Friday, August 30, 2013

THE FROST BAR OPENS IN BOSTON

Friday, August 30, 2013
It's billing itself as "Boston's Coolest Experience." After a flurry of media coverage, Faneuil Hall's Frost Bar is now open for business. From the bar to the seats - yes, even the glasses you drink from - are made of ice at the Frost Bar. The temperature is kept at 21 degrees to make sure nothing melts. They offer a number of signature drinks, all of which will run you $11 a pop. Non-alcoholic drinks go for $6 each. Admission is an eye-popping $18.99 per person and you only get to stay for 45 minutes because of the chill factor. Caps and gloves are provided with the price of admission. This seems like something great for tourists and a nice way to cool off in the hot summer days, but I wonder how business will be in the dead of winter, when it's colder outside than it is inside.

www.frosticebar.com

Thursday, August 29, 2013

SIZZIN SUMMER SPOTS: THE MOORING IN NEWPORT, R.I.

Thursday, August 29, 2013
It's summer's last hurrah. Labor Day weekend is here, but before it's time for pumpkin-flavored everything, there's still time to soak in some last-minute summer. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar in Newport, Rhode Island is the perfect place for a fine meal this Labor Day weekend. Sure, you can eat inside, but if you can, get a table outside. You'll sit right by the water and be able to watch the boats comes and go.

The Mooring offers many wines, beers and cocktails. They have a Guinness float with Guinness Irish Stout and vanilla ice cream. Grab a drink, then order an app. I loved their light and refreshing watermelon salad. It's perfect for those warm summer nights. They'll split it on two plates for you if you're sharing. Another popular app is their "bag of doughnuts," their lobster, crab and shrimp fritters. 

Seafood dinner options are all fresh from the sea. They have traditional New England favorites like Atlantic salmon and Maine Lobster. I went for one of their sandwiches, the lobster croissant. It was jam packed with fresh, chilled lobster meat and served with a side of fries. Excellent. If you're not in the mood for seafood, The Mooring has many dishes for land lovers including pork tenderloin, ricotta gnocchi and chicken. They also have many gluten free and vegetarian options of the menu. Desserts include New York cheesecake with a raspberry sauces, carrot cake creme brulee and banana cake. 

www.mooringrestaurant.com
@mooringri

Sunday, August 18, 2013

MIKE'S PASTRY: A NORTH END FAVORITE

Sunday, August 18, 2013
No trip to the North End is complete without a little dessert. I always stop at Mike's Pastry for a cannoli or two. They come in a bunch of different flavors, but my go to is the chocolate chip. Their cheesecakes and champagne cookies are also delicious desserts.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

GALLERIA UMBERTO: A GEM OF THE NORTH END

Saturday, August 17, 2013
Don't let the long line intimidate you. The line at Galleria Umberto in Boston's North End is long because the food is to die for. Galleria Umberto sticks to a few Italian favorites and does them well. They cook their pizza sicilian style by the sheet. It goes fast, but workers are always quick to bring out the next sheet of pie. The pizza is light, with a crispy crist. Just like mama used to make. And you can't beat the price. One slice will only set you back $1.65. The arancini is also a must. The softball-sized balls of rice and cheese are stuffed a mix of meat and peas. One arancini will fill you up at lunch. Galleria Umberto also offers several calzones including spinach & cheese and ham & ricotta and spinach, cheese and sausage. A can of soda is only $1.30 and a cup of wine will only run you $2.25. Galleria Umberto is Italian food done right. A true gem of Boston's historic North End.
Arancini

Thursday, August 15, 2013

UNIQUE FOOD COMBOS ARE ON THE MENU AT THE CORNER CAFE IN NEWPORT, RI

Thursday, August 15, 2013
Newport, Rhode Island has so much to offer. The mansions. The breath-taking ocean views. The food. Newport offers up all kinds of diverse food options and one place that really brings all kinds of foods together in a beautiful way is The Corner Cafe.  

 The Corner Cafe boasts a huge breakfast menu. From several breakfast burritos and omelets to scramblers, pancakes and French toast, the breakfast options have really put The Corner Cafe on the map with locals and tourists alike. 

 I had the pleasure of discovering this restaurant for lunch. I started with a cup of rich, seafood chowder. I ordered the Cape Codder quesadilla for lunch. It was stuffed full of turkey, bacon, avocado, gorgonzola, provolone cheese and whole cranberries. It's served with salsa, sour cream and ranch sauce. This was one of the most delicious and unique meals I've had in a long time. Highly recommended! If I don't go for the Cape Codder again the next time, I may try the bacon cheeseburger burrito with ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, onion and ranch dressing. Also on the menu, a bunch of melts, salads and vegetarian options. The Corner Cafe  also serves several unique pizzas. Among them: the lighthouse pizza with clams, scallops, shrimp and pesto and the blueberry thrill with ham, caramelized onions blueberries, Swiss and smoked goada. What a restaurant!
 
The Cape Codder quesadilla
Seafood Chowder
www.cornercafenewport.com
110 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
401-846-0606

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

DELICIOUS DISH: TIRAMISU AT STREGA WATERFRONT IN BOSTON

Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Tiramisu has never been my thing, but now it is thanks to this delicious dish. This perfect dessert is one of several traditional Italian favorites on the menu at Strega on the waterfront in Boston. Served nice and cold, it's dusted off with a generous amount of cocoa powder. It's light, airy and melts in your mouth. Pair the tiramisu up with Strega's espresso martini and you'll be in dessert heaven.

www.stregawaterfront.com

Monday, August 12, 2013

CUPCAKE CHARLIE'S IN NEWPORT, RI

Monday, August 12, 2013
The next time you're checking out all of the shops in Newport, Rhode Island, stop into Cupcake Charlie's for a sweet treat.  Choose from more than a dozen flavors each day including orange dreamsicle, carrot cake and Oreo delight. Their chocolate mint madness cupcake is one of my favorites. If you have a real sweet tooth, Charlie's also sells shots of their frosting. You don't have to travel all the way to Newport for one of these cupcakes. Cupcake Charlie's is expanding with its newest location in at Legacy Place in Foxboro, MA.

Friday, August 09, 2013

SIZZLIN SUMMER SPOTS: THE DEL'S TRUCK

Friday, August 09, 2013
If you've ever been to the beach in Rhode Island, chances are you can spot the white and green Del's truck from a mile away. It wouldn't be summer in New England without their frozen lemonade.This Del's Soft Frozen Lemonade truck is always parked at Easton's Beach in Newport. I can never pass it up after a stroll along the Cliff Walk on a hot summer day.

Saturday, August 03, 2013

JERRY REMY'S IN FALL RIVER, MA

Saturday, August 03, 2013
Everyone knows about the Jerry Remy's near Fenway Park. The Red Sox announcer also has locations at the Seaport in Boston and Logan Airport . But, there's also a Jerry Remy's outside of the city, in Fall River.

The large, open dining room has plenty of seating. You can also grab a seat at the bar for an up close view of their "screen monsters," their 17-foot and 14-foot video walls. They are very impressive. This really is THE PLACE to catch a game. You won't miss a moment because there are monitors in the bathrooms. There's even one in the bathroom mirror!
  
Jerry Remy's offers a wide variety of beers, wines and cocktails. Right now, they have a special summer section on their menu with summer salads including a grilled peach salad and summer berries. Apps include cheese fries, bacon cheddar cheese fries and nachos. The menu includes typical bar fare like burgers and wraps. There are also some local dishes you'll only find at the Fall River location like the "Fa Reev Burger," chourico with carmelized onion and American cheese. Other unique entries on their menu include a turducken burger and maple glazed fried chicken breast served with a watermelon salad. There are also several vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu.

For dinner, I can recommend the "Original RemDawg" a half-pound hot dog topped with chili, cheese and onions. This time, I went for one of their pasta entrees, the bolognese, orecchietti pasta with meat sauce. The pasta was cooked al dente with a nice, hearty portion of meat sauce.
The "Screen Monsters"

CONTACT
www.jerryremys.com/fallriver/
@RemysFallRiver 
1082 Davol St  Fall River, MA 02720
(774) 365-6905

TASTY TIPS
- This place can get busy on the weekends. Allow some time for seating and for the food to arrive.
- Sit outside if you can. There are TV screens to watch the game and there's a nice view of the water.
- Thursday night is karaoke night. 

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

IT'S PEAK BLUEBERRY TIME AT ROSE'S BERRY FARM IN GLASTONBURY, CT

Wednesday, July 31, 2013
There's nothing like getting out in the hot summer sun to pick your own blueberries. Rose's Berry Farm in South Glastonbury, Connecticut is the perfect place to do it. They have acres and acres of blueberry and raspberry bushes with fruit that's ripe for picking. This place is so big that you have to hop a ride on a truck out to the field. Then, it's time for picking! They give everyone a huge bucket, which holds several pounds of blueberries. You'll be assigned a couple of bushes and you can pick as much as you want. I've been going to Rose's Berry Farm for years and I can tell you that this year's crop is by far the best blueberry crop yet. If you've never picked blueberries, give it a try. You'll find they taste way better than any blueberries that have been sitting at your local supermarket.

 Visit Rose's Berry Farm each season for different crops to pick. In the fall, pick your own apples and pumpkins. When Christmas comes around, cut your own Christmas tree. Rose's is also known for its Breakfast-With-A-View. Every Sunday from June through October, you can eat outside on their patio which has a beautiful view of their lake and property. Choose from Belgian waffles, pancakes or French Toast - all of it topped off whatever fruit is in season.

www.rosesberryfarm.com
@RosesBerryFarm 
295 Matson Hill Rd.
South Glastonbury, CT 06073 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

TASTE OF HARTFORD AT THE FIRST & LAST TAVERN

Saturday, July 27, 2013
It's Taste of Hartford 2013 aka Hartford's Restaurant week. More than 30 restaurants are taking part, most of them offering three course meals for $20.13.

 I had the pleasure of going to one of my favorite restaurants for Taste of Hartford, The First & Last Tavern. From pizzas to traditional pasta dishes, this Italian spot does everything right. 

Course one: salad or soup. I had to go for their salad. It's not the usual boring garden salad. This one comes with chickpeas, olives, onions and don't forget to look for the salami and cheese under the lettuce.

Course two: the entree with chicken picatta, oven roasted scrod, summertime primavera or eggplant rollatini. I went for the scrod, a nice buttery portion served with potatoes and spinach with garlic.

 Course three: dessert. You can choose from gelato, cannoli or New York cheesecake. I can never pass up cheesecake and LOVED the huge slice they presented me with. It was rich and creamy with just enough strawberries and whipped cream. Be sure to try the cheesecake!

You still have another week to run to the First & Last Tavern for these three-course specials. The Taste of Hartford runs through August 4.

ANOTHER PRET A MANGER COMING TO BOSTON'S BACK BAY

Saturday, July 27, 2013
The London-based sandwich chain, Pret A Manger, continues to expand in Boston. A third location will be opening soon. This one is next door to the Back Bay Social Club in the Back Bay. Pret is known for its on-the-go fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

HANDCRAFTED BEERS ON TAP AT THE PORTSMOUTH BREWERY

Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Fried fish sandwich
Bluebeery beer
Beer lovers, do I have a spot for you. The Portsmouth Brewery is one of the most popular restaurants in Portsmouth, New Hampshire because of its selection of handcrafted beers, delicious bar food and fun atmosphere.

The restaurant's sister company is Smuttynose Brewing Company, so you can always find their beers on tap along with many other local favorites. The beer selection changes daily, so check out their chalkboards (and website) to see the beers they're offering. I'm a fan of flavored beers and enjoyed their bluebeery blend. 

Have a seat at The Portsmouth Brewery's bar or dining room for lunch or dinner seven days a week. Apps include nachos, chicken tenders, a flatbread of the day, soups and salads. Their chili topped with cheddar cheese is delicious. For entrees, order one of their burgers or sandwiches - including the flaky, fresh from the sea fried fish sandwich or go exotic with their southwest chorizo burger. Check out their daily specials like veggie gumbo, steak & lobster, duck and shepard's pie.

The Portsmouth Brewery is vegetarian and vegan friendly with several unique meat-free options on their menu. They have grilled vegan sausage, a falafel platter and a tempeh reuben on their everyday menu.

After dinner, check out their gift shop, where you can buy beer, shirts, shot glasses, hats and more.

56 Market Street • Portsmouth NH 03801

Monday, July 22, 2013

IT'S THE TASTE OF HARTFORD 2013 IN CONNECTICUT!

Monday, July 22, 2013
If you're in Connecticut, save some room for the Taste of Hartford this week. More than 30 restaurants are taking part offering price-fixed menus ranging from $20.13 to $28.13. Participating restaurants including Agave Grill, Costa Del Sol, First & Last Tavern and Morton's The Steakhouse. I'll be heading to First & Last Tavern this week for their 3-course menu which includes salad or soup, a choice of entrees including scrod, chicken piccata, summertime primavera and gelato, cheesecake or a cannoli for dessert.

For more on the restaurants taking part and their menus:

@CTRestaurantWk

Sunday, July 21, 2013

POST #100: THE SONG OF THE SUMMER

Sunday, July 21, 2013
Nevermind "Blurred Lines" or "Get Lucky." The song of summer 2013 is "Thirsty For Your Love" by David Hasselhoff. No doubt you've seen his commercial for Cumberland Farm's 99-cent iced coffee and his life size cutouts at every Cumby's store. Nothing says summer like the Hoff. Let's hope they continue their #icedhoffee campaign every summer.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

KEFTEDES AT KOUZINA ESTIATORIO IN DEDHAM, MA

Saturday, July 20, 2013
One of my favorite meals in all of New England is the keftedes meal at Kouzina Estiatorio, a Greek restaurant in Dedham, Mass. Keftedes are Greek meatballs made of lamb and mixed with onions. Squeeze a little lemon on top of these flavorful, juicy meatballs and you're in business. They are served with tzatziki sauce, which I also like to spread on top of the keftedes. The meal comes with two sides. I usually go for the rice pilaf and Greek salad. They always include their crunchy and flavorful pita bread on the side. It's the best pita I've had. RUN to this restaurant and try this perfect dish!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

IT'S TAFFY TIME AT SEABERRY SURF IN WELLFLEET

Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Eat Up New England's Sizzlin' Summer Spots series continues on Cape Cod at the Seaberry Surf gift shop in Wellfleet. This place is famous for its extensive selection of Cape Cod souvenirs, but it's also home to some tasty treats. Check out their selection of taffy. Sure, you can be boring and buy a box that's already been filled, but what's the fun in that? Fill your own box or bag of Cape Cod taffy with the flavors your like. They have so many flavors from blueberry and chocolate to sea salt caramel and peanut butter. 

Drive up the road a few miles and you'll find Cape Tradewinds in Orleans, Seaberry Surf's sister stop. Tradewinds has its own candy store filled with an even more extensive selection of taffy and homemade fudge. The fudge is really, really good and it comes in so many flavors. One of my favorites is their cranberry walnut fudge. Pick up some Cape Cod taffy and fudge the next time you're on the Cape. It's a great reminder of your vacation when you're back on the mainland!

Monday, July 15, 2013

CLOVER FOOD TRUCKS/RESTSAURANTS CLOSED AMID SALMONELLA SCARE

Monday, July 15, 2013
The popular "Clover Food Lab" has closed down all of its operations amid a Salmonella scare. According to a blog posting on their website, they found out about the scare on Friday night. Some people became sick after eating their food. Because of that and concerns about an employee being potentially sick they decided to close down their stores and trucks as a precaution. All employees are being tested for Salmonella. Clover also says they are looking into all of their ingredients and suppliers. 

Saturday, July 13, 2013

EMPIRE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE IN BOSTON

Saturday, July 13, 2013
Dining at Empire Restaurant and Lounge for the first time was kind of like going to watch some fireworks on the 4th of July and leaving without a grand finale. It was good, but I was left wanting more.

The night started out in the super trendy bar/ lounge area. I had a couple of sangrias, which were very good.  We moved to the very spacious main dining area for dinner. The drinks kept coming, with some at our table ordering libations served in a coconut complete with dried ice. Never order a drink that appears to be on fire. They're always overpriced and there's never enough alcohol, as was the case with these $26 drinks. You pay for the presentation.

It was time for apps. The tempura and edamame was absolutely delicious. These fried veggies were easily my favorite dish of the night. Order them if you go. We also had some crab rangoon to start. They were good, but at 12 for $29, they weren't that good. Very pricey for what we got. I expected a real wow factor for taste and was not wowed.

 I played it safe and ordered the chicken lo mein for dinner. The heaping portion was served in a bowl and there was plenty left over for lunch the next day. It was good, but again, I wasn't wowed especially with the $21 price. I suspect if I tried the sushi I would have been more excited, but I'm just not a sushi person. It doesn't fill me up.

Empire is a favorite for those who must eat gluten free. They have a large menu of GF options. There's even a GF beer called "Omission." Cheers to Empire for having all of these options. My friend got some crazy GF dish of beef, rice, veggies with an egg on top. She hated it. The staff was kind enough to offer her another dish and never charged her for the bowl. The waitress couldn't have been nicer and the manager even came over to check in.

 Bottom line: Go to Empire for the social scene that it is. Have a few drinks. Share a few apps. Ask lots of questions before you order and bring your wallet.
  
Tempura and edamame
You can watch the chefs do their thing from the comfort of your table.
Chicken lo mein
GF bowl that was sent back
Empire is right on the water in Boston. If you arrive around sunset, be sure to walk behind the restaurant for beautiful views of the city. You're also likely to catch a party boat or two out on the water.
Tasty Tips
- Parking is at a premium. If you go for lunch, try to find a meter on the road. If you go for dinner, you'll pay around $16 to park the car for the night.   
- Take a stroll around the water before you eat.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

PIZZA BUFFET AT THE GAS LIGHT PIZZA PUB IN PORTSMOUTH, NH

Wednesday, July 10, 2013
It's not often that you run into an all you can eat pizza buffet, so when you do, sit down and eat like you're never going to eat again. 

Portmouth Gas Light's Downtown Brick Oven & Pizza Pub is famous for their mouth-watering pizza lunchtime buffet. Located in the basement of the Portsmouth Gas Light Company, this place serves up some delicious bar pizza at a delicious price. Go during lunchtime during the week and you'll find that amazing the pizza buffet. It features every kind of pie you can think of. There are cheese, Mediterranean and veggie pizzas to satisfy picky eaters and vegetarians. But if you're like me, you'll want to dig into some unique combinations of toppings that you won't find anywhere else. If you're lucky, one of the pizzas on the buffet will be their "Molly Malone" topped with potato, onion and bacon. It's incredible. I also enjoyed their pepperoni & hamburger and meatball pizzas. The pizzas rotate in and out, so be quick! The chefs bake them in a huge brick oven right behind the buffet, so feel free to make a request or ask them about any of their creations. 

As if the pizza isn't enough, there are also yummy cheese bread sticks and penne with Alfredo sauce on the buffet. All of this - unlimited slices of pizza - for just $5.99! It gets better. Draft pints of beer are only $2 with the buffet. It just doesn't get any better than that!

www.portsmouthgaslight.com/pizza_landing.cfm

64 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH

Deals & Discounts
- The pizza buffet 11:30-2pm Monday thru Friday
- Happy Hour includes 50% off draft pints, wine and apps from 3-6pm Monday thru Friday
- Late night menu includes pizza, calzones and baked wings on Friday and Saturday nights from 11pm-2am
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