bear's Profile
Chinatown Rec'ds
The soup dumplings are quite good, as are the vegetarian dumplings, which I don't usually like much. (we've only gotten the pork soup dumplings, not the pork and crab)
Chinatown Rec'ds
Gourmet Dumpling House is a solid choice for food. It's often really busy, though. You won't be rushed out the door, but you probably won't be able to linger.
Favorite/Best Pizza in Bedford/Billerica/Burlington Area
We got takeout from Villa Franca a while ago, a salami and a cheese, and really liked it. A salami and a cheese. Good crust and sauce, and they take great care making and cooking the pizza. I'd also like to try the Sicilian.
We'll definitely return.
Where art thou, broccolini?
It's awesome blanched then tossed in olive oil and grilled.
Pearl Jalapeno Beef Frankfurters
Bianco's are my favorite sausages. I like them even more than DePascuale's, and that's saying something. Those pork/rabe are awesome.
Lunch on the Freedom Trail
Hey, Harters, thanks for all the fun and detailed reports. I love your posts on Homecooking, and it's fun to experience our neck of the woods through your eyes. Sounds like a great trip!
new rotisserie suggestion
Wow, that put's my little rotisserie to shame! Awesome, and thanks for the suggestions. Tomorrow I'm planning on doing a couple of chickens with lemon, garlic and herbs under the skin, and more tucked in the cavity.
Lime will be perfect with our love for Mexican flavors.
I've been dying to cook some Cornish Hens, so that's a great suggestion. Now high on my list.
Happy Memorial Day!
Cuisinart Clad at Costco
At Costco the other day, I noticed they are selling what is labelled "Cuisinart Professional Clad Cookware". It is identical to my Multiclad, which I love.
A 12-piece set is listed at $199, and there's an instant $50 manufacturer's rebate. At $149, this set is a steal.
It is very similar to the set I got on Amazon for about $230. The main difference was that the Costco set includes a pasta insert, which mine doesn't have, and omits the steamer for the 4 qt. sauce pan, which mine does have.
If you're looking for new stainless cookware, you could to worse than checking this set out.
According to the Costco flyer, the instant $50 savings ends June 3.
new rotisserie suggestion
I did a quick search and am surprised that there aren't many responses to the rotisserie threads. I have a CharGriller off-set smoker and just bought a rotisserie for it. I'm excited to get cooking this long weekend, and am hoping for some tried-and-true tips or recipes from seasoned hounds.
I''m the only lamb fan in the family, so I probably won't be cooking any. Other than that, I'm grateful for any suggestions!
Top Chef Masters Season 4 July 25th
Thanks for posting. I was afraid that they weren't going to have a fourth season.
Chris Cosentino is the standout for me after a quick glance, and Art Smith should be fun. Patricia Yeo is working outside of Boston now, so I'll have a local to watch.
This is my favorite food reality show. There tends to be much less drama than the regular TC.
Spalla's/ Culinary delights in Natick
Have you tried NY Pie in Waltham, and if so, how do they compare?
Book Recommendation for Mexican Food Afficionados
I haven't read the book, so thanks for the review.
He was interviewed by Tom Ashbrook on On Point a while back, and I really enjoyed the interview. I'll check out the book.
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/04/11/taco-usa
Boxty in Boston?
Too bad the Green Briar took them off the menu. That's the only place I've had them.
The Lansdowne Pub has them on the menu as a side, no cheese sauce from what I can see. I haven't tried them, though.
Food Network Star
Of course there are home cooks with tremendous depth of knowledge. In this case, I don't feel that's true of Melissa. I don't have strong feelings about her personality, but I don't feel that she offers much in the way of education. She demonstrates simple recipes and doesn't do much to expand the skill level or understanding of the viewer. I can read a simple cook book if I just want a recipe idea.
Jeffrey, on the other hand, through his travels and his culinary education, has the potential to elevate the viewer's awareness.
Food Network Star
I was so ticked off when Melissa was chosen over Jeffrey. Typical FN. Melissa is a home cook. I just don't feel that she has much to teach me. Jeffrey is an accomplished chef with tremendous depth and a great POV. I'd love to see him have a cooking show instead of the travel-type show he has now.
Maria y Ricardo's New Corn Tortillas
My preference depends on what I'm using them for. I like Cinco de Mayo for soft tacos because they're tender and delicate, but find that they absorb a lot of fat and are kind of tough when fried.
Trader Joe's are a bit drier and coarser and fry up dry and crisp, so for tostadas and chilaquiles I use those. They freeze really well, too, so it's easy to grab a couple for a quick huevos rancheros on Sunday mornings.
I'm looking forward to trying the new M & R product.
Maria y Ricardo's New Corn Tortillas
I do wish La Nina would update online. I emailed a couple of months ago and never received a response. I was really looking forward to buying some fresh masa for tamales when they reopened in Everett. I hope they end up with a retail place.
Maria y Ricardo's New Corn Tortillas
The River St. WF had the traditional corn Maria y Ricardos as well as their own yesterday.
BEst Meatballs (Italian) Needham, Newton, W. Rox, etc
I forgot to add Domenic's in Waltham to the list. Delicious.
One of the Kind - Super 88 Allston
Finally made it here last night. Had the beef in chili sauce and pan-fried dumplings. The beef was really tender and the sauce was complex and flavorful. The young guy that took my order warned me that it was very spicy. I thought it had a good level of heat from both peppercorns and chilies. An excellent dish, but my poor co-workers today. Tons of garlic!
The dumplings were excellent, too. Pork, cabbage and more garlic. Really tender wrappers. I'd definitely get both dishes again.
BEst Meatballs (Italian) Needham, Newton, W. Rox, etc
I really like the meatballs at Fiorella's in Newton.
over-spiced Butternut Squash Soup - any ideas on how to fix this?
As mentioned, rich dairy will help. Cream, sour cream, creme fraiche, mascarpone.
Let us know what works. (probably on the Homecooking Board.)
Eggplant Parmesan
Bummer. This thread had me craving good eggplant parm so I ordered takeout from Gran Gusto, along with a side of pasta and the fettuccine w/ porcinis. I was crushed when they called back a few minutes later to say they were out of eggplant. I agree, the fettuccine was just okay. The red sauce on the pasta side was awesome, though.
Arlington area dinner with 1yr old.
There's also a Flatbread on the Bedford/Burlington line if you're heading north.
Arlington area dinner with 1yr old.
You're very close to Full Moon on Huron in Cambridge. It has a play area for kids and decent (I haven't been for a long time) food for adults. It's focus is good food for families with children.
La Posada in Arlington Heights is casual and always has lots of kids. (byo) I've enjoyed my takeout from there.
Dairy & Soy Free Dining Options?
But I bet for Italian, Gran Gusto would be happy to skip the cheese and use evoo.
popovers
Alton Brown says to pierce the popovers with a knife to let the steam escape. I do that about five minutes before I take them from the oven. I do tend to cook mine for for about thirty minutes, though, and turn the oven down to 400 after about five minutes so they don't brown too much.
