Louis's Profile
Las Palmas de Cuba (Hanover)
Yes, this restaurant needs help as far as customers are concerned. It is "dead" or quiet a lot. We have also tried a couple of lunches there and the food quality is very uneven. The service is ok, but the kitchen seems uninspired. I hope this gets fixed, because I too, like having the variety of choices nearby
Favorite restaurants along Route 58
We have, on occasion, taken the beautiful country road, that goes from Weymouth to Wareham. Especially during the summer when Route 3 is insane with stop & go Cape Traffic, we have found Rte. 58 to be virtually empty, except for some spotty local traffic, which makes it one of the best alternatives to and from the Cape. I would like to get some feedback about favorite restaurants along this highway, or within a mile or two of it. I am in hopes of discovering a new little treasure, that lies along one of my favorite country rides.
Uncle Charlie's in Weymouth?
It's on the corner of Route 18 & Route 58. Next to the Weymouth T stop.
Uncle Charlie's in Weymouth?
It's a breakfast/lunch crowd at that time of day. Breakfast is served all day until they close. Lunch specials are on the board early, and are available most any time. The food is a top notch mix of diner & coffee shop. I have never had a sub standard meal there. Their fish dish specials are especially well done. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entree's, all the same. Someone in there is a short order wizard. Worth a try, anytime.
Quick dinner in Braintree
Is the Olympian diner in South Braintree still there? Last time I looked Diner was gone, only the sign, on the right side of the St. headed south, was left. This was a super diner, but I think it's been gone for some time.
Decent restaurants on the South Shore (excluding Quincy)?
Strawberry Fair in Norwell, Bridgemans in Hull, Bendelebeans burrito parlor (order the BBQ pork ribs) in Pembroke. Theses are just a few that will fill your requirements.
Scituate area?
Indeed, you cannot make a mistake at DeNeros. Sad to say that is not true of their new place on the beach. Perhaps they are still settleing in, however the food quality between the two places are like night and day. For me, the extraordinary views of the beach location, cannot make up for a ho-hum menu.
That said, if you do navigate to the beach, then Brdgemans is the place to go. One of the Whalberg brothers is the owner chef, and a wizard at the oak fired grill and ovens. Located almost across the street from DeNero's new beach restaurant, it has become the "go-to" restaurant when in that area.
Brockton Fuller Art Museum
About a mile away, in downtown Brocton, on south main st. is the Cape Cod Cafe. Their pizza and greek salads are legendary. However I have come to discover that everything else on their menu is also outstanding. Thirty five years in the same place. They must be doing something right.
THE CUBAN SANDWICH COMES TO THE SOUTH SHORE
At last! a sandwich Cubano, worthy of it's reputation, can be found in Hanover, at the new Las Palmas de Cuba restaurant. A joint venture in Mexican & Cuban cuisine. The Mexican half, is represented by the staff of well established El Sarape, in Braintree. It is the Cuban half that is a new and an unexpected delight to the south Shore dining scene.
We had the wonderful chicken livers in spicy tomato sauce appetizer, a la El Sarape style, a lucious cup of Cuban black bean soup, and a couple of Sandwich Cubano's. As everyone knows, it's the bread that makes this sandwich, and the fresh baked, crispy, pressed loaf that comes with this sandwich certainly does the trick. Served with black beans & rice this is slightly more than a light lunch.
I plan to return real soon to try the Arroz con Polo, and the baked cheese and chorizo appetizer that I saw go by, while waiting for our meal to arrive.
They are located at: 871 Washington st,(the old jordano's) Hanover, ma. 781-829-0650
South Shore dining for Bostonian
since you might be considering the downtown Hingham area, another couple of miles would bring you to DeNero's on the Hull & Cohassett line. This is a fine Italian plus restaurant with many outstanding specials. Ask for the older dining room. Also down the street, on Nantasket Ave, across from the ocean, is Bridgemans restaurant. Chef Paul is a master of the wood fired grill, and his creations, both Italian and American fare,are all delightfuly, a cut above the ordinary.
Antonio's - New Bedford
I suggest you search for New Bedford on this board and read all of my past posts. I have been contributing recommendations on where to dine throughout Bristol County for several years.
That said, my latest discovery on Acushnet Ave is the Cafe Funchal & Lydia's bakery. Here is a link to my post on those two "must visit" treasures.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/315387?user_name=&query=cafe+funchal
Teddie Peanut Butter
I have been using Teddie for many years. Here is a trick that the owner suggested regarding the oil on top, which really works. Since the peanut oil floats to the top when the jar is sitting on the shelf, simply store the jar upside down and the oil will be on the bottom (which will be the new top) the next time you use it. The other trick, is to pour the peanut oil off through a strainer, and use it the next time you need to saute, or fry something in a healthy, high smoke point, monounsaturated cooking oil.
Antonio's - New Bedford
My goodness, What New Bedford are you talking about? How many of the more than 12 Portugese restaurants have you eaten at. Most, are at least as good as Antonios, several better by far. Just around the corner on Bellville Ave. for example, are three fine restaurants. The Churarrascaria Aveirense on Sawyer & Bellville has the best BBQ ribs, & chicken in Bristol County. The M&C restaurant, further down on Bellville, has great meat & pork dishes during the week, and a "fish only" menu on friday's. The Bom Appetito, much further down on Bellvile has several dishes that are as good as anything you will find at Antonio's.
I won't even mention the many fine restaurants on Acushnet Ave or over in the Downtown area of New Bedford, But it is clearly many more than "a few". Are you sure that you have thoroughly explored New Bedford and Fall river? It sounds like you may have missed several of the local treasures.
Pizza in Quincy
Denly's is as close to Regina's or Santarpio's, as you are going to find on the South Shore. Located on shawmut and Lake St., in the jackson square area of Weymouth, It has been in the same location since 1935. Pizza Joints cannot do that, without doing something right. In this case, it's Pizza and evrything else that comes out of the kitchen. Their Sausage and Vinegar peppers is killer, as is their antipasto salad with tuna, their cold cut platter, and their pasta dishes. But make no mistake, it the Pizza that keeps everyone coming back. It a "must visit" for any pie lovers who live as close as Quincy.
The best dining near Exit 9 off Route 3/Plymouth/Kingston
Just off the exit 9 ramp, headed toward Plymouth, is Carmella's. One of the best Italian restaurants in whole area. It is owned by the Mamma Mia's family of restaurants, one of which is right next door.
Carmella's is more upscale, better staffed, with a fine wine list, and a menu full of made to order delights. I have never been disappointed at this restaurant.
On another note, further down Main St (3A), in North Plymouth, you will find Casa Brasil. This is fine Brazillian cuisine, at reasonable prices. Their Rodizio alone (Brazilian Barbeque), is worth the visit. I include a link to a previous post which describes an earlier visit.
http://www.chowhound.com/search/std?q=casa+brasil&board_id=13
The 27th Annual Acushnet Apple-Peach Festival.
As a reminder, on Sept. 9 & 10, one of the best agricultural fair/feastivals in the state will happen again. Go to the New England Board to read the review of this event.
New Bedford seafood
The restaurant that changes over to a complete fish menu on Friday, is the M&C on Bellville Ave. It's around the corner from Antonio's. Actually, every Portugese restaurant in the NB area, will have many fish selections, or whiteboard specials, on Fridays. Most will keep their regular menus selection available though, in addition to the fish specials. Considering that the Portugese fishing fleet is docked right there, you can never be wrong, ordering fish in New Bedford, no matter what day it is.
Unfortunately, the popularity and name recognition of Antonio's, has caused many new chowhounds to the area, to overlook some truly great restaurants in the very same community. The M&C, previously mentioned, along with the Churascaria Aveirenese, and the Bom Appetito, are all located on Bellville Ave. The Cafe Funchal, amd Mimo's are located on Acushnet Ave. They are, in my opinion, all worthy of a visit, being as good, or perhaps, even better than Antonio's.
inexpensive, but good, olive oil? [Moved from Home Cooking]
There can be no doubt that the Santini Brand Sciclian olive oil at TJ's is one of the best buys for the money,to be found anywhere. The fruitines of these thousand year old olive trees. are a taste treat that one will long remember. My classic test for finding great olive oils, is the one I grew up with. Simply fry a farm fresh egg in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. When you find yourself using the toast to mop out the pan, you have found a keeper.
The 27th Annual Apple-Peach Festival.
For those who missed this event last year, please read my 2 posts on the New England Board.
The 27th Annual Acushnet Apple-Peach Festival.
This is being posted here, because last year many readers missed the posting on the New England Board. About 50 miles, an hour away,on Sept. 9 & 10, one of the best agricultural fair/feastivals in the state will happen again. Yard sales and farm stands line the main street of Acushnet. All leading to the center where the real action takes place. What is less well known, is that Acushnet is home to a variety of the juice filled, succulent, Georgia peach, known here, as "the big white peach". One bite and you become a lifelong fan. It goes without saying, that the apple harvest and localy made ciders, ought not to be missed also. In addition to the freshly picked produce, the women of the community bring their best homade peach, apple, & custard, pies and pastries to market. Along with a variety of homemade foods to select from, the localy made Chorizo Sandwiches are wolfed down, often two at a time. This is an event well worth traveling for.
If that is not enough to satisfy a jaded chowhound, New Bedford and some really great dining destinations, is just next door. At a mimimum, one should visit Lydia's Pastery shop, on Acushnet Ave. in New Bedford, for a slice of the incredible Coconut flan cake, and a cup of coffee.
Hip, young Thai comes to the South Coast of MA - Spicy Lime in New Bedford
Thanks for the great report. As a long time enthusiast of the New Bedford dining scene, I appreciate any new tips that may expand list of cuilinary delights which can be found throughout Bristol county. I will be visiting Spicy Lime, on my next trip to NB.
Pho Yuen Dong, Quincy
No Question! This is certainly the best Vietnamese restaurant on the South Shore, perhaps even both shores. The influence of France's 100 years of Colonization, has not gone without dramatic impact on the creativity of the Asian Psyche. If two cultures were ever meant to come together in fusion, these are the two. What they do with pho,is heavily influenced by the French reverence for stock making. Their Bahn Mi sandwiches are due to the French love of pate' and baguettes. From roasted quail, to grilled pork chops, to mind blowing sauces, the fusion of French and Viet Nam cultures, are indeed a Marriage made in heaven.
That said, the next time you visit Pho Yuen Dong, in Quincy, try the Banh Xeo Appetizer (Vietnamese Pancake).The Goi Tom Salad (Combination salad). Any of their Bun plates (Vermicelli). And any of their chef specials on the inside cover of the menu.
Food oriented "destinations" anywhere in New England
I am a tour operator that specializes in New England motorcoach tours. I must say that day trips, and short weekend getaways, are a favorite pastime of many locals in the New england area. With the exception of Maine, the other five states can be reached easily in a half day or so. This makes the dining and scenic adventures almost limitless.
However, for your trip to Bar Harbor, I strongly suggest that you visit Helen's restaurant on Rte. 1, in Ellsworth, just before you head over to Bar Harbor. Their other restaurant is in Machais which is in the middle of Maines wild blueberry country. Helens, has accordingly become famous for their desserts, especially all things blueberry. They are also well known for their down home traditional New England cooking. From Meat loaf, to fried chicken, to fish and chips, there simply are NO bad dishes at Helens. Big portions, reasonably priced, and the best pies in New England.
For more of my NE reccomendations just do a search on my name.
ISO Waterfront dining on the South Shore of MA
Bridgemans is indeed a fine restaurant with good distant veiws of the ocean. They have added a patio for al fresco dining, and the ocean view is a little better. However the water IS across the street. The wood smoked entre's are all first rate, and worth the trip
Jakes Seafood, is on the Bay side but it offers much better water view seating. Their seafood cuisine is some of the best on the South Shore. Fried, broiled or baked, you can't miss.
No water view, but a real treasure in the same area, is Di Nero's, on the corner of Jerueselem Rd. and Nantasket Ave.in Hull. Their Seafood, Meat, or Pasta specials are all reasonably priced and extraordinarily well done.
Ther Red Parrot,further down on Nantasket Ave. is another interesting restaurant that also has some great ocean view seating.
I have been to all these restaurants, many times, and have never had a bad meal from any of them
Anything worth eating in Hanover...
The Au bon Pain is not in Hanover, it's in Pembroke, exit 12 off of Rout 3 south. If that's where you were, then you are in luck. Just past Au Bon Pain, you will see the entrance to Lowes, Take that right and first left. You will se a small strip mall across from the stop sign. You have found Bendlebeans BB-Q and Burrito parlor. The best pork ribs south of Blue Ribbon, and Redbones will be found right here! All of their Que, is extraordinary. As is their Wings, Tex mex, and sandwich selections. If you are in this area, don't miss this.
If you are really in Hanover, exit 13, off route 3 south. Then you might want to visit Squires, on the right just past the Hanover Mall. Or, further south on route 53 about 2 miles or so, to the Siam Thai Restaurant. Thai food as good as anything in Boston. All these restaurants are open for lunch.
Lunch on upper Cape Cod
We will be spending some time in the Sandwich to Buzzards Bay area tomorrow. We are looking for strong recommendations for lunch in that area. It could be anything from seafood to burgers,to ethnic, as long as it is it falls into the "hidden treasure" group of restaurants. It's been a while since we have been in the area, so any recommendations would be welcome.
Fall River, MA Restaurants
Hello Marachino,
While downtown New Bedford is certainly worth a visit, especialy for the Whaling History. (The Whaling Museum offers a very nice free movie about the old whaling days and what an industry it spawned.) However, the real action for ethnic NB, is to be found over on Acushnet Ave and Bellville Ave. A cruise down both of these streets, will bring you past most of the important things to discover about Portugese New Bedford. NB is also the center for one of the best feast/carnivals, in all of New England. Usualy on the last weekend of July, or the first weekend in August. The oakwood barbeque of seasoned meats, splashed with home made madeira wine alone, is worth the trip.
Trader Joe's organic peanut butter
Any peanut butter with the oil on top, can be fixed by storing the jar upside down on the shelf, at room temp. It's a simple law of physics, oil rise to the top of any medium it is mixed with. So by turning the jar upside down, the oil will always be on the bottom of the jar, when you are using it.
Fall River, MA Restaurants
Glad you enjoyed the recs. When you find yourself in the area again, you might want to try New Bedford. It's 20 minutes from FR, and will expand your options for Portugese treasures, by a great deal. Since much of the Portugese fishing fleet, uses the NB docks as home base, the local markets & restaurants all have fresh, daily caught selections. The Brizillian Churascarrias & Rodizio's are beginning to show up throughout the area, and make a nice addition to the dining scene. You can always search my postings for past recommendations in both New Bedford and Fall River.
Jurys Hotel
Jacob Wirth's, a few blocks from the hotel, near the Wang center, can provide an interesting Snday evening. One of the oldest restaurants in Boston, It still offers some of the best German cuisine, and imported beers, in the city. Their Wurst, Schnitzel, and Braten dishes are all worth ordering. Here is their website to give you a better idea:
http://www.jacobwirth.com/
