hoplover's Profile
Baking Outlets in Boston?
I do a lot of baking but I have not found a place like what you are talking about. Sur La Table in the Chestnut Hill Mall does sell wonderful baking items like good extracts, colored sugars, chocolates etc.. I think they actually might sell dextrose. As for flour I go to Shaws in Waltham to buy the ten pound bags of King Arthurs Flour. I also like Swans Down Cake flour but I can only find it in small boxes. I also like Whole Foods for European butter, big fat eggs, Vhalrhona cocoa, Bourbon and Tahitian Vanilla, dried fruits, nuts etc.. It is not cheap to bake but it's so nice and your home smells so good.
Did Diamond Bakery Close?
Wow that is sad. Where do I get cornbread rye now? That is the one thing that I will miss the most. So much for the Harvard grads that bought the place!
Did Diamond Bakery Close?
I drove by Diamond Bakery and the place was closed and there was not one thing in the bakery case. Now I realize the some Jewish Bakeries close during Passover but on Hanukkah? I know the place has changed hands and in doing so has not been so great, has anyone heard anything?
Big Sky Bakery - Are those prices for real?
That happened to me at Great Harvest. I needed just a plain white sandwich bread sliced and the man behind the counter said to me... that will be eight dollars. I was shocked. Eight dollars is not an enormous amount of money but for a small loaf of white bread it sure is.
Eggnog
Whole foods in the glass bottles. There is a two inch thick topping that rises to the top of the bottle.
Sorellina tomorrow.
You are so lucky! The food there is outstanding as well as the service. The last time I ate there I told the waiter to just bring me whatever he thought I should try. I have never done that before but I felt very confident about doing so, so I let him do that for me. It's mind blower food. Make sure to try the meatballs as an appetizer. The Tuna Tartar is icy cold and wonderful. The pasta dishes are beyond delicious. The cannoli is the best I have ever tasted and I was tasting someone else's dessert. I had the frutta which was a caramelized pineapple sliced thin with pineapple sorbet and dried candied pineapple. I think Sorellina is one of the finest restaurants that i have eaten at in Boston.
Best Reception for a wedding
I went to a wedding at the Sonesta and it was beautiful. The food was amazing for wedding food. I was surprised how good the food was and there were over 300 people. Very gourmet and very beautiful. The ceremony over looked the Charles River in Cambridge and it was an extraordinary view.
La Spiga: Italian in Needham, MA
I cannot stand it when places operate that way. To not have been given a sauce with your calamari is unacceptable especially that you asked for it. Fishy tasty fish means two things... not properly refrigerated or not fresh fish. From your review it sounds as though nothing was good. Service or the food. Thanks for the heads up. Cross that one off my list, thanks.
Dried, aged, even "moldly" Salumi in the Boston Area?
You might try Tutto Italiano in Wellesley. I know they have other locations but I am not sure where they are. Tutto Italiano always has a wonderful selection of Italian cold cuts and they always taste really good. They also have a nice selection of imported products.
Boston rest. for 12 teenagers
Bachslunch, Thanks that is quite a menu! I will have to give it a look.
Where can I find great bagels?
Thanks for the tip! I used to go to their place in Watertown so I will have to try Cambridge. Happy Thanksgiving!
Boston rest. for 12 teenagers
bachslunch, I always find your suggestions great but do you have children? They are the hardest people to feed even with sophisticated tastes. I am not quite sure that teenagers are into pot roast. In my house my teenager moves it around until it is hidden under the ketchup. Kids like pasta, chicken and veal parm, salad, foccacia etc... Maggianos is a fun place for a crowd and it may not be mama marias but I am sure it would work well for this gathering. Do not take this the wrong was because I always like what you write.
Where can I find great bagels?
Iggy's bagels are real bagels. They are made in the Montreal fashion of bagel baking. If you go to Montreal you will find they are famous for their bagels. Iggy's bagels are super chewy and I get one that has sesame, poppy and I think a bit of caraway. A lot of bagels found here are too doughy but I do like Rosenfelds,
Where can I find great bagels?
Iggy's bagels are my favorite. I get them at Whole foods and Charlie Trotter has this lemon smoked salmon that is out of this world delicious. The two together with some zausners cream cheese is paradise.
Jewish Delis?
Sorry to say you are out of luck. Sam Lagrassa is the closest you will get to a delicious pastrami sandwich. 9lives turned me onto it and I am happy he did. It's so depressing not having good Jewish Delis in Boston. It must be even worse for you considering you came from NYC where Jewish Delis are really special. I have been to Joan and Ed's and the pastrami is just ok.
Boston rest. for 12 teenagers
I took my daughter and her friends to Maggianos in Boston and they loved it. When you go with a large party it's more fun because you can try more dishes. It is all served on family style platters and there is lots to choose from. Maggianos is perfect for teenagers and they will get a kick out of the location and the atmosphere. My daughter asked me today if we could go back with her friends again because we did it last year after the Nutcracker. Big platters of Caesar salad, angle hair pasta, chicken and broccoli etc.. it is food that kids really like. People will chime in and say it is not chowhound worthy but for teenagers it's perfect.
Adriene in Newton
That is good news because their food has always been delicious. What did you have for dinner? Did everyone eat the same dinner or did you have a special menu? The Chef/owner is talented.
Olives recommendations
I have always loved Olives. I was reading an interview the other day with Lydia Shire and she admitted that Todd English makes incredible Food. I know that people feel that Todd got too big for himself but I think people are hard on successful people. There was a year or two that Olives was not on track but I am sure that you will have a lovely dinner. Hopefully Albert will be your waiter and he is fantastic. The roasted Duck has always been my favorite and I love the Skate wing too. I always overeat when I eat there. I would never ever regift a gift certificate to Olives. The last time I was there it was fabulous. The Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage is delicious. The chestnut ravioli is better than sex and i love that too!
Average Catering Costs?
I think for something elegant you are looking at 20.00-30.00 per person. That should maybe cover heavy hor's d'oeuvres and maybe some dessert which is a must for a holiday party. Most really good caterers will have a minimum that they expect you to spend. Service and set up is usually always a separate charge. Sometimes you can find an aspiring young caterer who needs clients and might charge a bit less but just make sure that they can give you what you are looking for.
North End for NYE?
I wish that restaurants did not do prix fixe menus on New Years Eve. It always feels so institutionalized to me and it's never as good. Who let's you order whatever you want?
Any interesting places to eat in Hyde Park or Roslindale area?
I am taking a friend to dinner for her birthday and I want it to be special and really delicious. Mc Slim I trust you completely.. If you had to pick one which one would it be? I remember Geoffrey's as well is his mother running it?
Really Good Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
I have had the Sorellina meat balls, killer delicious as well as the Truffle Parmesan French Fries.
Really Good Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Blumie, I agree with everything you said and if someone can find us some spaghetti that tastes like NYC I would be very very happy.
