (semi-)related note, is the Pinkberry knock-off place still in Harvard Square? And can anyone say if it compares with the real thing?

Thanks so much!!

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Best Mac & Cheese

Oooh, I agree. Thick (which is my personal preference) and gooey and wonderful.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Double Trouble Service at Greet Street?

In December we had similarly strange service there as well. Lots of double requests ,,, but worse was the drinks. It took 30+ minutes to get our drinks initially, and it also took a while for refills. Food was good -not unbelievable - but I would certainly return if others thought the service was a temporary glitch.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Half ovens above range?

Yes, and unfortunately no-one seems to have the replacement part. Actually, already paid the $70 for the "diagnostic" visit, even though we already knew what was wrong - it's just theromostat (after all, not much else can really go wrong on an old gas oven, right?). Sadly, none of the replacement part companies I have called so far even have the model number of the oven listed because it is so old. But if you have any other thoughts, I'd be exited to hear them! Thanks, dscheidt.

ClippyZ in Cookware

Half ovens above range?

I'm distraught!! The very old gas range (Glenwood, from the 1960s) in our house just breathed its last, and I'm looking for a replacement. What I loved about it was that it was a regular range, and then above the stove, it had a half oven, which many people actually thought was a very old microwave. Does anyone know if this configuration still exists? I loved having this half oven, and at only 30 inches wide.

Thanks!

ClippyZ in Cookware

Latitude 43...someone had to do it

My in-laws love this place (as they do Alchemy, with the same owners), so we accompanied them several weeks ago. On the whole, I'd agree with the mediocre assessment. I had the fish special and the salad, and it was just an overwhelming amount of garnishes/accompaniments/flavors/flourishes.

All that said, it wasn't terrible, and the lively atmosphere was nice. I wouldn't choose to go just for the food, but for a social evening with non-foodies, it was enjoyable.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Store with good single malt selection?

Looking for single malt for a father's day gift. My dad "hinted" that he likes one called Cardhu, and a little research has shown that this is hard to find.

Any suggestions on stores in the area (preferably Somerville/Cambridge, but I'm willing to take a little trip) that have good single malt selections?

Thanks so much!!!

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

What's your favorite neighborhood spot?

I second the Independent and agree with the assessment. Wish they changed up the sandwiches a bit more, but their specials can be so wonderful.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Sushi near Wang Theater?

I know it's slim pickings in the area, but I'm looking to have sushi before Friday night ballet at the Wang Theater. It's a special request of my mom, so I want to make her happy.

The other option is Troquet or Avila. Any thoughts on either?

Thanks so much!

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Overtures at N Shore Music Theater?

I'm buying a gift certificate for my in-laws to North Shore Music Theater in Beverly and would like to also get a gift certificate for a nearby dinner to accompany it.

I saw that the theater has a restaurant right there: Overtures. My guess is that it's not stellar, but has anyone been. My in-laws are very chow-ish, and convenience counts for something. That said, I don't want to pay for something horrible!

Thanks for your help.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Chargers for Whipped Cream Dispenser

I've gotten them at China Fair on Mass Ave in Cambridge, just outside Porter.

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

CSA Review

I'm thinking of getting a CSA again next year (last year I relied on farmer's markets, and I just didn't get there enough). I'm wondering if those that got a CSA in 2007 would mind giving a brief review of their experiences. Perhaps pros and cons and your delivery location? I'm in Somerville, but I would think that people would appreciate hearing about CSAs that deliver to other locations around Boston as well.

Lastly, I did try doing a search but didn't see any kind of roundup for 2007. Feel free to correct me if I missed something.

Thanks very much!

ClippyZ in Greater Boston Area

Boston Hound in Toronto

Thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions!! I'll defintely report back on my experiences. Too bad I'm having a hankering for dim sum, banh mi and empanadas now!

ClippyZ in Ontario (including Toronto)

Boston Hound in Toronto

Hi, there --

I'm visiting your fair city for the first time next week (will be there 3 nights), and I was hoping for some guidance. I've done some searching on the boards but am having a hard time parsing out the options.

I'm traveling for work and budget is limited, so I'm looking for casual fare. From perusing the board, it seems like I'd have good experiences with Dim Sum, Caribbean, and Vietnamese -- any specific suggestions would be very welcome.

I'm travelling alone and am staying near Union Station.

Thanks for your help! Can't wait to explore ...

ClippyZ in Ontario (including Toronto)

Herb Vinegar Suggestions?

Hi, all --

I have a bounty of both fresh herbs and bottles with rubber-gasket sealing tops (Grolsch beer bottles, to be precise). I've never made herb vinegars and thought it would be a good used for both. Does anyone have suggestions for herb combinations, types of vinegar to use as a base, and any general preparation hints?

Thanks so much!

ClippyZ in Home Cooking

ISO *TASTY* Tofu Recipes

I really like Jack Bishop's pan glazed tofu recipes from "A Year in the Vegetarian Kitchen." They are tasty and EASY. He eschews the whole press/drain/marinade routine that I find so frustrating. He just brows the tofu in a pan (about 5 minutes per side) and then adds a sauce in the end that reduces and thickens to glaze the tofu. I could only find one recipe on-line, but he has many in his book. This has made me realize that making tofu doesn't have to be a long, complicated and drawn out endeavor in order to get some flavor.
http://books.google.com/books?id=6sJhZYvzyn8C&pg=PA392&lpg=PA392&dq=jack+bishop+pan+glazed+tofu+recipe&source=web&ots=DtDVrLVqMP&sig=oraehUwBJ--cMh7z9IjzzvSjujY#PPA392,M1

ClippyZ in Home Cooking