Kbee's Profile
Question about Bar/Cafe at No. 9 Park
If you sit at the actual bar, you can order from either cafe or dining room menu -- if you sit in the cafe you can only order from the cafe menu, unless they've changed that recently.
Either way, I would recommend the cheese course. Wonderful.
LaGroceria, Cambridge closing...
I had always hoped Nightstage would be revitalized, but I understand there were some environmental issues, either with the site or the building itself. It was only a matter of time, though, before some developer bit the bullet. Won't miss La Groceria much. I recall I liked it alot when I was just out of high school -- I had pretty low standards back then.
after show at Wimberly Theatre w/kids
Huh, well I'll be darned. Lived here a very long time and never heard of Wilberly Theater OR Calderwood Pavilion. Have heard of the BCA though, and in that case I'd recommend PICCO, right next door. Pizza and ice cream. Not sure about reservations, though.
Best Nachos in Boston
Centre Street Cafe in JP has killer nachos. All super-fresh ingredients, home made salsa, black beans, cheddar, guac, sc. You can add organic chicken too. Big huge pile of food.
Boston Globe critic looks to be getting more Chowish
I agree, I think she's really stepped up to her role and is making it her own. When she first started I was one of the first to be hard on her, but over time it's becoming clear that she really feels the love for what she's doing. Her features and style are more accessible, and I think that's a positive. Like you said, Slim, let's hope the Globe lets her run with it.
2 Days in Boston....
In that case I would recommend Neptune Oyster in the North End. Fun atmosphere, great seafood -- particularly lobster rolls, fried clams, oysters as well as some less traditional preparations. Definitely a local favorite. Search this board for it and you'll get a ton of info. Go early or at an off time though, to avoid a line. Definitely do not drive there. I suspect you'll only use your car to get up to Salem, really no need for a car for travel within the city.
Good Moderate Italian
No, the new Orinoco is actually next door to Pomodoro, in the old Village Fish space.
2 Days in Boston....
Tigersmom, you'll get more response if you get more specific. Good things to eat? Ummm, we've got lots. Take a look at some recent threads. Let us know where in Boston you're staying, where you're coming from (seems to be SF), if you'll have a car, what "cheap" means to you, what types of food you're interested in, and who's in your group (kids? picky eaters? vegetarians?)
A little more info would be a big help in steering you in the right direction.
Good Moderate Italian
My vote would be for Trattoria Toscana in the Fenway. Excellent, and far less hassle than the North End (as long as you go before baseball season starts...)
Angela's-Today's Globe [moved from Boston board]
I have to say, Devra First has really stepped up. Her initial snarkiness has given way to writing that is more thoughtful and serious, and I’m glad to see her taking a chance by writing about a less expensive, ethnic restaurant without a liquor license (that happens to serve fantastic food) in a column that more often features higher-end, bigger-budget places.
Publick House is opening a market
So true! I walked by there the other day and thought the exact same thing. Rod Dee will be a great addition to the neighborhood.
Boston's ultimate lime rickey?
I had a fantastic one at Emack & Bolio's in Roslindale Sq. It was very hot out and I needed some refreshment, and this definitely hit the spot -- not too sweet, with just the right amount of lime.
any maine shrimp sighting yet?
I also saw then there last Friday, $5.99/lb, I believe.
Toscano still good?
Isn't this the place that was recently purchased by the wealthy former president of Prudential (or Hancock?) Insurance to give his son something to do? His son wanted to be in the restaurant business, so... maybe that explains the downturn. Too bad, I remember a pleasant meal there many years ago.
new Italian Rest on cambridge st next to midwest
Holy Cow -- $300? PLUS a $3 split charge? They've got to be kidding. It better be completely amazing for that kind of money, that's way up there on the far end of expensive... You're very fortunate to be able to dine that way without breaking a sweat.
Vee Vee Coming Soon to JP
I agree w/digga -- they have a menu in the window and a clam dish w/bacon caught my eye (clams + bacon = sign me up). I believe it's more vegetarian-friendly rather than vegetarian.
Cheese Plates - Where is your favorite?
I second No.9. I love accompaniments too, they always complement the cheeses perfectly... marcona almonds, cherry compote, fig terrine.
The lowly mashed potato
Chez Henri serves an outstanding mashed potato with chorizo (whole, not mixed in) in the bar.
MCSlim's Saray review out in the Phoenix
What about B&G Oysters? Not only downstairs, but down a spiral staircase, which I, as an able-bodied person sometimes have a hard time with. There are plenty of examples (tiny bathroom at Neptune, anyone?). I think most places are grandfathered in. We have so much old architecture here in Boston, in some cases it would be nearly impossible to comply, unfortunately.
Checking the bill
Hm. I guess both you and smartie are right and I am wrong: They really ARE out to get you.
Or someone just made a mistake. That's all I'm saying. Everything doesn't have to be a scam. Cathy stated above that she believed it was deliberate, that they all couldn't be isolated incidents. I'm just disagreeing with that.
Checking the bill
Still don't get how you think this scam works. If I put the drink on your check and not theirs, your check total (and possibly tip) will be higher, but the other table's will be lower, making the waiter's total the same. Most places have POS systems. You can't just add random stuff to checks. If you order it (and it goes on the check) it gets made, and you have to account for where it went.
Maybe it's just me, but I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt. Mistakes get made in every line of work. Plus, I find this whole "restaurant workers are out to scam every nickle out of us that they can" discussion really tedious. Many of my friends and family have worked in the business, and I have as well and yet, not one of us ever thought of doing this. Frankly it's offensive.
Suggestive selling drives me crazy...
Your response seems overly hostile. What's wrong with "no, thank you"? Works for me.
Night Town
I agree with hiddenboston. I also am not a fan of this type of place and think the name is super hokey. That's just my opinion though. That said, I disagree with dissing a place before it's even open. It's not Aalders fault that Bob's is gone -- it wasn't a hostile takeover. We see this kind of misdirected ill will often when a popular place closes and something else opens up. What I really don't understand is why this guy Aalders would insert himself into a negative situation by adding more negativity. I don't see the sense in this, especially when you're new to town and presumably want to make a good impression (in order to win customers). Just be silent and let your place speak for itself -- people will form their own opinions. I'm sure someone out there likes this kind of place...
Night Town
I saw that too... strange way to introduce yourself, especially when you're new to town. I guess he feels like he doesn't need any good will. Interesting business plan.
Pomodoro (Brookline) - Fantastic!
Your experience is much like mine have been.. I don't get it either. No problems whatsoever. Nothing but friendliness and generosity -- particularly from you-know-who... and no, I'm not a friend or even a regular.
A place for drink with a fireplace
James's Gate in JP on South Street. Great cozy neighborhood bar w/fireplace.
Jamaica Plain Lunches Recap
wow, you really got around! thanks for the recap and for reminding me of some places I've not thought of lately. the only thing you missed was Ula Cafe -- they have great sandwiches.
Olives....olive garden?
I was thinking the same thing. Also wondering who considers this a "Boston Dining Staple" -- not many of us here, that's for sure. Interesting to write off all of Boston's dining based on a visit to this place, though...
Open Table bummer.....
You are exactly correct -- better results can almost always be had by calling. But that isn't Open Table's fault. It seems like a lot of people here (NOT referring to you swsidejim) get an inferiority complex when it comes to Open Table, which is completely ridiculous. Hence the frustration.
