Wednesday, November 29, 2023

November 29th 2023: Dinner and Dessert in Brookline

 Today, we got dessert from The new Lakon Paris Patisserie location in Brookline, the Newton location of which we visited once some time ago. Pretty small here.

We got the Passionfruit Coconut Mousse,
the Butter Croissant and Strawberry Shortcake Cube.
Pretty good texture for the croissants, with interesting fillings.

Next, we decided to get food from Mojo Ramen and Rice, a takeout place nearby, 
getting the Drunken Noodle

and the Mojo Ramen Mojo Ramen (Chashu pork and Pork Gyoza served with Tonkatsu broth topped with seasoned egg, corn, scallion, and sesame seeds.)

Pretty good for a takeout place.



Monday, November 20, 2023

November 20th 2023: Eating at Boston Logan Airport

 Today, while at the Boston Logan Airport, we decided to get quick bites, first at the Stephanie's location in Terminal E,



 the Terminal B location of which I visited before, this time getting the Kid Tenders and Fries,


which was surprisingly tasty for a kid's meal. 

We then got more food from Wow Bao nearby, getting the Spicy Mongolian Beef and BBQ Pork buns.


Interesting flavors in a Chinese bun, but nothing special overall. Looking forward to Iceland

Friday, November 17, 2023

November 17th 2023: Yafa Bakery and Cafe, Somerville

 Today, after skating at the Founders Memorial Rink in Somerville,



we decided to check out Yafa Bakery and Cafe, a popular Mediterranean cafe nearby,
where we got a free sample of their Yafa Chai Karak (sweet and spicy tea made up of black tea, cardamom, cloves and saffron),
the Donut (chocolate covered handmade gourmet doughnuts decorated with melted chocolate, chopped hazelnuts, chopped roasted almond and edible flower petals),


the Kunafah Cream (string pastry dough baked till crispy filled with a mix of two heavenly ingredients, homemade cream and cheese, then soaked with an aromatic sugar syrup flavored with orange blossom water and rose water. Topped with ground pistachio and rose petals for decoration),
the Palma (cylinder shaped homemade soft cookie rolled in white chocolate and coated with fresh toasted coconut) and mussel Baklava pistachio (thin layers of phyllo dough stuffed with pistachio. Lightly brushed with butter and topped with delicious sugar syrup) and Orange Stuffed dates (Jerusalem grown premium Medjool dates polished with orange blossom water, stuffed with sugared orange peel's mildly sweet and tangy flesh) and Mango Stuffed Dates (Jerusalem grown premium Medjool dates polished with orange blossom water, stuffed with mango peel) and Classsic Baklava.
Really good dessert here I must say. Definitely coming back again. Can see why it is so popular.





Recommended Places to Visit: Somerville

Recreation
Somerville Theatre
55 Davis Square

AMC Assembly Row 12
395 Artisan Way


Sports Arenas
Founders Memorial Rink
570 Somerville Avenue


Shopping Malls
Assembly Square Mall
177 Middlesex Avenue

Assembly Row
100 Foley Street


Parks
Sylvester Baxter Waterfront Park
End of Assembly Square Drive behind Assembly Square Mall

Blessing of the Bay Boathouse
32 Shore Drive


Arts Performances
Center for the Arts at the Armory
191 Highland Avenue

Under the White Big Top
201 Assembly Square Drive


Museums
Museum of Modern Renaissance
115 College Avenue

Somerville Museum
1 Westwood Road

Legoland
598 Assembly Row


Tours
Taza Chocolate
561 Windsor Street


Groceries
Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland Street


Candlepin Bowling
Sacco's Bowling Haven
45 Day Street


Architecture
Monuments
Memorial
Washington Street and Union Square

Arrow Paper Fire Memorial
111 South Street

Prospect Hill Park
Munroe Street and Prospect Hill Avenue

Nathan Tufts Park
College Avenue and Broadway

Sgt. Henry O. Hansen Park
Medford Street and Partidge Avenue

Powderhouse Square
Warner Street and Broadway

War Memorial
~93 Highland Avenue

Central Hill Park
81 Highland Avenue

Memorial
79 Highland Avenue

Seven Hills Park
Meacham Street and Buena Vista Road

Davis Square
Highland Avenue and College Avenue

Veterans Memorial Cemetery
1330 Broadway

Lego Giraffe
598 Assembly Row

Burger Dive Car
702 Assembly Square Drive


Places of Worship
264 Washington Street

Seventh Day Adventist Church
59 Cross Street

Christ Episcopal Church
66 Fellsway West

Missionary Church of the Haitian Community
100 Temple Street

Evangelical Haitian Church
30 Temple Street

Vida Real Church
404 Broadway

Temple B'nai Brith
201 Central Street

Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church
155 Powder House Boulevard

Mission Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ
130 Highland Avenue

St. Ann Church
50 Thurston Street

First Church Somerville
89 College Avenue

Holy Bible Baptist Church
45 College Avenue

Somerville Community Baptist Church
31 College Avenue

Sion Seventh Day Adventist Church
45 College Avenue

St. Catherine of Genoa Parish
179 Summer Street

St. Anthony of Padua Church
12 Properzi Way

Brazilian Presbyterian Church
212 School Street

St. Benedict's Church
21 Hathorn Street


Schools
Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School
290 Washington Street

Arthur D. Healy School
5 Meacham Street

West Somerville Neighborhood School
177 Powder House Boulevard


Town Facilities
Teele Square Fire House
6 Newbury Street

District Court
175 Fellsway

City Hall
93 Highland Avenue

Public Library West Branch
40 College Avenue

Davis Square T- Station
College Avenue near Highland Avenue


Commercial Buildings
Winter Hill Bank
5 Cutter Avenue


Historical Buildings
Old Prospect Hill Congregational Church
17 Bow Street

Old Community Center
1 Summer Street

Old Police Department
50 Bow Street

Masonic Hall
125 Highland Avenue

Elizabeth Peabody House
275-277 Broadway

Round House
36 Atherton Street


Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Japanese
Fuji at Assembly (chain)
320 Canal Street
Recommended Dishes:
Korean Spicy Seafood & Beef Tofu Soup
Bruins Roll
Green Tea Tiramisu


Chinese
Doowee and Rice (closed)
868 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Heart-y Fries
Braised Pork Bao-Baos 
Medium Rare Marinated Steak Bao Baos


Caribbean
Some 'Ting Nice Caribbean Restaurant
561 McGrath Highway
Recommended Dishes:
Anse La Raye
Ragga Muffin
Callaloo
Macaroni Pie
Cassava Pone


German
Bronwyn
255 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Wurst Platter
Giant Wurst Platter
Spaetzle
Jagershnitzel
Kartoffelkase
Bernier Rosti
Giant Haxe
Biernudeln
Knish
Vier
Leberwurst
Reibekuchen

Pierogi
Warm Potato Salad
Blutnudeln


Western
Five Horses Tavern
400 Highland Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Potato Taco
Pork Belly Taco
Lobster Mac and Cheese

Burger Dive
702 Grand Union Boulevard
Recommended dishes:
Brunch Burger
Crispy Onion Petals


East End Grille
118 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Beer Cheese Soup
Poutine
Deep Fried Brie
PEI Mussels

Kirkland Tap and Trotter
425 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Grilled Corn
Duck Fat Brussel Sprouts
Choucroute Garni
Braised Local Skate Wing
Grilled Vadouvan Lamb Ribs


Bergamot
118 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Heirloom Tomatoes
Smoked Bluefish
Andalusian Gazpacho
Buccatini
Pan Seared Local Hake
Grilled Sirloin Steak
Plum Sorbet
Roasted Banana Custard
Roasted Beats
Pineapple Sorbet
Pork Rillettes
Slow Roasted Grits
Ma Po Tofu
Grilled Mahi Mahi
Hanger Steak


Earl's Kitchen and Bar (chain)
698 Assembly Row
Recommended Dishes:
Truffle Fries
Oven Roasted Moroccan Salmon

Saloon
255 Elm Street
Recommended Dishes:
Gnocchi
Ten Hills Sour
Saloon Chicken Wings



Thai
Dakzen
195 Elm Street
Recommended Dishes:
Khao Soi
Yen Ta Fo
Larb Shrimp
Pang Yen


Mediterranean
Yafa Bakery and Cafe
594 Somerville Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Yafa Chai Karak
Palma
Mango Stuffed Dates
Donut
Kunafah Cream
Classic Baklava
Mussel Baklava-Pistachio

Sarma
249 Pearl Street
Recommended Dishes:
Locally Made Yogurt Cheese
Lamb Ribs
Trout Almondine
Tunisian Steak Tartare
Carrot Fritter
Harissa BBQ Duck
Brussel Sprouts Bravas
Grilled Eggplant Salad
Ace Cider
Fairytale Eggplant Fries
Corn Cakes
Scallop Katayifi
Bluefish Falafel
Crab and Red Lentil Kibbeh
Octopus
Rainbow Carrots
Loukamades
Blueberry Cobbler Topping
Fava Bean Pate
Frozen Yogurt
Lime Curd with Blackberries Topping 

Sabur
212 Holland Street
Recommended Dishes:
Glazed Apricots
Seared Nantucket Scallops

  
Latin American
The Painted Burro (chain)
219 Elm Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chile Relleno
Yucatan Meatloaf
Chalupas
El Montanero Superbeasto

Don Julio Restaurant
514 Medford Street
Recommended Dishes:
Carnitas Quesadilla


Tu Y Yo
858 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Tacos De Chapulines
Longaniza
Quesadilla
Nopales Con Cerdo
Chile Relleno En Nogada

La Brasa
124 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Bantam Cider
Weighed Prime Rib
Zatar Roasted Lamb Saddle
Tiradito
Swiss Chard Pie
Roasted Carrots
Pescado Zarandeado
Greens with Buttermilk Poppyseed  Dressing
Pastrami Spiced Roast Pork Loin Sandwich
Fire Roasted Hanger Steak
Harissa Grilled Skirt Steak
Coconut Tapioca Pudding
Duck Egg Dulce de Leche Flan
Affogato

Rudy's Cafe
248 Holland Street
Recommended Dishes:
Crabmeat Quesadilla

Papagayo (chain)
331 Great River Road
Recommended Dishes
Red Sangria
Maine Lobster Guacamole
Carnitas De Lechon Taquizas 
Short Ribs


Machu Chicken
25 Union Square
Recommended Dishes:

Anticucho Peruano
Alfajores 


Italian
Flatbread Company
45 Day Street
Recommended Dishes:
Veggie Special
Cheese and Herb Pizza
Homemade Sausage Pizza


445 Somerville Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Prosciutto and Local Peaches Salad
Baked Farm Egg
Shiitake Mushroom Pizza
Broccoli Rabe Pizza

Pescatore
158 Boston Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Haddock Cakes
Fettuccine al Salmone Affumicato
Pastiera

West 7 Bistro
1137 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Tiramisu
Polenta Grillia
Steak Pizzaiola


Indian
Diva Indian Bistro
246 Elm Street
Recommended Dishes:
Goat Curry
Mango Lassi
Aloo Tikki Chaat
Soft Indian Kulcha Tacos
Mango Mulba Sundae
Punjabi Kulfi


Vegetarian
True Bistro
1153 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Rooibos Root Tea
Crusted Tempeh
House Made Ravioli
Miso Coated Baked Tofu
Vietnamese Crepe 
Blackened Seitan 
Red Curry with Tofu
Phyllo Purse
Roasted Beets
Cornmeal Crusted Oyster Mushrooms


Breakfast
Oat Shop
22 College Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Sriracha Fried Egg

Mr. Crepe
51 Davis Square
Recommended Dishes:
Super Pesto

The Burren
247 Elm Street
Recommended dishes:
Irish Breakfast
Bangers and Mash

Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant and Music Club
17 Holland Street
Recommended Dishes:
Blintzes and Omelet
Grits and Cheese

Neighborhood Restaurant and Cafe
25 Bow Street
Recommended Dishes:
Linguica
Fried Banana
Orange Juice
Cream of Wheat


Deli
Vinal Bakery
222 Somerville Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
G.O.A.T.


Dessert
Paul Bakery (chain)
631 Assembly Row
Recommended Dishes:
Plain Napoleon
Sliced Apple Tart
Hazelnut Croissant
Pumpkin Spiced Tea
Pistachio Croissant
Plain Flan

626 Somerville Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Ube with Toasted Coconut
Mocha Chip

Davis Square Hand Crafted Donuts and Bagels
377 Summer Street
Recommended Dishes:
Somerville Cream

Caramel Patisserie (chain)
235 Elm Street
Recommended Dishes:
Walnut Tart

3 Little Figs
278 Highland Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Chai Tea
Lavender Biscuit
Village Sandwich

Spanish
415 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Sangria
Buñuelos de Verdura
Rustic Bread and Herbed Popovers w/ Garbanzo Mushroom Spread
Jamon Serrano
Queso Rebozado con Miel
Filloa de Berenjenas
Alcachofas Rellenas
Vieiras al Azafrán
Faisán a la Alcántara
Chipirones Rellenos
Sopa del Pastor
Gambas Al Ajillo


Tried:
Japanese
Sugidama Soba and Izakaya
260 Elm Street
Recommended dishes:

Kamo Seiro
Hotate Yakitori
Green Tea Japanese Cheesecake with Red Bean Ice Cream


Brazilian
Petiscos
513 Medford Street
Recommended Dishes:
Elote Loco
Shrimp Stew
Enfrijoladas


Breakfast
Sound Bites
704 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Hot Chocolate
Asparagus, Swiss and Prosciutto Omelette

Juliet
257 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
House Tea Blend
Avocado and Grapefruit Toast
Grand Breakfast

Buddy's Diner
113 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Sherri's Piggy Bacon Pancakes

Ball Square Cafe
708 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Hot Chocolate
Asparagus and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict


Italian
Vinny's Ristorante
76 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Rabbit
Pastene Tuna Fish

Ernesto's Pizzeria (chain)
641 Assembly Row
Recommended Dishes:
BBQ Chicken Pizza

38 Cross Street
Recommended Dishes:
Moda de Casa Pizza

Top Speed Pizzeria
8 Highland Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Southwestern Pizza


African
Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant
145 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Combo Special 
Yemesir Wot
Yatakilt Kilikil
Gomen Wot
Yebeg Alicha
Gored Gored
Tikil Gomen
Zelzel Wot

Koshari Mama
585 Somerville Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Koshari


Caribbean
Blessing Caribbean Restaurant
89 Broadway

Highland Creole Cuisine
2 Highland Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Papaya Drink with Milk
Creole Goat


Western
Casey's
173 Broadway

14 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Lobster Bisque
Artichoke Stuffed Rigatoni
Scallops Baked En Casserole

Mike's Food and Spirits
9 Davis Square
Recommended Dishes:
Lobster Scampi over Linguine

The Pub
682 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Buffalo Wings
Steak Tips and Sausage with Fries
Mexican Raviolis
Chilli and Cheese
Tater Tots


South Asian
Kor Tor Mor
24 College Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Khao Mun Kai
Boat Noodle Soup

Tasty Mo Mo
503 Medford Street
Recommended Dishes:
Beef Chilli Mo Mo

Yak and Yeti
719 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Khasi Ko Sekuwa
Mango Lassi
Bhedako Tarkari
Kheer Badami
Vegetable Pakora

India Palace
23 Union Square
Recommended Dishes:
Palak Mushroom
Mint Paratha
Lime and Mint Drink
Mango Lassi

Momo N Curry
431 Somerville Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Buffalo Momo
Choila

Masala
1127 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Aloo Taama
Jhingay Macha


Deli
Ola Gifts Cafe
112 Broadway


Mediterranean
The Shawarma Place
201 Elm Street
Recommended Dishes:
Meat Combo
Cashew Fingers


Latin American
Maya Sol
179 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Beef Tongue Taco

Taco Loco Mexican Grill
44 Broadway

Los Paisanos
62 Broadway

Taqueria Montecristo
146 Broadway

El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill
61 Union Square
Recommended Dishes:
Enchiladas Trio

Anna's Taqueria (chain)
236 Elm Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hibiscus Tea

Rincon Mexicano
99 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Lengua Tacos
Chorizo Tacos
Al Pastor Tacos

Machu Picchu
307 Somerville Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Ceviche la Pescado
Cau Cau
Choros a la Chalaca


Dessert
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt (chain)
256 Elm Street

Michette
164 Broadway
Recommended Dishes:
Raisin Roll
Chocolate Croissant

Starbucks (chain)
711 Somerville Avenue

Lyndell's Bakery
720 Broadway

7ate9 Bakery
199 Highland Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Classic Cheesecake Popsicle
Orange Cranberry Mini Cheesecake
Ginger Turmeric Tea

Iyo Cafe
234 Elm Street

December 17th 2023: Moe's Southwest Grill, Westborough

 Today, I decided to get a quick bite from the Moe's Southwest Grill in Westborough,


getting The Stack (Served with your choice of protein, beans, shredded cheese, pico de gallo and Moe’s Famous Queso, stacked between two crunchy corn shells wrapped in a grilled tortilla.)


Just alright in my opinion. I feel this place is going down, despite the multiple locations in the state.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

November 15th 2023: Eating in 3 Towns

 Today, we started out with lunch at Xiang Yu China Bistro in Brookline, which used to be Takusan Sushi, which we visited once a long time ago. Decor still looks the same though.


We got the Pickled Vegetable Beef Noodle Soup,

the Mapo Tofu with Minced Pork,
the Beef Brisket Hot Pot

 and the Buck Choy with Garlic.
Pretty good and tasty. Definitely better fare than restaurants before at this location. 

Later, we grabbed a quick bite from the new Starbucks at 200 Hartford Turnpike in Shrewsbury,
getting the Snowman Cookie for the little one.
Pretty good actually.

My last meal of the day was from Jimmy John's in Northborough,
getting the BBQ Ranch Chicken Crunch (all-natural chicken, crispy seasoned tortilla strips, sliced cheddar and topped with our new house-made BBQ Ranch sauce made with Kickin’ Ranch)
Best sandwich I have had with crunch from this place.






Sunday, November 12, 2023

November 12th 2023: Mini Bites Factory, Marlborough

 Today, I decided to get a quick bite from Mini Bites Factory, a small Brazilian snack place in Marlborough, with a few other locations across the state. 


I got the Coxinha (plain chicken),


which was not bad for 5 bucks for 15 pieces. A little on the salty side though.


Thursday, November 9, 2023

November 10th 2023: Mexican and Dessert in Westborough

 Today, we had dinner at the Torito location in Westborough, which still looks faintly like the Not Your Average Joe's it was before.


We got the Agua Fresca (Horchata),

the FISH TACOS (Three soft corn tortillas stuffed with golden breaded fish, onion, cilantro and cabbage. Served with lettuce, tomatoes and special dipping sauce.) 
and the CAMARONES A LA CREMA (Sauteed shrimp and mushrooms prepared in delicious sour cream sauce and parmesan cheese. Served with white rice and beans, choice of one: refried, black or charro beans. Garnished with lettuce tomato and your choice of flour or corn tortilla.)
The fish tacos were just alright, while the shrimp was not bad. Overall, not the best Mexican in the area.

For dessert, we checked out Boro Sugar Shack, a candy store in town,
getting the Chocolate Covered Marshmallow.
Glad the little one liked his dessert, and we got free fudge to try.


 


November 9th 2023: Trying the New Sandwich at Chick-fil-A, Westborough

 Today, we had a quick bite from the Chick-fil-A in Westborough, this time getting the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich (Chick-fil-A filet drizzled with honey, topped with pimento cheese and served on a warm, toasted bun with mild pickled jalapeños.).

My only complaint was that the patty was not crispy enough.


Saturday, November 4, 2023

November 4th 2023: Lunches in Norwood and Somerville

 Today, we had 2 lunches, first at the 1240 Cafe in Norwood, getting the Mediterranean Vegetables and White Bean Soup and Chicken Fingers,

The Chilli,


The Pasta Salad,
the Cream of Chicken and Mushroom,



the Sausage Bomb (with peppers and onions)
and the Pizza (tomato, mushroom, broccoli).
An alright meal overall. Later, while in Somerville,
Conway Park

We decided to get more food at Koshari Mama, a small vegan Egyptian restaurant in town,
getting the Sahlab
and the Koshari (layered rice, lentil and pasta dish. Topped with fried onions and chickpeas. Served with a vinegar garlic sauce and tomato based sauce).
Pretty good, and apparently it is the national dish of Egypt, go figure.







Friday, November 3, 2023

November 3rd: Second Time at Ziti's, Westborough, in over 10 years

Today, we decided to grab dinner at Ziti's Italian Trattoria, an Italian restaurant in Westborough, which I visited once even before I started my explorations. Still looks the same as before.

We got the Black and White Pasta (with calamari, shrimp in a red sauce)
and the Roma (chicken, broccoli and garlic).
Really tasty, with the not too sour sauce for the pasta and fresh seafood, along with thin crispy crust for the pizza. Glad we came back after so long.