ypeopleeat's Profile
RW: Union, Gaslight (and Camino Real)
Had a great RW experience at Union with my wife Monday in the lounge, dining room was booked. Enjoyed the spinach salad, the Cod and the Ice Cream Sandwich. My wife had the Chowder, Hangar and the Pudding Cake (shell was fine). All were excellent and thought the service was well executed though the staff appeared quite busy. They also gave us both coupons for a return visit in April that entitles us to any appetizer, entree and dessert from their regular menu for $33.08, thought that was a very generous incentive for a repeat visit.
South End openings
I believe it is 700 Harrison in the base of the Condos 2 blocks passed Gaslight same side of street on the way to Mass Ave. Also heard a Starbucks is slated as well though wouldn't be surprised to hear they walked away having recently announced the closing of 100 US locations.
BTW Banq opened to the public this evening.
Beignets in Boston
So funny to see this post today, never heard of the things before last night at Gaslight and now you are looking for them. They are on their dessert menu, made fresh to order, hot, chocolate and delicious.
L'Espalier space?
Heard condos also...a back bay liquor license is now worth $500K which goes a long way on an expensive build out at the Mandarin. Perhaps that license is needed in the Mandarin though I doubt such a crown jewel development would not have a coveted "free" license that the city squirrels away just for such occasions. The neighbors on Comm would allow just about anything to happen with that license as long as it leaves Glouster Street. Last heard Druker paid $500 K for the Armani license which bty heard on the street is going to corner of Arlington and Boylston, topping the $400K paid by PF Chang for the Prudential license which was the old Friday's license. I would speculate the old Papa space on Dartmouth Street will go the way of the Dodo bird seeing that a Back Bay liquor license is worth $500K and one has to become available through closure in the neighborhood first. That would be a poor business decision to put such an expensive license in a space easily trumped on Newbury or Boylston. The Papa license is moving to the Exeter space.
Where's Laura Brennan?
Spoke to her a few months ago before the holidays, she was involved in a new venture with Vic Leon the owner of Foodies. He was opening a new suburban Foodies that has quite a bit of focus on take away prepared food items. That's the last I heard.
Incensed with Whole Foods: Enough Incompetence!
My wife found Russo's recently in Watertown. I don't know if it is convenient to you but they have far better quality than Whole Foods, friendlier and does not have to answer to Wall Street. http://www.russos.com/
Recommendations please - 1 round table for 16 adults
In Boston, the round table that is larger than a 10 is not likely.The amount of floor space needed to dedicate to a table of that size is not easily accommodated in a town with old narrow buildings or $60/sq foot rent or both.
Few owners would dedicate precious floor space to a table of this size. Any evening that you did not have a party of 14-16 (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) the table would sit empty representing $700-$1500 of lost revenue. Most properties use several tables of 2 and put them together for a party of this size that way when not in use for the occasional large group they can continue to seat the many parties of 2 and 4. Other properties use a few long narrow tables that they configure in private rooms so they may accommodate private groups fewer than 14-16.
Though a round table of 14-16 sounds great, the diameter is large, 8-10 feet or so, many guests are out of ear shot. Given the sound level of most restaurants these days, you would all be able to see each other but not be heard.
A long narrow table actually works quite well for a group of this size.
Smith and Wollensky has the private room in the tower which used to have a round in it...perhaps it can accommodate you.
If you find a large round seating 14-16 please post, it is an interesting question.
Good luck.
Watertown dining
Wife and I really enjoy New Ginza at 65 Galen Street in Watertown.
Very friendly staff has not changed in at least 2 years we have been going.
Sushi is delicious and fresh. I crave the seaweed salad. Usually fills up after 7PM.
PSA: avoid Rendevous
Like any good book, I enjoy reading this site and rarely feel a need to comment.
I must say that Stephen Johnson has only equal in this town. I have never had a bad meal from any of his kitchens. He could not be kinder or more capable.
It is possible the op had an off meal but there is no way that is indicative of what generally comes out of this kitchen.I have eaten several times at Rendezvous and enjoyed all of them as did my guests.
As for quality of product, Stephen is such a perfectionist and passionate chef, I am puzzled how any sub par ingredients made it on to a dish emanating from his kitchen...just puzzled.
Boston restaurants with low wine markups?
Technically being part of a group does you no good in the state of Ma.By law the wholesalers are only allowed to deliver an order that is printed on an invoice to a single address. The restaurants are unable to negotiate a price any lower than what is published in the beverage journal on a monthly basis and those prices are available to all.
The ABCC audit the big wholesalers all the time about this and have busted them many times for playing games in the past so there is little incentive for them to bend this law.
The Berkowitz of legal Seafood fame tried to bypass this law some years back by starting their own Ma. wholesaler called MRR Traders. The State successfully forced them to sell it through a lengthy court battle.
No restaurant really has an advantage in buying power in this state.
Looking for great hotel restaurant
Coming down for the evening Tuesday and looking for a dining experience in a restaurant located within a hotel. Would prefer a modern steakhouse in this setting but a new or modern restaurant in this setting would be fine. Looking for a well conceived menu within a well conceived restaurant that has a feel and appearance that is wholly independent from the hotel but synthesizes well with the hotels sensibilities.Thank you all in advance.
Brunch in Boston
I agree that not too long ago your statement was justified however having a toddler myself we have noticed that seems to be changing.
Had a wonderful brunch lust Sunday at Union in the S.E., they had a high chair waiting for our table per our reservation as well as several more in use in the dining room. The server offered to warm a bottle and wash baby utensils which we thought was a nice touch.
Stella was quite accommodating several weeks ago as well as Aquitaine.
2nd baby boom?
LANGOSTINO in boston?
It's been awhile but Ristorante Toscano on Charles Street had amazing Langostino.I know Vinico the cheff/owner was looking to sell and go back to Italy.I believe he recently sold so they may be closed now.
Wine list at Anthony's Pier 4
None taken, I am not Peter, just a customer. However, I did say "only with peer" not "without peer".
Is he still there? It's been awhile since I went in big wine hunting.
food before West Newton Cinema
Probably too late for this but New Ginza just down the hill from Newton Corner in Watertown on Galen Street. Great Sushi, great staff, well priced.
Wine list at Anthony's Pier 4
I have not been there for the specific purpose you mention in 5 years however it was true 5 years ago and I imagine is still true today.
Peter Holt was for some 15 years and perhaps still is the buyer there. He is only with peer in the city of Boston for his palate and intuition with respect to wine.
Their wine was inexpensive when compared to other Boston properties because of the volume of their past purchases. They actually bought so much for so long and did it beginning so long ago that they can make money on their purchase with a mark up that is significant when compared to their purchase price 10 and 20 years ago.
I look forward to your post after you go; If it is positive I will be following you.
Thanks
Where is a good place to buy fish?
I second Captain Marden's in Wellesley. Great quality, variety and parking. It's good to get out of town now and then.
Pre-Parenting Restaurant Recs!
If you were all coincidently dining at the same time and your tables were all in a row the probable explanation is they needed all the tables to open around the same time so the tables could be put together for a large party later.
As a waiter for many years I can tell you from first hand experience that seating is never based on appearance and always based on the need of the table for the next reservation or to balance seating between various servers stations.
Best of luck with your new family!
best breakfast in boston?
Thanks for the heads up on Deluxe in Watertown, I drive by it all the time and wondered about it.
Caffe Umbra appears to be closing...
Umbra will be Sage...it was in the Herald Business today.
Sage’s Susi becomes Umbra owner
By Donna Goodison
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Native North End chef Anthony Susi is headed to the South End. Susi, the owner of Sage on Prince Street in the North End, is buying Caffe Umbra on Washington Street, across from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. “I thi..
Caffe Umbra appears to be closing...
I was told that the lease is up in the NE space and he is moving to the Cafe Umbra space. You know how this info canbe though, sometimes it is better to wait and see what happens.
Caffe Umbra appears to be closing...
I am confused. How did Hamersley get into this? I had mentioned Toni and Sage.
Btw was told recently by a reliable source that he is looking at a 1 to 2 month renovation and will be re-opening as Sage. Sounds great for the neighborhood.
Caffe Umbra appears to be closing...
Heard Anthony Susi, the owner of Sage bought it and is putting in a low price Italian restaurant.
Kobe Beef
Friend had a great dinner at Clio last Tuesday night and commented that they had a Kobe entree for $120 that night. A bit above my pay grade but sounds like it may be what you are looking for. The chef at Clio, Ken Oringer, is in the group of Boston's best.
