hungryi's Profile
What's up with La Pupusa Guanaca?
Seems to have been closed, maybe temporarily? A little Googling turned up some some recent inspection violations as of 3/1/10. Any news?
best pancakes in boston?
A lot of people go bananas for Sorella's on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, because they will put just about anything into pancake batter. Personally, I think it's gross, and I prefer to head up the street to Centre Street Cafe, which has tasty, fresh-fruit topped pancakes AND the best crispy corn and oat waffles ever. Really, ever.
Spring 2009 Openings and Closings
Been hearing this for months! Where's the space? Is it where "New Asia" was, around the corner? That would be amazing. Union Square is blowing up!
Gaslight report
I don't post half as often as I dine all over the city and beyond, but I just have to slap myself in the head in awe wondering why any of the well-versed foodies here even still bother eating at any of the over-priced, attitude-charged,Franco-schtick establishments spawned by the besotted-with-themselves Aquitaine Group. Frozen mega-corporate fries? What do you expect? Everything is a formula, a contrivance- there's no whim, no fancy, no soul. Give me Petit Robert any day.
Bacon Chocolate Bars
maybe they could do a bacon-wrapped bacon-chocolate bar! Would that suit your fancy?
JP chow crawl, part deux
Alex's is definitely my in-a-pinch go-to spot when pizza or pupusas just won't do.
I highly recommend their delicious, flavorful (though maybe not the juiciest) rotisserie chicken. They typically want to cut it up for you, but I prefer it whole personally...
I'm not wild about their sides- kinda greasy, you're better off to grab a bird and throw together your own sides. If you were feeling really lazy, maybe head across to Food Wall and order some garlic green beans!
Upper Crust: meh...
An enormous communion wafer! HA!
That is hilarious! Perhaps you've innovated a new crust-style here!
Upper Crust: meh...
Overall, I tend to enjoy this style of pizza, and I do think Upper Crust does it well (I usually go to the Coolidge Corner spot), but I have to ask, what were you thinking ordering a steak-topped pizza? Yuck!
Seriously though, I think you're better off going to Sweet Tomatoes, in Newton or W. Newton...deliciously simple, fresh and flavorful! I love the chunky tomato sauce too!
Anyone tried the Stillman's Farm meat CSA?
Stillman's recently (as of this winter) instituted a meat CSA, with membership offered in 2 6 month cycles; for a half-share (10#/month), the cost is $450, or $7.50/# for all-natural chicken, beef, pork, and lamb.
(http://www.stillmansfarm.com/theturkeyfarm.html)
I'm considering signing up for the next cycle, beginning in May.
Anybody out there a member or thinking about it?
I know they've also been known to sell their meats at their CSA/Farmer's Market location in JP, but I haven't tried it myself.
Bottega Fiorentina, Zesto's Pizza, JP Seafood, JP Licks
I'll occasionally grab a slice from Zesto's, and while I don't usually find it gross, I think you're better off walking up a bit to Ideal, or better still, as noted, to Same Old Place. However, I think the Zesto's wraps and sandwiches are pretty good, at least as lazy hangover grub...
Have you tried the Brescia pizzeria in the Jackson Square plaza? Surprisingly good!
St Patty's Visitor Needs local flavour
If you're making a trek specifically for Paddy's day, then you should consider experiencing the ultimate Irish breakfast- it just so happens that next week, Boston is hosting a Gaelic Gourmet week, with loads of events all around (including a biggie at the Omni, I believe).
I'd recommend checking out the Eastern Standard (Here's more info: http://bostonchefs.com/news/viewArticle.php?id=3876) for breakfast on Saturday, the 17th.
Not that there aren't LOADS of other authentic Irish breakfasts to be had around town here, but the Easterd Standard is a pretty nice environment, and worth the trip to Kenmore (and hey, you're right around the corner from Fenway Park!).
NYC Chowhounder looking for solo dining
I think the Delux, the Butcher Shop (despite being, ahem, a butcher shop, they also have other exceptional, non-meat choices), or the Franklin would all be great options for great bar seating plus great meals, and all are a close walk into the South End from Copley, and all reasonably priced. If you're like me when you travel, you'd enjoy these lively spots that are accomodating if you just want to belly up with a good read, or just as easily engender opportunities for conversations with strangers...
For the record, I made a similar request to the NY Chow board a few weeks ago, and had an excellent overall experience- food, wine, service, conversation with strangers at the bar at Babbo! Cheers to tapping into the local flavors!
Need a Restaurant in Cambridge for Anniversary!
In the $20-$30 entree range, I just celebrated Valentine's Day at Oleana, on Hampshire Street, and had a fantastic time, with the total for a shared app, 2 entrees, 2 desserts, a bottle of great wine, and coffees at just about $200. This seems pretty reasonable for an outstanding dining experience on a special occasion, but then again, I spend most of my disposable income on food anyway...
The service was attentive but not obtrusive, and the atmosphere was simultaneously lively and intimate. It was my first time there, and I can't wait to experience their legendary garden seating this summer. Happy anniversary, enjoy!
Birthday plans changed ah! Please help :)
Cuchi Cuchi is definitely a fun choice, even moreso with a group, but I think the Lava Lounge at the ECG would be a good idea if you reserve in advance. I also like Central Kitchen if you can grab the corner table in the back, or a few tables together in the front window. On that note, upstairs in the Enormous Room would be accomodating and ambient for a group, w/their pillows and low benches, etc.
best panini sandwiches?
I had a pretty good pressed sandwich at the All-Star on Friday, but as I was heading back to Central Square passed by a spot I might've fared slightly better: the City Girl Caffe. Not my pick for ambience, but they do make some mean panini! (Here's the menu: http://www.citygirlcafe.com/cafemenu.shtml) It's in Inman Square (a quick walk up Prospect Street from Central Square) on Hampshire Street. Give it a go sometime.
Retro hors d'oeuvres
instead of beer, my mom used Wild Turkey for a little extra kick, and honestly, i could eat these little wienies all day! Just made 'em for a potlock a few months ago!
"New" restaurants...where would you go?
If you were a fan of Perdix (South End, where Pops is now), you should check out the newly renovated Biltmore in Newton Lower (Upper? Whatever) Falls. Former chef Seth Morrison is at the helm in the kitchen (along with other Perdix alums in both front and back of the house), and you'd be sure to enjoy thoughtfully prepared and inventively adapted gastro-pub fare. Worth the trip to the burbs.
Best Bets at Clear Flour Bakery
Clear Flour also sells- in extremely limited quantities- the elusive and extraordinary cannele, a sweet speciality of Bordeaux. With a deeply caramelized, toothsome exterior giving way to a spongey, custardy interior redolent with vanilla and rum, stock up on these little delights at .75 cents apiece. I believe they are baking them more regularly now, but check their schedule, and grab as many as you can when you pop in!
(As an aside, one of their alumni runs the lovely Canto 6 bakery on Washington Street in JP, where she's serving up her own refinement of the cannele recipe as well.)
where can i find the best GUINNESS pour in Bos?
Cheers! Dooley's and the Druid are always first stops on my Guinness trail- Dooleys' at Christmastime is a magical way to get into the holiday spirit(s).
Radius tonight- what's the scoop?
While well-fed from some of the best and brightest neighborhood spots/hidden gems, I haven't often cashed out on our fine-dining scene, save for Craigie Street (*sigh*).
So how IS Radius? Any recommendations? Wine or cocktails? Dinner or apps?
Brownstone?
Eh, just so-so. Unremarkable food and wine when compared to the wealth of outstanding choices looming only a block or so away. It could be that it's just one of those location cursed with perpetual mediocrity, such as the spot on St. Botolph formerly known as a million different versions of St- Botolph's something or other.
Skip ahead to the Delux, the Franklin, or the Butcher Shop.
A table for one can be fun...but where?
Thanks for the reccs. Veritas and Babbo have both been on my mind recently- good call.
As for the Pig and the Owl, I'm definitely interested, but their oozing trendiness can be kind of unappealing.
authentic irish cuisine in boston??
Matt Murphy's is absolutely top-notch all around. I'd recommend the Druid for pints, and then you'd be in the neighborhood of all sorts of delicious options- East Coast Grill, Oleana, etc. Not to mention that the Druid's food is also pretty great.
I also second the motion for the Independent, and if you're feeling like going on a gastro-pub adventure, I'd recommend the newly-opened Biltmore in Newton Lower Falls. You will be pleasantly surprised.
A table for one can be fun...but where?
Hi there,
I'm in the city for an interview all day Tuesday, and headed back home to Boston on the 7pm Acela (well, it could be later if it's worth the wait for a great meal).
I'm a very comfortable and very frequent lone diner- sometimes I even kinda prefer it, and am looking to treat myself to a fantastic dinner while I'm there.
My initial instincts would lead me to nose around the West Village somewhere, but I'm pretty open to suggestions, limited just to Manhattan this time. Brooklyn beacons soon...
In general, I'm happy to eat at the bar if that's a possibility, but a table is ok too.
I'm not particularly interested in trendy; I am interested in exceptionally delicious.
Thoughts?
