Posted by Audrey Gallen in
1 comments
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!