tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60793623257438741072024-03-05T20:12:42.057-05:00Sweet and Sour in BostonA couple's point of view on all things food in and around Boston. Two separate viewpoints presented in each review.JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-439593547922739542011-01-03T18:28:00.005-05:002011-01-03T21:37:53.356-05:00Quick Hit Reviews (Tu Y Yo, Lower Depths, Russel House Tavern)Happy New Years! Haven't posted since Thanksgiving, though not much has really happened to us culinary-wise. We did hit up a few places and here are quick hit reviews of them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tu Y Yo</span><br /><br />We went with a big group to celebrate our boy Noah's birthday. They accommodated us but allowing us to take over the entire middle. They even separated checks out to us based on what table we were in, which is a great touch if you've ever been out to dinner with a large group and some people never know how much to pay. You won't be able to find guacamole here or other Tex-Mex treats. What you will find is authentic Mexican food which is absolutely delicious. I went with the Bisteces en salsa “Borracha” and it was fantastic. The portion was huge, the rice and beans that came with the dish was the perfect complement. In fact, I think I could eat their rice and beans by themselves for dinner. There are many items on the menu I want to try, especially their seafood offerings. I'll definitely be back. I give Tu Y Yo a 5 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/54764/restaurant/Boston/Davis-Square/Tu-Y-Yo-Somerville"><img alt="Tu Y Yo on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/54764/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lower Depths</span><br /><br />Abby's brother has been telling us about this great beer bar with good hot dogs for a few months now. We finally went with Mike and Sam to check it out and it lived up to expectations. Tons of beer on draft and bottle/can form. A knowledable bartender that could tell us about all the beers. And a menu that includes hot dogs. I went with a couple of dogs, one with chili and one with kraut and pickles. Abby went with a specialty dog that had mac and cheese on it. We also go some tater tots. Everything was great. The dogs are $1 each and you build upon them with toppings that are mostly $1 each but some fancier ones are $2. Good cheap eats. I give Lower Depths a 4 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/352973/restaurant/Fenway-Kenmore/Lower-Depths-Tap-Room-Boston"><img alt="Lower Depths Tap Room on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/352973/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Russel House Tavern</span><br /><br />A gastropub with a good beer menu and a mixture of traditional pub fare with slightly more adventurous options. Service was great, our waiter being very attentive and knowledgeable about the beers and food offerings. We ordered some small plates to start: Crispy Pigs Head Parmigiana, Redondo Black Serrano Ham, Brandt Farms Marrow Bone. All of these were delicious. The pigs head came out looking like an arrenchini ball, but with pigs head meat instead of rice. Crispy and savory and surprisingly light. The serrano ham was salty with just the right amount of sweetness. The bone marrow was straight buttery goodness. The only problem is that the bread that came with the bone marrow was buttered and overpowered the bone marrow at times. Switching the bread that came with the serrano ham fixed this problem for us. For out mains I got the burger that I've heard a lot about (which when I ordered, the waiter told me it's on an english muffin and alot of foodies have been slamming the chef about using the muffin) and Abby got the duck. Both were great, though my burger seemed to have been seasoned a little too much with pepper. The fries were plentiful too. Overall, this is a place I definitely want to come back to and eat everything else on the menu. Service was good, though slowed a little towards the end of the night, but we weren't in a hurry so no biggie there. I give Russel House Tavern a 4 out of 5. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1518304/restaurant/Boston/Harvard-Square/Russell-House-Tavern-Cambridge"><img alt="Russell House Tavern on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1518304/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-47559214439338508442010-11-25T14:11:00.007-05:002010-11-28T10:27:09.881-05:00Thanksgiving 2010Thanksgiving was held in our tiny condo. I did the Alton Brown brine, but with a few different ingredients and the turkey turned out fantastic. 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOP8xGWPKqZrAfLM2f3zdNKOSlELeSnPRh-F0vweDmJXXbrFS1OP-axxr29hgLB6LkIdYtz_yaSzHuv0Im6u25Vk_KdiXFXlffx5O-mSqzXrD1Jh_QhNVsuOJ9UCsw3gFqw-tt_TwC3c/s320/P1020719.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543611206622855074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ES6RddDEoaX4Pjr1OdxItn4leMCCfCfT33aTvpZln-3eENUjKXbaEgGa7mYa4WVW6OXOpPnaIcMnJ3MHl_hCX7xvPxX2QHw3XezB5tDls6tG45NBMvucTkCgTRQnu9q2hFqIiW7pSFM/s1600/P1020720.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ES6RddDEoaX4Pjr1OdxItn4leMCCfCfT33aTvpZln-3eENUjKXbaEgGa7mYa4WVW6OXOpPnaIcMnJ3MHl_hCX7xvPxX2QHw3XezB5tDls6tG45NBMvucTkCgTRQnu9q2hFqIiW7pSFM/s320/P1020720.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543611204487295378" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-51139806137892969292010-11-15T20:10:00.005-05:002010-11-15T20:47:13.167-05:00Chicken Korma and Huevos RancherosSome home cooking pics.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chicken Korma</span><br /><br />Bought from Costco for $9, ready in 5 minutes and surprisingly really, really good. It's not going to replace getting take out from Mela or anything like that, but getting this and having it ready in the fridge whenever we don't want to cook is a nice option. Trader Joes naan is also a nice $2 option.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0oScJ8F8RHSyg4tkG6tNKxJQilZJ-Sj8orfV94yLqHAcHjQy5tWFnro8AP7F_rAhFDSYzW1Vb7sJRfvD6zJsnnDe79blboep-nFQPyDK7ER7-2FiuuWmA1uUg98QgkdHIAjdeV9yfBc/s1600/P1020667.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0oScJ8F8RHSyg4tkG6tNKxJQilZJ-Sj8orfV94yLqHAcHjQy5tWFnro8AP7F_rAhFDSYzW1Vb7sJRfvD6zJsnnDe79blboep-nFQPyDK7ER7-2FiuuWmA1uUg98QgkdHIAjdeV9yfBc/s320/P1020667.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539954637374600338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7IrpomGPD6kOU8-9evpIENg49WFoNHAebyX6A7TcXVE8nBlLXQfrLYSguc_5cJdSwg6KnEGCesn-9i-31riOPt9G9Gr5TOcHD5WZnFLI0y1Q_kOyPJeyVMJnYI-YrSf232gC6qHHSYA/s1600/P1020668.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7IrpomGPD6kOU8-9evpIENg49WFoNHAebyX6A7TcXVE8nBlLXQfrLYSguc_5cJdSwg6KnEGCesn-9i-31riOPt9G9Gr5TOcHD5WZnFLI0y1Q_kOyPJeyVMJnYI-YrSf232gC6qHHSYA/s320/P1020668.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539954613096846418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Ylk2k8S_0qYVuaq5z2YL5-1dlJDjyUx_sjJGPNw-zfw8h6QmFbMQC4KhmNZMNIjfEP0If-0pBqMZgiQ7mXa6zSbz07y6L1GfEGwz78F-O8VlLR3WgWkB5tz1WdDPdciT_46c0Ad8Y8/s1600/P1020670.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Ylk2k8S_0qYVuaq5z2YL5-1dlJDjyUx_sjJGPNw-zfw8h6QmFbMQC4KhmNZMNIjfEP0If-0pBqMZgiQ7mXa6zSbz07y6L1GfEGwz78F-O8VlLR3WgWkB5tz1WdDPdciT_46c0Ad8Y8/s320/P1020670.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539954597859411394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8quXNv1Kb1cxL6TFNqgI3k63wVtu8UUoIenU4D2vbYZJ_1-0MUKlrHhb4y2JeBt1JWy_7f2gYiEGvXxhfEqthQn5XIgB6O9_YQHzSUsO4p3shyL6sNs4u8lgKQnI-bPQuc2nWlFtT0Os/s1600/P1020671.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8quXNv1Kb1cxL6TFNqgI3k63wVtu8UUoIenU4D2vbYZJ_1-0MUKlrHhb4y2JeBt1JWy_7f2gYiEGvXxhfEqthQn5XIgB6O9_YQHzSUsO4p3shyL6sNs4u8lgKQnI-bPQuc2nWlFtT0Os/s320/P1020671.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539954589575520226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngjXO7CBjlMdd4RFnr0H1n-Vfpi9WZ3PC6T0eowlaU269-b5ZFhrSD0xryQcSgJY92PKRpIcnK5Uqh0PYT-8bDWdcpMxSiZDVHodfNRQxkUcdFcrurn8FSP_b-Vg9p-hzlnz572w7AjI/s1600/P1020673.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngjXO7CBjlMdd4RFnr0H1n-Vfpi9WZ3PC6T0eowlaU269-b5ZFhrSD0xryQcSgJY92PKRpIcnK5Uqh0PYT-8bDWdcpMxSiZDVHodfNRQxkUcdFcrurn8FSP_b-Vg9p-hzlnz572w7AjI/s320/P1020673.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539954575700789250" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Huevos Rancheros</span><br /><br />Making the refried black beans was easy. Just simmered the black beans from a can on the stove top with a half a can of water. Then on a non-stick skillet, heat some oil and garlic and then add the beans and a little of the water and cook over medium high heat. Use a potato smasher and smash beans, adding water it was simmered in slowly until you get a consistency you like.<br /><br />I made a guac and the ranchero sauce was really just diced tomatoes and garlic with a little hot sauce added. <br /><br />Plating was simple. Refried black beans on the bottom, baked crispy tortilla on top of that, some cheese, some ranchero sauce, two sunny side up eggs, and a little guac on top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAMC1GGudR_gbSWpOoI60f_Xtjx4sBO2Y9yH5TDglhl-lQL6rG2NNavheEGhOfJWJq9JoqUI_xjFP5HEjwLAbJsVaDsCms4AAp8X47Njvfh8JFgSEs6jwwP4a9kQLi9mP0QHYbsrgQFw/s1600/P1020674.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAMC1GGudR_gbSWpOoI60f_Xtjx4sBO2Y9yH5TDglhl-lQL6rG2NNavheEGhOfJWJq9JoqUI_xjFP5HEjwLAbJsVaDsCms4AAp8X47Njvfh8JFgSEs6jwwP4a9kQLi9mP0QHYbsrgQFw/s320/P1020674.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539953319720665762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzF2LVZ0joIDQvnVJr6blhjPTFybKv8sIncqXUDAWDaxQxxKUQRwUmXVTT7rar3rnoRKKlvF21-hL7bu5sqQho1vD0tDCIe9QCg8Yj9UNINgomZpTrXk1Fw4ePEd3R6ftNhJDNs3ZVYA/s1600/P1020675.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzF2LVZ0joIDQvnVJr6blhjPTFybKv8sIncqXUDAWDaxQxxKUQRwUmXVTT7rar3rnoRKKlvF21-hL7bu5sqQho1vD0tDCIe9QCg8Yj9UNINgomZpTrXk1Fw4ePEd3R6ftNhJDNs3ZVYA/s320/P1020675.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539953303450131506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip_N2NuaMUkvE-3bQ3KLrKhGjwS7CuhndUiWIWoVzqGF3W_mURrgSAX7SP2Rv5iQ-TuolBApyBo6mAipzeAaZcOawTpwaLd0lCxjuW052Jn5WNfAmVudqySHeZwnEXvQyGBGmKN6fz2A/s1600/P1020676.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip_N2NuaMUkvE-3bQ3KLrKhGjwS7CuhndUiWIWoVzqGF3W_mURrgSAX7SP2Rv5iQ-TuolBApyBo6mAipzeAaZcOawTpwaLd0lCxjuW052Jn5WNfAmVudqySHeZwnEXvQyGBGmKN6fz2A/s320/P1020676.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539953290555087154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKKHZMFis5cLQSzgMb-px9zv71rBfMLpMluG5za7otYwmcRmcg1CqUSEYkiN2AeUg0VH25PcM7mVLaIMrQfWYSjLzkLDdQ3rBeATAZEW5BXvNZLAUgXXgAzeayOPDs1rVq__bP-qONvA/s1600/P1020677.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKKHZMFis5cLQSzgMb-px9zv71rBfMLpMluG5za7otYwmcRmcg1CqUSEYkiN2AeUg0VH25PcM7mVLaIMrQfWYSjLzkLDdQ3rBeATAZEW5BXvNZLAUgXXgAzeayOPDs1rVq__bP-qONvA/s320/P1020677.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539953288393270610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtXYA15nZSvLi_D9EysRPXi_Vozq-5xevOy46S5Lz0x3meoW0O3FTguOcsAuVvR91mKxWz-PjoML7BRlZ_vmwX7SsseU20xeW98HL4BySCSx9q423sb2wejh0g4nhdijRwZXMVlsnpqs/s1600/P1020678.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtXYA15nZSvLi_D9EysRPXi_Vozq-5xevOy46S5Lz0x3meoW0O3FTguOcsAuVvR91mKxWz-PjoML7BRlZ_vmwX7SsseU20xeW98HL4BySCSx9q423sb2wejh0g4nhdijRwZXMVlsnpqs/s320/P1020678.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539953277164222162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Zbt66kc8S4ReHGCi1PQXIuiVEzcdn7vlH8FdcBinHmWUxgjiXQWI4Ga0E2gtDNXJr7ESoLGGvI8mom0Ncm00M8fr1tJG-BReIa6saL4BXuHp1AvlYNfZCvOXME2r0ypc0rQJauMZ58/s1600/P1020680.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Zbt66kc8S4ReHGCi1PQXIuiVEzcdn7vlH8FdcBinHmWUxgjiXQWI4Ga0E2gtDNXJr7ESoLGGvI8mom0Ncm00M8fr1tJG-BReIa6saL4BXuHp1AvlYNfZCvOXME2r0ypc0rQJauMZ58/s320/P1020680.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539951163813920962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErIytb_b0-M7ZLWZFY4cxSa720kXJuna66pLFCmb8ro0fhXu0MV_6nVMaiBZ-DAtkiyZqv8DRRzWVvcGnnpp74Mjuoe-GnO8KC-_sNhlKez-RdE22MzJ45sKopE48sKKATXWezWp9ENs/s1600/P1020681.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErIytb_b0-M7ZLWZFY4cxSa720kXJuna66pLFCmb8ro0fhXu0MV_6nVMaiBZ-DAtkiyZqv8DRRzWVvcGnnpp74Mjuoe-GnO8KC-_sNhlKez-RdE22MzJ45sKopE48sKKATXWezWp9ENs/s320/P1020681.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539951157529230034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTy3wv_u3Nmi7wE99evRRphjkuHBtMS96U2CQoaFM60tWmQfbYA0Pl6p3Jx4pe4p84fseT7Pl-aYRH5vy9SsAiN8exLMByMMApO2b0LNiyFF7Tx4LNty6jXk99sxj8BKTtNaASD1SSho/s1600/P1020682.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTy3wv_u3Nmi7wE99evRRphjkuHBtMS96U2CQoaFM60tWmQfbYA0Pl6p3Jx4pe4p84fseT7Pl-aYRH5vy9SsAiN8exLMByMMApO2b0LNiyFF7Tx4LNty6jXk99sxj8BKTtNaASD1SSho/s320/P1020682.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539951106998418610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiKXr0CsUxiQyZto2UOhLXioNTEuimZPj2Xx1UUo6fP-5FT_Qplait7EmhKJ9st0AO079LFwCyA1ngD3QOMt-2VrwmoP7L4CvpdW9pkO91rge1D0koHz30ea9J24ugPtqo1MXtnooxi8/s1600/P1020683.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiKXr0CsUxiQyZto2UOhLXioNTEuimZPj2Xx1UUo6fP-5FT_Qplait7EmhKJ9st0AO079LFwCyA1ngD3QOMt-2VrwmoP7L4CvpdW9pkO91rge1D0koHz30ea9J24ugPtqo1MXtnooxi8/s320/P1020683.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539951072408057026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW75-AX_4EMROlih0VrjcXdmQnEG0wJ_XRcyZpMbMfnJr3o-wegf9o91CiTs2kR7iNpw59caYDk60US-HxBGUfHJKqRr8o2hx6yU-GCfmmDNFHvge-YXrdVbLPjcswG1Igs_pWXquAUnE/s1600/P1020684.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW75-AX_4EMROlih0VrjcXdmQnEG0wJ_XRcyZpMbMfnJr3o-wegf9o91CiTs2kR7iNpw59caYDk60US-HxBGUfHJKqRr8o2hx6yU-GCfmmDNFHvge-YXrdVbLPjcswG1Igs_pWXquAUnE/s320/P1020684.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539951067112284002" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-67126277906045385472010-11-15T18:14:00.005-05:002010-11-15T19:55:01.119-05:00Long Time No Post (Quick Hits)Holy crap I haven't posted in a long time. It hasn't been that we haven't gone out to eat anywhere, just been lazy. Here's some quick hits reviews.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Koreana</span><br /><br />We got reservations for four on a Friday night for 8pm. Was told that if we weren't there by 8:15pm they were releasing our reservation. I can see why. When we arrived, it was freaking packed. The bar was packed, the sushi bar was packed, the entry way was packed. Our notoriously late friends (island timers) weren't there yet and it was only a couple minutes before 8. Luckily they showed up right on time and we were seated immediately. We ordered a lot of food and all of it good. Pros: bibimbop and bulgogi. The ok, but not as good: Wine Sam Gyup Sal and shrimp. Overall: a great night of food and friends. Definitely get a reservation when you go. I give Koreana a 3 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/52637/restaurant/Boston/Central-Square/Koreana-Cambridge"><img alt="Koreana on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/52637/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">EZ Grill</span><br /><br />The greatest invention of all time? Maybe not, but it's close. The EZ Grill is the greatest tailgating accessory ever. Cooks fast, hot, and cleanly. I highly recommend. A 5 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD_TNXWeHKoPE1HwuQRqUgxThyphenhyphen_w0rwX43kJWhYoYhbgoB03cjCGkZmLfPacSvA3M3V-nt3M_-SYd6vUx9v6qnKcXE4i6L-EGTW36WfixNv8RXE2EK3FMeMbZ55pwHZDcTO4U7mokqqg/s1600/P1020644.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD_TNXWeHKoPE1HwuQRqUgxThyphenhyphen_w0rwX43kJWhYoYhbgoB03cjCGkZmLfPacSvA3M3V-nt3M_-SYd6vUx9v6qnKcXE4i6L-EGTW36WfixNv8RXE2EK3FMeMbZ55pwHZDcTO4U7mokqqg/s320/P1020644.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539923394157114066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYF-JluKnfsO-En23bVzU5mFnGo_QTk1-L1F_ofPJwyLQQIggiuBAZmQ86xtD1zwc-ELAryNKUnRxBOj-6BQq9PSn5yGEBLox4DT5jbDap_25_dsDeYllIfQ-bsI03rXa5rkFfjZP7zM/s1600/P1020647.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYF-JluKnfsO-En23bVzU5mFnGo_QTk1-L1F_ofPJwyLQQIggiuBAZmQ86xtD1zwc-ELAryNKUnRxBOj-6BQq9PSn5yGEBLox4DT5jbDap_25_dsDeYllIfQ-bsI03rXa5rkFfjZP7zM/s320/P1020647.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539923387060167362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlSNukLZIfaj6UxSiTSqxdn4OQPcd65SxMd6xgwyFxJVkKfE33H747pQGnSNM4bFA7pge8Z0JKuAWLIwNs9Fw5SHLOBgd_YtOfmZrNZGdt4H84WvsR0n8BpDhmWRvuKWf4GIVs0bEMhY/s1600/P1020648.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlSNukLZIfaj6UxSiTSqxdn4OQPcd65SxMd6xgwyFxJVkKfE33H747pQGnSNM4bFA7pge8Z0JKuAWLIwNs9Fw5SHLOBgd_YtOfmZrNZGdt4H84WvsR0n8BpDhmWRvuKWf4GIVs0bEMhY/s320/P1020648.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539923385983092626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy82GH4-3CsnPeKTOFM6PLw7yK8XpUFs1g6CHoQV4vq3P6bVeavHs9X3wZbzrqLrFw7ZLzSUaYO3GXy9_CmvITI9T6ae_3HfV4RKStiXzurIRW-gfCKGA3pvfO_zuHr9FELWT61JBIvo0/s1600/IMAG0206.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy82GH4-3CsnPeKTOFM6PLw7yK8XpUFs1g6CHoQV4vq3P6bVeavHs9X3wZbzrqLrFw7ZLzSUaYO3GXy9_CmvITI9T6ae_3HfV4RKStiXzurIRW-gfCKGA3pvfO_zuHr9FELWT61JBIvo0/s320/IMAG0206.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539925000379180466" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pops</span><br /><br />Went here for brunch. Not the cheapest spots for brunch, maybe a couple of dollars too much on each item, but the portions are huge. Huevos Rancheros had a nice touch with refried black beans and the Manwich was just crazy huge and filling. I give it a 4 out of 5. (This review is for brunch only.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/107165/restaurant/South-End/POPS-Boston"><img alt="POPS on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/107165/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGtkPjZUS_Y84RX2VEyPrY3IMtjX8AIfHr1glxNrJtxioaFyc-0dYqYh8_FlMlAEFUUAswcfFBIstSfXumd-NEZ2yWXWYH3VQG-4yXXRsE5259DCDTnK2mDhDEAjBYliOHtL9HDE4iP0/s1600/IMAG0207.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGtkPjZUS_Y84RX2VEyPrY3IMtjX8AIfHr1glxNrJtxioaFyc-0dYqYh8_FlMlAEFUUAswcfFBIstSfXumd-NEZ2yWXWYH3VQG-4yXXRsE5259DCDTnK2mDhDEAjBYliOHtL9HDE4iP0/s320/IMAG0207.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539925011425822930" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">McRib</span><br /><br />This is the greatest invention of all time!!!! I am so glad the McRib is back. 1 Million of out 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMPSCrxG7dLvyUwYKsOVo1ukoPeBXKy8KGH2rsPGeW7nQuZSBDyoOFZMOY413DYMle5g5vV-B7nERcyHNLt52rLdYRN2Vfk3xZ7yMk_eGmueOzE62cl5ZcE9AV3mkwZs4qTF9if8wZhc/s1600/IMAG0209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMPSCrxG7dLvyUwYKsOVo1ukoPeBXKy8KGH2rsPGeW7nQuZSBDyoOFZMOY413DYMle5g5vV-B7nERcyHNLt52rLdYRN2Vfk3xZ7yMk_eGmueOzE62cl5ZcE9AV3mkwZs4qTF9if8wZhc/s320/IMAG0209.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539925025956232194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wxWK5yJr6ZVcNi2KF-th0NoiCBIwQAalCMmcTUNZrRWWtw3xFiTF5XMcQK_wyPDLYrDnzQbF0uxRlskezlen-Ga_-eaAtzaVmHiKor4R1BTFJ1XlK12bOI1IQRsMEBEhukBHdzPQnQE/s1600/IMAG0208.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wxWK5yJr6ZVcNi2KF-th0NoiCBIwQAalCMmcTUNZrRWWtw3xFiTF5XMcQK_wyPDLYrDnzQbF0uxRlskezlen-Ga_-eaAtzaVmHiKor4R1BTFJ1XlK12bOI1IQRsMEBEhukBHdzPQnQE/s320/IMAG0208.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539925015447148882" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Home Cooking</span><br /><br />Made bo luc lac and a Vietnamese fritatta with canned spicy tomatoes. Turned out really good. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmc7SPZJEblLU3ltcbF87gOCezUFjmHbce98QRpabi4qKRToA5cxhX5GpmgtS5LDbH2_ZBpHfwosXfHhvVU_afEKoZWN8jKw7eMaoBbzblx2kxgiYSyQAFqctPj2WPIY66Kmuv-bA0EA/s1600/P1020626.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmc7SPZJEblLU3ltcbF87gOCezUFjmHbce98QRpabi4qKRToA5cxhX5GpmgtS5LDbH2_ZBpHfwosXfHhvVU_afEKoZWN8jKw7eMaoBbzblx2kxgiYSyQAFqctPj2WPIY66Kmuv-bA0EA/s320/P1020626.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539923377811777890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVbD5xh7apmBHBl7ohLB8sFVvjVm-CEW8put7Qrnv2Anc9TEg7OIAli5ww_wIKSKIfYJFlLchUjcBEZGUkbnfPOqvutYxK9DZftMogqI6OkqKWn7LGmPdDDon6RQGnipvHrjc-DanJGk/s1600/P1020627.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVbD5xh7apmBHBl7ohLB8sFVvjVm-CEW8put7Qrnv2Anc9TEg7OIAli5ww_wIKSKIfYJFlLchUjcBEZGUkbnfPOqvutYxK9DZftMogqI6OkqKWn7LGmPdDDon6RQGnipvHrjc-DanJGk/s320/P1020627.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539920967592022322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaLjGOjX8LskCX-IMlSvSqUEntIPPBY6xVGzpO6Cml_0egavzNwQuBCUkXZR-VRXTUd5A7FD8-WWBkZSE3JxTGv-6SeSvQFGYgU2vR5YepVhNdWQulICWa-Z_FCVrwH_CLkpMTMElAuM/s1600/P1020628.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaLjGOjX8LskCX-IMlSvSqUEntIPPBY6xVGzpO6Cml_0egavzNwQuBCUkXZR-VRXTUd5A7FD8-WWBkZSE3JxTGv-6SeSvQFGYgU2vR5YepVhNdWQulICWa-Z_FCVrwH_CLkpMTMElAuM/s320/P1020628.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539920958013978514" /></a><br /><br />I started buying sardines because Alton Brown said it's good for me in helping me lose weight. I made a sardine paste and put it on some toasted bread. Not a bad dinner. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenuyUlHfwOfdjCRKY8nLIE7Cm_pVssDPA-_HZ91qgrEC11DH-JXLTyZL9E9TPsYjmPVa5u3HIeIpIhNuAE7iakCFAh0mJRMos7gxHjrxepPBUyh60CsjJlhR5wooM8arksv-Pfvl9zFg/s1600/P1020650.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenuyUlHfwOfdjCRKY8nLIE7Cm_pVssDPA-_HZ91qgrEC11DH-JXLTyZL9E9TPsYjmPVa5u3HIeIpIhNuAE7iakCFAh0mJRMos7gxHjrxepPBUyh60CsjJlhR5wooM8arksv-Pfvl9zFg/s320/P1020650.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539920951825715586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vJT7uz08lOeTUGEPILFyuvshKq8A4tWuAqsBxE3tA3Qiho-wVjtHJOW2G4hyphenhyphen8rtlTJdRCb6Cpv9iTICZY1PbeMPa5zVYk7DPBEdPGomcrNUnPptErGSgNPO2kvggj8ufBZxFDJ9QBVs/s1600/P1020651.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vJT7uz08lOeTUGEPILFyuvshKq8A4tWuAqsBxE3tA3Qiho-wVjtHJOW2G4hyphenhyphen8rtlTJdRCb6Cpv9iTICZY1PbeMPa5zVYk7DPBEdPGomcrNUnPptErGSgNPO2kvggj8ufBZxFDJ9QBVs/s320/P1020651.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539920947862466674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQyyEJmzT0usXh0jA-NBWDSBxaG56qsSrm3OZGVuoWARkPZXd4zlxnBbqSpTJ6ABOykKE-L4OP90VNmDPz9CrsyjGwemLtQgusF9U2DjvQSzohdIR-zx8hyphenhyphen4iDX0ZN3NsUi0Q4g9JiRg/s1600/P1020652.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQyyEJmzT0usXh0jA-NBWDSBxaG56qsSrm3OZGVuoWARkPZXd4zlxnBbqSpTJ6ABOykKE-L4OP90VNmDPz9CrsyjGwemLtQgusF9U2DjvQSzohdIR-zx8hyphenhyphen4iDX0ZN3NsUi0Q4g9JiRg/s320/P1020652.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539920946018503442" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-40546820315524035842010-10-18T19:36:00.002-04:002010-10-18T19:36:40.413-04:00Urbanspoon rocksTo claim our blog on Urbanspoon, I have to create a post titled: Urbanspoon rocks.JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-75929292526030814012010-10-13T18:04:00.001-04:002010-10-13T18:05:26.040-04:00Pumpkin Pie MartiniI love fall for its resurgence of pumpkin related products. I love pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin beer, etc. This past weekend, I came up with my own version of a pumpkin pie martini. The caramel syrup is a little tricky, but it's very worth it. You could use leftovers in coffee for a yummy treat. <br /> <br />Pumpkin pie martini<br /> <br />2 oz vodka<br />2 tbsp pumpkin puree<br />1 tsp caramel pumpkin pie simple syrup (recipe follows)<br />1 dash vanilla<br />2 ice cubes<br />A cocktail recipe from our Libations Liaison: <br /><br />Combine in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.<br /> <br />Caramel Pumpkin Pie Syrup<br /> <br />2 cups sugar<br />1 cup warm water<br />2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice<br /> <br />Heat about 1/4 the sugar in a sturdy pot over medium heat. Once it begins to caramelize, add more sugar, stirring to incorporate. Once all the sugar has caramelized, remove from heat and add water. Be careful, the mixture will sizzle (I wear an oven mitt). Add spice and stir to incorporate. You may need to return to heat if the caramel starts to stick. Allow to cool, then strain into an airtight container.JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-21442670918507729422010-10-12T18:52:00.009-04:002010-10-12T20:21:54.828-04:00Washington DC Trip (Ben's Chili Bowl, Oyamel, The Diner, Martin's Tavern,Gordon Biersch, Woodley Cafe, Capitol City Brewery)Our recent trip to DC gave us some good eats. What we learned: there are at least two 5-star places in DC, breakfast is hard to come by, and a good bartender makes all the difference.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ben's Chili Bowl</span><br /><br />I've been here before. Abby hasn't. We are in DC, we had to go. There was a line outside the door. Ben's apparently has opened up a nicer place right next door which was empty, and since they serve the same food I'd probably go there if I lived in the area, but you just have to go to the historic location if you've never been. The line moved slowly, but was ok. There was a mix of locals and tourists in the crowd. Once we got to order we went with a chili dog, half smoked with chili, fries, and two chocolate milk shakes. When we paid we picked up two buttons that had the owner's face on it who passed away recently. We sat down in the middle back room and waited for our food to come. It didn't take that long, but it felt it because we were both hungry. Finally our food came and it was just as good as I remembered. Better even. The chili is a great beef/no beans chili and we knew right away we made a mistake not to put chili on the fries. The milkshakes were thick and rich and delicious. Sure we felt like we should run up and down the National Mall to make up for our lunch, but it was soooo worth it. I give Ben's Chili Bowl a 5 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ivm-3rVH60THXD_EIvQb10hIuYaCVUU4GFYftyP3eX4IKU602cgdbTZZweBsXs6ebNk-gBM-bctYAa1rEXaGqGaHR7SGRKe2Pxb2Z1k3iqj_k-XcVRHnCaTJJeOpvQg28TXpCxuR6bY/s1600/P1020558.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ivm-3rVH60THXD_EIvQb10hIuYaCVUU4GFYftyP3eX4IKU602cgdbTZZweBsXs6ebNk-gBM-bctYAa1rEXaGqGaHR7SGRKe2Pxb2Z1k3iqj_k-XcVRHnCaTJJeOpvQg28TXpCxuR6bY/s320/P1020558.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308922510141074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJGyU9lIsIREkbb7SoRvG-jb7Ahq5w9qbKg70xN_GTR553ZsrDmq9xDlfWQ7ruB0H7byR2imQQLATSrR5CBzqCs6HJl0eWnIBw0opFpnxlwsx3llGggnhEDGFgy3JnMTIg1lb7voQt3M/s1600/P1020560.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJGyU9lIsIREkbb7SoRvG-jb7Ahq5w9qbKg70xN_GTR553ZsrDmq9xDlfWQ7ruB0H7byR2imQQLATSrR5CBzqCs6HJl0eWnIBw0opFpnxlwsx3llGggnhEDGFgy3JnMTIg1lb7voQt3M/s320/P1020560.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308918830495330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPz7u7Twa2TfAqtef2kRsssCOwSvtaxiePXSrXQRVpm-ib2h5Zc7iCMdPc3-aEoqezWEk7W8kXwjuTwHSZxrbffo4OxoKGswJdo1F9ul8JFyKFZe2yWwNISkJvps8buCaGoi6g72Bxz0/s1600/P1020562.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPz7u7Twa2TfAqtef2kRsssCOwSvtaxiePXSrXQRVpm-ib2h5Zc7iCMdPc3-aEoqezWEk7W8kXwjuTwHSZxrbffo4OxoKGswJdo1F9ul8JFyKFZe2yWwNISkJvps8buCaGoi6g72Bxz0/s320/P1020562.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308917128881042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4LYW0U9TaQm2KyauyoH753w1qQkAc40CS7G0GEtRrkdrAoEl2itTD7t9NW2YbAU40L0wWjbvqLdZpcc5hHRQG88h-4RIVtllJRHtzZMAYkB_I5PtV1cIl_f5RoSouP5icRxBTKEtGX0/s1600/P1020564.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4LYW0U9TaQm2KyauyoH753w1qQkAc40CS7G0GEtRrkdrAoEl2itTD7t9NW2YbAU40L0wWjbvqLdZpcc5hHRQG88h-4RIVtllJRHtzZMAYkB_I5PtV1cIl_f5RoSouP5icRxBTKEtGX0/s320/P1020564.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308909220465458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLpjRkpVaqWplaj7fLfksP2SbFhcR7gvRUHciiS6dkdI933U5rO3km6qQlXPdWyDlQSXoxHiIa3GQ0KoM81MDGk852CzrXU4eb3AjMh6EqDKGEfkzj8xFCcsps3MhKyHKxSlYTSwi35Y/s1600/P1020565.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLpjRkpVaqWplaj7fLfksP2SbFhcR7gvRUHciiS6dkdI933U5rO3km6qQlXPdWyDlQSXoxHiIa3GQ0KoM81MDGk852CzrXU4eb3AjMh6EqDKGEfkzj8xFCcsps3MhKyHKxSlYTSwi35Y/s320/P1020565.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308333529128418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM3HJmadCkAEHjE9jZHlmj-6nq_Kw56Fozlh9nB0UzroKw5OZWwHhXNkm6YOdWg3pRX_W_UqhjCBfrpIdgPc2yxUBspb3KrlQua428FqIL04bq6P1yarUCqUFuJmRDVrc8lGezlbWc6A/s1600/P1020566.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM3HJmadCkAEHjE9jZHlmj-6nq_Kw56Fozlh9nB0UzroKw5OZWwHhXNkm6YOdWg3pRX_W_UqhjCBfrpIdgPc2yxUBspb3KrlQua428FqIL04bq6P1yarUCqUFuJmRDVrc8lGezlbWc6A/s320/P1020566.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308327198695106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFl2My6wAjU1UL5a12PkBxw6dDWyBvDZY-eJdLgIgl0BMEpwixF5N1go7U9oadf3cwAcIW6Xf95631niYj_K2E3J_I9nhzCpVs5Uw1cFgCxVb-gVjxZAKTguLILaupfm8XaFKsQCjyu0/s1600/P1020567.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFl2My6wAjU1UL5a12PkBxw6dDWyBvDZY-eJdLgIgl0BMEpwixF5N1go7U9oadf3cwAcIW6Xf95631niYj_K2E3J_I9nhzCpVs5Uw1cFgCxVb-gVjxZAKTguLILaupfm8XaFKsQCjyu0/s320/P1020567.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308323613589874" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/100543/restaurant/DC/U-Street-Shaw/Bens-Chili-Bowl-Washington"><img alt="Ben's Chili Bowl on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/100543/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gordon Biersch Brewery</span><br /><br />A blah beer at a blah brewery. However, the restaurant itself is pretty nice looking with the columns and the ceiling. I give Gordon Biersch a 2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE0f5q_fCgsKODTRWEuYPM6dHtdyFl-BZqNcuGyRBm6Mp5gGT6HKQkKTjExB0uhK5Ax5MO3SjnrcZ9kApm2sej8EBNUTqoKCGZDbaff53N8QcyqGdEre_PZSWKXjZvOfPWnTrfe15j_4/s1600/P1020568.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE0f5q_fCgsKODTRWEuYPM6dHtdyFl-BZqNcuGyRBm6Mp5gGT6HKQkKTjExB0uhK5Ax5MO3SjnrcZ9kApm2sej8EBNUTqoKCGZDbaff53N8QcyqGdEre_PZSWKXjZvOfPWnTrfe15j_4/s320/P1020568.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308319485451234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/102561/restaurant/DC/Penn-Quarter/Gordon-Biersch-Brewery-Washington"><img alt="Gordon Biersch Brewery on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/102561/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Oyamel</span><br /><br />I must admit, I've had a Jose Andres chef-crush the first time I've ever seen him on TV a couple of years ago. His passion and love for food is just infectious, even from on the screen of my TV. I've been wanting to eat at one of his restaurants for years. Now I royally screwed up and was one-day off on trying to make reservations at Mini-Bar. So we "settled" for Oyamel, his Mexican small plates restaurant. <br /><br />Everything, I mean EVERYTHING, was absolutely delicious. The service was incredible and nice and fast. We ordered the famous margaritas with salt air and it tasted like a regular margarita just with very fresh components. The salt air was nice and light and added just the right amount of salt to the cocktail. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RCOe26PKa8z-AnNhg5UOkz3v6O8O4F-BDCkghMWxEi_hG7pK_A-OkcJRSHC6W3SkVC3schNkgxSUUOJucHry4OCgqLY4LDLJsV3H_cYRGoL5h7PcCxo52CBYgnxSc9ikkls-XdWUIUs/s1600/P1020570.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RCOe26PKa8z-AnNhg5UOkz3v6O8O4F-BDCkghMWxEi_hG7pK_A-OkcJRSHC6W3SkVC3schNkgxSUUOJucHry4OCgqLY4LDLJsV3H_cYRGoL5h7PcCxo52CBYgnxSc9ikkls-XdWUIUs/s320/P1020570.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308312556050882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFLnDqz8OiYAePGw-ieGqAwQ7dTXd0e0-QYm8BUKVbvESYPwvuFLMeoLmUQJqNcx1e3x_v2HRVU1wkZvFw15I1KVOYM2vGdMgDbbpmTrowxnNbvghjh2ULzsG3dwYgwJ3hBanGuoOM3U/s1600/P1020571.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFLnDqz8OiYAePGw-ieGqAwQ7dTXd0e0-QYm8BUKVbvESYPwvuFLMeoLmUQJqNcx1e3x_v2HRVU1wkZvFw15I1KVOYM2vGdMgDbbpmTrowxnNbvghjh2ULzsG3dwYgwJ3hBanGuoOM3U/s320/P1020571.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307780566025650" /></a><br /><br />We ordered the cactus salad, papas al mole, and four different tacos (baby pig, pork belly, beef, and grasshopper) to start. The mole was fantastic and sweet and savory. The cactus salad was a pleasant surprise...I've never had cactus before. This was a very palate cleansing salad. But the greatest items on the menu are the tacos. The grasshopper was spicy and crunchy, pork belly was buttery, the beef taco was the mother of all beef tacos, and the baby pig...well that was just a religious experience. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiwv5suTuOIP6UDJoONlIHySnjuh3Ht7kx_27qIpPKT7PoX7vbWnC5VPpqSY4tyFceCqoXZXDKYkAj3oXemUF5zQLdK5gJOQjczFlVcXUbhkQ49P6duD3rPSnHw-v-Mom8MV50JRbdx0/s1600/P1020572.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiwv5suTuOIP6UDJoONlIHySnjuh3Ht7kx_27qIpPKT7PoX7vbWnC5VPpqSY4tyFceCqoXZXDKYkAj3oXemUF5zQLdK5gJOQjczFlVcXUbhkQ49P6duD3rPSnHw-v-Mom8MV50JRbdx0/s320/P1020572.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307777517029442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWxU6c0YieAKfsiYiO8xAaKDHxAn6AvR8CiOz9oRcnznvzD-GrOHzUZOFR-eQsYLriVHRjhiiwD4-KR80jPJHQfyQHTf1TcXsVMdpbvugFwi69JIpymy5UQCXhlH8GQ2v5q53nkfymNM/s1600/P1020574.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWxU6c0YieAKfsiYiO8xAaKDHxAn6AvR8CiOz9oRcnznvzD-GrOHzUZOFR-eQsYLriVHRjhiiwD4-KR80jPJHQfyQHTf1TcXsVMdpbvugFwi69JIpymy5UQCXhlH8GQ2v5q53nkfymNM/s320/P1020574.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307771114852882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm7Z6oXjUJANWJ_W8t94HkVYmTsRESDrO_QdFhopUBlFAAiSPYD8ijOKnWE57upD0QqwK66FUKmAST894LX05QuS7-HEZ7pXap47BjF52Kwe6grKHsfjkKOk244mnm8zshNAsYKC2uRo/s1600/P1020578.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm7Z6oXjUJANWJ_W8t94HkVYmTsRESDrO_QdFhopUBlFAAiSPYD8ijOKnWE57upD0QqwK66FUKmAST894LX05QuS7-HEZ7pXap47BjF52Kwe6grKHsfjkKOk244mnm8zshNAsYKC2uRo/s320/P1020578.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307771177766194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN4NyjVBR4BGojeiADkzfYFMiNm5Q7Vgd64CO8JuwaUDEwJkx-v08yKUvB_cQwcsM0tCVhTEMcZk4FCsrA3x4cyid2KIPPSvXVsyH9psiBTcz9ITcHpfypTOISBT6_GKxPJRVqRr1Mbk/s1600/P1020579.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN4NyjVBR4BGojeiADkzfYFMiNm5Q7Vgd64CO8JuwaUDEwJkx-v08yKUvB_cQwcsM0tCVhTEMcZk4FCsrA3x4cyid2KIPPSvXVsyH9psiBTcz9ITcHpfypTOISBT6_GKxPJRVqRr1Mbk/s320/P1020579.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307770479894162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQOpUQVPZtsu4RdhE8zbgDxJgx5QYnrPwwi_fWDe3j1qPHlaI0DY_LS4CtxBlt-IxNBHr8fDlCb90RHK2qnI-YAYNE83zeGC4dNYbgUctBSrFfuCov56noHXBPVDYKDuN2eA9AS6Lda8/s1600/P1020580.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQOpUQVPZtsu4RdhE8zbgDxJgx5QYnrPwwi_fWDe3j1qPHlaI0DY_LS4CtxBlt-IxNBHr8fDlCb90RHK2qnI-YAYNE83zeGC4dNYbgUctBSrFfuCov56noHXBPVDYKDuN2eA9AS6Lda8/s320/P1020580.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307230547368514" /></a><br /><br />Abby had to order a second baby pig taco, so we got that along with a tuna ceviche and the huevos with pork belly. I also asked if they could give us a small plate of the pork rinds that came with the baby pig tacos and they said sure. Now here was the problem...we were stuffed. I scarfed down the pork rinds (which are second only to the pork rinds at Publican in Chicago in my book) and Abby wolfed down the baby pig taco. They accidentally sent out a red snapper ceviche along with the tuna ceviche. Abby liked the former better, but I preferred the latter. Finally the egg and pork belly came out and it easily could have been the best thing I ate that night, but I was too damn full to take more than 3 bites. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKg1VgoP7guAKh_sIfRyyR1pG0KPVew6n98w016XPu-DlVVFfpJc8RmBhBoV7fhp1PcYsqS4hA4rSiEULT04Gjlx9rMuAc85vC89Bmx9KayoUDQ55adGOmyqUwrX-Shx1KYSEtgdRCHA/s1600/P1020583.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKg1VgoP7guAKh_sIfRyyR1pG0KPVew6n98w016XPu-DlVVFfpJc8RmBhBoV7fhp1PcYsqS4hA4rSiEULT04Gjlx9rMuAc85vC89Bmx9KayoUDQ55adGOmyqUwrX-Shx1KYSEtgdRCHA/s320/P1020583.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307229568645714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFav_h1FqmSyX60Cg_z0nv_4xRX_U3kY-wRfAFUvBpEUnPsW8V2_GUO536cCTErAzAWG3izCTR62eF03znR1HshJttAtM7FZXHO02eAtRfGOKzFQzi_5WR1hd-doBTiMtxDMBdwzyO-4/s1600/P1020584.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFav_h1FqmSyX60Cg_z0nv_4xRX_U3kY-wRfAFUvBpEUnPsW8V2_GUO536cCTErAzAWG3izCTR62eF03znR1HshJttAtM7FZXHO02eAtRfGOKzFQzi_5WR1hd-doBTiMtxDMBdwzyO-4/s320/P1020584.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307223822471634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN9wK2KjQ80eLeHe1NSzP7T7aNlah8J0xVTH5iTtnb88Ysu_cL-h2d_netV8xlkr7NToq5syrvdJvPLx77_HAClrmgOkkNbJKe5lqwZgdLFrcePq29iZc42YT5ezuVhAaJUtBnNgTimE/s1600/P1020585.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN9wK2KjQ80eLeHe1NSzP7T7aNlah8J0xVTH5iTtnb88Ysu_cL-h2d_netV8xlkr7NToq5syrvdJvPLx77_HAClrmgOkkNbJKe5lqwZgdLFrcePq29iZc42YT5ezuVhAaJUtBnNgTimE/s320/P1020585.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307215427539794" /></a><br /><br />I had very high expectations for a Jose Andres place and I was not disappointed at all. I will be back to Oyamel next time I'm in DC. I give Oyamel a 5 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/104595/restaurant/DC/Penn-Quarter/Oyamel-Washington"><img alt="Oyamel on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/104595/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Diner</span><br /><br />The Diner was just ok. I got the croque and dagger, which was a great name, and Abby got an Egg Sandwich. Both were ok, but nothing special. I give The Diner a 3 out of 5. (Again, like most places in DC, the architecture inside the restaurant was pretty neat.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlfhZEbsRwAeeJ5xdzLoyFDgfyzItqc2CmSymSUhRUJCxR-FooXc4J8QyaQ5OZlQktCXdvZ65apvF6ncpfxpNAsGOdcnIl6Fg9lWJui0PXFdzzZDqqs3cb2yMz4E-GA8Ily5KJnNU6Xs/s1600/P1020589.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlfhZEbsRwAeeJ5xdzLoyFDgfyzItqc2CmSymSUhRUJCxR-FooXc4J8QyaQ5OZlQktCXdvZ65apvF6ncpfxpNAsGOdcnIl6Fg9lWJui0PXFdzzZDqqs3cb2yMz4E-GA8Ily5KJnNU6Xs/s320/P1020589.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527307215868835218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKppAAq-ZHHH5ekT53jqTfzzghBrG6mf86C7-XmJ5oPgMwtnRbyg6f_tbuIjIQF5rDI1uohfn61tTd4GUINM2Gudh6nlh_N8_-8IFc4EEim0aJk7WeUJN2HtpDrhEN7vMD4mgdYAKVUA/s1600/P1020590.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKppAAq-ZHHH5ekT53jqTfzzghBrG6mf86C7-XmJ5oPgMwtnRbyg6f_tbuIjIQF5rDI1uohfn61tTd4GUINM2Gudh6nlh_N8_-8IFc4EEim0aJk7WeUJN2HtpDrhEN7vMD4mgdYAKVUA/s320/P1020590.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527306569884058290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBRSC_VPCU2vFgrfYCF0tIt6ddoK99HL6BT9y_5o2UIjazYlMJ75y9gdPpIskudHHX9LqItLWAgdowRcTy6OmyEl8SaZ1XUu8aDTXT_VeVvY66eldcfVLFdT7cfy9PKjPwgWkuQ7WfxU/s1600/P1020591.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBRSC_VPCU2vFgrfYCF0tIt6ddoK99HL6BT9y_5o2UIjazYlMJ75y9gdPpIskudHHX9LqItLWAgdowRcTy6OmyEl8SaZ1XUu8aDTXT_VeVvY66eldcfVLFdT7cfy9PKjPwgWkuQ7WfxU/s320/P1020591.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527306565783002738" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/101803/restaurant/DC/Adams-Morgan/The-Diner-Washington"><img alt="The Diner on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/101803/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Martin's Tavern</span><br /><br />Apparently a famous bar that we just happened to walk into for a beer and a snack. We got the crab cake sliders that were actually really good. Bartender was nice and personable too. I give Martin's Tavern a 3 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3TaS2ksTFBYTDR6MCvJpPeJTUAMxWHAE_AcVXt9HxxbCYR6Gj91u0csBtkIoNrO2VkQY_Sd7tkOZTk02Fmdhrkp1uWrWI9A2-vIZnKgvFWnJjFQaJrKNFlZqSFKo67ztGws5n9pZV5s/s1600/P1020592.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3TaS2ksTFBYTDR6MCvJpPeJTUAMxWHAE_AcVXt9HxxbCYR6Gj91u0csBtkIoNrO2VkQY_Sd7tkOZTk02Fmdhrkp1uWrWI9A2-vIZnKgvFWnJjFQaJrKNFlZqSFKo67ztGws5n9pZV5s/s320/P1020592.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527306563769770722" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/103877/restaurant/DC/Georgetown/Martins-Tavern-Washington"><img alt="Martin's Tavern on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/103877/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Woodley Cafe</span><br /><br />It wasn't that crowded when we went in for breakfast but service was very slow. While we were waiting for our food, the line out the door grew and grew. The place was severely under-staffed for a Sunday morning. Eventually a few more servers arrived and started seating all the people waiting. However our food took forever to arrive. Refills on coffee and water also took forever. Our food was luke warm when we got it. I won't be coming back to Woodley Cafe next time I'm in DC. I give it a 1 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/107034/restaurant/DC/Woodley-Park/Woodley-Cafe-Washington"><img alt="Woodley Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/107034/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Capitol City Brewery</span><br /><br />The beers were better than average. The prices for food were actually decently priced. But it was our bartender was fantastic. We talked NFL football and traded fantasy tips. He quietly slipped us two free beers and told us not to worry about it. I liked it. I give Capitol City Brewery a 4 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9JGSdVc4GkZK5FUU5WImm3Ea7L-dSgq9_lcQ60KugObs0U5-5kMIFI2AOv-5Eu-GIk95FwsJSBS7nSdFhgYkoivr3YbKQE74UlU2JhNsVQgS2gc6Umoc5BCyS5OIHBHkG13C1ZD_sik/s1600/P1020622.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9JGSdVc4GkZK5FUU5WImm3Ea7L-dSgq9_lcQ60KugObs0U5-5kMIFI2AOv-5Eu-GIk95FwsJSBS7nSdFhgYkoivr3YbKQE74UlU2JhNsVQgS2gc6Umoc5BCyS5OIHBHkG13C1ZD_sik/s320/P1020622.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527306555734819794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVAIobWkhIAZcFglnvGGcpTmXfCxDxVa4Rine-gWq0qJlHfulCSn-H2B3Z6F6ti8GunZUY1gmANORTLFjogDQNTJfoPGrixYlzvAop_xf2hg2uvDA3puLoNcFa7bDlwZeGN_ylNGZr5E/s1600/P1020623.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVAIobWkhIAZcFglnvGGcpTmXfCxDxVa4Rine-gWq0qJlHfulCSn-H2B3Z6F6ti8GunZUY1gmANORTLFjogDQNTJfoPGrixYlzvAop_xf2hg2uvDA3puLoNcFa7bDlwZeGN_ylNGZr5E/s320/P1020623.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527306549686923170" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/1431917/restaurant/DC/Downtown/Capital-City-Brewing-Company-Washington"><img alt="Capital City Brewing Company on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1431917/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-91520130762681658332010-10-12T18:34:00.005-04:002010-10-12T18:50:33.114-04:00Homecooking (Making Banh Xeo and Meatballs)This was one of the best meals we've made in a long time. Homemade meatballs with homemade pasta. So freaking good. Plus I finally used the immersion blender we got as a wedding gift. I'm going to have to recreate the meatballs this weekend, so let's hope I can remember how I made these. All beef meatballs, some bread crumbs, chili paste, parsley, garlic...I'm sure I'll remember it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53ZRoJmc2lnXOHTcHpJRTJ1YppYXk_G_15vU4_Ab7fkIP4eKBUGkAn8J_kBXs8MnkoBfJEvRiJHoi5WGyvMOwO5fna6yuxArezjRKtA7uZ8SJKhYdaGa3otDABhBJJwZqZLmMHXu3rZ8/s1600/P1020354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53ZRoJmc2lnXOHTcHpJRTJ1YppYXk_G_15vU4_Ab7fkIP4eKBUGkAn8J_kBXs8MnkoBfJEvRiJHoi5WGyvMOwO5fna6yuxArezjRKtA7uZ8SJKhYdaGa3otDABhBJJwZqZLmMHXu3rZ8/s320/P1020354.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295530697944882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9ALGqbAh1b9KUh9CtsRmV2qVpiZPNe3648TTcCyZkYLbSmPOQTu8OgjYTUhh47m8oIYbsCdl8XhsFaDzTrj4l_vxl5bgSjbY1GpcVIeMZCjMiPvemEEezaVfGDRIAx1_jzqXKuIDxPQ/s1600/P1020357.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9ALGqbAh1b9KUh9CtsRmV2qVpiZPNe3648TTcCyZkYLbSmPOQTu8OgjYTUhh47m8oIYbsCdl8XhsFaDzTrj4l_vxl5bgSjbY1GpcVIeMZCjMiPvemEEezaVfGDRIAx1_jzqXKuIDxPQ/s320/P1020357.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295529203671474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Zy_A5fysl_s2ckYmvoNKTj_Bkw1A84E_yku2VwlZZ-qUm0o2XfStmToR8zXnoE90H3jyshyRs6oHNhka9sJiszeBGgT4-S9mkaNl3H75BydtQ4yk73ojG88VH83uIIlhUru_VDvotV8/s1600/P1020358.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Zy_A5fysl_s2ckYmvoNKTj_Bkw1A84E_yku2VwlZZ-qUm0o2XfStmToR8zXnoE90H3jyshyRs6oHNhka9sJiszeBGgT4-S9mkaNl3H75BydtQ4yk73ojG88VH83uIIlhUru_VDvotV8/s320/P1020358.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295525972794050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ityNiLHSibesHpjCdPxzAfMCourwlvW703MbwQYTKupZY5RRXNExMxLurJiHcqUFTRjrDTSBrCngrWwx9RrQkETL_J3lsdBv_NHAUqSNF6un-71p6qHslaQcyt8fAAEjKp-BV8Pn-U4/s1600/P1020359.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ityNiLHSibesHpjCdPxzAfMCourwlvW703MbwQYTKupZY5RRXNExMxLurJiHcqUFTRjrDTSBrCngrWwx9RrQkETL_J3lsdBv_NHAUqSNF6un-71p6qHslaQcyt8fAAEjKp-BV8Pn-U4/s320/P1020359.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295523243901826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z6rNcGOGdsfpyt7MacFzt4e8KiHXVsULSHS86at7o0Gx-IcVQ83p7ozUmkIWpdBn6y2FgdAlygX5lhIJecQ67EHXcOMEdqHPErxUgQd4OmGgAUUJ3OFhvRQ8KyvYWOOMgkKoDMiAWeU/s1600/P1020360.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z6rNcGOGdsfpyt7MacFzt4e8KiHXVsULSHS86at7o0Gx-IcVQ83p7ozUmkIWpdBn6y2FgdAlygX5lhIJecQ67EHXcOMEdqHPErxUgQd4OmGgAUUJ3OFhvRQ8KyvYWOOMgkKoDMiAWeU/s320/P1020360.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295519236115954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdBjJcvqkaGv7491nhg5UJhFIYdkl7dXGAZHDkD5pv9P9i_4-MuYIkCIzSaUSbjarRwyRO4pWOYkMqdbTUQKOe0gbtVdk1Ms-F7jojXeaNxRC0fe0_Y2K4DE0VxD9qBVlt7A4MeKuNTg/s1600/P1020361.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdBjJcvqkaGv7491nhg5UJhFIYdkl7dXGAZHDkD5pv9P9i_4-MuYIkCIzSaUSbjarRwyRO4pWOYkMqdbTUQKOe0gbtVdk1Ms-F7jojXeaNxRC0fe0_Y2K4DE0VxD9qBVlt7A4MeKuNTg/s320/P1020361.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295152312866482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJBfCIb9GAcsMIp5PpBYk48u9eknAcICQNi88pow4ig111QnqYh63fwRXh3uM8MzqG1TIlQwm0NJeQh6a9NuNyhch5YPx5QpBhClypziHPDh5h_jLkb97zhqF9Es3IC_VuZ9ifBdbvVs/s1600/P1020362.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJBfCIb9GAcsMIp5PpBYk48u9eknAcICQNi88pow4ig111QnqYh63fwRXh3uM8MzqG1TIlQwm0NJeQh6a9NuNyhch5YPx5QpBhClypziHPDh5h_jLkb97zhqF9Es3IC_VuZ9ifBdbvVs/s320/P1020362.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295144983742962" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />On October 2nd OU beat Texas and we attempted to make Banh Xeo at home. It turned out ok, but for some reason the texture wasn't quite right. A little too rubbery instead of crispy. Maybe needed to thin out the batter with more water...However, it did taste pretty good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl6xprGOY9Y4V3SUBI3r1QF27MwwqauIRMhOU-3cjWkazOPcRujPq7W4bf5tveDNMEBYwxwH9j3INoTDugOcCNBLilQOGMwQQV5kR_vcE0QH_Xjwal1c9Z8XrqOr9YJ5_c8gKVoLx1eQ/s1600/P1020544.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl6xprGOY9Y4V3SUBI3r1QF27MwwqauIRMhOU-3cjWkazOPcRujPq7W4bf5tveDNMEBYwxwH9j3INoTDugOcCNBLilQOGMwQQV5kR_vcE0QH_Xjwal1c9Z8XrqOr9YJ5_c8gKVoLx1eQ/s320/P1020544.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527295143446637378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHp7VAAp1c80GdUUJ2EhAkrKSLhjrDgIySMyYCkdu0mm4Yl3jiQprcPQcZTEH1Pvtrg-LSLJgoAKn6U4GI3E_F_lU4w4Nv59YeAV0HSMJfnfpBN296OTcRgGKMTWQxC2lKlNUTUSCSDU/s1600/P1020545.jpg"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVNWs3OcUtyfPfJMKNhE12Q2SLKC6LUp-gOmRxCytmiQVp191RhDUxGlhg4VnwWVn-I1v8R6dKLqqrpBMf3g2tAQkAG4O15NnaUgKSYkzhyphenhyphenajNF9M_RnsV_bztsXw8JXTnxJVUYzmusk/s320/P1020549.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527294861478750818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bwA2xujA5VI84oNAC_3bjG1MwL4P5cZSe1l-gyJNX6bW4ek0tYKo7yrsC1FMGSs2Prk7UV40UPsYh1s3GSunzHW34jYazlMtHvbLqA3-te10LfHYd6kjQpZW2-tYQdZiWZUfYagm2E/s1600/P1020550.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bwA2xujA5VI84oNAC_3bjG1MwL4P5cZSe1l-gyJNX6bW4ek0tYKo7yrsC1FMGSs2Prk7UV40UPsYh1s3GSunzHW34jYazlMtHvbLqA3-te10LfHYd6kjQpZW2-tYQdZiWZUfYagm2E/s320/P1020550.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527294855945498738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRry2YKbOA4jgQ4-NaiX6bdJ3p0kjYVd-noC_bIDpWeoKDOWc8WVzZFJKVGy-_pgdsQIrmTNzgXV7cY2GT_zTLhD-bpMqNGZSaF8pJLX3Aar0VGGgU1m5IbLvcIfbmmZPtaW0jm9uURYw/s1600/P1020552.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRry2YKbOA4jgQ4-NaiX6bdJ3p0kjYVd-noC_bIDpWeoKDOWc8WVzZFJKVGy-_pgdsQIrmTNzgXV7cY2GT_zTLhD-bpMqNGZSaF8pJLX3Aar0VGGgU1m5IbLvcIfbmmZPtaW0jm9uURYw/s320/P1020552.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527294849457281842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYv63NHM3mB7kA06d3ZE8pOJ_DCA66Xc-Yv1PZ0ZO8g6z1z85ukmdc78cZq769C0Aon3TCuOGAUIqwpY3YeqzOhHDMyFxA8nxKeQX8bTkgtZeFwDtabMltUQ9ra-_DUsxCA_XnAqg7Dg/s1600/P1020554.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYv63NHM3mB7kA06d3ZE8pOJ_DCA66Xc-Yv1PZ0ZO8g6z1z85ukmdc78cZq769C0Aon3TCuOGAUIqwpY3YeqzOhHDMyFxA8nxKeQX8bTkgtZeFwDtabMltUQ9ra-_DUsxCA_XnAqg7Dg/s320/P1020554.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527294835191224578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJzxac1QiNCxp_NPqRO8loBWfYR2ubd2Ww64SRAHH3t7JdHmrE5nGFMmmW0w2-e10GP_FFEhdDrWpMeRcE-0j9nD_MTmWqgYU81UWp_XWQVp74nFGvK4TgmA9_VuiczJL-OwOlFyNf7E/s1600/P1020555.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJzxac1QiNCxp_NPqRO8loBWfYR2ubd2Ww64SRAHH3t7JdHmrE5nGFMmmW0w2-e10GP_FFEhdDrWpMeRcE-0j9nD_MTmWqgYU81UWp_XWQVp74nFGvK4TgmA9_VuiczJL-OwOlFyNf7E/s320/P1020555.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527294828240635506" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-67246709605218706992010-10-12T18:21:00.002-04:002010-10-12T18:26:47.299-04:00Battery Park, Ames Plow and Stoddards (Annie's Review)Friday was a pretty gross and rainy night, but Jason and I ventured out in town to grab some drinks. I had a Groupon to Stoddards which was about to expire, so that was our first stop. It's a newish place that opened in late summer, located in Downtown Crossing on Temple. The space is very beautiful, with an extremely ornate carved wooden bar. There's not a lot of room by the bar, and it was packed with a bustling after work crowd, so we decided to come back later when (hopefully) it would be less crowded. <br /> <br />We decided next to try Battery Park, which was having its soft open. Located on Batterymarch in the Financial District, it's a nice, but kind of expected space. Pretty much like most of the new bars in Boston, it has lots of dark wood, a few flatscreens behind the bar, and current pop music soundtrack. It's not very big inside, but it has a large outdoor space (which I didn't see). We sat at the bar and chatted with the bartender, who told us that the kitchen wasn't fully operational, but offered us some free appetizers to try. I didn't see a drink menu, so I decided to try Hex Octoberfest, which is a Magic Hat product. I'm normally not the biggest fan of Octoberfest, but it was such a cold, rainy night, it seemed appealing. I enjoyed it a lot, it didn't seem as heavy as other Octoberfests, with a nice spice to it. They brought us some chicken tenders (very standard, which is not to say they were bad in any way, there's just not much to do with them) with a delicious spicy ketchup, and buffalo chicken wontons which were extremely tasty. We saw them bring another couple down the bar a plate of calamari that looked delicious. I'll definitely check it out again sometime, I'm interested to see what their menu will look like and how they manage cocktails.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34s_z_uTTLYBw1LiEyJ8xYHR9hQ7yC1QBoOfDCJSY7Dl2NxFz8kybvko1d2U7BquAej2HQp8k3WG69_Q0IIGMO5o7hOgRWq6cgyqNDARyY4HDsQBv8o8knZTXj-wOLxu6CLdfMc73eBE/s1600/blood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34s_z_uTTLYBw1LiEyJ8xYHR9hQ7yC1QBoOfDCJSY7Dl2NxFz8kybvko1d2U7BquAej2HQp8k3WG69_Q0IIGMO5o7hOgRWq6cgyqNDARyY4HDsQBv8o8knZTXj-wOLxu6CLdfMc73eBE/s320/blood.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527288728349165810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5mQcA5QQzsv55-hCyUiEHxYKPICQQZ1LS8Hq1zakLm-MfAvFIen1-hg2GRWyQ_n6oeO_jTKFshZ7RlNn1NjE-BEilPUWXcC3OabzsyDzvSRk-zGBrEuxZdGRqjbB2uZycBtfFpWY4vQ/s1600/batteryparkaps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5mQcA5QQzsv55-hCyUiEHxYKPICQQZ1LS8Hq1zakLm-MfAvFIen1-hg2GRWyQ_n6oeO_jTKFshZ7RlNn1NjE-BEilPUWXcC3OabzsyDzvSRk-zGBrEuxZdGRqjbB2uZycBtfFpWY4vQ/s320/batteryparkaps.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527288725588143698" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1550634/restaurant/Financial-District/Battery-Park-Bar-Lounge-Boston"><img alt="Battery Park Bar & Lounge on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1550634/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /> <br />After Battery Park, we went to one of my favorite haunts in Boston, Ames Plow. Located under Ned Devine's in the Quincy Market Building, this place is very no-frills and pretty divey, but I like it for the jukebox and $2 PBRs. Maybe as libations liaison, I shouldn't admit that so readily, but I'm also Abby's cousin, so there you go. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/50123/restaurant/Faneuil-Hall/Ames-Plow-Tavern-Boston"><img alt="Ames Plow Tavern on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/50123/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /> <br />Finally, we headed back to Stoddard's. It was still really busy, but as luck would have it, we managed to grab two seats at the bar. This place has both extensive beer selection and craft cocktail list. The cocktail list has drinks from different time periods, such as an Aviation, Sazerac, etc. Since I was ordering a burger (which was very tasty), I had a BBC Steel Rail Pale Ale to start. If you haven't tried this western Mass brewery, I'd suggest it, they make some great beer. The pale ale is their flagship brew, and it's a great tasting, refreshing beer. It was perfect with the burger. After I ate, I ordered a Blood and Sand cocktail. This was phenomenal. It consists of whisky, vermouth, cherry brandy, and orange juice. It was garnished with orange peel and a dried tart cherry. It was an amazing balance of tart and sweet, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are a lot of drinks on the menu I'd like to try, so I'll probably go back. The drink prices are actually not bad for the craft cocktails compared to other higher-end places in Boston, each are $9. The only thing that bothered me is that the beer menu doesn't list prices. You don't want to order an interesting sounding beer and have it be $15 or some such, and it's sort of awkward to ask for the price first. But all in all, I liked the space, and the staff was friendly. Very worth a try.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivTwVWydukQ1phVF4ztZCfn-glh979WwSOGn0431a8viZGBvrpZkaazuAGk7MqhsyNZOCzRXJ8ZLtK8y81wfdxuwkCm0qboQqE-fw1QPbhnQIYWg0ugeanHZxzPvbIUUJKZCTZf5Yuug/s1600/hex.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivTwVWydukQ1phVF4ztZCfn-glh979WwSOGn0431a8viZGBvrpZkaazuAGk7MqhsyNZOCzRXJ8ZLtK8y81wfdxuwkCm0qboQqE-fw1QPbhnQIYWg0ugeanHZxzPvbIUUJKZCTZf5Yuug/s320/hex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527288732286221106" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1536189/restaurant/Beacon-Hill/Stoddards-Fine-Food-And-Ale-Boston"><img alt="Stoddard's Fine Food And Ale on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1536189/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-86977451034682945232010-10-03T17:38:00.008-04:002010-10-12T18:20:32.235-04:00Portland, OR (Voodoo Donuts, Salvador Molly, Blue Pig Cafe)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATUujzddX83I7PqnS4nw4ApXigFILwasPJyD0CfTXzHsdYGcvzXuv1BwBhpgJMk7XgR0-GW1XhbfGLlV0zYA5yrR9zt3DmcAz1g9TXmJ8DYGE6GaU-DaPiXQO6EXR31212UKT2bPuZiY/s1600/P1020432.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATUujzddX83I7PqnS4nw4ApXigFILwasPJyD0CfTXzHsdYGcvzXuv1BwBhpgJMk7XgR0-GW1XhbfGLlV0zYA5yrR9zt3DmcAz1g9TXmJ8DYGE6GaU-DaPiXQO6EXR31212UKT2bPuZiY/s320/P1020432.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523941306182637506" /></a><br /><br />We went to Portland and the Oregon Coast for a friend's wedding a couple of weekends ago. while there, we hit up the famous Voodoo Donuts, learned that Portland has an incredible food truck scene, and somehow ended up at a Man Vs Food restaurant without planning for it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Voodoo Donuts</span><br /><br />We've been wanting to go to Voodoo Donuts for the past year or so. I'd like to say it lived up to expectations, but I'm not sure it did. The selection of donuts is pretty intense. We went with the famous maple and bacon and the signature voodoo one, along with an oreo one for my little niece and also a fruit loop one to try. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWlDuC7QSPFIOSiBsLxwT1OLAQqzuY4fDWVv30FGw-3CmAVU1XtNzkaL2J2eK5sgNZOUi0PGV_TPsJflLYUIG7XPooxFxE58AZ8LqgM3RqAWK9fH4fWEBQnPic1KZWc_3LmXn_b1oaqY/s1600/P1020442.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWlDuC7QSPFIOSiBsLxwT1OLAQqzuY4fDWVv30FGw-3CmAVU1XtNzkaL2J2eK5sgNZOUi0PGV_TPsJflLYUIG7XPooxFxE58AZ8LqgM3RqAWK9fH4fWEBQnPic1KZWc_3LmXn_b1oaqY/s320/P1020442.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523941294135668226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL_vsmIeifLEMDjcX0j5s0h7GMuOERbPxGe7CYHh3yt-KTr35apb7CSNxC7OnrY1WyLzN5Y86wKMqs-1GhxIuHNdONWW-9F0hFPNlDGcn-p13rzXgIEUndrXKPulIooqFjGyWQFcxKGI/s1600/P1020440.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL_vsmIeifLEMDjcX0j5s0h7GMuOERbPxGe7CYHh3yt-KTr35apb7CSNxC7OnrY1WyLzN5Y86wKMqs-1GhxIuHNdONWW-9F0hFPNlDGcn-p13rzXgIEUndrXKPulIooqFjGyWQFcxKGI/s320/P1020440.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523941301778224722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9IJMl3k7WThcf6RCuPaqyQkKyY_hFKeoSXFKspxsUHbNMr_HbfJ1WuKT3tlz01lnvvo1qmMg_l32h7__z3nfQsnfmI2vZAB7Blmb0uZvamtP22c7c8CoSy_4qheF9D_JkF3t-plkyLk/s1600/P1020443.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9IJMl3k7WThcf6RCuPaqyQkKyY_hFKeoSXFKspxsUHbNMr_HbfJ1WuKT3tlz01lnvvo1qmMg_l32h7__z3nfQsnfmI2vZAB7Blmb0uZvamtP22c7c8CoSy_4qheF9D_JkF3t-plkyLk/s320/P1020443.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940872090389026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukXJb26vIWsnE2nVLAA1fhFcqhBwKVbInZN8D4miJFAnn3cAOWnye6cCgDMYzFYBENQiRE2g2UrIMy_5RBc3mDBFnrE4FsJkKQEIN423myMI4WhjmFYj-unrd0evglO8x0DJ1Psq295k/s1600/P1020444.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukXJb26vIWsnE2nVLAA1fhFcqhBwKVbInZN8D4miJFAnn3cAOWnye6cCgDMYzFYBENQiRE2g2UrIMy_5RBc3mDBFnrE4FsJkKQEIN423myMI4WhjmFYj-unrd0evglO8x0DJ1Psq295k/s320/P1020444.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940866155204098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDC0FQoXQzx-yr2xLQw8Ay8RtMMoze-5nVWlL9Mf3rJATDGsXf2OP8wGlucWo-EhMkLFIyXEhN9Qoly1RWCfXUU2XDXLfsGqsXl_8Co9r6jFt54fG5Dc-YKr3BVTozJ7itnvr1PsMToA/s1600/P1020449.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDC0FQoXQzx-yr2xLQw8Ay8RtMMoze-5nVWlL9Mf3rJATDGsXf2OP8wGlucWo-EhMkLFIyXEhN9Qoly1RWCfXUU2XDXLfsGqsXl_8Co9r6jFt54fG5Dc-YKr3BVTozJ7itnvr1PsMToA/s320/P1020449.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940860044006610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVHxHYV9a-pefImVKKG65RLIOgrLd8hnaWoWTyEzg6v-aUYuFtB-ysuTLUAulf-qbBDUrRLhrc9Me7F72jpMUzEO9_m2YaWSMXdkzTl24HmRZWcUNutAnDl1aCv3jLr0c2_yhzcQf2Lo/s1600/P1020450.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVHxHYV9a-pefImVKKG65RLIOgrLd8hnaWoWTyEzg6v-aUYuFtB-ysuTLUAulf-qbBDUrRLhrc9Me7F72jpMUzEO9_m2YaWSMXdkzTl24HmRZWcUNutAnDl1aCv3jLr0c2_yhzcQf2Lo/s320/P1020450.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940854447434482" /></a><br /><br />The donuts themselves were very good donuts. The frosting was just a bit too much on the sweet side. I had to take a sugar induced crash nap immediately after eating one. The filling of the voodoo donut was really good though, a home made raspberry jam. Overall, I'd probably brave the lines to go back to Voodoo if I lived in the area from time to time, but I'd make sure I had a big glass of milk with me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/24/284024/restaurant/Chinatown-Old-Town/Voodoo-Doughnut-Portland"><img alt="Voodoo Doughnut on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/284024/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Food Trucks</span><br /><br />So I did not know the City of Roses had so many food trucks. When we found this out, we knew we were going to have to go and check it out for ourselves. Various blocks have anywhere from 3 to 15 different food trucks just waiting for us to come and try. We found parking very easily and everything smelled so good. Walking past a BBQ joint, a man asked us if we wanted a free sample. We said yes and it tasted good enough for us to want to split a sandwich. We had a couple of their homemade bbq sauces combined over our sandwich and it was pure tastiness. We scarfed that sandwich down before we even had a chance to walk to the next stall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0nHwzvn9NT9u49VwGBYo5eCm-nY0Ds8zP2tK35Gugd05-AXlOYugcglmmfOMuz3lrFc3lPSLVPTKifikp9v_l6lUL-cDvrxR9WXUWUIEU1eNQjYIK2yTsDoVIlGSwQhGb4npgmoZdLc/s1600/P1020452.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0nHwzvn9NT9u49VwGBYo5eCm-nY0Ds8zP2tK35Gugd05-AXlOYugcglmmfOMuz3lrFc3lPSLVPTKifikp9v_l6lUL-cDvrxR9WXUWUIEU1eNQjYIK2yTsDoVIlGSwQhGb4npgmoZdLc/s320/P1020452.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940849808740306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UBru_z2IoYxVuQLShvaOT0LZMzaMtNgp7xBQepaKBtYIAU3LBwlY40GsTFENBiIN-9fN7Ly5elNtfJXdgI-UEpXArNJ1kKyIgY_TsY5FsW_EFSIumuRF-kMrQSG3v5BvP31Z-uZu_UM/s1600/P1020453.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UBru_z2IoYxVuQLShvaOT0LZMzaMtNgp7xBQepaKBtYIAU3LBwlY40GsTFENBiIN-9fN7Ly5elNtfJXdgI-UEpXArNJ1kKyIgY_TsY5FsW_EFSIumuRF-kMrQSG3v5BvP31Z-uZu_UM/s320/P1020453.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940580528405026" /></a><br /><br />We got some cafe su da at the Vietnamese place next door to the BBQ spot and continued to walk and sniff at all the other places. At the end of the block was a sign for some Polish food, and Abby had to get herself a platter of pirogies. While Abby ate her platter, I stopped into a Korean taco truck and got two tacos, one beef and one chicken. Both of our meals were delicious and cheap. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4GoKWUNC6vNhXknwP63G9JQ4LkmbXT0z2t2taZFJamLu-U90g8udykxC5tfed-TqkQcrBYFOwYjZ5HWQ3KBTng8qIvhKa0sL9cwrBuzOokHmM3vbrgaflXSmMf2jX6WZeY68CDjMTSQ/s1600/P1020454.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4GoKWUNC6vNhXknwP63G9JQ4LkmbXT0z2t2taZFJamLu-U90g8udykxC5tfed-TqkQcrBYFOwYjZ5HWQ3KBTng8qIvhKa0sL9cwrBuzOokHmM3vbrgaflXSmMf2jX6WZeY68CDjMTSQ/s320/P1020454.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940580799545314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Bhne41182zTjsvaE4fLqDTGfIe_-rk7ReQZahroGOdLxpnIOvZS755jU8UIdiAkFEbbmk7FM-3pHvQJ85nCUmUaxiEKPuTJRI3DHP_BRq0e6lDfAIlIHUFdAP4_hT6esegHTv3I0snU/s1600/P1020455.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Bhne41182zTjsvaE4fLqDTGfIe_-rk7ReQZahroGOdLxpnIOvZS755jU8UIdiAkFEbbmk7FM-3pHvQJ85nCUmUaxiEKPuTJRI3DHP_BRq0e6lDfAIlIHUFdAP4_hT6esegHTv3I0snU/s320/P1020455.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940574743322658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVxhVc66B0mjLHGSvyKly4x1vJZWBAlptcDmE0WdEEXevMfPXA5HFFoKD8bUpra4-wp_Za4a3hPwsJ4HHxwZHVm1RVslEcHpfPaVU1Jp52azhHHHph4aESkBolNNQK_y5I7H4q9a_ghM/s1600/P1020456.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVxhVc66B0mjLHGSvyKly4x1vJZWBAlptcDmE0WdEEXevMfPXA5HFFoKD8bUpra4-wp_Za4a3hPwsJ4HHxwZHVm1RVslEcHpfPaVU1Jp52azhHHHph4aESkBolNNQK_y5I7H4q9a_ghM/s320/P1020456.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940572007088178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVg0m3t_haI8-xaf_KFHTDLhZrWpEWjaoXDXjJ1QNxZdilOwksunXzaV0PZKgytGGUWb0rM7khwn8cIL5SaTqQxWOAhHNl2q-JXWscdauHDqgQ2OCcwD_xIjdCYKEjfTPs6n3sfGiWWM/s1600/P1020457.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVg0m3t_haI8-xaf_KFHTDLhZrWpEWjaoXDXjJ1QNxZdilOwksunXzaV0PZKgytGGUWb0rM7khwn8cIL5SaTqQxWOAhHNl2q-JXWscdauHDqgQ2OCcwD_xIjdCYKEjfTPs6n3sfGiWWM/s320/P1020457.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940568313797602" /></a><br /><br />We started getting full but I did not want to stop at all. We went to another block and ended up getting my brother some Banh Mi Sandwiches, but were too full to get anything for ourselves. Why can Boston not have food trucks like these? I'd be a happy food blogger.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Salvador Molly</span><br /><br />So my brother suggested Salvador Molly's for dinner because he heard good things about it. We didn't realize that this was a spot that Man vs Food went too. Apparently you can do the Great Balls of Fire challenge if you like, but we didn't partake. However, we did get a spicy cheese fritter to see what it was all about. Tino, Abby, and myself had troubles with our small little bites. Lina and her sisters, who grew up eating spicy food in Indonesia, didn't even think it was all that hot. They would have done the challenge if the cheese fritter tasted better, but alas, the ball of fire was needed to hide the lack of taste.<br /><br />I can't really remember much about my meal. I ordered one of the pork dishes because our waitress recommended it. It wasn't bad, just didn't wow me. Food did take a while to come out, but they were quite busy that night. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFI5gd8QmXGqpnoRGIw5L4T2lew_zc1tSViGl2xtHMKmUVysvGmhf8pRdXKLpmDjkyaemkBP6HK4pmoos7nssrw1TONtzWKqoNFw29gUhEUA5hrjTM4qq9d3HAfdI1-myvktBkpa6Bng/s1600/P1020459.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFI5gd8QmXGqpnoRGIw5L4T2lew_zc1tSViGl2xtHMKmUVysvGmhf8pRdXKLpmDjkyaemkBP6HK4pmoos7nssrw1TONtzWKqoNFw29gUhEUA5hrjTM4qq9d3HAfdI1-myvktBkpa6Bng/s320/P1020459.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940229102162114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzAZJwAnyM1tIB0UfTESIP6s2QaFpY-gUDKCa8dabpkW2DxwpxmVrXuE2V482sG93QXe5EBElNqDmaIXyyw61k2okKnJoghyphenhyphengg84izPkp6IXDG8mPD85jefIspU5YKifqO-xPogN8hSA/s1600/P1020460.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzAZJwAnyM1tIB0UfTESIP6s2QaFpY-gUDKCa8dabpkW2DxwpxmVrXuE2V482sG93QXe5EBElNqDmaIXyyw61k2okKnJoghyphenhyphengg84izPkp6IXDG8mPD85jefIspU5YKifqO-xPogN8hSA/s320/P1020460.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940232340389442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfGCznUcQAjlM2jAc_oA4qIwakQaUsnZbypwV7EKYtu0J4zgtb6cHcA1L2Wh8SGQd2IC6lvrm7Tl36uSKKuCuXLeAYHJ7Qf4LMMzohmNXI1mZjYSj1MqLXIfP4HZD_ZYsxpBvkca7Kqo/s1600/P1020468.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfGCznUcQAjlM2jAc_oA4qIwakQaUsnZbypwV7EKYtu0J4zgtb6cHcA1L2Wh8SGQd2IC6lvrm7Tl36uSKKuCuXLeAYHJ7Qf4LMMzohmNXI1mZjYSj1MqLXIfP4HZD_ZYsxpBvkca7Kqo/s320/P1020468.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940227156307938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iRIGgfPJuBhaeqaS1fzb6WdvWIEC1Z3AsSG0GbnxAqoYTyfBr3sEyJ2zcSiANeYUwfqFIbj1bNA1QVIdnp0ADrlZOOHlqf9j9RhaPptglwzwQusaF2w5nGG2eUcYiwHDgGqN2vs0r40/s1600/P1020469.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iRIGgfPJuBhaeqaS1fzb6WdvWIEC1Z3AsSG0GbnxAqoYTyfBr3sEyJ2zcSiANeYUwfqFIbj1bNA1QVIdnp0ADrlZOOHlqf9j9RhaPptglwzwQusaF2w5nGG2eUcYiwHDgGqN2vs0r40/s320/P1020469.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523940220388516002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnwapeLp_gUIaHuEAbIR-mn7XxKm3e2ISdOgBQ0tccJMR-5nI16ocvPZ4tU8FQfvjUAq2euFf6mSunSGE_K0FpAkfBoJ0fTc6zSV6ufZbYHYh6GDJffsxRMbQ2tFHDgLhqnHGomPMZ7k/s1600/P1020470.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnwapeLp_gUIaHuEAbIR-mn7XxKm3e2ISdOgBQ0tccJMR-5nI16ocvPZ4tU8FQfvjUAq2euFf6mSunSGE_K0FpAkfBoJ0fTc6zSV6ufZbYHYh6GDJffsxRMbQ2tFHDgLhqnHGomPMZ7k/s320/P1020470.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523939735421115138" /></a><br /><br />Not sure I'd go back to Salvador Molly's very often if I lived in the area, but it was a neat experience once.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/24/283197/restaurant/Southwest/Salvador-Mollys-Portland"><img alt="Salvador Molly's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/283197/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Blue Pig Cafe</span><br /><br />Portions huge. Food good. Bacon in bloody mary.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/24/1344739/restaurant/Richmond/Blue-Pig-Cafe-Portland"><img alt="Blue Pig Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1344739/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lAXVEVQDrxLSyCH6UEaLKKsgwe4ldrB13YstEEKqaTTvR87rNXBOxlZF8p5MYu1i8OrGQgbvD0vrF8xvt3rneXT9ORRGp77TqantySYTR_CM9A9pPbB0gGG7EMqTmLy8cGCDUVczNAI/s1600/P1020528.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lAXVEVQDrxLSyCH6UEaLKKsgwe4ldrB13YstEEKqaTTvR87rNXBOxlZF8p5MYu1i8OrGQgbvD0vrF8xvt3rneXT9ORRGp77TqantySYTR_CM9A9pPbB0gGG7EMqTmLy8cGCDUVczNAI/s320/P1020528.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523939730117619730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWv_hSlF-I5mkSiYcVyBzpnhLs66xUp921RseNcAM6uIeAVitIRDI0X_JToJFUneG1kYYCYbyruN0WimswOWceeUj6vvaLQaM0D5mp_uNPiYXybfQxyqmeO5OQlhyn447aGQkZVmtoeg/s1600/P1020536.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWv_hSlF-I5mkSiYcVyBzpnhLs66xUp921RseNcAM6uIeAVitIRDI0X_JToJFUneG1kYYCYbyruN0WimswOWceeUj6vvaLQaM0D5mp_uNPiYXybfQxyqmeO5OQlhyn447aGQkZVmtoeg/s320/P1020536.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523939724522645890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcyyvFtE8lZG_m90_13_033uYj146JqoH_DzwUcBGUF7jMHbjFWXAvL3MgJwTJnEbW7B0M_YqrDNhLXUMqpflDicFXrh4htB-Dns4CHIaLvthwbYG6xbw2M3O61fl0mGcpk54UzHQDvQ/s1600/P1020537.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcyyvFtE8lZG_m90_13_033uYj146JqoH_DzwUcBGUF7jMHbjFWXAvL3MgJwTJnEbW7B0M_YqrDNhLXUMqpflDicFXrh4htB-Dns4CHIaLvthwbYG6xbw2M3O61fl0mGcpk54UzHQDvQ/s320/P1020537.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523939724916550690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-_WnwAx-fd9QRo9H-5eK_kLZs-WyfZUS1UYJP2reVZeFejEq2HEPTPkLBGgZXB0mC4o_pGU79JYpobt58qDoC8W7EUCIypX3o7gYIfxzdvirr2CWlIThh_oymcgBnMeKOENv38xjsGI/s1600/P1020538.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-_WnwAx-fd9QRo9H-5eK_kLZs-WyfZUS1UYJP2reVZeFejEq2HEPTPkLBGgZXB0mC4o_pGU79JYpobt58qDoC8W7EUCIypX3o7gYIfxzdvirr2CWlIThh_oymcgBnMeKOENv38xjsGI/s320/P1020538.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523939720624324882" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-29598978355986639452010-10-03T17:31:00.004-04:002010-10-03T17:37:28.259-04:00Introducing Our Libations LiasionThere has been a big hole in our Sweet and Sour in Boston blog (well, there's many holes including my horrible english and lack of posting) and that is that while we discuss lots of restaurants and good eats we are leaving out bars and good cocktails. Enter in our new Libations Liasion, Annie. Annie went to the other OU (Ohio University) and is Abby's cousin. Unlike us lame-o's, she actually does go out to get drinks and can tell us all the wonderful places to go. Also, she's linked with our good friend Crawl In Boston who organizes the best bar crawls in Boston. So we are expecting big things for her. Here is her first post:<br /><br />I am definitely the kind of girl who prefers savory drinks over sweet. As it stands, one of my favorite drinks is a Bloody Mary. Not just as a hangover cure, but my favorite drink in general. Sadly, it's only acceptable to have them in the morning or early afternoon, so I don't get to enjoy them too much. So this past weekend, on a getaway to Milwaukee, I had the pleasure of enjoying two fabulous bloodies. <br /> <br />The first and best one, surprisingly, was at Jerry Remy's in Logan airport. We were flying Airtran, which is the crappiest place to fly from in Boston. It's this little mini terminal with three gates, a Hudson News stand and nothing else besides screaming babies and other social miscreants who are also cheap enough to actually fly Airtran. So we got to the airport early, there was no one in the security line, and Remy's was right there. In we went. Bloodies were ordered. I was shocked when the affable bartender, while making pleasant small talk, started pulling out a bottle of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and real, actual horseradish. I was completely expecting Mrs. T's at best, canned tomato juice at worst. I guess only the best for Jerry? It was delicious, and perfectly spiced. It should have been for $9, but it definitely exceeded expectations. If you're ever stuck in the Airtran terminal in Boston, grab one of these bad boys before you go through security to make it bearable.<br /> <br /> <br />The second one was at a bar in Milwaukee called Major Goolsby's. This is not a dining destination by any means, but it had the Sunday Ticket, so it was a good place to catch the Pats game. Jay and I both got a bloody, and finally, what seemed like 30 minutes later, they finally came out. The first thing we noticed was that the waitress gave us each a dixie cup full of beer with our drinks, but turned away before we could ask her about it. Do people in Milwaukee put it in their drinks? Shoot it? We never found out, so maybe someone out in the blogosphere knows. The second thing we noticed is that there was a stick of meat in our drinks. Meat? In a drink?? I'm usually psyched when I get an olive. I mean, drink AND snack? Score! This was like a really big slim jim of some sort of spicy, delicious sausage. The bloody itself was spicy and good. Not as good as Remy's, but the novelty of the sausage made up for it. Most of our other drinks in Milwaukee involved $1 domestic drafts and rail drinks, so this was most definitely the best of the bunch. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6wX0Ubql_Tp0vTBd8FIOHhMMAtmNWhBhSUFk5yMnneZu5_7iW3uPd4EIdFGArpQjlvmiFIrg8_GVusT1Ipa-oT2bicZbjOj5s2OGjYekdfcnM9pau7VgnvPOIuxtBfjuTgn16tFuEZw/s1600/goolsby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6wX0Ubql_Tp0vTBd8FIOHhMMAtmNWhBhSUFk5yMnneZu5_7iW3uPd4EIdFGArpQjlvmiFIrg8_GVusT1Ipa-oT2bicZbjOj5s2OGjYekdfcnM9pau7VgnvPOIuxtBfjuTgn16tFuEZw/s320/goolsby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523936791848086386" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-36756288230421949902010-08-29T10:09:00.004-04:002010-08-29T10:45:57.383-04:00Teranga (JP Review)Been wanting to go to Teranga since they opened last year. Finally went a couple of weekends ago and was not disappointed at all. We were greeted with the friendliest of smiles and sat down at the bar. After looking at the menu, I was slightly surprised (I say slightly because I read in passing earlier in the day about some Vietnamese influence in Senegalese cuisine) to see a few items that clearly had a Vietnamese twist to them. I asked the waitress how that came to be and she replied that as both were French colonized the mixture of cultures is evident in Senegal, which has a large Vietnamese community. Hm...learn something new everyday I guess.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxxiiiR7l7Uk6mXcHSS9T-Wui7IKzsF2U2_M6CK6Dfrxgry-5eJ0gffttqW8EC9ZMbKDAJ5zXvzmbBjEf8cIlZx0e8wawTz1Vadd1ijqT4Sf7JlJB5C8gYRe34vCg9HbvZ10np-5cnzM/s1600/P1020172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxxiiiR7l7Uk6mXcHSS9T-Wui7IKzsF2U2_M6CK6Dfrxgry-5eJ0gffttqW8EC9ZMbKDAJ5zXvzmbBjEf8cIlZx0e8wawTz1Vadd1ijqT4Sf7JlJB5C8gYRe34vCg9HbvZ10np-5cnzM/s320/P1020172.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837673820949666" /></a><br /><br />A plate of toasted bread came out along with a dipping sauce that had hints of curry. We devoured this in seconds, not only because we were both starving but because the dipping sauce was highly addictive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfaVqEy7M5QfMHnPmjWkdBHJvXbLdT2P5w7dBez7NAdZaQ56mLSV3zmmIUBKTVmsqh-XOoVMcv8It_ypsCqUM1Yq3Zf4O7F9oKehsST8d4GUMJ8MF6rrIPBlfuscgeP1iLh3ov3y5ae8/s1600/P1020175.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfaVqEy7M5QfMHnPmjWkdBHJvXbLdT2P5w7dBez7NAdZaQ56mLSV3zmmIUBKTVmsqh-XOoVMcv8It_ypsCqUM1Yq3Zf4O7F9oKehsST8d4GUMJ8MF6rrIPBlfuscgeP1iLh3ov3y5ae8/s320/P1020175.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837661185760578" /></a><br /><br />I had to order the Nem, which is Teranga's version of the egg roll. This came with a nuoc mam (fish sauce) dipping sauce. I have to say if you replaced the beef with pork you might be able to have this egg roll in a Vietnamese restaurant. Ok, the texture of the wrapping was a little different. Instead of being a lighter fried wrapper it had a chewier, ricey tasting wrapper. Not that this was bad, in fact, it was very, very good. Any future trip to Teranga has to include an order of Nem.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuizBTmuNMpSsAhillmFXoSD0wCOwVavAo4oKblAIhaQJebB7LKTMNvWn34lZpdOcGqAJy3SvDNUAr-OaalYlDSmMRZEqPjFxzQSQtoAQoI8VINAIYig9E_LPAGHDb0oWc5KcDllBEN14/s1600/P1020177.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuizBTmuNMpSsAhillmFXoSD0wCOwVavAo4oKblAIhaQJebB7LKTMNvWn34lZpdOcGqAJy3SvDNUAr-OaalYlDSmMRZEqPjFxzQSQtoAQoI8VINAIYig9E_LPAGHDb0oWc5KcDllBEN14/s320/P1020177.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837654571954290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI3tgWiXydTUAT2zAIAd5B1fySlDgAaFKKEtVMikCkLA2oBEpQMq-f-FDA_c5V6RvRJo6K1e2UTdcvACBedI72ewrAkaSX6sh0jc5hvTjw2LzNVk6IhnAy6GLtOXVfvxQn6K3B6DrMHQ/s1600/P1020179.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI3tgWiXydTUAT2zAIAd5B1fySlDgAaFKKEtVMikCkLA2oBEpQMq-f-FDA_c5V6RvRJo6K1e2UTdcvACBedI72ewrAkaSX6sh0jc5hvTjw2LzNVk6IhnAy6GLtOXVfvxQn6K3B6DrMHQ/s320/P1020179.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837474947942226" /></a><br /><br />For our mains, I went with the national dish (Thiebou Djeun) which is a herb-stuffed white fish served with jasmine rice and some root vegetables. The fish came out looking a little dry, and it did taste a bit overcooked. The flavors itself were good, but I think I was expecting some bigger flavors. I've never had Senegalese food before, so my expectations might have been wrong to start, but I was thinking bold, spicy flavors. The rice was nicely cooked and the portion was huge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnaABj09dtbb0TKqXeNyHM71-zgWmR6wNqYWOxAR0F0biHtVF06pKlY8RWNpSE5gi8QutmD1tuebNBZBeqJR2IoHSx1lijj9P-C06HJR0RhIyWlWMizVmSyLKd70APpvkK_Ov0BASUiU/s1600/P1020180.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnaABj09dtbb0TKqXeNyHM71-zgWmR6wNqYWOxAR0F0biHtVF06pKlY8RWNpSE5gi8QutmD1tuebNBZBeqJR2IoHSx1lijj9P-C06HJR0RhIyWlWMizVmSyLKd70APpvkK_Ov0BASUiU/s320/P1020180.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837465964149522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheImhXkXII-rQ4XSOUxbBIKAGMCPW5AR5sSdC9fyVI17XqfFmutFWSfeMareFldtE-JNMwTfuIGQS7kJ61Ozp-HRbOyCVD2j03guaYsx60FJRiE-VxU20bK5pl2yaNoa0G5LF8YY8KI8k/s1600/P1020181.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheImhXkXII-rQ4XSOUxbBIKAGMCPW5AR5sSdC9fyVI17XqfFmutFWSfeMareFldtE-JNMwTfuIGQS7kJ61Ozp-HRbOyCVD2j03guaYsx60FJRiE-VxU20bK5pl2yaNoa0G5LF8YY8KI8k/s320/P1020181.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837456597229298" /></a><br /><br />Abby, who lately has been ordering a lot better (maybe luckier) than me, went with the Brochettes. This was grilled cubes of beef with yucca fries. Perfectly cooked beef with great flavors. She enjoyed the yucca fries a lot, but I thought they needed a little salt. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kjPRjyIwHgna8Ovk3UPN7m-rk6ENLgYHNn2TyBXb0amlCBu0Q0NRdfKl4fHSnnxkkPR9C8AI1ODMbNwkRs9kdC3xEkCwTGrPRBFxb1knD0Qdeis3JlYlDmgm5cUlEhx-UCiJXAlQhEw/s1600/P1020182.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kjPRjyIwHgna8Ovk3UPN7m-rk6ENLgYHNn2TyBXb0amlCBu0Q0NRdfKl4fHSnnxkkPR9C8AI1ODMbNwkRs9kdC3xEkCwTGrPRBFxb1knD0Qdeis3JlYlDmgm5cUlEhx-UCiJXAlQhEw/s320/P1020182.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837455643380562" /></a><br /><br />We weren't sure about dessert until our waitress described a rice pudding-esque one that comes with fruit. We both agreed that sounded fantastic and ordered it. The "sauce" of the rice pudding was very good and sweet and was complimented nicely with raisins and other chopped fruit. The "rice" was couscous and I wasn't a big fan of it, but Abby didn't mind it at all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVkmj9PQ1iGNJPxkyDQSEVzruGrPqW6GEK_PN1aLHOL051mXxVHm04O3dskXRRbBQEFdokeHRrnLegKQKvprV5aeVA-Ie8kCILyFUd5H9YJ1M_tMmE4V51SKdTDffo1E4iVkf6pgjGos/s1600/P1020184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVkmj9PQ1iGNJPxkyDQSEVzruGrPqW6GEK_PN1aLHOL051mXxVHm04O3dskXRRbBQEFdokeHRrnLegKQKvprV5aeVA-Ie8kCILyFUd5H9YJ1M_tMmE4V51SKdTDffo1E4iVkf6pgjGos/s320/P1020184.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510837447479312882" /></a><br /><br />Service was very friendly and treated us great. Water was refilled in a timely manner, even though there were only two people working the entire restaurant. Some people had to wait because they had a large group (9 people I believe) but other than that it seemed like people were getting seated in a timely manner. Overall, I really enjoyed Teranga and want to come back to try other items. I do have to take half a point off because my fish was dry. I give Teranga a 3 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1444788/restaurant/South-End/Teranga-Boston"><img alt="Teranga on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1444788/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-9894394209238455062010-08-29T09:54:00.003-04:002010-08-29T10:06:33.214-04:00JNJ Turo Turo (JP Review)JNJ Turo Turo is a very quaint, family operated authentic Filipino restaurant located in Quincy. They have some premade items you can choose from right by the cashier along with some made to order items that are listed on the wall. The menu changes daily.<br /><br />We ordered the fried fish (I forget the name of the dish) and we got the last one of the day. The family ordering after us also wanted the dish and we were so very close to just giving it to them, but we really wanted to try it and I'm glad we did because it was the best dish of the night. We also went with the crispy pork belly, the pancit (stir fried noodles) and the beef BBQ on a stick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZOzxdVQtwhR9cwIxy-4lB93DZIzvBFUDQNjctaiMWHmRdCvBv35MAdyHNMBeVT7NHVkjytrCAaWA6PVnGZ95V2psmrvuQRnPPZM2m2sq7HVA9kK7E7QhWi_n1J4l4yO2igON6gjTQ6s/s1600/IMAG0161.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZOzxdVQtwhR9cwIxy-4lB93DZIzvBFUDQNjctaiMWHmRdCvBv35MAdyHNMBeVT7NHVkjytrCAaWA6PVnGZ95V2psmrvuQRnPPZM2m2sq7HVA9kK7E7QhWi_n1J4l4yO2igON6gjTQ6s/s320/IMAG0161.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510830885156768610" /></a><br /><br />The crispy fish was definitely the best dish. It was a milk fish, I believe that's what they said, and it was fried whole with a very nice crispy skin and tender flesh. The very soft bones were edible as well, so you didn't have to worry about that. It did have a bit of a vinegary taste, but I kinda liked that as a compliment to the dry white rice that we received with our dinner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcrrmLMi_eR1FfBKU6ujfmizWfq7e2CAxDPeF27tSnsYeOSbAvtMd200AQM1F53sUhiOoEhq4tStQPKtJlCtCsjhWPhhyphenhyphenc1Un9C6ULuqho-9d3wpyGTuWyOkXpQBhGysVrkg2C35qlNU/s1600/IMAG0162.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcrrmLMi_eR1FfBKU6ujfmizWfq7e2CAxDPeF27tSnsYeOSbAvtMd200AQM1F53sUhiOoEhq4tStQPKtJlCtCsjhWPhhyphenhyphenc1Un9C6ULuqho-9d3wpyGTuWyOkXpQBhGysVrkg2C35qlNU/s320/IMAG0162.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510830880138151906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-y79GL_9uC_dumjfXXcFqd2S0jOu6C0Ynp5lKdY6gsQrCzgc61vxIwatFmDLtVspqkLRuR4g98zYdpDlNr-As-X_54br9NlvXlo3xiLYftBVZDxlJciSjYZy3EQsSDY33jD9AtReSyQ/s1600/IMAG0163.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-y79GL_9uC_dumjfXXcFqd2S0jOu6C0Ynp5lKdY6gsQrCzgc61vxIwatFmDLtVspqkLRuR4g98zYdpDlNr-As-X_54br9NlvXlo3xiLYftBVZDxlJciSjYZy3EQsSDY33jD9AtReSyQ/s320/IMAG0163.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510830875283102354" /></a><br /><br />The beef bbq and pancit were just alright, nothing special. In fact the pancit was a little flavorless, but I added some of the fish sauce that was on the table to it and that helped it out. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFglqd-1U2rn9rnoX3YPa-B3_ey_nUlz3WDO5ws0JCO23d2OSF2rzhfDE6VzvnCD6bTmdXt825as-m6MeFzO2yx-pLBNXps4c4BnApbYwXBng6A0hbMaUPS6fdttBvml0cVtz9MOE5cFQ/s1600/IMAG0164.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFglqd-1U2rn9rnoX3YPa-B3_ey_nUlz3WDO5ws0JCO23d2OSF2rzhfDE6VzvnCD6bTmdXt825as-m6MeFzO2yx-pLBNXps4c4BnApbYwXBng6A0hbMaUPS6fdttBvml0cVtz9MOE5cFQ/s320/IMAG0164.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510830865374223378" /></a><br /><br />The lechon was a bit disappointing though. They looked overly dry and tasted like day old pork chop. The dipping sauce, which I swear has some apple in it, was actually quite nice though.<br /><br />I think we did this restaurant a disservice by coming in an hour to closing time. We probably got the dregs of the day since they weren't going to whip anything new right when they are closing shop. I'd come back and give it another shot if I was ever in the Quincy area again. I give JNJ Turo Turo a 3 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/777132/restaurant/Boston/JnJ-Turo-Turo-Quincy"><img alt="JnJ Turo Turo on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/777132/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-87113666961163791462010-08-16T18:06:00.004-04:002010-08-16T18:29:35.204-04:00The Butcher Shop (JP Review)I can't believe that we have not been to a Barbara Lynch restaurant in all the time we've been in Boston. We corrected this huge culinary hole on Saturday by going to The Butcher Shop for lunch. I have never, ever seen less than 20 people inside this restaurant. It always seems so busy that we always discount it as a place to go to for dinner because we think there's no way we will be seated quickly. While walking past on Saturday, we only saw on table taken and a list of lunch specials that sounded absolutely delicious. We walked in and sat down at the bar.
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<br />The restaurant itself is a very stylish layout. There's a large bar with a few high tops along the window and a large butcher block in front of some refrigerators filled with meats and other items for sale. All the servers in black t-shirts and jeans making for a very casual feel (we were nervous about eating here because we were just in t-shirts) and the butcher in his whites with a tie breaking down some meats.
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<br />Abby went with the duck hot dog and I went for the BLT. Some Italian soda bread was placed in front of us along with some butter (topped with salt) and organic honey. The honey was no ordinary honey...I forget the process it went through that our bartender explained to us. However, after one small bite, we both were hooked. I think all restaurants should provide this honey and salted butter to be served with bread. Fan-freaking-tastic.
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<br />After a short wait, our mains arrived. The tomatoes in my BLT stole the show of my sandwich. One would think the massive amount of bacon I got would be the main attraction, but the tomatoes were just so fresh and so perfect in this sandwich that that is all I can remember. The only way I think one could prefect this sandwich is to replace the Helman's mayo with Miracle Whip...however, maybe that's not a good idea because the tangy MW might take away from the sweetness of the fresh tomatoes. Abby's duck hot dog was likewise "to die for". I definitely enjoyed how little of a bun she got so there was no mistake that the duck hot dog was the star of that plate. And that was one damn good hot dog. I was very surprised that the sweetness of the brioche bun didn't make the entire dish too sweet (what with the duck and all) but it was perfect. The homemade potato chips earn my highest praise because it reminded me of my own potato chips. (This is not to say these chips were amateurish in any way, it was just that they were seasoned with a lot of pepper which is how I do it at home.)
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<br />At the end of our meal, we purchased a little 3oz jar of the honey for $3. The meal was decently priced too, with both entrees being $10 or less. And for the quality of our food, those prices might have been bargains. We will definitely be back to try their salumi's and charcuterie and give dinner a try too. Based on our lunch experience, I give The Butcher Shop a 5 out of 5.
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<br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/50833/restaurant/South-End/Butcher-Shop-Boston"><img alt="Butcher Shop on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/50833/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></aJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-71590717227039097212010-08-16T17:41:00.003-04:002010-08-16T18:04:26.247-04:00M&M Ribs (JP Review)Hey JP, you wanna wait in a 2 hour line for M&M ribs with a bunch of annoying yuppies complaining about how there's no T in South End (false) who are constantly bumping into you while you stand there not being able to move because you don't want to get out of line? Do you want to wait 2 hours and try your hardest not to punch the pretentious jerks behind you talking about how they shouldn't have to wait in line and that they can just get better bbq elsewhere, but just stand there and continue to annoy you? Not even if you will be rewarded for your patience with a friendly server that sadly does not have much food left, not even their famous ribs? No? Not again, you say? Well, how about driving 2 minutes down the street, parking in a sand lot, and walking right up to the nicest BBQ Truck lady ever and ordering cheap BBQ and taking it back home in under 10 minutes? <br /><br />That's basically what we did this past Friday night. Once again we were in a very indecisive mood, neither of us able to make a decision on where we want to go eat. Finally, the wife reminded me that M&M Ribs are open late on Friday. So after looking on the interweb to figure out exactly where it's located, and seeing that's it's a stone's throw from our condo, we were out the door faster than you can say "food truck festival". <br /><br />We arrive and there's a family eating on some picnic tables to the left of the food truck. The menu is listed right underneath the window of the truck, along with some specials listed right at window level. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jasNIl8Xk9zhFGdpZmpvmSgkh2lmSSSpq6jR-RSvBzH_vPHXxVJ33W4XU52KONi6kXZ19xlDCBClo1sTlAMaaLnZyOljbeQazb8tXE0pAbXRUNRzL4_GTuOI1Yn-3iFsCuxF-9WX-YI/s1600/IMAG0135.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jasNIl8Xk9zhFGdpZmpvmSgkh2lmSSSpq6jR-RSvBzH_vPHXxVJ33W4XU52KONi6kXZ19xlDCBClo1sTlAMaaLnZyOljbeQazb8tXE0pAbXRUNRzL4_GTuOI1Yn-3iFsCuxF-9WX-YI/s320/IMAG0135.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506128845634329858" /></a><br /><br />After some tough decisions, Abby went with the ribs dinner with mac and cheese and spicy beans and rice and I went with the ribs/chicken combo dinner with spicy beans and rice and candied yams. I also added an order of fried chicken wings. Once of the nicest ladies ever, who was all smiles, took our order and just seemed genuinely happy to be sharing the food with us. After a short wait, we paid and got our food. ("You'll be coming back soon, dear." How right she will be...) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTZNxIPood7cGaOsX4mk63JqoFkyt0yZrytB7Q6sR96Op9YMBH8h4VQotNAf2PVpsr-Z7SdzONADTKHf-mNS0cuDiBJi1bPUP_P32fv-LoszejBUJX-9oVgs7W8GuJhjGulRqOVlWIpE/s1600/IMAG0136.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTZNxIPood7cGaOsX4mk63JqoFkyt0yZrytB7Q6sR96Op9YMBH8h4VQotNAf2PVpsr-Z7SdzONADTKHf-mNS0cuDiBJi1bPUP_P32fv-LoszejBUJX-9oVgs7W8GuJhjGulRqOVlWIpE/s320/IMAG0136.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506128841829888914" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fz41Ox84y-eHyz1dQ1QDxp1QVKyU24AmfdE-jK6pnWqV5NEVXkWOMm8gHV-xhcuXnoBd9ymB8u2fdd-TD5mLZEHcmo0Un0E1w1FzAYkjVngN11PdTWZlUF4cTBqSrptmpD4zycKGzdA/s1600/P1020060.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fz41Ox84y-eHyz1dQ1QDxp1QVKyU24AmfdE-jK6pnWqV5NEVXkWOMm8gHV-xhcuXnoBd9ymB8u2fdd-TD5mLZEHcmo0Un0E1w1FzAYkjVngN11PdTWZlUF4cTBqSrptmpD4zycKGzdA/s320/P1020060.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506126355299068626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Ypzo1kkwy0u4fGwQa-A83goEtM-5gC422_99aQAEPN-24Gl5V3IXeDMsLi-FfOljUhzI8ZHGZbvJVZyrfpovQJDn15K5TNMlvcu-Uk9PrnIlPO_WCY8oV34aKG3Qu25-au1DGBfo98/s1600/P1020061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Ypzo1kkwy0u4fGwQa-A83goEtM-5gC422_99aQAEPN-24Gl5V3IXeDMsLi-FfOljUhzI8ZHGZbvJVZyrfpovQJDn15K5TNMlvcu-Uk9PrnIlPO_WCY8oV34aKG3Qu25-au1DGBfo98/s320/P1020061.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506126338972417938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE_cudlGZXgo0MreYZ_0nTf8jWyp_NwiI0fiUUZ8bb2qKoxLRxwe4vI-JJFmi1fYGQeFUlOEKFK5z92vgn1aE8aGrDRAk5H64L_LUzlT2kE-ZqKtNOeV5egKj_t-lr78CXxmao-SBiJE/s1600/P1020062.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE_cudlGZXgo0MreYZ_0nTf8jWyp_NwiI0fiUUZ8bb2qKoxLRxwe4vI-JJFmi1fYGQeFUlOEKFK5z92vgn1aE8aGrDRAk5H64L_LUzlT2kE-ZqKtNOeV5egKj_t-lr78CXxmao-SBiJE/s320/P1020062.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506126322426304354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5ZPSBmr_eolNHk_JAinrAQmV1Asjw1kLkejHgvI0K2hLPNAaEWn46ozpPMRD0M1phR-rEQXdkG25Jf-ufKlCC54JIymM-whbM-dy67dW-Z9ngyekUpeAD6yn2lUfntGdkFhcfI5Wq8U/s1600/P1020063.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5ZPSBmr_eolNHk_JAinrAQmV1Asjw1kLkejHgvI0K2hLPNAaEWn46ozpPMRD0M1phR-rEQXdkG25Jf-ufKlCC54JIymM-whbM-dy67dW-Z9ngyekUpeAD6yn2lUfntGdkFhcfI5Wq8U/s320/P1020063.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506126302687521986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqArTYxs4_UvJeUJtDAlWDClhpsvznszqh7R6828CqsRv0mOXNti_uLBCu7t-i6rofIjPFzkV5Cx8HWb3P3-JoayPIJnLmSKfxyvlDpVexUOmcGw14Q2bjSIf_qOrndujm-ZhVPZBp7A/s1600/P1020064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqArTYxs4_UvJeUJtDAlWDClhpsvznszqh7R6828CqsRv0mOXNti_uLBCu7t-i6rofIjPFzkV5Cx8HWb3P3-JoayPIJnLmSKfxyvlDpVexUOmcGw14Q2bjSIf_qOrndujm-ZhVPZBp7A/s320/P1020064.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506126289123443826" /></a><br /><br />We got home and unpacked the goodies from the bag. The chicken wings were the kind of wings you'd expect from a family cook out. Perfectly fried, a little greasy, with a great crispy, flavorful crust. The candied yams were sweet and succulent. The spicy beans and rice didn't look like what I was expecting, but were also delicious and with a nice little kick. The BBQ chicken looked dry, but wasn't at all. There was a little white meat and some dark meat all mixed together. The famous ribs had some bites that were more tender than others, but were fantastic. The BBQ sauce wasn't the best I've ever had, but did what it had to do without over powering the meat, which is key. <br /><br />M&M Ribs is not the best BBQ I've ever had. However, it is by far the best value (very large portions over very good food) I've ever had in the Boston area. Both times I've eaten from this food truck (at the food festival and again this night) I've been left wanting more, in a good way. There are tons of specialties I would love to try (like the jerk chicken and rice) and since I know how close this food truck is I will most likely be back often. I give M&M Ribs a 4 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/52845/restaurant/Dorchester/M-M-Bar-B-Q-Boston"><img alt="M&M Bar-B-Q on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/52845/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-28967647729196981702010-08-16T17:27:00.003-04:002010-08-16T17:40:01.670-04:00Boston Food Truck FestivalOh, Boston Food Truck Festival...what can I say about you that hasn't already been said. Yes the lines were long and yes it was very, very warm that day in the parking lot...but the food was good (what we could get at least) and the idea is very, very sound.<br /><br />I love me some food trucks, and I guess there are laws in Boston that makes it tough for food trucks to be prevalent all through the city. However, I do like how these food trucks are getting together to not only have this festival, but also try to change some of the food health regulations.<br /><br />We got there around noon, and there were huge lines everywhere. Luckily for us, we already had Speed's the weekend before at it's location in New Market Square, so we didn't have to wait for that delicious hot dog. I wanted to try M&M ribs soooo bad for the longest time. That was the first line I had to get into...sadly, that was also the last line I got into. We waited for over 2 hours, and once we finally got to order, Mighty Moe was out of ribs and most sides. We were able to get a chopped BBQ sandwich and a side of potatoes and onions. The sandwich, while flavorful and cooked nicely, was a little bit on the cold side. The meat was probably smoked in advanced and held at room temp or a cooler until it was needed and quickly heated up on the skillet. <br /><br />While waiting in line, we missed out on some pickles and fried chicken and waffles that we also wanted to try. Luckily for us, our friends Ian and Female JP were waiting in the Fillbelly's line and got us some empanadas to try. These were very good, with the beef being better. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZvLCh0NIoe21kcgj9XCnQHBB5oHEre6rQaqYRMxsbqSPn_TMFCDv31w6o5nbp2WsrfNtCz6n5wkz69ZxIGabrUgTdN3NIbgYmvdos1_Je7769rqD3dvLM68ptfIMAfgWpf3_oN1rzwg/s1600/P1020041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZvLCh0NIoe21kcgj9XCnQHBB5oHEre6rQaqYRMxsbqSPn_TMFCDv31w6o5nbp2WsrfNtCz6n5wkz69ZxIGabrUgTdN3NIbgYmvdos1_Je7769rqD3dvLM68ptfIMAfgWpf3_oN1rzwg/s320/P1020041.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123517630456466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQhiJkKoWSMSmXhh4i_GnCFHZpM2ozL5IZ_Eidm5lRpVbbtdv_Gs2OotDUR-SZB4cPqIs4q0Dwnl6cmKN5W4zXPHDNPODMIrd5sH-SLLMGnJKALO7W4b5QnV1S4wo7XVQ7qLhYZtaOZ0/s1600/P1020042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQhiJkKoWSMSmXhh4i_GnCFHZpM2ozL5IZ_Eidm5lRpVbbtdv_Gs2OotDUR-SZB4cPqIs4q0Dwnl6cmKN5W4zXPHDNPODMIrd5sH-SLLMGnJKALO7W4b5QnV1S4wo7XVQ7qLhYZtaOZ0/s320/P1020042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123506429168498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVnL2rIb4HSMH7YCvmt3rBBhZRw2_f6PKYA7kO07pnd7Xmnf-kgowFJ6hKyqqjF3vu2837eaAUvqcl-VCpkn5iTpDOV9aD6I-Pb4eYbRiaJihpJi2HOUO4VsvBkQh96SN0eIMRY9iDM4/s1600/P1020043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVnL2rIb4HSMH7YCvmt3rBBhZRw2_f6PKYA7kO07pnd7Xmnf-kgowFJ6hKyqqjF3vu2837eaAUvqcl-VCpkn5iTpDOV9aD6I-Pb4eYbRiaJihpJi2HOUO4VsvBkQh96SN0eIMRY9iDM4/s320/P1020043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123508810966450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIHcsfuXaJtKPxKOnLmo5ORI0NQIyRWds42TyUaAYVNQKvSn0zdJz1xZ35u6Ns2RR1n2-Ie1AqFrhSxZxHFVfzrRfC2D9bYoV2z_NEk6E7hd5lhViDcm_7WZWXAZn88k-i_SSKdpTRYo/s1600/P1020044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIHcsfuXaJtKPxKOnLmo5ORI0NQIyRWds42TyUaAYVNQKvSn0zdJz1xZ35u6Ns2RR1n2-Ie1AqFrhSxZxHFVfzrRfC2D9bYoV2z_NEk6E7hd5lhViDcm_7WZWXAZn88k-i_SSKdpTRYo/s320/P1020044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123501159311762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaZatEr0W2gVeLZtfm0TDty3R1bvTtjR7g6w8OdAUswh5P8eMz14lz8Jl9vG6not5burxM-C1eDMV7G9RIbn-mmDUUQ8M5Bzho7XW8JVXQ_iAY4azQnpuEf50fT-w_qMf8QSX5QS79DM/s1600/P1020045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaZatEr0W2gVeLZtfm0TDty3R1bvTtjR7g6w8OdAUswh5P8eMz14lz8Jl9vG6not5burxM-C1eDMV7G9RIbn-mmDUUQ8M5Bzho7XW8JVXQ_iAY4azQnpuEf50fT-w_qMf8QSX5QS79DM/s320/P1020045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123496943304338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvgi1lVWjKhyphenhyphenWLXJTFUHC3QJkd3gdRo7B0OtNxgzUbUnQRdAWR6klVuuXymz6D1aBZTsniDmGgaxGBYmtBP-9pVSZR4EqN8DZYMAAm2ANsMbn60xzZpyFlMvNDIpAQ5WNiG-ggGe102c/s1600/P1020046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvgi1lVWjKhyphenhyphenWLXJTFUHC3QJkd3gdRo7B0OtNxgzUbUnQRdAWR6klVuuXymz6D1aBZTsniDmGgaxGBYmtBP-9pVSZR4EqN8DZYMAAm2ANsMbn60xzZpyFlMvNDIpAQ5WNiG-ggGe102c/s320/P1020046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123045923796786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyTswF89iEhYUu_CiLGnDQdwzr7mw2LJJRKK-eWb7Z90gNPRJZ3FRXc4E5qyZO-_qujk3csGmNk7e0-8olYnrTulkxUG8ToDI5-ppGYBibXWv392Taqq3yc6F9jdT8kwQyDc10SWvlrU/s1600/P1020047.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyTswF89iEhYUu_CiLGnDQdwzr7mw2LJJRKK-eWb7Z90gNPRJZ3FRXc4E5qyZO-_qujk3csGmNk7e0-8olYnrTulkxUG8ToDI5-ppGYBibXWv392Taqq3yc6F9jdT8kwQyDc10SWvlrU/s320/P1020047.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123041305277922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh0x8YX5ZJjLIUHZAb-IZS5OUBDwuwY2o-mFRcAA-dfh-jHmSMNlboLvZDfoKBErB3yvmSKfK3JCX8harZtTbleHZo26DXRymPLQiaFmQnHNGkem-0Orl2s2unHX8foK8XfgquChvuJ4/s1600/P1020048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh0x8YX5ZJjLIUHZAb-IZS5OUBDwuwY2o-mFRcAA-dfh-jHmSMNlboLvZDfoKBErB3yvmSKfK3JCX8harZtTbleHZo26DXRymPLQiaFmQnHNGkem-0Orl2s2unHX8foK8XfgquChvuJ4/s320/P1020048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123034178636050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHtA5H7SoAtfwTG6Xh4A_Ft_2IolCxaj3pHCG4ieQ4oB8uWU3AwyU9HuNfUkI8R2SaFGy9ij5FV3U0ac_5KWapZ5hJJSJJhfmytxWrEOXju_q3b5YxMCICcfFMGJA9r5KeuuYHCbU2P0/s1600/P1020049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHtA5H7SoAtfwTG6Xh4A_Ft_2IolCxaj3pHCG4ieQ4oB8uWU3AwyU9HuNfUkI8R2SaFGy9ij5FV3U0ac_5KWapZ5hJJSJJhfmytxWrEOXju_q3b5YxMCICcfFMGJA9r5KeuuYHCbU2P0/s320/P1020049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123014333136434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG4dZ6ODCV6a1sGMf-WspNUlxXY-GAQb6qtWVwEKVEZ9x-qs1YGC7FwGgMCFOrfn0x9JQSCSf8sCfx-ElCJc6aCfFiyJXKsax52Sddla2Aj0_KolvWGbInYocBGYe03ps9lG7I-D9Uyk/s1600/P1020050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG4dZ6ODCV6a1sGMf-WspNUlxXY-GAQb6qtWVwEKVEZ9x-qs1YGC7FwGgMCFOrfn0x9JQSCSf8sCfx-ElCJc6aCfFiyJXKsax52Sddla2Aj0_KolvWGbInYocBGYe03ps9lG7I-D9Uyk/s320/P1020050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506123012283834898" /></a><br /><br />All in all, the Boston Food Truck Festival was probably a success, and I'm glad it was a free event at the SoWa open market, minutes walking distance from my place. Too bad the food trucks didn't plan accordingly (too their credit, I didn't even anticipate that many people at the festival) and have enough food for the masses. Maybe next time this happens they will know how many people to expect, or maybe I'll just camp out the night before with a few friends and each one of us gets into different lines and grab whatever is available.JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-57249656372443520912010-07-29T17:37:00.008-04:002010-07-29T20:04:29.780-04:00Coppa (JP Review)Coppa opened up a little while ago and we've been dying to go. We were a little put off with the horror stories of the long waits since there's no reservations available. We figured going on a Wednesday with just the two of us was probably the best chance we had at being seated in a reasonable time. Just our luck there was one table for two all empty, just waiting for us to show up. Perfect. We were seated opposite of the bar along the wall heading towards the kitchen. At the bar you can see the salumi selection laid out by some sort of slicing machine. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaiobGD3yFNYdxIkZf9gc2rsCU0tIUGj1j4lzW1JHdSK03iiHibjwhkn9wr3Xpy0hLTVnW3rzMBP8E4TwDP-q1_9dYgm0aMCStuf3p_-CzR0dnvip54PhXyTDDjxxLTF7ceo7EuKRmS8/s1600/P1010737.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaiobGD3yFNYdxIkZf9gc2rsCU0tIUGj1j4lzW1JHdSK03iiHibjwhkn9wr3Xpy0hLTVnW3rzMBP8E4TwDP-q1_9dYgm0aMCStuf3p_-CzR0dnvip54PhXyTDDjxxLTF7ceo7EuKRmS8/s320/P1010737.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499459723261999378" /></a><br /><br />The drink list is quite extensive with tons of cocktails and lots of wine though the beer selection is quite small but does include some beers we've never had before. I went with the cheap $3 man-can of Naraganssat and Abby went with the 21st Ammendment. It does seem to take some time before our waitress brings us some water and take our drink orders, but it was busy and we weren't in any sort of hurry. It gave us more time to formulate our plan on how to order. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU9h4ZEz0bfSf9oRxA8i9eaSvKQiNUNeVA5i0ZQdV9utG4P4dSaCOXselKLkJb1WZn954YMkm3ntSXEPcdyI9LuwJkmvSgSAe_0YBfsCoIyl_Z0ln16_qC0y4UOsbSPFhrne-nIKSnDg/s1600/P1010738.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU9h4ZEz0bfSf9oRxA8i9eaSvKQiNUNeVA5i0ZQdV9utG4P4dSaCOXselKLkJb1WZn954YMkm3ntSXEPcdyI9LuwJkmvSgSAe_0YBfsCoIyl_Z0ln16_qC0y4UOsbSPFhrne-nIKSnDg/s320/P1010738.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499459714347254546" /></a><br /><br />At Coppa there are small plates, a selection of salumi and cheeses, salads, pizzas, pastas and entrees. We decided on four small plates and a pizza. If we were still hungry, we could always order more. This seemed to be the modus operandi of the other patrons because both parties next to us would finish whatever was in front of them then look over the menu and order another item, rinse and repeat.<br /><br />The first item to arrive was the beef heart crustini. This was absolutely incredible. Imagine the best roast beef you have ever gotten in a sandwich. Got it? Well the very delicately shaved beef heart is that but a million times better. So beefy, so tender, so delicious. A very good start to our meal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLpkaVLfqlEShY7-zciMVXFvgJo0pE26ULq3eroWlHACyDORRi6adaRUfiDITg7aFXZugqY1lnyVg4AjTYEu2Pc7GGB_07NAEmreAKUe-kmvDAd-7sT2TqkqOUB-Cr2wUX61_Wxgfmpc/s1600/P1010739.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLpkaVLfqlEShY7-zciMVXFvgJo0pE26ULq3eroWlHACyDORRi6adaRUfiDITg7aFXZugqY1lnyVg4AjTYEu2Pc7GGB_07NAEmreAKUe-kmvDAd-7sT2TqkqOUB-Cr2wUX61_Wxgfmpc/s320/P1010739.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499458207876049314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsrQlF98T9c8FWmm7MJwHvoWFZ1RSrdw4BhZ1iBLhO8sE95RZ7dw7NhmEzjQlBGuQAi7J-aJhAM-QClWJpw2JMftoB9SaxBL9oGxPZQnLLx6MfxgAZ2s0Y1hRoe6l9Y45vgAyDiG5SLw/s1600/P1010740.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsrQlF98T9c8FWmm7MJwHvoWFZ1RSrdw4BhZ1iBLhO8sE95RZ7dw7NhmEzjQlBGuQAi7J-aJhAM-QClWJpw2JMftoB9SaxBL9oGxPZQnLLx6MfxgAZ2s0Y1hRoe6l9Y45vgAyDiG5SLw/s320/P1010740.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499458198323082274" /></a><br /><br />Next came the white anchovies. I am a sucker for oily fishes, and these did not fail to live up to my expectations. Very succulent, laying in oil that had just a little spicy kick to it. I wished this was the oil that came with the bread that preceded the meal because I just kept dipping our leftover bread into it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAym8s65aj5_-imkAKvAJKVIFzDtako042fq7wYrtupKQFfiW8QzQ4hr2fKQiNWd6rdeUnB7EVpeaNoCLraP4bo1clbJICDrYjTCdXHO2yEM4gMrbAORIwK70Cnc0RIgWAL6ukguPE1Y/s1600/P1010741.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAym8s65aj5_-imkAKvAJKVIFzDtako042fq7wYrtupKQFfiW8QzQ4hr2fKQiNWd6rdeUnB7EVpeaNoCLraP4bo1clbJICDrYjTCdXHO2yEM4gMrbAORIwK70Cnc0RIgWAL6ukguPE1Y/s320/P1010741.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499456795166612770" /></a><br /><br />Meatballs were next. At first bite I just thought these were very good meatballs, but nothing special. Bite after bite that followed made me realize that these were not your ordinary meatballs. I don't if it was the lardo or the tomato sauce, but I wanted more and more meatballs. A restaurant could serve these balls of meat over pasta as their only dish and make a fortune.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNsklM6bpoX7-rcH-XzVYCQ5VpXWu0OuLKvJENLizXC7ITTdVBFoAN-RLsgXSlrMYw5keoZdNXEEVruraN4LVD6D72EZwpllMOb01ylrZBXAyYiSPDXriQbCjhaq1GA4yyBpoOX9ihsc/s1600/P1010742.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNsklM6bpoX7-rcH-XzVYCQ5VpXWu0OuLKvJENLizXC7ITTdVBFoAN-RLsgXSlrMYw5keoZdNXEEVruraN4LVD6D72EZwpllMOb01ylrZBXAyYiSPDXriQbCjhaq1GA4yyBpoOX9ihsc/s320/P1010742.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499447530861112642" /></a><br /><br />Our last small plate was the veal sweetbread. This had a nice crust with a very tender middle. I've had sweetbreads before but that was almost always deep fried. Coppa adds a rhubarb sauce that was just ok.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRSrZYgOL7U83IMEC46Q_vsE0R6AJrMIejsRv5EQGyuDDjCyPbE3RaqfUtTAbV6c1vybDupF-Z9sTR5XPhtdt9xHCT4mtEJ01dGWjJjuFYu0WWxLRtDoDsvEPKuP5drv8KmhOCOWWiYI/s1600/P1010743.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRSrZYgOL7U83IMEC46Q_vsE0R6AJrMIejsRv5EQGyuDDjCyPbE3RaqfUtTAbV6c1vybDupF-Z9sTR5XPhtdt9xHCT4mtEJ01dGWjJjuFYu0WWxLRtDoDsvEPKuP5drv8KmhOCOWWiYI/s320/P1010743.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499447519307961842" /></a><br /><br />Finally the pizza came out. We went with the spicy pork sausage one and added an egg on top. When our pizza was placed in front of us, our neighbors immedataely looked on their menu and contemplating ordering the same pizza and egg even though they had half a pizza left on their table. The pizza was fantastic with a crispy thin crust and a subtle tomato sauce. The sausage wasn't really that spicy, but the egg did add a little something to the pizza.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenXMNhKpkB-8wlNo-KYBUTQLzXMqhblBmmUymAmmIq4_df2leB_gyUgoWdV5eGjXWzPPDffCNuLE29NlFEQZUYRwNk-YNuUAXNT__NIq_OzNVhJFcZkwneDAJ6sWC92XWI5NuDFSYWII/s1600/P1010745.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenXMNhKpkB-8wlNo-KYBUTQLzXMqhblBmmUymAmmIq4_df2leB_gyUgoWdV5eGjXWzPPDffCNuLE29NlFEQZUYRwNk-YNuUAXNT__NIq_OzNVhJFcZkwneDAJ6sWC92XWI5NuDFSYWII/s320/P1010745.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499447514837971730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4pWZ2hznZOVSDT8KxONHk7ze4KGPIMU_N8SLBmsjQt7rckCrbLt5kSMI-tlibN6ruC2z39liwEDqdm2nEo3T0KEfon3oKiwv1jU9w1rWfesmIfqclYkNcZ3VXC6vpQK8FieHGYyF0_M/s1600/P1010746.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4pWZ2hznZOVSDT8KxONHk7ze4KGPIMU_N8SLBmsjQt7rckCrbLt5kSMI-tlibN6ruC2z39liwEDqdm2nEo3T0KEfon3oKiwv1jU9w1rWfesmIfqclYkNcZ3VXC6vpQK8FieHGYyF0_M/s320/P1010746.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499447507415586066" /></a><br /><br />We were stuffed, but still wanted to eat more. I asked our waitress what was for dessert and she said a homemade blueberry and strawberry sorbet. We went with one scoop of both. The strawberry sorbet was incredible...the blueberry not so much. It wasn't bad at all, just wasn't as good. Next time I'd just get two scoops of the strawberry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqnHzRmCIqqVzD-7XN2UCdybip-ULwhqg5NrcQ6th1d_5gQUBZuMGFeuVEuUZmI7UGl0hw_kY-Qt4-rSp3i2AyprTYZGZnL7ZNf2hcht16YMybjH3YQeJthE-Vta9fup1ad41s4ttHLI/s1600/P1010747.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqnHzRmCIqqVzD-7XN2UCdybip-ULwhqg5NrcQ6th1d_5gQUBZuMGFeuVEuUZmI7UGl0hw_kY-Qt4-rSp3i2AyprTYZGZnL7ZNf2hcht16YMybjH3YQeJthE-Vta9fup1ad41s4ttHLI/s320/P1010747.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499447490946444882" /></a><br /><br />Our bill came and that was the biggest surprise of the night. While Coppa is not cheap by any means, it won't hurt your wallet either. Everything is priced pretty well, with maybe the pizzas $2 too much if you want to nit pick. The sorbet was surprisingly expensive at $6, but that balanced out with the cheap beer I got. Also, I now understand why there's a seating problem: no one seems to want to leave once they are seated. You can sit and talk and have cocktails and when you want another small plate, you just order it. The two parties next to us were well into their dinners when we arrived and both were finished at the same time as we were. I like that the servers weren't being pushy and trying to get people to leave. Overall, a very positive experience at Coppa. I definitely will be back because there is so much more on the menu I want to try, including the pig's ear which was not available to us that night. I give Coppa a 4 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1496726/restaurant/South-End/Coppa-Boston"><img alt="Coppa on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1496726/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-43179801084760505802010-07-18T16:14:00.003-04:002010-07-18T16:36:11.265-04:00Lester's Roadside BBQ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd1ut-L9_lCSjToWFUHLrI5TffzFFjEAN4YnWAE9XvAXQZGpXUbE49zzsRMmhGi-9ACPdnLq4jZkbtdsg8pMxxRkNdM42XF2QBvXQ0lVUGZHRr8h7akVtsidwtbSdvbnbHqxAi3oVdHA/s1600/IMAG0097.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd1ut-L9_lCSjToWFUHLrI5TffzFFjEAN4YnWAE9XvAXQZGpXUbE49zzsRMmhGi-9ACPdnLq4jZkbtdsg8pMxxRkNdM42XF2QBvXQ0lVUGZHRr8h7akVtsidwtbSdvbnbHqxAi3oVdHA/s320/IMAG0097.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495343577937517266" /></a><br /><br />Chronicle did a profile of Lester's Roadside BBQ and when they said it was located in Burlington, I immediately thought it was Vermont, not MA. After a quick interweb search, this BBQ joint was indeed located in Mass, so I knew we'd be taking a short road trip to try it out. Today was that day.<br /><br />First, there's ample parking in the rear. As you walk in, you see a very cute restaurant with gas station type of memorabilia on the walls. It's done in a nice manner too. (This is something some restaurants just don't get. There is a very thin line between "ultra tacky kitsch" and "well theme decorated".) You order to the left of the counter and wait for your number to be called. All the BBQ staples are there: pulled pork, ribs, brisket, etc. They do have some specials in sliders and blackened catfish too. Abby went with the pulled pork sandwich and I went with a 2 BBQ combo plate with pulled pork and ribs. I wasn't sure what I wanted between ribs and chopped bbq beef, so I asked our very friendly server what was best and without hesitation she said the ribs. The cook standing next to her nodded as she said that, so I knew that was the way to go. (Again, I like when servers answers questions like this without hesitation. I hate when they say things like, "I dunno..depends on what type of mood you are in" or something similar, basically deflecting the question back to the customer. You work there and obviously know what's good and what's not as good...please, I want your opinion.) For sides, Abby got the potato salad and I went with baked beans and mac and cheese. <br /><br />We took a seat and the server brought over our $2 beer. It was just PBR, but $2 is $2 and that's a good price for a nice cold beer on such a hot day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13FUJ5GM2MkbUVVw0ix7V3naXksYj6lll3W27J7__DIh7j_Q95w9ukmgjmduMphL_VcAjwpcPCyXn3vF4a2Qrgjc635f14clMmK4gxJ8wz2q4HSwYuPDCPF9vTOKmu8WO5SDRf2YB4Zs/s1600/IMAG0093.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13FUJ5GM2MkbUVVw0ix7V3naXksYj6lll3W27J7__DIh7j_Q95w9ukmgjmduMphL_VcAjwpcPCyXn3vF4a2Qrgjc635f14clMmK4gxJ8wz2q4HSwYuPDCPF9vTOKmu8WO5SDRf2YB4Zs/s320/IMAG0093.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495343551129335826" /></a><br /><br />Right along the main counter there are the various homemade BBQ sauces. Hot, Sweet, Sweet and Tangy, North Carolina Vinegar, and Habenaro Vinegar. Though they were a little watery, they were all really good. My favorites were the Sweet and Habenaro Vinegar, but I dipped my pulled pork into all of them. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pNo0IDnEX7lmVjJJdXjTSGWxGAF8t7bvVmi0-jswtBsxZUHCznjOkxVE7wrd4h2n_UhynxrQnEtnbmYgTry1MttdYzfQr8sbqJ9RgJ1LANXokTr1gx54sMK8XR4LtxAscc7in1ObZlA/s1600/IMAG0095.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pNo0IDnEX7lmVjJJdXjTSGWxGAF8t7bvVmi0-jswtBsxZUHCznjOkxVE7wrd4h2n_UhynxrQnEtnbmYgTry1MttdYzfQr8sbqJ9RgJ1LANXokTr1gx54sMK8XR4LtxAscc7in1ObZlA/s320/IMAG0095.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495343565522562738" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of pulled pork, our food was ready in a short time and we dug in. The pulled pork was so tender and juicy, not dry at all. (You could tell how juicy the meat was because the piece of white bread under the pork was soaking through.) The ribs were also cooked perfectly, not dry at all and extremely tender. The sides too did not disappoint. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_i6hyKQIzpxX0HqYhuUEDd6_SlZvNSfT2IU7hGKuQ23gmbUtc0PXFB5O8jF7albVkoMPgcHJlW2xZgo2bC5dbsVLgBGhHDT64qBEv2BT_olmQ36nVXFk8iXWSKz1k-e4eLDzhHCAofc/s1600/IMAG0094.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_i6hyKQIzpxX0HqYhuUEDd6_SlZvNSfT2IU7hGKuQ23gmbUtc0PXFB5O8jF7albVkoMPgcHJlW2xZgo2bC5dbsVLgBGhHDT64qBEv2BT_olmQ36nVXFk8iXWSKz1k-e4eLDzhHCAofc/s320/IMAG0094.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495343557921725954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN4N6HXJBI7UFmYjoKoOjp-cPC-tVdCfLMZs4eeu6kIxZ3wqlOJeJZHHc9fs-TtZojl-DWmltrOMUXY2r1HKtasrQ2mRpoXKwd5GwHw58LF-dFBhpgMpLNX24f0Dtlu4lnXe35gC74WY/s1600/IMAG0096.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN4N6HXJBI7UFmYjoKoOjp-cPC-tVdCfLMZs4eeu6kIxZ3wqlOJeJZHHc9fs-TtZojl-DWmltrOMUXY2r1HKtasrQ2mRpoXKwd5GwHw58LF-dFBhpgMpLNX24f0Dtlu4lnXe35gC74WY/s320/IMAG0096.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495343570384488786" /></a><br /><br />Overall Lester's is a must hit if you live in Burlington. The portions are good and the prices are really good. Sandwiches are about $7 and platters range from $10-$15. I will definitely be back for more BBQ. I give Lester's Roadside BBQ a 4 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/452462/restaurant/Boston/Lesters-Roadside-BBQ-Burlington"><img alt="Lester's Roadside BBQ on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/452462/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-42261417869173886792010-07-18T15:53:00.003-04:002010-07-18T16:13:40.878-04:00Bar Louie<span style="font-weight:bold;">Bar Louie</span><br /><br />We hit up Bar Louie before a concert at Showcase Live in Patriot Place because Annie could not quit raving about their tator tots. There's a nice patio space outside and a huge roof patio but it was way too hot for us to be outside. We sat inside the massive bar/restaurant on one of the many hightops. As we walked pass the bar I noticed Boddingtons and Allagash White on tap...so far big points in my book. We sat down and our very chatty waiter comes over even before we could look at the beer list or menu. I ordered a beer while Abby and Annie just got water while they looked over the extensive list of beers. The menu has the typical sports bar/chain menu items and priced accordingly. Appetizers are $10 or less, mains are $15 or less basically. We weren't starving so we just went for a few apps to snack on. The loaded tator tots, the pretzel sticks, and the chips and dip. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8cViCkDszgYkPC_v1-zUQkl5Las80Dgjl7FjnjsmSyYqd65rG5wJLsMgGGS4ySQW3twTCqvqKVnsygqfDSPi6HLLO8fVFQacnLDVWnzD-esc8wivY6tLndLgzvUjBBacug0ZLzbCgYc/s1600/IMAG0091.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8cViCkDszgYkPC_v1-zUQkl5Las80Dgjl7FjnjsmSyYqd65rG5wJLsMgGGS4ySQW3twTCqvqKVnsygqfDSPi6HLLO8fVFQacnLDVWnzD-esc8wivY6tLndLgzvUjBBacug0ZLzbCgYc/s320/IMAG0091.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495337701768196226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasUsiVbhaOoNQVHglRtFDtriv8u6qUdV9UpXgi_qHDWJQpskCsqj9CH78MrNS9GW-nNJxy2ZaL9WJ7dZVRJGJAqX_OXL6Qs__WLtSf8B_KM2znqgitAiPiYN50q5nKaS7r3xY1fnR6_I/s1600/IMAG0090.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasUsiVbhaOoNQVHglRtFDtriv8u6qUdV9UpXgi_qHDWJQpskCsqj9CH78MrNS9GW-nNJxy2ZaL9WJ7dZVRJGJAqX_OXL6Qs__WLtSf8B_KM2znqgitAiPiYN50q5nKaS7r3xY1fnR6_I/s320/IMAG0090.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495337697570767074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBxMRb09DdFAT7AlYBOCGP-tiogYEEiCLZhxba1xioIACu2JY8JkSK7MvlnBroZsT9ucpTyxJ0cd9hE7pazUobvrI8eBYqeR_gP5MC9Yra3bIJHnAiWrizU-N3I3i64toKRyrGTeevjQ/s1600/IMAG0089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBxMRb09DdFAT7AlYBOCGP-tiogYEEiCLZhxba1xioIACu2JY8JkSK7MvlnBroZsT9ucpTyxJ0cd9hE7pazUobvrI8eBYqeR_gP5MC9Yra3bIJHnAiWrizU-N3I3i64toKRyrGTeevjQ/s320/IMAG0089.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495337689005227474" /></a><br /><br />The pretzel sticks were pretty good. They tasted like they were fresh baked, but I don't know if they truly were or not. I liked the cheese dipping sauce the best, the others being a honey mustard and a cinnamon butter. The tater tots weren't bad either, just not anything more than tater tots with cheese and onions and bacon on top of it. I guess I was expecting tater tots like those at Garden in the Cellar just not normal tater tots. Likewise, the chips and dip were a handful of stale chips with a guacamole, salsa and queso dip (the same one as the pretzel sticks). <br /><br />Overall...a decent spot, but nothing to get excited about. I like the extensive beer list and if I was in Patriot Place I'd come back for a drink or two. And maybe if I was really hungry for a snack I'd order the pretzel sticks. Oh, something has to be said about the "uniforms" of the servers. The female servers all wear short black shorts with black tank tops and have their bras just popping out of the tanks. I don't know if one server decided this was a good look to make more tips and so the others went along with it, or if management actually encourages it. This was neither a plus or minus in my books. I give Bar Louie a meh-tastic 3 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1416463/restaurant/Boston/Bar-Louie-Foxboro"><img alt="Bar Louie on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1416463/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-23573669881256563282010-07-18T14:37:00.004-04:002010-07-18T15:51:27.126-04:00Some Cheap Eats Reviews (Pourhouse and Rosebud Diner)<span style="font-weight:bold;">Pourhouse </span><br /><br />Located on Boylston, Pourhouse boasts cheap eats and cheap beers. The specials changes daily, and on the night we went (Thursday) it was border bargains. All their Mexican dishes were half off. We both went with the soft tacos and two large beers. The tacos weren't anything special, but weren't bad either. They had decent enough flavor, but they were what you'd expect for $3.50 tacos at a bar. The rice and beans were fairly standard as well. The best part of the meal was definitely the price. For having two beers each and dinner, we were able to enjoy dinner without breaking the bank. Pourhouse is a good spot to go when you are looking for cheap eats and a good cold beer. I give Pourhouse a 3 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwQC3Z4a64EuK07h752r4ASYfVAH7a0li_JaFaLcohgxxtXdSxcmTr2Etx4z9kVYrA9ksHDGItSmtAHXNS6R6Yg2NImq0PEhsMmkZ54YAz8phCQr31VW_bu3bjZzJDenH3VW6lJFKqDw/s1600/IMAG0081.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwQC3Z4a64EuK07h752r4ASYfVAH7a0li_JaFaLcohgxxtXdSxcmTr2Etx4z9kVYrA9ksHDGItSmtAHXNS6R6Yg2NImq0PEhsMmkZ54YAz8phCQr31VW_bu3bjZzJDenH3VW6lJFKqDw/s320/IMAG0081.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495332883455435218" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/53717/restaurant/Back-Bay/Pour-House-Boston"><img alt="Pour House on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/53717/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rosebud Diner</span><br /><br />Rosebud Diner can't be missed when driving around Davis Square. It's the large classic dining cart. We sat in a booth that had all their reviews and awards displayed above us. The menu has all the normal diner items (club sandwiches, burgers, etc) and there was Harpoon beer on tap. I went with the bacon burger and Abby went with the BBQ burger. Both were alright, with the burger being slightly dry. Abby's went with the potato wedges as fries and really liked them, but my fries were kinda bland and needed some seasoning. The prices throughout the menu were really good though. Burgers and sandwiches $7 or less. Entrees for $10 and less. The waitress was the type you'd expect at a diner: a little older and sassy. The dessert menu looked good too, but we were so full that we didn't get the Boston Cream Pie that I wanted. I'd like to give this place a try for breakfast, but for dinner it was just ok. I give Rosebud Diner a 3 out of 5. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9zC1IOqCINz6_MeineThNTihgk_VNzlEwJ3tAvcJbdAPyWf4OgzjHxycG7OPERxprd_wxBmopolepEaI0uKJcTNiCCAayaw8KOJ4WXIbJKtPik5oFhBMEWjkZFuoMH19BQjGFaEnj8E/s1600/IMAG0086.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9zC1IOqCINz6_MeineThNTihgk_VNzlEwJ3tAvcJbdAPyWf4OgzjHxycG7OPERxprd_wxBmopolepEaI0uKJcTNiCCAayaw8KOJ4WXIbJKtPik5oFhBMEWjkZFuoMH19BQjGFaEnj8E/s320/IMAG0086.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495318314273419154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQOKp2m-pkttfEAvqJnoZSfZJtcyXiEtNsFkd87oAO24LfuoKXMDByEUy2wnbpQ_eYmLb0FFlyTnkLO6fZL60WKLXzx5zF0RppM2Wbv9XjprlI_6-QqSLkqMOaG4tB7kEa5cnmqPmygI/s1600/IMAG0085.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQOKp2m-pkttfEAvqJnoZSfZJtcyXiEtNsFkd87oAO24LfuoKXMDByEUy2wnbpQ_eYmLb0FFlyTnkLO6fZL60WKLXzx5zF0RppM2Wbv9XjprlI_6-QqSLkqMOaG4tB7kEa5cnmqPmygI/s320/IMAG0085.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495318308918204114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oaWwafAiHPFIKa3I05kAOubsQmAw2rCqLfagRo8rxjjxYC0TPEuLLLKy9IyTTvXQOSqfikXh4MAqq9D18_MwrHqARGWXBemzxXR27l0T2WNGbmv8ae0PhbAVuOxQKcs-L5PdmTszp10/s1600/IMAG0084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oaWwafAiHPFIKa3I05kAOubsQmAw2rCqLfagRo8rxjjxYC0TPEuLLLKy9IyTTvXQOSqfikXh4MAqq9D18_MwrHqARGWXBemzxXR27l0T2WNGbmv8ae0PhbAVuOxQKcs-L5PdmTszp10/s320/IMAG0084.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495318300914737138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD1kr6kpXaOplcUw78ppJL1N8D_Xt6dRUIL0iYp1mUogFP9Nfg0k61BdI42NpWYYrShBQKXw0Qlln7Qu5xaxcEHJ7OYC5t2hECESoGQkqjpKQKa419AQMJoELllI7UTJZemNyTws_m2E/s1600/IMAG0082.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD1kr6kpXaOplcUw78ppJL1N8D_Xt6dRUIL0iYp1mUogFP9Nfg0k61BdI42NpWYYrShBQKXw0Qlln7Qu5xaxcEHJ7OYC5t2hECESoGQkqjpKQKa419AQMJoELllI7UTJZemNyTws_m2E/s320/IMAG0082.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495318294819426210" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/53930/restaurant/Boston/Davis-Square/Rosebud-Diner-Somerville"><img alt="Rosebud Diner on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/53930/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-85727442911055956072010-07-12T19:24:00.002-04:002010-07-12T19:47:41.315-04:00LinksA handy website that tells you how to store food. (<a href="http://www.stilltasty.com/">Stilltasty</a>)<br /><br />A tale of 2 McNuggets (<a href="http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/25/a-tale-of-2-nuggets/?hpt=T2">CNN Health</a>)<br /><br />Beer Stimulus (<a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/07/09/can-beer-stimulus-hop-up-the-economy/">WSJ</a>)<br /><br />I can't believe that Grimaldi's in Brooklyn didn't make this list, but at least they had one Boston spot, even though it wasn't Ernestos. (<a href="http://www.delish.com/food-fun/best-pizzas">delish.com</a>)<br /><br />Not food related, but my high school needs help. (<a href="http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12761559">News9.com</a>)<br /><br />And finally, follow our blog on facebook. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Sweet-and-Sour-Boston/131781010192211?v=wall">Facebook</a>)JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-30403039573890313692010-07-11T18:25:00.003-04:002010-07-11T18:47:19.841-04:00Black Jack Pasta (JP Review)Lazy and not wanting to cook or leave the house to grab dinner, we opened up the laptop and searched foodler.com for possible dinner delivery options. Under their sponsored links I saw Black Jack Pasta and "free delivery", so I immediately looked at their menu. Fresh, home made pasta and wings and subs. Sounds good to me. I checked yelp and saw only 1 review from 6/30/2010. Either no one visits this place or it's brand spanking new. The wife looked at the menu and saw the Chef Jack's Special Dish (Ziti pasta w/ pesto sauce, prosciutto, fresh tomatoes, homemade fresh mozzarella<br />w/ a splash of balsamic vinaigrette) and knew what she wanted. However, both their online ordering system and foodler.com did not have this entree listed. So I just called them up and gave our order. I went with the buffalo wings and the potato gnocchi with papa's meat sauce. 45-60 minutes later our food arrived.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp3X9q-Btxm7UOEiYvCvB4ulcJPv2HDZzT1pXns322UkaExSuAUbtYh3jtnREG_A0CmabKeu0lBDE44DzJzndg9l6-8bIVTiGdp2FlGKmXgoRysnvYmgXcAqDKX2vhxmS8xqYA7U_eu4/s1600/P1010694.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp3X9q-Btxm7UOEiYvCvB4ulcJPv2HDZzT1pXns322UkaExSuAUbtYh3jtnREG_A0CmabKeu0lBDE44DzJzndg9l6-8bIVTiGdp2FlGKmXgoRysnvYmgXcAqDKX2vhxmS8xqYA7U_eu4/s320/P1010694.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492781914862190818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKE-m_4utdCmdYzThH1WUAZpJmqVitE2lWpw3rC2hXBurwcYkuYvHCpuuQE6iJJkSohIdXj7_jl4M5V0Q7tsA6hHUb8XjWy0qYfV2NuaXrlZwkiCfqkrRq89G4CpVfTRMHmuIBuFteInk/s1600/P1010695.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKE-m_4utdCmdYzThH1WUAZpJmqVitE2lWpw3rC2hXBurwcYkuYvHCpuuQE6iJJkSohIdXj7_jl4M5V0Q7tsA6hHUb8XjWy0qYfV2NuaXrlZwkiCfqkrRq89G4CpVfTRMHmuIBuFteInk/s320/P1010695.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492781905061433314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSSIQOwg4tf8HI8CgjbewA6wp1FcfQOX_1E1xzdjZdOO3MOZStP98QtlG3V4ubXIXD1gRsOdpQlkrKhsdJFSB1nstDvYd71JJdu95oHAxnzkDoQIiiEJqLHdQ0MX5YZLxqzb8dfen2Ss/s1600/P1010696.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSSIQOwg4tf8HI8CgjbewA6wp1FcfQOX_1E1xzdjZdOO3MOZStP98QtlG3V4ubXIXD1gRsOdpQlkrKhsdJFSB1nstDvYd71JJdu95oHAxnzkDoQIiiEJqLHdQ0MX5YZLxqzb8dfen2Ss/s320/P1010696.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492781899202462466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR2pIL3hEFCKJ6aDWo5omqwjxkVyouKsRnrh6nIqag337TXf6-OyTujAkvjpOxlj8KExdSIGIz0R5Q5k37k-gZRJzrjP7uYgl2LYsRpvDHR84IybqANbd68o-U3__GpwEkJG7qz6G8As/s1600/P1010697.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR2pIL3hEFCKJ6aDWo5omqwjxkVyouKsRnrh6nIqag337TXf6-OyTujAkvjpOxlj8KExdSIGIz0R5Q5k37k-gZRJzrjP7uYgl2LYsRpvDHR84IybqANbd68o-U3__GpwEkJG7qz6G8As/s320/P1010697.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492781894055782386" /></a><br /><br />Abby's meal came with a side salad and a cookie. The chicken wings were a little soggy, but most delivery wings are. They did taste great and were pretty spicy. I believe I was only suppose to get 8 wings, but I ended up with 11. (I really hope I wasn't suppose to get 12...) The pasta (which I guess is what you should order from a place calling itself a pasta bar) was really, really good. I admit I was surprised, mainly because I didn't know what to expect. I've had pasta dished delivered from sub shops that seemed to have similar menus and they were over cooked and plain and boring. Here though, the pasta tasted very fresh and the sauces weren't slathered on, but added as a nice compliment to the pasta. Portions were a good size too. I first thought they were small, but upon eating the potato gnocchi I realized it was just the right amount. Not to say that the gnocchi was that heavy, but I was getting full eating it. <br /><br />Prices are pretty good too. Roughly $10 for pasta dishes, a few bucks more if you go for one of their "full meal" dishes. This is definitely a place I'll order from again. I give Black Jack Pasta a 3 and 1/2 out of 5.JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-67487280383755279622010-06-27T18:35:00.002-04:002010-06-27T18:44:04.643-04:00LinksStrange Food Combos (<a href="http://blog.6rounds.com/strange-food-combinations/">6rounds</a>)<br /><br />Some Hot Food (<a href="http://www.becks.com/2010/06/25/the-hottest-foods-in-the-world/?sb=1">Becks.com</a>)<br /><br />Beers for breakfast (<a href="http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2010/06/the_10_best_beers_for_breakfas.php">Phoenix New Times</a>)<br /><br />Finally, a list of Vietnamese food related blogs:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vietworldkitchen.com/">Viet World Kitchen</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pwmf.blogspot.com/">Playing with My Food</a><br /><br /><a href="http://simplyvietnamese.wordpress.com/">Simply Vietnamese</a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-54908214789400555952010-06-27T17:35:00.005-04:002010-07-01T12:28:43.036-04:00The GallowsIf you follow this blog, you know I've been dying for a good burger and beer joint in the South End to come and be a place I can go to once a week when I'm not feeling like cooking. To be honest I wanted the famous Spotted Pig to come and open up right down the street from me. I knew that wasn't going to happen, but The Gallows sure comes close. <br /><br />First, let's give a moment of silence to Sage who gave it's restaurant life for The Gallows. Maybe it's just because JP the bartender at Sage was always so nice and friendly to us any time we came in that made us really love Sage, but the food was really good too. Such a shame it had to go...<br /><br />But, if it had to be replaced by any restaurant, I'm glad it was The Gallows. A gastropub that serves many different beers ranging from Natty Light to Bud Heavy was just what the doctor ordered. Neither of us ordered such high class drinks that night, but we did stick with the other items on draught. We sat at the bar, which is the best seat in the house in my opinion, and had two great bartenders take care of us while we were there. (We also met a couple waiting for their friends that talked to us when they saw me take pictures of the food. They were food blog readers, so I hope you guys remembered what our blog was and read this review.) <br /><br />The menu has a lot of interesting items, with most items $25 or less. We started off with the Scotch Egg, which I thought was just a soft boiled egg. What comes out is a soft boiled egg that is wrapped in sausage! Good lord that was some good eating. The sausage had just enough salt that went perfectly with the runny yolk of the egg. I want this for breakfast every freaking day. I want it for lunch and dinner too. Hell, I want it when I'm completely bombed on a Friday night to help me with my drunkeness. Basically, if you come to The Gallows and don't order the Scotch Egg, I hate you and your family. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyBeLTZzaRRK-PzfI1soEcsXYEI2ib_jvhOn9RnrHPUOKrUIlEpNh-DeCjr5uqlI8J3qArgX1GPc9EjWjc23Gy0WI0Y9nzACm5R_rMohU09gQ_cz8saz1m3oyI7Rkqaeci1_PT7NMwRU/s1600/P1010505.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyBeLTZzaRRK-PzfI1soEcsXYEI2ib_jvhOn9RnrHPUOKrUIlEpNh-DeCjr5uqlI8J3qArgX1GPc9EjWjc23Gy0WI0Y9nzACm5R_rMohU09gQ_cz8saz1m3oyI7Rkqaeci1_PT7NMwRU/s320/P1010505.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487572739181575858" /></a><br /><br />In all seriousness though, the one menu item I had the most hope for was the $9 burger. It comes with lettuce, onions and pickles and cheese and you don't have any other options. I love that. I don't need to be able to order 500 different toppings for my burger. The burger itself is a "California Flat Patty" whatever that is. It is served with fries and homemade ketchup (you can ask for Heinz if you like, but we didn't.) The burger comes out and there's a nice little layer of grease already on the plate. Before I pick it up I knew this burger was going to be incredible, and it was. Sadly, I also knew I would probably never order anything else on this menu whenever I come in after my first bite. The burger went down perfectly with my nice cold beer. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7IC1J65DUVF9Y556-1AzLUubjHJ_t8nX6Re8zOokfsx4g164ih4oW9-AKpGXyN4oFpV4XmF5EejujB2R3e9s0L76lodC78VT6HDBMNwVNoAiHzJL5JT1SvD15yTyeHzs8JaEDI08hjc/s1600/P1010506.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7IC1J65DUVF9Y556-1AzLUubjHJ_t8nX6Re8zOokfsx4g164ih4oW9-AKpGXyN4oFpV4XmF5EejujB2R3e9s0L76lodC78VT6HDBMNwVNoAiHzJL5JT1SvD15yTyeHzs8JaEDI08hjc/s320/P1010506.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487572723939637218" /></a><br /><br />The menu has poutine, which I know tons of people love...but to me it's a bit un-American. I mean, I love gravy and cheese, but I can't put it over my fries. Maybe one day I'll get the foie gras poutine, but I'll stick to good old American style French Fries any day. <br /><br />If there was one small complaint I had, it was that I only got a small handfull of fries with my burger. Luckily Abby didn't eat too many of her own, so I could munch on her leftovers but maybe next time I'll order an extra side of fries for myself. I don't know if they allow changing the burger at all, but I'd love to see if they could put a fried egg on top of it just for me. Next time I go, I'll ask and see what happens. I give The Gallows a 4 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/1530641/restaurant/South-End/The-Gallows-Boston"><img alt="The Gallows on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1530641/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br />***UPDATE - <br /><br />Went back in last night and asked for an egg on my burger and they obliged. Asked to see if they would name the burger after me, but no dice. Abby went for the lobster salad, which looked small, but filled her up. Got dessert, the fluffernutter banana foster thingy, and it was good, albeit very sweet and rich. For adding the egg on my burger, it's enough to push The Gallows to a 5 out of 5.JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079362325743874107.post-20106121850860373222010-06-27T16:59:00.009-04:002010-06-27T18:26:16.209-04:00Quick Hit Reviews (Channel Cafe, Bogies, Garden at the Cellar, Case De Luca, Pho Hoa Quincy)I've had a bunch of reviews I've been meaning to get to, but have been too lazy to do a full write up on each of them. So I decided to clump them all together into one post.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Channel Cafe</span><br /><br />Located on Summer Street in South Boston in the Fort Point Channel area, Channel Cafe is a very quaint cafe located on the basement level of a artist studio condo building. Basically, this place is a lot better than it needs to be. There's a DJ in the corner by the bar with tons of small tables in the open area of the basement. We started with the cheese plate which was accompanied by apples and honey. Abby got the veggie burger and I went with the carnitas tacos. Both were excellent. Finally, even though we were both stuffed, I just had to order the doughnuts for dessert. Hot and fresh, it was a great way to end the meal. Prices aren't bad either. I give Channel Cafe a 4 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgLE4CzOLyHqdmiaqGoOkLoLkw4LAZ7z6h_ZY3GevJwa9u8HJQ6bCdKKihPexMPpPkl2JLCsnYOkrGrPdXmByqsJjQHC9vMUM5XH4W6YBkSFrsAVMqk-7Q3o3VD70F0MDvulFYM_5jt4/s1600/P1010119.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgLE4CzOLyHqdmiaqGoOkLoLkw4LAZ7z6h_ZY3GevJwa9u8HJQ6bCdKKihPexMPpPkl2JLCsnYOkrGrPdXmByqsJjQHC9vMUM5XH4W6YBkSFrsAVMqk-7Q3o3VD70F0MDvulFYM_5jt4/s320/P1010119.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487563850987425426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgbPA_95fGPavb-K5-ht9AoK7td_-40HXJcFufGjTvqKqoqL9acVOclsDzl7iRCU3K21BlmhMHxbEUsLYrFOTpwwyNr7LpepsKxwkuPg0Om8Ny5he9fPsbb3e_oXid5UYl8tmhXHpbRU/s1600/P1010120.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgbPA_95fGPavb-K5-ht9AoK7td_-40HXJcFufGjTvqKqoqL9acVOclsDzl7iRCU3K21BlmhMHxbEUsLYrFOTpwwyNr7LpepsKxwkuPg0Om8Ny5he9fPsbb3e_oXid5UYl8tmhXHpbRU/s320/P1010120.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487563842725418242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE7C_6kDANxFziqamXDbj6Mwc1UAzjCWEGG_3gi9XS3srywo8APZ-623OSy7zg8d7YjBKrEaaqrSmiuwMtpTaL7sjVJnWQNuZ-HtCsA_OdV9HscNNMIRBldRs7DNoyrI0yZNDOLTPfy0/s1600/P1010121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE7C_6kDANxFziqamXDbj6Mwc1UAzjCWEGG_3gi9XS3srywo8APZ-623OSy7zg8d7YjBKrEaaqrSmiuwMtpTaL7sjVJnWQNuZ-HtCsA_OdV9HscNNMIRBldRs7DNoyrI0yZNDOLTPfy0/s320/P1010121.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487563834467382738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_WpcbNGqQBWTx-eLR_rRghFNVYYKqPJNlW4tcS-ohkLeAaPRvqApQKy-Y1lFE8NhNjAqAm1qEItxL9bG9x7xSDe6mxBBBPzHKQqK1WavCmkYdXlPm6QmZ0KkfBAuJW6ILqeAE0rht1c/s1600/P1010122.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_WpcbNGqQBWTx-eLR_rRghFNVYYKqPJNlW4tcS-ohkLeAaPRvqApQKy-Y1lFE8NhNjAqAm1qEItxL9bG9x7xSDe6mxBBBPzHKQqK1WavCmkYdXlPm6QmZ0KkfBAuJW6ILqeAE0rht1c/s320/P1010122.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487563829663778242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizGT-yBSWoCKqWRA96cpPII3VXJU2R7WLnaWn0fc1PzbmzVEP3wwk_HrbGtnHBH0wGuzJ02OLkAxLheiOQwHVHzTJeKY3hmBHREYXAMwQ0xWYFqQL9zmmlq6Av0XdaUdl9drsEztgeTA/s1600/P1010123.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizGT-yBSWoCKqWRA96cpPII3VXJU2R7WLnaWn0fc1PzbmzVEP3wwk_HrbGtnHBH0wGuzJ02OLkAxLheiOQwHVHzTJeKY3hmBHREYXAMwQ0xWYFqQL9zmmlq6Av0XdaUdl9drsEztgeTA/s320/P1010123.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487563802187930418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/51076/restaurant/South-Boston/Channel-Cafe-Boston"><img alt="Channel Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/51076/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Garden at the Cellar</span><br /><br />A place we've been dying to try for the food for a long time and it seems like every Friday night that we've come here, it was over 2 hours to wait for a table. I've been here before for just drinks and any bar that serves Boddingtons on tap is my type of place. Finally, during a birthday bar crawl for our friend Heidi, we stopped in to get a quick bite while the rest of the crawl continued on their drunken way. I ordered the cuban sandwich with the famous tater tots. Good god was that a great sandwich and the tots were as good as advertised. We will definitely be back to try out dinner one of these nights. I give Garden at the Cellar a 4 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph5MJP-MXAZjDqMlzhiHap3BsKYYRFDRLa7jSJpN19l8VDzEnUyyuUVk7IB0Qm1Lc2ICZQ7V4CBVC9PgEdEINZPozRZV73CUazzMJ3mlOqELm4LkIOFZkpkQr16vdpfVikKgf2PJhTbA/s1600/IMAG0023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph5MJP-MXAZjDqMlzhiHap3BsKYYRFDRLa7jSJpN19l8VDzEnUyyuUVk7IB0Qm1Lc2ICZQ7V4CBVC9PgEdEINZPozRZV73CUazzMJ3mlOqELm4LkIOFZkpkQr16vdpfVikKgf2PJhTbA/s320/IMAG0023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487579999179115154" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/51056/restaurant/Boston/Harvard-Square/Garden-at-the-Cellar-Cambridge"><img alt="Garden at the Cellar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/51056/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bogies</span><br /><br />We had our hopes up to try out this great BBQ joint near Abby's parent's house in Great Barrington called Route 7 Grill. Sadly, it was 3:30 on a Saturday and it was between lunch and dinner so we were out of luck there. Down the street was Bogies, a bar that Abby used to frequent often in her younger years. On it's premise was a driving range, which I thought was pretty neat. Too bad the rest of the bar wasn't as neat. It was cheap, I'll give it that. But the food was medicore and the service was a little slow, especially since there was only us 4 and a group of people watching the World Cup. The driving range and the games in the back adds 1/2 a point and I give Bogies a 2 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnupx1h0CGIzbcGWHcXm2E7bWQKvWUVGhmtm16Gud0IVueK6DH-fstv2e7W7bzbUX11bIH5vTPpXdPx-NkCq3gBJ1fWciMhDzhT95HhTafXWGFlxWfHG0s6LgU5jYDSc5lWtXWgbwBu3I/s1600/IMAG0060.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnupx1h0CGIzbcGWHcXm2E7bWQKvWUVGhmtm16Gud0IVueK6DH-fstv2e7W7bzbUX11bIH5vTPpXdPx-NkCq3gBJ1fWciMhDzhT95HhTafXWGFlxWfHG0s6LgU5jYDSc5lWtXWgbwBu3I/s320/IMAG0060.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580016730914162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU8d7XZ76GVWiXtGpu2KEr9f3uMbcNP0KBG8rS8imsQJN_kmQK2JSRpneDjL35nCOlERtPVhhGtJAijNdxilzOCu2kF-ke4IStCe7EPKaOk7lvKYsXJbvm2eJMzKsLPIfWc6urjDqsZo/s1600/IMAG0061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU8d7XZ76GVWiXtGpu2KEr9f3uMbcNP0KBG8rS8imsQJN_kmQK2JSRpneDjL35nCOlERtPVhhGtJAijNdxilzOCu2kF-ke4IStCe7EPKaOk7lvKYsXJbvm2eJMzKsLPIfWc6urjDqsZo/s320/IMAG0061.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580013485275042" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Casa De Lucca</span><br /><br />If you are in Beverly, MA for some reason and are looking for dinner, you can do a lot worse than Casa De Lucca. Very above average Italian fare with extremely generous portions, Casa De Lucca is basically an Olive Garden run by a family. (And I mean that as a compliment, I really do.) There's the never ending breadsticks and salad that comes with every pasta dish. There's the older lady waitress that's super sweet and smiles every time she comes to our table. There's wine that's a good price for a whole bottle. I ordered the Southern Italy tour which comes with full portions of lasagna, linguine bolognese, and chicken parm. (It really comes with eggplant parm, but I asked to have it switched out and they did it with no extra charge.) Try as I might, I couldn't even put a dent into this plate. I'll be having leftovers for the next two days. Casa De Lucca won't come close to the best North End restaurants, but it doesn't have to. The prices are dirt cheap and the food is good. What else do you want? I give Casa De Lucca a 3 and 1/2 out of 5. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKCi2jKvoyQVhc3LivEotNmeqSHJVolpSuP1WIGSziy2unQmf0u00duVadr27HW1TC6e_63ZWYht67tW6AVr5JXvmsp4qskJ0dy0ItEI-YgOR_oLOb62sSkKVXjEzXv1MQwCzfTrlrCI/s1600/IMAG0056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKCi2jKvoyQVhc3LivEotNmeqSHJVolpSuP1WIGSziy2unQmf0u00duVadr27HW1TC6e_63ZWYht67tW6AVr5JXvmsp4qskJ0dy0ItEI-YgOR_oLOb62sSkKVXjEzXv1MQwCzfTrlrCI/s320/IMAG0056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487581799804892978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwp93idmBM3tZ2NM-rxlvHfm0bXaPOTGYc0mC_89PQWNu7j3nRRylbjuZ1sk5AhmlNYH34I9tbfnEqvgFWMALnNrBasa4Y8oGUENtIFlOdRlo6JvBcAriH6HEUnoEV0APc19xotb0Mqk/s1600/IMAG0057.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwp93idmBM3tZ2NM-rxlvHfm0bXaPOTGYc0mC_89PQWNu7j3nRRylbjuZ1sk5AhmlNYH34I9tbfnEqvgFWMALnNrBasa4Y8oGUENtIFlOdRlo6JvBcAriH6HEUnoEV0APc19xotb0Mqk/s320/IMAG0057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487581789702644034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGguunvuRaMfzcJwRfCbLRcbJCWcIIgebzGku9NIeTKWfsgTwrnFGnwfQej2-mfbpPCMqjw_iemTSiGYYIq7m5N1FNiuJ5vYx-aalQrJRq-oXdG9QBQplYMDBGJS14KSjA4Am3587SOo/s1600/IMAG0058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGguunvuRaMfzcJwRfCbLRcbJCWcIIgebzGku9NIeTKWfsgTwrnFGnwfQej2-mfbpPCMqjw_iemTSiGYYIq7m5N1FNiuJ5vYx-aalQrJRq-oXdG9QBQplYMDBGJS14KSjA4Am3587SOo/s320/IMAG0058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580030720018194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY8W6fv2J59XVfvpxQYJj3647s-sLj-wy7_UPaVoqwMpsNvsXPzKZHyUlCGXPZsr-aRgOZRKxG_tRzA0I6TS_dNjQqUSwJ68cFf8FRoqhf4UE9zvRuTbtnJpf-IS7PFIhggqVy_ourAs/s1600/IMAG0059.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY8W6fv2J59XVfvpxQYJj3647s-sLj-wy7_UPaVoqwMpsNvsXPzKZHyUlCGXPZsr-aRgOZRKxG_tRzA0I6TS_dNjQqUSwJ68cFf8FRoqhf4UE9zvRuTbtnJpf-IS7PFIhggqVy_ourAs/s320/IMAG0059.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487580027547383842" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/826441/restaurant/Boston/Casa-De-Lucca-Beverly"><img alt="Casa De Lucca on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/826441/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pho Hoa Quincy</span><br /><br />Recently profiled in Boston.com Cheap Eats, Pho Hoa in Quincy is another in the famous Vietnamese chain. The prices are a bit cheaper than in Boston and I thought the pho bo broth was tastier. The place was clean and the service quick and friendly. I give Pho Hoa Quincy a 3 and 1/2 out of 5.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT91ZLUyIOc-_aT2qmhI33jTFc3AHO0Rih46fqNmD6GuySmJ8x5jBmCIDGz8SCmJEMLdx3B9RpW7tvkPfwMmQxb_c2iR7JLEenczX9b2ZfNkdsHMQm6Z2cd-0kr9lAWLL9QUW21ga9A4/s1600/IMAG0050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT91ZLUyIOc-_aT2qmhI33jTFc3AHO0Rih46fqNmD6GuySmJ8x5jBmCIDGz8SCmJEMLdx3B9RpW7tvkPfwMmQxb_c2iR7JLEenczX9b2ZfNkdsHMQm6Z2cd-0kr9lAWLL9QUW21ga9A4/s320/IMAG0050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487581785817214642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6yESvV9KOTL-GHUfVc03rKFMBK5mOOR9WW2TCTslrKB8JRbE1fowJ0Uc_g_c1ldyfgmCG08JSmusjtkt6Lc1wfPm5X2h8YgS4N9Q44ag3eY7QWcVYDiF41KsiNP2E_mXuiHH6Yl46cQ/s1600/IMAG0051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6yESvV9KOTL-GHUfVc03rKFMBK5mOOR9WW2TCTslrKB8JRbE1fowJ0Uc_g_c1ldyfgmCG08JSmusjtkt6Lc1wfPm5X2h8YgS4N9Q44ag3eY7QWcVYDiF41KsiNP2E_mXuiHH6Yl46cQ/s320/IMAG0051.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487581780162821010" /></a>JPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14026171889443727204noreply@blogger.com0