Dea's Profile
Red Dragon cheese
I've bought it at Whole Foods in Alewife, if you're willing to travel that far. I have also seen it at Trader Joe's recently, so maybe call the one nearest you and check if it's back in rotation.
Restaurant Week Boston, Winter 2012 reports?
We went to Elephant Walk in Cambridge, lured by the location (close to home) and the promise of 4 courses. Three of the four were okay, but the main course was terrible. We both started with "rouleaux" - fried spring rolls served with basil, mint, sprouts, and lettuce leaves for wrapping. I found this odd, as I've only seen that setup with fresh spring rolls. The rolls themselves reminded me of the Lean Cuisine Thai spring rolls I sometimes heat up at home. Not terrible but in no way exceptional. The dish was saved by the dipping sauce, which was a peanut-garnished sweet and sour viniagrette.
For course two I had the crepe stuffed (and I use the word generously here) with duck. At least the menu said it was duck. It could have been chicken or pork - there was no way to be sure. The crepe was fine, and the whole thing was smothered in a sauce that tasted good, which was nice. I can't remember what my DC had for course two, but I recall she liked it.
My main course was short ribs, cooked beyond recognition yet tough, accompanied by a "gratin" of potato and leek. The potato was undercooked, which was kind of funny juxtaposed to the charred beef, and there was a tiny bit of leek and cheese. My DC had a beef stirfry, which again could have been a Lean Cuisine dish. Very one-note (she let me try a bite). Best part of her meal was the lime rice. Desserts were a flourless chocolate cake which was very good, and a citrus custard tart which was also nice.
Service was slow, but friendly. I had the impression they were short-staffed. I had two "Henrick's Heaven" cocktails (we were there over two hours). The first was excellent, the second not so much. Oh well. We managed to have a nice relaxing evening, and got to catch up. I doubt I'll return though.
Nomination for Best Cuban Sandwich - Gustazo Belmont
A friend and I had lunch here last Saturday. Striper's right - this is the best Cuban sandwich. Also, I didn't realize it would come with a huge pile of plaintains so had ordered the Yuca Frites appetizer, which was incredibly delicious. Fat fingers of Yuca fried to a perfect crispness while remaining creamy on the inside. I ate so many of those I could only eat half of my Cuban, and brought the other half home. I normally wouldn't do this, but I reheated that half in the microwave for brunch on Sunday, and was amazed at how good the sandwich still tasted after being reheated so inappropriately.
My DC had a chicken empanada to start and the Ropa Vieja sandwich, which came with what seemed to be home made potato chips. All delicious as well.
Oh! I almost forgot - the first thing I ordered was a Cafe con Leche. It was a dreary chilly day, and I needed something to warm up. The drink was delicious as well. It reminded me of the incredible Cafe con Leche I used to get at Iruna in Harvard Square. I can't wait to back for another one, and to try more of the menu.
March 2012 Openings and Closings
Maybe they're moving into the Tannery space? They have had signs up announcing the closing of that store, as they are already open around the corner on Brattle, across form the Brattle Theater.
Upstairs on the Square RW lunch
Thanks for this report, yumyum. I used to love to get out of the office for a ladies who lunch type of lunch at Upstairs once in a while, but stopped going when both service and food quality declined - haven't been in a long time. This review makes me want to give them another shot.
Harvard Square
I frequent the Mt. Auburn location, Gabatta, though to be fair it has literally been years since I've ordered a non-premade sandwich, so maybe I should give the current staff a fair shot, eh? I tried the Cambridge Street location once, but walked out sandwich-less after being roundly ignored by the staff which was too busy flirting with each other to bother with me.
Harvard Square
Reading this as I finish of the Merman Sandwich from Darwin's - a Wednesday special. So tasty. I have little patience for their sandwich-makers, so the premade special sandwiches are my go-to and this is my favorite. Battered cod with vinegared red onions, a tartary sauce, and fresh greens. Sooo good. The only downside is it's sizeable and I want a nap afterwards, which the boss frowns upon.
Also, I think Crema's cupcakes are worlds better than Sweets. They do a nice job of packaging one to go, too, if seating isn't available, or if it's unseasonably warm and sunny outside, and the banks of the Charles River beckon.
Harvard Square
I think Orinoco is great. Once the patio opens, it will be in the rotation for lunch. Dinner is excellent as well, but they don't take reservations, so I'd go early as they seem be doing a brisk business, on Thursday nights at least. The last time I was there we split some bacon-wrapped dates (and wish we'd gotten two orders) and I had some baby back ribs which were so tasty I couldn't stop eating them. One DC got lamb chops which were perfectly cooked and very toothsome, and the other got a steak filet that was smothered in cheese. I tried a bite and it was good, but it did recall a very good cheeseburger more than anything else. Flan for dessert was fine but not memorable.
Help! Tonight, Wednesday, at The Burren
I had their fish and chips and thought it was pretty good.
velvet falernum
You know I wondered if I should put that bottle in the fridge after opening it this past weekend. The bottle itself didn't say anything about needing to refrigerate, but based on your experience I'm going to do so. Thanks for the heads up on th esmaller bottles at Boston Shaker too.
velvet falernum
Still a stretch geographically, and you should call before making the trip as I bought the last bottle on the shelf, but Cambridge Wine & Spirits in the Whole Foods plaza on Alewife Parkway in Cambridge now sells it. The shelf had a typed tag for it, which to me says they're planning to keep carrying it, but I grabbed the one bottle I saw. Paid $16.99 for it.
January 2012 Openings and Closings
Exciting news, but boy does their website suck! Still looking forward to trying out the new location though
Heirloom Coffee in Medford (Vietnamese coffees)--any experiences?
I've purchased from them a couple of times - once by having the goods shipped all the way from Medford to Cambridge, and once by stopping by their store. I think they've moved since then, but at the time their "store" was an office suite on Boston Ave. A bit odd, but they were very friendly and handing out free samples.
Both times I found their coffee to be quite good. I'm sorry to hear I missed out on the Groupon, though if you sign up for their emails, they regularly send out specials available to email subscribers only.
velvet falernum
That's right katzzz - forgot about that. It's made by Trader Tiki's and worked great in some rum-based cocktails I made. I'll have to search out the Taylor's though!
finger limes
Oh lordy, like I need a reason to walk into FK! The place is like crack to me. But if I must face the peril to get ahold of these finger limes, I will. I'm going in!
finger limes
Or anywhere in Boston area please? Just googled them and need to find some! Maybe Russo's in Watertown?
velvet falernum
If you can stretch the definition of "greater Lexington" to include Davis Square in Somerville (big stretch - don't pull a hammy!), you can find it at the Boston Shaker. At least I did about a year ago.
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The Boston Shaker
69 Holland Street, Somerville, MA
Where should I head to re-stock my bar?
Right! Forgot about that. You can sign up for their monthly newsletter which lists their wine finds and deals. Very dangerous spot though, what with the excellent cheese and pate counter, and small selection of olives, nuts, bread (basically all my major food and drink groups). I miss that place - need to visit soon!
Oh and the 86 bus from Harvard Square will take you there. The "Catch the Bus" app will help you do it.
Where should I head to re-stock my bar?
That's too bad - it was always a dump but I did get pretty good deals there back in the day (pre Oct 2008).
Where should I head to re-stock my bar?
You're thinking of Sav-Mor Liquors on O'Brien - it was my go-to when I lived over that way. Great prices and an interesting, if not comprehensive inventory in wine and beer.
Recs for breakfast near Arlington?
Totally agree - I am amazed to see people wait in line for that place. The food is so boring and sometimes just outright bad.
Recs for breakfast near Arlington?
That's the one - it does look closed from the outside. I'd driven by it many times thinking it was, then a friend who lives in the neighborhood took me there for brunch!
Recs for breakfast near Arlington?
I almost don't want to reveal this, but the crappy-looking Broadway Diner is a gem for beakfast and lunch. The food isn't gourmet in any way, but it's well-prepared and tasty, for a very reasonable price. I've had breakfast there a bunch of times and loved everything I've tried. I recently went there for lunch and was blown away by some of best crinkle cut french fries I've ever had - crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. But I digress... my usual for breakfast is one of their omelets, which are large, well-filled and toothsome. Their homefries are fine though I'm more of a hashbrown fan (shredded vs chunked potatoes). The only negative I've encountered there is service which can be slow. This seems to be due to understaffing rather than incompetence though.
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Broadway Diner
117 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474
Thanks to Chowhounders -Third stop Mike and Patty's! Fourth stop - Oleana!
Thanks for sharing this - it's a lot of fun to tour our fair city through your eyes and tastebuds!
Mission style burito & seafood
You could also try Felipe's in the Garage in Harvard Square (corner of JFK and Mt. Auburn St). They steam their burritos as well, and I find their fillings to be pretty tasty. Lately I can't seem to order anything but the pollo tinga super burrito.
Gaspar's Turkey Linguica now @ Market Basket
Thanks, mjg - I love linguica but don't have it often due to health issues. This could be a great occasional treat.
thai hut!
This was my go-to takeout spot for Thai when I lived in that neighborhood. Back then, the "dining room" seemed more like a formality that an invitation to dine. I drove by the other night though and noticed they had spruced it up quite a bit. I miss their food and may have to make a special trip to try eating "in". Thanks for the update Melon!
Barismo coming to Cambridge?
Cpingenot, if you take the closing parentheses (parenthesi?) and period off the url you'll see a photo of an interior under construction. Looks nice already - would love to know where it is!
Any recs. for cocktails/bar menus near Harborwalk?
Thanks so much for posting that link! Between that and the recommendations here I see a very fun Harborwalk bar crawl in my future this summer!
