Anyone tried the Pumpkin bread mix this year? I've never tried to make it but am hearing it changed a little this year, not as pumpkin-y and dry despite same amount of oil.

Sort of Yay: Coconut chips - i wish it's a bit sweeter and a smidge saltier.

oh, this sounds good... 2 diff noodles, one with pork and the other with the gluten pieces, thanks.

ok, i get the picture... small sized, brick oven, italian-style = motorino
classic gas oven NY = SBP

lamb face as in from the face of a lamb? I eat anything (chicken feet, offal, etc. ) but... hmm...

Thanks, it looks like I'll be trying the Liang Pi and Mt. Qi Pork noodles (what' does mt. stand for?)

In my rare trips to NYC, I've never bothered to eat in a Chinese restaurant. I figured what could I be missing being from LA. Was never interested in NY-style Chinese like Chop Suey, etc.

However, this time I want to visit X'ian - almost just to say I've been. What should I get from there? Not the biggest lamb fan so I'm a little hesitant to get the lamb burger. Other suggestions please?

One more thing: Motorino Pizza or South Brooklyn Pizza (in east village)?

I wonder if natives sort of just steer tourists to touristy spots. i'm guilty of doing that here... unless it sounds like the person is pretty knowledgeable to what he/she wants. otherwise, it just seems easier to suggest places tourists like.

yeah, i'm leaning more and more towards neptune. it seems to make sense with maria's and modern close by. i don't know if they allow take out, neptune that is. i guess i could call.

i gotta figure out logan to north end transport. I got this:

Mp33 - Massport Shuttle - Airport Station - Terminals
Depart from Terminal C
Arrive at Airport Station (Mp-Shuttle)

Take Blue Line - Bowdoin To Aquarium Station view route
Depart from Airport Station - Blue Line Inbound
Arrive at Aquarium Station - Inbound

good to know! lol!

Shedders = soft shell crab??

I'm going to try hot lobster roll this time!

thanks! i'll figure out the location from Logan and keep it in mind.

I really wish we're staying around Boston longer. Alas, it'd only be after we land at around 3pm until evening. So only 2 meals at maximum.

maybe if I can't decide by the time I'm about to land I'll take a survey of 5 Bostonians in the plane and whichever place gets the most mention, we'll just go there!

I think I want to go for hot lobster roll. The ones from out here and SF are usually cold.

RE: BI vs YL. ahhh... it's almost like it depends on who you ask!

Yeah maybe NO if they allow take out so we don't have to deal with the crowd for too long.

I would like to get pastry items that I'd have a hard time getting in LA. There are a lot of superior bakeries here and a good bread isn't hard to get. Opinionated chefs mentioned some Italian pastries that maybe would only be available in some Italian delis here in LA but they're also not too common so I'm thinking of trying those, or boxing it and take to hotel.

I don't prefer attitude but I can handle that "i'm too good to be a waiter" attitude being from LA and its 70% of waitstaff are aspiring actors/actresses.

I wonder if NO allows take out. Maybe we'd just grab rolls and sit elsewhere within walking distance.

We won't be driving. Cab or if I'm brave, public transportation.

I heard about Clam Box! but if it requires driving, we might not be able to.

hmmmm..... good to know re: constructions ugliness and possible bad days at Belle Isle, maybe they're related. Thanks.

Who do you think have a better lobster roll: Belle Isle or Yankee Lobster? they're located opposite sides.

got it, thanks!

you think i'd regret not going to neptune's for the roll?

Hmm... Belle Isle for rolls and Yankee lobster for chowder but they're on the opposite side of the airport with neptune in the middle... i do like the idea of watching the city for an hour, never did get a good look of Boston and this would be my 3rd time (first 2 don't count, I was in grade school). Thanks!

Yes, I had planned on going to Legal seafood but have gotten a lot of "don't bother" from both visitors and former Bostonians (a lot of you guys out here in Calif.)

Wow, thank you. I've jotted down the pastry items you mentioned. I was previously recommended Maria's but perhaps I'll get one of each from Maria's and Modern since they're closely situated and compare. You're right, I am a bit spoiled of baked goods out here but it sounds like these things are only-in-Boston which is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

Would appreciate a recommendation to a one stop (or 2 stops within the same block) restaurant or dive to get really good lobster roll AND New England style chowder.

I live in LA near the water so I'm no stranger to seafood but would love to get to eat Boston's best lobster roll and a huge plus if the place offers great NE style chowder. I was suggested Neptune Oyster but some have said it's overpriced and overrated.

Oh, we will probably go for a very very early dinner, if that matters.

Thank you!

PS. Is Joanne Chang's Flour really a must visit??

Hello...

Anyone own or have experienced both of these bakewares? or done research to compare them? Which is better? Thoughts? I've been looking at both and can't make up my mind.

Why not just buy USA Pans? Not sure... mainly because I've held all 3 and USA Pans' Aluminized Steel are always inexplicably lighter than WS or SLT's. Also because a friend thought her WS Gold Touch muffin pan was a better performer than her USA Pans Alum Steel muffin pan.

WS Gold Touch = Ceramic non-stick coating, used to be made by USA Pans, now by Chicago Metallic?
SLT Platinum Pro = Silicone non-stick coating, made by USA Pans (says so on the bakeware)

Links to 9x13 bake pan, just for reference:
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/usa-pan-goldtouch-nonstick-9-by-13-inch-cake-pan/?cm_src=AutoRel

http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO...

I've thought of Wilton, Fat Daddio, Chicago Metallic Pro, Vollrath, Nordic Ware but I keep coming back to WS Gold Touch and SLT Platinum. Also if I time my buy, the prices really aren't that much different.

pizzeria mozza
sin ba la
gjelina
golden deli
in n out
nbc for dim sum

Not at all speaking about the experience (service could be downright atrocious in some of these places), just strictly about the food.

and not quite a dozen time yet but very close, animal.

I have been a fan of Conservatory Coffee for years and years. Sadly, I don't purchase their coffee anymore as they mess it up more often than not. Sometimes, it's a simple over extraction with water being too hot, how is that possible? I know there are people there who know how to do it right. The last straw was a double shot Americano. It was just.. ugh. If I was meaner, I'd pour it down the trash by where the condiment table is while making sure she's looking but instead, I looked at the girl who did the pull and wondered if the owner is doing someone a favor by hiring her. I do still buy their beans.

Which chocolate cake from Jamaica's Cakes would you recommend? Simply chocolate or Chocolate Overload? Thanks.

You're right, I did eat the ragu bolognese in Osteria Mozza. but it was somewhat vague, I only had a single big bite as the dish wasn't mine so I can't rely on memory. I am convinced it was better at the restaurant so perhaps it is a cooking mistake. But I'm quite sure I followed the direction and ingredients exactly. Hmmm.....