Parsnipity's Profile
May 2012 Openings and Closings
Yup, that's what the sign said. But when I peaked in, it looked more than minor. I highly doubt they'll be back.
Guy Fieri seen at Angela's, and Cutty's
Okay, does anyone know if Boston Burger Co is making their own fries yet? This has been a sticking point with me as far as going back or giving them another chance. When they first opened, they were definitely using frozen pre-cut fries. I can't get a straight answer about what they're using now but unless it starts out with a whole potato, it's not worth me wasting my calories on them.
Need North End Restaurant for visiting parents and awful toddler
Two problems with this: 1. it won't work with a toddler and 2. by the time it might work, most kids I know would be like "cool- can I go back to the kitchen, Mom?"
Lunch Spot - Today (Saturday)
I like Khao Sarn in Coolidge Corner. Slightly nicer atmosphere than most Thai.
New Bostonian's wish list
Okay, so the strip mall location is not trendy. But I like Genki-ya for good, modestly priced sushi. And my chow-baby loves a bowl of their multi-grain sushi rice with a side of edamame, which is a healthier kid's meal than almost anything else I can think of. And who doesn't need to stop at Trader Joe's every now and then?
Take Out for 10 - Recs
I would say there's no reason even to go as far as Mulan. I really like Rod Dee (although in our new vow to be more adventurous in ordering outside our comfort zone, this past weekend we ended up with something dreadful from the specials board with mixed seafood in red gravy. Avoid that.). You could easily go down Mass Ave and pick up a ton of dumplings from Quingdao and then hit Rod Dee for entrees. I really haven't found much spicy at Rod Dee (again, perhaps my ordering needs work), but you can get some heat at Quingdao.
Where to buy homemade pita
Whole Foods at Fresh Pond sells George's giant pitas- about 14". Other locations don't consistently have the large size. They are fantastic for pizzas and freeze wonderfully- just took 2 out of the freezer tonight, added sauce, peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese and into a 450 oven for 10 mins. Super fast dinner! Another favorite is to saute ground lamb, brush pita with olive oil, sprinkle with Penzey's zatar and crumbled feta and pop under the broiler
Russell House Tavern...everyone's favorite small plates there?
Hmm. I would say my personal seasoning preferences are about average. I usually agree with other posters on this board when they say something is over or under, so maybe there was a kitchen adjustment. Those fries were just dreadful and I'm not sure even some salt would have saved them.
Russell House Tavern...everyone's favorite small plates there?
Had dinner here last night and sorry to report we were underwhelmed. The entrees didn't really appeal so we got a collection of apps and small plates. Lobster sliders seemed bready with not very flavorful lobster. The burger was good and properly cooked med-rare, but underseasoned, and the fries were limp, greasy and also underseasoned. A three cheese pizza with figs was tasty and actually had some saltiness to it, but greasy. The crab cakes had a nice garnish of pickled radish and (maybe) watermelon rind slivers, but tasted more of breadcrumbs than crab. Finally, fried oysters were nicely fried but again would have benefit from a pinch of sea salt on top. We didn't stay for dessert because at that point Pinkberry was sounding good, and Chowbaby (who had no complaints with her side of mashed potatoes) was ready to go. Service was fine, but I sadly won't be headed back soon.
Harvard Square
Thanks- I kind of figured that was the case. I had a really great meal at Ten Tables about a month ago- nothing earth shattering but really solid and delicious, but it's a bit far outside the square for this venture and there's no way we'll get organized for a table for 5 without a reservation on a Sat. I already have plans for Russell House next week with friends-- looking forward to that salad everyone's mentioning. Casablanca might work, or if we really can't get organized Cambridge One...
Best Yogurt I've Ever Eaten - Sophia's Belmont
Hay is still grass. It's just dried grass. They probably eat hay all along, otherwise it would be "pasture fed." Either way, it's different from "grain fed" or TMR (which is total mixed ration and is what most cows eat.)
Harvard Square
What are people thinking about OM these days? I'm looking for recommendations for a moms' night out in Harvard square.
BUENO Y SANO IS ALMOST HERE!!
Swank, I usually trust your opinions. I just can't get past the extreme-forced-fusiony variants you've described. I'm not sure I want an East/West burrito. It reminds me of the mexican-eggroll-whatnot complaint against Tavern on the Square currently circulating. As it's not a major commitment, I promise to make a pilgrimage if I'm ever out that way but I can't say I'm sold.
Diva Indian Bistro
I thought the same way back. It's amazing this comment was made in 2005 and the doors just closed a few weeks ago. Is it prescient if it takes 6 years to come true?
best bartenders for regulars?
Speaking of Pauls, does anyone know where Paul from Gargoyle's went? That was a good bar for regulars.
March 2012 Openings and Closings
But can you bring in a paper bag of extra tortillas and double them up yourself for, oh, 3 cents each?
Which Restaurants do you consider your "Regulars"
We're Davis/Porter area so:
Highland Kitchen
Rod Dee for takeout, Thai Moon in Arlington for eat in Thai
Oleana for special occasions
Dave's Fresh Pasta for lunch/sandwiches
Guru for Indian takeout
Flatbread pizza for mom/baby lunchdates and family dinners
Used to do Redbones for apps and beers almost weekly, but with a baby haven't been there in a while
March 2012 Openings and Closings
They have a sign on their door today that says "Opening sometime before St. Patrick's Day but not today..." so possibly prior to the 19th. There's someone in there arranging said 100 tequilas on the bar.
Need some suggestions for Boston dining
We went to Salts a few years ago based on suggestions here and did have the oft-discussed duck for two, and I have to say our meal on the whole was disappointing. The service was okay and the food was okay but absolutely nothing wowed. And my father-in-law was substituted a completely different type of fish for his entree without being told. With Craigie right across the street I would never consider going back to Salts.
JunieB, make sure you hit Oleana. In probably 10 visits there, not one thing I've eaten has ever been less than stellar. We also like Bergamot quite a lot.
ISO Caterer/establishment specializing in brunch/breakfast foods in Arlington/Somerville/Lexington/Winchester area
We had something similar catered by Soundbites in Somerville. They dropped off pans of french toast, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and fruit, plus coffee and OJ. I can't remember prices but it was definitely cheap.
Special occasion fine dining - with a baby - Cambridge
We ate at Bergamot when I was very pregnant and everyone made a big fuss over my preggertini and made us promise we'd return with the baby. We haven't actually gotten around to it, but in theory at least they claimed to be very welcoming. When eating with our now-15 month old, one trick we also always use is no multi-course meals. Everyone order what they want, tell the server you might have limited cooperation time, and fire everything at once and bring as ready. Don't count on dessert.
We've taken our little one to Highland Kitchen quite a few times and it has the slightly noisy atmosphere that's best, very accomodating, and lots of babies/kids on the early side. The food is nice enough to feel celebratory. I highly recommend it for your situation.
TASTY BURGER - Davis Square
I just walked by the Rosebud while chatting with a friend and mentioned the Tasty Burger rumor. An older gentleman was taking out the trash and must have overheard. He wasted no time disabusing me of this possibility: "My father's owned this place since the 50s! No way are we selling to Tasty Burger! I have no idea where this rumor started!!"
Sorry, sir.
February 2012 Openings and Closings
Possible I missed it, but does anyone know what the deal is with Zing's Pizza in Porter being "on vacation" for like 4 months now? Their website says they're available for catering orders of 10 or more pies, which doesn't really make sense. I really hope they reopen and they always seemed to do good business.
Anyone tried Palm Sugar Thai in Davis Square?
Actually, just plain Thai before Pulse, I believe. "Joey's Thai."
Let's make a list of bars without TVs
Ah, Davis Square. No one's mentioned Underbones (downstairs at Redbones). Great for beer, no TV.
Large group dinner in Cambridge?
My office had our Christmas party for about 30 at Changsho this year and I have to say, the food was dreadful. Well below "not the best." They served family style with platters on the lazy susans in the middle of 10 person tables. It was over an hour from when we got there to when they brought out some apps. The mains were the epitome of what people complain about as Americanized Chinese- gloppy sweet sauces, overbreaded meats and shrimps. Additionally, the managers were rude to members of our party when they tried to use chairs from a nearby table which was not in use. I don't know what the price was like, but I'd like to think you can do better. The only plus is the easy parking, which is honestly how I think they survive at all.
Kitchen Nightmares
I was walking by Rafiki a few months ago and saw two people out front pointing to their awning and sign and debating something about "a complete change or re-creation." We'd had a disappointing meal there previously, so I filed that conversation away to await news of a relaunch but am still waiting.
January 2012 Openings and Closings
Crema's really good. Their English muffins will revolutionize how you think about English muffins.
Beer restaurants in Boston?
Thank you. Was going to chime in with just this sentiment. Blech.
Anyone tried Palm Sugar Thai in Davis Square?
We did our research tonight. Ordered take-out: drunken noodle (I was asked to specify meat and chose chicken, which is slightly odd since in my experience drunken noodle or crazy noodle usually has both chicken and shrimp as default), pad kra pao and som tum salad. Food was ready promptly and the place empty at 6pm Saturday. When we got home, the "pad kra pao" was strips of white meat chicken in a lot of watery sauce with a few veggies. In my experience, this dish is always made with ground meat. I called and apparently there was some confusion because although I asked if they had that dish, I guess they really don't (it was not on the menu, it's just one of my standards for evaluating Thai establishments). They offered to give me another dish of my choice, so I went back and got a tofu red curry and free thai iced tea.
The drunken noodle was good but nothing special. The chicken dish we hadn't wanted was pretty unremarkable. The som tum salad was the standout- lots of chili heat, good acidity. I can't speak to the curry because it's in the fridge untouched since we were too hungry to go back and get it til after eating.
It's an easy location for us for takeout, and I'd definitely have that som tum salad again but I think they need to step up their game a little given their prices. Every single dish is more expensive than at Rod Dee (som tum- $8.95 vs $6.90; tofu curry- $11.95 vs $10) by about $2 and portion size is similar. At this price level, that's 20% more and I don't think it's warranted.
