Bluebell's Profile
Atlanta weekend - mostly Buckhead
After researching the Chowhound boards, a friend and I had a really nice weekend in Atlanta. I'm a pescatarian, and she eats everything, and we stayed in Buckhead. Friday night we drove by Eclipse di Luna, but it was wildly packed at 8:30. Instead, we ended up at Southern Art Kitchen; the highlight was the fried pickled green tomatoes, with a nice jalapeno jelly. She had a selection from the ham bar, and we split a salad too, which featured some very good beets, plus pecans and other things. The cocktails were ok, but not amazing. For dessert we shared the bourbon ice cream - delicious.
On Sat we went to the Inman Park festival, and had a pleasant lunch at Across the Street. Not amazing Mexican food, but well-executed, friendly service, funky decor, and a nice patio. Wandered around a lot at the festival, but no amazing food trucks really caught our eye. Sat night we went to JCT kitchen. Friend had the duck liver mousse (tried to encourage her to get the angry mussels) and shrimp & grits. I had the vegetable plate, which was very tasty, but more stew-like than I had expected. For dessert, the doughnuts w/ meyer lemon filling were fabulous. Note to those who care - this place is seriously loud! Cocktails were better than the night before.
Sunday we grabbed coffee and baked goods near our hotel, and after a trip to the Atlanta History Center, went to Atlantic Station. Due to very few options there, we ended up @ the Yard House - I had no idea it was a chain until we were seated and looking @ the menu. Once again, it was a pleasant outdoor patio, and service was fine. I ordered tacos, and we split a too fussy salad.
Overall it was a nice visit, but plenty of options left for a return trip!
Restaurants open late Saturday nights in Arlington or Lexington?
Tryst is indeed open until at least 11. They have a nice mix of small plates too.
Moderately priced Passover wines in Boston area
Gordon's in Waltham seems to have quite a bit. There's also Urban Grape in Chestnut Hill - might not be cheap, and they are sold out of our new favorite Chilean --Lanzur. But worth a try. Mall Liquors has an ok selection as well, but the broadest selection is probably the Butcherie.
Inexpensive catering in Cambridge (on a student budget)
I'd consider Indian food. It's out of your official boundaries, but a few years ago I ordered from Bollywood Cafe in Lexington and they were great and pretty inexpensive! So I think Guru would be a good bet. Also, maybe you can call Greek Corner in N Cambridge?
Habanero's: Mixed-Response Mexican in Waltham
We went late-ish on Sat night (9:30), and also had mixed results. We were seated immediately but there was a booming 80s soundtrack. I was a Mexican Cuisine fan in the past so was looking forward to Jim Fahey's menu. The margaritas were great - I loved my watermelon one, though it didn't pack as much heat as I had been expecting. DH had a regular, and pronounced it good. Loved the smoky salsa that came with the chips. We ordered the chile relleno and the baja fish burrito special - both entrees came out lukewarm unfortunately. (we were feeling lazy so didn't flag down the busy server.) Decent portions of rice & beans - I had refried beans and they were good. sauce on the chile relleno was tasty. We'll try again in a few months, but probably on a weeknight!
Looking for Good Cocktail Bars in Boston
Yes, I've had the Avery's, but the bartender at Casa B hadn't heard of it,
Breakfast in Lexington
Can't think of anything in Lex, but try Classic Cafe in Arlington Heights.
Looking for Good Cocktail Bars in Boston
Last night, Casa B had a cocktail special - a Blood and Sand. Very nicely done. Also, I noticed a bottle of Batavia Arrack on the bar. The bartender admitted that it doesn't go with the Latin theme, but that he likes to use it to make a sour, and to wash the glass with scotch first. Didn't try it, but might next time.
New South Indian in Union Sq: Dosa Temple
Finally made it to Dosa Temple and all three of us enjoyed it and will be going back. We were there for dinner, so in order to get a wide range of dishes, we ordered the Thali and Madras tiffin. Also couldn't resist the Gobi 65, but have to admit I like the gobi apps better @ Katmandu Spice and Kabab & Tandoor. The teen ordered the kids version of the cone shape dosa and it was pretty much adult size. She was very happy, and also got an order of noodles that was nice & spicy.
As for the thali, it was mostly N Indian standards, but there was an interesting green bean and coconut dish. Plus there was a lentil donut w/ sambar & rasam.
The tiffin was a great combo - dosa, idli, vada w/ sambar, and an excellent veg uttapam.
As stated above, decor is very minimal, but service was helpful. We'll definitely return!
Casa B in Union Square
Sorry to hear this. One extra piece of cocktail info for when you finally get there. The night we went, a person near us had a pisco sour, and I watched the bartender crack and separate the egg right then - no premixed drinks there! The woman who drank it seemed really pleased.
Cocktails at Chez Henri recently?
I actually had a very good Periodista at Casa B, a new tapas place in Union Sq. Also saw the bartender make a Pisco Sour for another customer, who said it was delicious.
Need a lunch rec for Friday
The room is lovely, but co-workers and I who've been to Trade haven't been very impressed by the food. I am a big fan of Rialto, and am hoping that Trade will find its groove. Service was also somewhat rushed and disorganized when I was there. I agree w/ the poster below that L'Espalier is a fabulous lunch option.
Casa B in Union Square
Not too bad - I think most of the raciones and tapas were in the $6 - $9 range. There are trays - I forget the name, but they offer 3 selections or so -- that run about $14. Cocktails were $10ish, and there are wines by the glass and the bottle too.
Casa B in Union Square
Tried Casa B tonight--officially their first night open. It's two or three doors down from Ronnarong, very sleek decor, with space in the basement and at ground level. DC had sangria, I had a well-made periodista. The tapas are Latin-inspired rather than Spanish but quite tasty. High points were the wild mushroom pinchos and the cod fritters. They start each meal with complimentary plantain chips and asparagus dip. Definitely a nice addition to the Union Square offerings!
New Kendall Square Restaurants
We've been to Area Four many times, never needed a reservation. The small plates there are very good, and the cake w/ salted caramel sauce is amazing. Think Tank is closer to the movie theaters, and they never seem too crowded. Ate there once and the food was ok, cocktails are very good and creative. Haven't made it to Catalyst yet.
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Think Tank
1 Kendall Square, lower level, Cambridge, MA 02139
Area Four
500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
Recs for Indian Food takeout on Christmas Day?
Bollywood Cafe in E Lexington (just over the Arlington line) has a parking lot, good food, and could even deliver. I used them for a group of 20 a few weeks ago and everyone was happy.
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Bollywood Cafe
135 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420
Birthday drinks somewhere between Davis and Central?
I can't remember their beer list, but across the street from Cambridge Common, West Side Lounge has very good cocktails, several yummy veg friendly apps (good frites and also nice flatbread) and good seating.
I also think Green Street is another good alternative.
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Cambridge Common
1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
West Side Lounge
1680 Mass Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
Thanksgiving vs. Pesach
My in-laws (z"l) always did roast turkey w/ matzo stuffing for both. I think it was just easier for them to do only one menu. In my family, our seders were usually brisket, so they were two very different meals!
Help me find a wine for my wedding
My absolute favorite kosher bubbly is Abarbanel Brut Cremant - and the label is pretty too. Not too sweet, and I like it much better than the Mostcatos out there.
http://www.kosher-wine.com/wines/brut.shtml
New to Arlington - Where should we eat?
Welcome to town! Here are my family's recc's:
- Thai Moon is also our first choice for Thai, but Lady Siam is fine for takeout.
- Also for takeout is Great Wok, but when we are feeling ambitious we prefer Qingdao Garden in N Cambridge
- Kathmandu Spice for Indian/Nepalese fusion- love the starter of roasted soybeans
- Bollywood Cafe in E Lex for Indian takeout, reasonably priced
- Fusion Taste in the center is OK, very family friendly service
- Nicola for pizza
and yes, Lakota is wonderful - you don't really need to buy anything, you can just walk in and get a contact high from the smell of butter and sugar!
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Qingdao Garden Restaurant
2382 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Bollywood Cafe
135 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420
Kathmandu Spice
166 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
Thai Moon
663 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
ANOTHER Nepali restaurant, this time in Somerville...
Interesting. The only dish I tried at both places was the dried rice and it was significantly different.
ANOTHER Nepali restaurant, this time in Somerville...
Finally made it to Yak and Yeti this week, only a few days after going to Mt. Everest Kitchen too! Really enjoyed both, but chances are I'll make it back to Y&Y first. We enjoyed a mix of Indian and Nepali dishes.
Vegetable chow chow - wasn't sure if this was going to be like Hakka noodles, but it was more like spicy spaghetti. Nice though
Veggie momos - ok filling, good tomato sauce for dipping
Tofu ra Palung - a really good tofu and spinach dish
Chiura - dried rice - actually liked the version @ Mt. Everest Kitchen much better
Chana paneer & naan - for one member of our group who wanted Indian
Things were a bit spicier than we had expected, but we enjoyed our meal. Service was efficient and polite. They provided papadum as their free starter food - wish they'd offer something Nepali like they do @ both Mt. Everest (a potato salad and chiara) and Kathmandu Spice (the addictive tiny dish of soybeans)
Hopefully there's enough of a difference to keep this place and Kathmandu Spice both busy. KS seems fancier and more fusiony.
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Mt. Everest Kitchen
182 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Kathmandu Spice
166 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
How is Green Street Smelling Lately?
No smell this weekend. A friend mentioned that she had been recently on Weds for taco night, and the tacos were very tasty.
Two high points of our recent dinner - a cold avocado soup as the starter, and a scoop each of sweet corn and peach ice cream for dessert.
Mostly UWS report
Tween daughter and I came to UWS for a long weekend w/ relatives (visiting from Boston). We researched Chowhound (thanks!) as well as a few other resources, and had a weekend of very good eating:
Friday lunch - Shake Shack - with only a line of about 10 people out the door, we decided to go for it. Our hosts both had the burgers and were very satified - I had the shroom burger - very different than the usual grilled portobello sandwich, but delicious and filling. Thumbs up on the crinckle fries too.
Friday ice cream: Gelato cart at Lincoln Center - tween loved it, and sister happy too. the fountain was a nice backdrop.
Friday dinner: Noche Mexicana, on Amsterdam - seemed to have recently moved to nicer digs. Fabulous sauces - the tomato sauce for my chile relleno was terrific, and my sister loved her mole. Pipian sauce was good, but not as delicious. Also, squash blossom quesadilla was an unusual but great pick. Service isn't really quick here, but great food. (Boston chowhounds who love Angela's cafe - come here!)
Sat night dessert - Bomboloni - lukewarm reviews, even for the creme brulee doughnut
Sun brunch - Standard Grill - bustling place, everyone pleased w/ their dishes, from brioche french toast to the polenta w/ gruyere and broccoli rabe. I thought the organic eggs were probably the strongest item. Good service, and not too scary a check.
Sun snack - rugelach from Ruthy's in Chelsea Market. Fine, but not amazing.
Sun cocktails - brother-in-law and I went to Campbell Apartment. Atmosphere was gorgeous, cocktail nice, (a tequila ginger and lime concoction), but be warned that there was no AC. King Cole Bar yielded better AC and fabulous bar snack mix,. Drinks were less creative, but better presentation and chilled thoroughly.
Sun dinner: Sushi @ Momoya on Columbus. Tried a special black cod roll. Fish was v nice, but the sauce a little too sharp and mango-ey. Seaweed sampler was interesting, but not sure I'd need to eat it again. Sister had a set of basic rools, and fish was fresh.
Mon lunch - stopped @ Sido (Columbus and 72nd) for felafel. Crunchy, good hot sauce. If it hadn't been so hot, we might have made it to SoomSoom.
Mon take home bagels - 72nd street bagels - took them home to a happy husband!
Next trip will hopefully include Grandaisy Bakery, SoomSoom and Noi Due.
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Shake Shack
Madison Ave and E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
Grandaisy Bakery
176 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
Momoya
185 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Noche Mexicana
852 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Campbell Apartment
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Sido
267 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
King Cole Bar
2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
Shake Shack
366 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Noi Due
143 W 69th St, New York, NY 10023
Standard Grill
848 Washington Street, New York, NY 10014
Bomboloni
187 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
5/19/10 Priya; Unusual and Delic.Southern (and other) Indian in Lowell outskirts; $12 dinner buffet!!!
After reading about Priya, we visited tonight for the tiffin buffet. Different from the chat buffet, but very good. There is a mostly-Southern Indian buffet, plus they will bring you a variety of dosa and uttapam as well.
On the buffet:
Basmati rice
Chicken biryani
Two other chicken dishes, though I can't remember which (we only ate the vegetarian entrees)
Spring rolls
Idli
Sambar
Methi paneer (never tried this before, but delicious)
Gobi manchurian (spicier and a little less sweet than Pongal)
Vegetable curry
Salad
Rice curd
Carrot halwa
They also brought papadum to the table, and garlic naan, plus a selection of condiments
We were already pretty full, so only had a Mysore masala dosa and a paneer uttapam brought to us, but both were tasty. I'd never had a mysore masala dosa before, but enjoyed it.
We are big fans of Pongal's Sunday buffet--this ranks right up there. The only thing that Pongal has that my daughter really missed was the kulfi. We will definitely return, and are hoping to try the chat buffet as well.
Pizzeria Posto
Have been wanting to try this place for a while and finally made it there. Got there @ 6 tonight, just before the place finally filled up. At 7, there was a definite line.
We ordered heavily on apps, so that we only split one pizza. Servers were very busy, but mostly attentive, and the manager stepped in as needed. Here's what we had:
- Marinated olives - a nice mix, well-priced at $3, nicely garnished w/ rosemary
- Rosemary & sea salt bread - I don't think they provide free bread for anything, but this was nice, served piping hot, good crust
- Caesar salad - we had the anchovies on the side. a basic caesar- lettuce not wilting, so we were happy
- Arancini w/ lemon - not very lemony, but 4 arancini, good basic tomato sauce
- Mushroom pizza w/ arugula - a bit oily, but delicious! Crust was great.
We had beer and wince for beverages - decided not to venture into the cocktail menu.
Overall, a good, tasty dinner - a bit on the pricey side, but we want to return and try a few more things! Has anyone been to Sagra lately? I was there when it had just opened, but not back for more than a year - just wondering what will happen when Posto has more overflow - will folks head to Sagra?
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Sagra
400 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02144
H-Mart Burlington!!!
By 4pm yesterday the police detail was back, and the store was pretty crowded. This was my first trip to HMart, and I'm glad I went, though I went more to look around than stock up. Produce quality seemed to vary--I got some shitake mushrooms and scallions, plus tofu. All of the tasting was interesting, though as a fishitarian, I didn't get to participate in much of it! I'll definitely go back in the future.
Sushi...but the place needs to have non Japanese options as well...
In Arlington, Fusion Taste is a decent option. The sushi is not up to the level of Toraya's, but they have a good variety and list specials as well, in addition to the complicated maki options that include deep-frying, etc. The menu is pretty broad and includes Chinese stand-bys, a section of "Polynesian" and my husband has had fish dishes there that are almost European in presentation (filet w/ broccoli and rice on the side). They used to be Mifune, but reopened as Fusion Taste, and have also added a bar w/ a variety of "martinis." The service is also very friendly, and efficient.
Five Favorite Places to Eat Among Frequent/Veteran CH Posters?
GG - whenever I go to Garden @ the Cellar, I tend to get lots of apps and sides and am always happy. The cod fritters have always been great, and the burrata is fabulous. For the record, my other four faves right now are:
-Green Street
- Pongal (Billerica)
- Highland Kitchen
- Kathmandu Spice (Arlington)
Arlington Area Rehearsal Dinner
Congratulations! Do you have any thoughts about what kind of cuisine you and your guests might like? The two best non-ethnic options in town are a bit on the pricey side--Flora and Tryst. One possibility -- if you hit it off with the owner--would be to arrange something with Prose, where you could take over the whole restaurant. Search Prose on the board so that you can see some of the issues.
If ethnic restaurants are an option, there are quite a few good ones that could work, and have nice enough atmosphere: Punjab, Kathmandu Spice, Thai Moon, Fusion Taste. Close to Arlington you could consider Sabur in Teele sq or Elephant Walk in N Cambridge .
