mintchip's Profile
grocery that consistently carries frozen lemon juice?
I can't live without a back up supply of it in my freezer. In the Somerville MB - you'll find it next to the fishsticks, don't ask me who came up with that genius location.
Shaws doesn't seem to carry it, but most S&S do, with the exception of the Winchester store. I hope this helps.
Wegmans strategies?
I thought their cheese and bakery sections were both outstanding. I thought the liquor prices rivaled Kappy's, I can't comment about the wines though. For day to day items I wasn't impressed on prices. But I very much enjoyed the whole experience and will absolutely return.
oh - I recommend signing up for their courtesy card. I got a free bottle of flavored oil (yet to try), and a shopping bag.
Gift ideas for European Friends
I second this. When I visited my Swiss uber foodie friend in Zurich this spring - he requested Maple Syrup. He said that he can find almost everything else - but nothing beats the real thing.
Food Network Show - which one?
Maybe is a Throwdown with Bobby Flay episode. Before the Throwdown - they are tricked into thinking they are going to be part of a special....
Never Say Never!
I tracked down the website - http://port305marinabay.com/ . I am looking forward to stopping by and checking out it out for myself.
Cellophane Bags in Boston?!
I bought some today at Michaels in Wellington Circle.... cute with gingerbread men. They also had some non holiday bags. They come with bendy ties. Very affordable.
Trattoria Il Panino Express - Cambridge is closing Friday 7/24
That is so sad! Any idea if they're moving somewhere else?
That just stinks - greed in this economy. There seem to be an equal number of empty stores in that area as occupied ones (or at this rate, there will be soon).
where to buy chocolate covered sunflower seeds in Cambridge, MA ??
I haven't purchased them recently - but the last time I did it was at the Trader Joes on Mem Drive. The main frozen food aisle - left side -over the frozen veggies.
Love them - which is why I haven't bought any in a while... they are addictive!
Upper Crust coming to BU?
As much as i'd love to see a new restaurant new go into the former Z Square location - that space is cursed.
cheap eats boston
I whole heartedly second this - but I recommend getting there early. I've seen long lines by 11:15. But to be fair - they move quickly! A plus side is that they box things up - so if we are having nice weather that day - you can wander the city/N. End - and have an impromptu picnic!
Where did Aspic go?
My mother used to torture us in the 70's with tomato aspic with sunflower seeds, raisins and carrots. I still have nightmares about it! I still like jell-o- but I can no longer tolerate sunflower seeds or raisins!
It is interesting to note that gelatin has a significant role in American (household) culinary history. I have in my hands my grandmother's recipe box (she was born in the 1890's). 8 out of 10 of the salad recipes call for gelatin. It was this new & modern ingredient.
I have high hopes that this trend will make a reappearance.... without sunflower seeds of course!
fresh mint in the winter
I've seen decent prices and quality at Arax Market in Watertown - even in the winter. And it is easily accessible via the 71 bus from Harvard Station....
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Arax Market
585 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472
DaVinci Syrup?
I have found them at TJMaxx and Marshalls. I tend to buy Torani online at Amazon - but DaVinici is good too. I use the french vanilla in my Diet Coke or in my coffee.... fruit flavors in cocktails or with seltzer.
Why do some foods taste better when made by someone else?
I have to agree with salads. (and not my mother's. Her food was the reason I learned how to cook - self preservation!). Salads at friends' homes, restaurants etc. always taste better to me for some reason!
Bottles for homemade liqueur
Also in the same general area - the Container Store. I got one of their catalogs in the mail the other day - and they have a nice selection.
Best Supermarket "Frozen Food Find", Anyone?
For a fun dip, or sandwich spread - I zap frozen artichoke hearts in the microwave (I buy mine @ Trader Joe's) & then puree them with olive oil, a little lemon juice, and tons of freshly grated parmesean cheese. S & P to taste.
This is also great over pasta!
Inexpensive Liquor Stores in Boston Area
I just recently heard of this place - but I got the impression from the link you posted, that the neighborhood is rather sketchy.
Additionally,I think Kappy's at Wellington Circle has some good deals, as does the liquor store next to the Alewife Whole Foods.
It's Just Better With Pickles
Speaking of raclette - I went to a special dinner in the Swiss Alps - and they served Cheese fondue. No big surprise there - but I was surprised that one of the things to dunk in was dill pickles! almost blew me away. (and as you can see from the picture - they also offered pineapple as a dipping option.) Very yummy.
I also love making my dirty martinis using dill pickle juice......
Looking for the tourist traps...
I doubt their menu has changed in its entire history! I adore their popovers though....
Looking for the tourist traps...
I would recommend Durgin Park in Faneuil Hall. The restaurant has been around forever - and so have many of the famously cranky waitresses. While far from gourmet, I seem to recall that the food isn't bad either. Lots of New England seafood (lobsters, steamers etc.), plus stuff like cornbeef and cabbage. Plus - you can walk around Faneuil Hall afterwards and be entertained by the street performers or your fellow tourists! (whatever you do - I know you'll have fun - Boston is a great city).
M & M's
I'm not 100% sure it is still there - but there is a candy store on the upper end of Newbury Street (4-5 blocks from Mass. Ave.) that sold them (it was there last year as far as I remember). You could also make your own giant Pixie Sticks....
steak ta tare
I can second the tartar at Eastern Standard. My all time favorite has always been the tartar at Locke Obers...however, I haven't eaten there in quite a while.
Good food after the theater??
Does anyone have a recommendation for a place to get a good meal after the theater? I have a visitor who is going to see Placido Domingo on Monday night. He wants to know where he and his friends can dine afterwards. I have no idea! Any recommendations, of restaurants you love near the Wang Center - or vicinity, that serve dinner after 10pm would be very very appreciated!
Weight Watchers Recipes - the good, the bad and the...
Why aren't you cooking Chicklet? WW is supposed to be something we do for life - and not a "diet" per se (Just lost 45 lbs myself, and now am maintaining). I love to cook - and while don't get a chance to do it as often as i'd like - I see WW as a challenge to prepare my favorite foods so that they are more healthy. Life is too short to eliinate the things you love. Cooking and eating being at the top of that list for me!
Basta Pasta in Cambridge
I haven't had it in a while - but the risotto is fabulous. I've also enjoyed the sandwiches Seems to me it is time to go back!
I happen to remember that the owner isn't Italian - and this is his only restaurant.
Cambridge Culinary
I graduated from the professional chef's program back in the early 90's. I can't comment on the current faculty - but I still see Roberta from time to time- and have seen the recently renovated kitchens. From what I can tell, the program has remained consistant, if not improved. Plus - I still get alumni event emails.
Also - it is in a nice part of cambridge (important, since you'll be spending a lot of time there!), and it is close to the subway.
I have remained close to people I graduated with - overall I had a very favorable experience.
best bloody?
The Plough used to make my very very favorite bloody mary. just the right amount of heat... and served in pint glasses. But I haven't been to brunch there since they reopened - I think i'm almost scared to go - that it won't be the same....
Best subs
My very favorite is D'agastino's. Technically not in Boston - but not that far out either. Both the Winchester Center and Arlington Heights locations are consitently wonderful, inexpensive and have been for over 25 years. They use Boarhead cold cuts, and lots of them, they don't skimp. Plus they slice all meat/cheese to order. Living in Cambridge - I have been known to take the 77 bus just to get one. The italian is my sub of choice.
(FYI - the Arlington location is almost next door to Penzey's Spices.)
http://www.dagostinos-deli.com/deli.htm
Dalu in East Cambridge?
I'm pretty sure this is the same woman who used to have a catering company where the Savenor's in Cambridge is. It must have been about 10+ years ago. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the company - even though I worked a few freelance gigs for her.
