trishaluna's Profile
Where to eat like Caroline Knapp, Morphine, the Lemonheads, and other 1980s Bostonians past
I don't know much about Caroline Knapp's haunts, besides what I read in her book. I DO know that Evan Dando (Lemonheads) and Mark Sandman ate at the Middle East many times because I've seen them there way back in the day.
40th Birthday Dilemma
My husband is turning 40 in two weeks and after months of discussion, he has finally given me an idea of how he'd like to celebrate.
He decided that he wanted a nice dinner in a nice restaurant and have some good steak.
He wants all the close family to come, which is about 16 people. The dilemma I have is that in our group of family, not everyone can afford to splurge on a steak house type of experience. We can do the splurge but unfortunately we cannot afford to pay for other's meals. We've eaten at many steak houses/restaurants (No. 9 Park, Ruth Chris, Morton's, Palms etc) and sometimes I don't even think the cost is worth it anyway. Maybe with No 9 Park but that it is plus we don't really like large chain restaurants. We both know that we can't probably get it together to be celebrated near his actual birthday but he is okay with the dinner occurring sometime in the next month. So now I'm stuck trying to find a place that he can get a good steak but has relatively affordable options on the menu ($20s for entree's is okay) that are reasonable for the whole crowd.
I had a great rib-eye at the Eastern Standard once, so I was thinking of contacting them. I've also had some nice meals and private dining experiences at the Sel de la Terre on the waterfront but I'm at a loss after that. Any suggestions out there? A place that is a nice, feels special but isn't going to bankrupt our guests?
Thanks all
Trish
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No 9 Park
9 Park Street, Boston, MA 02108
Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Sel de la Terre
774 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199
New, larger, Burlington Market Basket is coming
That's it! Raisin Pecan bread. It is very very good. I haven't bought any of the french breads, i make my own 'no knead' bread at home. I have had some of the ciabatta's (olive, rosemary etc) and they're fairly decent.
New, larger, Burlington Market Basket is coming
I went today to check it out. I usually shop at Chelsea but Burlington is about equal distance from me. It was a huge improvement over the previous store but it can't hold a candle to Chels. One thing I did notice that they had that I have not seen at Chelsea was a definite increase in asian products. They even had some udon noodle soup packs w/fresh noodles by the deli. Also, as noted more asian ingredients and spices. They were still giving out lots of coupons and I got a free tub of grape tomatoes which was nice. The bakery section was also giving out samples. As someone noted before they think the MB baked goods are dreadful I do agree that they used to be but I've had some great things from the bakery in Chelsea. They have a pecan nut bread that is sooo good toasted w/butter that I don't buy it often because I gobble it up.
Christmas Crackers for Xmas meal?
Just saw them at the Christmas Tree Shop in Somerville.
Chocolate Cake in Boston
I hate to say it but Costco has an amazing chocolate cake. 3 layers, excellent creamy frosting and wonderful moist cake. I think its called the all american chcocolate cake, its about $15, quite a deal.
Blue Ribbon BBQ - today's Groupon $7 for $15
BBQ is a hot topic on here. Just saw that today's Groupon is $7 for $15 worth of BBQ at Blue Ribbon.
Now's the time to check out one of the Blue Ribbon locations in Newton or Arlington to see how it stacks up to your favorite. I love both Blue Ribbon and Redbones...but I'm not a BBQ expert by any means. I actually didn't enjoy Pete's the 2x's I was there...maybe I ordered wrong and the weird sweet roll threw me off. Still sad it's gone. Any BBQ restaurant in the area is a good thing for chow-lovers!
Enjoy.
Trish
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Blue Ribbon BBQ
910 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
Best Foodie Suburb for nearlyweds seeking house?
What about Medford? W. Medford is very nice, affordable and right next to Arlington/Cambridge/Somerville. The orange line is in Wellington, along w/ a bunch of nice condo buildings at Station Landing. We love it hear. We are in Cambridge in 15 minutes, Somerville in 10, Arlington in 5, Malden (Fuloon mostly) in 15-20, Waltham in 20. Great location.
Downsizing our grocery bill, family of 4....
Since you're in the Boston area, I highly suggest Market Basket. They are worth the extra drive if you don't have one in your neighborhood. They have the cheapest prices anywhere. As mentioned above, stop/shop/shaws etc are good to cherry pick their sale items but that's it. The Chelsea MB is huge and easy to shop in, some of the older stores are cramped. I'm amazed at the savings, even over TJ's sometimes. Things like cream cheese, always, always .99 at MB, I see it for $1.19 or more at other stores. I've bought items at the big chains when in a pinch and I don't want to head to MB. When I get home and pull the old item out of the cabinet I'm appalled at how ripped off I feel. Things like Good Seasons salad dressing box $1.39 at MB, and $2.69 at Stop and Shop !! Crazy price differences. Good luck!
Costco Waltham Hot Dog
Sorry to be such a party pooper regarding the nutrition info :(
Trust me, I was not happy when I read it and thought of the number of times I've scarfed one of those down after a shopping trip. I like what MC said "If you're going to eat bad, eat bad well, I say."
That's my philosophy now that I'm nearing the big 4-0, I unfortunately have to count the calories and fat now and if I'm going to blow them on one meal, its not going to be a hotdog - even though they are very very tasty. It is shocking to find out some calorie counts from fast or chain food. Ohhh, to be 20 again.
36 hours in NOLA
I thought I read on here that kids can't go into Coop's? Under-age...I could be mistaken.
Costco Waltham Hot Dog
We love the Costco hot dog but after I found out that one hotdog has 32 grams of fat and 500+ calories I now split one with my DH. Ignorance WAS bliss. It is such a good deal and yummy. I believe I read somewhere that Hebrew National makes them for Costco.
Meat Shares
Even another endorsement for Chestnut Farms. We LOVE it. The quality is top notch, the flavors unsurpassed. I can't even eat supermarket chicken anymore, even if its organic/humane etc. Kim and her family are wonderful, I love reading her emails and as corny as it is, I feel warm and fuzzy knowing that we are supporting a local farm that treats their animals with love and care and even though we eat meat/animal products, we are not supporting industrial agriculture. They are true stewards of the earth!
One more dinner slot to be filled.
Thank you everyone! I've made a list and my husband and I will peruse the menus. I can't wait for this trip!
One more dinner slot to be filled.
This will be my second time to NO.
On my first we ate at
Mandina's
Cafe De Monde- beignets of course.
Coops
Port O'Call
Mr. B's
Jaques 'Imo
Ralph's on the Park
Brigsten's
Cochon.
So, for this trip, we have planned to hit:
Parkway Bakery - po'boy
Central Kitchen - muffaletta
Mr. B's again - it's a friends fav.
Emeril's
Commander's - Brunch
The Joint for BBQ, then Vaughan's Lounge afterwards.
We have one dinner, on a Sunday, with no plans.
My husband and I were thinking of doing something that would be a specific New Orleans experience. I was looking at Luke's/Herbsaint/August etc but I think we're leaning towards a NO vibe more than anything. We figure we can always just go back to Jaques 'Imo, which we liked last time then hit the Maple Leaf afterwards...
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Quick question - Mr. B's BBQ shrimp.
Is this something that can be ordered peeled? Is there a charge?
I know its probably part of the experience but I'm a messy eater to begin with and I hate getting messy.
2nd visit and I'm turning 40! Suggestions?
Well, I've been reading online about Galatoire's and it seems Friday lunch may be a great time to visit. Sounds like the classic New Orlean's experience I'm looking for.
So maybe Galatoire's for Friday lunch, Emeril's for Sat. birthday dinner and Sunday we're doing the Commander's brunch. My waist-line is expanding as I write this! Thanks again for all your help
Drinks near the Omni Parker House
What about Silvertone's? Its right around the corner from the Omni.
2nd visit and I'm turning 40! Suggestions?
Hello Chowhounders.
I need some help. I'm heading to New Orleans and meeting up with some friends (from diff. parts of the country, 6 all together) to celebrate my 40th birthday.
Two years ago, we did the same thing for another friend and had some great meals at
Brigsten's
Ralph's on the Park
Mr. B's
Jaques Imo
Cochon
Burgers at Port of Call
Beignets/coffee Cafe du Monde ( of course! )
So this time around I'm trying to figure out where to have a celebratory dinner on a Saturday night, in March. On my actual birthday on a Sunday, we're having brunch at Commander's. I was thinking of Jaques Imo because we had a great time there and it would be a fun, lively dinner. Maybe after heading to Maple Leaf if there is some music happening. But part of me is thinking something a bit more up-scale but not stuffy. We're a lively bunch and want to have a good time! I see that Emeril's gets some good reviews on here and was thinking that would be fun to try. On the website, I see 3 restos listed, I'm assuming it is just Emeril's New Orleans that is the original? I guess I shy away from it because it seems so touristy, which isn't probably an accurate assumption on my part.
I would like to check out a new place this time around and of course, I want fantastic food but something very New Orleans/regional as well. I'm here in Boston and I eat at fantastic places here and in NYC so I do lean towards a regional experience. Any suggestions? I really appreciate it.
Thanks! Trish
Close to Coppa - tonite
So this evening, there will be four of us (two from out of town) attempting to check out Coppa.
From what I've read it's small and can have a huge wait for a table unless you get there early.
Because of babysitting issues etc, we probably can't get there until after 7.
Is it likely that they'll be a huge wait (ie 2 hours )? I don't mind waiting for an hour or so if I'm able to enjoy a good cocktail/wine.
If so, what would be a good back up plan? I'm trying to think of something tasty that wouldn't be too far and not break the bank (like Hammersly's or B&G would) It looks like we may have a car because its just soooo cold out, public transportion isn't a good option. Any ideas. I'm drawing a blank.
HELP! Take Out Thanksgiving Dinners
I cannot attest to the quality but most of the major supermarkets have take-out thanksgiving deals. I saw the information posted in market basket and it was also included on their flyer. Maybe check out the nearest supermarket to your grandmother's house. Good luck!
Near MFA - on a Monday night
Thanks everyone, I think I will suggest Hamersley's, the chicken is fabulous and the parking situation will work. Locke-Ober's valet doesn't start until 6. Thanks again.
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Locke-Ober
3 Winter Place, Boston, MA 02108
Near MFA - on a Monday night
Hi there,
I'm stuck right now. My father and his good friend from out of town are going to the MFA on a Monday in a few weeks. They want a dinner recommendation for that evening, knowing my chowish ways I always get hit up for a recommendation when his friend is visiting. Last year when my dad's friend visited they wanted to eat in the N. End so I sent them to Mamma Marias, which they loved. The year before, his friend was staying at the Marriott Long Wharf so I suggested Sel De La Terre, again, they enjoyed their meal. Now, both gentlemen are in their mid-70's and my father's friend is legally blind but has some limited vision, so accessibility is a small issue but not huge. They will be doing an early dinner probably in the 5/5:30 range. They have very basic but excellent taste (no ethnic or adventurous foods) and cost is not an issue. Where should I send them? They would like to be at least a short drive near the museum. I was thinking Locke-Ober? I've never been, is the new incarnation worthy of a visit? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Trish
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Locke-Ober
3 Winter Place, Boston, MA 02108
Mamma Maria Restaurant
3 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113
Where's everyone buying their Thanksgiving turkey?
I am looking forward to seeing the comparison this year. We ordered ours from our CSA (Chestnut Farms). In the past, I usually have gotten the cheapest, frozen turkey from market basket. I brine them in a brine from Chris Schlesinger and martha stewart. It's always been fantastic. One year I ordered an organic/ natural blah blah blah from Whole Foods that cost me a fortune. I need to a get a large bird, I usually host about 13 - 16 people. It was awful, same brine everything. An absolutely awful tasting bird. So I went back to my market basket mainstay and just tried to ignore my conscious that was reminding me of what an awful existence this bird has had and how I hate to support industrial agriculture. This year, a bit more money in our pocket, I thought I would splurge for the CSA bird. I'm really looking forward to it!
Birthday Lunch - thinking Grotto?
hotoynoodle - that sounds like a great plan! Thanks, maybe we'll save Grotto for another time, perhaps in the thick of winter when I want stick to my ribs Italian
Birthday Lunch - thinking Grotto?
thankyou hotoynoodle. I forgot about the Bristol Lounge that will be perfect if the weather is bad. I know I won't get sardinian food in too many places but I think that the 'idea' of those beautiful meals; wonderful cured meats, handmade pasta's, fresh homemade cheese etc is what we would love to find. Scampo sounds great as well, I haven't had her lobster pizza in years!
Birthday Lunch - thinking Grotto?
Hello, my husband's birthday is next week and after dropping the kids off at school we were thinking of wandering around the city, having some drinks and a fabulous lunch. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. We were thinking of eating at Grotto for lunch. Last night we watched Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations episode in Sardinia. Oh my...the food looked wonderful. My husband said "THAT Is where I want to eat!" So, my question is, if you had to have the best italian meal in the city (for lunch) where would you go, and what would you eat? Thanks!
Also, any tips for nice bars for sitting/people watching/views or a nice fireplace.
Trish
Just opened -Chelsea Market Basket
Itaunas, There are Columbus brand salame's in the deli case. All the way at the end, next to where you pick up your number. Many varieties of salame's and other cured goodies. I've been getting the Dry Salame since Chelsea first re-opened, it's $6.99/lb. Just this past weekend I also picked up a Columbus brand Fire-roasted Pork Loin at the deli that was very good as well. I don't know if it's still there but the other day there were leaflets on the counter for Columbus Salame's that has coupons and adverts for a trip to Rome sweepstakes.
