Tuesday, March 31, 2015

ANNA'S TAQUERIA IN BROOKLINE

Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Grilled chicken quesadilla
For years, I've heard the buzz about Anna's Taqueria and I was finally able to try this Mexican spot out. This place is all about the food. They specialize in Mexican favorites like burritos, tacos and quesadillas. Choose from a bunch of different meats including grilled chicken, steak and carnitas. They also gave grilled vegetables for vegetarians, including corn right off of the cob. I'm interested in stopping back for breakfast. I love a good breakfast burrito and theirs come with eggs, sausage, potatoes, beans, salsa and cheese.

 Anna's Taqueria has a bunch of locations in the Boston area including this one in Brookline, Porter Square, Davis Square and at MIT in Cambridge. 

 www.annastaqueria.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

EAT UP NEW ENGLAND FAVORITE: ANTHONY'S NORTH END DELI

Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Anthony's North End Deli in Plainville, Massachusetts has been one of my favorite places to eat since I was a child. I don't live anywhere near it anymore, but whenever I'm home I make it a priority to stop there. It's just that good.

The North End Deli specializes in all of the very best Italian foods. They will make any kind of sandwich fresh for you. Their pasta salads are so good. My favorite is their tortellini salad, which includes carrots and broccoli. Be sure to try one of their many calzones. My favorite is the Italian with pepperoni, salami, cheese and peppers. It's delicious hot or cold. Another favorite is their stuffed shells dish, which comes with four cheesy shells and a big ole meatball. You can get many of their dishes frozen and they taste wonderful when you warm them up.

No trip to the North End Deli is complete without some of their desserts. They have a huge showcase of Italian cookies. I always bring home a bag of their champagne cookies - you know - the ones with the sprinkles along the edges. I also enjoy their strawberry cheesecake and Zeppole for St. Joseph's Day.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

GOING GREEN FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Tuesday, March 17, 2015
No St. Patrick's Day would be complete without a green bagel. I got mine this morning from Bruegger's Bagels. They dye their plain bagels green every year for the holiday. Einstein Brothers Bagels is also selling green bagels today. If you need something to wash your green bagel down, head to b.Good where they are offering their Three Greens Smoothie through Sunday. It's a smoothie infused with mint.

If you're going out for dinner tonight, you may want to stop by Margaritas where their margaritas are just $5 today. Miller's Alehouse in Watertown, Massachusetts has all of your favorite Irish dinners including Shepard's Pie, corned beef & cabbage and a corned beer reuben. They're offering a 20 ounce Guinness for $5.95 and an Irish Mule pitcher made with whiskey and ginger beer for $13.95. The Yardhouse also has a bunch of St. Patrick's Day specials today including corned beef brisket, shepard's pie and a corned beef sandwich. One of their special drinks is the Guinness Cinnamon Bear made with creme de cocoa, whiskey and Guinness. King's in Dedham will make green beer for you, along with Irish dinner specials, a live DJ and contests.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

CELEBRATING ST. PATICK'S DAY EARLY AT THE WHISKEY PRIEST

Sunday, March 15, 2015
St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday, so we celebrated a couple of days early at The Whiskey Priest on the waterfront in Boston. This spacious spot has spectacular views of the water. Their mega-sized bar is packed with a large selection of beers and their whiskey menu is one of the largest I've ever seen.

I began my lunch with a lovely, cold pint of Guinness. Their lunch menu features a bunch of yummy apps like Irish nachos, tater tots sprinkled with parmesan, potato skins and chicken wings. There are several soups and salads, Irish pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. Since it's St. Patrick's week, I ordered the shepards pie. It was delicious, only I wish it would have been a little larger. Whiskey Priest also has Guinness stew and a corned beef dinner on their menu.

 The Whiskey Priest has roof top seating in the summer. It can get loud and crazy on weekend nights with local bands playing.

 @TheWhskeyPriest
www.whiskey-priest.com

Friday, March 13, 2015

DUNKIN DONUTS IS TESTING A MAPLE BACON DONUT

Friday, March 13, 2015
This picture is all over Twitter today. Dunkin Donuts is texting out this maple bacon donut in Providence, RI. If it sells well expect to see it at Dunks near you. I've had bacon pieces on donuts before but never full strips. I'd be will to try this!

Thursday, March 12, 2015

IT'S RESTAURANT WEEK AT PATRIOT PLACE IN FOXBORO

Thursday, March 12, 2015
Football season may be over with, but there's a good reason to visit Gillette Stadium in the coming days. Patriot Place is hosting its own restaurant week from March 12-22. Several of their restaurants are offering specials right now. CBS Scene, Olive Garden, Skipjack's and Toby Keith's are among the restaurants taking part. For more info: CLICK HERE.

Monday, March 09, 2015

DINE OUT BOSTON AT BRICCO

Monday, March 09, 2015
It's the second week of Dine Out Boston aka Restaurant Week. The North End is one of my favorite spots in the city, so I checked out Bricco. They are offering 3-course dinners for $33/per person. Every meal starts out with their Italian bread and olive oil and garlic cloves for dipping. I enjoyed the Wellfleet mussels to start out. For the main course, I really enjoyed their mushroom risotto. It was hearty and cheesy as it should be. With just enough room for dessert, I had to choose between bread pudding and tiramisu. That's a no brainer. I'd eat tiramisu everyday if I could, especially from a restaurant in the North End!

Saturday, March 07, 2015

MOZZICATO BAKERY & PASTRY SHOP IN HARTFORD

Saturday, March 07, 2015
Get a taste of The North End at Mozzicato de Pasquale Bakery and Pasty Shop in Hartford, Connecticut. This bakery has been around since 1908 and is a favorite of all of the locals. There are several huge showcases of cookies, candies, cakes, pastries, gelato, Italianj breads and other Italian treats. They even have sheet pizza which I am very interested to try. 

I was amazed by how many cakes they have ready to order. There are shelves and shelves of fresh-baked cakes. You'll often see one of their bakers bringing one out. Right now, you'll notice the huge sign in the window for zeppole. They come in three different flavors: vanilla, chocolate and ricotta. I got the ricotta and it is delicious. 

They even have a cafe next door which has a full bar, cappuccino and many of they delicious pastries. 

www.mozzicatobakery.com

Locations: Hartford, Plainville & Wallingford, Connecticut

Thursday, March 05, 2015

WOULD YOU TRY PEEPS MILK?

Thursday, March 05, 2015
Peeps sure has come a long way since I was a kid.  This photo is going viral on Twitter. The Just Born Candy Company is branching out and introducing Peeps-flavored milk this Easter. I'm not sure how I feel about this. They are also making flavored Peeps this year including blue raspberry, sour watermelon, party cake and lemonade. There are also orange creme-flavored bunnies. Check out all of the Peeps Easter products HERE.

Monday, March 02, 2015

VISITING THE NEW SHAKE SHACK IN DEDHAM, MA

Monday, March 02, 2015
Step inside Shake Shack's third restaurant in Massachusetts. It opened on Sunday, March 1 in Dedham in Legacy Place. Shake Shack hired about 35 new workers for this restaurant. Yesterday, I enjoyed a bacon cheeseburger, some fries and a lemonade. Delicious. 

The new Shake Shack is just a few steps away from B Good in Legacy Place and it will be interesting to see if both will survive. By the way, Shake Shack is coming to Boston today, opening its first restaurant in the city in the Back Bay.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

THE FORUM IN BOSTON IS CLOSING

Tuesday, February 24, 2015
A landmark restaurant on Boylston Street in Boston is closing. Forum has announced it will shut its doors on March 1. You may remember this restaurant made headlines after the Boston Marathon Bombings. It sustained a lot of damage and took months to reopen. Its rent is being tripled and the restaurant can't afford to stay open. Forum posted this letter to its customers on Facebook: 

 Dear friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of FORUM Bar & Restaurant on March 1st. Boston Nightlife Ventures would like to offer our sincere gratitude to FORUM’s incredible staff and to each and every one of our patrons, from our regulars to those who came in after the marathon to show their support. We cried together, we smiled together—none of those times will be forgotten.
After the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon forced FORUM to close for four long months of reconstruction, and with insurance claims still backed up by bureaucracy, our road to financial recovery was knowingly long. But our love for what we do encouraged Boston Nightlife Ventures to reinvest in FORUM and reopen triumphantly.
Unfortunately, the current real estate climate on Boylston Street has motivated FORUM’s landlord to raise rent this year by nearly three times our current rate. This rent increase makes it financially impossible for Boston Nightlife Ventures to operate and sustain a business at a location that means so much to us and to our city. Out of enduring respect for the events surrounding our brief but unforgettable history at 755 Boylston Street, Boston Nightlife Ventures has decided to retire the name FORUM.
Though FORUM must close, Boston Nightlife Ventures remains committed to investing in our city’s dining community. We look forward to using our resources and efforts to continue serving Boston at our existing locations—The Tap Trailhouse, Wink & Nod, Griddler’s Burgers and Dogs—and at exciting new concepts coming in 2015 and beyond. As owners and operators of multiple concepts, BNV is fortunately able to offer FORUM’s staff numerous opportunities to remain with our team.
We invite you to join us this week for one last hurrah before we close our doors following dinner service on Saturday, February 28th. For more information, please email us at info@forumboston.com
On behalf of everyone at Boston Nightlife Ventures, thank you to the city of Boston and its incredible residents. It is an honor to continue to serve you.

Monday, February 23, 2015

IT'S ZEPPOLE TIME!

Monday, February 23, 2015
Get your Zeppole

It's another sign that spring is on the way. Mike's Pastry in Boston's North End is selling Zeppole. This traditional Italian dessert is pumped full of cream and usually topped off with a cherry. Italians enjoy them to celebrate St. Joseph's Day, which falls on March 19 every year.

DELICIOUS DISH: FRIED RAVIOLI WITH MEAT SAUCE

Monday, February 23, 2015
You're looking at my favorite dish of the moment. This is fried ravioli with meat sauce from The Chateau. The restaurant has eight locations around Massachusetts and this is my go to dish whenever I eat there. The meat sauce is so good and just because I can never get enough meat, I always order two meatballs to go along with this delicious dish. You can order small, large or entree portions. Only get the large or entree portion if you are really hungry because these fried delights will fill you up!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS AT CUPCAKE CITY

Tuesday, February 17, 2015
It's time for Mardi Gras! While everyone is celebrating in New Orleans, you can get a taste of the fun here in snowy New England. Right now, Cupcake City is selling these Mardi Gras inspired cupcakes. I got this one at their store in Newtonville.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

MOUTH-WATERING ITALIAN AT CANOVA IN ATTLEBORO, MA

Saturday, February 14, 2015
Arancini
Ravioli with sausage
Lasagna a la bolognese
If you've ever been to the Attleboro, Massachusetts area, you've probably heard of Luciano's, Lake Pearl and the Colonel Blackington Inn. Now, Luciano has opened another restaurant, Canova Italian Bar & Grill. Canova is a more casual restaurant, but the food is just as spectacular here as it is at all of his other restaurants.

Appetizers include mozzarella caprese, fried mozzarella, calamari, pan-fried eggplant, meatballs and chicken wings. Do your taste buds a favor and order the arancini. They are parmesean crusted dumplings filled with risotto, cheese, pork, veal, ground beef and peas. They are served on top of just enough marinara sauce. I can't begin to tell you how delicious they are.

 I enjoyed one of their lunch specials, the lasagna alla bolognese. This hearty dish comes with a generous portion of meat, lots of melted mozzarella and if that wasn't enough, it was topped with a meatball! What a perfect meal. 

Other pasta dishes on the menu include classics like spaghetti alla carbonara, trortolloni alla primavera, fettuccini alla bolognese and fettucci alla alfredo. There are also several chicken dishes including marsala, chicken scampi and chicken parm. Fish entrees include frutti di mare, salmon, shrimp cacciatore and tilapia. Canova also serves several salads, burgers and pizza (after 4 p.m.). Canova does have dessert. You'll see the tempting display case when you walk in, but if you eat like me, you probably won't have any room!

Luciano has done it again! Run to Canova. It's right across from the train station. After just one meal, Canova is already an Eat Up New England favorite!

www.canovaitaliangrill.com

Thursday, February 12, 2015

GET A CUPCAKE FOR YOUR VALENTINE AT "SWEET"

Thursday, February 12, 2015
Whenever I go to Wegmans in Chestnut Hill, it's impossible for me to not stop into Sweet for a cupcake or two. They have all of the favorites like chocolate, vanilla and carrot cake. They also have some special flavors for the seasons. Right now, Sweet's cupcakes are all decked out for Valentine's Day. I really liked their chocolate cupcake with raspberry frosting. There's also a brownie cupcake with pink heart-shaped frosting. You can also bring your four-legged friend in for a doggie cupcake. They even have gluten free cupcakes! Check out Sweet at one of their 6 Boston-area locations.

www.sweetcupcakes.com

WEGMAN'S IS READY FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

Thursday, February 12, 2015
There are lots of temping treats for Valentine's Day right now at Wegman's in Chestnut Hill, MA. Check out those chocolate-covered strawberries with sprinkles. They also have small Conversation Hearts-inspired cakes and a large display of boxed chocolates. Yummmm.

Thursday, February 05, 2015

COLD BEER AND PERFECT APPS AT BEER WORKS IN FRAMINGHAM

Thursday, February 05, 2015
After shoveling snow in all of these snow storms, I've been dying for an nice cold beer. I finally got one at Framingham Beer Works. This hot spot is one of the newer Boston Beer Works locations and is always very busy. They brew their own beer in house and you can even take a six pack home! I started my meal off with one of their seasonal brews, "Lovefest," a chocolate strawberry stout. It's very good! You can find it along with several other Valentine's Day inspired drinks and dishes on their February menu. They have an extensive beer menu, along with several cocktails.

Beer Works menu is jam packed with all of your favorite bar foods. Their nachos are soooo good, a vegetarian delight smothered in cheese, olives, tomatoes and jalapenos. (They'll top them with chili or chicken for you, too.) They have a ton of apps including onion rings, scallops, fried pickle spears, wings and cheeseburger sliders. They also have a "Bluebeery Shark" app of grilled Mako shark drizzled with a blueberry sauce.

For dinner, I ordered the Charlestown Burger, a thick burger topped with cheddar and applewood bacon. Very filling and very good! You can choose from a bunch of different French fries like sour cream & chive, cheese, chili and gravy. I went for the steak fries, which were each half of a potato! Other dinner options include chicken sandwiches, shrimp 'n ham mac 'n cheese, salmon, salads, steak tips and rips. Many of their entrees are also available vegetarian. 

If you save room for dessert, I'd recommend their blueberry cheesecake. They also have a "Big Dig" Brownie Sundae, apple blueberry crumble and several ice creams.

Framingham Beer Works is always pretty crowded at night, especially on weekends. Lunch is much quieter and a good chance to sample their delicious menu and beers.

 Framingham Beer Works Menu
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