Mmmm… Burritos

When you live in Boston, there are really only two choices for a good burrito: Boca Grande or Anna’s Tacqueria. Obviously this is just my opinion, though I’m willing to bet many Bostonians would agree.

It’s a battle of sorts… to decide which locations has the BEST burritos, though Anna’s usually wins hands down in any official contest (such as both Boston Magazine’s and the Improper Bostonian’s yearly “Best of Boston” lists). In fact, an entire burrito blog has been created by a local guy… tasting all the possibilities here and across the nation. His favorite is Anna’s as well.

The funny thing is that both of these places make their burritos almost exactly the same way. In fact, rumor has it, they are both owned by one family that does not get along. Personally, I love them equally. In fact, I love them so much, that Dan and I have been driving to Coolidge Corner in Brookline every Friday night (excluding date nights) to get takeout.

Funny enough, this past Friday night WAS date night… and where did we go? Boca Grande! I was just too tired and had just had a wisdom tooth pulled, so I wanted to eat something quick, cheap, easy and delicious. Boca was the obvious answer. I get the same thing every time… Bean and Cheese Burrito Grande, add guacamole and sour cream, hold the hot sauce ($5.75). I cannot describe how much I love this burrito other than to say… I generally eat the entire thing, even though half would be enough. Afterwards, I am SO full that I could vomit — though I never do. That would be a waste of good burrito. We even weighed these burritos one night and they came in at almost 2 pounds…that’s a LOT of burrito!

If you haven’t eaten at either of these places yet, it’s well worth the trip. The links posted should provide the numerous locations of each. You will also find plenty of other tasty tidbits on the menu for both you and your little ones.

Recently, while driving past the Dedham Mall (literally 2 miles down the street from here), I noticed they are opening a new Mexican place called the Chipotle Mexican Grill. I’ve heard rumors that this place may actually be decent… it’s mentioned on several burrito lover’s blogs. We’ll see…

Until then, I’ll keep hoofing it out to Brookline to get my burrito fix. Go ahead… try them… you’ll be putting the extra miles on your car to pick up take out regularly too!

The good, the bad and the fishy

UPDATE: It seems as if a “group of experts in maternal nutrition and obsterics” are challenging and suggesting changes to the government’s recommendations on how much, if any, fish pregnant women shoud eat… despite some of the risks I listed below. Check out the article on ABC News to decide for yourself: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/story?id=3691162&page=1

I think by now, we are all in agreement that global warming is a reality and that there are many potentially hazardous and poisonous contaminants that exist in the environment that we can and do consume. With that in mind, I hope you find the following helpful… it is a list of the Best and Worst Seafood Choices — as researched and presented by Ocean’s Alive, an Environmental Defense Network.

The list indicates which fish are the healthiest and safest to eat and which should be avoided due to high levels of mercury and PCBs and/or over fishing. For those of us with children, this list is pretty valuable.

FISH TO AVOID
Caviar (Wild)
Chilean Seabass
Cod (Atlantic)
Grouper
Halibut (Atlantic)
Marlin
Monkfish
Orange Roughy
Rockfish (Pacific)
Salmon (Atlantic – Farmed)
Shark
Shrimp (Imported)
Skate
Snapper
Sturgeon (Wild)
Swordfish (Imported)
Tilefish
Tuna (Bluefin)

FISH TO ENOJY
Abalone (US Farmed)
Anchovies
Arctic Char (Farmed)
Catfish (US Farmed)
Caviar (US Farmed)
Clams (Farmed)
Crab (Dungeness, Snow & Stone)
Crawfish (US)
Halibut (Pacific/Alaska)
Herring (Atlantic/US or Canada)
Mackerel (Atlantic)
Mahimahi (US/Atlantic)
Oysters (Farmed)
Sablefish/Black Cod (Alaska)
Salmon (Wild/Alaska, Canned Pink/Sockeye)
Sardines
Scallops (Bay/Farmed)
Shrimp (Northern/Canada, Oregon Pink &US Farmed)
Spot Prawns
Striped Bass (Farmed)
Sturgeon (US Farmed)
Tilapia (US)

Recipe Archive

Find all previous Recipes of the Week listed here:

Final Recipe (I don’t think people were using them)
Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
2 tbsp evoo
1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined & chopped)
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tbsp tabasco sauce
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 c rice noodles, copped
1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 head bibb lettuce

Heat oil in sautee pan.
Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.
Add peppers, scallions.
Cook until al dente or just beginning to soften.
Add remaining ingredients (not lettuce leaves).
Toss for two minutes then remove from stove.
To eat, add desired amount of filling to lettuce leaf and fold into little package.
Great with various types of Asian dipping sauces.

Week of 10/7/07
Caribbean Rice
1 1/4 c fat free chicken or veggie broth
1 c light coconut milk
1 c long-grain parboiled rice
1 tsp olive oil + more for dressing1 c chopped onion
1 3/4 c cubed, peeled butternut squash
1 tbsp chopped fress cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground tumeric
1 15oz can black beans (drained & rinsed)
1/2 c chopped tomato
1 avocado cubed
Black pepper to taste

Bring broth and coconut milk to boil in medium sauce pan, over medium heat.
Add rice; cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 min or until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and keep warm.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and sautee 5 mins.
Reduce heat to medium; add squash and cook 8 min or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in cilantro through tomato; cook 3 min or until heated.
Add rice to squash mixture; fold in avocado and season with salt, pepper and more olive oil.

Yield: 6 servings (about 1 c each)

Week of 9/30/07
Beet Risotto w/ Greens, Goat Cheese & Walnuts
2 tsp olive oil
1 c chopped onion
1 c aborio rice
1 tbsp minced ginger
2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 c dry white wine
2 c finely chopped peeled beets
1/2 c water
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 14.5 oz can of vegetable broth
6 c finely sliced swiss chard
1/2 c crumbled goat cheese (can omit for vegan)
1/4 c chopped walnuts

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add onion; saute 3 minutes.
Add rice, ginger, and rosemary; saute 1 minute.
Add wine; cook 3 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly.
Add beets, water, salt, and broth; bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until beets are tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in chard; cook 5 minutes.
Add cheese, stirring until blended.
Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon walnuts.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Nutritional Information:CALORIES 412(30% from fat); FAT 13.7g (sat 4.9g,mono 4g,poly 3.6g); PROTEIN 14.1g; CHOLESTEROL 14mg; CALCIUM 92mg; SODIUM 611mg; FIBER 4.1g; IRON 2.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 57.5g

Cooking Light, DECEMBER 2002

Bourbon-glazed Salmon
1/2 c packed brown sugar
3 tbsp bourbon
1/8 c low-sodium soy sauce1 tbsp fresh lime juice1 tsp grated ginger
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper1 clove garlic, crushed
4 (6 oz) salmon filetsCooking spray2 tsp sesame seeds
1/2 c thinly sliced green onions

Combine first 8 ingredients in a large ziploc bag; add salmon filets.
Seal bag and marinate in refridgerator for at least 30 minutes, turning bag once.
Remove filets, discard marinade and bag.
Preheat broiler.
Place filets on broiler pan coated with cooking spray.
Broil for 11 minutes or until fish flakes (watch for burning). Spring with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serves 4

Week of 9/23/07
Tuna Tartare
1 tbsp finely chopped shallots
2 tbsp mayo
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp chile paste
1.5 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp wasabi paste (or powder)
0.5 lb sushi-grade tuna
0.5 haas avocado (diced)
0.5 c chopped cucumber
Salt & pepper to taste
Black sesame seeds to garnish

Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl; whisk to mix.
Fold in tuna, avocado and cucumber.
Season w/ salt & pepper.
Mix in seasame seeds for texture and garnish.
I prefer this served without chilling it, but if need be, cover and chill.
Also, this tastes great served with Trader Joe’s Wonton Chips (either Original or Hot Mustard).Enjoy!

Mmmm… Burritos

When you live in Boston, there are really only two choices for a good burrito: Boca Grande or Anna’s Tacqueria. Obviously this is just my opinion, though I’m willing to bet many Bostonians would agree.

It’s a battle of sorts… to decide which locations has the BEST burritos, though Anna’s usually wins hands down in any official contest (such as both Boston Magazine’s and the Improper Bostonian’s yearly “Best of Boston” lists). In fact, an entire burrito blog has been created by a local guy… tasting all the possibilities here and across the nation. His favorite is Anna’s as well.

The funny thing is that both of these places make their burritos almost exactly the same way. In fact, rumor has it, they are both owned by one family that does not get along. Personally, I love them equally. In fact, I love them so much, that Dan and I have been driving to Coolidge Corner in Brookline every Friday night (excluding date nights) to get takeout.

Funny enough, this past Friday night WAS date night… and where did we go? Boca Grande! I was just too tired and had just had a wisdom tooth pulled, so I wanted to eat something quick, cheap, easy and delicious. Boca was the obvious answer. I get the same thing every time… Bean and Cheese Burrito Grande, add guacamole and sour cream, hold the hot sauce ($5.75). I cannot describe how much I love this burrito other than to say… I generally eat the entire thing, even though half would be enough. Afterwards, I am SO full that I could vomit — though I never do. That would be a waste of good burrito. We even weighed these burritos one night and they came in at almost 2 pounds…that’s a LOT of burrito!

If you haven’t eaten at either of these places yet, it’s well worth the trip. The links posted should provide the numerous locations of each. You will also find plenty of other tasty tidbits on the menu for both you and your little ones.

Recently, while driving past the Dedham Mall (literally 2 miles down the street from here), I noticed they are opening a new Mexican place called the Chipotle Mexican Grill. I’ve heard rumors that this place may actually be decent… it’s mentioned on several burrito lover’s blogs. We’ll see…

Until then, I’ll keep hoofing it out to Brookline to get my burrito fix. Go ahead… try them… you’ll be putting the extra miles on your car to pick up take out regularly too!

The good, the bad and the fishy

UPDATE: It seems as if a “group of experts in maternal nutrition and obsterics” are challenging and suggesting changes to the government’s recommendations on how much, if any, fish pregnant women shoud eat… despite some of the risks I listed below. Check out the article on ABC News to decide for yourself: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/story?id=3691162&page=1

I think by now, we are all in agreement that global warming is a reality and that there are many potentially hazardous and poisonous contaminants that exist in the environment that we can and do consume. With that in mind, I hope you find the following helpful… it is a list of the Best and Worst Seafood Choices — as researched and presented by Ocean’s Alive, an Environmental Defense Network.

The list indicates which fish are the healthiest and safest to eat and which should be avoided due to high levels of mercury and PCBs and/or over fishing. For those of us with children, this list is pretty valuable.

FISH TO AVOID
Caviar (Wild)
Chilean Seabass
Cod (Atlantic)
Grouper
Halibut (Atlantic)
Marlin
Monkfish
Orange Roughy
Rockfish (Pacific)
Salmon (Atlantic – Farmed)
Shark
Shrimp (Imported)
Skate
Snapper
Sturgeon (Wild)
Swordfish (Imported)
Tilefish
Tuna (Bluefin)

FISH TO ENOJY
Abalone (US Farmed)
Anchovies
Arctic Char (Farmed)
Catfish (US Farmed)
Caviar (US Farmed)
Clams (Farmed)
Crab (Dungeness, Snow & Stone)
Crawfish (US)
Halibut (Pacific/Alaska)
Herring (Atlantic/US or Canada)
Mackerel (Atlantic)
Mahimahi (US/Atlantic)
Oysters (Farmed)
Sablefish/Black Cod (Alaska)
Salmon (Wild/Alaska, Canned Pink/Sockeye)
Sardines
Scallops (Bay/Farmed)
Shrimp (Northern/Canada, Oregon Pink &US Farmed)
Spot Prawns
Striped Bass (Farmed)
Sturgeon (US Farmed)
Tilapia (US)

Recipe Archive

Find all previous Recipes of the Week listed here:

Final Recipe (I don’t think people were using them)
Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
2 tbsp evoo
1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined & chopped)
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tbsp tabasco sauce
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 c rice noodles, copped
1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 head bibb lettuce

Heat oil in sautee pan.
Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.
Add peppers, scallions.
Cook until al dente or just beginning to soften.
Add remaining ingredients (not lettuce leaves).
Toss for two minutes then remove from stove.
To eat, add desired amount of filling to lettuce leaf and fold into little package.
Great with various types of Asian dipping sauces.

Week of 10/7/07
Caribbean Rice
1 1/4 c fat free chicken or veggie broth
1 c light coconut milk
1 c long-grain parboiled rice
1 tsp olive oil + more for dressing1 c chopped onion
1 3/4 c cubed, peeled butternut squash
1 tbsp chopped fress cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground tumeric
1 15oz can black beans (drained & rinsed)
1/2 c chopped tomato
1 avocado cubed
Black pepper to taste

Bring broth and coconut milk to boil in medium sauce pan, over medium heat.
Add rice; cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 min or until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and keep warm.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and sautee 5 mins.
Reduce heat to medium; add squash and cook 8 min or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in cilantro through tomato; cook 3 min or until heated.
Add rice to squash mixture; fold in avocado and season with salt, pepper and more olive oil.

Yield: 6 servings (about 1 c each)

Week of 9/30/07
Beet Risotto w/ Greens, Goat Cheese & Walnuts
2 tsp olive oil
1 c chopped onion
1 c aborio rice
1 tbsp minced ginger
2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 c dry white wine
2 c finely chopped peeled beets
1/2 c water
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 14.5 oz can of vegetable broth
6 c finely sliced swiss chard
1/2 c crumbled goat cheese (can omit for vegan)
1/4 c chopped walnuts

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add onion; saute 3 minutes.
Add rice, ginger, and rosemary; saute 1 minute.
Add wine; cook 3 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly.
Add beets, water, salt, and broth; bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until beets are tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in chard; cook 5 minutes.
Add cheese, stirring until blended.
Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon walnuts.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Nutritional Information:CALORIES 412(30% from fat); FAT 13.7g (sat 4.9g,mono 4g,poly 3.6g); PROTEIN 14.1g; CHOLESTEROL 14mg; CALCIUM 92mg; SODIUM 611mg; FIBER 4.1g; IRON 2.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 57.5g

Cooking Light, DECEMBER 2002

Bourbon-glazed Salmon
1/2 c packed brown sugar
3 tbsp bourbon
1/8 c low-sodium soy sauce1 tbsp fresh lime juice1 tsp grated ginger
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper1 clove garlic, crushed
4 (6 oz) salmon filetsCooking spray2 tsp sesame seeds
1/2 c thinly sliced green onions

Combine first 8 ingredients in a large ziploc bag; add salmon filets.
Seal bag and marinate in refridgerator for at least 30 minutes, turning bag once.
Remove filets, discard marinade and bag.
Preheat broiler.
Place filets on broiler pan coated with cooking spray.
Broil for 11 minutes or until fish flakes (watch for burning). Spring with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serves 4

Week of 9/23/07
Tuna Tartare
1 tbsp finely chopped shallots
2 tbsp mayo
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp chile paste
1.5 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp wasabi paste (or powder)
0.5 lb sushi-grade tuna
0.5 haas avocado (diced)
0.5 c chopped cucumber
Salt & pepper to taste
Black sesame seeds to garnish

Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl; whisk to mix.
Fold in tuna, avocado and cucumber.
Season w/ salt & pepper.
Mix in seasame seeds for texture and garnish.
I prefer this served without chilling it, but if need be, cover and chill.
Also, this tastes great served with Trader Joe’s Wonton Chips (either Original or Hot Mustard).Enjoy!

Latin Fare in the Burbs — Masona Grill

Saturday night we went out to dinner with our good friends — who are due to deliver their second baby any day now! Keeping this in mind, we decided to stay local and try out one of West Roxbury’s finest… yes, that IS an oxymoron, or at least I thought it was until I went to Masona Grill (http://www.masonagrill.net/index.php).

Masona Grill is quite a hidden gem. Located on a side street that runs past the commuter rail stop (Highland on the Needham line), served up some fabulous food and provided a very cozy and hip atmosphere. The chef and owner also operates two other local restaurants, the Claremont Cafe in the South End and Cafe 300 in Fort Point.

The menu focuses on Latin fare, with a modern twist and features a year-round 3-course prix fixed menu for $33. There also monthly food and wine themed nights (September is New Zealand) and a weekly Jazz night (Thursdays).

We began our meals with the house special drink… mojitos. The restaurant does not have a full bar(as of yet), but does serve beer, wine and “liquors”. I love mojitos and these were very tasty–just the right balance of lime juice and mint leaves.

For appetizers, I had the Grilled Calamari served with black olive aoili, white beans, tomatoes, arugula and fried parsley (for $9). I definitely enjoyed it, though the portion was (dare I say it) a little too big. There was a lot of calamari, though I didn’t really detect any black olive in flavor… though it WAS very spicy. Dan got the appetizer special, a Beet & Blue Cheese salad; he seemed to like that as well. Our dining partners ordered the Pulled Port Empanadas with black bean salsa and parsley oil (for $8) and the Seviche of the night, which was some type of tuna and shrimp. The empanadas were a bit dry and didn’t compare to the authentic ones our friend had before; however, the seviche was delicious.

For dinner, I had the Caribbean Crabcakes, served with a cucumber salad, seasame sweet potatoes and honeyed creme fraiche ($18). These were really good and very filling. Dan had the Seared Scallops with creamy orzo, wild mushrooms, sauteed spinach and olive orange sauce ($26). He said they were some of the best scallops he’s ever had… tender, sweet and very flavorful. Our female friend had the Sirloin Steak Latino with yucca fries, watercress salad and chimichurri ($27) — which was a large cut, cooked appropriately, with a nice flavor and texture. Her husband ordered the Swordfish special. I don’t remember the details of his meal, but he really enjoyed it and thought it was extrememly good.

For desert, we decided to order one of each (as there were four options). A Banana Bread Pudding, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie and Tres Leche Cake ($8 each). All were delicious, however, the Leche Cake took the prize. It was unbelievalbly good (so I’m glad it was mine!). If you are only going to get one desert… go for that one.

Overall, we had a very good dining experience. We would definitely go again and I think it’s worth a date night. Try to go on one of the themed nights… so you can try a special region-inspired menu and do the regional wine tasting along with it. Also, they specifically told us that they are kid-friendly and encouraged us to return with our little ones (the owner has three young daughters).

Latin Fare in the Burbs — Masona Grill

Saturday night we went out to dinner with our good friends — who are due to deliver their second baby any day now! Keeping this in mind, we decided to stay local and try out one of West Roxbury’s finest… yes, that IS an oxymoron, or at least I thought it was until I went to Masona Grill (http://www.masonagrill.net/index.php).

Masona Grill is quite a hidden gem. Located on a side street that runs past the commuter rail stop (Highland on the Needham line), served up some fabulous food and provided a very cozy and hip atmosphere. The chef and owner also operates two other local restaurants, the Claremont Cafe in the South End and Cafe 300 in Fort Point.

The menu focuses on Latin fare, with a modern twist and features a year-round 3-course prix fixed menu for $33. There also monthly food and wine themed nights (September is New Zealand) and a weekly Jazz night (Thursdays).

We began our meals with the house special drink… mojitos. The restaurant does not have a full bar(as of yet), but does serve beer, wine and “liquors”. I love mojitos and these were very tasty–just the right balance of lime juice and mint leaves.

For appetizers, I had the Grilled Calamari served with black olive aoili, white beans, tomatoes, arugula and fried parsley (for $9). I definitely enjoyed it, though the portion was (dare I say it) a little too big. There was a lot of calamari, though I didn’t really detect any black olive in flavor… though it WAS very spicy. Dan got the appetizer special, a Beet & Blue Cheese salad; he seemed to like that as well. Our dining partners ordered the Pulled Port Empanadas with black bean salsa and parsley oil (for $8) and the Seviche of the night, which was some type of tuna and shrimp. The empanadas were a bit dry and didn’t compare to the authentic ones our friend had before; however, the seviche was delicious.

For dinner, I had the Caribbean Crabcakes, served with a cucumber salad, seasame sweet potatoes and honeyed creme fraiche ($18). These were really good and very filling. Dan had the Seared Scallops with creamy orzo, wild mushrooms, sauteed spinach and olive orange sauce ($26). He said they were some of the best scallops he’s ever had… tender, sweet and very flavorful. Our female friend had the Sirloin Steak Latino with yucca fries, watercress salad and chimichurri ($27) — which was a large cut, cooked appropriately, with a nice flavor and texture. Her husband ordered the Swordfish special. I don’t remember the details of his meal, but he really enjoyed it and thought it was extrememly good.

For desert, we decided to order one of each (as there were four options). A Banana Bread Pudding, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie and Tres Leche Cake ($8 each). All were delicious, however, the Leche Cake took the prize. It was unbelievalbly good (so I’m glad it was mine!). If you are only going to get one desert… go for that one.

Overall, we had a very good dining experience. We would definitely go again and I think it’s worth a date night. Try to go on one of the themed nights… so you can try a special region-inspired menu and do the regional wine tasting along with it. Also, they specifically told us that they are kid-friendly and encouraged us to return with our little ones (the owner has three young daughters).

Been there, done that

This post is dedicated to some of the more memorable places we’ve been to over the years.

New to Boston? Have company coming to town? Planning a visit? Don’t get out much? Try one of these places… you (hopefully) won’t be disappointed (though most are on the “high end” cost-wise).
a= kid friendly (even some not checked can be kid friendly if you go early… aka before 6pm)

33 Restaurant and Lounge (Back Bay) — Fun for a night out with your friends and decent meal
Blue Ginger (Wellesley) — Ming Tsai’s place… great Asian fusion
Capital Grille (Back Bay or Chestnut Hill) — A steak house, but great seafood a well
Casa Romero (Back Bay) — Great patio, very good Mexican food
Clio (Back Bay) — A tasting menu MUST TRY
Dali (Somerville) — Ambiance, visually entertaining and Delicious tapas
Fava (Needham) — Easily missed, very good food
Finale (Boston, Brookline, Cambridge or Natick) — If you haven’t been… save room and head here for desert
Franklin Cafe (South End) — Not be be missed comfort food
Fugakyu (Coolidge Corner – Brookline) — One of my all-time favorite sushi places
Grill 23 (Back Bay) — Another good steakhouse
Hamersley’s Bistro (South End) — Memorable French fare
Icarus (South End) — Always a good meal
Kashmir (Back Bay) — One of the few decent Indian restaurants downtown
L’Esplier (Back Bay) — Expensive, romantic, delectable
Les Zygomates (Leather District) — Another easily missed… good food, good wine, good jazz
Mantra (Financial District) — French Indian fusion, good cocktails, hip crowd
Masa (South End) — The best South West in Boston
Masala Art (Needham) — Great Indian food; try the spice bar
Metropolis Cafe (South End) — Eclectic mix of comfort foods, always a very good meal
Mistral (South End) — An oldie, but goodie… another one of my all time favorites
No. 9 Park (Beacon Hill) — This is “our place”… where we go for important occasions… the tasting menu is superb
Olives or Figs (Charlestown) a– I hate Todd English, but I love his food
Pho Lemongrass (Coolidge Corner – Brookline) — Excellent Vietnamese
Pho Republique (South End) — Cool hangout, hot Vietnamese food
Phuket (West Roxbury) — The best Thai in town
Rabia (North End) — Our favorite in the North End
Radius (Financial District) — A classic not to be missed
Sophia’s Grotto (Roslindale) a – A neighborhood favorite and great Italian food
Stella (South End) — Hip, happening and a bit overpriced
Stephanie’s on Newbury (Back Bay) a – Decent food, good drinks, great people watching
Tapeo (Back Bay) — Sister to Dali’s; great outdoor dining
The Blue Room (Kendall Square – Cambridge) — Great food and right near the Kendall Sq Cinema (catch an Indie flick)
Tremont 647 (South End) — Best for brunch
Troquet (Theater District) — My favorite in the theatre district… also a great wine bar
Upstairs on the Square (Harvard Square – Cambridge) — Always delicious, romantic and visually stimulating
Via Matta (Back Bay) — Very good Italian; expensive, but delectable drinks
Village Sushi (Roslindale) — The best sushi outside of the city… AND they deliver!
Vintage Restaurant (West Roxbury) a – Steak house feel with a more extensive menu
Washington Square Tavern (Brookline) — A local favorite and always a good meal
West on Center (West Roxbury) a – Pretty good food and pretty family friendly

I am certain that I am missing MANY of the places we’ve been to over the years… but hopefully this can be (if nothing else) a starting point for your search.

I used Open Table to generate most of my list and noticed there were hardly any Brookline restaurants posted… don’t miss out on this neighborhood either, there are loads of great places!

-Tammy

Been there, done that

UPDATE: I’ve updated this page and hosted it on WordPress. Click here to see the newer version (which is still in draft form, but still more expansive than this list).

This post is dedicated to some of the more memorable places we’ve been to over the years.

New to Boston? Have company coming to town? Planning a visit? Don’t get out much? Try one of these places… you (hopefully) won’t be disappointed (though most are on the “high end” cost-wise).
a= kid friendly (even some not checked can be kid friendly if you go early… aka before 6pm)

33 Restaurant and Lounge (Back Bay) — Fun for a night out with your friends and decent meal
Blue Ginger (Wellesley) — Ming Tsai’s place… great Asian fusion
Capital Grille (Back Bay or Chestnut Hill) — A steak house, but great seafood a well
Casa Romero (Back Bay) — Great patio, very good Mexican food
Clio (Back Bay) — A tasting menu MUST TRY
Dali (Somerville) — Ambiance, visually entertaining and Delicious tapas
Fava (Needham) — Easily missed, very good food
Finale (Boston, Brookline, Cambridge or Natick) — If you haven’t been… save room and head here for desert
Franklin Cafe (South End) — Not be be missed comfort food
Fugakyu (Coolidge Corner – Brookline) — One of my all-time favorite sushi places
Grill 23 (Back Bay) — Another good steakhouse
Hamersley’s Bistro (South End) — Memorable French fare
Icarus (South End) — Always a good meal
Kashmir (Back Bay) — One of the few decent Indian restaurants downtown
L’Esplier (Back Bay) — Expensive, romantic, delectable
Les Zygomates (Leather District) — Another easily missed… good food, good wine, good jazz
Mantra (Financial District) — French Indian fusion, good cocktails, hip crowd
Masa (South End) — The best South West in Boston
Masala Art (Needham) — Great Indian food; try the spice bar
Metropolis Cafe (South End) — Eclectic mix of comfort foods, always a very good meal
Mistral (South End) — An oldie, but goodie… another one of my all time favorites
No. 9 Park (Beacon Hill) — This is “our place”… where we go for important occasions… the tasting menu is superb
Olives or Figs (Charlestown) a– I hate Todd English, but I love his food
Pho Lemongrass (Coolidge Corner – Brookline) — Excellent Vietnamese
Pho Republique (South End) — Cool hangout, hot Vietnamese food
Phuket (West Roxbury) — The best Thai in town
Rabia (North End) — Our favorite in the North End
Radius (Financial District) — A classic not to be missed
Sophia’s Grotto (Roslindale) a – A neighborhood favorite and great Italian food
Stella (South End) — Hip, happening and a bit overpriced
Stephanie’s on Newbury (Back Bay) a – Decent food, good drinks, great people watching
Tapeo (Back Bay) — Sister to Dali’s; great outdoor dining
The Blue Room (Kendall Square – Cambridge) — Great food and right near the Kendall Sq Cinema (catch an Indie flick)
Tremont 647 (South End) — Best for brunch
Troquet (Theater District) — My favorite in the theatre district… also a great wine bar
Upstairs on the Square (Harvard Square – Cambridge) — Always delicious, romantic and visually stimulating
Via Matta (Back Bay) — Very good Italian; expensive, but delectable drinks
Village Sushi (Roslindale) — The best sushi outside of the city… AND they deliver!
Vintage Restaurant (West Roxbury) a – Steak house feel with a more extensive menu
Washington Square Tavern (Brookline) — A local favorite and always a good meal
West on Center (West Roxbury) a – Pretty good food and pretty family friendly

I am certain that I am missing MANY of the places we’ve been to over the years… but hopefully this can be (if nothing else) a starting point for your search.

I used Open Table to generate most of my list and noticed there were hardly any Brookline restaurants posted… don’t miss out on this neighborhood either, there are loads of great places!

-Tammy