Tag: chowhound

  • Thanksgiving 2012 Dining Out in Boston

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    Time's running out to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal in one of the area's great restaurants.

    NOTE: This is an outdated post: Here is the 2015 Thanksgiving Dining resource page.

    This year, we're cooking and dining at home. But, our choice on past holidays has beenSel de la Terre on Boylston Street. Click here for our report on one of those meals. They do have a new chef but the standards set seem to be the same and we've enjoyed every meal there since the change.

    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. 

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this includes some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    Our top recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.


     


    Here are links to some 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.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are 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.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few offerings we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    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.

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  • Thanksgiving 2012 Dining Out in Boston

    IStock_000006975358XSmall

    Time's running out to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal in one of the area's great restaurants.

    NOTE: This is an outdated post: Here is the 2015 Thanksgiving Dining resource page.

    This year, we're cooking and dining at home. But, our choice on past holidays has beenSel de la Terre on Boylston Street. Click here for our report on one of those meals. They do have a new chef but the standards set seem to be the same and we've enjoyed every meal there since the change.

    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. 

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this includes some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    Our top recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.


     


    Here are links to some 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.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are 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.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few offerings we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Thanksgiving 2012 Dining Out in Boston

    IStock_000006975358XSmall

    Time's running out to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal in one of the area's great restaurants.

    NOTE: This is an outdated post: Here is the 2015 Thanksgiving Dining resource page.

    This year, we're cooking and dining at home. But, our choice on past holidays has beenSel de la Terre on Boylston Street. Click here for our report on one of those meals. They do have a new chef but the standards set seem to be the same and we've enjoyed every meal there since the change.

    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. 

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this includes some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    Our top recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.


     


    Here are links to some 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.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are 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.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few offerings we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • When Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2012) Falls on a Saturday…

    For the latest information, go to:

    When Saint Patrick's Day (March 17, 2013) Falls on a Sunday

    This year, Saint Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday so I was curious, would city and state workers in Suffolk County get Friday off or Monday? And will parking, trash, and liquor sales change for the day. You'll find those answers below.

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    I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the weekend date to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.

    Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?

    What are your traditions for his yearly festival of all things Irish? 

    Who makes your favorite brown bread or Irish soda bread? Scones?

    Are you going to the parade on Sunday?

    (Here's how to get there via the MBTA.)

    Will you be wearin' the green? 

    (Here's a post on where to buy or rent all sorts of wearables!)

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    Here are a bunch of Friday Links for Saint Patrick's Day

    Boston Chowhounds had two recent conversations about where to find the best, full Irish breakfast.

    Full Irish Breakfast

    Boston area breakfast recap (for this one, start from the bottom since Irish breakfast discussion is there)

    And, they're  talking about Corned Beef & Cabbage.

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    About your holiday questions

    According to the Secretary of State's website,  

    "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday." That means this year, no deal. Next year, they get Monday off!

    The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays that change parking regulations or trash pick up, so feed those meters and stick to your trash schedule. 

    Basically, everything is open. But, in the past the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. Here's a Boston.com story on that from last year.

    Related Posts:

    Irish Breakfast at the Squealing Pig

    Matt Murphy's Pub Saves the Day

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    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2011 Penny  Cherubino  

    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.

  • March for Zeppole di San Giuseppe!

    We launched our Zeppole di San Giuseppe season on Friday with freshly-filled examples from Maria's Pastry Shop in the North End.

    Where do you buy your Zeppole? Let us know. We have a couple of weeks of tastings ahead! Here's a 2010 discussion of where area chowhounds march to for zeppole.

    DSC_2070 - Version 22012-03-02-Zeppole-di-San-Giuseppe-marias-pastry-boston-north-end-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    "Traditional?" was the question when we requested two Zeppole. "Yes, traditional!" we replied. We'll let the folks at Maria's describe what they mean by tradition when it comes to Zeppole.

    "Saint Joseph Day (March 19th), Zeppole — Beginning the end of January, Maria prepares this Sicilan speciality known as the 'Zeppola di San Giuseppe.' A light egg dough fried to a soft shell filled with either ricotta cheese, whipped cream or the traditional filling of vanilla custard cream and amaretta cherries. You won’t be able to get enough, but beware. Once March 19th, passes…they’re gone!"

    DSC_2070 - Version 32012-03-02-Zeppole-di-San-Giuseppe-marias-pastry-boston-north-end-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Normally, we recommend eating these goodies on the spot. After all, Maria's takes the time to put them together fresh for each customer. But, we needed to walk off some of our lunch before indulging. Since they were so fresh, we knew they would still be outstanding by the time we reached home. 

    DSC_2070 - Version 42012-03-02-Zeppole-di-San-Giuseppe-marias-pastry-boston-north-end-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Maria's had not failed us. The zeppole arrived home in outstanding condition with a crisp, flakey pastry shell and nice layers of custard and cherries. A careful carry home by Penny had even protected the lovely pastry bag swirls in the custard. 

    Here are our Zeppole chronicles from past years:

    It's Zeppole Day!

    Zeppole from Modern Pastry

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    Details:

    Maria's Pastry Shop

    46 Cross Street, Boston Ma 02113 (Map and reviews)

    617-523-1196

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino  

  • Mary Chung Dun Dun Noodle Craving– Satisfied!

    IMG_4675 - Version 22012-02-16-mary-chung-dan dan-noodles-chicken-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    All you have to say is Mary Chung and Penny starts craving Dun Dun Noodles. (The noodles are hiding under all that lovely, spicy topping in the photo above.)

    Last week, the crew over on Boston Chowhound began a discussion of Chinese and Chinese-American food, so of course Mary Chung was included. That was enough to put it on our lunch list. We arrived at 12:30 pm and had to wait a few minutes for a table. It's good to see an old favorite still filling the seats on a Thursday afternoon.

    We're convinced that the Sichuan pepper in those Dun Dun noodles is addictive. It numbs your mouth just enough to make you receptive to the chili oil and other heat-makers in the dish. You have to make yourself stop reaching for the noodle bowl so you can try the other dishes on the table. 

    IMG_4673 - Version 22012-02-16-mary-chung-aspargus-pork-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In our case, this included one of the daily specials, this wonderful, fresh, crisp plate of aspargus and pork. While the printed menu is giant, always check the daily specials taped to the register area up front. 

    IMG_4664 - Version 22012-02-16-mary-chung-stir fry-peking-ravioli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, we did have to take home the leftovers because we couldn't resist starting with the pan fried Peking ravioli.  

    This Central Square, Cambridge institution has been delivering great Chinese food for years. Reviewers mention that it's been around since the early 1980s. And, this is a perfect place to gather a group and fill one of the big round tables with shared food. 

    Do you have a favorite Mary Chung menu item? Please tell us, we want to get out of our ordering rut and work our way through the menu!

    Tips:

    • Check those specials.
    • They do a type of Dim Sum on weekends.
    • You can reserve a table for a group, and if you want it on a weekend, call early.
    • Order rice if you want it.
    • They only take cash so come prepared.
    • They do serve beer and wine, but somehow the pots of tea they put on the table seem perfect with the food.

    Related Posts: Here's more about Food & Drink!

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    Details:

    Mary Chung Restaurant

    464 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4132 (map & reviews)

    (617) 864-1991

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    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.

  • Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    IMG_0922 - Version 32011-12-29-sweet-cheeks-Q-brisket-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We're enjoying slipping into Sweet Cheeks Q for lunch. If you're one of the fortunate few who has today as a holiday, add to the fun with lunch at this new spot in the Fenway. It could make your day.

    Our latest shared tray was Great Northern Brisket with a cold scoop of potato salad and a hot scoop of broccoli cheese casserole. The usual pile of onions, pickles, and white bread rounded out the meal. 

    We admit that we are not experts in BBQ. We're New Englanders through-and-through and haven't experienced the many styles of smoked, slow-cooked meat that the experts love to discuss. We do, however, love great food and this tray falls squarely within our guidelines for delicious. 

    If you're from brisket country or have very set expectations for a serving of smoked beef, you should read the discussions over on Chowhound's Boston board about this offering. You'll also learn more about the other menu items people had, what they loved, and what they didn't. 

    But, if you just want to try some good food and prefer carefully-sourced high-quality, full-flavored BBQ meat, you can head to Boyston Street and enjoy this brisket.

    Here are a few more of our visits to Sweet Cheeks Q:

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

     

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    Details:

    Sweet Cheeks

    www.sweetcheeksq.com

    1381 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215 (map)
    phone: 617-266-1300 
    email: info@sweetcheeksq.com


    Words:  Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

    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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining in Boston 2011

    You've Reached an Old Post! Go to:

    UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

     

    It's time to make your reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays.

    If you have inside info on a local restaurant's plans or a favorite Christmas Holiday tradition, add it in the comments below!

    IStock_000002198510XSmallWhat's open on Christmas Eve?

    This year Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday night. A quick check of Open Table for a 9 pm reservation found far more restaurants open than I might have expected. 

    As with any holiday reservation ask what is being offered. Some places will present their normal menu, some will have a restricted prix fixe, and some will add special items inspired by the holiday. And, don't be surprised if a non-refundable deposit and credit card number are required to make a reservation.

    Holiday Traditions

    Our friend, Jackie Blombach and her husband always have Tea at the Taj on Christmas Eve. She calls it, "My Favorite two hours of Christmas!"

    Traditional Feast

    If you hurry and grab one of the spots at the table, you could indulge in the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes at Grotto and sister restaurant Marliave. (Both will also offer a limited menu in addition to the feast.) The Grotto website says:

    "The Feast of Seven Fishes, a traditional meal served on Christmas Eve throughout Italy. The Feast dates back centuries and the common belief is that participating in the Feast will bring good luck and fortune in the year to come. Marliave and Grotto will once again be offering our version of The Feast of Seven Fishes. The Feast is served over three courses and utilizes the great abundance of seafood available to us in Boston… " 

    Need a Holiday Food Break?

    If you need a break from the whole Christmas scene, you could wander through Chinatown and enjoy an alternative to the traditional holiday menus. And, if Chinatown isn't quite the fit for your gang, but you would like to nibble your way through an Asian feast, we suggest Meyers+Chang on Washington Street in the South End. Chef Joanne Chang is planning to add some special treats for that night but assures us we will be able to enjoy an evening of great Asian food.

    What Boston Area Restaurants are Open on Christmas ?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:

    More information after these features from AMAZON.

               

    If information like this is helpful to you, vote for more of it with your shopping dollars by beginning all your Amazon shopping at BostonZest. Just click on any Amazon link or ad and start shopping for what you want. It doesn't cost you anymore, but it pays for the work we do.

    More information and reservations:

    Here's Open Table's Christmas Day page but remember, you can go to their main Boston page and request a reservation for the 24th, 25th, or 26th and see the full list of options for the time you prefer.

    Boston Chefs has set up recaps for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

    Subscribe to the comment feed of this post or follow us on Twitter, and we'll notify you of updates. So far, the ChowHounds and Trip Advisor crews haven't had much to say on the topic, but we'll post links if a good conversation from one of these forums gets started. 

    Details: 

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.