merrvally's Profile
Rt 1 Lynnfield question
no....
... I believe it WAS New England Oyster House and then Uno's did, indeed have a long run. Crugnale went in with Naked Fish and did have a longish run... it never converted to Red Sauce as some of his other locations did. He then converted to Lucilles Chicken VERY briefly. It's now the Fat Cactus
This location was never a Bertucci's. Bertucci's was and still is further north on Rt. 1. Prior to Bertucci's, it was Michael's Grand Cru. I can't recall what it was before that ...although it may come to me if I think about it a while.
Annarosa's Bakery moving to Salisbury
Was - like everyone else- horrrified by the uncertaity of the fate of Annarosa's. Happy to report they are safely landed and up and operating at the above-mentioned location. This location, although it might not be befitting to our image of Annarosa's, is obviously much more comfortable for them and much easier for me! If anyone is coming from anywhere other than Newburyport, they will likely find it much more convenient as well.
Visited yesterday @ 2pm and all they had were a couple of dozen sourdough rolls left...gladly took them home and ate heated with butter. Leaving now to hopefully catch a perfect loaf or a pastry. They have expanded their hours to include Tuesdays and Sundays and will apparently be producing more now that they have the capability.
Help me find a GOOD Bakery on the North Shore
Although I've heard good things about A& J King I've never been...I am however, a PASSIONATE fan of Annarosa's and urge you take the drive up and give us a comparison!
Blue Ginger, Lumiere, or L'Andana?
I have not been to Lumiere but have always heard good things with the exception of one friend who claimed to have a bad experience...however, it may have been more due to their dining inexperience than anything else.
I have to agree that Blue Ginger has lost its golden touch...always went with very high expectations that the experience never matched...stopped going 3 or 4 years ago.
And although I HATE to disagree with MCSJB...who's opinion I hold so high...I have had nothing but superior service at L'Andana...almost disarming in the suburbs... true, the portions are very large...I also like smaller plates and cocktails in the bar.
I remember reading Slim's bit on Evenfall but I can't remember if service was part of the equation...food is interesting and I'm thrilled that someone is bringing an elevated palette to the area. However, ambiance is not great (unless they've remodeled since I last visited) and ...you can take the server out of the Merrimack Valley but you can't take the Merrimack Valley out of the server...as a former server from the Merrimack Valley I have no hesitation in making such a harsh, insensitive comment.
Masa in Woburn is great ...it also gets very crowded and very loud!
What are the best and coolest food businesses and farms in Coastal Maine? From Rockland north through DownEast.
Second Morse's !
Black Crow bakery - litchfield
marchall's warf brewery - Belfast
Portland, ME
evangeline
bresca
hugo's
duckfat
Miyake
ribollita
555 is good but doesn't live up to the hype
(not J's, NOT cinque terre)
Annarosa's Bakery in Newburyport!
Ditto to all of the above...have posted many times with undying loyalty to this artisan bakery which, in my opinion, beats anything from Boston to Portland.
Best working chef in boston.
Robert Jean every night...and Jamie Mammano at Mistral most every night. Speaks to the consistency in their restaurants.
Gelato in Boston area?
Not convenient to the city but there is a great gelateria in Methuen, on 110, next to Piro's, a decent Italian bakery. I always enjoy the gelato but last time there I had the Marscarpone. It was beyond delicious.
I have been to Italy a number of times and done the nightly gelato stroll in a small town (Levanto) with a very high number of gelaterias per capita ... I found the quality, here, to be very close. And there are always a few older gentleman, sitting at a table, having coffee and speaking Italian...for me, this adds to the authentic experience.
Why did Croma Close? Does anyone know anything about Pazzo that is replacing it?
It closed becuase it was gross.
Yokohama Japanese Steakhouse-Lawrence
Although I've only been once I really did not enjoy Lee Chen. I don't think any of the chinese in the area is very good but if we want chinese, we typically go to Bejing on 125 in N. Andover.
Also, I like Bollywood in the N. Andover mall...still actually Lawrence...if you like Indian. And agree with the post below ...Sweet Basil is decent thai.
Yokohama Japanese Steakhouse-Lawrence
I agree...not a bad part of town...I found Yokohama didn't have the greatest food I've had...but it was a lot of fun.
Regina's Medford Station Landing
I picked up a well-done pie at Polcari's in Woburn last week and it was, indeed, terrific. None of the experience of Thatcher St. but a really good pizza, better than I could get closer to home.
I had same experience in Medford Landing right after they opened. Even tried some other menu items that were non-pizza - completely meh. Not a restaurant a want to frequent but certainly a place to get a great pizza.
What happened to Naked Fish in Lynnfield?
Hey SS!
I think it's going to be Lucille's Fine or Fried Chicken ..I called the NF number and the message gave some info...remodeling, then opening April 21st. I get the sense that it's another Crugnale ADventure but can't be sure. Ran into him some months back and he didn't mention.
NERAX (NE Real Ale Exhibition) Tix on Sale
I went to both last year and although I loved both, I have to admit I liked the laid-back vibe at NERAX North.
Incidentally, it might have already been mentioned, the event is earlier this year so it might have crept up you. It was at end of April in 2008.
Winter 2009 Restaurant Week Reviews
Off topic but...
I hesitate to criticize La Campania and I still recommend it but I did have a very bad service experience on my last visit , several years ago, and have not since returned. I'm sure that I complained here, at the time, but Lucymax said "unwelcome" and that is exactly what I felt. I not surprised they had a crappy RW attitude. Having said all that, I find their food really delicious.
NERAX (NE Real Ale Exhibition) Tix on Sale
I hav e advanced tix and can't wait for the event. The wait depends on a lot of factors including weather, time of day, etc. As Paul mentioned, capacity is tightly monitored so once they are full it's a few out and a few more in.
On Saturday, there is typically an earlier and a later crowd...so mid-event may bring you the best opportunity as early comers drink their fill and go sleep or eat it off!
$35 dinner at Mistral, Sorellina, L'Andana and Mooo
L'Andana http://www.landanagrill.com/~landanamenus/pfixe.pdf
One night in Portland...visiting from NY
although a good restaurant, 555, is not the best Portland has to offer. if you haven't already, take a look at Bresca, Evangeline, Emilitsa, and Hugo's.
this was too short a thread to uncover the depth of the scene in Portland.
Portland Maine Questions?
good choice with bresca...duckfat is a no-brainer but bresca is a great choice in town with a lot of great choices for sat dinner
Boston Magazine does Metacritic for Boston restaurant reviews
I hate PG...inane babble
Chef's Table at L'Espalier
Completely off topic ... the prices for the two seven-course menus are the same as they were almost 10 years ago. Obviously, price not an object here ... just shocking to me.
Vietnamese food in Andover/Northshore area?
If you live a bit further north, T&N is an oasis in a drab culinary landscape. And I love stocking up on groceries next door after fresh rolls and pho. I'm sure there are better but not within a fifteen minute drive.
One night in Boston - where should I eat?
Second Shabu Zen...or the bar a No.9 Park, close by, with a bigger budget. Although, I've manged to spend $100 pp at SZ.
Where to find Alden Merrill cakes
Have visited outlet store many times..no great bargains...probably not worth a long ride...but certainly worth visiting if you like their products
Best Boston Hotel Bar Lounge
I have been sooo disappointed by so-so service at the Bristol, last couple of times. Isn't that part of the draw ?
Best pizza in Boston?
some are wood ...all new ones are gas...if you are searching for true wood-fired, be aware, there is a difference in the taste
Need help - private room for 20-30 people
The folks at Mooo.... and XV Beacon also own Mistral. I'm sure they can help you with arrangements.
