IreneC's Profile
Any German restaurants in the Hartford area?
I agree. The Student Prince is worth the ride for the food. The decor, service, ambiance disappoint but the food, never.
French Meat Pies
Cote's Market on Salem Street in Lowell, but I'd call immediately if you want it for Christmas. He takes orders and seldom has any just sitting in the case at this time of year. Also, Vic's Subs and Bakery at the corner of Aiken and Lilley in Lowell. In Fall River you can purchase them at Plourde's Bakery on North Main St. and Hartley's on South Main St.
I purchased mine two weeks ago and froze them. Didn't want to take a chance on missing out.
Cote's Market, Awesome comfort food to take home - Lowell, Ma.
I suspect you mean "pork scrap" not "scrapple", which is a Pennsylvania Dutch dish. Pork scrap is a name for a French-Canadian dish made from ground pork and spices (also called creton, cretons, or gorton, depending on where in Quebec a family is from) It is typically eaten at breakfast as a spread on toast or as a sandwich spread (with or without mayo or mustard - personal preference).
Village Grille in Chelmsford, MA?
It has recently expanded, both space and menu. I haven't been in since they re-opened, but thought it was quite good for the limited menu before. I think they are only serving breakfast on week-ends now, but have expanded their lunch and dinner menus and have applied for a liquor license.
Cote's Market, Awesome comfort food to take home - Lowell, Ma.
There were several rec. posted about two years ago (one was my memere's) on the Home Cooking board and on several other boards. Another name for the pork scrap is "cretons". You'll find the recipes by searching for cretons back to two years ago. Enjoy!
Ellington or close by near Kloter farms for lunch
Three places within a mile of Kloter, south on Route 83:
Zara's Cafe - highly recommended, breakfast and lunch with a Pakistani twist, or just stick with traditional American; everything is freshly prepared so sometimes it's a little slow.
Tea House Asian - in the same strip mall, okay, not great, but a nice selection of various Asian tastes, good service.
Pastore's - traditional neighborhood-style Italian, pasta, subs, pizza; popular with the locals.
Cretons!
A new find to report in a most unexpected place, a little breakfast/lunch place called Emerald's Eatery in a strip mall in South Windsor, CT at the intersection of Ellington Rd. and Route 30. You can get a side of cretons at breakfast for $1.50. My 87 year-old French-Canadian Mother called it "not bad", which from her is high praise. The owner makes it on the premises. Although it's not on the lunch menu, I was told you can get a large container to go for $5.00. This little spot also serves good homemade soups and generous sandwiches.
Mother's Day NOT buffet - Northern CT, MA
My only complaint with the Somers Inn was they served canned peas and canned carrots, something one would not expect at their price point.
Other suggestions in the general area: The Mill on the River in South Windsor, excellent service and food, although not very imaginative presentation; pricey, but large portions; Student Prince in downtown Springfield, wonderful German specialties and traditional dishes, starting to look like the decor needs sprucing up, lots of wood, very traditional but the desserts are to die for.
Market Basket - Is it OK?
I agree that MB has the over-all lowest prices in the area, although I too shop S&S, Shaw's and Hanneford for loss leaders. There are two great grocery stores in Acton: Donelan on Great Road and Roche Brothers on Mass Ave. Although too far to drive for regular shopping, the quality and selection at both stores make them the places I check when I can't find something locally. But a warning: both are at the highest end of the price scale.
WRT quality produce at MB, it is definitely spotty, but I buy carefully. And as far as those large pre-packaged items, when I have requested a smaller amount I am either accommodated cheerfully or told to open the package and take just what I want. It is then weighed at the register. A bigger issue for me is the lack of selection of organic and specialty "health" products such as the Moosewood brand. Shaw's or Hannaford have better selections. BTW Hannaford is a "certified-organic" store, which means they have taken special precautions to separate organic and non-organic produce, meat, etc.
Moving to Chelmsford next week, any tips?
Although not a mecca of fine restaurants, there are a few bright spots:
Fishbones, Sakuras, Urban Cafe and Yoong Tong II Thai Restaurant are all within walking distance of Summer Place.
For coffee, wine and a bite of food, the Java Room, in the same plaza as Bertucci. A bonus is live entertainment on weekends.
And there's Vincenzo's in South Chelmsford.
Also a new breakfast/lunch grill whose name I forget which just opened in the Center near Travelling Rhino.
Thai Jasmine and India Palace are both decent on Rte 110 toward Westford.
Evzon is an excellent, family-owned, all home-made cooking Greek restaurant at Drum Hill (behind Pho 88).
The deli mentioned above has a variety of take-out and Amici's, also in the strip mall, has passable Italian.
Although I feel it has gone downhill in recent years, some people enjoy Bainbridge's, particularly for burgers, and just down the street, also in North Chelmsford, are Princeton Station and the Glenview, nothing fancy but reasonable large portions (and usually a wait to be seated).
I guess what I'm saying is that there are places where you can get a decent meal in Chelmsford if you don't feel like driving far, as well as the excellent suggestions from the other Chowhounds above when you do feel like traveling a little.
Welcome to Chelmsford!
Cape - Chatham area suggestions
If you go to Ocean House, be prepared to spend big bucks and put up with rather slow service. The food was fine, a little fussy for our group, but not worth the price. We prefer our fish less "dressed up" and I have trouble swallowing a $10 wedge of iceberg lettuce. And leave the little kids home; definitely not "family friendly" unless the kids like slooow dining. We were staying within walking distance of Ocean House, so after the little one finished eating one of our party volunteered to leave with the kids. Including ourselves, most of the restaurant seemed to be tourists, as you find in all Cape restaurants in the summer.
Blue fish on Cape Cod????
Just had bluefish last week as the Pan-Blackened Catch-of-the-Day at Swan River Seafood Restaurant on Lower County Road in West Dennis. They also have Broiled Bluefish on their regular menu. Since they are affiliated with a fish market on the same premises, I assume that if bluefish is available, they will have it.
Cape - Chatham area suggestions
Just came back from a week on the Cape in the Dennisport area. We were 10, including 2 two-years olds and 2 four-year olds. We had a very nice meal at the Swan River Seafood Restaurant on Lower County Road. There is a fish market on the grounds so there is a variety of whatever is current on the extensive menu. While I would dub it truly exceptional, it was very good. Our party included both adventurous eater and very conventional eaters plus one picky eater and the four toddlers. Everyone was satisfied. Among the notable entrees were the Grilled Sesame Encrusted Tuna Steak, Lobster Scampi and the Broiled Mixed Seafood Platter. The excellent Pan-Blackened Catch of thr Day was Bluefish, which I had. The Lobster Quesadilla appetizer was different and some enjoyed it, although not to my taste. The Quahog Chowder was full of quahogs and not too thick, which is just how I like. After dinner we stopped at Sundae School on Lower County Road for ice cream. It would probably be about a half hour drive from Chatham.
Portugese food in ...where?...RI? Elsewhere?
Don't forget Europa Cafe on Central St. Lowell, kind of between Cavalero's and Friends. And I hear they've added "Brazilian Night" on Friday, though I haven't been in a while.
But as far as "real mccoy" it's New Bedford and Fall River where there is almost a Portuguese restaurant or grocery on every block and Portuguese influence even at restaurants that don't consider themselves Portuguese.
Head-On Shrimp
Market Basket in Westford had nice-sized head-on shrimp for $5.99 a few days ago. Unfortunately, I think the farthest west you'll find a Market Basket store is Fitchburg.
Outdoor dining Chelmsford, Lowell, Tyngsboro
Urban Cafe on Rte. 110 in Chelmsford Center has a few tables outside. They are open for breakfast and lunch. Everything is fresh and homemade. Don't know if they have a liquor license tho. Fortunato's in Lowell (Palmer St., I think) and Cafe Paradisio across the street both have outdoor seating in the warm weather, as do several of the restaurants along Market St.
And yes, Fishbones has tables outside. I too went there once and was disappointed with the food: an overdone piece of fish totally overwhelmed by a sauce. I did give them a second chance recently and was very pleased with a grilled mixed seafood (shrimp, swordfish, tuna) over rice with a side of nicely grilled mixed veggies.
Wedding on NE Coast
A little further north than Cape Cod is Rockport, MA. My daugter was married at Emerson Inn by the Sea in May several years ago. It was a "destination wedding" so we guaranteed all the rooms at the inn for Friday and Saturday for the bridal party and wedding guests. The wedding itself was on the grounds overlooking the ocean at 5:00 PM with the reception following in the inn. On Saturday all day the entire inn and the grounds were reserved for the wedding. The staff couldn't have been nicer and the food was to die for. My daughter and son-in-law were able to have everything exactly as they wanted. The rehearsal dinner on Friday night was held elsewhere in Rockport, at The Greenery Restaurant, overlooking Rockport Harbor. The food and service there were excellent as well, although parking in the area was very limited. At the time of my daughter's wedding, Rockport was "dry" so we had to supply liquor separately; however a few years ago the town voted to allow limited liquor service with meals,so that should no longer be a concern. I highly recommend Emerson Inn by the Sea.
Glenview in Chelmsford, Ma. - Great Comfort Food
I second that this is a great place for comfort food and the prices are very reasonable. My one complaint is that some of the servers refuse to substitute "sides". I don't eat french fries or cole slaw and will ask for rice or vegetable or applesauce (all from the "sides" menu) instead. Some servers will graciously accomodate and others just flat-out refuse. But in general, this restaurant, while never a choice for a special occasion place, is definitely an old-reliable.
Cote's Market, Awesome comfort food to take home - Lowell, Ma.
Actually, Cote's makes the dark beans, too. Just ask for them. I like them better than the light beans, but they aer a bit "mushy" for my taste.
Zara's Cafe in Ellington, Ct.....quite good!
This is a new strip mall, not fully occupied yet. The first tenant was an Asian restaurant called Tea House, which is still there. Zara's is next door. The driveway of the strip mall is behind Pastore's Restaurant.
Zara's Cafe in Ellington, Ct.....quite good!
My elderly mother lives in Ellington and when I visit I like to take her out for lunch. Today we tried Zara's based on seeing your listings on this site. I agree that the decor is very pleasant and the family which runs it are friendly and helpful. My mother had the Two Halves, selecting the soup, which was clam chowder today, and a half tuna salad sandwich. The chowder was good, but not great and the sandwich was acceptable. She pronounced the coffee very good. I selected the kebab burger and got a bit more than I bargained for. It was supposed to be spicy, but evidently, the father, who was filling in in the kitchen today, used the Pakistani-type hot peppers instead of the milder usually used. When Zara stopped by to ask how eveything was, I mentioned the unexpected heat. When she looked at the burger and spotted the hot peppers, she offered to bring me a fresh yogurt-cucumber sauce to cut down on the heat. It was delicious! And did the trick. I would eat there again, but I wish they had a few more Pakistani options on the menu.
Chicken Kiev???
Check the Hofbrauhaus 1105 West Main St., West Springfield, MA. (413)737-4905. Besides their Barvarian specialties, they have International selections on the menu.
Dim Sum Lin Garden Dracut
Have been there several times, most recently about four weeks ago.
It is strictly a dim sum buffet, no carts, with about 40 items, some of which are just typical Chinese dishes, such as Hot and Sour Soup and Sauted String Beans.
Pros: Food is replenished often so it's fresh; diners are about 90% Oriental, usually a good sign; not very crowded; beautiful view of the Merrimack river from the dining room.
Cons: Once you're seated, waitstaff ignores you; no names on the dishes - you're on your own as most of wait staff doesn't speak English; runs out of some things early (such as lobster); sometimes large, noisy groups are there and it's just one large room so can't get away from the noise.
I'd suggest trying it for yourself since my requirements may not be yours. I think it's fine to go a couple of times a year but certainly no match for what one expects of Dim Sum in Chinatown of a metro area.
Rhode Island specialities [moved from a discussion on the Boston board]
I visited Flo's original in Island Park last fall. I got the chowder with the half dozen clamcakes. Unfortunatly, I chose the "clear" style chowder and was very disappointed. It was mostly celery and over-salted. But the clamcakes saved the day. They were as wonderful as I remembered from when I was a kid growing up in Fall River about 50 years ago. Although I only get back to the area once or twice a year for a few days, I always head for the King Phillip Lunch for hot dogs and coffee milk (have eaten there since they opened back in the 1950's); Hartley's for pork pies (South Main St. location is where my family has bought them since my Dad was young) and Mee Sum for a chow mein sandwich. None of the above is "haut cuisine", but it's my comfort food since childhood.
New Place in Chelmsford Ctr. - Fish Bones??
I live in the area and drive by almost daily. It has been packed since it opened about 3 months ago. I have eaten there once and will not be in a hurry to return. The clam chowder was pretty light on clam flavor and the grilled bluefish, while beautifully cooked, was overpowered by the dijonaise sauce. Once I scraped it away, I was able to enjoy the fish. Too bad as I was excited to finally have a decent restaurant in the Centerand I had high hopes because the same people own/operate Atlantic Sea Grill in Acton, which I usually enjoy very much. Perhaps the Chelmsford location will improve with time.
Looking for Assorted 'British' foods and a Rant :)
The little restaurant at Scotch Pine Farms in Pepperell, MA might have some of the things you seek. They serve breakfast only on weekends and lunch a few days during the week. Scones, lemon curd, homemade sausage balls and, sometimes, haggis are on the menu. In addition, they have an attached store that sells items imported from England and Scotland, including some food items.
Also, you might want to check out British Aisles in Nashua, NH. They are an importer/wholesaler/distributor of products from Britain.
Recipe for cretons
My family's recipe is not as complex as the one previously posted, but makes a tasty spread.
Corton
Ingredients:
1.5 to 2 lb. ground pork, not too lean
small onion, finely chopped (optional)
water
salt
pepper
ground cinnamon
ground cloves
Preparation:
In a lagre covered saucepan, place pork and onions, season with salt and pepper. Add cold water to 1 inch deep. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a slow simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up clumps of meat, until water has evaporated, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Remove from heat and season to taste, adjusting salt and pepper and adding cloves and cinnamon (about twice as much cloves as cinnamon, I usually start with 1 teaspoon of cloves and .5 teaspoon of cinnamon). DO NOT DRAIN OFF FAT; A LAYER OF FAT ON TOP IS A GOOD THING! Pour into a small bowl and pack down gently; chill.
There! That was easy!
garlic bistro - chelmsford ???
Garlic Bistro is a passable to good traditional Thai restaurant. They have plenty of competiton fron two other Thai restaurants in Chelmsford on Rt. 110 and all the Cambodian and Vietnamese restaurants in Lowell. They also took quite an economic beating for three years during the widening of Rt. 3 and reconfiguration of Drum Hill from rotary to traffic "square". They were almost invisible and hard to get to so I think they lost many customers. I think they're worth a try. The owner is very friendly and visits among the tables.
Cannot remove e-mail notifications
When I remove the checkmark for e-mail notifications and click UPDATE, I get a message 404-Page Not Found.
Dining in Lowell?
Please look on the New England board. A search for "Lowell" will turn up many recent discusions. "There's a lot to like about Lowell" as the city's tourism slogan says.
