Somewhat related, as a NY/NJ expat I grew up on Grossinger's Rye, this is slightly OT as this is was a commercially available loaf you find in supermarkets, not produced in a Mom & Pop bakery.

I was at Karl's new outpost yesterday and I stumbled across a loaf of Rudolf's "Bavarian Rye Bread" (Bayerische Brotzeit) and it seemed, just by a gentle squeeze of the package, that this loaf was was going to be very similar to what I grew up with, I took it home and it was ( although the crust is a bit softer).

Looking at Rudolf's website, it looks like that they also have versions of what I would consider a more "traditional " Jewish rye too, heartier crust and tighter, more dense crumb. The link to Rudolf's site is below ( They are based out of Toronto) and while I found this gem at Karl's ( Sausage Kitchen, Peabody), I would expect that it's available at other places locally as well.

Rudolph's Bakeries:
http://www.rudolphsbakeries.com

Darned shame about City Landing, you know what they say about first impressions.

Kitchen 7/27/2012

As far as atmosphere, not too much has changed from when it was Pop's, but I found it to be more welcoming than Pop's. Kitchen seems like a natural progression for Scott Herritt from Marliave ( which I'm also a fan of). The concept shows restraint without being kitchy ( sorry couldn't help myself). It seems that Scott took to heart some valuable lessons learned from the opening of Marliave, which had a few minor hiccups, while he gained a broader understanding of the Boston dining "audience". The cookware some of the dishes are served in is beautiful.

The cocktail program is inline with Marliave, solid period recipes executed very well by the bar staff. For not being open all too long, I found the FOH and the kitchen to be firing on all cylinders, granted we were seated early on a Friday evening (a little before 6:00), but usually, if there is going to be a food or staff issue, it will make itself evident whether the place is empty or slammed.

I was really impressed with the menu, it takes some bold chances in not compromising with its historical ties. I was dining with a couple whom I don't know all that well food-wise, so Kitchen as a dining recommendation was a bit of a gamble, but as it turns out, they were very pleased with the choice.

On to the food. To my mind, at first blush, the menu seems as though it would be a bit more at home during the Autumn or Winter, but that's just picking a nit. For apps we shared steak tatare, a dozen Wellfleets ( from 5:00 to 6:00 $16 a dozen) and the Billi Bi (mussels in saffron cream). Welfleets were great, no shell and plenty of the requisite liquor intact. The tartare, competent and well executed, solid. The BilliBi was nicely refined, the mussles are severed without shells and the cream sauce was nicely balanced, the saffron didn't smack you in the face, but you know it's there. This could be a meal for someone who is not overly hungry, served with a nicely seasoned piece of garlic bread.

I chose two apps for my meal, the mock turtle soup ( this could also me a light meal) and Under Glass, it's description on the menu "Mushrooms, Oxtail. Eric's cheddar cheese toast" really doesn't do this dish justice. There's a variety of perfectly cooked moist and meaty mushrooms served, wait for it, under glass, and when presented table-side, the glass is lifted and a wonderful mushroom "smoke" wafts across the table. The accompanying oxtail was pretty darned luscious.The mock turtle soup was a substantial dish as well, almost bordering on a stew.

Others chose the Tournedos Rossini (Tenderloin, foie Gras, black truffle and madiera sauce). They could have been a tad more generous with the foie, but I'm from the camp of when it comes to foie, more is better. The madiera sauce was luscious, not sharp or acidic, wine sauces can be so hit or miss. The side of creamed spinach was creamy, cheesy wonderfulness.

"Pork and Beans", lots of protein on the plate, not quite a M vs.F challenge, but a sizable portion. The ribs were fall off the bone tender, there were "oohs and aahs" over the sausage, but I didn't get to try the offal meatball.

The last dish was the Lamb Pie, which I didn't get to try, but at the end of the meal, the dish was as clean as it was coming out of the dishwasher, so thats gotta say something.

We all shared two creme brûlées for desert, a nice thick crunchy top ( not a wimpy whisper) and very solid.

Pricing is in-line with Boston/ SE prices, apps $10-$15, entries at $16-$32. Wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable with a nice balance of making sure dishes were cleared appropriately while not being distracting, the pace of the dishes out of the kitchen was spot on, so yeah, I'll be back.

BTW http://www.kitchenbostonmass.com (it's a bitch to find using your favorite search engine).

I'm with Humble on KO and Owl Station. Local 149 is one of those places I want to like, but can't. Ambitious menu, but poorly executed, I've tried it 4 times and I think I'm done. Nice bar though.

I also agree w/ Humble on Franklin Southie.

BBG: Serviceable, sports bar environment with loud 20-something demographic.

L. St. Diner: Adequate, Mul's on W. Broadway is very big w/ the hungover crowd on the weekends.

Can't comment on the Playwright.

Salsa's: Been there once in 7 years, haven't felt the need to return and it's walking distance.

Alfedo's: If I didn't know any better, I'd think that all of the Southie sub/ pizza joints share a central commissary kitchen. it's steps from my house and I need to be desperately lazy to go there, don't get me wrong, it's not bad per se, just your average Soylent Green.

The Junction: Average bar food, big soccer joint.

Stats: See BBG, but smaller.

For pizza, for a few years, I was a fan of Sal's (8th & K I think), until I discovered, believe it or not, Cafe Portobello ( it's a little bizzarro, you walk through the dining room and go back by the kitchen to pick up your pizza). I also think they serve pretty decent red-sauce Italian, as good as any mid-tier red sauce joint in the North End.

The Paramount on Broadway has disappointed the few times I've been there and unless you're really into greasy American Chinese (or drunk), you can probably pass on all the Chinese places ( Chinatown is so close).

American Provisions on E. Broadway is Southie's equivalent of Formaggio Kitchen 's little brother ( I mean that in a good way).

I don't mean to sound negative in this post, it's just that there aren't that many diamonds in the rough in Southie. As far as the Waterfront goes, even though I'm technically wrong, I don't consider it "Southie."

If there is a "Hidden Gem" (BTW, the Phantom Gourmet did not coin that phrase) It's gotta be Cafe Polonia for Polish food. I find myself there more in the cooler months because of its hearty fare ( They also own the Baltic deli across the street).

It may come as no surprise, but if you consult Yelp at all, you would think that André Michelin himself summered in Southie as a child, so take those reviews with a grain of salt when searching for a place to dine.

You will figure out the parking.

Slim has some great calls. Another consideration is Drink ( 348 Congress Street). They will most certainly see to your cocktail needs. It's just a bit shorter walk than the Rowes Wharf Bar-> O-ya trek.

If you do make it to Fuloon before your trip ( and I hope you do) They will provide a menu with pictures o many of the dishes, so you can see what the dish looks like, also, the menu describes the dishes flavor profile so you know what you're getting into.

5/6/2012 Morels @ Russo's
$29.98 /lb. Plump, moist, large and beautiful. Perhaps the best specimens I've seen at Russo's in the past 3-4 seasons.

While the OP has already scored, just in case this topic gets searched in the future, rendered duck fat is also available at the Milton Fruit Center, in the Kinnealey Meat section. They carry D'Artagnan. I picked up a 7 oz. tub for $5 or $6. You pay for it in the meat section, not the regular check-out line.

I

Trish,

Thanks for the great report. I have also had some wonderful experiences @ Scampo, but it somehow fell off my radar. I applaud that members of your part stretched beyond their comfort zones a bit, that willingness can open up entirely new culinary worlds .

Thanks for reminding me that it's a place I must return to.

Unfortunately, no curry or ramen, but a selection of Udon dishes and rice bowls are available.

We went here tonight for dinner. It's the location of the former Slainte, Six House and Triple O, right across from the Broadway Red Line Station.

Overall, pretty good and I don't even have to follow that statement up with "for Southie."

When you walk in, on the right is a bar with four or so large screen TV's and on the left are about 6 high four-tops. In the rear is another dining area or "lounge" which I believe has a DJ booth, so I assume on weekends it turns more in to a bar/club area. It was a little loud dining at the high tops at the bar so next time I would opt for seating in the rear. Overall, they seem to be going for a bit of a forced chic, but that's OK.

Service was prompt and courteous. Cocktail menu had the MaiTai/ Scorpion bowl and sugary martini usuals. A moderate selection of sake's warm and cold. I selected a sake flight ( how cool is that?), but it wasn't until after I ordered that I realized that they were flavored (not so cool).

For apps we had a miso soup and Agedahsi Tofu. I'm no expert on the latter dish, but it tasted good to me. For Nigiri we had maguro, hamachi and white tuna all all were good, the rice was nicely seasoned, but some of it seemed a bit dry, a minor quibble. They were a bit on larger side, but not "gaggers" like some places which place their priority on quantity over quality.

We also had a few rolls, the Summer Maki (crab, avocado, salmon and wasabi tobiko), Spicy Tuna and a Sweet Potato Maki. The menu caters to both the nigiri/sashimi, crew, nothing far reaching, but not left wanting, as well as the kitchen sink maki abusers.

While not online or their take out menu, they have a late night menu which begins at 11:00. It consists of a mix of American bar food items ( wings, sliders, fries, etc.) and Japanese items, surprisingly including Hamachi Kama which is only featured on the late night menu, bummer.

It's nice to have a good place in the hood. Far better sushi than Teriyaki House or Pan Asia, both also on W. Broadway, but we'll have to see what happens if/when the sushi place going into the old Terrie's Place opens up.

So to sum up: Destination sushi? Probably not, but certainly worth a visit if you are nearby or live in Southie. Prices are about average for a mid-range sushi bar. Bonus: there is usually ample non-resident parking behind West Broadway on Athens St. if you choose not to take the T.

This may be a myopic opinion that only a Hound can appreciate, but to some extent, wouldn't it make sense to refer to the fish on the menu by the scientific/ species name?
"Specius, Fishus *in Beurre Blanc sauce with capers and organic roma tomatoes with a Unicorn tear drizzle"

Astersik at the bottom of the menu: *Specius, Fishus is commonly referred to as : commonly marketed name A, commonly marketed name B and commonly marketed name C.

In the end I feel this would lend itself to a more educated consumer. As someone mentioned earlier, the scientific/ species name can be a mouthful, and I also understand that a restaurant's menu is one of it's chief marketing tools ( Wow, that sounds awesome, as opposed to WTF is Specius, Fishus?)

I expect that coastal regions may put more truck in this than than most of the country, but regionally, we have some skin in the game (economically) on this topic and there appears a concerted understanding ( at least by hounds-not that we're any better than anyone else) about consuming sustainable vs. overfished, or poorly farmed product.

I've been going faithfully for the past 7-8 years ( and live in Boston). This year's weather looks promising, but keep an eye on it. It is always much more crowded on Saturday than Sunday. This is the Wellfleet O-fest and they serve Wellfleet oysters exclusively (which is fine by me), just don't go expecting variety.

Lots of different food options including beer and wine. Be sure to check out their website ( http://www.wellfleetoysterfest.org/) They have done a pretty good job of ironing out the logistics over the years. It's best to park in one of the remote lots and take the shuttle/ school bus ( free).

As John mentions, there quit a few high quality craft vendors as well as folks hawking stuff like hot sauces/ jams/ dressings. Clearly I'm a bit biased, but i think it is worth the trip.

Yup, Las Ventas, the store next to Estragon usually carries squid ink, it comes in little packets and is usually up by the register.

I second Dunlop's recipe, if you are feeling lazy, I've also had pretty good results using a pre-made seasoning, Saner Brand, which I found @ Super 88 in South Bay Plaza

Saner Brand Ma Po Tofu Seasoning.

Thank you NY Hounds. I ended up @ the Wegmans on Sheriden and it was indeed an impressive Cathedral of food. Much to my wifes chagrin, I ambled about for almost two hours and we brought a few prepared items back to the room and they were very good.

We decided on an impromptu adventure up to Niagara on the Lake so I wasn't able to fit in my whole itinerary, although we discovered, quite by accident, a great place up there called Stone Road Grill, a very nice farm to table-esque place; local cheeses, charcuterie and foie gras poutine.

I really loved Bar Bill, fantastic BOW ( w/ AuJus) and great wings...Saw an outpost of the Anchor Bar at the airport which is typically a sign of a local establishment jumping the shark so I didn't feel compelled to visit the original.

Although not on my list we did hit a Duff's because it was stumbling distance from the hotel did BOW and wings there too.

So even though I didn't get to everything on my list ( most bummed about missing Ted's) I have a great excuse for returning sooner rather than later.

Thank you all for being so helpful in guiding my Chowventure and I'd like the opportunity to do the same if anyone finds themselves in the Boston area.

Greetings NY Hounds,

I'll be coming up from Boston for a long weekend tomorrow. As a Bostonian I am a sufferer of Wegmans Envy ( although we are supposed to be getting one in MA this October).

From what I understand not all Wegmans are created equal and I'm looking for a location that would be, for lack of a better term, a "Flagship" location.

I am willing to drive and the Wegans site says that there are 10 Wegmans within a 25 mile radius of Buffalo. Being a responsible Hound I did do a search for Wegmans which didn't yield a lot of results but someone did give the Wegmans on Sheriden in Williamsville props.

Through my research I did come up with a few stops on my Chowtinerary:
Schwabl's- BOW
Bar Bill- BOW/ Wings
Maybe Anderson's Frozen Custard ( for the custard, not the BOW)

I'm also considering a trip to Anchor Bar, I understand that it mostly caters to the tourist crowd now, but I feel a visit may be in order for, if nothing else, to pay homage.

I am Chow-agnostic and enjoy everything from a fine dining Chef's tastings to food served out of trucks and all cuisines in between. So if anything is a "must try while in Buffalo area", please let me know.

Many thanks in advance.

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Schwabl's Restaurant
789 Center Rd, Buffalo, NY 14224

And of course ther's Sullivans if you are planning on doing the South Boston-Castle Island / Pleasure Bay section.

CG for lunch is much more tame.

Second that.

3rd Mrs. Jones. As far as chicken goes ( unless there has been a recent change) I think she only does whole fried chicken wings. That being said, they are very good.

This thread has me lamenting for Poppa B's, which I did not get to frequent as much as I would have liked since being introduced to the establishment.

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Poppa B's
1100 Blue Hill Ave, Dorchester Center, MA 02124

South end Formaggio Kitchen has some that are very good, unfortunately I don't know where they get them from.

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Formaggio Kitchen
244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Les Zygomates a wine bar/ "bistro" has a bar menu with some small plates as well as appetizers, a two block walk from south station.

http://www.winebar.com/

See, even vegetarians make an exception for bacon (in one form or another) ;)

M+C is a good call, but not in the Seaport District if that really matters. It's in a the South End, probably about a $15.00 cab ride (cabs are expensive in Boston).

I'm pretty sure Montien has been featuring Sang Som lately with a variety of Sang Som cocktails.

I've been meaning to try Rondo's for years, sadly they are closed by the time I get home from work and around to eating.

I recall Slim's piece and I would agree on all fronts, LB actually has one of the better Pizza's in Southie in my opinion.

Living in Southie, Liberty Bell is pretty convenient and I've been going there for a while. I've always considered it quite a cut above of the usual crap available in Southie, but last night we had a pretty disappointing experience.

The Roast beef sandwiches, slaw, poppers and mozz six seemed really sub par compared to past visits. Granted, the mozz six and poppers are most likely Sysco or quasi-Sysco sourced so that always going to be hit or miss, but I've always really enjoyed the RB and slaw.

Anyone else seem to notice a difference in quality lately of just an off night?

Great to hear. Living in Southie, it was a "go to" place, but over the past 2 or years or so the service and quality seemed to have waned. Looks like it's time for a revisit.

As long as ambiance is not high on your list, the Mudslides @ Red Hat are pretty tasty and strong. Made old school with the ingredients that steve999 mentions and none of that Island Oasis type dreck

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Red Hat Cafe
9 Bowdoin St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02114