threedogs's Profile
Strip T's increasing funkiness
Oh, I hope they stay there. I live in Watertown & haven't been able to go yet (budget is extremely tight right now, and will be for awhile).
One thing that worries me is how Walmart decided to lease space not far from Strip T's location (they initiated a 20 yr lease at a location around the corner fr ST's, on Arsenal St., last July) , despite the current city/town laws that would prevent them from locating there. There's a strong local grassroots fight here - but I really worry what will happen to our wonderful local businesses if this fight fails.
Haymarket - Get your Goat?
Can't comment on the goat, since I don't eat that (well, not yet at least) - but I LOVE to cook, am really fussy about my fruits & veggies (I cannot and will not, if I can avoid it, eat frozen, so I'm always on the lookout for fresh veggies) - and I absolutely love shopping at Haymarket.
Haven't been there in a couple of months (my wheelie suitcase that I formerly used for a shopping cart broke & I've also been up to my ears preparing for an upcoming week-long vacation/wedding for my daughter :D), but usually I go there weekly.
The idea that they have the discards from a standard grocery store is not correct at all. In fact, I won't buy produce at Stop & Shop or any of the other chain grocery stores if I can avoid it - horrible produce, and at (to me) ridiculous prices.
The trick w/Haymarket is to walk around, check out what they have at various stalls, watch what you're given (I *did* get a couple of avocados a couple of weeks that I had to throw away, but we're talking about 2 for $1 here - not a great loss, in comparison to all the other bargains I get there). I also try to remember the good vendors & go back there.
For instance - right before Thanksgiving, I got the most incredible portabello mushrooms for about very cheap (forget how much, but it was a fraction of what they're sold for at Stop & Shop), a bag of lemons for $1 - the previous week I got a vac bag of VERY FRESH baby french string beans for $1. Can't beat that with a stick!
I feel that Haymarket is SUCH a great place - I LOVE the hustle & bustle of the place - if I never went there, I'd be missing out in so, so much. In fact, it's more than just the produce (and great prices - where else can you get a week's worth of fresh veggies for chunk-change, lol) that brings me there.
olive oil?
Arrgh! I can't get to Wayland - are these two new oils offered by Olympic? If so, maybe they're selling these in other locations (I'd contact them directly to find out).
olive oil?
Arax and Seven in Watertown are now carrying Olympic. I paid $30 for a three liter can - still have lots of love for this oil.
ISO: Licorice Sold Years Ago
Yeah, my son had to go & mention licorice. Now I'm thinking of trying to make a batch. Craving these & it would be so much cheaper to make a batch of my own, esp. when I never find myself over at Ocean State or similar bargain spots like that (these days). Very tempting...
When I'm covering up my body on the beach in March (daughter's wedding!) I'll only have myself to blame, hahaha...
ISO: Licorice Sold Years Ago
I think it was Callard & Bowser - saw some sites since I started this post that mentioned that they are now out of business. So sad - they were delicious.
ISO: Licorice Sold Years Ago
Oh, that sounds very similar!! Those are a bit out of my price range though. I decided to do yet another search but included 'caramel' in the search - which gave me the name of the original I was trying to find: Callard & Bowser, and yes, sad to say, they are out of business. :-( Man, they were SO good...
That' cost is a bit expensive for us right now, but I'll keep my eye out for this one if I'm in a store like Ocean State Job Lot. I also just found a recipe online for "Licorice Caramels" (using my description): http://allrecipes.com/recipe/licorice-caramels/ & one of the reviews states that they taste like Callard & Bowser!
I could make it, but I don't trust my willpower right now (couple of months before my daughter's wedding) so I think I'll wait to make it myself - but I'll keep my eye out for this brand to see if I can find it cheaper.
ISO: Licorice Sold Years Ago
OK, I can't even remember the name of this licorice, but it was better than anything I've tried these days. My family used to get it on a regular basis when I was growing up (that's the Boston area, a zillion yrs ago). I seem to think it was actually made in England, but I could be wrong. Was sold in little rectangular boxes & each rectangular piece was individually wrapped. Almost like a licorice caramel (soft toffee?), if you can understand what I mean - was hard at first, but became soft & chewy & very delicious.
I seem to think the company had other flavors, but the only one that I and my mom bought was the licorice one. Wanted to do a search to see if the company was still in business - but I can't do that without the name!
Hopefully I've triggered the memories of some other Chowhound oldsters like myself! :D
Open on Christmas-Near Children's Hospital?
How wonderful!! Truly an example of holiday spirit!
Wishing the best for your son, and his loving mom & family - sending some hugs your way, dlmom.
Zwiebaqck? Where?
I used to make cheesecake w/out the crust - a very, heavy, rich type of cheesecake. Basically, just left it out. Comes out delicious.
Thai North in Brighton
Did a search - the #57 bus goes right by (Kenmore-Watertown). Easy access for me! :D Can't wait to try it!!
Subs / grinders @ Santoros
Same here, Raphie! But if I do end up there, I'm getting me a sub. From the photos on Yelp, it looks like it's the same as it was in the '70's (perhaps the same grime, too? lol)
Subs / grinders @ Santoros
I really need to stop in at the Malden one when I'm in the area. My curiosity is getting to me - there are some negative reviews on Yelp, but that won't stop me taking one for the team. ;-)
Subs / grinders @ Santoros
I love Bova's- esp. the braided rolls w/sesame seeds! Not sure what spucadella rolls are - to us, spuckies were just sub rolls (and since we were in Malden, it also meant Piantedosi rolls). Curious now, though!
Subs / grinders @ Santoros
That was 'my' Santoro's! I'd grab one on the way to going to school (Malden High). Always Italian for me (I have been nothing, if not, consistent, when I find something I like). And yes - we used to buy from Piantedosi's right up until we moved away (I came back w/my kids - so they grew up in Malden, too).
I have to admit, though - had some of their standard sub rolls recently when I was driving nearby - not nearly in love with the rolls like I was during all those years. Taste buds have expanded, I think (plus I make my own bread when I feel like it). Still, for a standard Italian sub, that's what you need (not a crusty French baguette, IMO), just like a Bahn Mi needs a totally different type of bread.
Subs / grinders @ Santoros
I grew up in Malden back in the 60's & 70's when there were two Santoro's - both on Main St., both pretty close to each other. Driving by recently, I was very surprised to see that one is still there - across from Sacred Hearts Church. (Not the one I used to frequent for my high school Italian sub lunches, though).
I have no idea how it is now, and I don't know much about the history of the place - except I could get a really great Italian sub there. (Back then, my mom - second generation Sicilian - called the bread rolls used in subs "spukies" (sp). Haven't heard that in years...) Good solid sub roll, good quality Italian deli meats, provolone cheese (never American!), chopped tomatoes and pickles, the optional hots, and oil & vinegar on top. Mmm... bag of chips & a soda. High school gourmet lunch! :D
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
Hooray!!
Maybe all need to tell them to pay their phone bill? ;-) I'm glad their still around.
Lil Vinny's Closing End of Dec.2011
You don't have to wait until it closes to get the credit from Groupon - just call them up & explain. I never had a problem.
Once, I made the mistake of going for a buffet (I know, I know - should have known better). While the food was pretty awful, what got me is that the establishment lied about the cost - it was a daily deal, and the actual cost was only a few cents more than what the Groupon cost was (not the larger savings claimed). I don't like being lied to!
Not Groupon's fault - but I called & let them know. I didn't expect a full refund - which is what I was given immediately along with an email apology from Groupon. (I didn't bother calling the restaurant as it was obvious that no one cared when I was there).
Lil Vinny's Closing End of Dec.2011
I've had terrific experiences with Groupon - they've given me many, many credits for coupons I didn't use - even one that expired (which I had forgotten about).
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
I really want to use milk fr a local dairy - and thanks for the tip about how Capone's adds a bit of cream after draining the ricotta. However, depending on how my plans go, I might end up doctoring up a less-than-perfect ricotta, since I don't have a car to travel to get my ingredients. The time it takes is too much for me (traveling by T, not the cooking by any means!!) - not to mention the insane holiday traffic! So I appreciate this little bit of info!
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
Yes, I realize to avoid the ultrapasteurized milks. My preference would be for a local milk at Russo's, but I'm not sure if I can fit in going there on top of all the other things I need to do.
I watched a video where someone got 1 1/2 cups of ricotta from a quart of milk. So a gallon would give me (providing I get the same results, of course) about 6 cups.
I think the standard ricotta container is about the same as yogurt - the one I have here holds 4 cups. So, theoretically, a gallon of milk *should* give me about one & a half containers full (if the stars & gods are all lined up, lol).
This is how I can compare the cost & also figure if it's worth lugging home one or two gallons of milk by bus or foot.
On the other hand, I might just tell one of my kids to pick up whatever ricotta (whole milk of course) they can, then add some cream, like smtucker said that Capone's does. I'm doing a huge amt of baking & cooking, so I think I can justify cheating w/my creativity, lol. I would add a teeny bit of thickener so the ricotta doesn't fall apart. Not my first preference, but there's only one of me...
Another trick to make the ravi's or lasagna creamy & give it a better flavor would be to add some cream cheese to the mix. Easier to get & cheaper than mascarpone.
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
Awesome!! I didn't know about this (and yes, it was Trio's).
Yet another reason I love this site...
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
Now I'm confused! Is it Purity that was the cheese shop I remember fr years ago? It was on Endicott St., too, apparently. Glad they continued the business (Quincy is too far for me, though).
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
The article reminds me of a conversation I had some months ago w/Maria when I went in for a cannoli. I mentioned the pasta shop that is now gone (used to be on Hanover St. - the name right now escapes me). I was introduced to the then elderly gentleman who had originally opened it w/his wife (I heard stories about how they hand made everything in the beginning). At that time, his health was obviously failing, but apparently he came into the shop everyday. Unfortunately, after he passed away, his kids just sold the property & the business came to an end.
She knew who I was talking about. Yes, he died... she tried to remember how.. she said "I think he had a heart attack... or, [with hands up in the air, shoulders shrugged].. was shot."
I laughed so hard. That says it all.
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
Arggh - I was just in Davis Sq Sunday. Had no idea (nor did I think I'd have a tough time getting my usual). Just tired of these endless trips - I want to get started on my actual cooking! I might just make my own - it's really easy. I made it once before, but it wasn't tremendously successful, but I just read an article on Serious Eats - the author tired different ingredients & discovered that vinegar gives a more consistent result (I used lemon juice), so I might give this method a try.
Still really sad that another old time North End establishment seems to be gone, though...
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
Yes it is, Bob. :-( But that article explains the Fleet St. location.
Fresh Cheese on Fleet St., in the North End - tel no disconnected???
I tried two numbers I found on Google - both are disconnected! Called Russo's (I bought their always amazing ricotta there on Easter), but they said they don't have any (hoping that it's just a momentary thing).
Please - someone tell me that they aren't out of business!! Would be a very sad day... I don't have the time to just go exploring in the North End to find out - at least not until after Christmas.
Edit: I just found a page on Phantom Gourmet that says they are closed!! (gasp!) Also lists Endicott St as their address - that's more accurate an area from what I remember.
Aw, say it isn't true...
Has Anyone Made or Had These Italian Cookies? MOSTACCIOLI
OP, I'm not sure - back in my teenage years, I used to go to the North End with my mom. She'd pick out a chocolate cinnamon (or other spices) cookie that she loved - I haven't seen it for many, many years - and can't honestly remember too much about them. Obviously, this seems to originated in a different region than my mom's Sciacca in Sicily (my spelling might be off).
I'd like to try it, just the same - sounds delicious, and might be similar to my mom's favorite.
Have you tried them yet?
ISO: Great Quality Bulk Chocolate for a Decent Price
Well, StriperGuy, I can't be too far from you (I'm in Watertown). If you like, shoot me an email (I have it in my profile). I'll let you know when they're done & I'll give you one. No problem.
I think what I decided to do is go w/the babka idea, but with some I'm adding my own candied orange & lemon peel, & some almonds. Different family members like different things - one hates nuts, etc. All will love the chocolate... I adore almond paste, but I might let that pass for now. I've made my own almond paste in the past, but my food processor broke - I have a fantastic stick blender - a bamix - but I don't know if that would work.
For me, citrus & citrus peels really signify the holidays (but I don't think my kids share my love there).
