Food & Wine: Articles

Food & Restaurant Reviews, opinions, obsequious and not so much stuff in and around Boston and New England

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Chatterley's Pub & Restaurant

Where: New Hartford Center, New Hartford CT
Meal: Dinner menu early
Food Type: Bar/Fine Dining
For Who: Atmospheric folks

All I have to say is James O'Dell is the chef. Just try the place, alright? It is amazing.

My brother and I went around the New Year.

We were treated to an explosion of tastes including spicy Asian style chicken wings in a ginger spicy Asian sauce. The crispiest, sweetest, spiciest wings I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Followed by braised lamb shank as one entree and gnocchi entree as the next. This place is worth a try tomorrow. I can not recommend it enough.



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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Frank's Steakhouse

Where: 2310 Massachusetts Ave. North Cambridge, MA 617-
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Steak
For Who: Meat lovers

I have given Frank's more than enough tries. I have to conclude with a thumbs down. Every time I have been, the steak has been tough. Service is good but not enough to make up for the steak. I should have known considering the most expensive piece of meat is $22. It is a great family restaurant with a long Cambridge tradition but it is not worth your money. I grill many steaks each summer and I would take one of mine any day - which is unusual since I love getting a great steak at a restaurant.

Unfortunately, tradition has to lose here and they have to buy better cuts of meat.



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Alfresco

Where: 382 Highland Ave, Somerville, 02144 617-776-8100
Meal: Lunch
Food Type: Italian a/o Mediterranean
For Who: Dates, couples, families and pasta lovers

Homemade meatballs, that's all i have to say. Served in their homemade tomato sauce over perfectly al dente linguine.

Antipasto served over fresh cleaned and cut Boston bib lettuce, Italian vinaigrette, pan seared mushrooms, fresh artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella slices and fresh sliced tomatoes. Terrific.

Friend ordered chicken Parmesan. The largest and most perfectly cooked. Deep fried calamari to perfection. Excellent overall. Limited beer selection - they were out of Italian beer. Sangiovese that I had was excellent. Reasonably priced dinner menu that could have been ordered from for lunch - veal saltimbuca, pasta, vegetarian and pesece too!!! I recommend highly.



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Andy's Diner

Where: 2030 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge MA 617-497-1444
Meal: Breakfast
Food Type: Diner
For Who: I didn't think you wanted to cook your own eggs....

Best breakfast I have had in quite a while. Ham, American cheese and onion omelet cooked the way it should be. Thin egg omelet wrapped around the ham, cheese and onion. Fluffy eggs, but thin too. Wheat toast buttered nicely. Home fries perfectly crispy and soft at the same time. Amazing. Chocolate pancakes, sausage and bacon.

Open in the middle of a snow storm and happy to serve us. A definite must for breakfast.



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Friday, September 12, 2008

Addis

Where: 544 Tremonst St., Boston, MA
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Ethiopian
For Who: the daring who love unique food

Unlike their Cambridge location, Addis in Boston is worth the trip. Try a sampling of their foods and ask to sit downstairs. Try the African beer

Le's Harvard Square

Where: The Garage, Harvard Square
Meal: lunch, dinner
Food Type: Vietnamese
For Who: everyone

Their big soup bowl is excellent as are the shrimp toast, just indulge yourself, go ahead, I dare you

Charlie's

Where: Harvard Square
Meal: lunch and dinner
Food Type: the best bar food
For Who: everyone

double lobster roll special and double cheeseburgers are fantastic

The Beehive

Where: 541 Tremont St. Boston, MA
Meal: Dinner, brunch too
Food Type: extravagant creations
For Who: everyone

you must try brunch and their hamburer

Globe

Where: Copley Square
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Bar Food
For Who: everyone

i'll let youknow

Smith & Wollensky

Where: 101 Arlington St., Boston, MA
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Steak, Seafood
For Who: everyone

excellent steak, more to come, my apologies again

Sibling Rivalry

Where: 525 Tremont St, Boston
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Modern American
For Who: again, those who like to eat

more to come, sorry i am behind but this place was unbelievable

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Jacob Wirth

Where: 31-37 Stuart Street, Theatre District, Boston MA
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: German, Bar
For Who: relaxing atmosphere, everyone except for the kids

Excellent Beer, excellent salads, entrees leave something to be desired. more to come shortly

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Zoes Gourmet Chinese Food

Where: 289 Beacon St., Somerville, Ma
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Chinese
For Who: the real real

more to come soon but by far the best you can get - maybe even better than in china town

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Montsweag Roadhouse

Where: Woolwich, ME
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Bar Menu
For Who: Everyone

Coming back from a weekend with family near Rockland, a friend, his girlfriend and I stopped off spur-of-the-moment to have some eats. Completely satisfying, excellent onion soup au gratin (not sure why I ordered this in August but I think I had a hankering). Pulled pork sub was enormous. I say sub because it is at least 12 inches long. Buddy ordered stuffed chicken, mozzarella, cream sauce etc. Amazing from what I understand. His girlfriend ordered the fish tacos. Mediocre but satisfying. A beer selection, full bar, seating at the bar that allows you to watch the passing traffic on Route 1 while feeling like you are outside, a beer club, a shuttle to home if you live nearby. You have nothing to loose stopping off here for some eats.

Not fancy but absolutely order the specials. Worth your time.



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Friday, August 22, 2008

Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster

Where: South Freeport, ME
Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Food Type: Seafood
For Who: they don't even serve a hamburger (lol)

Far and away the best fried clams I have had in the state of Maine. An entire pint of either breaded or battered clams is served in a paper container with wax paper. Order either a whole pint or the basket that comes with french fries and cole slaw. No tartar sauce is required for these babies. Their steamers are also excellent as are their steamed mussels.

Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster is also a lobster pound so you can order lobster however you want it. The fish and clam chowder are also amazing. Local Maine ice cream is sold for dessert. Try Harraseeket at an off time to miss the crowds.

Lido Kosher Deli

Where: Long Beach, NY
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Deli
For Who: Those who love a real deli

The Lido Kosher Deli serves up brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches anyway you like them (I take mine plain on rye - the meat is so juicy no mustard is needed, although the gravy goes particularly well with the brisket and the russian dressing with the pastrami.) The kasha varnishka, the barley and mushrooms and the knishes are all spectacular as is the matzoh ball soup.

The Lido Kosher Deli puts Carnegie Deli, Katz, the former 2nd Avenue Deli and Sam La Grassa's here in Boston to shame. I do have a bit of a bias towards Katz Deli (the place from "When Harry Met Sally," orgasm in a restaurant scene, you know the one). Katz is truly remarkable and I have never tasted anything like a hand carved pastrami sandwich from Katz.

Katz aside, my favorite deli sandwich in the universe is without a doubt Lido Kosher Deli. This place is unbelievable and if you are ever going to Jones Beach for a concert or for the sun, I steer you a short drive into Long Beach to find The Lido Kosher Deli to try a sandwich. Phenomenal. Make sure you order extra pickles, you will be happy you did.

The Landing

Where: Head of the lake, South China, ME
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Take Out, Ice Cream
For Who: Everyone


My friend and I went a bit out of our way to pick up his girlfriend at her parents home in South China. In order to make the trip worth our while, she promised to call ahead and order us a chicken tender baskets to take with us in the car. Save for my mothers' roast chicken, I very infrequently consider ordering chicken in a restaurant or anywhere else unless it is coq-au-vin. I was skeptical but I figured why not, free food for a free ride back to Boston, sounds great to me.

We pick up my buddy's girlfriend and drive a short distance to The Landing. As promised, the food is ready and we order some soda in paper cups to go. Instead of leaving, we decide to sit at picnic table in the hot August afternoon and watch the wind whip across China Lake while we eat our --- chicken.

I bite into the first nugget/tender. It is the most delicious piece of chicken I have eve had the favor of tasting. Breaded and deep fried, it is not too crispy, it is not dry, perfectly seasoned. I do not know how to describe the petite morsels of chicken the Landing serves, complete with coal slaw, french fries and a home made biscuit drenched in butter. If you ever have the opportunity to be in the Augusta area not too far from Rte 202 and a bit up Rte 9 (I had never heard of Rte 9 before but it is there for a reason), I highly recommend you search out The Landing. This place is maybe the most beautiful take out/ice cream stand in the world and the food is phenomenal. Go go go!!!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Fisherman's Catch Restaurant

Where: 111 Bayside Drive Point Lookout, NY 11569
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: Seafood
For Who: everyone

Ok Folks, I am not usually prone to denigrating a restaurant, but, this was the most unbelievably bad service and food I have ever not had the pleasure of enduring. Our server was annoyed with our table from the moment that we did not have our drink order handy despite the fact that we had only been seated for less than two minutes. When she did finally get our drink order, she was equally annoyed with the fact that she could not seem to find room on the table to place the beverages (a delicious martini - grey goose, a bottle of sauvignon blanc from marlboro new zealand and four brooklyn lagers.) For me, her dilemma was peculiar considering that there was no food on the table which was certainly large enough to accommodate the six of us. Never the less, we ordered our appetizers - and delicious, I must say. I was ready to have a wonderful meal at this point.

Appetizers done, plates not cleared - the salads arrive. Ok, we can move on.

Entrees arrive and neither the salads nor appetizers are cleared. All of the entrees arrive with the exception of one order. A member of our party kindly asks if the food is on the way after our server had delivered five entrees and said nothing about the sixth. She snaps back that she already said it was on its' way. Another member asks about the sauvignon blanc by the glass - the server is unsure whether it is served by the glass but refuses to check - so we order another bottle.

The food up until the entrees was actually decent. However, my local flounder with a basil sauce and spiced crumb topping is beyond dry and completely tasteless. I hear the same from the three other members who ordered the same dish. The seafood bake was the best - 1 1/4lb lobster, steamers, clams, quahogs, corn, potatoes corn bread. The steak order was overdone. At this point, the server seems to know that she has bent over backwards to ruin our meal and begins to work for the tip (no takers thankfully). We next order desert. So so. Nothing to write home about.

In conclusion, the manager of the restaurant was equally as indifferent to the fact that our server was obviously meant to have a different kind of job in life and blamed our table stating simply that he has never had a problem with her before. This was the single worst instance of service I have ever had. Frankly, I can usually forgive mediocre food if it is compensated with reasonable service because I am pretty happy once I have sustenance in my stomach. Unfortunately, Fisherman's Catch Restaurant is almost not worth writing about here - however, I fear that if I do not mention its' shortcomings, some poor soul may once again fall prey to its' quaint setting by the water and authentic visage. Poor, do not waste your money.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Blue Ribbon BBQ

Where: 908 Massachusetts Ave Arlington MA
Meal: Dinner
Food Type: BBQ
For Who: any and all, even those who prefer not to eat the meat


I stopped in on the way home from work on a sultry Thursday evening. I arrived at Blue Ribbon around 630pm and scanned the menu and was asked what I would like to order. I ordered a full slab of their memphis style dry rubbed pork ribs with two sides - a corn jalapeno relish and my favorite, collard greens.

I waited almost one half hour before my number was called, however, I was not alone as this seems to be the SOP for Blue Ribbon - folks were waiting patiently for their food despite the oppressive heat and limited seating area. I ordered to go since it was extremely humid and no air conditioning was available so I thought the confines of my apartment would be deal to indulge in a very large slab of ribs. I was right!!!

The ribs were cooked perfectly and the hot sauce provided on the side was actually spicy, a nice surprise. The sides were excellent and I can not wait to return to try their other entrees. Their system of calling out orders when complete leaves something to be desired but due to the quality of the food, this can be easily overlooked. Definitely recommend if you are in the mood for some serious BBQ.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Street & Company

Where: 33 Wharf St, Portland Me
Food: Dinner
Food Type: Seafood, but only the best
For Who: Everyone

I have not been to Street & Co in several years but I must say, not much has changed. The food is excellent as is the service. Located off a cobble-stone pedestrian way in Portland's Old Port area, Street & Co manages to cram diners into a relatively small space without one feeling claustrophobic. Sit either at the bar or at a table.

We arrived with no reservations on a Sunday in Mid July and were told that we could either sit at the bar (more of a raw bar than anything else) or wait 20-30 minutes for a table. We chose the bar and I am glad we did. Our server doubled as the Sommelier and was able to provide detailed descriptions of both the food and of course the wonderful wine list. We ordered Martini's to begin and they arrived with large olives and perfectly shaved ice. Our server listed the specials of the evening, including Street & Co's specialty, an entire fish, head and tail included. Sunday's special was a type of chilean sea bass stuffed with rosemary and then rubbed with herbs and spices and grilled. Other specials included grilled sockeye salmon with a white bean, green olive and onion relish or fresh sushi grade tuna rubbed in herbs and spices and grilled rare/medium rare with a chef's choice of vegetables.

The menu also contains various fresh fish of which you may order grilled, seared or broiled (usually tuna, salmon, haddock, swordfish, etc). Fresh lobster, crab and scallops can be ordered over linguine with a variety of preparations to choose from. Many of the ingredients on the menu are chosen from local, organic farms and are used for their freshness and sustainable qualities. As mentioned previously, oysters on the half shell are available for the choosing and arrive from no more than an hour away on the coast. The appetizer menu includes four varieties of tapas and a selection of salads all using local greens, vegetables and cheeses.

I was so full by the time dessert should have been served that all I could do was listen to the mouth watering list of homemade pastries and cakes. I highly recommend Street & Co although it is certainly more expensive than many restaurants. However, having said that, when I pay the same price for a piece of fish half the size and not nearly as well prepared in the greater boston area, Street & Co is a delight. I can only recommend that you try this establishment if you have not already done so. Street & Co's sister restaurant, Fore Street, also in Portland, is also excellent and worth a try.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Speed's Hot Dog Stand

Food: Take Out
Food Type: Hot Dogs
For Who: You like hot dogs? You will love Speeds. The dogs are so big that one is almost big enough for two. Order Speed's way, loaded with home made chili, BBQ sauce, onions, relish etc.

Recently rated by the Wall Street Journal as their favorite hot dog in the country. I understand the enormous dogs are marinated in apple cider and brown sugar before they are grilled on a charcoal fire and piled high with toppings. Whatever the method, a trip to New Market Square to visit Boston Speed's is definitely worth every penny. Today, in 95 degree stifling heat, customers waited patiently for their dogs as they chatted with the owner. Bring your appetite and you will be fine. Enjoy.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Hana Sushi

Service: Excellent
Food: Sushi
Food Type: Japanese
For Who: You know who you are, the raw-fish-eating kind. The sushi is excellent, I recommend the sushi sampler with chef's suggestions. Excellent quality fish. Excellent miso soup. All around, I highly recommend you sit at the sushi bar. The sushi rolls are delicious as well. A bit out of the way between Arlington and POrter Square but well worth the trip. Hana delivers as well!!

Cambridge Common

Service: Excellent, efficient
Food: Bar Menu
Food Type: Bar Menu, American
For Who: Everyone including vegans. You must love beer though. Try the beer sampler and especially their cask beer (ask JP about the beer). Stick with the burgers and the beer and you will not regret visiting the Cambridge Common.
Price: Definitely Affordable

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Midwest Grill

Service: Excellent
Food: Brazillian BBQ
Food Type: Meat, Meat, Meat, with a salad bar
For Who: Carnivores, except if you are with folks who do not mind watching you eat meat!!! The salad bar is excellent and a vegetarian that does not mind a meat eating companion would do just fine
How Much Meat? Up to 10 different kinds served all you can eat and sliced right onto your plate
Where: Inman Square - click on link
Hours: click on link

My Brother and I arrived around 400pm on a Monday afternoon, an off hour you might say. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. Some of the meat was slightly overdone, most likely due to the hour at which we arrived. I have been here in the past and on Friday or Saturday night, the meat is cooked to perfection. A must try if you have never had Brazillian BBQ.

Midwest does have a second location in Saugus on Rte 1 North.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Uncle Petes BBQ, Revere MA

Finally, I have found the place. Ribs like you would not believe. Uncle Pete himself came out and asked how the ribs were. Excellent texture, meat falling off the bone, delicious BBQ sauce. Who would have known that the best ribs I have found so far are in Revere on RTE 60. Check out his website for videos and recipes, even mail order if you please at www.unclepetes.com

I have tried Red Bones in Sommerville. Either hit or miss, lack consistency in both quality and quantity although they do have an excellent beer selection.

Soul Fire (http://www.soulfirebbq.com/) in Allston is my other favorite. Excellent preparation and multiple sauces to choose from.

Mitch's/Ryles BBQ in Inman Square is ok. Better to go for the jazz and get ribs at either Seoul Fire or Uncle Petes.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

casablanca harvard square cambridge ma

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2008

Casablanca restaurant harvard square
I walked towards Harvard Square by myself and turned on to Brattle St Harvard Square MA. Instead of descending and going to the Brattle Theatre, I continued to Casablanca, a North African influenced Spanish American restaurant.

Upon entering, I took in the dining area that included a long, curving, polished bar. I walked to the bar and asked if I could order food at the bar; "of course, would you like a menu?" Duhhh....

I ordered a delicious beer from Cambridge Brewing known as its' American Amber Ale. Fresh Italian bread and pita slices appeared with an extra virgin olive oil. My second beer arrived with the braised lamb shank..... mint couscous, sauteed spinach, Greek yogurt and spiced braising reduction.


Fantastic is all I have to say. Return to this one with your friends. On the pricier side but worth every dollar. Did I mention the delicious Rioja I had? Conde de Valdemar, Rioja, Spain, reserva....unbelievable. Too full to have desert, next time.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

charles hotel sunday brunch

worth every penny. expensive at $44/person, but eat all you can. absolutely delicious

orleans restaurant davis square

a bit pricey and so common place. i'd rather eat temple bar any day

casablanca

this restaurant deserves all the credit it gets. amazing food, great service, go back often!

wrapro mass ave

mediocre to say the least. sorry guys, i love schwarma too!!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Older review of Seoul Food Korean

Showing posts with label porter square korean seoul food cambridge. Show all posts
Friday, October 5, 2007
review - seoul food korean restaurant

Having been a recently pleasured customer, I returned to enjoy another wonderful meal at Seoul Food Restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge MA at the intersection of Forest St and Mass Ave. Seoul Food is a tiny home style cooking Korean restaurant with seating for 20-22 patrons. I arrived at approximately 845pm (Seoul Food closes at 940pm according to owner) to eat dinner by myself; I was told I would have to wait as most of the tables were occupied (except for a six top, i.e. a six seat table, close to the kitchen). After having enjoyed my last meal, I agreed to the wait.

Fast forward fifteen minutes (900) and my roommates call - they inquire if they can join me for dinner. Of course, I ask the proprietor if he can serve three instead of 1 - no problem. A four top finishes their meal and the owner seats me at the table - It is approximately 905pm. I order some Kimchi and a soda. I am served my appetizers at 911pm (I know the time because I have a text message from my roommates that arrived at precisely that moment which informs me that they are parking the car on the corner and will be in Seoul Food Korean Restaurant in a minute).

917pm. My roommates arrive. I leave the table to greet them at the door. We return to sit and the owner tells us the kitchen is CLOSED!!!!!! I had not even taken a bite of my Kimchi or sipped my soda (which, as I mention, had essentially arrived simultaneously to my roommates).

I was flabbergasted at this treatment. Seoul Food served me tremendous ribs the last time I visited. My shock led me to create this blog. If you have similar stories, I would love to have you post them. Thanks for reading. I have never been treated in such a manner before by any establishment.

In my recent past, I have been a server at the West Street Grill (often written up in NY times) as well as a bar tender at another establishment. I love food and do not take much to please. However, after my most recent experience at Seoul Food Korean Restaurant on Mass Ave in Cambridge MA, I felt obliged to start reviewing. Let me know about any similar experiences you or friends may have had at either Seoul Food Korean or other restaurants.

Thank you for your input.