skokefoe's Profile
Pig's Head
Not seen them there (not that I've looked), but I'd bet Savenor's could either do that or tell you where to look.
What have been your best and worst liquor purchases?
Agreed, they have a pretty consistent rye selection (and some other goodies, like Laird's Apple Brandy (100 proof version), but it seems like every few months they jack up the price on their whiskey a couple dollars. Love NH stores, but pretty weak rye selection - at least you can search online to check out inventory though...
What have been your best and worst liquor purchases?
Got a local source for $17 Wild Turkey Rye? I enjoy the stuff quite a lot (since the Boston area rye selection has seemed a little picked over the last few months), but I think it's been about $27 the last couple times I've bought it (in Davis Square & Cambridge Wine & Spirits).
Looking for Rittenhouse 100
Downtown Wine & Spirits in Davis Square has had it the last several times I've been. Good news - I searched in several stores in southern NJ last year looking for some and had been slowly savoring it. Nice to get it locally...
Selecting the best cocktail shaker
I also have a Rosle and have been very happy with it. The measurement lines and markings wore off the glass, but those don't matter to me and everything else is as good as brand new after daily use for the past year.
Restaurant 33
Bahahaha. Yes, "Descend our LED-lit stairway into another world..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYcao3YSh6g
Duck Fat Fries
I tried the ASSBar's poutine last week. Not bad, but certainly not as good as the "real" version either. Cheese was in fairly large, unmelted chunks (not sure the type of cheese, but not cheese curds for sure). Not enough gravy to really bring the whole thing together. The fries themselves were tasty, so maybe the fries with Inner Beauty Hot Sauce are the way to go there.
I'll have to try that poutine truck (?) in Quincy or wherever it is one of these weeks...
Union Square Thai?
I'm definitely not a Thai authority, but stopped in for lunch yesterday and enjoyed it. Nice atmosphere inside; I had a lemonade (not memorable) and basil chicken fried rice. Thankfully, it had some spice to it (I think a chile pepper or two were next to it on the menu) and tasted good.
I'll be back to try other options. No alcohol, but I heard them tell someone else bringing your own is fine.
Tequila for Margaritas
Out of curiosity, have you run across the Angostura orange bitters around Boston yet? I haven't done a huge search yet, but haven't stumbled across them either.
Tequila Infusions? (ISO cheap white tequila)
I'm going to have to try one of these cazuelas; never heard of that drink before.
I've made jalapeno/habanero-infused tequila a couple times with great results. I put in a few whole peppers - piercing the skin - and let them sit a few days. It can definitely get spicy in a hurry, so taste to make sure it won't be too hot. I used Sauza Hornitos Reposado (mainly just because it's what I had around and the price was right).
This strawberry infusion, Tequila por Mi Amante, sounds pretty delicious: http://www.cocktailchronicles.com/2007/06/21/tequila-por-mi-amante/
Caledonia Farm Chicken
I emailed them yesterday and got this response:
Yes, we are running into the metro-Boston area- our last delivery was 6-28 and our next is expected in October. We do tend to run low on beef because it is always in high demand, despite our many expansions, but we hope to have extra this fall/winter (another expansion). We do have extra capacity for more customers who order chicken; we need reservations by early August to secure availability for our last lot in 2008. A $2/bird refundable deposit secures your reservation and you can take delivery through the club. Current pricing on 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 lb whole frozen broilers is $3.70/lb and club members share a $65 fuel/delivery charge (or less than $10 per member in most cases). We deliver into Newton which is close to many major routes and public transit for no-car families. If your are interested, you may remit your deposit and order to Caledonia Farm, 167 Grogan Rd., Barre, MA 01005.
Thank you for your inquiry and support !
duckfat fries
I had this the last time I was there. The fries were tasty, but it was only about two or three of them, and their shape was a strange cross between tater tots and french fries (about an inch long, a pretty chubby half-inch wide, maybe 1/8" thick). Not very crispy, as is my usual desire as well.
But I wanted to give a warning that if duckfat fries is your goal for going, I would lower your expectations (maybe they can do a fry-only side dish or something though).
Metamorphosis cocktail
Thanks, I will confirm that, as made at Eastern Standard, this is truly a delicious drink. Even people I know that aren't that into bitter flavors OR sour flavors end up liking these.
Soda fountains in the Boston area
I haven't been in a couple years, but they definitely had a breakfast/lunch counter in there when I was there last. I don't know about the soda fountain, but it's the right atmosphere for it.
The pharmacy is right near the Malden Center t-station - 299 Pleasant Street.
Cornucopia Foods, Malden?
I used to work in the area and went there many times for lunch (and sometimes for breakfast). Most of the food is passable, but definitely not worth a trip. The sandwiches are OK, but I'd skip the pasta/rice entrees. Soups are not especially good. Breakfast sandwiches (of the bacon/egg/cheese variety) are typical and better than Dunkin' Donuts (if that's an endorsement), but on the greasy side.
The only pastries I had there were the muffins, which I actually thought were surprisingly good. I tend to like the very moist style of muffins, so that helps (they are quite fragile once you start eating them) - the blueberry muffins always satisfied me.
In the area, I'd definitely vote for Pasta Market Cafe or Two Paisans over this place for lunch.
Central Sq. Farmers' Market vs. Copley?
Not personally, but a coworker said it was all/mostly plants and herbs.
Cocktails w/ Aperol
I enjoy an Aperol Sour:
5 parts Aperol
2 parts Lemon Juice
1 part Simple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters
There's a recipe on the bottle (I'm currently out of the stuff) that is good too (vodka + aperol / etc). I like it with soda water on ice too.
Cocktail Recipes that Surprised You
Sounds similar to the Back Forty from last November's NY Times:
4 teaspoons maple syrup
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce lemon juice
3 to 5 dashes orange bitters
Lime wedge for garnish.
In a cocktail shaker, mix syrup with 2 teaspoons hot water. Add bourbon, lemon juice and bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain drink over ice in glass. Garnish.
Yield: 1 drink.
Personally, I think these are very tasty.
Restaurant Dante
I had a work party there last summer that was both indoors and outdoors. It was very good - for our setup, it was mostly people standing outside, but some seating and more seating inside. Good food (some grilled outside), good service, and a good view. I agree with pickyeater08, if you're not looking for something really formal, then I'd recommend it.
Refrigerate Vermouth?
I refrigerate mine and do use it often. I find it handy to keep around to use in place of white wine in cooking, that way I don't have to open a bottle just for cooking and it helps ensure that my vermouth supply always stays fresh (since I go through it faster than I would if I were just using it in cocktails).
Where to find orgeat syrup
Capone's on Mass Ave in North Cambridge has it (as "orzata"). I assume their other location in Union Square in Somerville has it as well.
Best Cognac or Brandy for a Sidecar?
I'm no MC Slim JB, but I got mine at the liquor store in the Fresh Pond Mall next to Whole Foods. I believe it's called Cambridge Wine & Spirits. They've got a pretty good selection of rare liquor there (crème de violette, Aperol, etc) and the prices aren't too bad.
American gin
It's not American, but I find Gordon's to be comparable to Tanqueray and Beefeater. And the price is right (about half what Tanqueray costs in my area).
Brookline Spa, Tapeo
I guess I'm the opposite. I moved out of the area, but I used to frequent them for their tasty sandwiches (I especially enjoyed the meatball sub). I never got around to trying their pizza!
Not-too-sweet drinks in quantity--ginger??
I'm sure this would be tasty, but I'd worry about adding that much simple syrup to the drink in addition to ginger ale (which I find more sweet than ginger beer, although it might just be the lack of burn). I'd also highly recommend seeking out ginger beer over ginger ale, in Dark & Stormies and Moscow Mules, it's definitely the way to go. Buy some cheap, but delicious Gordon's gin and use the money you'll save on the ginger beer...
Where to buy Harissa?
I got some in a glass jar at Pemberton Farm on Mass Ave in North Cambridge.
Tuesday night: a lil' busy, a lil' dark, a lil' cozy
I think Green Street or B Side Lounge are great ideas. Highland Kitchen has been pretty noisy the two times I've been there (depends a little where you're sitting though). Maybe I'm just thinking Green Street and B Side are quieter because I've been to them at strange hours? Both seem a bit cozier than HK though.
Brookline Sushi
I believe you're talking about Minato Sushi. I used to go there quite often and enjoyed it. Nothing too unique or outstanding, but reliably good and inexpensive. They've also got some Korean food, but I only had it once or twice. I do think they deliver as well.
Looking for Restaurant Near Lanes & Games in Cambridge
That's the plan I've heard, but I don't think anything's changed yet.
Taco Lowdown
Tacos Lupita is also my pick. I'm not as crazy about the burritos there for whatever reason, but al pastor (my favorite), carne asada, and chicken are all excellent in their tacos.
