{"id":1233,"date":"2015-06-26T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2015-06-26T10:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1233"},"modified":"2015-06-26T10:10:00","modified_gmt":"2015-06-26T10:10:00","slug":"boston-chowhounds-give-watertown-ethnic-market-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1233","title":{"rendered":"Boston Chowhounds Give Watertown Ethnic Markets Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are a regular reader or contributor to the Greater Boston Chowhound board,<\/a> you may have saved a link to a great conversation this month titled: Favorites from Watertown Markets?<\/a> <\/strong>(Map<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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This spice olive mix at Arax Market is a favorite with the BostonZest team.<\/em><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Board member Klunco<\/a> asked, "There are so many little grocers in a small area and was curious if anyone could give a run down of the strengths or must try items at each?" The responses from a number of regulars, who have won my trust over the years, were detailed and fabulous. <\/p>\n

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I had to admit that I do tend to buy the same things in the same places. The Chowhounds have inspired me to get out of my rut and do more comparison shopping. I tend to buy ingredients like those in the photo above. However, on a recent visit, I brought a friend who was drawn to the prepared foods and gave them rave reviews. <\/p>\n

I made a quick visit last week, specifically hunting for Rose Harissa, and once again was thrilled with the outstanding service at each shop.<\/p>\n

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If you want to try something like the authentic string cheese soaking in a brine bath shown above, ask about it. Where does it come from? How do I store it? How do I prepare it? I did that many years ago and when a discussion popped up on Serious Eats, I was able to sell my editor on a feature on this treat.<\/a> I just had to stop by and review what I knew with the experts in the shop. <\/p>\n

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My current favorite falafels from Fordee's.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I now have a list of prepared foods that I'll buy on my next visit based on the recommendations offered by other food lovers. I also plan to do a few taste-offs. I'll get fewer of my old favorites and try the comparable product from one or two other places. <\/p>\n

One bonus Chowhound tip: like any public forum there are great resources, people with a single agenda, trolls, and time wasters. Over the years, I've learned which members I can rely upon for good information and which ones will waste my time with worthless or inaccurate ramblings. I read Chowhound on an RSS feed and watch the source of comments. I click right through to my favorites and don't read or respond to those who offer nothing of value to me. <\/p>\n

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What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n