South End Buttery (a.k.a. See, I'm still relevant in Boston!)

A long time ago (2 weeks, though it seems much longer), in a galaxy far, far away (Boston), Dish Gal and Z met for dinner at the South End Buttery.

Dish Dad always says don't bury the lead, so I'll start with my verdict: I'd give the food a B- and the atmosphere an A+.

First off, the South End Buttery is adjacent to my favorite street in Boston-- Union Park. The brownstones, the trees, the cobblestones-- it all makes for quite a fairy tale-esque scene.

Inside the restaurant, the ground floor holds the bakery in one room and the bar area in another. The hostess seated us downstairs in the dining room, in a diminutive room with a roaring fireplace and comfy, plush banquettes. I was astonished at how charming this subterranean dining room is. It's maybe the coziest dining room in Boston. And I've eaten in a lot ;)

On to the food. Z started with a crabcake appetizer with all these crazy sauces spiraled about on the plate (crazy being piquillo and avocado). The sauces reminded me of my Sibling Rivalry "let's just throw a bunch of sauces on the plate" gripe. Usually I'm anti-shellfish in general, but a few weeks ago at the Share Our Strength dinner at Hamersley's, I was blown away by Rich Vellante's crabcake appetizer, so I decided to try this one. I didn't love it; too fishy for me. We also shared a Caesar salad. Nothing special, but I did enjoy it.

For our entrees, I (very randomly) selected the pulled pork sandwich after our waitress mentioned it was a staff favorite. The dish seemed out of place on an otherwise steak/salmon/swordfish dominated menu. It was yummy, but still, very random. And MASSIVE. I took about 3/4 of it home.

Z got the swordfish. He "liked it a lot" (direct quote via text message). I didn't get a chance to try it.

Finally, we got the green tea crème brulee. I didn't taste any green tea in this at all. But I'm never going to say blech to a crème brulee…

So there you have it, folks. A charming, romantic, reasonably-priced spot hidden on a fairytale-esque street in the heart of the South End. Just make sure your date is not a foodie ;)

Dinner at Stephi's on Tremont

Here's my SAT-style analogy to sum up my thoughts on Stephi's on Tremont (sorry if this brings back stressful memories for anyone!)

Stephi's: young professionals (yuppies?)::
Cheesecake Factory: teenagers/college students

My reasoning: It's a nice place to gather. It won't offend anyone, and the menu has something for everyone. It's priced as a moderate-luxury. It has a nice, pleasing, yet non-descript atmosphere. It has nice-tasting comfort food. It feels trendy (even if it's not really all that exciting). It has large portions.

Agree/disagree???

In the meantime, let's recap what we ate. I met Lynn, my bestest, childhood friend that I ate at Panza with, at Stephi's on Tremont on a muggy day last week. Earlier in the day, I had tweeted (I hate using that word) that I was headed there and got a recommendation from amazing foodie blogger MCSlimJB and amazing, non-foodie blogger The Missus. Luckily, Lynn was game for trying BOTH of their suggestions, so I didn't have to choose just one!

Before we dove into our recommended entrees, we started with the baked warm Vermont goat cheese with roasted garlic and kalamata olives, with crunchy French bread ($12).

(Sorry for the terrible photo-- bad lighting for iPhone camera pics...) This was a pleasant surprise for me. While I had expected a wedge of goat cheese and some bread, this mini-skillet reminded me of one of my favorite, now non-existent, appetizers at Eastern Standard-- the baked raclette! Instead of the little cornichons floating in the bubbly cheese, Stephi's version had kalamata olives (nice addition of tartness) and huge chunks of roasted garlic.

Next up: the MCSlimJB rec-- the Newbury Street Chunky Chicken Salad ($14). Our waiter nicely split this on two plates, so this photo is actually a half portion.

My favorite part of this was the soda bread. I wasn't CRAZY about the chicken salad on its own, but thank God for slices of luscious August tomatoes and that super tasty soda bread. A bite with all four elements-- bread, tomato, chicken, salad-- made for quite a nice summer dish.

We also tried The Missus's recommendation, the pan roasted New England cod over sweet corn and bacon chowder with herb roasted potatoes, topped with crispy onion strings ($24).
This was soooo rich and sooo Stephanie's. Comfort food to the max. Undo your first button on your pants, lean back and sigh, food. How can you go wrong with bacon and corn chowder with potatoes though? I barely remember this being a fish dish, ha.

All in all, I enjoyed Stephi's. Would I run around telling everyone they MUST go there, like I did with Hungry Mother and Mike & Patty's? No. But if someone was looking for a safe choice in the South End with a chic scene? I'd certainly think to send them there.

Big Mac: Inside the McDonald's Empire

I’ve been fascinated with McDonald’s for awhile now. I guess it started back in 2006 when I was studying in London; something about seeing this ultra-American brand abroad, in some quite random places (across from the Pantheon!?), sparked my interest. How does such a brand become so large, so successful, so powerful? I loved its little marketing changes from place to place, discernible sometimes only by the savviest consumer (i.e. Ann and I, equally obsessed with their Cadbury McFlurries in England).

As someone working in the field of marketing, and a student of communications for many years, from an academic and business standpoint I’m fascinated with their brand management, the way it’s evolved over the years and across different markets. Do I morally agree with them entering developing countries? No. Do I support their role in fattening up America? No. But am I fascinated with how a company can last 50 some years and expand worldwide, only starting as a burger shack with 15 cent hamburgers? Yes. Plus, I reeeeally love the filet o’ fish ;) Shhhh, don't tell my fellow foodies out there!!! It's one of my favorite Route 95, road trip stop offs.

In any case, you can imagine my excitement last night when I saw CNBC was airing a 1-hour documentary called, “Big Mac: Inside the McDonald’s Empire.” Sure, as a marketing person I enjoyed the interviews about their business model, and the segment on bringing the brand to Asia. But as a FOODIE, I really enjoyed this segment on their test kitchen!! In this clip, McDonald's head Chef Dan Coudreaut, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former Four Seasons hotel chef, takes CNBC on a tour around the kitchen and gives a glimpse into the immense amount of research and testing each menu item goes through.

Check it out!!



Who knew so much went into their designing those new menu items?

Peanut Butter Puffins = Crack (and other food addictions)

It started out innocently enough. At work one day, I went over to visit Alec at his desk, as I was hungry and it was still hours from lunchtime. He suggested I try some of Meadow’s (new character alert! Meadow is named after Meadow Soprano. She’s a coworker who enjoys rugby games and men with accents) peanut butter Puffins cereal. I had tried them before, in the cinnamon flavor, and thought they were okay, not that great. But I was desperate, and the puffin on the front looked so cute and friendly and innocent.WRONG! Not innocent at all!! This puffin is like the dieter's version of Joe the Camel—sure he looks all cute and cuddly, but really he unlocks the door to something addictive and dangerous…

These little puffs of peanut buttery goodness are amongst the more amazing foods I’ve ever tried. I can’t even put into words my lack of control when these guys are around. I even found myself day dreaming about them when I was at home in the North End, thinking about the box in my desk drawer at work, and when I could get my next peanut butter puffin fix.

And that Friday when no one was at work? When everyone was outside frolicking in the sunshine? I sat with the box, on my lap, and just noshed on those little guys all day long, until I literally felt sick to my stomach. Why eat lunch when you can snack on PB puffins?! I thought to myself.

When I confessed (via twitter) my addiction, many others came forward, afflicted with this similar love of PB puffins, while others confessed other foods they can’t allow themselves to buy, for fear of gorging themselves.

Here are some other suggestions from friends of foods that are so addictive, they’re akin to drugs.

Jamie rattled off a bunch in one breath: clementines, movie theatre popcorn, Tostitos, Fritos, cookie dough, French fries, Life cereal, champagne.

More suggestions from Jamie: those crunchy, wonton noodles at Chinese restaurants that they put on the table in place of bread. “And they’re not even that good,” she pointed out, “but everyone houses them!”

Another friend at work is ready to check herself into rehab over meringue cookies at Whole Foods.

Besides puffins, I’d add green grapes and ice cream in cartons to my list (case in point—last night’s mistake of buying a pint of Dove ice cream).

Dearest readers, what are your addictive foods? You know, the kind that when you take a bite, you know you’re a goner and you’ll be thinking about the rest of the day or until you can get your next fix?? Leave yours in the comments! I'm very curious to hear...

Hangover "Cures"

Today, let's talk about an unpleasant area of life: the hangover. But as Dish Gal likes to view the world as half full (of delicious food and drinks), let's focus on the positive and talk about the best food remedies for the day after.

I've taken one for the team and have done lots of research on this subject, as I unfortunately cannot consume more than two drinks and not feel terrible the next day. Here are some of my favorite cures and foods for the next day:

Regular coke. I SWEAR by this. Not diet, not coke zero, REGULAR coke. I'm thinking something with the sugar and the sodium and the caffeine? I dunno, but it works wonders.

Subway. Foot long turkey sub with pretty much everything on it (hot peppers, vinegar, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, s&p). Toasted, of course. (Side note: Has anyone noticed how so many Subways are awkwardly quiet? There's usually no music, and I feel so self-conscious as I rattle off all the things I want in the sandwich. Anyone else?)

G2. A classic, but with less calories. Gotta get those electrolytes! I like grape.

Avocado. One time I just scooped it right out of the shell and ate it. Don't judge! Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Bloody Mary. This is for times when you can go home and go back to bed after consuming. Thus, not recommended for the work day, sadly.

Dunkin Donuts egg-white flatbread. When I'm feeling like calorie-counting.

Dunkin Donuts bagel, egg, cheese, and sausage. When I don't feel like calorie-counting.

Thai "Drunken" noodles. Ah, the irony of the name. I'm torn on this one, because whenever I order this, DURING the meal I'm in heaven, with the noodles and the fiery chili sauce, but afterwards? Usually doesn't sit so well.

Gum. When I was in New York recently, attempting to battle through a raging hangover to go to Forever 21, I realized that a stick of gum weirdly helps somehow. Maybe it's the mint?

Fresh air. (not a food, I know). Anytime I feel particularly death-like, a brisk walk really helps. Not too far though...Because exercise during a hangover? Now that's just crazy talk!

What are your favorites??? (and don't say water. Dish Gal is not a fan of H2o). A friend at work swears by edamame, which seems too healthy for me, but I do see the benefits of the added salt...

Tupelo in Inman Square, Cambridge

It's funny that I am writing about Tupelo, a new restaurant in Inman Square, right after I wrote about Clink., because they are such different dining experiences. Dining at Tupelo is almost exactly the opposite of a dining experience at The Liberty: Tupelo is welcoming, cozy, super-reasonably priced, and neighborhood-y. But the two places have one thing in common: awesome food.

Tupelo, named after Elvis's birthplace (they even played some Elvis tunes while we were there), serves Southern comfort food in an unfussy, yet cute dining room. Our waitress brought over sliced bread and pimento cheese spread to start us off- a tart and yummy way to start the meal.
(After everyone had cleared out of the dining room-- I always feel weird taking photos with people in them!)

We ordered a special to share as an appetizer- the fried grits ("So it's healthy, right?" - Dish Dad, to waitress), which were like less crunchy tater tots. I LOVED that our waitress also brought over a bottle of Frank's Red Hot to accompany them. These little pillowy bites were dangerously delicious.For my main meal, I went with the BBQ chicken ($14)- so un-Dish Gal like, I know! But I couldn't resist the description of the Bourbon-BBQ sauce, and the accompaniment of cheddar grits and sweet onions (with an awesome surprise of cornbread, too!). I loved the lime garnish, too.In general, I shy away from foods labeled "comfort food" for fear of that feeling afterwards, like there is a cannonball in your stomach. But I LOVED how Tupelo countered heavier fare (grits) with lighter fare (a tossed salad). It was Southern, but with an elegant- yet not pretentious-twist.

Dish Mom & Dad both got the daube of beef ($15)-- beef braised in red wine with hominy mashed potatoes, slow cooked greens, and Creole horseradish cream. This was luscious, each bite more comforting than the next. And love the meat + horseradish combo.
Finally, I forced the rents to order dessert-- brown butter pecan pie with Toscanini's special Tupelo honey ice cream ($7). But boy were they glad I suggested this! This was AWESOME, so much better than any pecan pie I've ever tasted. You actually tasted the nuts instead of the usual overly sugary and processed taste of other pies. And with the honey ice cream? To die for.(Aaaand now I'm drooling at my computer.)

I must also mention our awesome server, Mona. She rocked! She was so helpful in our choices, was genuine in her recommendations, and even went along with Dish Dad's teasing.

All in all, I highly recommend Tupelo. It's definitely earning a "favorites" tag, and is more than Dish Gal-approved. Get over there before it's impossible to get a table-- and with entrees not exceeding $15, that will be very soon!

Dish Gal's Adventures in Babysitting

I don’t know how she does it. She being mothers of any sort. I babysat last night, and not only are my arms incredibly sore and tired from holding one heavy Monday-to-Friday baby, I also am exhausted, starving, and bewildered. Okay, now I’m being melodramatic, but my arms really are sore.

In any case, let’s bring this back to cooking and food (naturally). As the three children were (I thought) sleeping peacefully in bed, I ran downstairs to finally eat some dinner. I was starving by this point, as it was hours later than my usual dinnertime, plus I had ran earlier in the day which always kicks my appetite into overdrive. I popped a microwave meal in, as I wanted the fastest possible meal ever. But before the 90 seconds of nuking it were over, I could hear the baby crying. F. My. Life.

I ran back up, grabbed the baby, pacifier in the mouth (his, not mine), and brought him downstairs. I’ll just stick him in the exercise chair while I eat, I thought. Wrong. He must’ve sensed my “I need two hands” and wouldn’t have it. So there I am, holding him on one hip, trying to eat my ridiculously lame, microwaved, low-calorie Trader Joe’s lasagna. Which got me thinking. How the F do moms do it!? How do you cook a normal meal with three kids running around like little crazy people? When you can’t take your eyes off the food—or the kids—it poses a problem. Trying to do both seems like it would equal overcooked chicken and a crying child.

So, I gave up on the lasagna and focused on the babe. After changing, bottle, and finally having him go back to sleep, I ran back downstairs again, and shoveled the rest of the food in my mouth. At this point, I could care less what it tasted like, just wanting any sort of nourishment. Afterwards, I sank into the couch and turned on the TV. I texted Alec, “I don’t know how parents aren’t raging alcoholics. I need a drink so badly.”

His response, “Yours weren’t?”

Sigh. Props to the parents out there!! I don’t know how you do it! In the meantime, I’m going to have to practice cooking tofu stir-fry one-handed in anticipation.

Restaurant-Hopping in Harvard Square

Z and I spent the day on Saturday hanging out in Harvard Square. After a few hours of shopping and walking in the freezing cold, we decided to stop in to the warmest and coziest place I could think of: Upstairs on the Square. With two roaring fireplaces, and after two glasses of red wine , we warmed up fast.

With it being our anniversary and all, we couldn't help but choose the appropriately named "hot dates" to start-- Marcona almond stuffed date wrapped with bacon ($2 each). We also went with a light salad, the Boston Bibb with grapefruit and pistachios ($11).
While the dates look small, they taste large. I loved the contrast of the sweet and salt, and the way they positively melted in your mouth. The salad was a bit of a disappointment. For $11, it was a little sad and not all that tasty.

However, how can you argue with sitting at a great bar in this incredibly cozy room?

After Upstairs on the Square, we headed over to one of my favorite bars, Noir. Since it was fairly early, we got to snag one of those awesome round booth tables, made of plush leather that you just sink into. Here we decided to go with the incredibly rich and amazingly delicious spinach, bacon, and gruyere cheese dip with toasted pita chips ($7).
We also shared the toasted mixed nuts with wasabi peas ($3). What a huge bowl of nuts! And that's my crazy drink, the Chartreuse Basil ($12) with green chartreuse, basil, fresh lime and simple syrup. That packed an unexpected punch!

Finally, a trip to Harvard Square wouldn't be complete with a stop at Casablanca. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, I'm sure over the years this place has given a lot of memories for many people. It was our first official "date." I love grabbing a glass of wine in their bar and putting money in their eclectic jukebox, filled with everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Red Hot Chili Peppers (we chose both). Here's its famous mural:

This time, we weren't planning on eating, since we were so stuffed already. But we bumped into someone we know who works there, who sent over a complimentary Turkish meze plate, with toasted pita, Muhammara, carrot salad, and fava bean puree. YUMMY. We wrapped this bad boy up to go, and I enjoyed it for lunch the next day.

All in all, a terrific day in Harvard Square.

Franklin Cafe review

Dear Reader,

I’m in love. I know what you’re thinking …It’s too soon, there’s only been two dates, how can I say I’m in love so quickly… But when you know, you know, am I right?!

His name is Franklin. He lives on Shawmut Ave. in the South End. And he serves wonderfully delicious, truly comforting foods. And he’s cheap!

Okay, I guess that’s where the metaphor runs out. Cheapness usually isn’t a quality I look for in a man—but I certainly love it at a restaurant. Out with friends last Thursday night, we ended up at the Franklin Café in the South End for drinks. While I sat at the bar, sipping on a nice glass of wine, I couldn't help but notice the fragrant aroma of food coming out of the kitchen. Dish Gal tried to resist, but I had to ask for a menu. And once I saw it, I knew I had to order something.

I fell hard for the Franklin after my first bite of butternut squash and chive spring rolls, dunked into herb crème fraiche:

Photos courtesy of Z's new BlackBerry...

After that, I couldn’t stop thinking of this place. I was like a junkie, waiting for my next fix. I just had to get back. Finally, last night was my chance, as Z and I didn’t feel like cooking and the rainy night just begged for some comfort food. This time, we tucked into one of those cozy front tables by the windows.

Z couldn’t resist getting the spring rolls ($8) again (they’re that good). I decided to start with the warm asparagus salad with shredded endive and sliced pear, and a small “parmesan cheesecake” ($8). It was nutty, refreshing, and the perfect winter salad:

For entrees, Z chose the bacon-wrapped salmon with creamy polenta and charred tomato ($18). I would never dream of putting smoky bacon with delicate salmon—but it worked! And this photo does not do the beautiful presentation any justice. Z felt bad even cutting into it.

I went with the sweet corn ravioli with shredded chicken, pancetta, sage, and parmesan ($17). I adored these plump, gigantic raviolis, stuffed with creamy sweet corn. A perfect bite combined the ravioli with the smoky pancetta. My only negative thought was wondering if the chicken was even needed? I notoriously am not a chicken fan (blech, boring) but even Z agreed that it seemed kind of random. However, pushed aside, this pasta dish was an innovative take on your standard ravioli, and one I’ll remember for a long time.

Though I don’t know when my next date with the Franklin will be, I know I probably won’t be able to play hard-to-get for long…

Thanksgiving at Dish Gal's

This Thanksgiving was deemed by Dish Family as the best one yet. We were blessed with lots and lots of deeeelicious food, and great company.

Here's the menu:

Dish Gal herself made two side dishes: cornbread-chorizo stuffing and twice-baked sweet potatoes. Both turned out FANTASTIC, in different ways. For full recipes, click on each link for the recipe. Here are some photos of the process though...

For the sweet potatoes, after baking them in the oven until softened (about an hour), I hollowed out the flesh of each, leaving these shells of sweet potato:

After mashing up the flesh with yummy things like butter and nutmeg, I piped the sweet potato back into the shells. However, I forgot to close the top of the ziploc bag, making THIS mess all down my front:
It actually looks LESS worse than it was...I think I had an entire sweet potato on me! But finally here's what they looked like before I popped them back into the oven:

Finally, topped those bad boys with some chopped pecans and jumbo marshmallows, and back into the oven they went, just for about 10 minutes this time. Here's the final, sweet and savory product:

The cornbread-chorizo stuffing was the real star though. A little bit spicy from the chorizo, a little bit sweet from dried cherries and apricots, and a little bit nutty from pecans. I went with pre-made cornbread, diced it, and stuck it in the oven with a little olive oil and thyme:
Onions and celery get sauteed...but let's fast-forward to the final product:
Awesome at Thanksgiving, this dish also made a great breakfast/brunch side dish! Dish Mom made some over-easy eggs and heated up the cornbread-chorizo stuffing in the bacon pan. The runny yellow yolk gushing into the cornbread stuffing made for a delicious morning.

Last but CERTAINLY not least, here's Dish Nephew enjoying a cooking tool:

Gingerbread Pancakes with Lemon Sauce

This past Sunday in Boston was very cold-- a huge departure from the mild weather we'd been having. There was no way I was heading out into that blustery weather, so I decided to try these wintertime pancakes. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg made me excited for the holidays-- I even listened to some Christmas tunes while I cooked.

(Oops, not great with pouring the batter...)

The end result? This dish had the flavor of gingerbread cookies and the texture of fluffy pancakes. The light and tangy lemon sauce was the perfect complement. Plus they were very easy to make! I found this recipe on simplycook.com, but it's originally from the Pillsbury Cookbook (circa 1986). While an old recipe, it's certainly a good one to try out during this holiday season!
I would say this serves 3 hungry people (in my case, myself, Z, and Dish Mom) or 4 not-so-hungry people...

Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Sauce


Lemon Sauce

1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Dash salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons margarine or butter (margarine is so 80s; use butter!)
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Pancakes
1 cup pancake and waffle mix
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon oil
1 egg
Powdered sugar (to garnish, optional)

For lemon sauce, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in medium saucepan; mix well. Gradually stir in water. Bring to a boil; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened. (This actually took closer to 10 minutes for me). Remove from heat. Stir in butter, lemon peel, and lemon juice; mix well. Keep warm.

For pancakes, heat skillet over medium heat. Combine pancake mix, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in large bowl; blend well. Add milk, molasses, oil and egg. Mix until large lumps disappear. Pour batter into hot skillet to form pancakes. Flip when edges look cooked and bubbles begin to break on surface. Serve warm with lemon sauce drizzled over pancakes.

Even my cat wanted some!

From Pillsbury Classic Cookbooks, 1986

A Cure for a Discouraged Heart

Without getting into personal details, last night around suppertime Dish Gal found her heart to be quite heavy. Do you know that feeling? When life is just kind of getting you down, and any soul-searching you do seems to come up empty?

Dish Gal’s favorite remedy for this malaise, for a downtrodden spirit, has always been a hearty, home-cooked meal by her Italian Dish Mom. Sadly, living on one’s own, this medication isn’t available at all times. But luckily for me last night, living in the North End gets you the next best thing…

Last night, as the frigid air whipped through the narrow streets of the North End, Z and I stumbled into La Familia Giorgio’s on Salem Street. It was warm, welcoming, and so un-chic it was comforting. We ordered glasses of cabernet (ah! A grown-up cure for melancholy on its own) that came in juice glasses, as if you were in your grandmother’s house and that was all she had. When the bread came, I realized how hungry I was, as I dove into the uncomplicated bread basket and sopped up the heart-healthy olive oil spiked with crushed red hot pepper flakes.

We split a salad (side note: a green olive definitely fell into my massive purse, and I have still not recovered it. This is going to be a very odd surprise someday soon when I’m digging for my keys). When the main course came, I could’ve cried with happiness. A heaping, ginormous platter of ziti smothered in red sauce, topped with eggplant stuffed with parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella was placed in front of us. As if on a cartoon, my eyes doubled in size.

Each bite of this food was like a hug; I could feel the stress of the day melting away almost instantaneously. The eggplant was savory, satisfying, and uncomplicatedly-delicious.

In talking about this blog to Z last night, I said that I hope people can appreciate the fact that I don’t write unbiased restaurant reviews, and I always include my feelings along with my opinions on the food. In this case, I can’t imagine giving La Familia Giorgio’s anything less than a standing ovation for cheering me up on a cold and bleak evening. Perhaps the next time you're feeling similar, you'll wander up Salem St and try this spot, as well. It's just what the doctor ordered-- well, if he/she was a foodie ;)

Stephanie's on Newbury

When people mention Stephanie's on Newbury St, I usually hate on it. "Ugh, it's so overpriced," I'll grumble. "Upscale, comfort food-- so overdone."

But the other night, Skylar and I ended up there on one of these beautiful summer nights we've been having. We grabbed a glass of chardonnay at the bar, and then were quickly seated on their bustling patio. Our waiter was less than stellar (struck me as a summer-off-from-college type, which was interesting because I thought Stephanie's was a full-time-servers-only place). He was nice, but forgot to mention specials, and was a bit awkward for a seemingly-refined place.

But, I hate to say it, my asian yellow fin tuna salad ($16.95) really hit the spot. The tuna was supple and fresh, topped with a tangy wasabi sauce. The field greens were tossed in a zesty (albeit a tad too much of it) sesame dressing. The wok-charred peppers were unexpected and had just the right amount of crunchy-to-soft ratio. And while the price is pretty high, it was a large portion, and they did not skimp on the tuna.

While I think the menu is way overpriced and there are definitely better places to try in Boston, I don't think you'd be going wrong if you stopped here during a day of shopping on Newbury. I guess I'll have to quiet my grumbling for now. . .

Post Holidays Rundown

Quick Holiday Musings:

1) had a GREAT dinner at Gaslight pre-Christmas with my favorite ladies. My favorite part about that restaurant is that you don't have to give up anything for its deliciously low and affordable prices. The ambiance is nice (dim but not too dark lighting, Parisian zinc bar, small intimate tables), the food is decadent yet restrained, and the service is prompt. Of course, only me and my friends could ring up quite the tab at such a restaurant-- we enjoyed appetizers (beet & roquefort salad, cheese "foundue"), entrees (duck confit, salmon, rabbit), a nice bottle of red wine, some very interesting cocktails, and a dessert. We ended the night by going over to Lucky's and dancing away the calories to a great DJ (this same DJ later in the night asked my friend for her number; my friend, however, was not interested. she gave him her brother's phone number (as is her standard fake number) and needless to say her brother called her at 3 in the morning asking who DJ ______ was and why was he calling him... haha pretty funny). Lucky's is one of my favorite bars in Boston- an older crowd with a younger attitude. Massive shots too!

2) also had a great dining experience at Eastern Standard. A friend of mine is a waitress there, and she hooooked us up! She had us try their divine lobster crepes, as well as profiteroles that were to die for. Their cocktails were fresh and inventive, and, as always, the raclette is a MUST (I pretty much scraped the bottom of it).

3) sadly too much fun during New Years eve weekend meant a week of being sick. Most people when they are sick lose their appetites; however, I am not most people. I do lose my appetite for normal food, but comfort food I crave. The night I was the most sick, I left work, bundled up, and stumbled across the street to comfort food paradise: Boston Market. I can't lie-- their mashed potatoes will always have a special place in my heart!! Don't hate if you've never tried them... they are phenomenol.

Well that's my highlights of a foodies' holiday season =)

Love,

Dish Gal