mjg0725's Profile
Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe, Chelmsford
The Lamb Skewers are very small and he only serves them as a special on the weekend right now. They were $1.50 the last time I got them. He uses a gas grill outside the back door of the restaurant to "properly" cook these. He says they take a couple of days to marinate. They are very small and have a ton of flavor from the cumin and they are nice and spicy due to the chilis. They are very rich, crunchy on the outside and buttery tender on the inside. I would love them inside his flatbread, however, i think they are the best when mixed up in the Biang biang Mian. Gene also agreed they are excellent when mixed with the noodles. Order a few skewers if you want a substantial amount of meat to accompany the noodles.
I would think they are made similar to this recipe:
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/05/lamb-cumin-chiles-recipe.html
I too wish he would really expand on his menu offerings. He seems to be doing well and he has been extremely busy (Place was pack to the gills on Sat & Sun night and all the picnic tables were full outside as well). So, hopefully a menu expansion is in the near future!? One can only hope!
Very excited for the Chow down!
Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe, Chelmsford
Glad to see this place has really taken off on this board. Also glad to see some people that know this cuisine and are raving about it. Cannot believe I am so close to something so unique.
Looks like we'll be getting my wish, maybe as soon as next week! Talked to Gene today and he is planning on adding Spicy Cumin Lamb over his Hand-Ripped Noodles!! He just has to get his small kitchen set up to properly store and prepare the dish.
Since this post I have tried the Liang Pi or Chilled Noodles on the weekend. They are not as thick as the hand ripped ones, but they are as addictive. The sauce is given to you on the side with takeout orders and it is separated into two layers, the top being a rich chili infused oil and the bottom is a vinegar of some type and when combined and tossed on the noodles, it is wonderful. Never had a noodle dish with vinegar being such a predominant flavor before.
As for the Biang biang mian, or House Pulled noodles, I cannot get over how good they are and I am completely addicted to them. Cannot wait to have them topped with lamb.
Best bets at Chelmsford Rt.4 rotary Starbucks?
This is my regular Starbucks Grey. They do an excellent job here, better then most locations. They recently renovated it and all the furniture is new. As mentioned, they have a clover system here and you can select your beans. They also roast a Dark, Medium and Blonde roast. The Blonde roast is probably what you want to try if you like lighter coffee.
Food items? Not too sure on that one. I would not plan on getting a dinner there. Maybe a sweet to go with your coffee?
Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe, Chelmsford
More from Southern NE Thread.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/819510
Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe, Chelmsford
I have been once recently. Never had cuisine like this before going here. The Menu, which you can see here from FB ( https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/388453_285729878152571_276655392393353_831223_272047198_n.jpg ) is very small and lacks variety IMO.
The Hand Pulled Noodles were very thick and toothsome. They only had one prep with them however and I believe it was chili powder, some green I could not identify, Cilantro, oil and an overpowering pile of garlic. I would request to go easy on the Garlic next time, or take some out myself.. Never had noodles that were anything like this before. They were excellent and I feel that he needs to incorporate many more dishes with these noodles, like the famous Cumin Lamb from Xian Famous Foods.
The Pork flatbread was ok, not sure I would get it again. Loved the crunchy soft texture of the flatbread, however the pork filling in mine was lacking any real flavors other than the pork itself. Too one dimensional. It was very small as well.
On the weekends he makes the Xian Chilled noodles by hand.. Been meaning to get back for these because they look pretty special. He said only on the weekends because of the amount of work involved in making the noodles.
Would like to see what others think of this place that might have had this cuisine before!!
Where to buy homemade pita
I get mine in bulk at Georges bakery in Methuen & I freeze them immediately. Then reheat in micro fine & they taste like fresh...
Knife sharpening for Japanese knives
+1 for Patti. She takes wonderful care of my Global knives. http://www.ontheedgeknifesharpening.com
Anyone been to the Lowell seafood market next to Hong Cuc?
Nope, looks nice though. Sounds too healthy for me :>)
Anyone been to the Lowell seafood market next to Hong Cuc?
I went in once because you asked about it and I was curious. Never again though! Very dirty and rotten smelling place. No fish to speak of in the place, some huge sacks of steamers and periwinkles that were in a filthy, broken down, open top fridge (unit like you would see the beef presented in Market Basket). Three huge pools bins with water running in them to circulate, with no lobsters or fish to be found in them, water smelled gross. Assorted grocery items. I was in and out and could not deal with the stench. Place should be boarded up IMO.
Pizza slices: variety & high quality?
Pizza King in Lawrence has a couple of pies out for slices each day. Best one I have ever had is their Spinach slice. They make a spinach and cheese mixture that they dollop on this pizza and put in their Spinach pies that is sublime. They also do a Turkey BLT pizza that is also great. Easy on and off of exit 43 on RTE 495 and you do not venture into any dangerous hoods if you take that exit because it's basically 2 blocks from the exit.
Past review:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/659401
Hatchland Dairy Egg Nog?
Info, have you tried Shaw Farm Eggnog? You must if you haven't...
Moved from North End to North Andover....Need help please.
Lots of ideas in these past threads:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/659401
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/346959
Route 4 Donuts - Billerica
http://route4donuts.webs.com/apps/photos/
Saw this new donut/breakfast shop @ a couple of local Farmers markets. Huge 5-6" round donuts that looked amazing. Owner claims to put a lot of love into them. Anyone try them yet?
ISO Fresh or Frozen Pasta
Fior D'Italia has some of the best frozen gourmet ravioli I have ever had. They sell in a few select gourmet food stores around town, but it is best to check them out at a local Farmers Market (Most are North of Boston, but they come down as far as Dedham). They bring about 15 types of Ravioli's and pastas to the markets they attend. They also constantly update their Facebook site, so you can find more info there.
http://www.thepastaman.com/wheretobuy.html
Finally had the roast chicken at Hamersley's
Or here:
http://www.starchefs.com/GHamersley/html/GHamersley_roastedchicken.html
Native corn
I know this holds true for early corn, but the late summer corn easily stays fresh and just as sweet for a few days+ in my fridge. I find this especially true for Verril's many varieties. It seems to be bred for longevity now.
Gaspar's Turkey Linguica now @ Market Basket
Hog
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/gaspars_2159_1310598.jpg
Gaspar's Turkey Linguica now @ Market Basket
Been hoping to see this product land at my local MB as they carry a lot of this local companies line. Better nutritionally than the regular pork version with no sacrifice in taste, just a bit more crumbly.
http://www.gasparssausage.com/gasturlin1.html
Crush Pizzeria, Nashua?
I wanted to repost and mention that the FB coupon is far more valuable. It is buy one pizza & get one free after 4pm, valid 6/1 thru 6/5.
Crush Pizzeria, Nashua?
They are now open and the menu is on their site. http://www.crushpizza.com/
Looks incredible, dying to try it. If anyone has, please post.
They also have a coupon on their FB site for 50% off the second pizza after 4pm.
CRUSH TWEETUP?
They are now open and the menu is on their site. http://www.crushpizza.com/
Looks incredible, dying to try it. If anyone has, please post.
They also have a coupon on their FB site for 50% off the second pizza after 4pm.
Any good chow in Bethlehem, PA
In town for a busy weekend with a wedding. Would love to have a Philly Cheese Steak or a Roast Pork sandwich without traveling too far, is this a possibility? Googling only brought up Carls Corner...
If not, are there any other local favorite chow spots to hit? Bakeries, Coffee/Cafes?
TIA for any guidance!
Wilmington Recs
AJ's Kitchen (http://ajskitchen.net/default.htm)
Great quality red sauce Italian subs/calzones here. Choose from two types of Homemade rolls baked each day. Meatballs are highly recommended by me.
Bahn Mi Baguettes (just the bread) Source?
Honestly, it's only the second place I have tried in Lowell. The first place was a few years ago and I do not remember the name of it because I was not too impressed by it.
I have had the Shredded Chicken and BBQ beef at Hong Cuc and enjoyed them both. They have a one page menu with different combos on it to choose from as well.
Bahn Mi Baguettes (just the bread) Source?
Haha, second fridge. They hold up perfectly for takeout because you put the sauce on them when your ready to eat em. Love the fish sauce with this dish myself...
Bahn Mi Baguettes (just the bread) Source?
If your in Lowell, and you love Vermicelli bowls, you gotta hit Pho 88. So fresh and so tasty. Get it with some type of BBQ meat or shrimp and take it home for dinner (assuming your have a Bahn Mi or two for lunch). Toss it all together with fish or peanut sauce in a big bowl and you have quite a meal for yourself.
One of my favorite eats in the area! Pho 88 is good for so many dishes.
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Pho 88
1270 Westford St, Lowell, MA 01851
