icculus's Profile
barlow's?
Popped in this past Saturday for a few bites and pints. Now keep in mind, it had only been open for 3 days so it's not really fair to rate the food/service, so I'll just say that the service was attentive and the food has potential. I too had the tuna 2 ways and the crab cakes.
The space is an oversized pub, super big. Large rectangular, island bar with ample TVs showing the various sporting events of the night. 6 draft beers (including LT Hibernator). It has a playwright/beergarden feel to it... but it seems like it's identity hasn't fully formed. There are dining areas to either side of the bar, tables on one side (in a large, brightly lit room) and then some booths and high tables on the other side. Brand spanking new, eager staff, I'd say if you're looking for comfort food/bar bites it's worth a shot. Looking forward to reviews as they shake out the kinks.
Roasted vegetable lasagna?
This is a terrific recipe. We used it over the holidays and I've used a modified version of the bechamel sauce for mac and cheese 2 times since then.
Cozy Bar in the South End
I feel like Delux has been letting me down lately so lemme know if you end up there...
Have your local consumption been influenced by The Omnivore's Dilemma?
Absolutely. Pollan's writing was one of several factors that lead my wife and I to give up meat for a while, starting last January. We've made it through bbq and baseball season successfully thus far (hoping for a little more baseball season though). But like Allstonian I'd say it reinforced my existing beliefs about going local. It's not as though I was eating McD's prior to Pollan.
It hasn't been as hard as I initially thought it would. We eat a ton of fish, both at home and at restaurants and have been more conscious about buying local and sustainably produced goods. Going to farmer's markets or buying local at Foodie's, WFM, or South End Formaggio was an easy choice to make.
Last summer we tried Boston Organics, but weren't happy with the quality or the 'localness' of it (avocados?). Other's have had great luck this year with them according to some posts on this board. We've found the Copley market (Tues and Fri) and the South End Sunday market to be better options for us.
As we're approaching the one year mark we've started talking about bringing some meat options back into the mix. I haven't researched much about where to get sustainable meat, but these sort of tenets will act as a guide for making those decisions
http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/
For seafood I try to make decisions based on this ever-updating resource
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_regional.aspx?region_id=2
And for restaurants... eh, we try but there's not a firehose of eco-conscious choices in the Boston scene yet. Yes Oleana, Lumiere, Rialto, and Craigie St immediately come to mind, but none of them are in the random weeknight quick bite arena.
Will I get Lucky @ Lucky's Lounge
Meter parking on Congress is tricky due to the perpetual construction going on down there. Here's a tip for after 5-6pm... there are a ton of meters on Boston Wharf Rd next to the big parking lots in front of the ICA (which is awesome).
Live music isn't usually in affect until later on in the evening. And I think the menu now is better than where it was 3 or more years ago, yes it's more $$ but the food is much better.
Gaslight in the South End
So what'd you think? I'm excited for it. Lunch in the SoWa area is mostly takeout fare (with the exception of Foley's, Morse, and the Buttery), can't wait to have another option. The prices and breadth of offerings seem great, Plats Principaux between $9 - $20 right? Wine list had at least 15 reds AND whites under $40. I had the salmon and thought it was way over seasoned (uber salty). The Moules Frites with pernod were very tasty, albeit a bit overpowering for an entree portion. Speaking of overpowering... those subway tiles don't do much to absorb the sound do they? Sounded like we were eating and drinking on the red line platform of Park St Station, so loud! The bar was sharp looking and the bartenders were mixing like mad, I had an Acolyte (sidecar derivative), served up in a sugar-rimmed martini glass.
Bachelorette party - restaurant recommendations?
ooops, thanks for the headsup
"Peking Tom closed its doors on June 16, 2007. "
Bachelorette party - restaurant recommendations?
I think the best suggestions will kinda depend on where you want to be before/after you eat.
here are some by location:
Leather District/Downtown Crossing:
+ Peking Tom's on Kingston St. (asian fusion, good for groups, fun cocktails)
Cambridge/Inman Sq:
+ East Coast Grille (adventurous seafood and southernized local specialities)
Cambridge/Kendall Sq:
+ Dante (Royal Sonesta, it's got a nice patio overlooking the Charles)
South End:
+ Stella (Italian, always packed)
Back Bay:
+ Douzo (sushi)
North End:
? sadly I haven't been recently enough to comment on a perfect place for this sort of event, but I'm sure there are at least 3 fun restaurants that would fit the bill (Prezza? Lucca? Antico Forno?)
just some thoughts from someone who's never been to a bachelorette ;)
Saturday Lunch Downtown Boston Area
If you're in the back bay/newbury st (where the majority of the shopping is), I like Parish Cafe on Boylston for sandwiches is a good option, I also like the Other Side Cafe (but it's not for everyone).
There are a couple of spots on Tremont in the South End that do a great job at lunch too (Pops and Aquitaine come to mind)
Canning and Bulk Food Preservation in Boston
Slightly related article about the no-cook jams that was in yesterday's globe (uses freezer pectin from Ball).
Second paragraph down
http://www.boston.com/ae/food/articles/2007/08/08/pop_on_over_to_ula_cafe/
Wisteria House closing on Newbury, August 11
I can't remember exactly what we got, but I just looked at the menu online and I think it was the Crispy Aromatic Shrimp and Yu Hsiang Eggplant (sauteed with wood ear mushrooms, peppers, water chestnuts, and "aromatic" sauce).
Also, another alternative to diningin http://www.foodler.com/
I tried Beijing on the Common via Foodler... actually pretty good delivery as well. (I'm no expert on Chinese food, I just like fresh ingredients, cooked well with distinctive flavors)
Bulk blueberries and heirloom tomatoes from Boston Organics
We split a large order amongst 4 people last year, I found the produce to be below the quality I could get at the market (Foodies, Trader Joes, Whole Foods) and especially below the farmer's markets like the one in Copley Sq. I will say the convenience is really nice. And I loved the idea of getting a surprise of fresh veggies and fruits every week as I'm not the type of person who goes to the store with any particular recipe in mind.
We canceled but would consider giving them another shot. It sounds like most posters are enjoying them this year.
Wisteria House closing on Newbury, August 11
Eastern Pier II delivers to the South End too.
Moving to Boston. Great food neighbourhoods?
I hear ya BFP. My comment was a generalization (one more geared towards rentals than purchases). And I agree that Allston does have all those amenities within walking distance, with a jealous nod towards the Paradise and Harpers for tunes. However, getting to and fro downtown during commuting hours can be a bear IMO.
Moving to Boston. Great food neighbourhoods?
But in the south end you don't need a car because you can walk every where! And I disagree on the rent/mortgage costs. It's relatively the same everywhere in Boston proper (ie expensive)... the only thing you might get in some of the areas further from downtown is another 100-200 sq ft and an off street parking spot, but at the expense of being able to walk to work, the grocery, store, the movies, the ball park, live music venues, an endless supply of restaurants...
Back to OP:
"It's and "emerging" neighbourhood with lots of diversity (income levels, ethnic origins, etc.)"
When I read that I think South End, even though it has emerged greatly in the past 10 years... it's still on the upswing.
"There are lots of little vintage furniture shops, art galleries and many film-studios."
Yep, check out SoWa for art galleries, open markets, and designers.
"We love little grab and go spots (for Jerk, Thai, Pho), casual sit downs (for a beer and some tastey snacks), and also need some choice for Thursday thru Saturday nights (thought not every weekend of course!) that we can walk to have a great bottle of wine and a delicious meal that focuses on great quality ingredients and a from-scratch kitchen."
Grab and go: Miami Cafe, El Triunfo, House of Siam, Thai Village, Mangia (sorry no vietnamese or Jerk, but you can get to chinatown really easily)
Casual: Delux, Anchovies, CODA, Picco, Orinoco (venezuelan), Franklin Cafe, The Dish, JJ Foley's (irish pub), Addis Red Sea (ethiopian), Don Ricardo's
Other nights: Toro, Metropolis, B&G Oysters, Butcher Shop, Aquitaine, Union, Sage, Oiishi
Now the devils advocate POV. Cambridge/Somerville has some great squares (Harvard, Davis and Central are my faves for various reasons), there's a lot more neighborhoody beer/pubs there and arguably more food diversity. But you can't walk to downtown.
Allston/Brighton has a lot to offer in the casual space, probably a result of it being a very student-centric neighborhood (I used to live there, after college) and the public transportation can be a nightmare when school is in session.
JP reminds me of a disjointed square that could be in Cambridge. Really funky and a large percentage of their restaurants focus on high quality local ingredients.
The NE is yes... mainly italian, and the apartments are small (as are those in Beacon Hill).
Fenway has some good eats, but its still pretty student-like, so therefore a lot of transients and the neighborhood feel isn't always there.
My advice is to come look at SE, Davis Sq, Central Sq, Harvard Sq. Allston, and the North End and also check out some other heavily trafficked sites about boston (like yelp, bostonist).
good luck with the move!
Doing one thing, and doing it right
good thought. I also immediately started to think of chilean sandwiches at Chacerero.
Others:
Fish Tacos at El Pelon Taqueria
Fresh exotic* burritos at Viva! Burrito
Wings at Buff's Pub
Maiz Asado at Toro (obviously they do more than this, but this is a staple)
*I think I'm the only one on the board that truly loves the burritos here. I'll differentiate them from Anna's by calling them exotic in that they have options like lamb, cajun chicken, steak and shrimp etc.
-----
Buff's Pub
317 Washington St, Newtonville, MA 02458
El Pelon
2197 Commonwealth Ave., Brighton, MA 02135
Viva Burrito
66 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114
Toro
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
A couple South End observations
A couple of weeks ago, Siraj was doing some renovations (they've done atleast 3 multi-day projects in the last 2 years, when they opened)... almost looks like they're putting a bar in.
californian looking for a bakery in Boston, ma
Yeah that's a great resource... you might want to check out the job openings on bostonchefs too
http://www.bostonchefs.com/news/restaurant_jobs.php
Toro for brunch?
Yeah I went in the spring (can't remember any standouts, but I'm sure the menu is different now anyway). Tis a good time to go, and they serve outdoors too.
The Beehive
I think this is the defacto sentiment
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/410930#2657514
Brunches that get you excited?
I was a big fan of the Huevos Ranceros at Claremont Cafe (RIP), haven't been to brunch at it's replacement Columbus Cafe nor have I had the version at Metropolis...
inexpensive dinner tonight, south end/sowa area
Delux is great. I'm amazed by the food that they can produce in a kitchen the size of a closet. They do take out as well. I've been probably 20 times over the years and the only quibble I have about it is that sometimes it's difficult to get a table... but recently that hasn't been the case. I went about a month ago on a Wednesday night around 7 and there were only 3 or 4 other tables occupied... no wait whatsoever.
-----
Delux Cafe
100 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116
Looking for a good fresh fish store
They tend to have solid halibut and cod (mmm Captain's cut) and fresh lobster.
Right now there's a special on Wild Salmon (saw it in the window, not sure what breed).
-----
Morse Fish Co
1401 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Food at Foley's in the South End
Thanks for the heads up. I went in for some drinks after work last night. Had a fried haddock sandwich which came with a side of fries and slaw. The back room (the redone one) is perfect. Lots of dark wood paneling, clean, nice lighting, large HD above the bar (although i don't think the have an HD package).
The sandwich was great, served on a brioche-y roll and the fries were decent (as described above, but mine weren't that crispy).
Great to have some food at one of the few pubs in the area.
Did La Verdad alter its shtick?
Unless you're going to pour out the pitcher immediately into glasses (they claim each pitcher is the equiv of 4.5 margs) I recommend buying by the glass. I thought they were among the best margarita's I've had at any bar.
Also note, they lowered the price of their tequila's by the glass.
A Blast at the Barking Crab
Hysterical.
I too like the Crab for what it is. yes you are going to pay more than you should, but it's nice to have some open air and music and fried seafood in the city.
I used to like the noname too... but it's fallen out of favor with me in the past couple of years (not clean, not THAT good, plus the pier stinks!). I've been meaning to try Yankee Lobster further down Northern Ave. I peeked in the other day... looks like it might be a great spot for casual seafood.
