Île de Montréal (Rosemount & St. Andre) suggestions

Thanks! Yes I will be shopping, so any suggestions are good. I'm in an auberge on the Plateau (Mont Royale) visiting friend lives near the RoseMONT station (thanks for explaining that, it was making my GoogleMap searches wacky!) He's not into restos, so I'm organizing that.

I like the idea of Syrian! (Unfortunately, Petit Alep is closed until 6 Jan.) I've only been to Marche Jean Talon once - driving - and I'm not at all familiar with that neighborhood. Thanks again for any ideas!

beacon_hill_boy in Quebec (including Montreal)

Île de Montréal (Rosemount & St. Andre) suggestions

I won't snivel about the temp, but I'm on foot so I'm looking for something in this neighborhood or nearby vicinity, a very nice resto ($$-$$$) and the national cuisine is optional: I'm looking for something that gets good recommendations for a later evening meal (& open in January on Sunday or Monday) from anyone who dines in the area with some frequency. Recommend a particular plat if that's helpful.

Thanks to everyone's good words, I enjoyed a solo meal at LeMéac last night. I found the portions very generous, the service attentive and the atmosphere social. Its an excellent meal for the price, and the experience left me painfully aware how deprived we are in Boston. (I wouldn't necessarily recommend the acceptable house rillette & duck leg confit combo, but I didnt make good choices nor ask for staff advice.)

Thanks to all!

beacon_hill_boy in Quebec (including Montreal)

Central Sq, Cambridge: new & better? (Summer 08)

Follow-up report:
We met at Toscanini's, where my friend has his first ever sundae! (a mini, pistachio,) We take it for granted, but these kind of desserts are almost unknown in the Russian-parts of the East Bloc. He really enjoyed that, very sweet & chocolate-y.

BARAKA was closed at 5:30pm anyway (?) We looked in at Rangzen, but decided to wait to eat later. We walked through Cambridgeport to RIVER GODS: he really liked the atmosphere, and was excited to learn that Шашлык is called "skewers" - he was told by a Canadian language teacher "There is no translation for this food..." Shashlik is a Crimean Tatar word for marinated shish kebab :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shashlik

Walked on to Harvard Square, quenching thirst on a hot night at TEALUXE with lemongrass slushies (not my fave.) I hadnt eaten at VEGGIE PLANET in awhile, and he hadnt eaten 'vegetarian' in the USA, so we split a large black bean pizza. This is one of my absolute favorites - the savory spiced paste on flat dough, fired in the oven is the perfect US fast-food for me. Funky Cambridge ambiance, too. My friend was amazed to discover that "vegetarian" doesnt have to be duul, bland & unoriginal: Belorussian hippies or American punk vegans have sadly frightened off too many diners with their terrible cooking. Veggie Planet proves otherwise!

We ate at SUISHAYA the following night: he thought the miso soup was fish broth hahaha, that's not a first I'm sure. We shared two combos: eel, shrimp, crab, etc. and he was surprised it really didnt taste fishy at all. He said that - so far - of everything new and "exotic" that he's tried, SUSHI is his favorite new cuisine. (We didnt try sea-urchin, partridge egg, or salmon roe, fwiw.)

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Central Sq, Cambridge: new & better? (Summer 08)

Is there an outstanding dish at Baraka? What should we try?

I'm having fun making my Byelo-Russian villager a guinea pig for new cuisines - I find Slav food incredibly dull (lived in the region for two year, and have visited Ukraine twice in the last 2 summers), so I'm genuinely surprised he'll try spicy things. I correctly presumed he'd be a foodie when he told me his favorites are stout (drink) and draniki w/meat (food):
http://en.restoran.ru/spb/news/top_10/from_the_belarus_tab

His English is excellent and he's highly educated - so it's a blast interrogating him on the different flavors & dishes we try. I should be filming vids!

Southern BBQ will be a shock - need to find something in the Boston metro area, T-accessible.

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Central Sq, Cambridge: new & better? (Summer 08)

"His work attire would have to be pretty dirty and ratty to keep him out of most Central Sq. places." hahaha! I know what you mean ; )
Still, he'll be in shorts and a tshirt. I don't know how customers dress at Baraka, I popped in at 4:45pm to speak with the woman (owner?) dressed in black.

I never really favored Ethiopian myself - perhaps I'll give Asmara another try.
I've never heard of Coast Cafe! Must research, then... Thanks!

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Central Sq, Cambridge: new & better? (Summer 08)

It's a pretty densely-packed area (Cambridgeport-Central Sq.) and I see there hasn't been a thread in almost four months, since the 'Central Square Breakdown' thread in March. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/503360

I've not eaten in this neighborhood alot in recent years, so I'm looking for an update on mid-range/cheapish options (not Rendezvous, Central Kitchen or Green Street, all of which I've enjoyed in the past.) I'm dining with a college-age East European who's a budding gourmande; his (work) attire won't be suitable to the nicer yuppie joints.

He's had his first taste of Mexican - FIRST salsa & chips?! - at EL PELON Taqueria (Fenway) and first SE Asian, at PENANG (Chinatown) - FIRST shrimp!!! He wants to try sushi, but I don't think there's anything good nearby : correct? That can wait, but I'm open to suggestions: BLUE FIN (Porter Exch) ?

I'm not sure, but I'm short-listing the following CENTRAL SQ. RESTOS as weekend dinner candidates, and I'd like to know if anything new/improved/quirky should be considered.

RANGZEN : Tibetan ...Ate here 2 winters ago. How's it lately, in summertime?
BARAKA CAFE : Moroccan...I ducked in and spoke French with a Marocaine - too formal?
RIVER GODS : American...Great ambiance, hip, above avg menu.
ANDALA : Palestinian...I know it as a tea joint; don't know what to eat here.

I know he hasnt had falafel nor gourmet sandwiches like ASSBAR, but those are basic dining experiences IMO.

Thanks for your input!

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Something like Brunoise ...

Hello folks! I'm from Boston, in M'real for 3 evenings, late June. Great information here, this is a truly outstanding Chowhound forum (compared to ours!)

Normally, I've visited in Fall/Winter, so I've never experienced the 'Spring menus' in any of the fine restos you are blessed with. I've also been to Pied de Cochon, Cocagne, L'Express, O'Thyme, Les Heritiers in the last few years ...

Marche Atwater:
I would like to try something in the vicinity - my friend lives on Richmond, but he doesn't seem to know any great restos: I took him to P.de C. and it blew him away. He hasn't yet visited JOE BEEF, nor had he ever set foot within the famed Market. What's a best-of-the-nabe shortlist? All cuisines open.

Westmount:
So, after a cursory read of the latest and your recommends on my March post, Leméac is probably a superior late-evening resto with a patio option - better than Margeaux, which my francophone friend suggested. No?

Anything else new & outstanding in the last 12-18 months, to shortlist? I've been to L'Express maybe a dozen times now. It's always a great late-night choice, but I'd like to try some different ($$-$$$) restos this visit. Or one really outstanding exotic/'ethnic' place with great character (maybe in crummy quartier?) that's worth an excursion...

Thanks for your suggestions and recommendations!

beacon_hill_boy in Quebec (including Montreal)

If you're a vegetarian/vegan who loves to dine go to Hamersley's

Loads of vegans live in this area. And I do believe that vegetarians are disproportionately over-represented in kitchens (based on who I've met, over the years) ... so ... it makes sense to call ahead to an upscale place and inquire or let them know you have a vegan in the party.

Many places might accommodate dietary restrictions off-menu - with abit of advanced notice. It can be a real point of pride among culinary professionals to provide a unique meal, within reason.

That was certainly my experience w/ a Boston vegan friend, dining in Montreal. Tons of young vegans up there too, working in the food industry.

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Crema, new coffe house in Harvard Square

Are you kidding? That's a Ground Zero for Harvard Square - it will be crowded always (seating for 84.)

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Andala Cafe

Late lunch today at Andala, after spotting this in the Weekly Dig:
http://www.weeklydig.com/department-commerce/eats-drinks/eats/200804/i-can-has-cheezburger

Food:
I had the very basic 'Zeit un Zaatar en Labneh' (pita, a yogurt/cream cheese, olives & oil w/ summac on the side, served with a few fresh chopped vegetables.) Very diverse tea menu. I had the rice pudding - no rose water, but ground coconut, and a crunchy texture that does not appeal to me Others like that, however.

Ambience:
It's a fantastic space - bright, comfortable, very inviting. Private intimate options; a counter facing the street for singles ... perfect, really. Don't forget the downstairs, if tables look crowded! They offer a nargile for $20., which would be sweet smoking on the patio in front.

Service:
The staff is also charming, but this is NOT a hurried place. Sloooooow. Don't expect prompt service of North America; this pace is more Middle Eastern. Then again, no one will rush you either. It's very laid-back, and Cambridgeport loves this place.

Wifi:
My experience with the wi-fi was frustrating, but the MAC users had no probs.

For a quick coffee in Central Sq, I will still go to 1369... but I will go back here, with friends.

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Where do you go for quick lunches around downtown crossing?(assuming you work in the neighborhood)

I've now been to Andale, twice. Its worth the rave reviews, but it's sweeter to my palate, and I prefer darker, savory tastes. (I can't see my friend raving about Andale - but he recently moved to Amsterdam.) I agree the Andale menu is somewhat limited, but the office crowd is maybe 98% of the customers, and tacos might not be included because they're messy?

I definitely appreciate the basic 'comfort-food' quality of the refritos at the Herrera's cart (in spring & fall), but love the rich chimichanga at Burrito Express above all else.

I'll look for Zocalo's on my next bike trip to Allston-Brighton - thx!

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Best Boston Area Mexican

On the recommendations of those posting here. I've tried Andale, Tacos Lupita & Villa Mexico within the last week - to see what I've been missing. All were as good as the Chowhounders have suggested.

While I think Andale deserves the praise it gets, my porc burrito tasted sweet - flavored w/ apple-juice? - and the mole sauce was smokier (but not aggressive) The workers are El Salvadoran, if that's any hint. The portion was generous but easily digested, the price very reasonable, and the atmosphere is gringo. It's a very safe Mexican, easy to digest but nothing exciting however. (Exciting for me is grasshoppers at Tu y Yo, fwiw.)

Tacos Lupita is less gringo joint and a real destination - so its favored by Somerville locals, Latin academic types, and moms with groups of small kids. I find this El Salvadoran cuisine abit greasier, savory - authentic comfort food that tastes & feels more authentic than the bland Tex-Mex of Qdoba (by comparison.) It's much cheaper than other 'Mexican' places I've tried - and its got enough on the menu to keep you experimenting and testing new things. My gordita seemed ridiculously cheap for the huge portion.

Villa Mexico (strictly take-out) has lots of character and a cult following - it's a tiny kitchen space in gas station convenience store that can be erratic (and mamacita is overworked!) Her homemade salsas are killer, and the menu is amazingly diverse for such a small operation. I ate a very rich tostada - and I intend to check off a few other offerings in coming weeks. Grad student foodies from the nabe (and hipsters from elsewhere) flock to this joint - so abit of patience is required at feeding time. OTOH, by its proximity to the Charles, this would be the perfect option on a summer eve, to enjoy a quiet moment & some chow down by the River. It will be crazy on those film nights - bet everyone gets the same idea.

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Ecuadorian Food In Boston?

Herrera's? If you mean the brothers, they're from Colombia. (5 were working there, about 3 years ago.) Lots of Colombians here in Boston.

Who would call Herrera's 'Ecuadorean'? Safer to say "it's all 'Mexican' " IMO.

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

04/08 Addictive Cookies: Torta de Aceite

I saw these for the first time about 2 years ago at the Syrian Grocer. I asked what they tasted like, and Ramon gave me a description that left no doubts...

He didnt say they're extremely addictive. I think they are - I prefer the anis flavored tortas as cookies or a toast substitute. They also last forever, far longer than any crackers, without 'going stale.' Odd.

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Best Boston Area Mexican

Tu y Yo is in a better class - "homestyle Mexican restaurants"?

I've been a fan for years, but I want to broaden my experience - out of curiosity, because chowhounds have described walking there from the "Airport" T stop, is ANGELA'S very close & someplace you could easily drag a suitcase en route to Logan? Or is that an inconvenient (bad) idea?

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Unexpected finds

Great topic (if vague header) - does this fit?

I am extremely wary of packaged sushi ; I have the lowest expectations for anything 'fast food' that demands fresh. Ditto anyplace with a "captive audience." So it's totally out-of-character that I even dared to eat food-court sushi in Terminal E before boarding a 7 hour Air France evening flight.

I enjoyed tasty and inexpensive Dragon and California rolls. It was a guilty pleasure and crapshoot LOL.

Plenty of cooked Americanized Chinese food options also, at "Wok & Roll" (the sushi station is barely visible at the far left in this photo):

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Beacon Hill burrito war

Not all mix-ups are always the servers' fault, and some can never get it right: better luck next time!

I like my Chow-tales without big repairs, too ; )

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Beacon Hill burrito war

Deseo uno burrito "SEEN" lechuga. Gracias!

Where is Spanish-for-Chowhounders thread? Can I spoil a secret? I find that if I speak 5-10 words of Spanish, I get a big "O-la amigo!" whenever I show up, and my food EXACTLY the way I want it! They don't skimp on amigos, although I really don't need the extra calories por favor.

I can't speak conversational Spanish (I can, French) - but the burrito guys arent like your high school teachers, either :) A few words go a loooong way... the 'white people' look at me funny, but who cares what they think? The accountants in my office used to get really quiet when they first heard me phone-ordering Burrito Express... like I was talking dirty to someone, ordering a chimichanga!

(This advice applies to almost every Mexican fastfood joint I've visited more than once. If you love Mexican food, try learning just a couple of phrases - you'll see its worth it!)

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Any Awesome Fruit/Vegetable Markets Between Inman and Lechmere/Kendall

When does the Kendall Sq farmer's market begin - early June? Last year, it was behind the Genzyme Bldg (they call it a courtyard - I call it a parking lot) on Thursdays in the Summer/Fall - my Siberian friend worked there for a Russian bakery, and he said it was successful (hearsay!) - worth checking out, at least! (I wouldn't call the farmers' markets "cheap," but why compare the flavorless vegetable of Shaw's either?)

http://www.kendallsquare.org/farm.html

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

10th Avenue Freezeout!

Co-worker and I had two FIGHTS about Regina's, actually. After the last, she bought tix to "Death Cab for Cutie," suing for peace - her idea & druthers, again! Dinner was Peking Tom's, due to time constraints. (That was one of the "better" places my co-workers would visit, believe it or not. At least it was something beyond Vinalia's!)

Regina's inspires FIERCE loyalty in Boston, and I'll agree it's perfectly suitable for tourists in the nabe - hey, life is all about compromise. In the summer, I always drag the Regina's party past Polcari's afterwards, for a quick self-serve old-school shaved ice from the bucket. It's a tart, non-sweet lemon ice, reminds me of San Pellegrino's Limonata, just one flavor offerred. Allegedly, it's a "40 year old" recipe, but I'm a fan regardless!!

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

10th Avenue Freezeout!

Thanks gorditwo - permit me to to elaborate on yours, because I agree on a number of your choices?

El Picante, Boca Grande, Anna's
These places all border on Tex-Mex (bland, dull, americanized) to my palate. Of the three, I want to like 'Picante' most (yes, the salsa bar is some redemption) the most. Boca Grande is so meh that I only ever go there if starving, and Anna's I just don't get (Jumex juices a plus, however.) A few years back, the NYT ran a story about riding the FungWah 7 hrs for a fix at Anna's ... INSANE?! Well, to each his own...

I avoid chains/tourist/themed restos like the plague - always a disappointment, I'm never chasing calories. Life is too short and I want good value, whatever the price-range. Give me the roaches of the (fmr) Chinese Eatery over the hordes in Cheesecake Factory, any day. I just HATE Sysco Product! (Disclosure: I've never eaten at Cheesecake Factory. And never will.)

Pizzaria Regina - its basic, old school pizza so what? Yes, the place has charm - but why on earth should I schlep across town for "basic" greasy pizza? I've gone many times, always to humor a co-worker whom I adore. Karma?

Carberry's - I used to go there often, too. Remember movie nights?? Now it's bland, the bread dry, I cannot even remember the sandwich (probably turkey.)

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Where do you go for quick lunches around downtown crossing?(assuming you work in the neighborhood)

Ha! He HATES that place.

I always thought "Tex-Mex" meant 'bland, Americanized-Mexican,' doesnt the the Border Cafe do fake N'awlins too? : )

Qdoba's edible, but it's still Tex-Mex. I should research the Mexican options more closely - another friend who lived in Texas swears there's a better Mexican joint near Burrito Express ... never could visualize exactly where... (I think its Andale, not sure there's a consensus here, maybe that will be my next Try.)

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Vegetarian-Friendly Weekend for a Student Couple on a Budget

"We'd love to find a great neighbourhood or two in either city to explore and eat in that would be outside of anything touristy or overpriced. I don't like to use words like 'hip', but I think that's kind of what we're after."

EXPLORE & EAT, in that order. Sadly, Boston hasn't got 'great neighborhoods that aren't touristy' with lots of great cheap restos & cool stuff to explore. Wandering Boston is NOT like the Plateau/Mile-End, where you can stumble upon some gem every other block. Research where you want to go, what you want to see, where to eat: sorry - planning is necessary!

Like HARVARD SQUARE and MASS AVE./NEWBURY, all the nabes fail on one count or another (too touristy, too far out of the city, pricey restos, etc.) But you have the right idea: identify a "destination" for stuff to do/see THEN research the resto & backup choice.

I'd not waste a minute in East Boston (that must be a joke!) and Allston is quite boring too. Our Chinatown is a wasteland, and its restos pale in comparison to Montreal's. Brookline Village is as interesting as Westmount - that's Boston's problem, in a nutshell. We're a suburban city in too many regards. Suburbanites love & defend it; Europeans find it 'safe' and 'provincial.' Bars close at 1am, the T stops running at 12:30am! It is what it is - plan accordingly.

My short list, to other students:
1) JAMAICA PLAIN (a few cool boutiques hipsters galore)
2) SOUTH END (funky galleries)
3) NORTH END (classic Boston=touristy, but w/character)
4) CENTRAL SQUARE (night stuff: clubs & bars)

For example, on a sunny June morning-afternoon (3-4hrs): T to Jackson Square, lunch in JP, checking boutiques on Centre St., hanging out in Arnold Arboretum or Jamaica Pond. Note: we have nothing like Tam-Tam, and pot-smoking is VERY ILLEGAL!

Otherwise, HARVARD SQUARE may be the easiest one-stop destination for a student visitor.

Although I presume your evenings will be filled, these links cover what's on in Beantown for the student/hipster crowd, and may give you some idea what to expect.

Our version of The Mirror is called The Boston Phoenix:
http://thephoenix.com/
and there another edgy paper, The Weekly Dig:
http://www.weeklydig.com/

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Vegetarian-Friendly Weekend for a Student Couple on a Budget

Boston can be a BIG disappointment for a gourmande from Montreal. (Just imagine what the rest of the USA is like!) Really, Montreal is probably the pinnacle of food-culture East of the Mississippi; scale down your expectations, please! Bear in mind that despite it's famous reputation, the city population is only about 590k - Montreal is a 1,620,000 - and we have nothing like the Plateau or even ONE Marche. (Our Quincy Market was turned into t-shirt shops for the suburban tourists; yours remain FOOD SERVICE retail.) My Montreal friends all tell horror-stories of bad meals here, honestly; but with abit of research, your meals won't be so bad.

You will have to buy a T pass and travel: the two central nabes I'd suggest are "Mass Ave./Newbury" (in the Back Bay- Boston ) and "Harvard Square (Cambridge.)"

1) Mass Ave./Newbury is like one block of Mont-Royale fashionwise (with zero food boutiques sadly.) But there's THE OTHER SIDE/COSMIC CAFE which is trendy and full of hipsters - don't let the suburban moms tell you otherwise. The food is basic, vegan-friendly - think Divan Orange, with a dull menu. For the concentration of students, you'd imagine we'd have a dozen or so joints like this - sadly, no. On a brighter note, JP Licks is nearby, for ice cream & a few non-dairy options. 5 minutes, and you've seen all there is to see: sorry! I'd browse but not eat at the Trident Bookstore Cafe - nothing special to what you'll find in any of ten or fifteen cafes up there - but it's a scene standout here. (NOT A FOOD RECOMMEND: I've been physically ill from the food there, twice - uncooked bacon on a BLT and a dodgy stew.)

2) Harvard Square is, as you'd imagine, a student mecca. However, high retail rents have driven out almost all the local quirky shops! I like DARWIN'S for great sandwiches (1/2 sand & soup cup for about $6) and good coffee - it's a short walk out of the Square - a small joint, but well worth it. BURDICK'S is a chocolatier that seems almost European to us; it's often crowded. I also like VEGGIE PLANET, but it might be on the higher end of your lunch budget!
http://www.veggieplanet.net/veggieplanet.htm

I've seen a number of pricier cafes lately - $9 panini - and there's no shortage of forgettable places where you'd feel ripped-off for a cr*p meal, too. So I hope the Bostonian Chowhounders can suggest other quality options to compare with Montreal's, for the price-range specified. (You mention "tax," but our meal tax is only 5%. We say "meal & tip" because the 15% gratuity must be added. Servers work for tips!)

Sadly, we have nothing like Santropol : (

-----
Darwin's
148 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Other Side Cafe
407 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Burdick's
Cambridge, MA, Cambridge, MA

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Medjool Dates

Ramon at the Syrian Grocery in the So.End imports many food products for area restos and shops. If you want Persian pistachios, that's where you go! I wasnt looking for medjool dates last visit, but this grocery usually has them.

Great review of the Syrian Grocery, here:
http://harrumpher.com/?p=105
http://www.specialtyfood.com/do/news/ViewNewsArticle?id=491

-----
Syrian Grocery Importing Co
270 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Upper Crust - what don't I get?

I don't "get it" either - basically, I pay the same or more for LESS.

I'm wary that some consumers like to pay more to think they're getting something better - what's the real 'value proposition' of this gourmet pizza, or Fiji water for that matter??? Location, location, location...

I have nothing great to say about Bostone either: it's just typical American pizza. Sufficient quantity, true, but overall meh. (fwiw, basic pizza & most hot dogs are barely worth discussing, in my book.)

I'm a fan of Crazy Dough's buffalo chicken slices, and wish they made the Philly Cheese Steak more often! Most people don't like "weird pizza," however...

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Central Square Breakdown

Great list - now can I quibble? LOL

Sorry, GREEN ST. GRILL is off-the-list. I've had many great meals there, but it ain't cheap... should we add CENTRAL KITCHEN? RENDEZ-VOUS? No!

I also love RIVER GODS & MIRACLE OF SCIENCE, but both are too ... bistro-ish? A better qualifier might be "affordable" because it makes you wonder. I also like the tapas at ENORMOUS ROOM, when I'm listening to my favorite glitch electronica djs from Berlin *cue buzzer* Not cheap.

RANGZEN TIBET is cheap, only because it has a sedate, formal ambiance and exotic menu are a great value: it's a jem!

HI-FI PIZZA is kinda nasty but has great character for what it is: a really greasy joint. (Long live the Golden Donut!)

Is the "Indian Place" SHALIMAR? That's also surreal - is the vegetarian samosa still under a buck? (Two and a mango juice for under $3. is the cheapest lunch I've had in the Boston area in this decade. I'd bet the prices went up, but it's rock-bottom cheap!)

Honestly, to me Moody's tastes more flavorful & authentic than the schwarma or falafel I've eaten in Istanbul (been twice in the last 10 years) - and it's the same price!

Brookline Lunch, Pressed, Picante, Carberry's are forgettable, in my book - not bad, just forgettable. (I've heard & read so many raves about PEPPER SKY it's a Must Try ASAP: this weekend or next!)

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Boston...Wild Boar and/or Burrata

In case it's unclear, "Salumeria Italiana" isnt a resto, it's a fine grocery.
You wrote "menu" ...

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area

Boston w/College Students

I'll skip the 'suburban mom choices,' and give you something with abit of cred and attitude.

Not fine dining by any stretch (nor are most of the above), but the Cosmic Cafe/Other Side is a funky joint - think tatoos, urban sass, bike couriers, uber-cool music, and lots of vegan options. Cosmic is for 18yo students, especially the "artsy" crowd. (If its a debate team of suburbanites, PASS.) Much more economical than almost all the above - you will only spend about $13./per leaving cash for ice cream/sherbert at nearby JP Licks. btw, this area's a great 'scene' area for out-of-town hipsters/teens to check out (Urban Outfitters across the street stays open late Thurs.-Sat.) Casual and CASH ONLY.
http://boston.citysearch.com/profile/4728132/

Cheaper yet, CRAZY DOUGH's is popular with the Europeans & Japanese & local kids: fwiw, it's also won 'America's Best Pizza' awards
http://www.crazydoughs.com/

beacon_hill_boy in Greater Boston Area