While I don't know the nightlife very well, the Corrib in west roxbury is my grandmother's default. Joe's in dedham is an option if you go earlier and Conrads in norwood.

Also, I've had some hits and misses with holes-in-the-wall and mid-week desperation calls for a glass of wine.

I'm pretty open to everything, but I am timid about Moroccan or Indian food (I've had it maybe once or twice). Rincon Limeno seems like a pretty good bet, but I also spent time in Peru so I know what I enjoy eating. I live in South Boston, so I don't want to go too far, but I am willing to drive 30 or so minutes. And yes, I am driving because it is my turn.

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Rincon Limeno
409 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128

2nd wf.

The past couple of weeks that my friend and I have gone out, we've been somewhat on the track of one-upping each other. First was Highland Kitchen which I told him would be a place that you've heard of and are either excited to go/again or never have at all. Then he took me to Grotto which was good, but wayyyy different. It's my turn now and I need help. I'm considering the North Shore, but something less ordinary. Maybe East Boston? Help! I'm willing to throw curveballs...and bat against them.

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Highland Kitchen
150 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

I've actually had their pizza and it's surprisingly not as bad as you would think. However, there is nothing really authentic about Golden China-unless you count the empty scorpion bowls littered around the restaurant from the usual townie crowd. Or maybe just the artificial will suffice for its name.

Cottage cheese-I can't taste the difference between the low-fat/fat-free versions.

I have a hard time reading through the rest of his reviews because it makes me uncomfortable. IS THIS SERIOUS?

I guess I got them on a good night. I really didn't think it was as awful as you describe.

Raspberry Smirnoff: amateur drinking go-to. Artificial raspberry and smell makes my skin crawl.

Being in the neighborhood and all, I have been hearing that Telegraph Hill has or will go through menu changes. Personally, I find it convenient and the food to actually be pretty good for a quick bar bite or a place to just hang out for a couple of drinks.

Hey JPC, I'm not sure where you're located regionally, but we have a fabulous store in Boston called Formaggio Kitchen---a gourmet food shop specializing in products such as artisan cheeses. They have great information on their website:

http://www.formaggiokitchen.com

Hope that helps!

And PS, I think they ship, but you'll have to double check if you're interested in trying them in real time.

Caesar salad. I used to love it, but not since I got sick after eating it. Even the smell kills me.

Also, Bud Light. But, maybe that's because I've refined my palate and the thought of throwing back a few BL's on a given weekend night makes me a bit uneasy.

Hot Balls too. That's an entirely different story...

Althought I think it's below your price point anyway, Borgo Magredo Pinot Noir from Friuli, Italy is one of my newest favorites.

You never worried about them jumping up on counters/tables and wandering into the kitchen?

Late return to the party. There's a restaurant here in Boston that allows their "security" cat roam freely and sleep on the booths out front. Even if I loved cats, it would still make my screen crawl---and the food is pretty good. Hopefully sans cat hair.

Whenever dining at a sit-down restaurant, I find that cold and/or freezing bathrooms usually lead to a bad-mediocre meal with parallel service and atmosphere. I have no idea why, but it has become more of an omen than anything than just a fluke in the heating system. I guess, in a way, I feel like the front and back of the house are equally and important---but other areas tend to be overlooked.

Has anyone else had this experience? Or finds signs previous to a meal that especially irks them or makes them wary of the establishment?

I went to 224 last night and I thought the food was superb. We split a calamari appetizer and the fig, goat cheese and arugula pizza. The calamari was cooked perfectly-the only remarks I would make is that there were no tentacles and we had to order a side of marinara to "moisten the palate." The pizza was awesome; cracker-thin and fresh ingredients. Two glasses of Pinot Noir each (Hob Nob, it'll do) and a very friendly and accommodating staff. We'll be back and most definitely to dive into the entree side of the menu.

I've never been to Harpoon, but I went to SA with someone who has been to both---he liked SA better. To add to this, you can take the orange line to Forest Hills and walk down to Doyle's for a couple of beers and then hop on the trolley that runs every 15-20 minutes; dropping you off and picking you up from the brewery down the street. Both the trolley and tour are free.

I went to Limoncello last night and the service and (most) of the food was excellent. The squid ink pasta didn't really mesh well; the pasta seemed to be a bit too heavy for the lobster meat and the sauce.

Otherwise, everything else went perfect and I was suprised it was not as crowded as I had expected.

It doesn't look like it's been discussed yet, (so I don't think I'm running the risk of a repeat post) but has anyone been? The menu looks a little stale, but you obviously can't knock it till you try it.

Wine list looks so-so as well.

I agree it's worth the trip---and I'm not a big tea drinker. I also really enjoyed the food there.

I'd suggest Penguin Pizza as well. They (a bit surprisingly) have really good pizza and numerous other options to choose from on their menu as well.

Just be aware of the college crowd in the area on a Thursday night.

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Penguin Pizza
735 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

My sister and I brought my mother to the Dunbar Team Room in Sandwich for a belated Mother's Day present. We all loved it and my mother has since brought her friends along for a second visit.
It isn't as centralized as Waltham, but the drive is pretty much a straight shot and took less than an hour to get to.

Her take seemed more focus on flavors/techniques. I "get it" with the Japanese and Mexican, but come on, Devra, raw bars? Haven't we been here before?

I've only been to the Scarlett Oak Tavern once, but the experience I had was remarkable due to the wonderful service. Moreover, the food was awesome too...although it was a Valentine's Day that I soon hope to forget.

What do you usually order at Cafe de Paris?

I've always seen "bar pizza" as the answer to the roast beef craze that the north shore has created for its own population.

I don't know who yelled first, but the echo was certainly answered.

Still don't get the roast beef appeal either...

There are so many other places to go that are both nicer and cheaper. Besides, the only reason I really go into the Lenox is to use their bathroom soap. I'd pay for that.

I've never heard of Smart and Final. I'm on the East coast and have yet to find a store that sells similar products individually wrapped.