Coppatweeted about their extruded pasta this weekend and just thinking about the dish that we've enjoyed a couple of times over the past month made my mouth water. That would seem to qualify it for a best bite.
They said, "#rigatoni from our pasta extruder. Come in tonight to for handmade pasta that's as fresh as it gets! pic.twitter.com/8Yalf9uMKw."
We say: You can taste the pasta. The flavor of the pasta, its texture and shape are important elements of the dish. Ours was sauced with Brambly Farm pork ragu, sage, and pecorino. However, this kitchen has an ever-changing menu so you may be tempted by a different combination. Don't resist that temptation.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Coppatweeted about their extruded pasta this weekend and just thinking about the dish that we've enjoyed a couple of times over the past month made my mouth water. That would seem to qualify it for a best bite.
They said, "#rigatoni from our pasta extruder. Come in tonight to for handmade pasta that's as fresh as it gets! pic.twitter.com/8Yalf9uMKw."
We say: You can taste the pasta. The flavor of the pasta, its texture and shape are important elements of the dish. Ours was sauced with Brambly Farm pork ragu, sage, and pecorino. However, this kitchen has an ever-changing menu so you may be tempted by a different combination. Don't resist that temptation.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Unlike many special occasion days, more restaurants are featuring their regular menus for Dad with a few specials added in some places.
Our picks: We looked at our selections from last year and think they all still stand.
On chowhound, one contributor said that, “Island Creek is the one to beat these days…” We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven’t given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here’s a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.
Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!)
And, if you’re going to Dad’s house, consider ordering take out from Sweet Cheeks. We had our first take out from there recently and were very pleased. Ask Dad to turn on his oven for a quick reheat the right way and arrive with great food in hand.
Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:
And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Unlike many special occasion days, more restaurants are featuring their regular menus for Dad with a few specials added in some places.
Our picks: We looked at our selections from last year and think they all still stand.
On chowhound, one contributor said that, “Island Creek is the one to beat these days…” We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven’t given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here’s a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.
Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!)
And, if you’re going to Dad’s house, consider ordering take out from Sweet Cheeks. We had our first take out from there recently and were very pleased. Ask Dad to turn on his oven for a quick reheat the right way and arrive with great food in hand.
Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:
And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Unlike many special occasion days, more restaurants are featuring their regular menus for Dad with a few specials added in some places.
Our picks: We looked at our selections from last year and think they all still stand.
On chowhound, one contributor said that, “Island Creek is the one to beat these days…” We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven’t given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here’s a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.
Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!)
And, if you’re going to Dad’s house, consider ordering take out from Sweet Cheeks. We had our first take out from there recently and were very pleased. Ask Dad to turn on his oven for a quick reheat the right way and arrive with great food in hand.
Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:
And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Living each day to the fullest means taking advantage of our freelance lifestyle and launching "patio season" when a beautiful day presents itself. That means, we spent one afternoon last week enjoying the sunshine and culinary delights on the patio at Coppa in the South End.
We can never resist Coppa's, "Meatballs al Forno / Wood roasted meatballs with tomato gravy." Every speck of that zesty sauce was sopped up with good bread.
To salute spring we selected both their, "Bruschetta di Fave / Fava bean crostini with feta and pecorino," and "Asparagi al Forno / Wood oven asparagus with Lebanese tahini vinaigrette and za’atar." Again, the plate was wiped clean and experiments with tahini as a base for salad dressing have begun in our kitchen. You have to love a chef who sends cooking inspiration home with you.
Plates of Duck Prosciutto, and "Tuna Crudo / Sicilian olives, radishes and olive brine dashi," are two more repeat favorites from past visits.
With a bit of prosecco left in our glasses and a desire to linger in the sun on this beautiful day, we finished the meal with a lovely selection of cheeses.
Earlier this year, a Boston visitor on Chowhound asked where to go for one lunch in Boston and Penny recommended Coppa. The follow-up comment from that poster said, "We went to Coppa… I think this was about the closest thing to a perfect lunch that I've ever had. Wish I had a second stomach."
For more about our food adventures, visitFood & Drink.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Living each day to the fullest means taking advantage of our freelance lifestyle and launching "patio season" when a beautiful day presents itself. That means, we spent one afternoon last week enjoying the sunshine and culinary delights on the patio at Coppa in the South End.
We can never resist Coppa's, "Meatballs al Forno / Wood roasted meatballs with tomato gravy." Every speck of that zesty sauce was sopped up with good bread.
To salute spring we selected both their, "Bruschetta di Fave / Fava bean crostini with feta and pecorino," and "Asparagi al Forno / Wood oven asparagus with Lebanese tahini vinaigrette and za’atar." Again, the plate was wiped clean and experiments with tahini as a base for salad dressing have begun in our kitchen. You have to love a chef who sends cooking inspiration home with you.
Plates of Duck Prosciutto, and "Tuna Crudo / Sicilian olives, radishes and olive brine dashi," are two more repeat favorites from past visits.
With a bit of prosecco left in our glasses and a desire to linger in the sun on this beautiful day, we finished the meal with a lovely selection of cheeses.
Earlier this year, a Boston visitor on Chowhound asked where to go for one lunch in Boston and Penny recommended Coppa. The follow-up comment from that poster said, "We went to Coppa… I think this was about the closest thing to a perfect lunch that I've ever had. Wish I had a second stomach."
For more about our food adventures, visitFood & Drink.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Living each day to the fullest means taking advantage of our freelance lifestyle and launching "patio season" when a beautiful day presents itself. That means, we spent one afternoon last week enjoying the sunshine and culinary delights on the patio at Coppa in the South End.
We can never resist Coppa's, "Meatballs al Forno / Wood roasted meatballs with tomato gravy." Every speck of that zesty sauce was sopped up with good bread.
To salute spring we selected both their, "Bruschetta di Fave / Fava bean crostini with feta and pecorino," and "Asparagi al Forno / Wood oven asparagus with Lebanese tahini vinaigrette and za’atar." Again, the plate was wiped clean and experiments with tahini as a base for salad dressing have begun in our kitchen. You have to love a chef who sends cooking inspiration home with you.
Plates of Duck Prosciutto, and "Tuna Crudo / Sicilian olives, radishes and olive brine dashi," are two more repeat favorites from past visits.
With a bit of prosecco left in our glasses and a desire to linger in the sun on this beautiful day, we finished the meal with a lovely selection of cheeses.
Earlier this year, a Boston visitor on Chowhound asked where to go for one lunch in Boston and Penny recommended Coppa. The follow-up comment from that poster said, "We went to Coppa… I think this was about the closest thing to a perfect lunch that I've ever had. Wish I had a second stomach."
For more about our food adventures, visitFood & Drink.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Would your Dad love to get his hands into some great BBQ at Sweet Cheeks Q?
For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.
Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.
Boston Chef's has a special list from their members. Updated info: June 10th!
Our picks:
On chowhound recently, one contributor said that, "Island Creek is the one to beat these days…" We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven't given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here's a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.
Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:
Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:
And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his wish list. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Happy diners eating outside at La Voile and at Tasty Burger. (Warning: There's music on La Voile's site.)
Students studying on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
Lots of spring plants sprouting in Back Bay gardens. The snowdrops have been up for weeks and some crocuses, pansies, and heather are already in bloom.
(Click a thumbnail to choose an image in any order you like. You'll stay right here on this page.)
Sometimes the freelance life lets you stretch your long weekend by an extra day or, at least, fit in more fun around your work hours. It was that kind of weekend for us.
We began with a trip to Central Square, Cambridge for lunch on Thursday. The afternoon began at Mary Chung Restaurant for a bit of Szechuan heat. (Stay tuned! Details on that will pop up tomorrow.)
We strolled home with stops at Central Bottle to stock up on cheese, bread, beer, and wine for the weekend and Flour Bakery for two pieces of their fabulous Boston Cream Pie cake to honor a friend's birthday. (And, to tease him with another reason to miss Boston from his new home in San Francisco!)
Saturday, we shared a tray at Sweet Cheeks Q and added a new favorite side dish that will also be featured here in the days ahead.
We ran into lots of friends in lots of places and had some down time at home with a bit of great wine and home cooking. It was a good weekend to spend in town enjoying some of the great things Boston has to offer.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those add a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.