winstont's Profile
Fall 2009 Openings and Closings
I was under the impression that Indigo was already owned by Cala - I went in over a year ago and his then partner was the hostess and said they owned the restaurant
banq... ginger park?
Ok, so I may be out of the loop, but I was telling a friend that I wanted to check out Ginger Park and they said they were walking by the other day and saw that the signs for Banq were still up outside the restaurant, but there was one 'make-shift' looking sign for Ginger Park, but it looked like a temporary one (they described it as similar to the ones you would see on soon to be open stores). So I checked out their website and it says opening September 25th - clearly its two months later, but was there a delay? Is Ginger Park open yet, is it still Banq or is it just closed? I've read about it, but haven't heard anything from actual people that went there - its just starting to remind me of Coppa...
Best / Favorite 5 restaurants on North Shore??
lobsta land, gloucester
thai choice, gloucester
wild horse, beverly - bar menu
organic garden, beverly
marias, gloucester-- my favorite pizza, not sure if its one of those childhood memory favorites or what, but i love it and must get it every time i am up there
Spring 2009 Openings and Closings
I went in to Teranaga yesterday just for an apres work glass of wine and to check out the menu. I sat at the bar with my boss, there were two other parties at the bar and one couple at a table (however this was at 5:30 so I expect it probably picked up later), the waitress who helped us at the bar was very nice and explained the menu. She also brought us over a plate of warm bread with some absolutely delicious olive oil dip. The dip had olives, peppers and some spices -- neither of us could quite figure out what was in it, but it was definitely memerable we were actually just talking about how delicious it was just a minute ago. I wish I could have stayed for dinner and will defintiely be back later this week- and report back.
Brookline Family Restaurant -- brief report
Great report. I always get take out from there with a friend, a sampler apt split between two easy can make a meal -we actually usually rarely finish it in one sitting - and for $15 thats a steal! You can choose four appetizers, I usually get the stuffed baby eggplant, the grape leaves (theirs are by far my favorite in the area), the stuffed cheese phyllo (something I would typically never order, but its addicting there) and either the lentil kofte or taze fasulye (green beans). Its served with their onion, tomato, lettuce salad- other veggies, yogurt sauce and their homemade bread-- delicious!
Bon Savor in JP!
I just had a wonderful dinner at Bon Savor this past weekend. I started with the Rainbow Soup- which was very tasty, it will definitely be perfect in the spring. My DC had the provencal tart and I definitely stole it. He liked, but did not love, the dish while i thought it was fantastic. We then shared the veggie crepe and the peruvian seafood pasta. I LOVED the sauce on the veggie crepe (I asked for extra when taking home my left overs, which the waitress happily gave me) and the red chili linguini used in the pasta dish was also amazing. The service was great and the place definitely has a 'at home' type of atmosphere-- I can't wait to try out their brunch.
Best Cupcakes, for sure!
I have had Sweets several times and they are nothing special- definitely dry and unmemorable, I'd rather make my own from a box.... Party Favors is the way to go
Sunset Bar and Grill
I have to dissagree with some of the above posters- I have never had a stale beer at Sunset and love thier huge selection or draft and bottle options.
I also love thier nachoes, spinach and artichoke dip and have to add in the veggie burger as well (its great and homemade)
Steffies South End (protest?)
Has anyone been by Steffies in the South End this morning? I walk by there on my way to work and noticed a rather large crowd protesting outside the un-opened restuarant. I am not a South End resident myself, but spend a significant amount of my time there and am aware that the neighborhood is less than pleased that the Newbury Street resturant opening another location on Tremont. I was just so surprised, I have never seen a protest like this in the area- does anyone know what exactly is going on?
Has Oleana lost it's luster?
I may have said that i will not be back a little premature, but with so many great reasonably priced restaurants to explore it just doesn't seem worth it to return any time soon.
What i wrote was my experience. Maybe the food & service was just off last night, having worked in the industry elsewhere i know this is completely possible. However, my experience seemed to be consistent with what i have heard recently (on this board and off)
Orinoco in Brookline village
I love Orinoco in brookline village as well! The food and cocktails are fabulous- I love the empanada verde as wll as the plaintains (prepared any way). But, my favorite part is the staff there. I moved to brookline village this fall and by my second visit (which due to lack of funds was two months after the first) the staff still remembered both my and my roomates names, that we were relatively new to the nieghborhood and just genuinely chatted with the two of us as if we were old friends. I love a restaurant that can have really good food & cocktails while allowing you to feel at home!
Has Oleana lost it's luster?
I have to say I had the most disappointing meal ever (I have given this some thought) at Oleana last night. I have been meaning to go there for what seems like years (as a pescatarian it’s silly that it has taken me so long) and had a long standing arrangement to go their with a friend who was visiting the city last night. I had seen this thread so I believe my expectations were brought back down to reality but still...
we started out with three mezzes: white bean pate, warm butter hummus and spicy feta (although at first they brought our olives instead of the feta) all were good, not much better than their sofra counter-parts for the price difference, but at this point I was still quite content with the meal. When the plates were cleared the waiter said he would be right back with our appetizers, but then we waited and waited and waited. 40 minutes later he brings out one of our apts- the ricotta dumplings. i loved the sauce and the dumplings were fair, my DC complained it just tasted like arancini with a good sauce (no taste of ricotta). 5 minutes after the dumplings arrived our friend mussels came. they were HORRIBLE, honestly un-edible. I've had fried mussels before and with the right spices or sauce they can be great (i liked rocca's this summer) but these had no flavor. the sauce didnt taste like anything, honestly absolutely no flavor. the mussels were extremely fishy tasting and overly breaded- even the fired pepper, which our waiter warned was very spicy had no flavor. I hate to complain and at this point we had been there forever so we just didnt eat the mussels and finally attracted the attention of the waiter to ask for the check. there was no visit to ask how everything was, nor was there an inquiry after our dish went relatively untouched
needless to say i will not be back
Saturday Brunch?
I'd suggest one of the many prix fixe brunches currently offered in the South End, I feel like everywhere is starting to have them and they are great for a leisurely brunch. My favorite is Masa’s on Tremont- they have great bfast starters and corn bread to snack on then you get a brunch entrée with free coffee or tea I believe-I never usual have the beverage as I opt for a Bloody Maria instead. I know Gaslight and Union also have them prix fixe as well. And Tremont 647s pajama brunch is always fun and its completely acceptable to “linger” and relax there.
Where's Your Favorite Place for Brunch?
For an not so norm rec I would try Otherside cafe-- i love thier huevos rancheros -- its over thier out-of-this-world veggie chilli or the swan french toast, which is stuffed with cream cheese and walnuts I believe, I usually go with my SO and we split both. I also want to second the MASA rec-- I would suggest the santa fe eggs benedict.
"Don't Open That Bag!!!".....because I'll eat the whole thing.
TJs chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzels are amazing! omg-- I am not much of a snaker nor do I really have a sweet tooth but wow, I will eat the entire bag- even if it makes my stomach hurt
my other vices: Kettle Chips Buffalo Blue- wow
Lively Mexican Restaurant for B-day Dinner?
I had my birthday at Ole this past year and it was fantastic I would definitely recommend it! They have great food- the atmosphere is fun and they also make guacamole at your table which I always feel adds lively/interactive points to the vibe
Best Pancakes in Boston
Pour House's are actually amazing-- i was coaxed into brunch there by a friend who knows my weekness for anything pumpkin, especially pancakes (i have to boast about my own which i stuff with brownsugar/nutmeg tofutti cream cheese). I would never go there other wise, but those pancakes are definitely worth it-- I havn't been in this fall, thanks for the reminder!
Shanti: delivery Indian in Southie
I love Shanti! and yes if you order the food spicy be prepared. I also want to suggest you try the Peshawary Naan its stuffed with raisins, almonds, coconuts and pistachio & amazing! I was very hestitant when a DC ordered it- but wow and it really actually went very well with the spicy food.
Gloucester/Rockport/Cape Ann-Ethnic?-Vegetarian?
thats a common misconception- the owner of Lobsta Land is the brother of one of the co-owners of Alchemy, which is owned by a husband and wife along with another financial backer (i think he is still involved).
First few dates...
Delux in the South End is a great first few dates destination. My boyfriend and I went a few times when we first started dating (that was senior year in college- so its easy on the student budget). I love the food and its really low-key, yet intimate. There are also tons of different random objects on the wall and the music is great- both were key conversation starters.
Gloucester/Rockport/Cape Ann-Ethnic?-Vegetarian?
I was not a fan of Alchemy at all, but recently have had two really good meals there- once for lunch and the other take out dinner. Prior to that my dinning experience there had been either nothing special or outright bad.
Gloucester/Rockport/Cape Ann-Ethnic?-Vegetarian?
I would definitely recomend Alchemy I have had a lot of great meals there (just a heads up compared to most places in the area the portions are smaller for the price- similar to what you would find in Boston,but unusual for Gloucester) - Lat 43 also has options as well (same owners) but I haven't been happy with anything I have ordered there really. I second the recomendation for thai choice- its been a favorite of my family's for years. Also, Jalepeno's on main street is really great - i love thier veggie enchiladas (if you order them with mole sauce there are fantastic) as well as thier cactus salad. I know you said not really italian- but if you are in the area you have to grab a sandwich from Virgilio's bakery- thier eggplant supreme is to die for! and its served on thier fresh baked St. Josephs rolls. you can walk across the street and get some half-dipped in chocolate cookies from cafe sicilia (sorry the name of the cookies escapes me) and have a great lunch - if its warm enough i'd suggest a picnic by the water.
Beverly is also a quick drive- if you take route 127 from Gloucester its a gorgeous route along the water and there are several veggie options there- Organic Garden on Cabot Street is an amazing raw restaurant and Tapas Corner (which is just off Cabot- not sure what street, but they do have a website) had great wraps and serves lunch.
for the outstanding onion rings and incredible fish i would definitely stop by Lobsta Land- thier onion rings are highly addictive and they also have great veggie options
Current consensus on best "everyday" sushi?
I definitely would like to throw Symphony Sushi out there- I lived down the street for years while attending Northeastern and was completely spoiled. There sushi is rather inexpensive, yet somewhat imaginative and consistently very good. Since moving to Brookline Super Fusion has been my stand in, but honestly it doesnt compare
Help- food recs off 93 in NH this weekend!
Hi-- I will be driving up 93 from Boston on Saturday morning to go backpacking in the presidential range. We have a tradition of getting donuts or some sort of glutinous breakfast treat on the way up for the trip (we leave very early and need to stock up on calories for the strenuous weekend ahead- also, we both eat very healthy so this is our big "pig out" so I want it to be the ultimate treat). Does anyone have any suggestions for a place to stop at on the trip- preferably in MA or the early stretch of 93 in NH.
Also, we will be driving back on Monday afternoon or evening and have a tradition of getting pizza on the way back-- in the past we have stoped in Lincoln at a mediocre spot (the name escapes me) , but after a weekend on freeze-dried backpacking food and energy bars I was hoping to find some pizza on the way back that is a little more enjoyable.
I'd love any and all suggestion-- and we are not strict on the cuisine as well, if you know a great bagel spot for the way up, i'd love to hear (we just need to be able to eat breakfast in the car to save time) and for the way home we are open to any yummy semi-guilty pleasure food suggestions (heads up we are both pescatarians). In the past we have had to just try our luck getting off the highway and looking around- thus far we have not found any worth-while spots and would love to find a staple backpacking trip food destination.
help: food stops in NH off 93 this weekend!
Hi-- I will be driving up 93 on Saturday morning to go backpacking in the presidential range. We have a tradition of getting donuts or some sort of glutinous breakfast treat on the way up for the trip (we leave very early and need to stock up on calories for the strenuous weekend ahead- also, we both eat very healthy so this is our big "pig out" so I want it to be the ultimate treat). Does anyone have any suggestions for a place to stop at on the trip- preferably in MA or the early stretch of 93 in NH.
Also, we will be driving back on Monday afternoon or evening and have a tradition of getting pizza on the way back-- in the past we have stoped in Lincoln at a mediocre spot (the name escapes me) , but after a weekend on freeze-dried backpacking food and energy bars I was hoping to find some pizza on the way back that is a little more enjoyable.
I'd love any and all suggestion-- and we are not strict on the cuisine as well, if you know a great bagel spot for the way up, i'd love to hear (we just need to be able to eat breakfast in the car to save time) and for the way home we are open to any yummy semi-guilty pleasure food suggestions (heads up we are both pescatarians). In the past we have had to just try our luck getting off the highway and looking around- thus far we have not found any worth-while spots and would love to find a staple backpacking trip food destination.
Persephone's $100 sandwich
Im not sure how many of you read Thrillist- but I just read (and then confirmed with thier website) that apparently Persephone has added a millionaire dollar sandwich "to flip off the market meltdown" - its made with Jamón Ibérico de Bellota sherried onions, Manchego, and Membrillo mustard. I was honestly appalled when reading this. How spending a $100 on a sandwich be in any way justifiable?
...its followed by a little blurb on Union's free bar bites and $5 drink specials-- I'm pretty sure thats a more reasonable special in our current economy
Dinner at Orinoco in Brookline
I had a fantastic meal at the Brookline location a few weeks ago- we sat at the bar on a Sunday, as someone had suggested on this board. My DC and I had fantastic drinks- I am not sure what they were because the bartender made them to our tastes. I absolutely love when you can have a conversation with a bartender who actually then becomes enthustastic about making the ideal drink for you. We shared the an plantain appetizer, an arepa with black beans and cheese and the verde empanada-- all were amazing. I especially loved the arepa and the salad that comes with the empanada- well the empanada as well, everything was really fantastic. It was a busy Sunday night, but the service was great- very personal. New to the neighborhood we even made friends with some of the staff, who continue to wave to us whenever we walk by. I havent been able to get back there yet, but after posting today I think I may have to stop by this Sunday.
T Rex -- Brookline Village in General
Thanks for all the recommendations!!
I actually went to T Rex last night with three other people. We got there around 8:30 so there was not a line- but that does not mean it wasnt slow. Let me preface this by saying all of us have or do work in the restaurant industry and have at one point worked an opening- so we did sympathize with their plight but the experience was less than desirable. They have some tempting burritos and I decided to go with the veggie burrito with pumpkin seed mole sauce, another had the same with chicken and the other two had chicken mole. We took turns ordering and the first two of our orders came out right away (one chicken mole and mine) yet, when my order was called out they said with chicken, but handed me my slip. When I asked if there was meat in the burrito and explained I was a vegetarian she looked at me puzzled and said she did not know- then turned to the burrito maker who also didn’t know. He then proceeded to unwrap my burrito and stick his bare hand into it to check for chicken- when he discovered there was no meat he then suto- wrapped it back up and put it on the counter where the girl who had taken my order put it back in the bag, mean while dropping some of my filling onto the counter before handing it back to me. Without a word she just went on to what she had been doing. The third order came out wrong - but at this point we were starving and had been waiting for like 20 minutes so she said she would take it anyway-- and then the fourth order never came. A customer came in ordered and was served as we stood their waiting for our last burrito. Finally we asked about it and they made it up- again with no apology. After returning home I discovered my burrito, which I ordered to contain veggies, beans, light on the rice, no sour cream and guacamole – consisted of veggies, sour cream and copious amounts of rice- no guac or beans – and my “hot” sauce was beyond mild salsa (mind you they even handed me back the slip with all my requests, so I can rule out that the person who took my order in fact heard it correctly). I was absolutely starving so I enjoyed the burrito based on the pure fact that it was edible food- so my critic of the actual burrito itself may not be very accurate. I probably will return – it’s a block from my apartment and I did enjoy the pumpkin mole sauce (although they do need to put a lot more in the burrito) – I don’t usually rant about restaurant experiences but this one really just put a damper on our evening
T Rex -- Brookline Village in General
I was wondering if anyone had stopped in T Rex Tacqueria in Brookline Village. I know its rather a long shot since they just opened today, but I am debating dinner tonight and wanted to hear the scoop.
Also, I just moved into Brookline Village from inside Boston and am looking for any food recommendations. I don't know the area to well and my roommates and I are all currently rather busy, at least enough that we don't really have the opportunity to scope out possible dinning/ take out destinations. I did grab some take out from Brookline Family Restaurant the other day and loved it, but haven't really investigated the culinary scene further. All of us love all types of food (two are pesco-vegetarians) and have been spoiled by our previous proximity to great restaurant. I would really appreciate any restaurant or take out recommendatios - we really need to build up our list (staple neighborhood sushi, pizza, indian, thai... etc.) Thanks in advance!
New Masa opening in Woburn
I am almost positive it will be similar to the south end location which does specialize in southwestern food including tapas. I was at the bar in the se restaurant about a week ago and was discussing it with a staff member, who gave the impression it would be similar to the origional. ps. I love thier food- especially the brunch, honestly its my favorite- so continue to get excited gg.
