Car for the weekend

Thank you, everyone! After driving to Oishii last night, we will be traveling to Portsmouth, where we have never been before. Tonight we will be visiting the Black Trumpet.

I do love Providence, having spent almost 4 years living there. These postings have reminded me that I need return again soon. Farmstead looks like an exciting choice. I must admit that I enjoyed the food down there more than I do where I live now.

g for food in Greater Boston Area

Car for the weekend

My friend will be away so I am borrowing her car for 2 days, but I have no idea where to eat! I have lived in Cambridge for a couple of years and have used public transportation to get everywhere. Thus, I am excited to have the opportunity to try new chow outside my normal range. Where do you recommend we go? I am happy to drive up to an hour away from Cambridge. I'd like entree prices to be less than $30. Thank you for your help.

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Cambridge top 5 based on food

Without a doubt, Craigie is the best restaurant in Cambridge where I've had the pleasure of eating. (I have never gone to Salts or Rialto) Chef's Whim all the way! I recently enjoyed their Passover menu as well.

Other Cambridge favorites include:
Oleana
Hungry Mother
Rendezvous
Baraka Cafe

I appreciate the shout out above for Armando's. It is the only place I can have an acceptable NY slice of pizza.

g for food in Greater Boston Area

What's good at Prezza?

Last night, my DC and I enjoyed our first dining experiences at Prezza. It is clearly the best food I've had in the North End (with the possible exception of Taranta). The best dish ordered was potato gnocchi with lobster, butter, and mascarpone. Great balance of flavor and good lobster chunks.

We were also happy with an "egg" ravioli dish containing raw-ish eggs inside the ravioli shell in a brown butter sauce. We enjoyed the wood-grilled veal porter house in an excellent red wine sauce. I ordered the steak medium rare but it came out closer to medium. Despite that, the cut of meat was still outstanding. Do not get too excited about the lobster risotto. It was surprisingly flavorless.

I agree with the comments above regarding the portion size. I am still surprised how big the portions are.

I definitely plan to go back to Prezza!

g for food in Greater Boston Area

Chow NYE Wedding near Malvern

I'll let you know in July!

g for food in Pennsylvania

Rehearsal Dinner near Center City

Great point. I had thought that fireworks were at Penn's Landing. I wanted to avoid the crowds so that my suburban in-laws would not have trouble parking.

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Rehearsal Dinner near Center City

I'm a Boston hound looking to reserve a space for a 12 person rehearsal dinner on Saturday July 4. I have been spending some time on Chowhound trying to narrow down the options but I would love to have your help making a decision.

Here are our parameters:
-11 adults + 1 13 month old child
-We do not want a noisy restaurant
-Nothing too adventurous for the families
-Not too close to the fireworks (ruling out Ansill, for example)
-$20-$30 average entree price

Estia looks like a good choice but it seems a little too expensive and maybe too adventurous.
Branzino is closed on July 4.
Davios might be a little too expensive.
Matyson and Melograno seem too noisy.

Restaurants on my mind include Osteria, Supper, Paradiso, Roys (yes, I know its a chain but my parents like the food). Should I break the budget and go with Estia?

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Chow NYE Wedding near Malvern

I know the reply is late but I wanted to let you know that we chose to have our wedding at the Crystal Tea Room (not on NYE). The Crystal Tea Room charges around $100 per person on Sundays (vs. $160+ on Saturdays). It seems like a great deal for that space. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

g for food in Pennsylvania

Chow NYE Wedding near Malvern

Actually, my future sister-in-law had her (smaller) wedding at the Greystone. I think there is not enough space for everyone there.

Thank you all of your great thoughts! Once I mentioned the Mummer's Parade, the enthusiasm for a downtown wedding unfortunately fizzled.

My future in-laws saw two somewhat more expensive locations: River Crest and Crowne Plaza Valley Forge. Have you had good chow experiences there?

I am really excited about the Hotel duPont. It is psychologically far away but looks like a great option.

g for food in Pennsylvania

Chow NYE Wedding near Malvern

We will be sure to check out that Courtyard. Thank you.

g for food in Pennsylvania

Chow NYE Wedding near Malvern

I am a recently engaged Boston chow to a woman whose family is from Malvern, PA. We need your help finding a good spot to get married on New Year's Eve (2009-2010) that is not too expensive. Here is our situation:
1. We are planning to invite 180-250 people.
2. We would love to have the wedding on New Year's Eve.
3. We are looking to spend around $100 per person for the reception.
4. We care a lot about food.
5. The location can be anywhere in the greater Philadelphia area that is within a 40 minute drive of Malvern.
6. Given the New Year's timing, we don't mind a hotel because our out-of-town guests can easily walk home to their rooms.
7. Proximity to public transportation a plus but not a requirement.

We recently received a suggestion for the Desmond Hotel in Malvern. A couple of old chowhound reviews panned the hotel's restaurant. Have you been there recently?

Thanks for your help!

g for food in Pennsylvania