Thursday, October 27, 2016

ENDLESS PASTA AND SAUCE COMBINATIONS AT BOTTEGA FIORENTINA

Thursday, October 27, 2016
For some time, I've been looking for a quick-serve pasta place. Somewhere where you don't have to necessarily sit down and have a full, long meal for pasta. A "to go" pasta spot. I found one in Newton, Massachusetts with Bottega Fiorentina. 

First, choose your pasta. They have penne, spaghetti, bow ties, linguine, fettuccine, gnocchi, tortellini, spinach gnocchi and a ravioli of the day. THEN, go crazy trying to figure out which sauce you're going to top your pasta with. There are a number of sauces on their everyday menu from classics like pomodoro, butter & sage, alfredo, carbonara and bolognese to more exotic sauces like the "Fedora," which is made of tomatoes, garlic, rosemary and cream. They have a very long list of specialty sauces that change daily. There's "Corinna," a sauce of chicken cubes, mushrooms and cream. There's the "Medici" with prosciutto, mushrooms, tomatoes and cream. Or go for the "Fiesolana" sauce with chicken, peppers, mushrooms, peas, cream and tomato. This list goes on and on. They actually have a chart of the sauces they offer each day. What an excellent concept! And let me tell you, it's tough deciding which sauce to order with so many choices.

 So, what did I order? I enjoyed their fettucine carbonara with chicken. We also split an arugula and pear salad, which was a perfect portion for two. Bottega Fiorentina also offers a bunch of sandwiches like caprese, prosciutto di parma and pollo. 

 What a place! I can't wait to try more of their pastas and sauces. OHH! Bottega Fiorentia also has a killer deal on Wednesdays and Sundays. Get any pasta plate with any sauce for just $4.99. They also have another location in Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Massachusetts. They've been there since 1994.

 www.botteganewton.com
www.bottegabrookline.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

(Closed) DELICIOUS ITALIAN AT OSTERIA POSTO IN WALTHAM

Wednesday, October 19, 2016
UPDATE: Sadly, Osteria Posto has closed for good.

Buona sera! Eat Up New England and Mrs. Eat Up New England are just back from a breathtaking vacation in Italy. We have been craving Italian food, so we checked out Osteria Posto in Waltham, Massachusetts. In Italian, Osteria means a restaurant that serves wine and simple foods. Posto means "sit and relax." Perfect!

 We were struck by the beautiful decor at Osteria Posto. It's really quite elegant, modern and spacious inside. Of course, they have a full far stocked with wine, beer and all kinds of spirits. I kept it local and ordered a Jack's Abbey. They brought us several rounds of bread with butter and olives. It was starting to feel like we were back in Italy again.

Appetizers include Caesar, sugar pear and arugula salads. They also have spicy mussels, shrimp cocktail and the ever-so-tempting "Nonna's meatballs." We enjoyed their lemon arancini, rice balls with mozzarella with just enough of a hint of lemon.

For dinner, I loved their "Mezzi Rigatoni," a veal, pork and beef bolognese. It was so tasty and so filling. Other pastas right now include a spinach ravioli, gnocchi with braised short ribs and squid ink pasta. Entrees right now include salmon, swordfish, steal, a Tuscan seafood stew and roast chicken.  I say "right now" because their menu is ever-evolving and changes with the seasons. Osteria Posto is so fresh that they grow their own herbs. They are in several bins outside to the left of the entrance.

 Perhaps the most fascinating item on their menu is the "Whole Roasted Pig." They describe it as a "locally raised VT pig" served with herb sausage stuffing, roasted vegetables and a seasonal salad. It serves as many as 10 people. The pig is yours for $675 and requires two weeks notice.

Osteria Posto has a second location in Somerville. Eat Up New England can't wait to come back to try those meatballs!

 www.osteriaposto.com

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

BREAKFAST BUFFET AT STOWE MOUNTAIN LODGE

Tuesday, September 20, 2016
The Stowe Mountain Lodge is a beautiful resort nestled in the mountains of Stowe, Vermont. It has breathtaking views of the mountains all year round, easy access to skiing and a massive luxurious pool with two hot tubs. They also have a wonderful restaurant called Solstice. It's open for all meals, but EatUpNE recently stopped by for Sunday brunch.

Bring your appetite for this! Their buffet has hot bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, hard boiled eggs, croissants, bagels, Vermont cheeses, French toast and so much more. They also have several fresh juices to chose from, including a really good smoothie. The buffet is around $30 per person and also includes made to order dishes like omelets and pancakes.

 www.destinationhotels.com/stowe-mountain-lodge/dining/solstice-restaurant

Saturday, September 17, 2016

CABOT'S ICE CREAM & RESTAURANT IN NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Saturday, September 17, 2016
Cabot's is one of those old school restaurants that's been around for so long that everyone in the area knows all about it. Stop by at any hour of the day and you'll find this classic restaurant and ice cream shop packed full of locals of all ages.
 
Cabot's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast, they serve all of the classics like omelets, homemade muffins, pancakes, waffles, benedicts, eggs and French toast. They also have a huge lunch and dinner menu with burgers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, baked mac & cheese and a stuffed turkey dinner. Today, we ordered the onion petals, their take on onion rings. It was plenty for three of us. For lunch, I enjoyed their cheddar melt served with sautéed onions on rye. 

 What really puts Cabot's on the map is their ice cream. They have countless flavors and serve it in large portions. Right now, they have pumpkin ice cream for the fall, so I had to try that. The picture you see above is a SMALL! They also have a bunch of sundaes, frappes and ice cream sodas. Cabot's gets mobbed on Friday and Saturday nights for their ice cream especially in the summer.

 Cabot's in CLOSED on Mondays and is CASH ONLY. 

www.cabots.com

Sunday, September 11, 2016

PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE DONUTS ARE BACK AT KRISPY KREME!

Sunday, September 11, 2016
Every September, I am quick to jump on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. One of my favorite pumpkin spice foods is the pumpkin spice doughnut at Krispy Kreme. I discovered these sugary wonders last year while on vacation in Hilton Head. Down south, Krispy Kremes are everywhere, but in New England they are hard to come by. Today, I stopped by one of the Krispy Kremes at Mohegan Sun and got some of their pumpkin spice cake doughnut holes and donuts. They also have a pumpkin spice latte on their menu. Get them while you can, because they are only available during the fall.

Thursday, September 08, 2016

FINE ITALIAN AT TREVA IN WEST HARTFORD

Thursday, September 08, 2016

Treva in West Hartford, Connecticut is known for its fine Italian food that's a feast for the stomach and the eyes. All of their dishes are so elegantly prepared that it's almost a shame to dig in.

Treva's bar offers many white and red wines to chose from, along with a large selection of cocktails. I started off the evening with their "Blueberry Smash," a high west double rye with blueberries, lemon, honey and mint. They also have a smaller happy hour menu with $5 wines, $6 cocktails and $3 and $5 appetizers.

We began with a couple of their appetizers. Their zucchini blossom stuffed with ricotta was amazing. It's served on a bed of arugula with slices of tomatoes. Other apps include steamed mussels, calamari and arancini. We also ordered their sheep's milk ricotta from their mozzarella bar. It's served with peas and walnuts and drizzled with honey. Be sure to save some of your Italian bread to eat along with this amazing dish.

For dinner, their menu features all of the classic Italian pastas. Ravioli. Pappardelle. Gnocchi. Rogatoni bolognese. Orecchetti. They even have a squid ink pasta. I ordered one of their specials, a stunning pappardelle with truffles. It was one of the most delicious pastas I've ever eaten. The cook on that homemade pappardelle was perfect. Not in the mood for pasta? Try their salmon. It's a massive cut served with saffron risotto. Pork chops, steak, swordfish, scallops and cod are among the other entrees also on the menu.

 They have all of the Italian favorites for dessert including ricotta cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate cake and gelato.

 Treva was unforgettable from start to finish. Put this restaurant on your "must try" list.

www.trevact.com


Sunday, September 04, 2016

CITY TABLE IN BOSTON'S BACK BAY

Sunday, September 04, 2016

Another summer Dine Out Boston has come and gone. I hope you were able to venture out and try a new restaurant or two. I loved City Table in Boston's Back Bay. It's right across the street from the Boston Public Library, attached to the Lenox Hotel.

 City Table was offering a three-course menu for $33. To start, I loved their bowl of New England clam chowder. It was a massive, hearty portion of perfect chowder. Entrees included steak frites, City table burger, vegetable risotto and salmon. I ordered the "Murray's Statler Chicken," a roasted chicken breast with whipped potatoes and wild mushrooms. Amazing. For dessert, it was a choice between red velvet cake and summer berry shortcake. I loved the light and fluffy shortcake, which was surrounded by a flavorful medley of berries. The perfect way to end the perfect meal.

City Table is open for breakfast every day and offers traditional fare like omelets, breakfast sandwiches and French toast. They also do brunch on the weekend. They are open every night for dinner and specialize in comfort foods like shrimp & grits, jerk chicken mac & cheese and scallops. They also have a bar packed full of craft beers, wine and specialty cocktails.

 www.citytableboston.com

Thursday, September 01, 2016

THE NEW ANNA'S TAQUERIA IN NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Thursday, September 01, 2016
Anna's Taqueria opened its seventh location in Newton highlands back in February. Last night, Eat Up NE finally got a chance to check it out. What stood out immediately is that this location has TWO service lines to help with the busy lunch and dinner rushes. They have all of their classics from three different sizes of burritos to tacos and quesadillas. This Anna's is also serving ice cream and breakfast.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

CHOCOLATE POKEMON POPS AT COCOA BEAN OF VERMONT

Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Chocolate Pikachu pop

In this age of Amazon and Etsy, a simple chalkboard sign still does the trick. I was walking around State Street in Montpelier, Vermont when I saw the sign in from of Cocoa Bean chocolates advertising "Pokemon Pops" inside. I had to check it out. In the midst of all of this Pokemon Go craziness, they are selling chocolate Pokemon pops. I enjoyed a milk chocolate Pikachu pop. I also devoured one of their white chocolate sprinkled Oreos.

cocoabeanofvermont.com

Sunday, August 28, 2016

ST. ANTHONY'S FEAST 2016

Sunday, August 28, 2016
The streets were packed in the North End of Boston this weekend for the annual St. Anthony's Feast. I stuffed myself with an arancini, pizza, fresh-squeezed lemonade and a homemade cannoli by the fella you see above. The St. Anthony's Feast is by far Eat Up New England's favorite food festival all year. Mangia!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

CHILEAN INSPIRED TAPAS AT COMEDOR

Saturday, August 27, 2016
Every meal starts with these amazing sweet rolls and butter.
Scallop empanadas
Mini Chilean BBQ Plate
Papas Fritas
Half a Pint of Pickles
Comedor is one of the most buzzed about restaurants in the metro Boston area because of it's fusion of American and Chilean fare. The Newton Centre tapas restaurant is owned by Jakob and Fernanda White, who met while studying culinary arts at Boston University. They both worked for 51 Lincoln in Newton, but their dream was to open their own place. They did it with Comedor.

I was surprised to discover they had Von Trapp beer from the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont on tap, so I had to order myself a glass. they also have many beers by the bottle and wine. Comedor's menu is made up of meat, seafood and vegetarian tapas. My fiancee is a vegetarian, so she ordered the papas fritas, half a pint of pickles and spiced cauliflower tacos. The eggplant serves as the taco for those little delights. I enjoyed their "Mini Chilean BBQ Plate," a mix of chicken, chorizo and potatoes. I also sampled their "Scallop Empanadas." The crust on the empanadas was so good. You may think that the fontina cheese stuffed inside of the empanadas with the scallops wouldn't work, but they complemented each other quite nicely.

Comedor is open for dinner Tuesdays-Sundays. They also serve brunch on Sundays, where they offer mouth-watering creations like a strawberry glazed donut, blueberry pancakes and their "Open-faced Sammy", two eggs served on Texas toast with whipped avocado.

 comedornewton.com
@ComedorNewton

Friday, August 26, 2016

PUMPKIN SEASON BEGINS NEXT WEEK AT DUNKIN DONUTS!

Friday, August 26, 2016
 Enjoy the last weekend of summer because as soon as it's over, Dunkin Donuts will usher in pumpkin season. On Monday, August 29, the donut chain will be going wild for pumpkin. Pumpkin-flavored iced coffees and lattes will be available at all of their stores. They will also be selling pumpkin K-cups. Pumpkin munchkins, donuts and muffins will also be available. Does all this mean it's okay to pop open a pumpkin beer?

Thursday, August 25, 2016

BOSTON RESTAURANTS MAY SOON HAVE LETTER GRADES

Thursday, August 25, 2016
If you've ever dined out in New York City, you've probably noticed letter in the windows of every restaurant. Every restaurant in the Big Apple gets a grade - A, B, C - based on the number and severity of violations found during safety inspections. Last night, the Boston City Council approved a proposal that would bring the letter grades to Boston. All it needs is the approval of Mayor Marty Walsh. If approved, restaurants must post their letter grade or face fines.







Wednesday, August 24, 2016

DELICIOUS DISH: BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT THE TRAPP FAMILY LODGE

Wednesday, August 24, 2016
The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont is a beautiful destination, with breath-taking mountain views and cozy rooms. They are also known for their homemade English muffin breakfast sandwiches. The muffins are made from scratch each day at their DeliBakery. The eggs are fresh from their farm and their cheese is local, Vermont's Cabot cheddar. Choose from bacon or sausage to fill the sandwich. Enjoy it on their back patio, which offers an incredible view of the mountains. Breakfast outdoors at The Trapp Family Lodge. It doesn't get much more Vermont than this.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

THE DOUGHNUT DUDE

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

The smell of fresh apple cider donuts fills a small corner of downtown Montpellier, Vermont. That delicious aroma comes from The Doughnut Dude! This small food cart specializes in small, crunchy apple cider donuts. Watch The Doughnut Dude make the donuts fresh. Order as many as you want. He'll fill up a bag for you and then top them off with cinnamon.  

These donuts are hard to refuse because the first donut is free. Once you have one, you'll want more! Look for The Doughnut Dude in downtown Montpellier and at fairs across Vermont.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

THE BOATHOUSE IN HARVARD SQUARE

Thursday, August 18, 2016
The Boathouse in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts is just steps away from the Charles River, making it the perfect place to grab dinner and drink. The Boathouse prides itself as a pub and grille, mixing a long list of beers, rums and cocktails with a tavern-style menu.

 I tried one of my favorite new American pale ales, Harpoon Camp Wannamango, at the Boathouse for the first time. What a perfect summer beer. It goes down like water!

We started off our meal with their calamari with marinara sauce. It was crisp and there was plenty to share with our table of five. Other apps include Parmesan truffle fries, mussels, fish tacos and popcorn chicken. I ordered their chicken sandwich for dinner. It's a panko crusted chicken breast drizzled with ranch dressing and served with fries. It was so good. They also have burgers, a steak sandwich, a veggie burger, and a hot Italian sausage sandwich. Other entrees include steak tips, mac & cheese and Shepard's pie.

 The Boathouse's bar is open until 1 am every night. They also serve brunch on the weekend.

 T: @theboathousepub
theboathouseharvardsquare.com

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

FREE BURGERS AT SHAKE SHACK...BUT YOU'RE PROBABLY TOO LATE!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Shake Shack was handing out free burgers at all of their locations today, but customers had to act quick. They were only free for the first 100 customers. Shake Shack is celebrating their 100th location in Boston's Seaport, so everyone gets a burger! I got this cheeseburger at their Dedham location this morning. I think it's the first time I've enjoyed a burger in the morning.

Friday, August 12, 2016

IT'S PRIME BLUEBERRY PICKIN' TIME AT WILDWOOD BERRY FARM IN VERMONT

Friday, August 12, 2016
It's blueberry harvest time all around New England. For the first time, Eat Up New England stopped by Wildwood Berry Farm in East Dorest, Vermont. This place is nestled in the woods. You'll know your there when you see their big wooden bears guarding the crop.

 Wildwood Berry Farm is owned by a former newspaper man named Rick and his wife, Brenda. They tend to the countless blueberry bushes themselves and welcome visitors to their property every summer. The Vermont mountain air makes for optimal growing conditions for their high bush blueberries. There were still tons of blueberry last weekend, but Rick told be they only have a couple of more weeks to go this season. 

 Wildwood also has their own tasty homemade berry popsicles, jams, honey, honey straws and syrups in their country store. They also make several Vermont and blueberry-themed shirts. I bought one with a blueberry Bernie Sanders that says, "Feel The Blue."

wildwoodberryfarm.com
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