miiki's Profile
ISO Bread for a Homemade Cuban Sandwich
I became addicted to Cubans following a conversion to meat during my pregnancy and a trip to Florida [best Cubans] 8 years ago. I used HiLo's bread but homemade is much much better. I use Steven Raiclen's "Miami Spice" recipe. Lard is encouraged. It is worth it. I have a bread machine so obviously- not too much time involved. Don't forget the string!
And- don't forget sour oranges for the pork if you can find them.
Re: El Oriental. Their mofongo rules but I think Miami dishes up a mean Cuban. [Admittedly- haven't tasted either in two years!]
Central Square etc...
I don't go out much any more but thanks for reminding me of Rendezvous. I must try it.
I have a lot of fave haunts but these days, when I venture out, Hungry Mother is tops. Reminds me of a more status quo [this is NOT meant in a negative way!] early B-side Lounge as far as hospitality, comfort eats, stellar cocktails. The service is dead on. I live here though so I don't need to venture far. It's cozy, you can linger, the noise level is non-existent: the perfect place away from home.
Where can I find some bizarre foods resturants in Boston?
I am shocked by your cafe comment. I think the Biscuit has marvelous pastries-
They have carbs with heft and not too much sweetness...
Their croissant is perfectly flaky and layered, the brioche, deliciously moist but not soft and wimpy like some...
What is it that you don't care for?
Oh-
On topic. Bizarre foods... not so unusual but tripe soup at Izzy's. Okay- pretty lame.
Basic Thanksgiving buffet?
What about Durgin Park? They're still around aren't they-
That might be perfect for your sitch.
CHICKEN CEASER SALAD, ANYONE???
Hi-
I make my own at home to my own specs since I never really found a Caesar that was properly done.
I do like the anchovy bit though- even if it isn't original.
Years ago- and I mean a decade- Davio's did a nice one as did Papa Razzi. But I have no idea what they are like now.
I will be checking back to see if anyone has something promising to suggest.
Good pasta @ reasonable prices in Cambridge?
intaunas re Daily Catch
Thanks for the update
Sorry I missed the Kendall Sq location
Seems like a trek to the North End is due
Salem- in town. Good /best lunch/early dinner spot?
I am taking my 7 year old adventurous daughter there for a Halloween Day-
We like many things- although she still prefers dissecting the meal or things separate.
Ambience and interesting food is important.
Lunches here in Cambridge/Boston rank as they tend to be less pricey."Ethnic" food a plus.
Anything really stand out there that we can to easily? Public transport and walking.
What place is Salem know for?
Thanks!
Con Sol replaces Atasca
HI-
It was replaced quite some time ago.I found it very unfavorable- sadly, as it is around the corner. And the atmosphere is lovely. The service was lax but sweet- the owner's son.The octopus perfectly cooked.
The seasonings in everything- awful. Underseasoned. Just not adequate. I did speak to the son about it b/c I so want to have this neighborhood place to visit [Oleanna's is too pricey for regular visits] and maybe he inspired his papa to liven it up!
Nice to hear.
Still- my vote goes to Casa Portugal every time- their lunch menu rules!
Good pasta @ reasonable prices in Cambridge?
Thanks everyone!
I have got some good walking distance and also T-worthy pasta places to visit! I will just add that I wish there was a Daily Catch here. I LOVE their squid ink pasta.........but confess that love has languished. been years- are they still up to snuff? My Italian students said yes.
Good pasta @ reasonable prices in Cambridge?
I was craving pasta the other night but could not think of a single decent Italian restaurant in Cambridge.
Recommendations please!
Looking for great eggs in Boston
Mayflower Poulty on Cambridge St in East Cambridge. Which I now see has been mentioned. As an egg freak- I love them! The super jumbo double yoke eggs are fun, filling and make for a lovely deviled egg.
East Cambridge restaurants?
Nobody mentioned Casa Portugal- closer to Inman, on Cambridge, between Prospect and Tremont [it's close to Tremont]- Pricey for dinner, but excellent fare with amazing prices for lunch. Try the Portuguese fries or the grilled squid salad! Always the right amount of food. The usual yummy Portuguese corn bread from Central Bakery. The head waiter is wonderful, the place always feels quite European. AND- unlike the packed dinner hour, lunch time is more peaceful- more liesurely, I much prefer it to Portugalia for its more intimate ambience. [It's smaller and to my mind, more charming.]
I need the restaurant of a lifetime...both food and athmosphere
hi
good luck!
japanese is always lovely but slightly predictable
salts- i went there ions ago and it is romantic
but what about a real surprise?
the hungry mother- kendall square-
good, tasteful, homey food-
charming owners, charming customers lovely ambience-
small, sweet, quaint and intimate but friendly
sort of southern meets french-
it is unique and i think it has a special quality that will accent your spectacular evening but still keep the focus on YOU TWO!
Unique and inventive [are those synonyms?] drinks.
Where to get a good burrito?
I haven't tried the burrito yet at Olecito in Inman Sq b/c I am more of a taco fan but lots of friends have raved. Very fresh!
New fun topic. What was the worst dish you've had and where
This post is a good idea -
In truth- my worst experiences are where good and VERY good money has been spent with sub par results- sometimes silly things- often too much salt, oil, not cooked properly, too much temperature variation but all the same-
Hard earned dollars spent on a totally anti-climatic dining experience.
And the servers- wonderful to start but fade mid-stream.
It is esp disheartening when a beautiful dinner for much less could have been had at home! And done much better with less stress.
By and far my best meals are the cheap ones- good Vietnamese Sandwiches in Chinatown [new place opened, sorry don't remember name but they were good!] where I feel I ate something authentic, truly reasonably priced and so I feel happy. Chacerero though they are climbing in price. But the expansion...
This post is exactly why- cooking at home matters.
Disappointment and dollars wasted when you have a nice night out and it turns out not so nice.
I know- I know. Expectations.
The restaurant business is a tough one. I know from experience!
Worst meal?
Free. Park Street, Some lovely good citizens/church people I believe, giving out meals to people in need. I was a little low, financially, last year and came upon them as I left work so thought why not and I took a cup of corn chowder from them. I was grateful for the fact there is free food. I felt sad that it is so easy to make food taste good no matter the budget.
It was truly reprehensible. How difficult is to mess up corn chowder?
Just add green beans, peas, carrots misc odds and ends, too much flour, crummy milk well-
Still- better than feeling gypped out of $250 for a unsatisfactory meal at a fancy restaurant!
;-) A good reason for volunteering time and your expertise at local soup kitchens!
Good recipes are easy to come by!
New fun topic. What was the worst dish you've had and where
the only thing i get from there is kan sho calamari. that is worth it.
sure the squid is previously frozen but they do a nice job.
otherwise-
just tears.
Toscanini's vs. Christina's
Used to be Toscanini's for their grapenut but now it is Christina's for their sweet cream.
I feel that since T's branched out [selling to local stores etc] their quality diminished. Also, to me but this is purely conjecture- they seem more sweet and cloying than they had before.
Part of it too is attitude amongst servers...
Christinia's is pretty steady- very businessy. People doing their job, Professionally.
But heck- it is an ice cream shoppe! They are nice but a little more heart would be lovely to see. After all- kids so look forward to a cone there!
Toscanini's can vary depending on depth of young person hired. Sometimes very cool, sometimes too cool.
As far as the real deal, bottom line-
To my not expert ice cream palate- Christinia's uses more authentic flavors, their ice cream is creamier & there seems to be more pure ingredients. I think their flavors are more unique and interesting.
This of course, is just my taste buds talking and I am not an ice cream pro. My daughter is however, and she votes for Christinia's.
The neighborhood is nicer too, to hang out while eating your ice cream. Too bad for all the construction in front of Toscanini's because it is off putting.
Both are pretty quality. Maybe it should come down to- do they offer the flavor you like best?
Closest thing to NYC Bagels in Boston - VOTE!
I live in Cambridge. Does Katz's bagels from Chelsea sell anywhere here? In a cafe or store?
And what about Montreal bagel style?
I am guessing that is a new topic.
Will post forthwith.
Great Grilled Pizza (not brick/wood fired oven)
Cambridge 1
Their steak, gorgonzola and arugula with cherry tomatoes pizza is yummy.
Try it with their beer [they used to have their own brewed by ?] or the red
gravel and rocks wine. It is wonderful!
Boston: relocated ice cream, chacarero, Ritz
Still the best! I have been eating there since the owner started out on the street with his vendor kitchen set up. Long lines at lunch so I often call ahead to pre-order.
Try the great Yerbe Mate beverage in lemon. They have other flavors but I prefer this one! Pomegranate, blueberry and peach I think. A nice light refreshing change from heavy juice and soda options.
Chacerrero
http://chacarero.com/
ADDRESS:
26 Province Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone:(617) 367-1167
Fax: (617) 367-1267
and
101 Arch Street
Boston, MA 02108
HOURS:
Monday - Friday 11AM to 7PM
Tacqueria el Carrizal [Allston] vs Olecito [Inman Sq]
I have eaten at Olecito many times. Fresher than the usual Mexican places but the fillings and options and lack of pico de gallo as a side etc a little disappointing. Not ample enough.
I read the great reviews of Tacqueria el Carrizal and it seems to provide more flavorful meat.
Also- heard a Cantina is opening in Union, near the Tacqueria there.
Any comments? Thoughts on good, authentic, inexpensive Mexican.
Thanks!
Olecita
we are regulars-
great prices- healthy fresh authentic mexican food with a unique twist on their posole.
my 6 year old loves the raja taco. i prefer the caritas and the baja is yummy but hold the mayo. too cloying to my mind.
the torta fillings were good but i don't care for the bread- too dry.
nice owners-
inman needed this!
Sushi in Chinatown
Well, unless it has been sold, Ginza's owners are Chinese, not Japanese.
A Japanese friend of mine was an early sushi chef there and prepared excellent sushi and sahimi.
But the atmosphere, to my mind has never been truly Japanese.
For what it's worth.
Everything changes though
Rugelach
Hey all
Yep- the rugelach at C3 is from Nashoba Bakery. As I said- not a rugelach fan but these did convert. Amazing.
M
The best Boston has to offer
Oh yeh!
Cafe Mami in JP for yummy Cubans and Mofongo. The El Oriental is nearby but Mami wins for me. No beer or wine though. Chez Henri [Cambridge] has excellent Cubans [huge diff in price but for a nice nite I would go the Chez Henri and imbibe in some excellent Mojitos along the way. Perfection!
Porter square Exchange- Cambridge- loads of inexp Japanese shops- noodles, sushi etc. Eat at Blue FIn if you want to drink. Cafe Japonaise for dessert!
There are a lot of excellent Japanese places in Boston [read the forum or read comments here] but they are so expensive I pass over.
Happy chowing!
PS Bside- does an excellent brunch Sat and Sun. You might want to hit them then as it is quieter and way more laid back that the evening crowd. Their brunch is fab!
The best Boston has to offer
I thought Tim's had closed down.
Chacerero rules. Don't look for it by Filene's - there is construction happening. Find them on Prince St. off of Bromfield at Downtown Crossing. Don't miss!
Here here to Bukowski's, Bside-
There are a lot of good Pho places- maybe someone can recommend their favorite?
Check out the Taco talk on the Boards as well
Try a Banh Mi [$2.50] at Lulu's Sandwich Shop or New Saigon Sandwich in Chinatown. You will have more cash in your wallet for those Bside cocktails. Food there is darn good too!
Ciao
Tea/High Tea
Hi all-
My 6 year old daughter is a real romantic and loves tea parties. For her 1/2 birthday, I went to take her out for a real "High Tea" experience. Years ago I went to the Ritz for a lovely experience. Haven't done tea in a long while and I need some guidance here.
I recently read about teas around town that a British filmmaker or theater producer??? took his crew to and I can't remember to whom they gave kudos to. The Taj [which replaced the Ritz] did not fare well. Was it at the Park Plaza they found their best cuppa?
Do share - the answer to this and other sweet teaholes in town that aren't the obvious ones...
Thanks
Miiki
