Saturday, February 16, 2019

CAN'T SLEEP? ORDER SOME INSOMNIA COOKIES!

Saturday, February 16, 2019
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

The many varieties of Insomnia Cookies.
Cookie cakes
Milk to compliment your cookie.
Insomnia Cookies on Thayer Street in Providence
Insomnia Cookies
Providence, RI
insomniacookies.com

Can't sleep? Order some warm cookies! Insomnia Cookies delivers cookies until three in the morning every day. Their location on busy Thayer Street in Providence, Rhode Island also stays open until 2 am. 

These are some tasty cookies. There are traditional cookies like chocolate chunk, peanut butter cup, M&M's, snickerdoodle and double chocolate mint. They also have their own tasty batches of deluxe cookies like chocolate peanut butter cup and s'mores.  I loved their chocolate peanut butter cup cookie. It's a peanut butter cookie with peanut butter cups in it. It's served warm with ooey gooey warm peanut butter cup chunks in it.

 Order one or a couple cookies or box them up to share. They have deals like the Six Pack, which includes 6 cookies. There's a Major Rager, which includes 18 traditional cookies. Or go nuts with The Insomniac, which is made up of 24 traditional cookies. 

Many of their locations, including this one, also serve ice cream. Customers can buy ice cream cookie sandwiches using any of their cookies. They also have cookie cakes, which serve four to eight people.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

TOBY KEITH'S I LOVE THIS BAR IN FOXBORO CLOSES

Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Toby Keith's I Love This Bar at Patriot Place in Foxboro, Massachusetts has closed for good. The restaurant was a popular spot before and after Patriots games for eight years. It was known for its live music and mechanical bull. As of today, Toby Keith's only has three locations left in Oklahoma. A sign is hanging into the door announcing the closure, but it does not say why the restaurant suddenly shut down.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

BRUNCH AT CENTRAL PUBLIC HOUSE

Saturday, January 26, 2019
The beautiful bar at Central Public House.
Breakfast Pizza
CENTRAL PUBLIC HOUSE
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
centralpublichouse.com

 Central Public House is like a taste of Boston in the town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. It's gorgeous bar and live plant displays on the wall give it that city feel, along with their executive chef who's cooked at many fine Boston restaurants.Central Public House has been serving lunch and dinner for a few months, but just started brunch on the weekend.

I started off my meal with a cafe mocha, which was a chocolatey and caffeine-filled delight. Coffee, cappuccino and espresso are other pick-me-ups on the menu. In the mood for a boozy brunch beverage? Central Public House also serves classics like the Mimosa, Bloody Mary and Tequila Sunrise.

Brunch meals include a breakfast pizza, huevos rancheros, bananas foster French toast, steak & eggs, a burger, turkey club and Caesar salad.  I really enjoyed the breakfast pizza. It's topped with bacon, sausage, cheese, spinach and an egg. 

Great brunch. Cozy atmosphere. Eat Up New England looks forward to returning to the Central Public House for lunch and dinner.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

PERFECT PIZZA & SWEET TREATS AT THE FRAMINGHAM BAKING COMPANY

Thursday, January 17, 2019
The bakery was started by three immigrants from Italy in 1917.
Their famous cheesy sheet pizza.
Ganache Brownie - one of their Valentine's Day treats.
Framingham Baking Company
Framingham, Massachusetts
www.framinghambakingcompany.com

 Open since 1917, the Framingham Baking Company is tucked in not far from downtown Framingham. Don't blink because you might just miss it. A small wooden sign is all that lets customers know about the deliciousness that awaits inside. 

Everything at the Framingham Baking Company is made fresh right there. There are breads including Italiian bread, French bread, subs and rolls. For breakfast, go for their cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing and a variety of croissants. The pizza is what really puts Framingham Baking Company on the map. They are known for their sheets of pizza, square slices with lots of yummy cheese. Their broccoli & cheese pizza is one of my favorites. Their meatball and ham & pineapple slices are also fantastic. The toppings are different every day, so be sure to check their Facebook page to see what they are offering before stopping by. They also tend to sell out, so be sure to get their in time for lunch. 

 I can never leave the Framingham Baking Company without grabbing a bunch of sweet treats. Their anise cookies are fantastic. They always have mini loaves of chocolate cake and carrot cake, which I can never pass up. Seasonal baked goods are a delight throughout the year. Right now, there are "Go Patriots" football-shaped cookies. Romantics with a sweet tooth may prefer their heart-shaped ganache brownies and heart-shaped cookies for Valentine's Day.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

EAT UP NEW ENGLAND'S FAVORITE DISHES OF 2018

Saturday, December 29, 2018
90's Punch - Wood N Tap, Newington, Connecticut 
Cheesesteak Hoagie - Cleavers, Philadelphia, PA
Lobster Mac & Cheese - Robert's Maine Grill, Freeport, Maine
Mexican Dog - Zippity Do Dog, Framingham, Massachusetts
Bacon cheeseburger - BRGR Bar, Portsmouth, NH

Sunday, December 02, 2018

THE BAGEL TABLE OPENS IN ASHLAND

Sunday, December 02, 2018
The large variety of bagels at The Bagel Table.
Italian sandwich
They also bake sweets like cupcakes and whoopie pies.
The Bagel Table
Ashland, Massachusetts
www.mybageltable.com

There's a new place to kick off your day in Ashland, Massachusetts. The Bagel Table is now open for business. The owners started off selling their bagels at local farmer's markets. They were so popular that they opened their first store in Chestnut Hill, and now, this second shop on Main Street in Ashland.  

They specialize in New York style bagels in a variety of flavors from asiago cheese to sesame. Top one off with cream cheese or make a sandwich out of it. They also sell croissants and muffins. The Bagel Table also serves lunch. I enjoy their Italian sandwich, which is stuffed full of meats and cheese. I also ordered a cup of their clam chowder with bagel croutons. This chowder was FANTASTIC, comparable to chowders found in Maine or on the Cape.

The Bagel Table also bakes up a variety of desserts like cupcake, cookies, and whoopie pies. They also sold pies for customers at Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 09, 2018

DELICIOUS DISH: TURKEY GOBBLER HOT DOG

Friday, November 09, 2018
Turkey Gobbler
Thanksgiving on a hot dog. Today, the Turkey Gobbler was the special at Snappy Dogs in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce were all piled on one of their big hot dogs. It was like two meals in one. Some of the fixins fell off, so I ate the hot dog first. Then, I was left with all of the Thanksgiving deliciousness. It was such a tasty way to celebrate Thanksgiving early.

Sunday, November 04, 2018

PAPA GINO’S ABRUPTLY CLOSES DOZENS OF LOCATIONS

Sunday, November 04, 2018
Employees and customers alike were shocked today when dozens of Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo locations were permanently closed with no notice. Locations in Seekonk, Beverly, Mansfield and Chelsea are among the many that shut down along with several in Rhode Island. There are now about 95 locations left across New England, mostly in Massachusetts. Workers left suddenly jobless are being told they can reapply for positions at other locations. Customers on Twitter are outraged with the lack of warning especially as the holidays approach. 

 UPDATE: Papa Gino's And D'Angelos have been sold to a new owner. It seems the weakest stores were closed. The remaining locations will be remodeled.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

MOUTH-WATERING HOT DOGS AT ZIPPITY DO DOG

Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Two mouth-watering Mexican Dogs
Mexican Dog & Zippity Do Dog
Zippity Do Dog
Zippity Do Dog
Framingham, Massachusetts

 A small, unassuming cart sits by the side of the road in Framingham, Massachusetts. It's easy to drive by, but be sure to pull over and discover Zippity Do Dog. This cash-only hot dog stand is open for lunch only and its flavorful creations have customers coming back for more.

 Eat Up New England's favorite is their Mexican Dog. It's topped with salsa, nacho cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Yes, on a hot dog and it tastes so good. Eat Up New England also enjoys their Zippity Do Dog with coney sauces, caramelized onions, mustard and bacon nestled along the sides of the bun. Other hot dogs include the Hula Dog with pineapple and BBQ sauce and the Chili Dog with chili and cheese. Zippity Do Dog also serves burgers, Italian sausages and grilled cheese.

 Zippity Do Dog is open 11-3 Tuesday-Friday only and don't forget to bring cash. 

Tuesday, October 09, 2018

BARRETT'S WATERFRONT IN FALL RIVER, MA

Tuesday, October 09, 2018
Barrett's Waterfront in Fall River, MA
There are plenty of TVs to watch the game.
Drunkin Pumpkin Ice Latte
Nachos
New England Cod
Chicken and waffle sliders. You get TWO of these.

Barrett's Waterfront


Fall River, Massachusetts
www.barrettswaterfront.com

Barrett's Alehouse are expanding in Massachusetts, with one of their finest locations in Fall River called Barrett's Waterfront. This place is HUGE with plenty of seating inside and out. Eat Up New England recommends eating al fresco for a view of the water. 


 Barrett's Waterfront offers many beers and cocktails, with many seasonal selections. There are a bunch of fall beers on tap right now like Pumking, Pumpkinhead, Sam Adams Octoberfest and Pumlin Shandy. I highly recommend their Drunkin Pumpkin Iced Latte, a mix of iced coffee and vodka with a sweet cinnamon rim.

 Appetizers are large. Just look at the huge plate of chili nachos were ordered. There's enough for 3-4 people. There are other traditional apps like buffalo chicken dip, shrimp and calamari. Many of the dishes at Barrett's Waterfront are inspired by the local culture, so there are plenty of seafood options and Portuguese dishes you won't see at their other locations. There's their Portuguese Stuffie, a quahog shell stuffed with Portuguese style dressing, and entrees like Portuguese steak and a Portuguese burger. They also have Seafood on Ice with raw jumbo shrimp, littlenecks and oysters to choose from.

 If you visit for lunch, try one of their lunch specials. They are still a good size. I enjoyed the cod with fries and seasonal squash. One of their most popular dishes is their chicken & waffle sliders, with belgian waffles for buns, maple glazed chicken and cranberry spread. Barrett's also serves mac n cheese, steak tips, seafood casserole, roast turkey dinner, along with a bunch of burgers, bowls, flatbreads, salads and wraps.

THE NEW TEMAZCAL IN FRAMINGHAM

Tuesday, October 09, 2018
Temazcal's newest location in Framingham, MA.
Mexican Chopped Salad
Queso Fundido
Grilled Vegetable Quesadilla
Temazcal
Framingham, MA
Several other locations in Massachusetts
temazacalcantina.com

 Temazcal is expanding again, opening its latest restaurant in Framingham, Massachusetts, where the old Paparazzi used to be. The space has been given quite the makeover inside, but offers the tasty dishes that Temazcal's customers enjoy.

My wife and I recently stopped by for dinner on a busy Saturday night and split some vegetarian appetizers. The queso fundido was fantastic. It's served with grilled torillas for dipping. Other appetizers include lobster guacamole, Mexican street corn chowder, nachos and shrimp ceviche. Entrees are also served with a large basket of tortilla chips and sauces.

There are a bunch of salads on the menu, so we ordered the Mexican Chopped Salad. The presentation was lovely with the salad wrapped in fresh cucumbers. We split the grilled vegetable quesadilla appetizer, but there are plenty of hearty entrees on the menu. There are many tacos to choose from like grilled salmon or grilled chicken. House specialties include chorizo enchiladas, scallops al pastor, poblano stuffed chicken mole and adobo braised short ribs. 

Temazcal also serves an outrageously long drink menu filled with cocktails, margaritas, wines and beers. Desserts include favorites like flan, churros, fried ice cream and strawberry cheesecake chimichangas.  

Sunday, September 30, 2018

IT'S PUMPKIN SEASON!

Sunday, September 30, 2018
Pumpkin ice cream from Abbott's Frozen Custard
Shipyard Pumpkinhead beer with a cinnamon rim
It's pumpkin season and Eat Up New England is ALL IN! Fall is one of my favorite times of year because of all of the pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavors foods and drinks. 

There are so many pumpkin-flavored beers on the market these days, but I will always order a Shipyard Pumpkinhead, which is brewed in Maine. The flavor is fantastic especially when complimented with a cinnamon rim. 

While we're talking about drinks, fall is pumpkin-flavored coffee season. I enjoy Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte as much as anyone else, but I often order it ICED and still topped off with whipped cream. Another amazing Starbucks drink this time of the year is their hot caramel apple cider.  Cold cider in New England is delicious from just about anywhere. Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, Vermont and The Big Apple in Wrentham, Massachusetts are two of my favorite places for cider AND cider donuts. (See Eat Up New England's archives for full stories on both places.)

 Pumpkin ice cream is also one of my fall favorites. Today, I enjoyed some pumpkin custard from Abbott's Frozen Custard at the Needham Fall Festival in Needham, Massachusetts. Bliss Dairy in Attleboro, Massachusetts also makes a fine pumpkin ice cream.

Grocery stores sell an outrageous amount of pumpkin-flavored items this time of the year. Trader Joe's is one of my favorite places for pumpkin. I love their Pumpkin O's cereal, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin waffles and spiced cider. My sister raves about their pumpkin cinnamon rolls. I haven't tried them, but I will soon. 

Embrace the pumpkin. Enjoy the fall because we all know what season is next. 

Saturday, September 08, 2018

DELICIOUS DISH: THE SWEDISH MEATBALLS AT IKEA

Saturday, September 08, 2018
Shopping at Ikea can be overwhelming. The superstore is always packed and their seemingly endless supply of home furnishings can be a lot to take in. Take a break and check out their dining area. There are many options like salads and salmon fillet, but those who are in the know order their Swedish meatballs. For just $5, you get eight of these tender, tasty meatballs with gravy, along with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a seasonal vegetable side. The combination of flavors is so good. If you can't get enough, Ikea also sells bags of their meatballs.

90'S PUNCH & "OMG" ENTREES AT CONNECTICUT'S WOOD-N-TAP BAR & GRILL

Saturday, September 08, 2018
Newington, CT location
90's Punch
Lobster mac & cheese
Salmon with asparagus & risotto
Spinach-n-Artichoke dip
WOOD-N-TAP BAR & GRILL
Newington, CT (with several other CT locations)
www.woodntap.com

The Wood-N-Tap Bar and Grill is popping up all over Connecticut. With dishes like lobster mac & cheese and drinks like 90's Punch, that's something that Eat Up New England can certainly get behind!

I've stopped by there Newington location several times and am always delighted by the vast selection of options on their menu. Apps include a cheesy skillet of Spinach-n-Artichoke dip (pictured above) with tortilla chips, flatbreads, Sesame Ahi Tuna, Monster Nachos, Maine Crab Dip, Chicken Fingers and Fried Mozz. 

The drink menu is quite impressive. Sure, there are plenty of beers and wines, but I enjoy their unique cocktails.  Their 90's Punch is a blend of vodka, Hub Punch and juice served in a drink pouch! It's one of their "OMG" options on their menu for creative food & drinks you're aren't going to find anywhere else. Wood-N-Tap also makes their own hard lemonades with flavors like blueberry, peach, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry.

 Entrees run the gamut from pasta entrees like Blacked Chicken Pasta to pizzas like their Mac and Cheese Pizza, one of their "OMG" entrees.  There are also several salads like their Chop House Steak Salad, along with traditional sandwiches and wraps. Over the summer, Wood-N-Tap offered several lobster apps and entrees. I enjoyed their hearty portion of lobster mac & cheese. Their Atlantic Salmon entree is absolutely fantastic. The fish is served with a cheesy risotto and asparagus. Delicious.

Stop by Monday-Friday between 3-6pm and after 9pm for Tappy Hour. A selection of apps and drinks are served for cheap at their bar.

Saturday, August 25, 2018

ZAFTIGS DELICATESSEN

Saturday, August 25, 2018
Every meal starts with their bagel chips.
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner
Zaftigs Delicatessen
Natick & Brookline, Massachusetts
www.zaftigs.com

Zaftigs is a classic Jewish deli that specializes in hearty portions of flavorful food. One thing that sets them apart: they serve breakfast ALL DAY!  There are a bunch of egg dishes like beef salami & scrambled eggs and steak tips and eggs. They also make a bunch of omelettes and benedicts. Hungry customers can also order favorites like Banana Stuffed French Toast, Challah French Toast and Buttermilk Pancakes from the griddle. 

Every meal at Zaftigs begins with their bagel chips and they will happily bring you seconds. It's tough to settle on just one thing at Zaftigs. There are a bunch of salads, loaded latkes, soups and sandwiches. Diners can also make their own deli sandwiches by choosing a meat, bread and other fillings. Some of their entrees include baked mac & cheese, Grandma's Brisket, Latke Piccata, Homemade Baked Meatloaf and Grilled Chicken Kabobs. I ordered their Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner - a large portion or turkey with gravy, stuffing, masked potatoes, beans and stuffing. It was tasty and filling. 

One of my favorite things about Zaftigs is their dessert showcase. They have pies, cakes and pastries on display. I LOVE their New York style cheesecake, which is drizzled with just enough raspberry syrup.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

COMFORT FOOD & A WATERFALL VIEW AT OLD GRIST MILL TAVERN

Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Fishbowl cocktail complete with Swedish Fish
Lobster mac & cheese
Fresh from the salad bar
The waterfall is one of the star attractions at Old Grist Mill Tavern.
Old Grist Mill Tavern
Seekonk, Massachusetts
ogmtavern.com

 For decades, my family has always made reservations at The Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk, Massachusetts for special occasions. Graduations. Anniversaries. Birthdays. Why do we keep coming back? The food is fantastic. The portions are perfect. There's a waterfall right outside, which makes for a super pleasant dining experience. And, of course, there's their salad bar. There aren't so many restaurants with salad bars anymore, but the Old Grist Mill Tavern has kept theirs going much to every diners delight.

Every meal begins with a basket of their fresh bread, which also includes their famous cinnamon bread and butter. The Tavern offers all kinds of fun cocktails. In the summer, I love their fishbowl.

The Tavern is known for its seafood and steak. For dinner, there are dishes like Baked Boston Scrod, Sea Scallops and Shrimp Scampi over Linguini. Diners can also order fresh lobsters of various sizes right out of the tank.  They also offer prime rib, sirloin, filet mignon and ribeye steak combos. Pair your meat with grilled salmon, baked stuffed shrimp, lobster saute or a steamed lobster

Every summer, Old Grist Mill tavern celebrates lobster with their Lobster Feast. There are steamed lobsters, a lobster roll, seafood pie, lobster scampi and lobster salads. There are also lobster inspired starts like lobster bisque, lobster spring rolls and lobster stuffed mushrooms. I ordered their lobster mac & cheese. This rich dish is made of bowtie pasta, chunks of fresh lobster meat and topped off with crumbled Ritz crackers.

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

FAMILY STYLE ITALIAN AT THE ROME RESTAURANT

Wednesday, August 01, 2018
The Mia Tia
Seafood chowder
Fettuccine and meatballs
The Rome Restaurant
Franklin, Massachusetts
www.the-rome.com

 Since 1965, The Rome Restaurant established itself as a prime spot for a hearty family dinner. Portions are huge, so bring your appetite. 

 The Rome's full bar offers a large selection of beer and wine, along with some yummy cocktails. I enjoyed the tropical Mia Tia, with black rum and pineapple juice. 

Their menu is full of large entrees. Pastas include homemade spaghetti, fettuccine, cheese ravioli and penne, which can all be topped with sauce or olive oil. I ordered a heaping helping of their fettuccine with meatballs. I could only finish half and had plenty for lunch the next day.

 Other entrees include several chicken, veal, eggplant and alfredo dishes. There are also many house pizza specials like chicken ranch and white shrimp & garlic or make your own pizza. Several salads and steaks round out there plentiful menu. All of the entrees come with soup or salad and a basket of bread & butter. For the summer, The Rome is offering a bunch of seafood specials.
Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )