gini's Recent Activity
Chowhound Post
Toraya - the hidden gem
I was there two weeks ago - lots of great stuff on the specials board, including the beef tongue and the soft shell crab. I'll also say that their chirashi is probably the best in Boston: interesting fishes, perfectly seasoned rice. Just an idea if you don't want sushi!
Chowhound Post
Friendly Toast Revisited
I've been twice for lunch, satisfied once and disappointed once.
The first time we shared a steak sandwich - sliced roast beef, onions, mushrooms and cheese on a Kaiser bun. It's was fine, lunch truck acceptable even, but for $11, I was shocked - how can a simple, greasy, perfectly fine sandwich be that much money?
The second time, we shared an avocado burger with homefries and a side of sweet potato fries. The great: sweet potato fries. The bad: homefries should not be burnt. The ok: a pre-formed greasy patty with tasteless avocado on a boring bun.
Agree with beetlebug that the coffee is weak.
Basically, I'm not impressed by food. If I wanted a greasy burger, I'd at least go to Charlie's where they give you two of them for half the price.
Chowhound Post
Italian Beef - downtown
I didn't get the Italian Beef, but the chicken fried steak sandwich at Ronny's yesterday was just awesome - topped with hot peppers and tomato sauce, that sandwich held us over all evening.
Chowhound Post
Dinner within walking distance of River Hotel
We ended up walking down to Mercat a la Planxa for a 9pm dinner reservation Saturday night. The restaurant and I started off on bad footing. Firstly, we did not sit down until 9:30pm. Having seen the dining room, this was certainly due to tables just not flipping rather than some mid-market-let's-pretend-fashionably-late-is-actually-fashionable bourgeois snobbery. Additionally, why is there practically nowhere to wait? If you're going to have seating issues like that, make somewhere for us to sit for 30 endless minutes. Secondly, due to the hard surfaces and general noise level, the bass music was pumping so loud I actually started to get a headache. The tables seemed so far apart that conversation was practically impossible.
However, after the music was turned down and the food started to arrive, I began to enjoy myself immensely.
The bread to start was evidently quite good. Unfortunately, tomatoes make me sneeze, so I couldn't take part.
Then started a round of rather good, though not extraordinary starters: mixed olives, a plate of 3 cheeses, each with an interesting accoutrement, but really, who can say no to nutella? Pimientos de padron were quite tasty, and much less slimy than other versions I've had. Meanwhile, catalan sausage & beef meatballs were rich and a little spicy.
A flatbread of shortribs, horseradish, parmesan & bacon was pure comfort food. The Arroz Con Morels was earthy, though dripping in truffle oil, but as one of my DCs pointed out - can that ever really be a bad thing?
Butternut squash dumplings were the star of the night. In fact, our waitress, thinking we had never received it, accidentally brought us another. Serendipitous for sure - the vinegary beech mushrooms cut through the lamb ragout expertly.
Ubiquitous patatas bravas were even rethought here - instead of quarters, these cylinders were buttery and soft inside. Muscovy duck breast with duck confit & foie gras crêpe was good, but not outstanding, the actual crepe itself being a little too chewy. A serrano wrapped tuna was salty and delicious as well.
We finished the evening with chocolate croquettes, banana marshmallow and rosemary olive oil - incredible.
I am so happy I stuck it out afterall, the dinner could not have been more delicious nor the staff more accommodating and attentive. Thanks for a lovely trip, Chicago!
Chowhound Post
Dinner within walking distance of River Hotel
Thanks for your response. I've been to Harry Carey's - not really my scene. I like the looks of Bin 36, but I think I'd really like to get to Avec next time I'm in town. There's just never enough time!
Chowhound Post
Dinner within walking distance of River Hotel
I'm looking for a place to have dinner within walking distance of the River Hotel on Saturday night for four. Roughly $50 a head without liquor, has to have non-fish options on the menu, excellent food, interesting flavors, and entrees, not just small plates.
So far my short list is:
Frontera/Topo
Vermilion
Sayat Nova
Avec/Blackbird and Mercat a la Planxa - are they too far to walk to? We're all relatively in shape people - I walked from the Fairmont to Gino's East last week, but I don't want it to be a schlep.
Are those my best options or should I look elsewhere?
I dislike Gino's East; prefer Due. Like Hugo's; loathe Shaw's, just to give you an idea of my tastes.
Thanks in advance.
Chowhound Post
Homemade Corned Beef Hash-Boston Breakfast
Meh, it might not be "traditional", but it's damn tasty. Really, lots of people eat steak 'n' cheese...
Chowhound Post
Homemade Corned Beef Hash-Boston Breakfast
Soundbites is pretty good, but my absolute favorite is actually at Grafton Street in Harvard Square. Before you groan, just imagine - a corned beef hash that is not the consistency of dog food, but rather a rough chop of corned beef chunks and bell peppers and potatoes, with two poached eggs and melted cheddar.
Chowhound Post
JO JO TAI PEI-Recommendations
Was just there recently with a chowfriend - the mini steam buns are the best I've had in Boston for sure. Also loved the three cups cuttlefish and eggplant (you can combine as many ingredients as you want if you don't want to be a purist). The only let down was the scallion pancake with roast beef - too greasy with not enough sauce to cut it. The version at MuLan is definitely superior, even if it's not exactly the same.
Chowhound Post
solo diner - 2 breakfast/lunch one dinner in Boston...help!
If O Ya isn't gwh912's cup of tea, a wonderful place to get sashimi is Uni in the Elliot Hotel. Look, a recommendation and not just a snarky response!
Chowhound Post
Annapurna New Review
I'm glad someone's eating well at Annapurna. We went twice in August and have really felt no need to return.
The momos were watery and flavorless on both visits, which is just a sad situation. Meanwhile, last week at House of Tibet Kitchen, I almost fell out of my chair - their momos are so good. And if you really want to watch your arteries clog, try them fried. My god.
We've also had the saag paneer which we both thought was tasty, but not a reason in itself to return. On the other hand, the Shogo Ngopa at HOTK was good enough to order twice. It's potatoes & vegetables, but the spicing is delicious.
The few Afghani dishes we tried, including Kourma Challow, were made with the frozen vegetable mix of carrots, peas, and lima beans. That makes me sad.
It's probably just my own cultural incompetence at mixing Tibetan, Nepali and Afghani, but I just couldn't find anything here to return for.
Chowhound Post
Gargoyles table v. bar
Actually, there is, above the small sitting area in the bar. They often turn it on for Sox games (I caught one there last week).
Chowhound Post
Trina's Starlight Lounge to replace the Abbey
Bob, I was sipping the cilantro gimlet when the meatloaf arrived, which went perfectly well. They also have a decent wine list and a small beer list, so you could always choose those instead. They have two salads - a chopped and a spinach, a soup and a baked haddock over sweet potatoes and spinach on the menu - all much healthier choices than we decided on.
Chowhound Post
Trina's Starlight Lounge to replace the Abbey
Drinks we tried: Starlite cocktail, white rum, parfait amor, lemon, bubbles - sweet, but a tasty; all heart cooler, Saint Germain, Campari, white wine - mmmm cough syrup; sienna, vodka, basil syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice - overwhelming on the basil, but not bad; the modern, cilantro infused gin gimlet, sweet 100 tomato - smelled like furniture polish, but tasted rather light and savory; the gentleman, Buffalo Trace bourbon, Belle de Brillet, lemon juice - brilliant; z’s negroni, pink grapefruit infused gin, Carpano Antica vermouth, Aperol - definitely my favorite, but I'm incredibly predictable in what I like.
The blue plate special was meatloaf wrapped in bacon with sweet potato whipped. The meatloaf was above-average-diner good, though there was absolutely no need for the tomato sauce at all. Especially when the tomato sauce met the whipped sweet potatoes. Ouch.
The pepperoni roll was not enough like a stromboli for me. Not that it's supposed to be, but I was holding out hope. Really it's just a mini calzone accompanied by a zingy tomato sauce.
The corn dog was exactly what it was supposed to be, and the mustard sauce was tasty as heck.
But the clear winner of the night was a daring move on our part to combine the cheese fries with the gravy fries to make....gravy cheese fries! The gravy is absurdly delicious and the perfect foil for what some would say are overly salted fries. I really should have just gotten two bowls of these for dinner. Yes, they're that good.
Chowhound Post
Gargoyles table v. bar
Haven't seen much talk about the bento box at Gargoyles for Tokyo Tuesdays recently. An update - the box last night had: hoisin duck drumstick, as delicious as it is in the entree version; tuna poke, I still do not understand why this is a signature dish - it's fine, but there are so many things Santos does better; sauteed mussels with noodles, tasty; rice with vegetables, was the rice supposed to be crunchy? I have no idea.
DC was definitely happy with the choice, though I agree it's rather ordinary. I was far happier with my lamb bacon, tomato and lettuce sandwich and a bowl of butternut squash bisque. That's right, lamb bacon. Freaking delicious stuff.
Chowhound Post
Noir's $5, $4, $3, $2, $1 menu is great!
I think it's certainly a good deal quantity-wise, but of the dishes I've had: mixed nuts; spinach, bacon and gruyere dip; grilled shrimp & feta pizza; watermelon salad; and duck sandwich (does not get happy hour pricing), only the dip was actually worth eating. Their cocktails though are definitely worth stopping in for.
Chowhound Post
Favorite spots in town to watch the game with good chow?
Come on you know the BoBos at Chez Henri would benefit from a Massacre (roller derby) game at the Shriner's auditorium. The beer is beer and the food is...crap.
Chowhound Post
5 weekends on the Vineyard: some thoughts
To continue the diary - State Road last night:
We split:
lobster and green bean tempura - light and lovely batter, nice and salty
artichoke fritters - i felt these were soggy and flavorless, but others quite liked them
seared pork belly with puy lentils and poached egg - rich, fatty, textured; the lentils especially were delicious
tomato and yellow bean salad - a perfectly nice showcase of local produce
For my main I had a grilled sirloin with green beans, Roquefort fritters, and pommes Anna. Everything was spot on - nicely cooked, well seasoned, interesting flavors.
I also had tastes of the pancetta wrapped cod with cheddar grits - he liked it, but the cod isn't my thing, though the grits were perfect. The fig crusted rack of lamb was delicious as was the special of duck over sweet potato mashed with a corn coleslaw.
For dessert, we were a birthday party, and they kindly made a chocolate bunt cake with the most absurdly delicious icing I've tasted in quite some time.
I really don't mean to rave so crazily about this place, but State Road is right up there with my favorites in Boston - Prezza, Neptune, 10 Tables, Gargoyles...
Chowhound Post
20 Bars in Cambridge I would go to BEFORE Cuchi Cuchi
What's wrong, pumpkin, go on a bad date there?
There's actually nothing wrong with their food or their cocktails, except for being overpriced. Plus, their muddled drinks are actually quite tasty. I can't say the same for some of the places on this list.
Chowhound Post
5 weekends on the Vineyard: some thoughts
What a great recommendation, thanks! I think we're aiming for Sunday, if possible.
Chowhound Post
Labor Day weekend in Austin
We needed a break from Tex-Mex, so we headed to Austin Java for breakfast. I can say that their Vietnamese Iced Coffee was delicious, but their regular coffee was definitely not nearly as good as Dominican Joe's. By the way, where does Dominican Joe's get their cupcakes from? I saw them in several coffee shops this weekend and the black & tan was especially tasty. Anyway, he was not impressed by his spinach omelet, nor the black beans and potatoes, but my toad in the hole was pretty fine. At least the bread was good.
We couldn't stay away from the guacamole for that long and had to stop into Polvos. The pescado torta was absolutely divine, though I think I'd like the bread to be just a bit more bready. Steak fajitas, while overcooked, were definitely flavorful and enchiladas and flautas were also well received. Plus, their horchata was tasty.
The wedding was at Nature's Point on Lake Travis, and I can say that whoever did the catering (Nature's Point?) makes excellent green beans and ranch dressing.
We also hit up the flagship Whole Foods while we were in town - wow! It definitely sets the standard.
So! We did not hit nearly as many places as we could have, but at some point, we were just too stuffed to eat. Thanks for all your recommendations!
Chowhound Post
Labor Day weekend in Austin
Rudy's:
Brisket, moist - dry and flavorless - no smokiness at all.
Sausage - not bad, but more like a kielbasa than anything.
Chopped Beef - absolutely delicious!
So, not a total failure.
Uchi had a 90 minute wait for dinner on Friday night, and we needed a quick turn around for an airport pickup, so we ended up at Zax for two salads that were perfectly serviceable.
For beer we headed to Ginger Man: great beer list, cute outdoor garden, really great local brews on tap.
Breakfast tacos were in order at Jaun in a Million. While the napolitas, chorizo, guacamole and migas tacos were all perfectly nice (especially the chorizo and the napolitas), the Don Juan taco was just foul. A pound of eggs, potatoes, bacon and cheese does not a good breakfast taco make.
We needed to check out the score of the UT game, so we grabbed some friend mushrooms (fine) and frito pie (delicious!) at Doc's on South Congress. I wish we had frito pie in Boston.
The rehearsal dinner was at the Iron Cactus - it had food and margaritas that were edible, but I don't think I'd go back anytime soon.
Chowhound Post
Labor Day weekend in Austin
Thank you for all of your replies!
We got in too late to hit Smitty's and Kreitz's large warehouse and empty parking lot turned us off, so we settled on Black's for our first dinner. We had:
Beef rib: gigantic, moist, smokey and rich - this smelled great and tasted better
Sausage: nice tough skin, fatty, good flavor
Brisket: dry, but tasty, yet I couldn't finish it cause it was like chewing through rawhide. I suppose I like my brisket a bit moister.
We also tried some sides: creamed corn (good), sweet potatoes with marshmellows (felt I owed it to myself), mashed potatoes (light) and corn bread (tasty but drier than an arid desert), and blackberry cobbler (too sweet).
Overall, definitely worth the trip from Austin. That said, our waists are under 30 inches and I don't think we could have tried the tapas style 3 rounds at each place. I'll need to work on getting a bigger stomach.
Chowhound Post
Labor Day weekend in Austin
I'll be in Austin September 3 - September 7 for work and a wedding and I'm looking for help with my eating itinerary. I need help with 2 dinners, 2 lunches and anything in between. We're staying at the Sheraton on 11th Street and will have a car.
The only meals that are set other than all wedding related affairs is lunch at Rudy’s BBQ on September 4.
We like everything, but would love some good BBQ, Latin American/Mexican/Tex-Mex, and beer, and anything else we can't get as good in Boston. I know that Rudy's is not the be all and end all of BBQ, but it's a required engagement.
Places I'm considering:
El Zunzal Restaurant
Polvos
El Arroyo
Threadgill's
Sam's
Lambert's
Roadtrip to: Black's, Smitty's, or Kreiz's
Various bars on 6th St
Thoughts? Opinions? Anything is most welcome. Thank you!
Chowhound Post
5 weekends on the Vineyard: some thoughts
Just continuing the chronicling.
Beach Plum Inn:
Gorgeous views, lovely dining room, insane prices.
I had two specials: a basil & tomato soup with brie and what appeared to be that red pepper jelly favored by so many on top of goat cheese and crackers. The soup itself was superb, though I could have done without the jelly. Halibut in a lemon butter sauce with broccolini and hazelnut risotto. At first I though the risotto was crunchy from the hazelnuts, but it turns out the rice was completely undercooked. Yuck! Fish was perfectly done, but uninspired.
Spicy seared scallops over mango salad for him. Really nice flavor on the scallops, but they could have been seared a bit more. Swordfish with avocado and tomato salsa was perfectly fine.
For $40 an entree, I'd like it to be better than fine, though the appetizers were definitely good. And I guess you could say you're paying for the view. I loved the lighthouse especially. I still need to try State Road one of these times. I think that may finally be a standout for me.
Chowhound Post
5 weekends on the Vineyard: some thoughts
We've been based on Lambert's Cove, with varying modes of transportation: vespa, bicycle, car. Having a kitchen and a deck and a grill and all that has made eating out less of a priority - I'd definitely like to try a couple more places, but for now, some thoughts:
Lobster roll at Grace Church on Friday nights. In a word: fantastic.
Art Cliff: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guid...
Cod cake with eggs for me and a special crab tortilla for him: both completely outstanding. The best lunch/brunch/breakfast I've had in a long time.
Newes From America Pub: http://www.kelley-house.com/dining_ne...
Reuben for me, Fish & Chips for him: both totally fine, but given that we were starved by the time we got there, I'm not sure my taste buds were exactly right. I'd like to try more of their menu.
Seafood Shanty: http://www.theseafoodshanty.com/
Chowder and lobster roll for me, Fish & Chips for him: pretty good chowder, actually, definitely better than The Quarterdeck's version, but interestingly inferior to the version served on the ferry. Also had a perfectly fine lobster roll, but the bun was cold, unbuttered, ungrilled and way too doughy. The fish and chips were again the beer battered variety, but held up well enough. I'd like to try The Atlantic instead, I think.
Black Dog Bakery:
Various times we've had perfectly acceptable muffins and egg sandwiches. Really I just like how quiet and comfortable a place it is to read the paper on Sunday, before church lets out.
Mad Martha's Icecream: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mad-marthas-i...
I had strawberry. It was eh.
Mrs Blake's pies: http://www.seriouseats.com/2006/05/mr...
Sadly, I think the loss of Mrs. Blake has resulted in some inferior pies. Looks like I'm baking from now on.
Chowhound Post
Anything new on Martha's Vineyard
Have you been to State Road yet? http://www.stateroadmv.com/. Relatively new in West Tis.
Chowhound Post
Eastern Standard sub-par
Don't be embarrassed, laura_jean! Every place has their on and off days. Besides, they had Steel Rail on tap that night, which certainly made me happy.
Chowhound Post
Carrot Cake
You just had to bring it up, huh? Now I have to go buy some. Thanks a lot.
Chowhound Post
B-Side to be sold? Say it ain't so
His name is Cousin Dave. I was sitting on the other side of you talking to him. I miss his tie uniform, but thankfully he said he as all the ingredients at Deep Ellum to make B Sidecars. In fact, it was a stipulation in his taking the job. All hope is not lost.
