Posted by Audrey Gallen in
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http://www.capeguide.com/vacation/where_to_eat.asp
Just a thought!
Just a thought!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 3:40 AM
Benefits of Olive Oil
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
Recently, I found my new comfort foods-- Hummus and Pita bread! but this is not what amazed me the most, If Asia's staple food is rice, for the Greeks it's gotta be olive oil.
Olive oil is a main ingredient in their diet. And no, I'm not telling you to indulge yourself and put the whole bottle in your food, but olives are indeed healthy for you. Matter of fact, olives are their all-around formula: it's good for cooking, you can use it to make your hair shiny and your skin moist. It can also be used as an aftershave, so men if you want to be au naturel with your products here's a good tip for you. Aside from these beauty tips, olive oil can also be useful for household quick-fixes. No need to buy Pledge to give your wooden furniture a new look, a few drops of olive oil can do the trick. It can also be useful to free a stuck zipper, I know that's very random but it sure works!
Olive oil is a main ingredient in their diet. And no, I'm not telling you to indulge yourself and put the whole bottle in your food, but olives are indeed healthy for you. Matter of fact, olives are their all-around formula: it's good for cooking, you can use it to make your hair shiny and your skin moist. It can also be used as an aftershave, so men if you want to be au naturel with your products here's a good tip for you. Aside from these beauty tips, olive oil can also be useful for household quick-fixes. No need to buy Pledge to give your wooden furniture a new look, a few drops of olive oil can do the trick. It can also be useful to free a stuck zipper, I know that's very random but it sure works!
Friday, April 30, 2010 at 2:41 PM
You Don't Need a Tourism Degree For This!
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
Do you have a passion for food and writing? Well, I have a perfect job for you, and this job can take you around the world even without leaving your own city (literally and metaphorically). It'll introduce you to different cultures and with this job, you will never get hungry.
Now, you may ask, "so, what the hell is this job that you are talking about?"
Well, I'm talking about becoming a "food critic." It's a job that you gotta love. You get to meet new people, taste delicious (and the not-so-delicious) entrees, and most of it all, it gives you the opportunity to taste different foods from various cultures. All you gotta do is to put your taste buds to work, and write about it efficiently.
So, what are the steps to becoming a food critic?
1. You have to be knowledgeable about what you're writing about. Learn the origin of the food, and the culture that it came from. It is good to write in a first perspective point of view, but don't let your personal experiences take over the whole article. Remember that this is a review, not a diary. Write your article in an objective view, but with your own voice.
2. It is important to experience it yourself. You can't describe something that you just see on recipe books. Go out there!
3. When you go to restaurants, ask them for their "specialty dish" and please, don't be picky! When they offer you their specialty dish, just eat it!
4. Develop professional relationships with restaurant manager and/or staff. You can learn a lot from them, if you get lucky, they might share you their secret recipe or even hook you up with free food.
5. Write honestly and efficiently. You don't want to bore your audience with big words. Just go straight to the point. We're talking about food here, not rocket science.
6. Be an expert . Learn the culinary jargon. Go to wine expo and food festivals so you can have a taste of everything.
7.Study other languages. You don't have to be fluent, but just enough to be able to order or read the menu without the English subtext.
8. You don't have to be the lonely one sitting in the corner of the restaurant analyzing your meal. Go with friends, you can even order different entrees, then write about them.
9. When writing about a negative review, always remember to be fair and balanced. (Also, get yourself ready from getting angry emails/or snail mails from these restaurants!)
10. Once you have your portfolio of restaurant reviews, send them to editors or local newspapers. Who knows, you can be the next Anthony Bourdain!
Bon Appetit and Good Luck to you!
1. You have to be knowledgeable about what you're writing about. Learn the origin of the food, and the culture that it came from. It is good to write in a first perspective point of view, but don't let your personal experiences take over the whole article. Remember that this is a review, not a diary. Write your article in an objective view, but with your own voice.
2. It is important to experience it yourself. You can't describe something that you just see on recipe books. Go out there!
3. When you go to restaurants, ask them for their "specialty dish" and please, don't be picky! When they offer you their specialty dish, just eat it!
4. Develop professional relationships with restaurant manager and/or staff. You can learn a lot from them, if you get lucky, they might share you their secret recipe or even hook you up with free food.
5. Write honestly and efficiently. You don't want to bore your audience with big words. Just go straight to the point. We're talking about food here, not rocket science.
6. Be an expert . Learn the culinary jargon. Go to wine expo and food festivals so you can have a taste of everything.
7.Study other languages. You don't have to be fluent, but just enough to be able to order or read the menu without the English subtext.
8. You don't have to be the lonely one sitting in the corner of the restaurant analyzing your meal. Go with friends, you can even order different entrees, then write about them.
9. When writing about a negative review, always remember to be fair and balanced. (Also, get yourself ready from getting angry emails/or snail mails from these restaurants!)
10. Once you have your portfolio of restaurant reviews, send them to editors or local newspapers. Who knows, you can be the next Anthony Bourdain!
Bon Appetit and Good Luck to you!
Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 11:49 PM
BALI HAI--For the drinker's friend.
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
LYNNFIELD,MA-- For all of you Bostonians, have you heard of Lynnfield,Massachusetts? Probably not, huh? Well, in this little town of Lynnfield, you can find the most affordable, cheapest, and best selections of cocktail drinks! Yes-- for this blog entry, I'm not going to comment much on the food, but this time we're going to focus on the drinks!
Nothing to do? On a tight budget? Well, why don't you call up your friends and check BALI HAI out. I have to tell you, this restaurant is absolutely cheap! If all you have is $20, you can feed five people, and they'd walk out feeling full and satisfied.
They serve Polynesian and Chinese food. I know that Chinese food sounds so typical, but we don't really have a lot of Polynesian restaurants around Boston. So, this restaurant is surely a great pick for those of you who want to try something different. First, you'll notice the settingt, the front of the restaurant is shaped like a hut. It gives you the Polynesian feel to it because in some islands, people live in a small hut.
As soon as you enter this place, a waitress will give you a table immediately. I'm talking about less then five seconds and you're already comfortably sitting down. The decorations are amazing. There are random stuff hanging on the ceiling (i.e. wooden drums, and other island decorations etc.) such as this one:
Also, another thing that most of you party people will like best, super cheap drinks! If you have a few dollars to spare, you can buy fancy drinks poured in a tropical looking glass. They even have some fruity alcoholic beverages, and you'll have a real freshly cut pineapple as your cup! Cool, right?
The restaurant is very intimate, and they even have red carpet. They have white tablecloths and neatly folded napkins and eating utensils ready on the table. Plus, the best part is the waitresses didn't even need a pen and paper to write our order-- she memorized it, and got every single order right.
Good stuff.
93 Moulton Drive
Lynnfield, MA 01940-1599
(781) 593-8600
Nothing to do? On a tight budget? Well, why don't you call up your friends and check BALI HAI out. I have to tell you, this restaurant is absolutely cheap! If all you have is $20, you can feed five people, and they'd walk out feeling full and satisfied.
They serve Polynesian and Chinese food. I know that Chinese food sounds so typical, but we don't really have a lot of Polynesian restaurants around Boston. So, this restaurant is surely a great pick for those of you who want to try something different. First, you'll notice the settingt, the front of the restaurant is shaped like a hut. It gives you the Polynesian feel to it because in some islands, people live in a small hut.
As soon as you enter this place, a waitress will give you a table immediately. I'm talking about less then five seconds and you're already comfortably sitting down. The decorations are amazing. There are random stuff hanging on the ceiling (i.e. wooden drums, and other island decorations etc.) such as this one:
Also, another thing that most of you party people will like best, super cheap drinks! If you have a few dollars to spare, you can buy fancy drinks poured in a tropical looking glass. They even have some fruity alcoholic beverages, and you'll have a real freshly cut pineapple as your cup! Cool, right?
The restaurant is very intimate, and they even have red carpet. They have white tablecloths and neatly folded napkins and eating utensils ready on the table. Plus, the best part is the waitresses didn't even need a pen and paper to write our order-- she memorized it, and got every single order right.
Good stuff.
93 Moulton Drive
Lynnfield, MA 01940-1599
(781) 593-8600
Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 9:39 PM
THAI BASIL--- Back Bay Bargain
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
COPLEY SQUARE---- Whenever we think of the "Back Bay" area, we automatically think about expensive restaurants and overpriced cramped apartments. I actually disagree with that visual image. There are a lot of restaurants in Copley where you can dine in and not spend a fortune. I used to work around that area, that's why I know about these hot spots. It is very true that Copley Square is a melting pot of all cultures. From Italian to Thai food, they have it all here. The only problem is, where should you go?Imagine this, it is a Friday afternoon and you want to treat yourself out for lunch. Not just regular lunch, but we're talking about 'a fine lunch.' I'm sure you don't want to go to a super expensive restaurant, but you don't want to go to a fast food chain or a quick take out either. Well, if you don't mind a little kick of spice in your food, you should go to Thai Basil. I knew about this place because a former co-worker suggested that they have the best and cheap Thai Iced Tea, so I tried one-- and since then, I became hooked on it.
A couple of days ago, I went to Thai Basil to relax and eat after a long torturous day. I've always loved going there because the waitresses are absolutely nice! I never had an issue with the staff nor with the quality of my food. It is dining-in first class but on a low cost budget.
It is located on 132 Newbury St., one of the busiest streets in Boston. If you're not a Bostonian, you have to really look closely because this restaurant is not on the street level, though you'd see the "Thai Basil" sign on the top of their stairs. It looks like this:
When I got my check it's less than $15 for everything. Well, of course I gave them a very decent tip for a wonderful service. For those people who LOVE spicy food. You should definitely check this place out. They have a menu with so many Thai food selections.
Bon Appetit!
Friday, April 9, 2010 at 3:57 PM
AQUITAINE--- Si'l Vous Plait, Ooh Pass That Plate!
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
This Parisian inspired restaurant is truly a description of European sophistication.For some reasons, food is a connection to good memories and my experience at Aquitaine reminded me of my good memories when I went to Paris,France a few years ago. We went to Aquitaine on a foggy Thursday night (kinda like what you see in vintage movies!) and most of the stores were already closed. Aquitaine was like a gleaming jewel in the middle of Legacy Place. It is such an inviting place, the exterior of the restaurant is made up of thick glass and wooden material, and standing from outside, you can see the glamorous and warm ambience of Aquitaine.
We were seated as soon as we came in, no waiting in lines. I recommend to make reservations before you come in, especially for those of you who are running on a tight schedule. As soon as we were seated, a friendly waitress greeted us and gave us our menus. You can tell if a restaurant is high class if they're giving you imported water (in this case, we had glass bottled French water!)
Then to start the night, I ordered a cocktail called "French Manicure," It is a martini that will never go out of style, blending Raspberry & Citron Vodka, with Fresh Lemon & Lime Juice. A very girly drink indeed, and very fruity too.
Here's a photo of French Manicure:
We ordered
with Brandied Cherries, don't be fooled by the name, it's not really from Tahiti, and there's really nothing "island-feel" to this dessert. It was delicious, but it tasted like every other creme brulee I've tasted before. I guess the only difference is Aquitaine put cherries on top of it. Here's a quick photo:
If you don't mind spending at least a $80 for a meal, this is the place for you. Don't get me wrong, I don't spend that much for a nightly dinner, but I absolutely recommend this place for people who wants to celebrate their anniversaries, business meetings or a small gathering. Celebrate your special event at this extraordinary French restaurant.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 6:33 PM
DALI'S --- The definition of romantic!
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
Dali's is a Spanish inspired restaurant located at the instersection of Washington St. and Beacon Street. They are famous for their tapas and authentic Spanish meals, but I am sure you are going to love this place for the cozy environment setting, vibrant people and the hospitable staff who work at this place.
As soon as you enter the large, wooden front door, you'll feel like you're automatically transported out of Boston and an instant vacation to Spain. The jolly host welcomed us and said something in Spanish. Only knowing a little Spanish, I told him 'good evening' and asked him 'how he's doing.' A few moments later, our waitress, who was wearing a black dress, a lacy apron and a feathery hair clip, told us that she will be taking us to our table. I was impressed with their hospitality because never have I been to a restaurant like this, plus the host pulled the chair for me and put the napkin on my lap. He also did the same thing to my boyfriend, who wasn't sure what to do at the time. I smiled and nodded at him reassuring him that it's okay. Then, he graciously thanked the host for his kindness and hospitality.
I am amazed by the Spanish decor that they have in this restaurant. There were antique looking golden chandeliers that are hanging on the tile ceiling, the tables are all made out of tiles and wood, and the walls are simply unfurnished bricks. By the bar, there is a large nude painting of a woman. I'm sure that the men don't mind, but I wonder how some women would react if they have a nude painting infront of them as they sip their cocktails.
The prices of the meals are very affordable. The prices for the entrees are all between $7.50-$10.50 dollars, but the catch here is you have to buy the seafood (or meat) rice platter. You cannot have it as a side order, and the it costs between $24-$27 dollars. I ordered mushroom stuffed artichokes also known as Alcachofas Rellenas ($7.50), it was rolled in melted cheese and stuffed with fresh mushrooms. Then, we also shared a Pastel de Vacuno ($7.00), which in their menu translates as Beef and Sweet Potato Pie. When we got the order, it was nothing like a pie, it was more like a round cake.
Like I mentioned, the rice platters are ordered separately from the entrees. Each order of rice ranges from $24-$27 dollars per plate. If you think about it, that's very expensive for a rice platter, but what makes it so delicious is the rich taste of seafood and squeezed lemon that seeped into the rice for an authentic Spanish flavor. They don't go cheap on seafood, when they say it's a rice platter, they were talking about a pan-ful of rice mixed with loads of seafood.
I recommend Dali's for people who want to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and small function groups. It is absolutely cheap but very fine dining!
Bon Appetit!
As soon as you enter the large, wooden front door, you'll feel like you're automatically transported out of Boston and an instant vacation to Spain. The jolly host welcomed us and said something in Spanish. Only knowing a little Spanish, I told him 'good evening' and asked him 'how he's doing.' A few moments later, our waitress, who was wearing a black dress, a lacy apron and a feathery hair clip, told us that she will be taking us to our table. I was impressed with their hospitality because never have I been to a restaurant like this, plus the host pulled the chair for me and put the napkin on my lap. He also did the same thing to my boyfriend, who wasn't sure what to do at the time. I smiled and nodded at him reassuring him that it's okay. Then, he graciously thanked the host for his kindness and hospitality.
I am amazed by the Spanish decor that they have in this restaurant. There were antique looking golden chandeliers that are hanging on the tile ceiling, the tables are all made out of tiles and wood, and the walls are simply unfurnished bricks. By the bar, there is a large nude painting of a woman. I'm sure that the men don't mind, but I wonder how some women would react if they have a nude painting infront of them as they sip their cocktails.
The prices of the meals are very affordable. The prices for the entrees are all between $7.50-$10.50 dollars, but the catch here is you have to buy the seafood (or meat) rice platter. You cannot have it as a side order, and the it costs between $24-$27 dollars. I ordered mushroom stuffed artichokes also known as Alcachofas Rellenas ($7.50), it was rolled in melted cheese and stuffed with fresh mushrooms. Then, we also shared a Pastel de Vacuno ($7.00), which in their menu translates as Beef and Sweet Potato Pie. When we got the order, it was nothing like a pie, it was more like a round cake.
Like I mentioned, the rice platters are ordered separately from the entrees. Each order of rice ranges from $24-$27 dollars per plate. If you think about it, that's very expensive for a rice platter, but what makes it so delicious is the rich taste of seafood and squeezed lemon that seeped into the rice for an authentic Spanish flavor. They don't go cheap on seafood, when they say it's a rice platter, they were talking about a pan-ful of rice mixed with loads of seafood.
I recommend Dali's for people who want to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and small function groups. It is absolutely cheap but very fine dining!
Bon Appetit!
at 1:07 AM
My top five picks
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
I have been to many restaurants in Boston. Here are my top five restaurants of the week:
1) DALI (ROMANTIC, SPANISH STYLE)
415 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
(Corner of Beacon & Washington Sts.)
phone: 617.661.3254 | fax: 617.661.2813
2) VLORA (UNDERGROUND RESTAURANT, MEDITERANEAN)
545 Boylston Street, Boston
617-638-9699
3) SHABU ZEN (FOR HEALTH NUTS, JAPANESE)
130 Jersey St
(between Park Dr & Queensberry St)
Boston, MA 02215 (617) 247-9508
1) DALI (ROMANTIC, SPANISH STYLE)
415 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
(Corner of Beacon & Washington Sts.)
phone: 617.661.3254 | fax: 617.661.2813
2) VLORA (UNDERGROUND RESTAURANT, MEDITERANEAN)
545 Boylston Street, Boston
617-638-9699
3) SHABU ZEN (FOR HEALTH NUTS, JAPANESE)
 | | |||||
|
4) TRATTORIA TOSCANA (FRENCH)
Neighborhood: Fenway130 Jersey St
(between Park Dr & Queensberry St)
Boston, MA 02215 (617) 247-9508
5) KIKUYAMA (GRILL, JAPANESE)
350 Washington St
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 251-2288
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 251-2288
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 7:31 PM
DALI'S
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
Tonight, I'll be going to Dali's and I am ecstatic because I've been hearing good stuff about it. The menu on their website is delicious, it's making me hungry right now. For more information, please visit their website:
http://www.dalirestaurant.com/information.html
http://www.dalirestaurant.com/information.html
at 6:17 PM
FREE BURRITO! MUST READ!
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
On February 24th, Boloco turned 13.
Based upon an impressive turnout of guests in our latest snowstorm challenge (and a record 168 thumbs up on our Boloco Facebook Page), we committed to celebrating entry into our teenage years with a series of Free Burrito Days.
So TOMORROW (Wednesday, 3/10/10) we are proud to announce at the following 3 locations:
Boloco Newbury - 247 Newbury St. (corner of Newbury and Fairfield)
Boloco Northeastern - 359-369 Huntington Ave. (inside the Marino Center)
Boloco Tufts - 340 Boston Ave., Medford
11AM - 8PM (closing early)
Boloco Northeastern - 359-369 Huntington Ave. (inside the Marino Center)
Boloco Tufts - 340 Boston Ave., Medford
11AM - 8PM (closing early)
Mini and Small Burritos, Bowls, Wraps and Salads are FREE. The Original (our largest size) is a buck.
Disclaimer: This announcement is from an email that was sent to me by Bolocco. I take no credit for the writing section. I am just spreading the word.
Friday, March 5, 2010 at 2:36 PM
SHABU ZEN --- Healthy Choice
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
The first thing that you will notice upon entering this restaurant is a big rectangular table,that is basically the dining area. Individuals get their own pot filled with boiling water. However, if you are going to dine in with a group, it is also an option to reserve a table. The only thing about reserving a table is that people in your party will have to share one boiling pot of water.
Now, you might ask, what's up with the boiling pot of water? Well, that's how you cook your food. Yes, you cook your own food. You put all the meat,seafood and vegetable to a boil and the waitresses give you a variety of sauces and spices to add to your meal. You also have an option of putting flavor to your soup, your choices are kim chee flavor, tom yum flavor and chinese herbal soup.
The waiters and waitresses are extremely friendly. You will really feel the hospitality of the staff here. Also, I noticed that although this is a Japanese restaurant, almost all of their employees are Chinese. It is not a big deal, but it is just quite interesting to me.
When they serve your meal, they will serve you platters of meat, carefully thin sliced and neatly rolled up. They have pork, beef, chicken and lamb. For seafood, they serve scallops,jumbo shrimps,squid and occassionally, they have shark fin on their menu.
Overall, I give this place a 4.5 out of 5, ShabuZen is a healthy choice, you don't have to worry about your cholesterol because everything here is boiled!
Monday, March 1, 2010 at 2:03 PM
Picking a Restaurant: First Dates
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
FIRST DATES:
In this phase, you are just getting to know each other. You must have an idea on what kind of person she is (i.e. bubbly, professional,edgy, music-minded, health conscious). With these in mind, it will be easier for you to decide which restaurant fits best for the both of you.
Also, remember that she agreed to go out with you on a date because she is NOT expecting you to take her to an expensive restaurant. The reason? it is because she wants to spend time with you, so this is your chance to take the other end of the rope. Be yourself, and also tell your "wallet" to be honest with itself. Don't go to an expensive restaurant and then end up ordering appetizers and water. Take your date to a place where both of you can be comfortable.
If she is very health conscious or a vegetarian, then you should take her to a pot pot, a grilling bar or even a vegetarian restaurant. Here are some restaurant suggestions:
GRASSHOPPER VEGAN (Vegetarian)
http://grasshoppervegan.com/
1 North Beacon St
Allston, MA 02135
Tel: 617-254-8883
SHABU ZEN (Hot pot)
http://www.shabuzen.com/menu.html
16 Tyler Street
Boston, MA 02111
Tel : 617.292.8828
**Hanah's note: Don't be surprised when you get a platter of raw meat, you're supposed to let them simmer in the boiling pot of hot water in the middle of the table.
FIRE AND ICE (Grill Bar)
http://fire-ice.com
205 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116
617-482-FIRE (3473)
**Hanah's note: you'll enjoy the varieties of meat, seafood, vegetables and sauces, all grilled up the way you like it!
If your significant other is the romantic type, with candle lights and roses, choose a place where there are low lights ( you don't even have to choose a restaurants with candle lights and a violinist). These are the places for you:
VLORA (Mediterranean)
http://www.vloraboston.com/
545 Boylston Street, Boston
617-638-9699
**Hanah's note: It's an underground restaurant!
TOP OF THE HUB
www.topofthehub.net
800 Boylston StreetBoston, MA 02199-8142
(617) 536-1775
**Hanah's Note: Make her feel like the princess of the world. Overlooking the metropolitan Boston, it's great to go here at night!
Watch out for my next review, here on Appetizine!
at 1:02 PM
EAST COAST BAR AND GRILLE--- Back to the Islands
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
CAMBRIDGE,MA ---- It was one rainy Thursday night when my friends and I decided to check out East Coast Bar and Grill. I haven't been to this place but I've seen it on Travel Channel and Man vs. Food so it must be a good pick. As we were driving down the street, I realized that Cambridge St. is a whole strip of little restaurants and convenience stores.
From the outside of the restaurant, it was already obvious that this place was quite popular around town. It was a medium-sized restaurant, but it is incredibly packed with a lot of guests. It is quite astounding how a low-key restaurant in a quiet neighborhood can get extremely jammed with people on a Thursday night.
We waited for the hostess for about five minutes. At first, I was actually confused if guests just go find their own seats or if they wait for someone to guide them to their table. Finally, the lady came back to her podium and apologized for the long wait. She said that all tables were taken and that the wait time will be 35 minutes. We all wanted to eat here so we decided to wait a while near the bar area, but the dining area is so small that you really have to stay in the very corner of the room, there's no waiting area, so we stood there for almost an hour.
Another waitress came and she asked if it's okay if we can sit on the little square tables.We were a little hesitant at first because it was a small table designed for two people. The waitress suggested that they were just going to combine two small tables to accomodate five people. After a short while, another waitress came over and asked us if we can move our tables so that the other people can be seated on the tables next to us. She even asked my friend, who was celebrating his birthday there, to stand up and move to the other end of the table so they can accomodate other guests.
"Well" I said. "the food has to be good." I continued. The price of the meals were expensive. They have a lot of meat selections. Here's the dinner menu: http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/menus/dinnermenu.pdf
They were playing Bob Marley songs and island beats that fills the air with tropical ambience.They also had a raw bar, where you choose your oysters and other seafood. I can call this restaurant a 'casual fine dining,' the food was absolutely tasty, it almost feels like summer being here in this restaurant!
We waited for the hostess for about five minutes. At first, I was actually confused if guests just go find their own seats or if they wait for someone to guide them to their table. Finally, the lady came back to her podium and apologized for the long wait. She said that all tables were taken and that the wait time will be 35 minutes. We all wanted to eat here so we decided to wait a while near the bar area, but the dining area is so small that you really have to stay in the very corner of the room, there's no waiting area, so we stood there for almost an hour.
Another waitress came and she asked if it's okay if we can sit on the little square tables.We were a little hesitant at first because it was a small table designed for two people. The waitress suggested that they were just going to combine two small tables to accomodate five people. After a short while, another waitress came over and asked us if we can move our tables so that the other people can be seated on the tables next to us. She even asked my friend, who was celebrating his birthday there, to stand up and move to the other end of the table so they can accomodate other guests.
"Well" I said. "the food has to be good." I continued. The price of the meals were expensive. They have a lot of meat selections. Here's the dinner menu: http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/menus/dinnermenu.pdf
They were playing Bob Marley songs and island beats that fills the air with tropical ambience.They also had a raw bar, where you choose your oysters and other seafood. I can call this restaurant a 'casual fine dining,' the food was absolutely tasty, it almost feels like summer being here in this restaurant!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 2:19 PM
KIKUYAMA-- Fresh and Fiery
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
I was expecting that this place would be a fine intimate dining with tables for two, but I was wrong! There were 4 large squared tables with a flat grill right in the middle. As we were being seated, you can already smell the aroma of the spices. The bar was located on the other side of the dining area, they have a huge selection of different kinds of liquor and wines (I didn't try it because I am not really into drinking!).
We started with a miso soup and a regular garden salad with no dressing, followed by a platter of delicious eel and crawfish sushi. Don't get me wrong, Kikuyama does not only serve sushi, tea and salad. They have an extensive menu for meat, seafood and vegetables. One of my favorite specialty dinners are their very own Kobe Surf and Turf (Sirloin Steak and Lobster), and Teppan Grill Calamari (Grilled Squid).
After a few minutes of waiting for our order. Their waiter who is wearing a bent fork as a scarf clip rolled down his ingredients near our table. "How is everybody doing?!" He said enthusiastically as he juggled two grill spatulas. Everybody around my table was amazed, some were taking pictures with their mouths open in awe. After a few seconds of continuously juggling, he threw an egg up in the air and caught it with his spatula. He threw it up again, turned his spatula sideways and broke the egg into two halves."Amazing" I thought. But even before I can finish the whole sentence in my head he sprayed cooking oil on the grill and lit it on fire. "Fire!" he exclaimed enthusiastically. My eyes widened, I didn't think we had something like this in Boston.People who are arsonphobia (fear of fire) will definitely run out the restaurant-- but for me, this is definitely exciting!
The food is fresh and it is cooked carefully cooked in the way that you want it. The other upside is it is cooked right infront of you, consumers tend to enjoy their food even more when they know what exactly is in their food.The only downside to this is I don't really recommend it for a two-people party, because you will end up brushing elbows with strangers (unless you don't mind that!). I think it is great for big groups and family night-outs.
Overall, I give Kikuyama a 4 out of 5 stars! Ambience is great, food is delicious and the hospitality of the people is fantastic!If you want to check out their restaurant and experience the fiery goodness of Kikuyama,
please reserve your seats now and visit them today!
350 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026-1837
or call them at
Friday, February 5, 2010 at 11:35 PM
OAK HILL PIZZA- Super Fast Delivery, Great Customer Service
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
Usually, delivery places will make you wait 30-40 minutes, but Oak Hill will only take 15 minutes to get to where you are. I guess you can say that it depends on the proximity but I have ordered from places that are literally five blocks down from my workplace (sorry I'm lazy to walk sometimes) and still take about an hour to get my food delivered to me.
I recommend Oak Hill Pizza because of their tasty meals and great customer service. Their delivery people are always outgoing and friendly, that's a plus point if a business wants customers to return. Also, try the eggplant parmesan, maybe I'm just an eggplant fanatic but it tastes really fantastic!
Cheers!
Here's their address:
665 Saw Mill Brook Parkway
Newton Center, MA 02459
(617) 964-7009
at 11:19 PM
Filipino Cuisine--- Right at My Home!
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
I have been to many great restaurants but there is still no place like home. My mother and my grandmother cook the most delicious and homely meals. I think that applies to everybody--the way of their cooking will remind you of your good childhood days--and therefore satisfy your appetite. Anyway, I want to share you a list of my favorite Filipino desserts:
Leche Flan, also known as egg custard, has gotten its name from Spanish words eggs and milk. Those two are the main ingredients for this food. The brown topping is heated caramel poured all over the custard. This is absolutely delicious!
Here's a youtube link I found on how to make leche flan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4mwJvhipL0
I haven't tried it myself, but I'm definitely going to try one day!
On your right side there is one of the well-known Filipino desserts called Halo-Halo ("Halo" pronounced as Hah-Lo in tagalog, means "mix"). This dessert is a combination of many fruits and sweets. There is no specific way of making Halo-halo, all you need are the main ingredients: boiled red mung beans, sugar palm. tapioca pearls, evaporated or condensed milk, crushed ice, purple yam, sugar, ice cream and anything you want to add. This is the easiest dessert ever, all you really need to do is to "mix-it-up" no wonder it's called halo-halo.
Finally, this one right here called Turon, it is absolutely easy to make, all you need are plantains, brown sugar and spring roll wrappers. This is such an appetizing snack. It is somewhat healthy too, because the sweetness comes from the sweet plantain and not all from the brown sugar (it only gives it the caramelized look). Some people put jack fruit with the plantain to give it a tropical twist.
You should try making this at home!
Here is the recipe for Turon:
http://www.discoversandiego.com/features/cheflarry/recipes/desserts/turon.htm
So, these are my three top favorite Filipino desserts that my grandmother and my mother make every time there is a gathering at our house.
If you want to taste some of these desserts, you should come by my meetings/lectures at UMB. Contact me at AppetizineMedia@gmail.com for more information.
Here's a youtube link I found on how to make leche flan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4mwJvhipL0
I haven't tried it myself, but I'm definitely going to try one day!
You should try making this at home!
Here is the recipe for Turon:
http://www.discoversandiego.com/features/cheflarry/recipes/desserts/turon.htm
So, these are my three top favorite Filipino desserts that my grandmother and my mother make every time there is a gathering at our house.
If you want to taste some of these desserts, you should come by my meetings/lectures at UMB. Contact me at AppetizineMedia@gmail.com for more information.
at 10:30 PM
VIVA MI AREPA-- a taste of Venezuela
Posted by Audrey Gallen in
WEST ROXBURY,MA-- Located at the intersection Grove Street and Washington Street, Viva Mi Arepa can never be missed. The aroma of the food will linger in your nose, and its inviting smell will really make you check this place out.
This is not just your ordinary restaurant-- from the moment you walk in, to the moment you leave-- you will never regret any second eating at Viva Mi Arepa. The striking thing that you will notice about the place is they only have three tables, each with four chairs, and they are always packed with people. Some of their customers take their food out, but more than half the time customers decide to dine in at Viva Mi Arepa and enjoy the Venezuelan ambience.
I asked Edner what challenges his restaurant is facing in this downspiraling economy, and he smiled
Edner recommends Paella Marinera, Beef and Cheese Cachapa, Arepa, Venezuelan Empanadas and Delicias Del Mar.
If you want to see what the yelpers are saying, please refer to this website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/viva-mi-arepa-west-roxbury
WANNA TRY SOME AUTHENTIC VENEZUELAN FOOD?
Visit Viva Mi Arepa today!
By T: Take the bus 34 or 34E and get off at Grove St.
By Car: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?cat=viva+mi+arepa