vitaminQ's Profile
Has anyone tried Catalyst yet ?
Thanks. It looks great. I made a reservation for tomorrow. Excited to check it out.
Has anyone tried Catalyst yet ?
I've heard reports that it's now open. Has anyone been ?
http://www.catalystrestaurant.com/
Boston Convention Center - Fort Point Area
I've been to Barlow's a few times and am rooting for it, but wouldn't recommend it for dinner, at least not yet. I thought the food was boring and not very well done. It's somewhat similar to Audobon Circle, but more expensive and not as tasty.
I keep hoping they'll add some cheap specials or maybe rotate in a new chef, because everything else about the place I liked: the interior is great, everyone was friendly, etc. And I'll definitely be back for a drink.
Boston Convention Center - Fort Point Area
I live near the BCEC and would definitely recommend the Channel Cafe on Summer St. It's a good place for a big group: good, homemade food that's not that expensive with good options for vegetarians, and it's a big, open space that's usually not-too-crowded for dinner. Also, it's in an interesting space which also houses a gallery for work by Fort Point artists. http://channel-cafe.com/
If you do go, after dinner cross the street and walk down the stairs that lead to A St. There's an interesting installation a couple of artists put up before Christmas (which will be there through at least Feb): they hung little blue LED lights on the underside of the bridge.
Beautiful Beef at Hilltop Butcher Shop: Way too long a post...
Great post. I've had the same thing happen to me at market basket and stop and shop.
The USDA graders grade the whole cow, even though no cow is uniform. A cow that's choice overall could have have some cuts that are prime.
When you find one, you feel like you've found this hidden gem that no one else can see (luckily most shoppers seem to stay away from well-marbled steaks).
Enterprise Farm CSA
I'm doing Enterprise's CSA this year and completely love it. Because they have arrangements with other farms where they supplement what they grow with produce from other farms, you get a ton more variety than other CSAs. Also, their season is longer because of it. For example, this spring, while Mass farms still had only root vegetables and some greens, we got blueberries and some amazing strawberries.
Not sure if I understand your problem with the greens. Greens from a farm will have some dirt/grit on them; they need to be washed before you eat them.
The tomatoes haven't been great this year, but I think they've done better than most CSAs.
And, overall, I've been very, very happy with what I've gotten from them, especially compared to other farms. I'll definitely re-up when the season ends.
BBQ
For chicken, sides, and sweet potato pie, my absolute favorite is M&M ribs, which is a truck that parks in a sand lot in Dorchester, outside of New Market Square, on Hampden Street.
I've had mixed results on his ribs and chopped pork, but it's the absolute best bbq chicken I've ever bought (ie, outside of a competition). It's not grilled at a high temp, but actually barbecued and is really tender and flavorful.
I got there about every other week, pick up a half a chicken, a large order of greens, and a sweet potato pie if they have them that day.
Great spot halfway between Boston and North Adams ?
Thanks midcity, jjdot and every one else. We ended up stopping in Northampton on the way out and having brunch at Esselon Café. They had really great pancakes (with real maple syrup) and good brunch food overall, though the coffee was just so-so (though I'm particular about my coffee). We also stopped at Atkins Farms and picked up some cidar donuts. Worth the stop.
On the way back, we stopped in Shelburne Falls which was great. It's a nice little town and the potholes and flower bridge were interesting to check out on a nice spring day. We ate lunch at Cafe Martin which was good, homey food.
Great spot halfway between Boston and North Adams ?
Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for. As a Bostonian, I don't get out past 128 much and have no idea what towns are worth stopping in. I'll checkout Shelburne Falls.
Taking Rt 2 or the Pike seem like they're they same time, so I'll think I'll do one out and the other back.
Great spot halfway between Boston and North Adams ?
Great suggestion. According to google maps, it's no slower to go that route (90W, 91 N, and then 9 W).
Great spot halfway between Boston and North Adams ?
I'm taking a trip and will be driving from Boston to North Adams, MA and back. Looking for the best places to get a great meal on the way out and back. I'm looking to break up the drive, so ideally someplace 1-2 hours from Boston.
Sportello
Surprised to hear about bigoli and the ricotta gnudi. I had both last week and loved them. The bigoli had a healthy amount of sea urchin and was very good. The gnudi was amazing, primarily because the ricotta was the best I've ever had. They make it in house and tasted very fresh and just perfect.
The prices did surprise me at first, considering you're sitting at a counter. But I think that's mainly because in Boston going out is a formal event and we expect white linens, lots of well-dressed staff, etc. I like that they're doing great food in a low-key atmosphere. $22 for their gnocchi is a bargain and sometimes it's nice to not have the pomp and circumstance. I hope other restaurants follow.
Seafood near Boston Convention Center
Barking Crab is a great spot to have a beer and some simple seafood. The health violations had nothing to do with the restaurant itself; the owner complained about a development plan to move his restaurant and the inspectors came the next day:
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/03/27/city_cites_eatery_on_key_waterfront_spot/
If you want something more upscale, Persephone on Summer St. is very good.
Seafood near Boston Convention Center
Barking Crab is a great spot to have a beer and some simple seafood. The health violations had nothing to do with the restaurant itself; the owner complained about a development plan to move his restaurant and the inspectors came the next day:
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/03/27/city_cites_eatery_on_key_waterfront_spot/
If you want something more upscale, Persphone on Summer St. is very good.
Any thoughts on 606 Congress?
I've been once and enjoyed it. It's another upscale, "small plates" restaurant, though their portions were a little bigger than others I've been to so that we didn't walk out with an enormous bill as often happens at those kinds of places.
It's inside the Marriott and feels like an extension of the hotel lobby: the space is very tall and open.
I tried the tortellini and the black bass; both were solid but not memorable. We had a couple of their cheeses for dessert and those were very good; one was a Woodcock Farms with a pear sauce that was great. I would definitely get that if you go.
Service was good and there was no wait, even though it was 8pm on a Friday.
