Monday, February 24, 2014

GENO'S PASTA SAUCES

Monday, February 24, 2014
UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma just celebrated his 1,000th game and Eat Up New England is celebrating his delicious pasta sauces. It's been awhile since I've seen them for sale at Stew Leonard's, but as you can see, they are back. They come in two flavors: tomato basil and fra diavolo. The recipes for the sauces come from Geno's mother's native province of Campania, Italy. The tomato basil is my favorite. It's light and full of flavor. The flavor of the herbs really pops.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

A DELICIOUS DISH AT PADDY'S PUB IN NEWTON, MA

Thursday, February 20, 2014
One of my favorite pubs in the Newton area is Paddy's Pub. It has such a cozy atmosphere. There's nothing like drinking a Guinness there while the snow falls outside. Paddy's has a large menu with traditional bar food, but the one dish I can't stop ordering is their chicken & asparagus risotto. It comes with a heaping portion of their rich vegetable risotto, topped off with a nice cut of chicken and asparagus. If this doesn't fill you up, nothing will!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

SURVIVE THE SNOW WITH SOME COMFORT FOOD

Saturday, February 15, 2014
If you've had enough of this damn snow, treat yourself to some comfort food. Tonight, I enjoyed a grilled cheese with Vermont cheddar and some tomato soup at The Local in West Newton, MA. In need of more comfort, I went for a belt-busting piece of raspberry cheesecake with white chocolate shavings. Screw the calories. I'll burn them off shoveling the driveway in the morning.

VALENTINE'S DAY AT SEASONS 52

Saturday, February 15, 2014
Hummus Duo & Crisp Sea Salt Lavosh
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Cavatappi Pasta
Mini Indulgences
There have been many new restaurants opening in the Chestnut Hill area, so we ventured out on Valentine's Day to try one of them. Seasons 52 recently opened in the new Chestnut Hill Square development. The fresh grill and wine bar offers a variety of healthy meals that change each season. The chefs also offer a number of specials that change each week. Get this: everything on the menu is 475 calories or less!

Seasons 52 is known for their wine selection. They bring whatever wine your order to your table in the bottle so you know what your getting. They'll also offer you a taste before you commit to a glass. Seasons 52 is known for their flatbreads. Choose from several including blacked steak & blue cheese and grilled garlic pesto chicken. We didn't have one, but they are large enough to share and yes, even these flatbreads are under 475 calories. Other apps include Maine lobster tail, chicken skewers, mussels and edamame. We enjoyed their hummus duo & crisp sea salt lavosh. The breadsticks were crisp the minted edamame hummus and roasted red pepper hummus were enough to keep us filled up until the entrees arrived. PS - You can also choose from several small salads as an appetizer. Their organic arugula salad with portobello mushrooms, shaved Parmesan and truffle dressing looks particularly tempting. Next time.

 For dinner, choose from fish, seafood, poultry and meat. I enjoyed their grilled jumbo shrimp cavatappi pasta. The only critique I'll give this dish: it was small to stay under the 475 calorie mark. I would have liked to have more pasta, but there were plenty of tasty grilled shrimp. My girlfriend ordered their winter vegetarian tasting, a colorful medley of wintry veggies that included a quinoa salad and taco. Other entrees include pork tenderloin & portobello, filet mignon, boneless rainbow trout and caramelized grilled sea scallops. (I'm going for those sea scallops next time!)

 Good luck avoiding dessert. All of their desserts are served in double shots. Your sever will bring a tray of all of their desserts your table to tempt you. You can take what you like. We enjoyed the tropical fruit cheesecake, raspberry chocolate chip cannoli and a the special chocolate & raspberry selection they had for Valentine's Day. BTW, the desserts are only $2.50 each, so it's pretty hard to resist!

Saturday, February 08, 2014

VALENTINE'S DAY AT HONEY DEW DONUTS

Saturday, February 08, 2014
You can always count on Honey Dew Donuts to have some fun with their food at every holiday. I got this Valentine's donut this morning at their Plainville, MA location. They have a bunch of special donuts like this one just for Valentine's Day.

Sunday, February 02, 2014

FALL IN LOVE WITH CHOCOLATE AT MAX BRENNER'S IN BOSTON

Sunday, February 02, 2014
Chicken and goat cheese waffle salad
Banana hazelnut choctail
It's February. Love is in the air and with Valentine's Day, come the need for chocolate. Max Brenner's on Boylston Street in Boston is one place where you can satisfy your craving for cocoa. This restaurant has locations around the world and strives to "create a new chocolate culture worldwide." Yes, it's tough to look anywhere in this place and not see the chocolate influence. There are shelves displaying jars of chocolates. Max Brenner even has its own chocolate gift shop at the front of the store.

 Start your meal off with a chocolate stout (they were out the night I went, d'oh!) or a hazelnut hot chocolate. There are a bunch of chocolate cocktails on the menu, but I went for one of their non-alcoholic "choctails," the Banana Hazelnut Choctail. It's basically a fancy milkshake served in the crazy cup you see above. Okay, okay. Not EVERYTHING is chocolate. They have a full bar that offers the craft beers and fruity drinks we all know and love.

Apps include spinach & artichoke fondue, chicken wings, onion rings and waffle fries dusted with chili and cocoa powder. Right now, Max Brenner is having some fun with waffles. They are offering several waffle sandwiches where the waffle serves as the bun. I really liked their chicken and goat cheese waffle salad, with the salad served on top of a corn waffle. Max Brenner's menu also offers several burgers, sandwiches, salads and pastas. 

 Be sure to leave room for dessert. I highly recommend one of their chocolate fondue options. You can dip bananas, strawberries, brownie bites and marshmallows into their warm, melted chocolate. You may also want to try their vanilla ice cream bars which you can dip into melted chocolate and other chocolatey toppings. Max Brenner is also known for its chocolate pizza which is sprinkled with milk and white chocolate chunks, peanut butter and marshmallows. You'd be a fool for skipping dessert at Max Brenner.
 
Max Brenner also serves breakfast and is a good place for Sunday brunch. From crepes to waffles and omelets, many of their breakfast meals also come with chocolate for dipping and/or pouring.

@MaxBrennerUSA
745 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 274-1741

BRUNCH AT THE WALNUT GRILLE

Sunday, February 02, 2014
"Greek feast" omelet for only $8!
The Walnut Grille in Newton, Massachusetts is quickly becoming a hot spot for vegetarian and vegan food. I do eat meat, but there are plenty of tasty options for everyone on their menu. I went for lunch today and was excited to see they offer an extensive brunch menu on the weekends. There are several omelets (all of them are gluten free) on the menu, along with favorites like pancakes, vegan French toast and a vegan Belgian waffle. There are also several soups and salads on the menu, including a traditional Caesar salad to the Highlands Gem with beets, baby greens, Vermont goat cheese and toasted pine nuts. I had the "Greek feast" omelet with spinach, red peppers, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese. It was served with home fries and toast. A delicious and filling meal. 

The Walnut Grille is also open for lunch and dinner. I've been a couple of times before and can recommend their vegetarian lasagna. Other meals include a southwest burrito, eggplant rolatini, nutty tofu, veggie/vegan burgers, falafel wrap and a few pizzas. Just about everything on their menu can be made vegan. Check out the Walnut Grille for a healthy,  hearty and tasty meal!

 www.walnutgrille.com
1203 Walnut Street
Newton Highlands, MA 02461
617-964-1029

Saturday, January 25, 2014

ON THE ROAD: PERFECTION AT FILOMENA RISTORANTE IN D.C.

Saturday, January 25, 2014
Arancini balls
Homemade ravioli and meatballs
The dessert drinks
The pasta mamma making some gnocchi.
If you've ever been to Washington, D.C., you know that Georgetown is the place to be. Sure, there are losts of places to shop, but Georgetown is also the home to many wonderful restaurants. The finest, in my humble opinion, would be Filomena Ristorante.

 It's impossible not to fall in love with this place. Before you walk in, you can see the pasta mamma making her homemade pasta in the front window. Step inside this time of year and romance is in the air. There are hearts, love birds and red lights all over for Valentine's Day.

We lucked out and happened to visit Filomena's on the last day of restaurant week. Three courses for $35. Your server will deliver some Italian bread to your table to begin, but be careful. Have a slice or two. You don't want to get stuffed. 

For my first course, I had arancini balls. They were as good as it gets. You cut them open and mozzarella cheese pours out. Absolutely incredible. For dinner, I ordered their ravioli and meatballs. I tend to avoid ravioli because they don't tend to fill me up and the cheese is often flavorless. This was certainly not the case at Filomena's. Their homemade ravioli is so tender and those little meatballs served with it are full of flavor. A perfect Italian dish. I can also highly recommend their "Gnocchi Della Mamma," a heaping portion of the pasta mamma's gnocchi and bolognese sauce. 

 Filomena Ristorante's dessert menu is vast and their desserts are as fine as their entrees. They have cheesecake, several cakes, tarts and tiramisu. I loved their triple chocolate mousse cake. It's made with three light and airy layers of chocolate mouse and topped with chocolate shavings. Dessert is also served with some after-dinner drinks, amaretto and anisette. With them comes a small glass of coffee beans. You add three of them to your drink. One for love. One for health. The last for wealth. How nice is that?!

The next time you're in D.C., be sure to dine at Filomena's Ristorante. Food does not get any better than this. Perfection!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

ON THE ROAD: ITALIAN DONE RIGHT AT EATALY IN NYC

Thursday, January 16, 2014
Eat Up New England is on the road again. This time, visiting one of New York City's famous Eataly. This place is the real deal when it comes to authentic Italian food and it should be because it's owned by noted restauranteurs Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich and her son, Joe Bastianich.


At 50,000 square feet, Eataly NYC is vast and can be a bit overwhelming for the first time visitor. There's a lot to eat! Give yourself a couple of hours so you can really take it all in. There are various food stations where you can get food for dine in and take out. If you have the time, you can eat at one of their themed restaurants with table service. One spot serves all vegetarian. Another specializes in seafood.

 I went for a little of this and a little of that from the various food stations when I visited. I devoured a slice of spicy sausage pizza from their pizza station. For dessert, I had their chocolatey tiramisu, which was perfect. The highlight for me was their hot chocolate. Be sure to try it when you visit in the winter. The rich flavor is unlike anything you'll experience anywhere else and is topped off with a generous portion of whipped cream.

 Eataly also carries all of the groceries you'll need for the perfect Italian meal. There are fresh fruits & veggies, pastas, breads, fresh truffles, Italian candies. They even have their own fresh mozzarella station! It's not all edible. Eataly also supplies all of the kitchen gadgets you'll need to prepare dinner. You can also buy cookbooks from the famous owners and other Italian chefs. Be sure to pick up a mug, plate, bowl or apron with the Eataly logo to remember your visit.

CONTACT
www.eataly.com

Sunday, January 05, 2014

MORTENSEN'S: A CONNECTICUT TRADITION CLOSES

Sunday, January 05, 2014
This picture was taken a few days before they closed.
#7: Bacon & cheddar omelet with hash browns and an English muffin
It's hard to believe, but a Connecticut tradition has closed its doors for good. Sort of. Since 1940, Mortensen's has been serving food and ice cream to their customers from their Berlin Turnpike location in Newington. Sadly, they are moving on to the next chapter and that means the restaurant is closed. They served their last meals to the public on December 31st. 

Mortensen's has been a favorite spot for my family for decades. We'd stop by for a sandwich and fries for dinner or a grilled cheese and bacon for lunch. For me, it was their breakfast that really put Mortensen's on the map. I loved their #7 breakfast special: a bacon & cheddar omelet with hash browns and your choice of toast. I always went for a grilled English muffin. Not only was their food great, but their staff couldn't have been any kinder. The same people, some of them members of the Mortensen family, worked there for years. You could always count on seeing them and catching up. It's no wonder why so many people were so sad to see a place like this go.

I ordered my last #7 on December 30. We hugged our waitress. My grandmother even took a picture with her. We were far from alone. Many of the regular customers were there doing the same thing. This spring, a Moe's Southwest Grille will open up where Mortensen's has stood for so long. In the back of the restaurant, will be Mortensen's ice cream. They also have another location in Cromwell, Connecticut that serves ice cream and the family has said they hope to open a few more ice cream shops. Mortensen's Restaurant: thank you for all of the wonderful meals and memories.
Mortensen's held an open house on New Year's Day to thank all of its loyal customers. This video was taken from that day. 

DELICIOUS DISH: MEATBALL LOVERS PASTA BAKE

Sunday, January 05, 2014
I've been to Stone Hearth Pizza so many times. Their menu is full of Italian favorites that I'd like to try, but every time I go, I wind up ordering this delicious dish. Feast your eyes on their meatball lovers penne bake. Provolone, ricotta and mozzarella are blended together to make this hearty meal along with several flavorful little meatballs. Wash it down with one of their draft beers and you're good for the night. 

Contact:
www.stonehearthpizza.com

(Search Eat Up New England's archives for more about Stone Hearth Pizza.)

Friday, January 03, 2014

SHAKE SHACK IS COMING TO BOSTON!

Friday, January 03, 2014
It was only a matter of time. Burger joint Shake Shack will soon be opening in Boston. The chain will open sometime this year on Newbury Street reports the Boston Business Journal. Their first Massachusetts location opened its doors in Chestnut Hill last March (search Eat Up New England's archives for more). They also have a spanking new location in Cambridge that's complete with a working fireplace. Cheese fries for everyone!

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM EAT UP NEW ENGLAND!

Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Welcome to 2014! Here's to another year of delicious dishes. I rang in the New Year at The Foundry on Elm in Somerville, Massachusetts. Check out that surf & turf! They also had a champagne toast at midnight, dancing and free New Year's party favors.

Happy 2014!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS PAY IT FORWARD AT A CT STARBUCKS

Tuesday, December 31, 2013
It was a Christmas that no one will ever forget at a Starbucks in Connecticut. 1,468 customers took part in a pay it forward chain during Christmas week. It all began on Christmas Eve, with one customer paying for the person behind them in the drive thru line at the Starbucks on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington, Connecticut.

WFSB 3 Connecticut

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

BIG BURGERS AND CURLY FRIES AT THE WAGON WHEEL RESTAURANT

Tuesday, December 24, 2013
When you're tied up in traffic and hungry, it's always fun to pull over and discover a new restaurant. That's how I stumbled upon The Wagon Wheel Country Drive In in Gill, Massachusetts.

The Wagon Wheel specializes in sandwiches and burgers. I ordered the "Wagon Burger," a nice, think cheeseburger with union rings, BBQ sauce, bacon and a soft bun. It was so good! You've got to love any place that serves curly fries, so I got a big basket of those to go along with the burger. There are also chili cheese and bleu cheese fries on the menu if you want to go all out. If you want to go a healthier route, there are several salads on the menu including traditional Greek, Cobb and Caesar salads. The Wagon Wheel also offers hot dogs with a variety of toppings and paninis. There are also many sandwiches on the menu from BLT's and ham sandwiches to a clam strip roll and falafel sandwich.

The Wagon Wheel has a huge selection of ice cream for dessert. They also serve omelets, pancakes and much more for breakfast. Check out The Wagon Wheel like I did the next time you're stuck in traffic on on Route 2. Eat in their dining room and try to get a seat next to their comfy wood stove.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

YOU'VE GOTTA TRY CABOT'S EVERYTHING BAGEL CHEDDAR CHEESE!

Thursday, December 19, 2013
Just when you think you've tried every kind of cheese imaginable, along comes this. It's Cabot's Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese and it is so good! You can find it at any of Cabot's shops in Vermont or order it online. It's a tasty way to freshen up your Christmas party plate this holiday season.

Monday, December 16, 2013

ON THE ROAD: NY PIZZA SUPREMA

Monday, December 16, 2013
There's nothing quite like a big slice of authentic New York City pizza. One of my favorite places to get a slice in the Big Apple is at NY Pizza Suprema. As soon as you walk in, you'll see trays and trays of piping hot pies. There are so many toppings to choose from. I had a slice of meatball and a Sicilian slice of sausage. It's nice to have a slice of Sicilian with a different topping than the standard cheese or pepperoni. They also have chicken parm, spinach, broccoli, sausage and meatball rolls. You can order a full pie, but I always like to go for the slices to mix the toppings up a bit. NY Pizza Suprema is right across from Madison Square Garden. Prepare to wait and share a table at prime dining hours.

 CONTACT
nypizzasuprema.com

Monday, December 09, 2013

IT WOULDN'T BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THESE FOOD COMMERCIALS!

Monday, December 09, 2013
It's the most wonderful time of the year and Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without these food commercials. 
Hershey's Chistmas Bells - The kisses playing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" dates all the way back to 1989, making it the longest running Hershey's ad.
Cheerios Grandma and Baby - The baby in this spot has to be 30 years old now.
Campbell's Soup "Let it Snow"
M&M'S Santa Faint - This one's been around since 1996.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

SKY-HIGH LEMON MERINGUE PIE AT LINDA BEAN'S IN MAINE

Saturday, December 07, 2013
There aren't enough restaurants that serve pie, let alone a delicious slice of pie like this one. You can find this towering lemon meringue pie at Linda Bean's Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern in Freeport, Maine. It's located right across the street from L.L. Bean's flagship store and Linda is part of the family. Linda Bean's is known for the fresh Maine seafood, especially their lobsters, but make sure you leave room for this tasty dessert. A warning. It goes fast. When I was there for lunch, I was lucky enough to get the last slice!

Thursday, December 05, 2013

FRESH FISH AND SEASONAL SPIRITS AT THE BONEFISH GRILL

Thursday, December 05, 2013
Full portion of the salmon
Winter White Cosmo
Bacon Wrapped Atlantic Sea Scallops

The Bonefish Grill is a chain that's making its way into New England that you should definitely check out. I went to their brand new location in Newington, Connecticut on a Saturday night. Be sure to make a reservation. This place fills up fast and for good reason. The food is excellent.

There are many unique apps on their menu. The waitress said Bonefish is known for its Bang Bang Shrimp, which are tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce. Maybe next time. This visit, I tried the bacon wrapped Atlantic Sea scallops. You get four plump scallops wrapped in crispy bacon. They are served with a mango salsa, which complements the dish perfectly.

 Bonefish Grill has a full bar with canned beer, drafts, cocktails and wine. I tried one of their seasonal cocktails, the Winter White Cosmo with Stoli, white cranberry juice and a few fresh cranberries. Delicious!

The dinner menu is packed full of seafood goodness. Grilled fish options include sea scallops, salmon, shrimp, lobster tails, ahi tuna and rainbow trout. Top your fresh fish off with one of their signature sauces including mango, pan Asian and lemon butter. The entrees come with two sides, including a seasonal vegetable. Hand-held dinners include fish & chips, fish tacos and a good ole fashioned hamburger. Other seafood-free options include steak and chicken. For vegetarians, there are some salads on the menu and a side of pumpkin ravioli.

UPDATE: As of spring 2018, all New England locations of the Bonefish Grill have CLOSED.
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