pickyeater08's Profile
Gargoyle's - Wine Tasting Wednesdays
I've been to Gargoyles a few times and was thinking of heading over there tonight for their "Wine Wednesdays" - apparently you get to taste three different wines from their list and their is an accompanying snack menu. Has anyone ever been to this before? Any comments on the wine selection? We are just looking for something laid back for some mid-week fun.
http://www.gargoylesrestaurant.com/events.htm
Healdsburg Wineries and Nearby Restaurants-Suggestions?
I just returned from a trip out to Sonoma/Napa. We spent a few days in Healdsburg, and as for Zin-oriented places, we really liked Bella, Preston and Ridge. If you go to Preston on a Sunday, be sure to do the barrel/jug tasting. That was really fun! One other personal favorite as well is Wilson. You don't need reservations at any of these places which may be helpful if you are biking. Every place but Preston pours pretty generously, so you might want to share tastings if you are going to bike. Those zins can be pretty powerful!
For a relaxed and reasonably priced dinner, we really enjoyed Scopa. Make a reservation though - we went on a Monday night and they were turning people away.
Please vet my wine country itinerary
Hi Susancinsf!
Our trip was amazing - a truly gluttonous week of good food and wine! I'll post a full report later this week, but I'll give you the scoop on our dinner at Estate now.
Like the other report said, the restaurant is a lot more casual than it looks on line - in a good way. Very laid back and relaxed, and they have a really nice patio as well. It was pretty chilly when we were there, so we opted to sit inside. We were the only ones there (Tues night) until they seated a rowdy party of ten right next to us. I found that a little annoying since the restaurant is pretty sizable.
Moving onto the food, my husband started with the chef's salumi platter which is obviously meant for sharing, but he devoured it on his own. He said everything was delicious except for the lardo, which he found a bit flavorless. I had the asparagus appetizer which was very well-seasoned with a fantastic balsamic reduction. It was a little undercooked for my taste though.
For the entree, I had the vegetable risotto which was amazing - artichokes, fontina and truffle oil! The broth (if you can call it that) had a fantastic savory, yet delicate taste from the truffle oil and something else that I could not put my finger on. Definitely on my list of top three risottos. My husband had the bucatini which was really well-executed, but the flavors pretty much added up to a very traditional carbonara. That's not a bad thing at all, but it just didn't have the surprising pop of unique flavor I liked so much in my risotto.
I was stuffed after the two courses, but my husband could not resist the meringue dessert and has not stopped raving about it. Aside from the seating snafu, the service was also very good. I found that the prices were extremely affordable given the quality of food, especially for wine country.
All in all, we will certainly go back on a future visit and I think you and your parents would really enjoy it. Let me know if you have any other questions about Estate!
Regina's Medford Station Landing
I had a pizza craving tonight and ended up at the Medford outpost of the Regina chain. DC and I both ordered pies from the gourmet section of the menu which included ricotta, among other cheeses. I am a cheese-a-holic, but they must have put about a pound of ricotta on both of these pizzas. It made the crust pretty soggy and by the end, the texture was so creamy that I felt like I was eating some sort of pizza/cannoli hybrid. Plus, they kept trying to get us to do a "wine flight" featuring 3 wines that would sell for about $6 a bottle at Kappy's. All together, not a great experience when one just wants some good pizza. I think we'll stick to Thatcher Street original in the future.
Please vet my wine country itinerary
Hi,
I really want to thank everyone here for posting such informative responses! i really appreciate the collective wisdom of this board.
We will definitely add Bella to our list and drop Martinelli. Our reservation for Cafe Beaujolais is now confirmed, and we'll certainly check out some of the Pinot places in Mendocino. We hope to hit Talty as well! The Yountville dinner choice continues to be problematic, as I am having trouble getting reservations for the restaurants you recommended. But we'll keep trying! If anyone has any other advice, feel free to let us know. I will post after our trip to let you know how things went. Many thanks again for everyone's help!
Megan
Please vet my wine country itinerary
Thank you so much for all the info! Much appreciated. Ad Hoc sounds great, my only concern is that I am a vegetarian and I'm not sure if there were any non-meat options on the prix fixe. Know anything about that from previous visits? I don't seem to be able find anything on the web.
Please vet my wine country itinerary
Hi sarapeater,
Thanks so much for your quick reply. Sleeping places are already locked in - I am a regular business traveller, so the packing/traveling issue does not really phase me so much on vaca or otherwise.
Ideally, we want to do 3 or max 4 wineries each day, with a few days of non-wine tasting interspersed within. Favorite places are already there, and there will no doubt be some spontaneous diversions from this itin. But I am interested in board help on what specific restaurants/wineries to scrap or substitute on our tentative itinerary. No doubt, Bouchon is no FL. I think Cyrus will be our big meai. But we'd love to hear about any other recs in Yountville. Thanks again for your feedback! Great to remember to take it easy on ourselves!
Hash browns for breakfast/brunch in Boston?
The one's at Henrietta's are the best I've had in a while. The IHOP version with cheese has helped sooth many a hangover for me as well though!
Please vet my wine country itinerary
Hello from Boston!
My husband and I will be in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino this April and are looking for some feedback on our plans. We are in our early 30s and this is our "last hurrah" so to speak before real adulthood (ie, kids and a hefty city mortgage). So we are trying to strike a balance between a few splurges and not completing depleting our savings account. We have been to Wine Country once before together and I have been there a few times previously with friends. So we are looking to branch out a little more this time. We are mostly into reds, but always like tasting whites since we don't drink them so often. In terms of buying, $50 to $60 would be our max this time around. We welcome any feedback, so thanks in advance for your help!
Here goes!
April 17th: Arrive SFO
Drive the costal route to Mendocino
April 18th: Mendocino
Mendocino Headlands/Fort Bragg
Any suggestions for Dinner? I've checked a few places out online, but nothing really speaks to me. The high end places seem stuffy, and the casual stuff seems very crunchy. Crunchy is okay with me (being a vegetarian), but my husband is a devoted carnivore.
April 19th: Drive from Mendo, hitting a few stops and overnighting in Healdsburg
Greenwood Ridge Winery (heard they make some good Zins, but looking for further feedback. Fife is a possibility too, but I have not liked the last two "Redheads" I've tried and it would be a bit out of the way.)
Lunch at Libby’s (Philo)
Wilson Winery (one of our favorites from a past visit)
Preston Winery (if we have time)
Dinner at Cyrus
April 20th: Overnight in Healdsburg
10:15am Tour: We have rented a car service for this. Based on our Zin interest, they've recommended we choose from the following. Any advice on the best three or four? Ridge is a must for us! And we have been to Mauritson, Seghesio and Unti perviously. Rafanelli seems impossible to get into.
Ridge Winery
Mazzoocco Winery
Quivera Winery
Fritz Winery
Montemaggioro Winery
J. Rickard Winery
Any recs for a casual dinner? I've heard totally mixed reviews on Ravenous and Zin.
April 21st: Overnight in Healdsburg
Canoe Trip on Russian River, Picnic Lunch from Oakville Grocery
Dinner at Scopa, Healdsburg
April 22nd: Drive from Healdsburg to Sonoma to overnight, hitting RRV on the way
Hartford Family Winery
Lymnar Winery
Merry Edwards (should hear back tomorrow about appointment confirmation. Really excited about this one! Its been recommended to us by several wine distributors in MA.)
Siduri Winery, Sunce Winery or Martinelli Winery (any thoughts on which one to visit? I know we would need an appointment at Siduri.)
Dinner at Estate, Sonoma
April 23rd: Overnight in Sonoma
We spent some time in Sonoma last year and were not blown away by anything close by (Kunde, Gundlach-Bundschu, Ravenswood, Deerfield etc), but we did like a PN we had from Buena Vista. Any others that we should not miss?
Olive Oil Tasting at “The Olive Press” (Hopefully, not too touristy?)
Buena Vista
Lunch at The Girl and the Fig or El Dorado Kitchen (We love both of these!)
Jack London State Park
Dinner at Rin’s
April 24th: Overnighting in Yountville
Pride Winery at 10:30am (reservation confirmed - inconvenient drive from Sonoma, but problem getting appointment at any other time.)
Lunch at Taylor’s Refresher
Joseph Phelps at 1:30pm (reservation confirmed)
Silverado Winery
Dinner at Bouchon (I've heard mixed reviews, but it seems like there are diverse opinions on every place in Yountville. Since FL is not an option this year, Bouchon seems like a good option. We'll perhaps opt for the bar, though we do have a reservation.)
April 25th: Overnight in Yountville
Grgirch Hills 10:30am
Pine Ridge
Any recs for Lunch or other must taste wineries? We would love to do Shafer or Frog's Leap, but can't afford any more splurges.
Dinner at Ubuntu (I'm a vegetarian and am so excited for this meal!)
April 26th: Return Home
Marliave-RW- anyone go yet?
Just had lunch there today. Overall okay, but nothing special. While the restaurant was not crowded, the food took a very long time to come out for each course. I ordered the tomato soup to start, and my DC picked the mussels. The first course took about 40 minutes to come out. My soup was okay, but had a somewhat sour taste to it that could have perhaps been remedied by roasting the tomatoes with a little sugar. DC's mussels were good, but the portion was small which I suppose is to be expected during RW.
My DC had the trout for his main, and said the flavors were quite good (accompanied by spinach, capers and tomatoes) and that the fish was properly cooked. I ordered the rarebits as a second course, but asked for them without bacon. Unfortunately, the dish came with bacon which I only found out after the server's departure due to the lid on the skillet. The dish was still nice (cheesy goodness!), but our server was no where to be found for the next 20 minutes.
When she returned she did apologize for the delay and mistakes with the food though.
DC had the panna cotta which was really the highlight of the meal - super creamy with a great vanilla flavor. I was deciding between the mixed berries and the cheese course. Unfortunately, the server could not tell me anything about the cheese - she said that the kitchen was basically putting out different selections on each plate. This was a bit of a disappointment, but I guess I just need to chalk it up to catering to a bigger crowd during RW.
In any case, I ended up ordering the berries and asked for a Kir Royale to accompany it. Server did not know what the cocktail was so went to ask the bar if they could make it. No problem there, but she returned to confirm that they had found some peach schnapps and could indeed make the Kir Royale. Blech! I was pretty surprised that the barkeep did not know how to make this drink or couldn't at least look it up, given what I've heard about mixology at this place. I promptly ordered a glass of prosecco, and that was that.
Given the good things I've heard about this place and the better points of our meals, I'll return for a second try. But overall, a bit disappointing.
Best place to eat black truffles?
I was at Gran Gusto last weekend and ordered the truffle pizza. I had asked for it without proscuitto, and they were nice enough to offer to put some other vegetables on it. When the pizza came, it looked and tasted like it was just a mushroom/broccoli pizza. What I think were the mushrooms were definitely not cut in shavings and certainly did not have that magical truffle taste. It was still a perfectly good pizza, but I was a little disappointed given the great reviews of the truffle pizza I'd read about. Our waiter, although really nice, clearly had too many tables to look after and I could not flag him down to ask about the pizza. Nevertheless, everyone else was really happy with their dish and we will certainly return. I am just going to chalk it up to a miscommunication in the kitchen. Good luck on your truffle hunt!
Wineries with good wine + picnic area
Sounds like this post has been dormant for a while, but for future reference, the picnic area at Hop Kiln does not require any step-climbing as far as I can remember. I agree that the wines are not standouts and the picnic area is in full view of some wine-making tanks/equipment, so it is not the most bucolic setting. I think the picnic grounds at Gundlach Bundschu are a lot nicer.
What should I order at Temple Bar?
I was there a few months ago. Favorites at the table included the mussels, ribeye steak and the truffle pizza. All in all, it was a pretty good meal.
Sagra serving pizza again
Good to hear that you enjoyed it. I heard that the pizza was a real star there, but was disappointed to see that it was off the menu when I went about six months ago. Unfortunately, my first and only visit there was not too pleasant. The courses were timed really poorly - we ordered some olives as a pre-appetizer snack and we saw them sit under a heat lamp for about 10 minutes until we realized they were ours and asked the waitress about it. Instead of getting us fresh ones, she plopped them on our table without a second thought. Some of our side dishes were brought out ten minutes prior to the entrees and our table could not get a second round of drinks until we were offered desert. Except for the olives, the food was fine, but nothing extraordinary. I heard that the original chef left and that it has not been as good since then. Not sure how to explain the service problems though.
Maybe we'll give it a second try for pizza. Or better yet get the pizza to go!
Upstairs on the Square
I have to agree. I had one mediocre meal there a few years ago, but have eaten at the Monday Night Supper Club twice in the last month and had really good experiences. My first visit was for lunch and I had the artichoke/green bean salad. While a bit on the oily side for my taste, the artichokes were really fresh-tasting and delicious. For dinner, I started with the Butter Lettuce Salad which was perfectly dressed. My only complaint was that it was a pretty puny portion for $13. I was pleasantly surprised by the pesto and four cheese pizza I got as a main. I think it was made up of fontina, mozarella, ricotta salata and hmm, something else. But the saltiness of the cheese and pesto was balanced really nicely with fresh tomato topping. Yum!
Cocktails were great each time and I enjoyed a Pinot Noir (Brooks) that was tasty, especially considering its price point.
Looking for a nice brunch place for this Sunday...
Sel de la Terre also does a really nice brunch at a reasonable price point.
after show at Wimberly Theatre w/kids
I think that is in the South End? If you are looking for pizza, I think there is a place on Tremont called Picco that is pretty casual and also serves ice cream. I've never eaten there though and I don't know if they take reservations. The most casual/affordable place I've tried around that neighborhood was Addis Red Sea, which serves Ethiopian. Not sure if your kids are into something a little more adventurous though.
Restaurant Dante
I've never been to a private function on the patio, but have been there for a few business lunches. The view of the Charles and Boston is really nice. The furniture on the actual patio is very modern, but not quite as upscale looking as the interior design. On a summer night, you'll see lots of joggers and passers-by walking along the river. As long as you aren't going for something super formal (as opposed to upscale, smart casual), I think it would be a very nice setting for a cocktail reception. The food I've had has always been tasty. Good luck!
If you're a vegetarian/vegan who loves to dine go to Hamersley's
Wow, that's good to know! I went around two years ago and was forced to order two appetizer salads due to lack of other vegetarian options. Just checked out their menu and it seems great.
Baby Artichokes at Highland Kitchen
I was just there tonight and had the baby chokes. Absolutely delicious - a testament to simple food done well. I also cannot get enough of the bloodhounds; for me, they are the perfect cocktail. We ate at the bar and were totally impressed by the friendly, yet unobtrusive style of the bartenders as well.
The only downside was the invasion of HK by a group of stuffy suits who hovered at the bar for a good hour and made the bartenders pour them about 5 flights each before agreeing to a bottle of wine. Given the fact that I just returned from a CA wine country vacation and met some tasters who knew their shit (I do not!), these guys' undeserved pretension made me want to serve up some under the bar shin kicks. I don't want to lose HK to this crowd!
Unusual pizza toppings at Harvard Gardens
I've had a sweet potato/fontina pizza there that was great!
Know anything about Kickass Cupcakes, Somerville?
Next time, try Lyndell's bakery in Ball Square. Their cupcakes probably aren't as trendy as the kick#ss variety, but they are darn tasty! And I believe that they are less than a buck a piece.
Best cook-at-home veggie burgers? [moved from Boston board]
My favorite are the Morningstar Farms tomato and mozzarella burgers. They are great for a sandwich with pesto and roasted red pepper. Also tasty with some pasta sauce on top.
capital grille, chestnut hill for a (gulp) vegetarian...
I, too, am a vegetarian and was nervous about eating at the Capitale Grille. I ate at the one in the Back Bay about a year ago, and the staff was amazingly accomodating. When I started to order a bunch of sides, they mentioned that they do a vegetarian plate that isn't on the menu. Best of all, it was absolutely delicious! I think it included asparagus, some grilled tomatoes, and a really tasty corn and onion dish amongst other things. It was actually one of the tastiest vegetarian plates I've gotten dining out. As I am sure you can agree, it was nice not to be served another plate of pasta primavera.
In any case, have fun at dinner!
