vinoduo's Profile
Go "local" in Turks and Caicos
Couldn't agree more with your "go local" suggestions! We just finished our first visit to TCI and our favorite restaurants, by far, were where the locals go. First prize goes to Smokey's, which, as you note, just moved from Blue Hills to Grace Bay, directly across from Veranda's and Alexandra Resort. Ambiance - 0. The restaurant looks like a Knights of Columbus or Elks hall. Food - 10. The best conch fritters anywhere; better than da Conch Shack by far. Fantastic jerk chicken; rice and peas with a mysterious spice that still resonates. Smokey himself is a Belonger who told us he was the oldest of 8 kids and grew up cooking for them. This is island food at its best.
Other local favorites: Middle Caicos Cafe (a few blocks from Smokey's); not on the beach, fantastic fish sandwich; and Flamingo Cafe; on Grace Bay just past ClubMed. Owned by a Jamaican man and his TCI wife. Yes, it's a tourist magnet but close your eyes and you'll think you're on the beach in Negril.
And for the best lime sorbet you have ever had in your life, go to the bar at the Bay Bistro (Sibonney resort). Single scoop order is enough to send you home very happy. Small strands of lime rind dot the sorbet. We went every evening for our "nightcap."
Mexican on Cape Cod
btw, Andale in Harwich is terrific. great outdoor tables, lovely servers, good wine list, and excellent food. it's one of our go-to places every summer.
-----
Andale Cafe
703 Main St, Harwich, MA 02645
What's the word on Kouzina Estiatorio in Dedham?
My parents just moved to Dedham and we discovered Kouzina by accident after leaving them for the night. The food was outstanding. I had the tsatziki (forgive spelling,) which was outstanding; filled with garlic and cucumber and fabulous greek yogurt. My husband had the chicken wrap. All food cooked to order, plentiful, and reasonably priced.
Private Dining Rooms Downtown?
Thanks for the suggestions...I'll be contacting them directly and seeing which, if any, make sense. In the meantime, keep 'em coming.
Private Dining Rooms Downtown?
As far as location, we're open to anywhere from the Village to Battery Park. We're scheduling 5-6 dinners at different places. Home base for the event is the Ritz Battery Park. Agnostic to cuisine preference and casual vs fancy but these are high-end folks...a budget of @ $5,000 for 15 people.
Private Dining Rooms Downtown?
I am researching restaurant options for the first week in December for a corporate gathering (not holiday related) of 16-20 senior executive women. Anyone got suggestions for a private dining room at a great place downtown?
Have you been to Cafe D lately?
We've been to Cafe D twice for brunch on Sunday in the last few months and have been thoroughly satisfied each time. Inventive, but limited, wines by the glass list and an outstanding fish taco stay in our memory. Excellent burger too. Always classic jazz playing. Inviting neighborhood atmosphere, good service, and parking out back.
W.Village Spot for 50th birthday dinner
We're booked at Annisa Friday night. Tried Little Owl and August but they were booked. Annisa looks just right...we'll report back. Thanks all for the suggestions.
W.Village Spot for 50th birthday dinner
Three best friends from Boston visiting for a long weekend; looking for a West Village restaurant for dinner on a Friday night that is not too big, not too noisy, not touristy. Great food and a thoughtful wine list. Suggestions?
Amarone and Brunello
Two favorite Amarones:
1. Fratta Pasini Amarone della Valpolicella 2003 ($54.99): very gentle and quite drinkable now but clearly worth cellaring. A beautiful, deep pomegranate, the wine was beautiful to look at and a pleasure to drink. 2. Seco-Bertani Valpolicella Valpinetone Ripasso 2004 ($15 - $20): a "baby Amarone" made from the same three grapes as "regular" Amarone, this wine is softer and lighter than the Fratta Pasini; well-balanced and a long finish. The winery has been in production since 1857 so they have clearly mastered the "Ripasso" technique of winemaking native to the Veneto.
1 Red, 1 White, accessible yet stunning
Definitely stay away from Yellowtail/Red Truck and other usual suspects. Great wines under $15 include In Situ Winemaker's Selection Chardonnay 2005 (from Chile), Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Chalone Monterey County Pinot Noir 2006, and Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2005.
Adriene in Newton
Ariadne is a terrific restaurant. Beautifully subdued design and lighting, excellent, varied menu (a little Mediterranean but not really Greek), and sizable portions for the price. We just celebrated my parents' anniversary there and the food and service were outstanding.
