Saturday, January 20, 2024

January 20th 2024: Michette, Somerville

 Today, while in Somerville, we decided to check out the small French bakery Michette



getting the Raisin Roll



and the Chocolate Croissant.



Nothing special really, and nothing fancy about the place either.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

January 18th 2024: Fast Food in Northborough and Westborough

 Today was another day for more fast food, starting with the Subway location inside the Walmart in Northborough, 

getting the The Great Garlic (rotisserie-style chicken, 2 x Monterey Cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, Peppercorn Ranch, toasted),

which was actually pretty good, especially with the bacon. We then got a Strawberry and Creme Pie from the McDonald's nearby in Westborough,
and the Specialty Chicken – Classic Hot Buffalo from Domino's nearby.
Unfortunately the chicken was soggy. Otherwise, a pretty good day of fast food in the area.





Monday, January 15, 2024

January 15th 2024: Chowda Day at Legal Sea Foods, Framingham

 Today, we found out that it was Chowda Day at Legal Sea Foods, with cups of New England Clam Chowder for a buck each, so we decided to go to the Framingham location. Thankfully, we went in between mealtimes, or we might not have been able to find a seat.


We got the Oysters of the Day,

the New England Clam Chowder of course,
the Grilled Octopus (salt boiled potato, olive tapenade, saffron aioli, cauliflower, gremolata)

and the Crispy Fried Shrimp.
Really delicious, especially the octopus, and for once, I had my fill of chowda.



Saturday, January 13, 2024

January 13th 2024: Little Whale, Boston

 Today, after spending sometime at the Coolidge Corner branch of the public library in Brookline,



we went into Boston to meet up with an old friend of mine for an early dinner at Little Whale, a new seafood place in the Newbury Street area.

We got oysters,
the Fish sandwich (beer battered hake, iggy's brioche, shaved cabbage slaw, tartar sauce, fries), White Clam Flatbread (fresh clams, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, parm, arugula salad), New England Clam Chowder (fresh cherrystone clams, potato, smoked bacon, celery, thyme),Gloucester Swordfish (marble potatoes, roasted fennel, country mustard beurre blanc).
Really good, especially the swordfish and the flaky fish filet. Glad I chose this place for my chef friend.




Recommended Places to Visit: Brookline

Recreation
Golf
Robert T Lynch Municpal Golf Course
1281 West Roxbury Parkway


Cinemas
Coolidge Corner Theater
290 Harvard Street


Art and Crafts
The Clayroom
1408 Beacon Street


Museums
International Paper Museum
8 Evans Road

Larz Anderson Auto Museum
15 Newton Street

JFK National Historical Site
83 Beals Street


Gaming
Knight Moves
1402 Beacon Street


Shopping
Coolidge Corner Arcade
318 Harvard Street


Hiking
Tried:
Dane Park
Woodland Street and Hammond Street

Lost Pond Sanctuary
Arlington Road and Craftsland Road

D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary
Gerry Road


Events
Anna's Walqueria


Parks
Corey Hill Park
170 Summit Avenue

Brookline Reservoir Park
Boylston Street and Lee Street

Knyvet Square
Amory Street and Thatcher Street

Winthrop Square
St. Paul Street and Browne Street

Hall's Pond Sanctuary
Amory Street and Freeman Street

Skyline Park
Newton Street and Nelson Drive

Brookline Avenue Playground
575 Brookline Avenue

Griggs Park
Griggs Road and Griggs Terrace

Larz Anderson Park
Goddard Avenue and Newton Street


Architecture
Monuments
Monument
School Street and Church Street

Memorial
333 Washington Street
Cypress Street and Kendall Street


Places of Worship
70 Colchester Street

Episcopal Church of Our Saviour
25 Monmouth Street

15 St. Paul Street

Temple Sinai
50 Sewall Avenue

Chinese Christian Church of New England
1835 Beacon Street

All Saints Church
1773 Beacon Street

St. Lawrence Church
774 Boylston Street

Congregation Kehillath Israel
384 Harvard Street

Young Israel of Brookline
62 Green Street

United Parish in Brookline
210 Harvard Street

First Presbyterian Church
32 Harvard Street

St. Mary of the Assumption Church
5 Linden Place

First Parish in Brookline
382 Walnut Street

Latvian Lutheran Church
58 Irving Street

Holy Transfiguration Monastery
278 Warren Street

Temple Emeth
194 Grove Street

Temple Ohabei Shalom
1187 Beacon Street


Schools
Pine Manor College
400 Heath Street

Lawrence School
27 Francis Street

Brookline Arts Center
86 Monmouth Street

William H. Lincoln School
19 Kennard Road

Maimonides School
34 Philbrick Road

Pierce School
50 School Street

John D. Runkle School
194 Boylston Street

Brookline High School
115 Greenough Street

Dexter-Southfield Schools
10 and 20 Newton Street

Hellenic College
50 Goddard Avenue

Edward Devotion School
345 Harvard Street


Historical Buildings
Old St. Mark's Methodist Church
90 Park Street

Marguerite Terrace
~330 Tappan Street

24 Cottage Farm Road
24 Cottage Farm Road

Old St. Aidan Church
201 Freeman Street

Longwood Towers
20 Chapel Street

The Dutch House
20 Netherlands Road


Town Facilities
Fire Station #1
140 Washington Street

361 Washington Street

360 Washington Street

Coolidge Corner T-Station
Harvard Street and Beacon Street

Senior Center
93 Winchester Street

Fire Station #7
665 Washington Street

Fire Station #4
827 Boylston Street

Fire Station #6
962 Hammond Street

Public Library Coolidge Corner Branch
31 Pleasant Street

Commercial Buildings
Bank of America
Harvard Street and Beacon Street

S.S. Pierce Building
1330 Beacon Street

Coolidge Corner Building
Harvard Street and Beacon Street

Brookline Savings Bank
160 Washington Street


Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Chinese
Golden Temple
250 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken with Cashews
Chicken Lo Mein
Green Tea Buckwheat Spicy Sesame Noodles with Shrimp
Chicken Livers with Walnuts

Xiang Yu China Bistro 
1223 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Buck Choy with Garlic
Mapo Tofu with Minced Pork
Pickled Vegetable Beef Noodle Soup
Beef Brisket Hot Pot


LaMei Hot Pot (chain)
230 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Sweet Mini Buns
Sichuan Taste Cold Noodles 
Sliced Beef and Tongue
Three Taste Flavors
Chinese Butter
Wild Mushroom Broth
Tomato Broth
High Choice Lamb
Baby Bok Choy
Henan Hand Pulled Noodles
Watercress
Headless Tiger Shrimps
Handmade Fish Paste
Fried Crispy Milk

Thai
Khao Sarn Cuisine
250 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Thai Iced Tea
Moo Pa Lo
Pad Kee Mao
Tom Yum Goong

Dok Bua Thai Kitchen
411 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Tom-Kha-Gai Soup
Kai-Jeaw-Koong-Sub
Indonesian Fried Rice Topped with Crispy Chicken and Fried Egg
Pad Thai
Pla Pow
Guay-Tiow-Nua Noodle Soup


Western
Lineage
242 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Spicy Lobster Tacos
Warm Black Mission Figs
Smoked Salmon Rillete
Butterscotch Pudding
Sage and Garlic Chicken
Ipswich Razor Clams
Salmon Tartare
Butter Poached John Dory

Ribelle
1665 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Beef Carpaccio
Napa Cabbage
Olive Oil Ice Cream
Cacio e Pepe
Chicken

The Fireplace (closed)
1634 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes
Chilled Melon Soup
Fresh Black Mission Figs
Pan Seared Scallops
The Fireplace Burger

Fairsted Kitchen
1682 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes
Pig Head Lettuce Wrap
Wilted Kale
Escargots
Herb Spatzle
Chicken
Cumin Dusted Lamb Ribs
Chocolate Pots de Creme
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Rifrullo Cafe
147 Cypress Street
Recommended Dishes:
Lemon Yogurt Cake
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Chicken Curry
Roasted Beet Salad
Eggplant Tagine

Japanese
Gen Sou En Tea House
299 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hojicha Green Tea
5 Layer Pork Katsu Sando
Japanese Souffle Cheesecake
Matcha Cream Puff
Avocado Yaki Pan
Cranberry Yuzu Muffin
Japanese Breakfast
Matcha Roll
Dorayaki
Lavender Milk Tea

Migaku Noodle House
238 Washington Street
Recommended Dishes:
Stamina Ramen
Boiled Egg
Kara Goma Champon

Shiki
9 Babcock Street
Recommended Dishes:
Shiki Shinko Maki
Crazy Maki
Chawanmushi

Gyukaku
1002 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes
Japanese BBQ
Geisha for 2
Addicting Cucumber
Fried Bacon Chips
Edamame
Avocado Salad
Miso Soup
Premium Rib Eye Steak Ponzu
Beef Tongue
Yaki Shabu Beef Miso
Bistro Hanger Steak Miso

Soup Shack (chain)
401 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Thai Iced Tea
Tan Tan Men
Tonkotsu Ramen

Fugakyu Japanese Cuisine
1280 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Lobster Sashimi
Chiraishi
Hoho Tuna Maki
Dice K Maki

Osaka
14 Green Street
Recommended Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Tortilla
Foxy Lady
Hidden Dragon
Chicken Yaki Udon
Spicy Kani Salad
Garden Spring
Assorted Tempura
Gyoza
Green Seaweed Salad
Tomo
Nobu Roll

Takusan Sushi (closed)
1223 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Spicy Shrimp Soup
Sushi Buffet


Deli
Temptations Cafe
1350 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Prosciutto and Fig Panini


Breakfast
Regal Beagle (closed)
308 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Huevos Rancheros

Zaftig's Delicatessen
335 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Zaftig Combo
Matzo Brei


Mediterranean
Rami's
324 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Rami's Special


Dessert
1410 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Passionfruit Coconut Mousse
Butter Croissant
Strawberry Shortcake Cube

Paris Creperie
278 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
John Gouda Man Crepe

419 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Kookaberry
NZ Colada

Party Favors
1366 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Truffles
Lemon
Raspberry
Petite Nutella Latte
Oreo
Red Velvet
Peanut Butter
Hostess
Boston Cream
Chocolate Caramel
Salted Caramel Mocha
Chocolate Mousse
German Chocolate

Athan's Bakery
1621 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Noisette
Framboise
Bolero


16 Handles (chain)
1309 Beacon Street

Cafe Fixe
1642 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Affogato

JP Licks (chain)
311 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Salted Caramel Ice Cream


French
La Voile Brookline (chain)
1627 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
La Salade de Betterave
Le Foie Gras
La Tarte Tartin
Le Canard
Le Vivaneau
Frozen Fruit Cake Nougat


Spanish
Barcelona (chain)
1700 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Seared Foie Gras
Grilled Hanger Steak
Potato Tortilla
Kale Salad
Migas
Spinach Chickpea Cazuela
Spicy Eggplant Caponata
Crispy Pork Belly
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Yellowfin Tuna Crudo
Grilled Presa Iberico


Korean
Yasu
1366 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
BBQ Combo 1
Seafood Hot Pot
Teok Bok Ki


Tried:
Seafood
Porto Maltese
1634 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Skate Wing Soup
Sea Salt Encrusted and Flambeed Branzino

Indian
Shan-a-Punjab
455 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Nir Giri Chingri
Salt Lassi
Gobhi Parantha
Subz Panchmael

Mexican
Anna's Taqueria (chain)
1412 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito

Anna's Taqueria (chain)
446 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Beef Burrito


Japanese
BuddaC (closed)
1223 Beacon Street

479 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Mojo Ramen
Drunken Noodle

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen (chain)
318 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Cucumber
Miso Ramen
Tan Tan Ramen

Gantetsu-Ya (chain)
318 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Traditional Takoyaki
Seafood Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki

Gari Fusion
187 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Kinuta
Gari Bruschetta Twist
Shirome Soup
Fuji Salmon
Ramen Noodle Soup
Dragon Roll
Nabeyaki Udon
Oyster Katsu Maki
Lobster Tempura Roll

Mr. Sushi
329 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Wasabi Shumai
Maguro Yamakake
Yosenabe


Mediterannean
Khayyam Restaurant (closed)
404 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Taddig
Aash Reshteh
Baklava

404 Tapas Bar (closed)
404 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Meat Quatro
Mediterranean Swordfish

Brother's Restaurant
404 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Lamb Kabob
Challah French Toast with Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream
Plain Waffle with Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream
Corned Pepper Beef Hash



Breakfast
Chestnut Hill Restaurant
616 Hammond Street
Recommended Dishes:
Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Italian
The Upper Crust (chain)
286 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hawaiian Pizza
Beef Lasagna

Grano Neapolitan Pizza
8 Cypress Street
Recommended Dishes:
Mr. Beans Pizza


La Morra
48 Boylston Street
Recommended Dishes:
Fried Sage Leaves with Anchovies
Insalata di Mais alla Griglia
Ravioli di Mais Con Funghi
Pesce Serra Alla Griglia
Panna Cotta

Pan Roma Pizza
1026 Commonwealth Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Pulled Pork Pizza
Down Under Pizza


Deli
Pita Pit (chain)
479 Harvard Street
Recommended dishes:
Prime Rib Pita
Pastrami Pita

Dessert
Peet's Coffee and Tea (chain)
285 Harvard Street
Recommended dishes:
Hot Chocolate

5 Harvard Square
Recommended Dishes:
Apricot
French Truffle
Orange Peel
Ginger
Coconut
Dulce de Leche
Strawberry
Raspberry
Mulled Wine Truffle
Champagne
Cherry Cordial
Blood Orange
Thai
Passionfruit


Chinese
370 Boylston Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chow Kueh Teow
Rice Cake with Pork and Szechuan Pickle


Western
Hops N Scotch
1306 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken and Waffles
Short Rib Tacos
Pecan Stuffed Dates Wrapped with Bacon
Scotch Eggs

Parlour
308 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Olive Oil Cake
Scallops
Berkshire St. Louis Ribs

Lee's Burger Place (chain)
1331 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Strawberry Mary
Hummus Burger

The Publick House
1648 Beacon Street
Recommended Dishes:
Mussels

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse
307 Harvard Street
Recommended Dishes:
Josh Beckett
Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs

Village Smokehouse (chain)
662 Centre Street
Recommended Dishes:
Texas Hawg
Fried Buffalo Shrimp

Thursday, January 11, 2024

January 11th 2024: Checking Out New Restaurants in Shrewsbury

 Today, we decided to check out two new restaurants at Marketplace Shrewsbury in Shrewsbury, firstly Eggholic, an Indian street food place with locations all over the country,

getting the Mango Lassi,

Masala Half Fry (Indian style sunny side up with veggie & spices)
and the Chatpata Chicken Sandwich (House flavored fried chicken & veggies).

The egg curry dip was an interesting concept, as was the chicken floss grilled sandwich. Pretty good and unique food I must say. Definite recommend from me.

Next door is the Shrewsbury branch of NOLA Cajun Kitchen, the West Boylston location we have frequented many times in the past.
We got the Clams (Poached in our house blend of spices and herbs before tossing in NOLA Secret Sauce)
and the Garlic Noodles.

Good as always from this place.




Thursday, January 4, 2024

January 4th 2024: Domino's, Westborough

Today, while we had time in Westborough, we decided to get some food from the Domino's location in town, 


getting the Stuffed Cheesy Bread


and the Chicken Carbonara.

Not too bad, if not for the onions in the pasta.


Monday, January 1, 2024

January 1st 2024: Checking Out Water Bodies in Upton

 Today, after spending some time at Norcross Park in Grafton,

we decided to check out a few water bodies in Upton,
Taft Pond

Zachary Pond, 63 Glen Avenue
going on a hike from 119 Fowler Street to look for Davidson Pond, where the path we took is shown below in pink.

Not bad view of the pond, although I think we took the side trail that was a private path.

The next hike we went on was at the Goss Pond Open Space. The path we took here is shown below in pink.

Scanty views of the pond itself,

and the views of West River were just so-so.
We even had to trespass on private property to get back to the road close to Great Lane. Definitely not coming back here again.

Overall, an okay day of checking out water bodies in Upton.


Recommended Places to Visit: Upton

Recreation
Water Bodies
Pratt Pond
Westboro Street and Hopkinton Road

Fiske Millpond
Fiske Mill Road and Pond Street

Taft Pond (private)
139 South Street

63 Glen Avenue



Museums
Upton Historical Society
2 Main Street


Parks
Upton Heritage Park/Mill Pond
18 Elm Street


Paintball
Fox 4 Paintball
159 Milford Street


Beaches
Kiwanis Beach
End of Kiwanis Beach Road


Hiking
Recommended:
Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area
~53 Crockett Road

West River Reservoir
13 Dairy Avenue

Tried:
Upton State Forest
Southboro Road and Westboro Street

Stefan's Farm
Mechanic Street

119 Fowler Street



Architecture
Monuments
Town Common
North Main Street and Milford Street


Places of Worship
Immanuel Chapel
38 Hopkinton Road

United Parish of Upton
Church Street and Main Street

Holy Angels Catholic Church
1 Milford Street

St. Gabriel the Archangel Church
151 Mendon Street


Schools
Memorial Elementary School
69 Main Street

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School
65 Pleasant Street

Nipmuc Regional High School
90 Pleasant Street


Town Facilities
Town Hall
1 Main Street

Town Library
2 Main Street


Historical Buildings
Spaightwood Galleries
120 Main Street

Old Knowlton Hat Factory
134 Main Street

Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
118 Main Street Kitchen and Spirits
118 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Crab Cakes
Rack of Lamb


Tried:
Chinese
Jade Garden
113 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
General Gau's Chicken
Pork Fried Rice
Chicken Fingers
Hot and Sour Soup


Western
Red Rock Grill and Bar
66 West Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Red Bridge Beer and Smoked Jalapeno Braised Pot Roast

Rose Garden Restaurant
16 Milford Street
Recommended Dishes:
Jalapeno Cheese Burger

Recommended Places to Visit: Grafton

Recreation
Golf
Highfields Golf and Country Club
42 Magill Drive


Horseback Riding
JH Eventing
94 Old Westboro Road


Shopping
Grafton Country Store
2 Grafton Common


Parks
Town Common
Worcester Street and South Street

Riverview Park/Fisherville Pond
176 Providence Road

6 Prentice Street

18 North Street


Museums
Beaches
Silver Lake
Upton Street between Old Upton Road and Nantucket Place



Water Bodies
Lake Ripple
Worcester Street and Providence Road

Pratt's Pond
Waterville Street near Leland Avenue

29 Stowe Road

184 Worcester Street


Hiking
Recommended:
Fletcher Reserve/Mazza Farm Conservation Area
Upton Street between Old Upton Road and Nantucket Place

Potter Hill Meadows/G Knowlton Preserve
End of Potter Hill Road

15 Waterville Street

Tried:
Hassanamesit Woods
Salisbury Street near Keith Hill Road

Old Mill Pond
Waterville Street and Leland Avenue

Gummere Woods/Marsters Preserve
Wheeler Road near Worcester Street

Parker Preserve/Salisbury Preserve
End of Salisbury Street



Architecture
Places of Worship

Union Congregational Church
86 Main Street

St. Mary's Catholic Church
17 Waterville Street

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
53 North Main Street

Congregational Church of Grafton
30 Grafton Common

Baptist Church of Grafton
1 South Street

St. James Parish
89 Main Street


Town Facilities
Grafton Public Library
35 Grafton Common

23 Upton Street

6 Prentice Street


Historical Buildings
Grafton Inn
25 Grafton Common

308 Providence Road
308 Providence Road


Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Western
Bridge Street Bistro (closed)
10 Bridge Street
Recommended Dishes:
Southwestern Steak Tips

Reunion Tap and Table
198 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Fall Beet Salad
Black and White Chocolate Cake
Pork Belly Poutine

Grafton Grill
10 Bridge Street
Recommended Dishes:
Valentine's Day Sangria
Sweet Potato Salmon
Fried Green Tomatoes
Dessert Pizza

John Henry Tavern
42 Magill Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Grilled London Broil

Pub 122
215 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Indian Combo
Curried Kidney Beans
Chicken Tikka Masala
French Toast
Veggie Omelet


Tried:
Breakfast
Breakfast at Stephanie's
156 Main Street
Recommended dishes:
Pumpkin Chili Hot Dogs

Donut Star
204 Worcester Street
Recommended dishes:
Boston Cream

Stir Crazy (closed)
79 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hot Chocolate

Stephanie's Daily Grind 
79 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hot Chocolate

Dessert
Swirls and Scoops
68 Worcester Street
Recommended dishes:
Orange Sherbet Cooler

2 Grafton Common
Recommended Dishes:
Peach


Western
Post Office Pub
1 Ray Street
Recommended dishes:
Scallop and Bacon Ravioli

Art Bradish Snack Bar
39 Shrewsbury Street
Recommended Dishes:
Long Dog
Chili Cheese Fries

Hunter's Grille and Tap
25 Grafton Common
Recommended Dishes:
Full Rack of Ribs

Grafton Inn (closed)
25 Grafton Common
Recommended Dishes:
Scallops Capri

Danielle's Pub (closed)
215 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Fish and Chips

Janet's Hilltop
59 Maple Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
New England Clam Chowder
Lemon Pepper Baked Haddock

Best in Show Hot Dogs
80 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Akita


Chinese
Peking Garden
206 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Crispy Orange Flavored Beef

Wong's Chinese Restaurant
62 Upton Street
Recommended Dishes:
House Special Chow Foon

Pearl Cafe
198 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chardonnay Shrimp
Red Curry Delight


Italian
Pepperoni Express
92 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Soprano
Sun Burn
Ocean Delight
Broccoli Cheese Balls


Mexican
Cancun Family Mexican Restaurant
75 Worcester Street
Recommended Dishes:
Cancun Special