blacknbleu's Profile
Upscale in Allston?
hmmm... I'd hit Washington Square Tavern in Brookline. Good food/vibes/cocktails/price
Can someone tell me where there might be a Tibet cuisine restaurant in the Boston area?
saw a himalayan rest. in Brighton yesterday, looked new, next to the BofA ATM across from the Kells.
RW - Rocca
I too experienced the lukewarm food at Rocca, alas on the braised shortrib as well. The plate itself (physical plate) was cold, which i found odd.. as generally cooked entrees, esp. a slow cooked braised meat, should require at least a warm plate. I did send back and it was replaced 5 minutes later by a steaming hot version of said shortrib, which arrived in a hot plate, and was meh regardless of the temp. Oh well. Loved my apps and bar snacks however.
Where have you always had a bad meal?
I had such high expectations for the Ashmont Grill in Dot... given those expectations, and the prices, just ....plain... disappointed. Never really bad, just never really happy with it. So much potential in an area that is underepresented by that type of gig.
Lower Mills: New Resto..?
I have heard that was a very good chance a new upscale resto was being finalized for the spot next to the Milton Trolley Station on the ground floor of the new apartments, by the water, including alfresco dining.It's the spot by The Wharf (IIRC?) - anyone have any info on this??
Please post one NEW chowish find
for a mere 9 bucks, a leg of duck confit w/ barley and fruit compote @ Highland Kitchen, Somerville - texture, flavor, (and messy to make at home) for under a 10? Gimme!
Hyde Park Update
thanks so much catsmeow - i ve got a clear picture now- actually drive thru there quite often- much oblidged
Hyde Park Update
would any of you be so kind as to post locations of these 3 new spots? I haven't a clue about that area but would like to investigate. Unfortunately, the google search was unsuccesssfull. Thanks!
Service with.....? (moved from Boston board)
From an industry POV, I can only imagine that the place has slim pickins for staff when most kids in the area would cut off a digit to have nights off and be working outdoors during the day. At a seemingly seasonable establishment, I don't think expectations should be so high- that being said, good service to me requires a commitment to know your menu, to be enthusiastic about dining in general, and to be an advocate based on my needs (thru server instinct/or common sense) to provide the service that the server would like to receive. I think the best question a GM could ask a new server in an interview would be not "where have you worked" but "wheres the last place you ate, and what happened?".
Anyone thrown a party at any of these places?
FWIW I had a party of 12 at CuchiCuchi and was underwelmed, both in service and food quality/price.
Zons in JP- new chef?
Thanks, I remember that thread- I was under the impression that the new chef was more recent than that.. I will try to find out more details.
Zons in JP- new chef?
Heard this evening that there is a new Chef at Zons.. anyone been recently and any impressions?
Bamboo, Dedham
The Ms. and I stepped in last month, sat at the sushi bar- treated to a barrage of Kobe/House rolls/off menu items -decent wine list, ended up w/ cocktails and a half of Trimbach Reisg.. and were very impressed- haven't had the balls to post as I haven't heard not a word of positive reputation, combined with the inability to post due to toddlerville in the homestaed, but- underrated for sure, and if in the area, worth a try- at least at the sushi bar, ask for Hiroki! (spelling?)
Boston rest. for 12 teenagers
having chaperoned over 20 different groups of 10+ teens per, (former job that I had), first thing that came to mind was fire & ice, despite my knowing better options as a Bostonian adult, and trying to wow them with more "adult" options, it was always the most well received - by the teens, at least- .
Bar at Craigie St.? Solo Dining?
No bar at Craigie st. . I wouldn't let that dissuade you from dining alone, as I think the food is too good to pass up- it's not a clubby type scene, quite staid to a degree- and have often seen solo diners throughout.
Ashmont/Shawmut T stop area for dinner
try DBar on Dot Ave - adequate bartending with well made cocktails, imaginative menu- I preferred the appetizers vs. the entrees here, but thats just me. By far the best food in that stretch in terms of dining w/ cocktails. As a matter of fact, I believe it is the only place on that stretch. Blarney Stone on Dot ave almost makes it- it has a more casual vibe (not that i consider dbar formal) but big screen tvs, more oriented toward tap beers vs. cocktails- and the menu seems to lean toward casual/comfort foods; decent burger; Tips; etc.
note re: dbar; mixed crowd earlier in the evening, however around 10/11 or so they move tables and break down the dining room for dancing and DJ spinning for a mostly alternative crowd- which can be fun unless you happen to be still eating at 10 pm and they take away every table but yours (doh!)
Fireplace Restaurant
friend orders ribeye medrare, i pause, order "I'll have the same entree, rare" I'm brought the salmon. I politely inform server he has brought wrong entree, and offer that Salmon may have sounded like "same". He puffs, wipes sweat from brow, and removes both entrees and storms off. We sit 25 minutes, more. no return from server, no manager comes. No explaination. Steaks arrive (60+ minutes after ordered) both well over done. Server, drops with huff. returns 10 minutes later. Want it recooked. he never shows. I feel bad for him, but I'm paying 25 bucks for it. you get the picture.
Fireplace Restaurant
wifey and I ate there several times a week due to its proximity to our former digs, and had a wide range of experiences. Positives: Classic New England style preparations, seemingly fresh and well seasoned- succotash, mussels, clams, shellfish in general, and comfort foods. Less success (IMHO) with any game or carnivorous pursuits. Cozy room (duh- a fireplace) but never ate there with a party larger than 4. As for the service, we gave 3 tries in DRoom and gave up, all 3 were plain amateur- one horrific, which at those prices is not OK. Subsequent nights at the bar, proved less harried, but never feeling like we spent good dime given the options in the vicinity. The food was at times good, especially the appetizers/salads/soups, yet the meats often overcooked, and the staff often seemed preoccupied. The Chef/Owner at the time was in his share of legal difficulties, and I have not been in there over 9 months, so things may be drastically different now, but nonetheless, my 2 cents.
Doing one thing, and doing it right
pleasant cafe in roslindale for pizza- the place hasn't changed a bit in ( I would imagine) 40 + years, but I've had decent to very good pizza, cheap beer, and throwback feel there for at least 20 years now (well not always the beer).
I have a wierd relationshp with hot and sour soup, I get intense cravings about 4 times a year, have driven 45 minutes for a bowl to go... my favorite used to be called Kalok in Arlington.. alas, Kalok is long gone. Any other favorites for H/S soup out there? Suprisingly, Dragon Chef in Davis does a nice one if you req. extra spicy.
A tale of two pastas: La Spina & Sagra, Davis Square
excellent, comprehensive, review, thank you!
Gargoyles on the Square review (long)
That duck entree is one of my all time favorite duck preparations. I haven't been over there yet this summer, anyone know if OP's view of tumbleweeds was a fluke or is the place really slowing down? One of my go-to standby favorite places, I'd hate to see it on the decline. I would imagine (or hope) the sacrificial chicken was.... offered.. to OP and not just left there? Being left babysitting an error, without consent, is not ideal.
Many Davis Square restaurants look similar...
Fried oysters and collard greens at redbones, hot and sour soup at dragon garden, and Dae's sandwiches... all good!
I'm looking for wild berries to pick
we took the kids out to Wards berry farm, out on 95 south, I believe it's near the Sharon exit(?) however as of 2 weeks ago they had strawberries only, but plenty for the pickin with a minimal crowd.
Poll: Your #1 favorite in Boston.
I'm gonna have to piggy back on the No. 9 Park selection- Solid over the years, others have come and gone, or gone downhill IMHO, but it's my measuring stick for all others (in that price range, I should say).
Eastern Standard vs Central Kitchen?
I agree re ES vs CK although I love CK, ES is better for a party that size. However, do check to see if the Sox are playing that night, could effect your plans/timing/etc at ES!
Lunch recommendation for Tues July 3
I would highly recommend No. 9 Park (Park St.) for a tasting menu where "price is no object", and I would recommend calling them in advance to set it up- I prefer sitting at the bar there or ask for the chef's table overlooking the park..
Pittsburgh rare
Using the skillet to char is the way to go.. and to ensure a nice crusty outer layer, drizzle/reduce/burn a little jus with some butter and or wine on the skillet (prior to introducing the beef) to achieve maximum crustiness/grizzle- also remember to serve/eat asap as the steak will continue to cook if left aside (for instance while you have to dismantle the fire alarm again). ..
South Shore Butcher?
Check if river rock farm (google it, sorry no linky) will deliver.. local, good folks, amazing product, and not over expensive IMHO..
