Sal Monella's Profile
Bachelor Party restaurant recommendations?
Planning a bachelor party for a group of 12 guys. Looking in the Braintree/Quincy area. Not looking to break the bank but a fun place that actually has decent food. Type of cuisine doesn't matter. Any ideas/recommendations are greatly welcome.
If it has to be a chain, it has to be...
Bertucci's...not great at anything but location is convenient and know what to expect for the most part...aside from the time I made the mistake of ordering the tilapia and it came out half frozen still.
Shake my tree a little, Cambridge / Somerville
You may want to checkout Cuchi Cuchi in Cambridge Tapas style cuisine, very good selection of dishes, outstanding but expensive drinks and the place looks wild.
Sandrine's lately?
Was there on New Year's Eve. Outstanding prix fixe menu...couldn't finish everything. Had many items not on the main menu as it was a special night. Chef Raymond is doing a great job over there.
Sabur restaurant in Teele Square
We've been 2X and both times were disappointed. The last time, I ordered a chicken with veggies over polenta. Someone in the kitchen didn't realize the the water from from the veggies will get soaked up by the polenta like a sponge. It was so bad that there was about a half inch of liquid killing the polenta at the bottom of the plate. Didn't even bother to send it back and get stressed out further. Way too many other choices in the area to opt for a 3rd attempt.
Work dinner help
I would suggest you checkout Dante @ the Sonesta Hotel. It's very close by to the MoS and the cuisine is Italian based but not traditional. The chef/owner is one the best in this area.
Scutra in Arlington
Thanks for the report. Looks like they need to up their game a bit to compete given the economy...
Scutra in Arlington
The last time we went to Scutra was about 4 years ago. It was ok...nothing very memorable and we haven't been back since but that's not because we don't like it but rather there are many other options higher up on our list of favorites.
Riccardo's in the North End?
I've never been. Departmental Xmas party luncheon being held there this year. Looking for recommendations and what to stay away from.
Davis Square tonight
As does Maureen. Can't leave her out of the mix (no pun intended) when it comes to handling the bar.
What's the deal with the $10 CC minumum?
Anyone know of or have experience with resto's accepting debit cards? Just as good as cash and w/o the cc overhead?
Davis Square tonight
Gargoyle's bar section. Excellent bar menu for short $. Burgers are top notch and you don't need a reservation. Service is quick so you should make your show if planned properly.
Cambridge top 5 based on food
Sandrine's
The Blue Room
Oleana
Daedulus
West Side Lounge
Recession Busters
GURU Indian cuisine on Broadway (outside of Teele Sq) in Somerville. $7.95 for combination plates. Plenty of high quality food. And they're expanding to a sit down restaurant soon.
Burton's Grill???
I'll send the *negative* responses. Been there a couple times for lunch and absolutely nothing memorable occured other than the big tab. There are many other places in the Fenway area for better tasting food at lower prices. Trattoria Toscana (dinner only) and Audubon Circle just to name 2.
double date in cambridge?
Cuchi Cuchi on Main St. You'll have a memorable experience. pushes the $ envelope but you can control it somewhat with what you select. it's a tapas joint.
Fun themed restaurant for fun dinner!
Pollystyrene is dead on...I'll send those suggestions...and most definitely Cuchi Chuchi.
Value Dining
For Indian cuisine...checkout GURU just outside of Teele Sq. in Som. The have low priced specials every day. Can't beat the quality, quantity and authentic flavor. $7.
Cambridge One (Harv Sq)--downhill?
Joanie, I've been to both spots several times (mostly the Fenway location lately) and they're pretty much the same food wise. Service is a little better at the new spot IMO. I'm not sure why it's not busier during the games...perhaps the fans would rather go with more traditional game fare than fancy pizza and wine? I haven't had any bad experiences like the ones the OP mentions at either spot.
new place in old Tir Na Nog site
Typo's and fat-fingers aside. I heard Bull McCabe's will be opening on Thursday 10/9/08.
Wonderful time at Sandrine's
triple creme, what time(s) do you usually walk past? We had an early dinner...6:30 on sunday and it was very empty...by the time we left ~ 9:00 pm, it was pretty full. This on a crappy rainy night to boot.
Wonderful time at Sandrine's
We decided to take in Sandrine's with another couple (their 1st time but we've been before). Expectations were high given our previous experience in June and the fact that my friend's spouse lived in France for a few years and was wanting of good French cuisine.
Service:
Excellent service by all employees. Not a single issue with their performance, demeanor and attentiveness. All the way from the host to the runner.
Atmosphere:
Very pleasant vibe in the room given it's been raining forever and on a Sunday night. They recently changed the windows to those that open during nice weather and removed the drapery which used to make the room a little dark. Even though the weather precluded opening the windows, I can tell that window seats during nice weather would be very desireable.
Food:
Started off with apps of Foie Gras Farandole, thin crust pizza with Niman Ranch bacon and caramelized onions, and soup du jour. All were wonderful and hit the spot in terms of expectations, mix of ingredients and overall flavor. As for entrees...2 of us ordered the grilled Angus filet mignon w/Madeira reduction, another ordered the poisson du jour (very large piece of Chilean seabass with mixed veg medley and the last entree was the special veal t-bone withe pea risotto and chanterelle Madeira sauce. All were hits including my friends special request of no salt. All washed down with a nice bottle of Bordeaux - Margaux Chateau Clairefont 2005. Dessert consisted of profiteroles and apple tartine along with coffee and brut rose. Our Francophile? dinner companion was very pleased and met, if not, surpassed her expecation of Alsatian French cuisine in the Boston area.
Price: total bill $320 not including tip. Not a cheap night by any means but decent for a group of 4 with hearty appetites. We left pretty bloated. :>)
NYC Attorney Returning to Cambridge for Recruiting Dinner
Dante, EVOO, Blue Room and Sandrines (French) are excellent choices. Never been a fan of Rendezvous...too salty and inconsistent service and some noise.
Looking for a French Bistro
Bob, you look familiar but can't fully recall from where. :>P
Looking for a French Bistro
Good call SaraASR. I second Pierrot Bistrot Francais as well. Very lively atmosphere albeit a little cramped the night we went. Thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine, portions, and wine list.
Eastern Standard - Recs?
Went yesterday for lunch...had the crab and lobster salad. Very tasty but not the biggest salad on the plant...$15.
Advice Needed...
Good picks and l would add Dante @ the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Camb. Very good atmosphere, excellent cuisine with front row Charles River views via the outdoor patio. If you hit the place fairly soon you may enjoy the outdoor dining scene.
Antonia's in Davis Sq.?
My sentiments exactly Bob Dob... :>(
My "one and done" experience with Antonia's was a while ago and I've entertained thoughts of giving them another shot...then I always opt to walk down to Garg's.
Marginal time at Tu y Yo
agree with the the OP. Wife and I went about a couple of months after it opened and didn't think it was worth the $. Service was spotty and the owner? was on the rude side. Food was not exceptional to the point where we would put this as a regular destination. For example, I know Forest Cafe is not a true "Mexican" joint but that really doesn't matter as it consistently delivers what we like...
