March 31st 2023: Cafe Belo, Framingham

 Today, after checking out the Southborough Library in Southborough, 

and ice skating at the Navin Arena in Marlborough,

we decided to check out Cafe Belo, a new restaurant that has taken the place of Angry Ham's, which I visited once a long time ago. Much nicer decor now I must say.

We got our plates by weight, getting a little of each of the Batata Frita (French Fries), Banana Frita (Fried Plantain Bananas), Coracao de Frango (Grilled Chicken Hearts), Salada de Repolho (Cabbage Salad), Torresmo (Fried Pork Belly Strips), Mandioca Frita (Fried Yucca),

the Cheese Bread, Bolinho de Bacalhau (Cod Fish Cakes), Picanha

and the Strawberry Cake.

The food was cold in general, the cake was stale, the fries generally soggy. Only the plantains, chicken hearts, yucca fries and chicken hearts were somewhat decent. Absolutely not coming back again.

We ended the day with dessert from Black Rose Bakery in Westborough,

this time getting Mini Red Velvet Cupcake, Raspberry Chocolate Cupcake, Mini Italian Rum Cake, and the Mini Tiramisu.

At least a decent end to the day after a terrible meal in Framingham.

March 28th 2023: Food for a Discount at Bertucci's, Westborough

 Today, we had coupons to use at the Bertucci's in Westborough, so we ordered a lot, getting the Italian Sausage Soup (sweet Italian sausage, rice, tomatoes, spinach, onions & garlic, topped with mozzarella),

the Twice-Baked Brick Oven Honey Chili Chicken Wings (Tossed in spicy chili honey & pickled hot cherry peppers),

the Spaghetti and Clams (Whole clams, spaghetti with white wine sauce, garlic & fresh herbs),

the Limoncello Mascarpone Cake,

the Half and Half (Roasted Vegetable (A blend of roasted peppers, eggplant, zucchini, garlic, black olives, Pecorino Romano, caramelized onions, broccoli & mozzarella) and Big Papi Pizza (Hand-crafted meatballs, crispy pepperoni, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, pickled hot cherry peppers & house-made tomato sauce. Drizzled with hot honey)),

and the Chicken Piccata (Lemon, capers, creamy white wine sauce, Pecorino Romano & fresh herbs, served with spaghetti).

The soup was a tad salty, although everything else was decent for once, especially the tangy sweetness of the Big Papi pizza and the just-right sourness of the piccata. Overall, an actually decent meal from this place for once.

March 26th 2023: Cava, Dedham

 Today, after having fun at the Father MacAleer Playground and Park in Norwood,

we decided to get lunch from Cava, a popular fast food style Mediterranean restaurant chain in Dedham,

getting the Balsamic Date Chicken (grilled chicken, roasted eggplant dip, roasted red pepper hummus, fire-roasted corn, cabbage slaw, tomato + cucumber, brown rice, spinach),

the SPICY CHICKEN + AVOCADO (Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta, hummus, avocado, pickles, corn, pickled onions, hot harissa vinaigrette.),

and drinks like Pineapple Apple Mint ( pineapple, apple cider, fresh mint, and lime juice.), Blueberry Lavender (purée of fresh blueberries and lavender)

and Cucumber Mint Lime (with lime juice).

Pretty good flavors in the meats and drinks. The only drink that tasted weird was the lavender drink.

March 25th 2023: Donuts and McDonald's

 This morning, while in Westborough, 

The Highlands Gracious Retirement Living

we decided to check out the other McDonald's location in town at 166 East Main Street for breakfast,

getting the Steak Egg and Cheese McGriddles, which came with Hash Browns and Iced Tea.

Not bad start to the day. Later, while at work, I got some doughnut bites which came from Rocco's Doughnut Company, consisting of Fruity Pebbles, Homer and Maple Bacon.

Pretty good while sinful as always.

March 21st 2023: Bubble Tea and Cupcakes in Westborough

 Today, I checked out two new places in Westborough, getting a Strawberry Milk Tea

 from Cha Cha N Beans, which has nice decor inside,

and a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake from Black Rose Bakery, which has taken over from the Gerardo's Bakery location here in sort of a hand-me-down transfer of ownership. No change in decor. I got the Chocoolate Peanute Butter Cupcake, 

which was pretty good actually. A good day for dessert in Westborough,

March 19th 2023: Phuong Nam Restaurant, Boston

 Today, we decided to check out Phuong Nam Restaurant, a relatively new Vietnamese restaurant that has taken the place of Anh Hong in the Dorchester area of Boston. Similar decor in my opinion.

We got the Phở Bò Viên (beef noodle soup with Meat Ball) for the little one

and the Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm, which actually is not on the menu.

Pretty good actually, especially the crispy fishcakes and tofu. 

For dessert, we headed to Coco Leaf nearby, which has changed its name to AKoKo Cafe since the last time we came. This time around, we got the Tofu Pudding (hot),

which was pretty good, with coconut milk and pieces of ginger. Overall, a good dinner in Boston today.

March 18th 2023: Main Street Pastries and More, Westborough

 Today, after getting breakfast from Burger King in Westborough in the form of the Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Croissan'Wich (Crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted American cheese on a toasted croissant)

the Egg Biscuit and Iced Coffee (Vanilla),

we decided to get some dessert from Main Street Pastries and More, a relatively new and small bakery next door,

getting the Death by Chocolate cupcake.

Not too bad actually.

March 12th 2023: Zaftig's Delicatessen, Natick

 Today, we decided to have brunch at the Natick location of Zaftig's Delicatessen, the Brookline location of which I have visited once in the past. 

This time, we got the Egg Cream (chocolate),

the EMPIRE EGGS (Two poached eggs, spinach and smoked salmon on potato pancakes with hollandaise sauce)

 the CHOPPED LIVER (Chopped Chicken Liver, Marble Rye Toast Points and Pickled Onions)

and the World Famous Homemade Chicken Matzo Ball Soup.

The drink was not bad, and the potato pancakes were cripy, although going with smoked salmon made it a little salty. The liver was not bad with the onions, although the soup was just alright. Overall, just an okay meal in my opinion. Not sure why it's so popular.

March 11th 2023: Breakfast at Wendy's, Westborough

 Today, we decided to have breakfast at Wendy's in Westborough, this time getting the Maple Bacon Chicken Croissant and Seasoned Potatoes.

and the Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger (Nestled between a jalapeño cheddar bun with an unexpected hint of sweet corn, the Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger features a square fresh, never frozen* beef patty generously topped with melty cheese, a tantalizing kick of spicy chipotle sauce and a delightful crunch of tortilla strips and crispy corn).

The sandwich tasted a little weird, although the potato wedges were crisp. The nacho burger was delicious though.

March 10th 2023: BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, Framingham

 Today, we decided to have an early dinner at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse in Framingham. Pretty nice bar restaurant.

We got the BJ's Jeremiah Red (An Irish-style ale brewed with a secret blend of five imported specialty malts),

the Kids' Create-Your-Own-Pasta (Choice of pasta and sauce | served with a kids' side and a drink, Alfredo spaghetti with Sweet Potato Fries),

which came with Garlic Parmesan Knot (Garlic bread knots | parmesan cheese | parsley | San Marzano marinara),

the Bone-In Wings (Crispy, bone-in wings | tossed in Lemon Pepper Sesame dry rub | served with celery sticks and ranch for dipping),

The endless Soup and Salad Combo (Bowl of soup or chili | house, caesar, wedge or fresh mozzarella and tomato salad | unlimited refills!), of which I got the Clam Chowder (Creamy clam chowder | fresh parsley | crackers),

the Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad (tomato | fresh mozzarella | arugula | red onions | parmesan cheese | fresh basil | balsamic glaze)

and the Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Creamy broccoli cheddar soup | jack + cheddar cheese | parsley),

and the Kids' Mini Pizookie® (Fresh-baked cookie | served with a scoop of ice cream,Hot Fudge Brownie and Vanilla Ice Cream).

Really good I must say, and somehow we managed to finish everything.