We are missing the Jamaican Patties we enjoy in Provincetown and are now on the hunt for the best of Boston's offerings of this savory meat pie.
In Provincetown, we pick up a few at Far Land Provisions and heat them as a quick snack or to accompany a salad as a meal.
The flaky example above is from Izzy's on the corner of Windsor and Harvard Streets in Cambridge (map). We grabbed a few to go and enjoyed a great, quick lunch after a morning round of food shopping in Somerville and Cambridge.
We're making a list of the places where we will order upcoming Jamaican Patties or as some people call them Jamaican Meat Pies. We've done our research and will report back, but we'd love your opinions.
Most of the Jamaican Patties served in Boston come from major suppliers like the Tower Isles version shown above. Look for lettering on them, which may be obscured by the flaking of the crust.
Even with the commercial versions, the way a particular place prepares and holds the patties does make a difference to the quality.
Who serves great versions of this Caribbean classic? Do you know of places that make their own from scratch? Do you have a favorite frozen version and where do you buy those?
Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers market friends at their outdoor spots. Our Friday Links today will take you to your favorite markets for the 2016 spring to fall season.
On the day I took this photo, I learned that the Stillman stand at the Boston Public Market would be expanding around the corner!
First, The News!
This year there will be a second day for the South End/SoWa Farmers Market on Harrison Avenue. You can shop for local food at this popular venue on both Saturdays and Sundays this season.
The Boston Public Market now serves Bostonians as their primary year-round farmers market. Beginning on July 18th, this local food marketplace will be open 7 days a week – an increase from the current 5 days.
Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations:
May Markets
Boston Public Market: Wednesdays through Sundays year-round increasing to daily beginning July 18th
If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers market, please tell us in a comment or send us an emailand we'll add it as an update to this post.
We use and highly recommend a Rolser Shopping Trolley for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.
Those in the know already have reservations for Easter brunch and dinner. This is one of the big days for dining out, and popular restaurants will fill their tables for Sunday, March 27, 2016, quickly.
First up, the list of places that organize information about Easter reservations and special offerings:
Open Table seems to have the most complete information, and you can click right through to make reservations. They also give you some idea of prices and special menus. And you'll find a few places that are offering their regular menus as well.
Next, places we picked from these lists (we'll add more as we learn about particular offerings):
Erbaluce invites you to join them for an Easter Feast.
Bistro du Midi says, "For brunch we are only serving a three course prix fixe menu with 5 options per course for $55 pp. For dinner, join us for our a la carte menu and early spring specials." We say, you can plan a walk through the Public Garden after your meal.
To meet up with family who don't want to come into the city, consider AKA Bistro in Lincoln. We're happy to see that they're offering their regular brunch menu in addition to some Easter specials. The nearby deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the perfect place to walk off your brunch and take Easter photos.
Another good suburban/urban meeting place is La Morra in Brookline. They are serving a $38 prix fixe menu.
Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when some people would try to book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can cause the restaurant to turn away other potential customers and makes the venues require a deposit to hold a place.
One thing we would look for, if we were dining out on a holiday, is a place that is offering its regular menu for the day. That's always a plus for us. We're not fans of special menus.
If you know of places where the regular menu will be served, let us know. If it's a place we can recommend, we'll add it to our list. And we'll add updates and links to this post as we find them. Check back here or follow us on Twitter to learn about updates!
Opting Out of Easter
If this holiday stuff is really not part of your life, this is a great day to go ethnic. Chinatown will be wide open and filled with great menu options. Your neighborhood Indian, Korean, Chinese, or Persian restaurant will be happy to feed you. And most BBQ and Pizza places do not have Easter menus.
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Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino Photo: from iStockphoto.com
Start early if you want to plan a Valentine's Day meal that your loved one will remember.
This year, February 14th falls on a Sunday.
Just as you could last year, you have the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. A lovely Sunday brunch at a favorite spot is an option. You can follow that with a quiet dinner at home for two or a gathering of friends who are close to your heart.
Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. And, this year, we noticed more places offering that alternative.
This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus. Also, don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation and a cancellation fee.
If brunch is on your list, we recommend Coppa Enoteca. They say, "Join us for Valentine’s Day at Coppa. We will be offering our regular menu and specials with additional by the glass and by the bottle wine features."
Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above.
When a Valentine's Day Brunch or Dinner Is on the Menu …
Open Table has a list of restaurants and note if they have a special menu or if their regular menu is available. Fortunately, it looks like more places are going with their regular menu with some additions.
Boston Chefs has a list with some information at this link.
Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.
Updates will appear here as we find lists of ideas from reliable resources:
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!
And, since it was popular last year, we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2016 with friends and family around a brunch table.
We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
Is a walk to view skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.
You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.
The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.
We Do Recommend!
There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputations on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
Select Oyster Bar will serve a 7-course tasting menu. There are still a few seats left for a 6pm and 9pm seating.
Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and that kindness puts them high on our list.
Row 34 will serve their regular menu with a special addition: "Caviar and Champagne are the name of the game this New Year's Eve. Ossetra caviar and NV Krug Grand Cuvee are available for enjoying at cost …"
Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!
And, since it was popular last year, we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2016 with friends and family around a brunch table.
We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
Is a walk to view skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.
You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.
The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.
We Do Recommend!
There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputations on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
Select Oyster Bar will serve a 7-course tasting menu. There are still a few seats left for a 6pm and 9pm seating.
Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and that kindness puts them high on our list.
Row 34 will serve their regular menu with a special addition: "Caviar and Champagne are the name of the game this New Year's Eve. Ossetra caviar and NV Krug Grand Cuvee are available for enjoying at cost …"
Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?
There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.
Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.
What's Open on Christmas Eve?
There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Marliave,Grotto's sibling downtown will also hold in the festive fish feast. Kitchen and will be open offering the regular menu with a seafood theme for those who prefer an à la carte choice.
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.
Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.
But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?
There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.
Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.
What's Open on Christmas Eve?
There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Marliave,Grotto's sibling downtown will also hold in the festive fish feast. Kitchen and will be open offering the regular menu with a seafood theme for those who prefer an à la carte choice.
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.
Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.
But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.
We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.
Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?
Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.
The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.
Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.
La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.
Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.
A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available
Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details. Update: See Eater Boston's list on this topic below.
Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus.
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.
We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.
Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?
Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.
The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.
Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.
La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.
Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.
A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available
Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details. Update: See Eater Boston's list on this topic below.
Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus.
for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.
. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, 
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