icedtea's Profile
chocolate chip cookies
I almost forgot, there's a wonderful new chocolate store in the South End called Aroa - 1651 Washington Street. Last time I was in they had great chocolate chip cookies - and I definitely recommend the hot chocolate to accompany it - when you taste it you won't care that it's 80 degrees outside.
chocolate chip cookies
There's a place in Belmont called Kitchen on Common. It has great food but they also have a selection of fresh baked cookies everyday that you can get to go. Everything is homemade. http://www.kitchenoncommon.com
Boston-Woodstock-Waitsfield Roadtrip
If you're going to be in Waitsfield on Saturday they have a terrific farmers market with a lot of great local food producers including cheese makers. I like the nearby Red Hen Baking Co. for lunch. The Pitcher Inn has great dinners but I'm not sure if they're open for lunch. A lot of people like the Bees Knees in Morrisville. The Farmers' market in Woodstock is good for a picnic (it's a store and sandwich, not an outdoor market. http://www.woodstockfarmersmarket.com.) I heard The Farmers Diner in Quechee is good. There's also a place called the Rainbow Sweets Bakery and Cafe in Marshfield that gets good reviews. In Vt you have to ride around a bit to find things. freshnewengland.com has a list of artisan cheese makers and other places.
Eating in Concord, MA is tough. Your safest bets is a picnic with from Verrill Farm or the Cheese Shop. La Provence is decent if you want to be seated. Be sure to visit Bedford Farms for ice cream.
If you like Persian food I recommend Lala Rokh in Boston. Monica's on Richmond St in the North End is also very good.
Coming from Montreal
The restos here generally aren't comparable to the quality you'll find in Montreal either in terms of quality, skill or presentation. That said, I'd try Lala Rokh for Persian, Monica's on Richmond Street in the North End for Italian, Rendez-vous in Cambridge. Many people like Craigie on Main in Cambridge. Henrietta's Table in Cambridge has a nice lunch. Wherever you go, bring your own bread and dessert.
Staying at The Westin - Copley Place for July 4 weekend...
Lala Rokh for Persian food. Monica's on Richmond Street in the North End.
Rugantino
We've been there for lunch and dinner and it's very good. The cooking is much better than some of the trendy restaurants. For example, it was much better than Da Emma. The staff is also very kind and attentive.
Cheese Shops, Formaggio Kitchen, Others?
There are Cheese Shops in Concord and Wellesley
Let's talk Cambridge
I thought Oleana's was incredibly overrated. Sandrines is good.
Breakfast in Newburyport
Any recommendations on where to get breakfast in Newyburyport?
A Question for Food Lovers: Big Night and Babette's Feast
A question to folks who appreciate and identify with the spirit of films like Big Night and Babette's Feast.
Which Boston restaurants have you found (if any) that exemplify love and passion for food?
Remember, this isn't about decor, location, reviews or price. It's about fresh ingredients, timing, preparation, and pride.
A Question for Food Lovers: Big Night and Babette's Feast
A question to folks who appreciate and identify with the spirit of films like Big Night and Babette's Feast.
Which New England restaurants have you found (if any) that exemplify love and passion for food?
Remember, this isn't about decor, location, reviews or price. It's about fresh ingredients, timing, preparation, and pride.
Restaurants propped up by hype [split from Boston]
You' d be surprised how many people make lifestyle decisions based on what they perceive is "in" or "the best." Then there are those, like yourself, who make their own decisions about quality based on personal judgment. Whatever the case, when people have to start using cash vs. credit, restaurants will close.
Restaurants propped up by hype [split from Boston]
(Note: This post was split from the Boston board at: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/555125 -- The Chowhound Team).
Yes, we've definitely noticed. Prices are up in a number of restaurant and we have observed that some restaurants we enjoyed are using less than the best quality food.
Compared to other cities, like Montreal for example, the food at many Boston restaurants is bad ( not to mention the inadequate, insulting to the palate desserts - like Finale, Rosie's bakery, etc.) and expensive. Many of the establishments seem to survive more on hype and promotion than quality. Given this, I would expect many sub-par restos to go by the wayside quickly. Others will take a bit longer, but when the people who value the "scene" over a quality meal have their credit cards shut down, the trendy self-proclaimed chefs propped up by Daily Candy and Boston Magazine will drop off next.
The survivors will be the people who know how to cook and use good, wholesome local food at reasonable prices.
In short, there are a lot of bait and switch restaurants (i.e. restos that use hype to get you in and let you down when you eat there), and those restaurants shouldn't be open in any economy.
Wellesley or nearby suggestions?
Cafe Mangal for lunch- hands down.I believe they have a website if you google the name
Looking for the Best Chocolate in Montreal!
Maison Cacao
E. Laurier and Fabre
Wonderful.
Fine dining options for vegetarians and vegans?
La La Rokh on Mt. Vernon Street. Many of their dishes are vegetarian and they also have several entrees that they will alter for vegetarians. The food is excellent.
Take Out Thanksgiving Dinner
i have the perfect place for you - Verrill Farm in Concord, MA. The food is terrific- reasonably priced, as fresh as is gets and chef prepared. You can also order from them a farm fresh free range turkey from VT and delicious homemade pies as well. The owners daughter is a pastry chef and makes all of the desserts. You can order by phone and arrange for pick-up. I looked up their blog in case it would help: Scroll down to the Oct. 28 post for the full menu and contact info. http://verrillfarm.wordpress.com/ or to learn more about the farm, verrillfarm.com
Just as an aside, the farm stand burned to the ground about 3 weeks ago. However, they have been fully operational outside and are in the process of moving into a temporary facility on the land while the farm stand is being rebuilt. The man who owns this place is an outstanding human being and is very well respected in Concord. You can count on your food being fresh and delicious. We shop there several times a week and love it. Plus, you'll also be supporting the building of a new farm stand so you can feel good about supporting a family and their employees.
Happy Thanksgiving!
