Banh Mi at Pho Viet at Super 88

Soooo after months of craving one, I finally managed to get a banh mi from Pho Viet's in the Super 88 in Allston. For those unfamiliar with this super-trendy, Vietnamese sandwich, here's the Wikipedia definition of a banh mi: The sandwich is made up of thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon, onions, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeño peppers and meat or tofu. Popular bánh mì fillings include roasted or grilled pork, Vietnamese ham, paté, mayonnaise, chicken, and head cheese. Most Banh Mi sandwiches contain a Vietnamese mayonnaise-like spread that is a mixture of egg yolk, cooking oil/butter, and sometimes spices.I went with the tofu option. I gotta say though, after all this yearning, I wasn't that obsessed with it! I mean it was definitely yummy, and at only around $3 an amazing deal, but I think I had classic "too high expectations" let-down =(

I think I need to try another one. I dunno, something tasted bizarre, and it wasn't spicy at all, while I had hoped for some kick.

Hrmph. On a day like today (miserable and rainy in Boston), doesn't a bowl of steaming hot pho sound good, though!?

Hot Spots

Stuck in a dining rut? Sick of the same old Boston places? Here are some fun places Dish Gal has visited recently and enjoyed:

Persephone. Michael Leviton’s high-end- boutique- meets- restaurant is a locavore’s dream: Fresh ingredients, inventive pairings, and fantastic service all combine for a delicious night out. Plus, its semi-hidden Fort Point location makes you feel like you’re exploring a new city.

Deep Ellum. Dish Gal could be convinced to travel to Allston (I’ve become such a Boston snob now that I live in the 02113! haha) for this bar/restaurant that has an awesome outdoor patio in the back, plus an extensive beer list. LOVE that it’s getting closer to alfresco dining every day…

Middlesex Lounge. Do they even serve food here? I don’t know and don’t even care, because the music is so good it makes me not want to ever live somewhere far from this place.

This weekend

Something about this weekend seemed a little different to Dish Gal. Was it that lots of people were visiting from out of town for the BC vs. Notre Dame game? Hmm, no..I don't think that's it. Was it that it was warm enough to open our windows in our apartment last night, despite the fact that it's well into November? Hmm, don't think it was that either...

And then it hit me. Dish Gal didn't try any new food/restaurants this weekend, and thus have nothing really to report on! Eeek. What is wrong with me!? ;) However, now that I think of it, there is some food-related, Dish This worthy mentionables from this weekend...

Saturday for brunch, Z and I meandered over to Tremont 647. Shockingly there was no wait (there even were empty tables) which was nice. However, what was not nice was the fact that they were BLASTING music which, while I'm sure is fun for the waiters, is not so fun for hungover patrons...We ordered some bloody mary's that were LOADED with black pepper. It was as if someone intended to put a dash in, and the top fell off the shaker so the entire contents poured into the drink. It was grainy, chewy, and a disappointment.

Z suggested we start with the homemade pop tart, which sounded like a silly novelty dish to me, but ended up being SUPERB and decadent (should be a dessert, not an appetizer!). The homemade filling of the day was pumpkin. Here's a terrible cell phone photo of it:

Saturday night I was tailgating at Boston College for the aforementioned football game. I wish I could say it was tons of fun, but Dish Gal was soaking wet (poor choices in rain gear!) and still struggling from Friday night. "Dinner" that night consisted of some of Skylar's guacamole (which I enjoyed thoroughly until she told me she mashed it up with her hands "that she had rinsed with water but no soap"-- haha nice image, Skylar...) and a cold hot dog. And of course, plenty of Coors Light. Blech. (EDITOR'S NOTE: The blech here is to the Coors Light, not to the food at the tailgate; sadly while drinking said beer I forgot to partake in the goodies before it was time to wrap it all up to head into the game! Thus, the cold hot dog and no comments on any other food is simply an example of Dish Gal's ineptness this night.)

Skylar's foodie boyfriend, let's call him Jacques (as in Pepin), showed up just minutes too late and was denied access to Shea Field- which was too bad as he showed up with a tupperware filled with sweet potato latkes! HA only Jacques would bring latkes to a tailgate. God love him.

A few hours later, bored out of my mind at the Joshua Tree in Allston, I mindlessly nibbled on some buffalo wings and the worst pizza I've ever tasted in my life. I mean, Celeste pizza puts this pizza to shame. It was like thin cardboard topped with tomato paste and microwaved cheese.

After the loooong and brutal night that was Saturday (silver lining: BC victory!) when Sunday morning rolled around I vowed to not leave my amazing neighborhood's borders (much appreciated after spending the night in Allston). Sebastian, Jamie, and I proudly donned our sweatpants and sweatshirts and took a leisurely stroll over to new-favorite North Street Grille.

We had the same waiter as before, whom I'm growing to love despite his gruff demeanor and his dislike for water (I mean seriously, everyone in that place is under 25 and probably hungover. What's the deal with the lack of H20!?). This time, Sebastian and I were jonesing for burgers, so we both opted for the North Street burger. We were told by said waiter that this burger takes 30-45 minutes.

Come again!???

Are they slaughtering the cow before cooking the burger? So confused. Despite our starvation, we stuck with our order. Jamie went with the french toast stuffed with raspberry and cream cheese. I stole many bites of this-- was sooo yummy. When the burgers finally arrived (probably like 25 minutes later), I was impressed by the yummy toasted and buttered bun, while the burger itself I would've enjoyed with a sharper cheddar or maybe more seasoned meat. Still, it was massive and hit the spot.

Didn't take any photos of the food, but here's a closing photo of the sugar pile we went through as we guzzled down multiple cups of coffee while waiting for the burgers:

All in all, let's sum up what we've learned, shall we?

1. I can't stand the Joshua Tree in Allston.
2. I love the North End (and when Jamie visits!)

Places in Boston for College Foodies!

When I was in college in the Boston area, I really didn't eat out much, sticking only to local sandwich spots and on-campus options. My Boston restaurant knowledge was limited to Newbury St, where I waitressed about 3 shifts a week.

However, since I've entered the working world, I've discovered a lot of places that would have been great for "college me". Not too expensive, but worlds better than Vinny T's (EW!) or Roggie's, these places are hidden gems in a sea of overpriced and underwhelming.

My cousin, and Dish This reader, Liz, who was at our Antico Forno dinner, is only a freshman but seriously into food. She even has experience IN the kitchen at restaurants, already having a one-up on "college me". This post is dedicated to her.

1.) The Super 88 food court.
Replaces: Chinese take-out places, as the only option for super fast Asian cuisine

Since Liz is a BU student, I would definitely steer her towards the Super 88 food court. Why I didn't frequent this place more often when I lived in Allston and went to school, I'll never know. Maybe because most grocery store food courts are gross? This one is definitely the exception, with authentic Asian foods at great prices.

2.) Myers + Chang. *
Replaces: The Cheesecake Factory, as the "go-to" birthday restaurant

Okay, I know, another Asian place. But this restaurant makes this list because it combines everything a college foodie would be looking for: delicious food, creative menu, relatively cheap, and a really fun atmosphere! Plus, while there certainly are yummy cocktails, the restaurant is not centered around drinking, making it a perfect spot for a festive birthday dinner for the under 21 set. *PS Yes, their website is a MySpace page. Clearly they want to pull in the college demo! ;)

3.) Figs.
Replaces: Bertucci's (or similar Italian chain restaurant), as the "go-to" date spot

Instead of heading to your local pizza place on a date, spend a few more dollars for a cozy atmosphere and luscious flatbread pizzas, courtesy of Todd English, at this tiny Beacon Hill spot. T. Anthony's is certainly fine for late-night cravings, but for a more memorable dinner out, Figs is a great option, and SURE to impress.

4.) Flour Bakery.
Replaces: Au Bon Pain, as the "go-to" cafe & bakery

Here we go with the Joanne Chang worshipping again...but I just had to let college foodies in on this great South End/Fort Point Channel spot! Forget ABP or Panera Bread; for a sandwich that's approximately the same price, you could get a SERIOUS upgrade at Flour. Try the grilled roast chicken with brie, arugula, roasted red peppers & caramelized onions. A sure-fire crowd pleaser. And definitely save room for dessert-- sticky buns are the specialty, but I'm pretty sure any of the pastries there are top-notch.

5.) Kingston Station.
Replaces: Uno's, as the "go-to" pre-going out burger & fries place

For pre-Faneuil Hall Thursday nights, don't even think of heading to tourist traps in Faneuil Hall. Start out instead in Downtown Crossing, a quick hop, skip, and a walk away, at Kingston Station. You can carbo-load with a massive portion of fries covered in gruyere cheese, or try their famed burger. Girls can enjoy large salads with yummy dressings, like the hazelnut vinagrette. All in a great space, decorated like an old train station, and very lively, especially on weeknights.

Your post-party options? My old favorites from college, McDonald's and street carts with sausage and peppers, still work for me!! :) Apparently, some things you never grow too old for...