Yogurt Quest

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When I first started writing this blog, I realized there were things I liked to try in most restaurants. Caesar salad, calamari, boneless wings to name a few. I also like to check out different pizza places, and my favorite, Ice Cream places!!!!In the last year or so, I have felt like I have been on a Yogurt Quest. It all started with hearing about Pinkberry in L.A. Ok, I admit it, I am a reality show junkie and first heard about Pinkberry on the Hills. Then I was watching Ellen one day, and she gave Pinkberry to the whole audience. My brother in law is in L.A. so we have reason to get out there once in a while. I started to obsess about having to try Pinkberry when we were in town. I had to know what this stuff was???

Pinkberry is frozen yogurt. They have different flavors, but the base is a tart plain yogurt and it tastes amazing with fresh fruit in it. The difference between their yogurt and other yogurts is the tartness.

Before I ever got out to try Pinkberry, my favorite local icecream place came out with their own Pinkberry like flavor. J. P. Licks, came out with Yo Tango.

When the Pinkberry's of the world were not around, J.P.Licks was making frozen yogurt and making it well. In the 90's there wasn't a place in town who could keep up with the volume Licks did. Lines in their Brookline, Newton Center, J.P, and Newbury Street stores were out the door. Since then, they have added a West Roxbury, Brigham Circle, Davis Square and soon to open Dedham store.

When JP Licks first started carrying Yo Tango, I was a little disappointed. Did they really have to conform to this new type of flavor out on the market? But then I tried it, and it is really yummy, tastes light, and is a nice addition to their menu.

After the induction of Yo Tango at JP Licks, Lou and I started noticing this tart yogurt phenomenon popping up all over the city. Berry Line opened up off Harvard Square. Chill opened up in Brighton near Boston College. It seemed like everyone was jumping on the tart yogurt bandwagon. What was it about this tasty treat?

We visited Berry Line and realized they had the nutritional information on the wall. At first glance, this stuff looks pretty light. Not too many calories per ounce, it's a good source of protein, calcium and live active yogurt cultures, but be warned with ice cream/yogurt shops. You need to know if those calories are posted by weight or volume! I think this tart yogurt craze is the perception this stuff is really good for you. When it comes down to it. Tangy yogurts are better than ice cream, but most still have a lot of sugar in them, and calorie postings can be deceiving, so you might want to keep that in mind.

I did finally make it out to Pinkberry in L.A. I thought, this is the original! If I thought those cheap imitations in Boston were good, this is going to be FANTASTIC!!! But in the end, I have decided all tart yogurt is created equal. It is just how you package it in the form of toppings and atmosphere that is different.

Pinkberry has a cool atmosphere with hip lighting, clear chairs and white tables. Walking into this place you have the illusion of feeling healthy. Their fruit toppings look super fresh, but hey they are in California, of course they can get fresh toppings year round. I liked the way Pinkberry took our order. Once they took it, a sticker popped out of the register they could apply to the cup and hand off to someone to assemble it. (note: my husband's name is Louis not LUIS!!!, see cup below)

Berry Line in Boston has a large selection of toppings. Lots of fruit and several flavor choices. The first store is tiny, subsequent stores are bigger. The art work is done by our good friend Bren Bataclan. It is whimsical and adds to the light and healthy atmosphere. Since opening more stores, they have adopted additional artists to their atmosphere. In Harvard Square, this is definitely, THE place to get tart yogurt these days.

Chill not only has the tart yogurt, but some icecream options as well. Their atmosphere is minimalistic and clean. Seating is limited, but there are plenty of places to hang out nearby if you go when it is warm. Their toppings were limited in the fruit department, but they also seemed to have just opened when we stopped by.

J.P. Licks is still hip and a bit quirky after all these years. Not easy to do for a place that has been around for 25+ years! They have a large selection of healthy and not so healthy toppings. Many of their toppings are homemade, like their delicious fudge and butterscotch. Depending on the store the seating varies, but this is the type of place you can hang out in for hours doing homework, or work. There is ever changing artwork which adorns their walls. In the JP store they have a fireplace with big chairs relax in, and although they are most known for their icecream. JP Licks also does coffee drinks and breakfast items.

As tart yogurt moves from the new hip and trendy treat to the same old, same old. It looks like the newest trend in frozen yogurt will be the build your own yogurt buffet. Yogurtland in L.A. seems to be the trend setter with machines lined up end to end boasting 10 or more flavors to choose from. Toppings are in a salad bar type stand, and you pay by weight. I have heard a place like this is opening in the Brookline area of Boston. The concept is interesting, but messy. Most people have no idea how to really operate a machine to make a good cup or cone, and the toppings bar is always askew requiring frequent clean up. The cost is cheap but, trust me, so is the product. If you want some really great tasting yogurt, not the tart type, head to J.P. Licks. They still are the leader withe flavors like Oreo, Chocolate Chip cookie, Peanut Butter, Ginger Snap.... I could go on.

My yogurt quest conclusions as they stand right now are this... For tart yogurt in Boston, Berry Line is my winner. All they have is the tart treat so they concentrate fully on toppings which compliment it. I have to admit though, if Pinkberry were in Boston, I might go there instead since it is the original.

For regular soft yogurt flavors, J.P. Licks is the clear winner. They have a great reputation and have been around for years. How they make yogurt taste like a Chocolate Chip cookie is a mystery to me, but they do it and do it well. They also have sugar free yogurt, hard yogurt options, amazing ice cream and coffee drinks.

My yogurt quest is far from over. I am sure I will be enjoying it for years to come.

Everyone should have a tie to Ohio, now you can too!

Lou and I have a theory, everyone has some kind of connection to Ohio. They either lived there, or they have family or friends there. In our case, Lou lived there, has family from there, and we both have a ton of friends who either live there currently, or passed through at one time in their lives.

Don't have any ties to Ohio? Well now you can, in the form of apron ties!

Check out www.madebyamyd.com

Amy D is a crafty girl who lives in Ohio and make aprons, but not just any aprons. Her aprons are from reclaimed materials. You can get a full apron, a half, or my favorite the beer holder apron! Who wouldn't want to be able to keep their beer close and hands free while they cook the family up some chicken cacciatore? Amy doesn't just make aprons she also makes reusable coffee sleeves and takes orders for custom clothing.

Don't want to take my word for it? How about Whole Food's word? This past holiday season, two Whole Foods in Ohio, Dublin and Lane Avenue, carried Amy D's aprons and reusable coffee sleeves and she could barely keep them on the shelves. Being made from reclaimed materials and reusable, they were the perfect Earth friendly fit for Whole Foods. My good friend, Kristin, has a background in Media relations and she helped Amy with gaining the Whole Foods relationship. When I told her I thought the aprons were great, she sent me one!

Now I have my own original Amy D apron and more ties to Ohio.

Here's a bit of trivia for you. You may have heard the phrase, "that mom needs to cut the apron strings.." I was told years ago the phrase originated because at one time fires were the main form of heat in most homes. The hearths were open and mom's really did tie their small children to their apron strings to keep them from getting too close to the hearth. I don't know if this is true, but it sure sounds good!

Take me to another place, Take me to another land, Make me forget all that hurts me, Let me understand your plan

Brick's Cafe

2020 Fieldstone Parkway

Suite 200 (next to Publix)

Franklin, TN 37067

Menu: Italian, Southern, Southwestern. Something for everyone

Atmosphere: Nice casual

Kid Friendly: Yes but not exactly Applebee's or a Friday's a bit nicer than that, so don't show up if you let your kids run buck wild.

Price: For the two of us it was about $45 with tip. Not bad for a good meal, leftovers and a decent atmosphere to bring a date before a movie. My sister was my date, and we went to see Avatar later on.

In my last blog, I mentioned visiting my sister, Colleen and her family in Tennessee last weekend. While I was there, Colleen and I went to Brick's Cafe in Franklin. My niece, Corinne is a hostess and food runner there. It was fun to see her work while we had a great meal.

When I was younger, I loved when my family would come visit me at work. Ok, I admit partly because they tipped me really well, but also because it was fun to have them come and support me. It made me proud of the job I was doing because I could tell they were proud.

Brick's Cafe is in a shopping center in the Nashville suburb, Franklin. I have lived in the city so long, it is always strange to me to go to a restaurant in a shopping center. I think I have this preconceived notion a restaurant in a shopping center is not going to be good. I know it is ridiculous, and to be fair on my blog, I need to get over my restaurant stereotyping. At least Brick's went a long way in changing my mind.

When we walked into Brick's I immediately forgot there was a Publix looming outside the door. The setting inside was exposed brick, nice table settings and soft lighting. We were sat quickly probably because Corinne sat us, but hey she seats everyone, so you will probably be sat quickly as well. We were greeted at the table quickly too.

Bricks has a little something for everyone. Their menu has an Italian influence, but it also has a Southern and South Western influence. It seems as though whoever owns Brick's figured they would just put all their favorite foods on the menu and who cares if they don't have a particular theme, as long as the food tastes good, people will come.

If there is one thing my sister and I have in common it is we LOVE to eat. We used to eat so much when we were tweens/teens we would have contests to see who could eat the most. Split a large pizza? No problem 6 to 8 tacos? A breeze. I was really excited to enjoy a good meal with her after all these years, but with the metabolisms of two 40 year old woman, we skipped the eating contest.

During our visit to Bricks we started with the Cajun Bayou Fondue. I ask you, what is better than melted cheese in a bowl? That's right nothing, especially when it is packed with shrimp, bay scallops, crawfish, spinach and baby portabellas. Check out the pic below. I am only sorry I would have looked foolish asking for a to go container for the leftovers. It was so good, I almost forgot to take a picture.

For dinner, I got the Portabellini Chicken, and Colleen when for the Smothered Chicken. The Portabellini Chicken was a grilled chicken breast over red mashed potatoes, smothered in sautéed portabelllini mushrooms in a roasted garlic red wine demi glaze. Yes, it tasted as good as it sounds. I ate most of it, and this is actually what I got to take home.

The Smothered Chicken was grilled chicken over sauteed spinach and covered with creamy smoked gouda sauce served with steamed vegetables. Here's Colleen enjoying it. She is going to be so happy about this picture. Look how into the food she is!

Both dishes were big enough to eat half and have another full meal to take home. Don't be ashamed to take your leftovers. Sometimes they taste better the next day. Besides restaurant portions tend to be enormous these days, and to be perfectly honest... we needed room for dessert!

We went for the Chocolate Truffle Cake. It was Kona coffee ice cream over a truffle cake, drizzled in Bailey's Irish Cream. Perfect way to end a really yummy meal.

If you happen to be traveling through Tennessee and stop in Franklin to eat at Brick's, say hello to my niece Corinne.

This Place Takes Their Name Seriously! STAX

STAX

Opryland Hotel (in the Delta)

Nashville, TN

Menu: Different types of Burgers

Pricing: Hotel's are always overpriced, for a burger and fries this was $13

Kid friendly: Sure if you want obese children

Atmosphere: Atrium style casual, tables around the perimeter amongst the trees

I was in Nashville this past weekend working a photo convention at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The Opryland is an atrium style hotel with rooms facing into the inner areas of the hotel which are filled with shops, restaurants, plants and waterfalls. As one convention goer put it, we were in a giant biosphere. The Delta area of the hotel actually features a boat ride along a small canal. It is a sight to be seen.

How does someone with a full time job in telecommunications end up working a photo convention in Nashville? I have a good friend, Maryann who does work with a company called Kimbra studios.Kimbra Studios is owned by Kimbra Orr. The company makes high quality photo jewelry and they have a wholesale program with photographers. Maryann helps Kimbra work conventions to showcase the wholesale program and allow photographers to see the quality of the jewelry in person. Check out her website www.kimbrastudios.com. I was lucky enough to be asked by Maryann to work the convention in Nashville this year. Lucky not only because it is a really fun part time gig I get paid for, but lucky because my sister lives in Nashville!

Most people who have worked conventions would say they can be tedious and boring at times, but not when you are working for Kimbra. Her booth is packed because her product is amazing. We barely have the time to take a drink of water, let alone eat, so at the end of the day, we are famished. This made Stax the obvious choice for our afternoon meal on the last day.

Stax is a burger joint in the center of the Delta area of the Gaylord. If you haven't been there or seen someone eating there, be warned. The burgers are GIANT. Walking in, you are presented with the basic menu to check off. Choose your size, single, double, or triple. Choose your bun,

white, wheat, or pretzel. Choose your type, beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie. Choose your cheese cheddar, pepper jack or Swiss. Choose your toppings, and choose your side chips or fries. Hand that to the cashier and then wait for your number to be called.

I got the single burger because Maryann had warned me about the size, but she and her sister Sofia opted for the double. The first thing out of the cashiers mouth was "that is a pound of beef!" but Maryann was starving and steadfast in her choice. She also boldly chose the pretzel roll as a twist to the traditional burger.

We put the ketchup in the picture to try to give it some scale. These burgers were huge.

Unfortunately besides the size of the burgers, Stax is nothing to write home about. I guess this is ironic, since I am writing about it in my blog. I don't think the burgers were awful. They just weren't anything special. I admit, I used to work at Fuddruckers where the beef is fresh ground and pattied every day so maybe my opinion is skewed, but let me present some facts.

Stax doesn't ask you how you would like your burger cooked. For a burger this big, that is odd. All of our burgers came out medium well to well done. Personally, I think the more you cook beef the less flavor it has.

I asked for lettuce on my burger, and on a half pound of beef I got one leaf of romaine lettuce. A leaf from the center of the bunch, so it barely covered half the patty.

As I mentioned, Maryann went for the pretzel roll. It seemed like an interesting twist, but she said it wasn't anything particularly earth shattering. Good bread usually makes good sandwiches and this roll didn't add anything to the flavor. We had a friend from the convention sitting with us who agreed with this assessment.

Speaking of bread, these burgers were completely opposite of the "Where's the Beef?" days. These were more like where's the bun? Especially the bottom half which was so small, it became soggy and fell apart making the burger hard to eat unless you had a fork and knife.

Overall, the only thing which makes Stax stand out from the crowd is the size of the burgers, and in these days of over portioning I am not sure it should be considered a plus.

Whatever Happened to Jello Pudding Pops?

We had some egg nog left over from Christmas which had an expiration date of sometime in February. Okay, I admit, scary, but we can save that discussion for another time.

Lou was a little scared as well when he saw me drinking some. "Is that still good?!?!" He asked me accusingly.

"Sure, look at the expiration date." I answered.

He checked it out, because obviously he thought I had lost my mind, but then he came up with an idea. If you know, Lou, you know he is the idea man. He decided we should freeze the rest of the egg nog in cups because it would taste, "...just like a Jello pudding pop!" Brilliant!

So we did, we froze the egg nog, and I have to admit, Lou was right. Our newly frozen treats did taste just like pudding pops. Notice Lou doing his best Cosby face as he enjoys the pop!

The enjoyment of our tasty treats brought us to the obvious question. Whatever happened to Jello Pudding Pops??? I decided to look it up in Google today. I mean Google knows everything right? Well not this. What I found is there are a lot of people who want to know where they went, but no one really knows the answer. One person says you can get them at Walmart, but they don't taste as good. One person said Kraft used to make them but Popsicle does now, but again, they don't taste as good. I found a recipe to make them at home. I found a petition to bring back the originals, and I found a fairly incoherent rambling I am sure was written in the middle of the night by a stoner with the munchies who was jonesin' for a pudding pop.

Our recipe for pudding pops?

Plastic cups

Egg Nog

Freezer

Popsicle sticks, or in our case, plastic knives, not the safest of ideas, but we were in a bind!

Pour Egg Nog into Plastic cups. Freeze. Put a stick in once slushy and freeze until solid.

Hey we like things quick and simple around here.

Breaking Bread with Friends and Family

I need to give a shout out to everyone who cooked for Lou and I over the holiday season. We have a lot of great friends and family who took the time to cook us wonderful meals. Nothing can compare to sitting down at a table, having good conversation, and breaking bread with the people you love. Especially when the meal is home cooked. So turn off the TV people! Invite some friends over and have a home cooked meal!!!!

Dana- We will be your guinea pigs for new recipes anytime. The crepes were tres bon!

Mom- You give me a run for the money in the best paella contest. We will have to battle it out Bobby Flay, throw down style in the summer!

Galen and Chris- Who knew adding a Italian bread crumbs to catfish could create such a taste sensation? You two always feed us well and we are grateful!

Gaby- Here's to our last meal of 2009 and helping us ring in the new year. The salmon, rosemary potatoes, salad and peas with portabellos were outstanding. Being able to watch you prepare it with such obvious care was a bonus. Like my own live food network show.

May the new year bring you and yours many occasions to break bread together.

Yes you CAN AFFORD that fancy restaurant, just be creative!

We all know eating out is not the most economically friendly decision when it comes to our own finances, but I am writing a blog based on my visits to different restaurants. I need to figure out a way to afford it, otherwise there would be nothing to read. Here are some of the things I have taken more notice of in Boston since I started blogging.

A lot of restaurants are aware the economy is affecting their sales so they have come up with discounted dinner menus on slower nights to draw people in.

Moo0...

15 Beacon Street

Boston, Ma

Menu: Steakhouse, but also serve chicken and fish

Kid Friendly: Leave the kids at home

Atmosphere: Upscale, Fancy, impeccable service

Moo0..., a phenomenal steakhouse in the bottom of XV Beacon has a special menu Sunday and Monday nights. $35 a person for a three course meal, plus complimentary valet! That is a steal for a place like this. Most menus a limited to three choices, but usually include a steak, fish, or pasta option. Pair it with dessert and an appetizer, and it's a pretty good deal. That price is better than one entree any other night at Moo.

Also at Moo everyday in the bar from 5:30 pm on they have $15 entrees and $7.50 appetizers. Hey, if you don't mind sitting at the bar you are basically getting 1/2 off the price of your meal.

Here's a huge hint for Mooo... Have a party of 4 and want to impress your friends? Call a few days ahead and request table #36 in the back corner. It's the best table in the house with great winged back chairs to add to the ambiance!

Another great restaurant which has a special menu on Sundays is Harvest. I wrote a review on this restaurant earlier in my blog, but we were lucky enough to return for Lou's mom's birthday. The design of the special menu is similar to Moo, $35 for a three course meal. The portions were definitely smaller than what you usually get ala carte, but American's portions are out of whack anyway, and the sizes of these dishes were perfect. Lou and I both started off with salads. We then moved onto entrees, I got a fish dish and he got the mushroom ravioli. Both dishes were excellent. I swiped one of the special menus that night to ensure I got the proper descriptions on my blog of the food, but unfortunately, I can't find it. That's what I get for thieving their menu! You will just have to enjoy a few pictures:)

We finished our meals with a grapefruit sorbet, and pear tartlet. I used to work in JP Licks and a woman came in one day and told me the sorbet was "superb". I thought, I don't know if I would ever have a reason to use that word? but eating Harvest's grapefruit sorbet that night, sure made me think superb. It was perfection.

If you have a restaurant you have been wanting to try, like the ones I mention above, but think it is out of your budget, go on line or call and ask them if they have a special menu certain nights.

Another way to enjoy a restaurant you think may be out of your price range is to try it during restaurant week. There is a Summer and a Winter restaurant week in Boston each year. This winter there are two weeks. From March 14th thru the 19th & 21st thru the 26th. Restaurants who participate in these weeks will put together discounted menus which usually include 3 to 4 courses. Type in Boston Restaurant Week 2010 into your search engine to learn more.

Bouchee Brasserie

159 Newbury Street

Boston, Ma

Menu: French inspired fare

Kid Friendly: Sure

Atmosphere: Casual or dressed depending on time of day

My last tip on enjoying a fancier restaurant at a more reasonable price is go during lunch! A lot of places will serve the same menu or portions of their menu for discounted prices at lunch. Bouchee on Newbury St. is one such place. Lou and I were out with our good friend, Kat a few weeks ago and we were all yearning for a really good meal, so we popped into this self described urban brasserie and were pleasantly surprised to find a more affordable lunch menu. I had an outstanding French Onion soup and a side of Pomme Frites. Yes, I know, they are French fries, but they just sound more delicious. I think I fool myself into thinking they taste more delicious too and are better for me! Kat had the Sauteed Cod which came with creamed corn and duxelle stuffed crepes. I didn't taste it, but judging by the way Kat scarfed it down, I would say it was really good. The prices at Bouchee average about $10 cheaper at lunch. If you want outstanding and entertaining service ask for James to be your server. I don't know how to describe his style of service, but I assure you it adds to the atmosphere.

That's all I have as tips for now, but here's hoping at least one of them allows you to enjoy a place you've been wanting to go to.

Big Apple Donut vs. The Paramount

Big Apple Donut Shop

Corner of Thorton and Broadway

Brooklyn, NY

vs.

The Paramount

44 Charles Street

Boston, Ma

If you haven't noticed by now, Lou and I like to eat breakfast out. Most people have a go to place for breakfast, but we try to get around and besides I am writing a food blog! I need variety to give all my wonderful readers choices, Right?

During the holiday there were two new places we went to breakfast. I was going to write about them separately, but then I started to think why not compare the two?

In the blue corner is The Paramount Beacon Hill, Boston, MA http://www.paramountboston.com/

In the red corner is The Big Apple Donut Shop Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY

http://bushwickbk.com/2009/03/16/get-what-you-pay-for-at-the-big-apple/

The Paramount is a well known place in Boston's Beacon Hill, a very posh neighborhood in the heart of Boston. We found this place for breakfast because it has a great reputation. It's won Best of Boston recognition for it's brunch, so we decided to bring my parents there during their visit.

The Big Apple Donut Shop we stumbled upon New Year's Day outside our friend's apt. in Brooklyn. We were on our way to McDonald's and realized it was after 11, and we couldn't get breakfast. We walked outside to find the Donut Shop across the street calling our name.

The Paramount serves it's brunch cafeteria style. You get into line, the menu is above the grills. All food is cooked to order, but it comes out very quickly. Nothing fancy on the menu, just typical brunch fare. Eggs your way, pancakes, french toast, toast, homefries, fresh fruit... Once you have your food, you seat yourself, or if you have a large party, someone has probably snagged a table while you order for them. Seating is tight, but there are about 30 seats at tables and lots of two tops!!! If you read my post on Terrie's you know I am a fan of the two top in small places.

The Donut shop is seat yourself and wait for a waitress. There is a long counter, and several two and four tops throughout. We sat at the counter. It took a long time for the waitress to take our order, but it was New Year's day and the sign said they serve breakfast until 11 and it was well past that, and they were still serving it, so I cut them some slack since it wasn't a typical day.

Both places were clean, but I would be lying if I said they were comparable.

The Paramount is all exposed brick and brushed metal tables and chairs. The lighting is beautiful. The neighborhood is swanky. There is little diversity.

The Donut Shop was old and probably could use an update, but you could tell it was run by a husband and wife team, and she was running around, ringing, taking orders, and ensuring this place was a clean as she could get it. The shop is located under an elevated train, and the area is dark. It isn't the most beautiful of areas, but it is an up and coming New York neighborhood, and a huge melting pot.

Two eggs with homefries, toast and bacon or sausage, and coffee at the Parmount is $8 minus the meat $6

Two eggs with homefries, toast and bacon or sausage and orange, juice coffee or tea at the Donut Shop was $5.95 , $3.95 without the meat.

At the Paramount, I got an omelet with feta, tomato and spinach. It was a nice size, came with homefries and toast. The homefries were a little under cooked for my taste. I don't think many restaurants get them right. The omelet was good, and Lou got fresh fruit which was very fresh (sans that green strawberry in the pic below!) and a nice addition.

At the Donut Shop I got two eggs scrambled with homefries and toast. The two eggs seemed more like 4 and the homefries had a crispy exterior just the way I like them.

At the end of this, I thought I would choose a winner, but have decided it all comes down to personal preference. Is it worth the extra $2 a person to sit in a posher place and eat the same food? True the service was slower at the Donut Shop, but The Paramount is self serve and I am still paying $2 extra. I guess you could argue, with tip, I am paying the same in the end, and besides these places aren't anywhere near each other, so it isn't like they are competing for your business!

I guess I thought it would interesting to compare them because breakfast everywhere is so similar, but these two places were clearly very different.

I think a lot of people would choose the atmosphere at the Paramount. Exposed brick, nice lighting, fancy tables, but for me, I think the Donut Shop was much more interesting. I found myself wondering about the lives of the people sitting around me, what they had done last night, what brought them here?, but, hey the service was slow, what else did I have to do to pass the time?

I will leave it up to you to decide, but on one final note, where can I get breakfast for $3.95 in Boston???

There's nothing like a New York Bagel even if you get it in Jersey

The Bagel Club

20 Commerce Street

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-806-6022

Menu: Bagels! and all kinds of things made with them

Atmosphere: In and out, a few tables, quick, casual

Kid Friendly: Yes I think I've even seen a high chair

Price: Cheap good eats

Three blog entries in one day?!?!?! Sorry for the overload, but I am determined to catch up, and this will be a quickie.

It always boggles my mind that bagels in Jersey and New York taste so completely different than bagels in Boston. It's only about 3 1/2 hours from NYC to Beantown, where did the recipe get lost? or is there just such a huge rivalry between the cities that New Yorkers will never allow Bostonians to have a good bagel in their home town?

Whatever the reason, Boston bagels just aren't the same.

One of my favorite places to get bagels is The Bagel Club in Flemington, NJ. It's right off the main road that goes thru town, rt. 202, and is hidden behind the 7-11 located next to Shop Rite.

When Lou and I go to NJ he will often take the bus into NYC and work for a few days. We always start the morning off with a trip to the Bagel Club to share breakfast together before I take him to the bus. The Bagel Club has every bagel imaginable as well as various cream cheeses. There is nothing fancy about this place, just good bagels and quick service in the morning to get the day started off well.

My favorite? Salt Bagel, Cream Cheese!

All Chinese food is not created equal

Golden Temple

1651 Beacon Street

Brookline, Ma 02445

617-277-9722

Menu: Upscale Chinese

Atmosphere: Sophisticated, Fun, Intimate, great for celebrations, special family dinners

Kid Friendly: Sure if your kids eat chinese

Prices: Expensive so you might want to wait for a special occasion, but worth every penny.

I don't know where the tradition of getting Chinese food for Christmas Eve and or New's Year's Eve came from, but I think it is one of the better ones.

This year, I mentioned, my parents came to Boston to experience Christmas with Lou and I. We followed tradition by going to church on Christmas Eve and then heading to Golden Temple in Brookline for Chinese.

Before I get into Golden Temple, I have to give a shout out to the guy who sang at Mass Christmas Eve. I don't know what his name is, but he was unbelievable, so good in fact, Lou wanted to ask why he wasn't signed yet. So if you're reading this guy who sang at St. Bridget's 4 pm Christmas Eve Mass, go after that record deal!

Now back to the food. Ever since I can remember, my dad has questioned, why pay more money for Chinese food at one place as compared to another? Isn't it all just the same? I agreed with him for years until I went to the Temple.

Golden Temple has been in Brookline for years. From their website, I can't tell how long it has been around, but Lou says he remembers going when he was young, so lets say at least 20? When you walk into the building you would never think it has been there as long as it has. The dining areas and bar are always maintained beautifully. All tables, chairs, bathrooms are up to date. If someone told me this was a new place, I wouldn't question it.

The main dining room is a work of art. When I sit in it, I feel like I am inside a beautifully carved, Asian inspired ship. It doesn't look like a ship, but the influence is definitely in the design. If this is your first time at Golden Temple, ask to sit in this main section. The second dining room as the bar in it. It has a double duty, dining room by day. E Room by night. The E Room it transforms into has a DJ, and small dance floor. This room also has the ship influence in the form of large round areas on the wall and a half circle shape. It has higher ceilings, and movable tables so the feeling is not quite as intimate as the other side, but the architecture is equally as stunning.

When you go to Golden Temple, it would be a poor decision not to start with one of their libations. Their Mai Tai's are the best I've ever had, and if you like something with a bit more juice but the same bang, try the Goombay Splash. One of these and you will ask your date why he/she is talking so funny. They also offer the "No Whammy" versions of their drinks. My mom got a really tasty fruity concoction that she loved. Sorry Golden Temple, I can't remember the name!

I have to admit, this trip to the Temple with my parents was a long time coming. Lou and I go there a few times a year, and every time we say we've got to bring my parents there. Mainly we wanted to debunk my dad's Chinese food theory, and it looks like we were successful.

This trip we got:

Crab Rangoons, only rangoons I have ever tasted with REAL crab in them.

Pork Pot stickers steamed. Six come to an order, and they are perfect everytime.

The Scallion Pancake, okay JP Seafood wins hands down for this, but Golden Temple's is a close second.

General Tso's Chicken, big pieces of tenderly juicy chicken. Best General I have had.

Vegetable Tempura, theirs is always light and fried perfectly with a good array of veggies, and my mom had us try ,

Gai Kew With Shrimp. This dish was Shrimp and Chicken sautéed with shittake mushcrooms, snow peas and Chinese Vegetables in a light oyster sauce. This is definitely a dish we will be ordering again.

So what really sets Golden Temple apart? To sum it up I would say a commitment to excellence. The ingredients they use are always fresh. The food comes out within minutes of ordering it. We've never ordered a dish we didn't love, and duck sauce, soy sauce, and hot mustard are served plentifully on the table in a fueng shui array of bowls. The wait staff is on top of every detail at your table, from filling up water glasses to changing out dishes between courses. The dining area is a work of art to sit in and even the glassware is beautiful. Is it a little more expensive? Yes, but it is worth every penny.

Don't wait for the eve of your next holiday to enjoy Golden Temple, it's open all year!

AW YEAH The Plough and Stars

The Plough & Stars

912 Mass. Ave

Cambridge, Ma 02139

617-576-0032

Menu: Mon thru Sat. menu is eclectic with some bar food, some New England faves, and some ethnic choices. Sunday is Chicken and Fish Fry night!

Atmosphere: Laid Back, casual dress. Bar and music

Prices: Great for the City. Two meals with drinks was $34

Kid Friendly: You might be able to sneak them in for some chicken, but it is a bar.

Sunday night was a last hurrah of the holiday season as we headed out to the Plough and Stars in Cambridge. Zev and Maureen asked us to go and then our friends Nate and Addie and Gretchen and Mike joined us.The Plough and Stars is on Mass. Ave in Cambridge and is a small corner bar near Central Square. There is seating for about 30 to 40 people along one wall and in the front, and then there is a bar along the other wall with room in the back for a small band. It is a casual setting great for hanging out with good friends enjoying good drinks and great food.

This place has a regular menu they serve Monday through Saturday, but Sunday night is Chicken and Fish Fry night. You sit where you like, you order at the bar, and they bring some pretty damn good chicken and catfish to your table along with sides that are just as tasty.

You can order ala carte. Lou got two drumsticks and a side of cheddar grits, or you can order one of their dinner options. I went for the Chesty Morgan, refrain from jokes please, 2 breasts, collard greens, and cheddar grits or fries. I got the grits as well.

When I first heard fried chicken, I thought, oh well, not the healthiest of meals, but then my dinner arrived. This chicken has the lightest yet tastiest of batters on it. If you want extra crispy, go to KFC. If you want some delicious, light, moist chicken with delicious light coating, come here. Lou thought it was the best fried chicken he had ever had. The goodness didn't end there though. The collard greens were perfect, and the cheesy grits....Oh my. I don't even like grits usually. I would eat a bucket of these if I could, and as a bonus two pieces of corn bread come with every meal. Addie ordered the catfish and was nice enough to let Lou and I have a taste. The catfish is how anything blackened should taste. It was moist, had a distinct blackened flavor and was topped lightly with a remoulade sauce. The best part of all is the price. All chicken meals are $10 the catfish is $12. Not bad for the city, free music, awesome food, and great atmosphere.

The Plough and Stars also has a great drink menu. I had a Dunkel Weiss. Lou had a Magner's. I also notice Chimay Rouge on the menu, and Red Stripe. They had something for every drinker's taste, along with a full bar.

This place even had live music. A three piece blues band started at about 9 pm, The Frank Morey Band. Not too loud for conversation to still take place but added to the already cool, laid back environment. Their own website describes them as Blues and folk. Lou pointed out they had a Delta blues vibe. It was a nice addition to the night.

As we closed out the evening, we were all stalling leaving this place. Part of it I am sure was the fact the holidays were over, and most of us were heading back to work in the morning, but our good time at the Plough and Stars didn't make it any easier to leave. I think we will have to show up earlier next time, stay longer, and eat more chicken!

New Year, New Posts!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

I had all these visions of blogging during my holiday break and they fell by the wayside. I now know, time off during the holidays, visiting with family and friends, and blogging don't necessarily mix!! I don't usually make resolutions, but this week I resolve to catch up on all the posts I have been putting off.

Come back for a look at the Plough and Stars' Sunday night Fried Chicken and Fish Fry, Special menu's and cheap eats at some of the places you may have thought were out of your price range in Boston, and proof that all Chinese food is not created equal.

We were very lucky this Christmas to spend the day in our home with my parents sharing it with us. It was the first time I have ever been in my own home for Christmas, and it was perfect.

This year our holiday was all about relaxing and spending time with family and good friends.

In 2010 may you drink more, eat more and be a lot more merrier!!!