March 8th 2015: Exploring Swansea

I started out really late today, heading to Franklin for lunch at Spruce Pond Creamery. This place looks much like a pizza takeout place with an ice cream shop on the side, but with a cafeteria area as well.

With my deal, I got a scoop of Double Baked Ice Cream,

the Kite Flatbread (Diced wood-oven roasted "Bell & Evans" chicken breast, on a base of organic garlic-infused extra-virgin olive oil, organic fresh herbs, organic cheeses, topped with sun-dried tomatoes. )

and the Eggs-Ben-Edict flatbread (Eggs cooked over organic spinach with garlic on a base of organic extra-virgin olive oil, topped with blend of organic cheeses and organic Roma tomatoes, with With Organic Prairie Black Forest ham).

The ice cream was pretty creamy, while neither of the pizzas weren't really appealing to me, not sure why, probably because of the weird ingredients on them.

From here, it was on to the Little Red Shop Museum in Hopedale, which was finally open for me to visit today.

It was a little messy on the inside as they were having some storage issues, but I still got a gist of the history of the town from one of the volunteers there, which was basically the history of the Draper Corporation which made looms for the textile industry for over 130 years. I did not manage to take any pictures here though.

From here, it was on to my meetup event for the day, held at Chocolate Therapy in Framingham. This place is apparently one of the best chocolatiers in town,

complete with a lifesize chocolate goat on display,

and the Mint Hot Chocolate I got was a pretty good testament to that.

I decided to get a box of truffles for my friend as well, consisting of the Milk Chocolate Truffle (creamy smooth milk chocolate, soft center), Sea Salt Caramel (milk chocolate, Tahitian Vanilla, Topped with Sea Salt), White Chocolate Truffle (white chocolate, white chocolate ganache,black specks of cocoa butter), Raspberry Gemme (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, raspberry puree), Pom Balm (dark chocolate, pomegranate), Sweet Potato Truffle (white chocolate, sweet potato, cinnamon, fall spices, covered with dark chocolate shell), Buzz Mallow (marshmallows infused with raw honey, covered in milk chocolate, topped with bee pollen), Strawberry Balsamic (strawberry puree, balsamic vinegar, dark chocolate), Vitamin C (milk chocolate infused with lemon, lime, orange), My Bubbly Heart (milk chocolate, champagne, splash of Grand Marnier, dusted with gold), Blueberry Lemon Basil, and the Root Beer Float (milk chocolate, white chocolate, root beer).

Hope she likes them. I'll find out in a few days time.


I did not have plans for the rest of the day, so I decided to drive all the way to Swansea to do some sightseeing till sundown.

Abundant Life Assembly of God

First Baptist Church

St. Dominic's Church

First Christian Congregational Church

Joseph G. Luther School

Senior Citizens Center

South Swansea Baptist Church

Fire Station #2,

50 New Gardner Neck Road

St. Francis of Assisi Church

Village Memorial Green, 29 Gardners Neck Road

Swansea Public Schools

Joseph Case High School

Lewin Brook,

Main Street and Hortonville Road

Swansea Town Hall, 81 Main Street

Public Library

Christ Church

Swansea Town Hall Annex,

68 Stevens Road

St. Louis de France Church

By the time I got to the Swansea Mall, all the stores were closed. I was still able to walk around for a bit though.

I ended my day with dinner at Vickie's Swansea Chinese Restaurant, a Chinese takeout place right next door, getting the Fried Baby Shrimp

and the Mango Chicken.

The shrimp were nothing special, although the chicken was pretty delicious, sliced thinly and a little crispy, and full of the tangy mango flavor.

A pretty productive day, despite the late start.

March 7th 2015: Sightseeing Amid Piles of Snow

I started out early this morning in the town of Beverly, heading to Omelette Headquarters, a small diner at 342 Rantoul Street.

Despite its name, the list of omelettes failed to perk my interest at all, although I still went with the Meat Lovers (tips, ham, bacon, sausage and mozzarella cheese)

And a Hot Chocolate, as always.

The omelette itself wasn't too bad, although I really expected much more, because of the restaurant name. Oh well.

From here, it was time to start my sightseeing for the day in town,

Second Congregational Church

Cornerstone Church

Then Wenham,

Old Wenham Church, 8 Dodges Row

Buker School

And finally Topsfield.

Steward School

Topsfield Town Library

St. Rose of Lima Church

Institution for Savings, 5 Main Street

Post Office

Trinity Episcopal Church

From here, I headed into Swampscott for my next meal at the Ocean House Cafe, which is actually more a surf shop than a cafe, looking out on King's Beach.

With my deal, I got a Ocean House Breakfast Bar (raw Cashew, coconut flakes, vegan Chocolate chips, oatmeal, local Maple syrup, cinnamon), a Peanut Butter Monster Cookie,

An Iggy's Croissant

And The Green Room Juice (Kale, celery, cucumber, lemon, parsley, green apple).

Every was way too healthy for my liking, tasting Weird at best. At least I got more than my day's serving of vegetables, or so I think.

More eating was to come after at Zoe's in Cambridge, where I had a meetup brunch event. With all the food that Was already in my Stomach, I went with something small, getting the Crunchy French Toast (Classic French Toast dipped in a special blend of cereal and nuts. Served with 100% pure maple syrup).

My friends got the Smoked Salmon Benedict (Two dropped eggs with Smoked salmon, grilled tomatoes topped with hollandaise sauce on and English muffin served with homefries),

The Potato Scramble (3 eggs scrambled with homefries, onions, peppers, gardenburger sausage)

And the Breakfast Burrito (3 eggs scrambled with jalapeños, onions, Sausage wrapped in a flour tortilla and topped with melted Cheddar and Jack cheese, served with homefries and salsa),

All of which looked better than my toast, and probably tasted better. My toast wasn't even Crunchy, but it was alright I guess. Overall, even though this place was crowded with people, I still think there are better brunch places around.

After brunch, it was on to yet another meal with friends at Brother's Restaurant in Brookline, which has taken the place of Khayyam Restaurant, which I have been to in the past.

Here, I decided to go with the Lamb Kabob  (Marinated with Spices Herbs Lamb or Chicken. Served with Rice, Salad, and Pita Bread),

while my friends got the Plain Waffle with Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream,

the Challah French Toast with Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream and the Corned Pepper Beef Hash.

The food wasn't too bad, especially the lamb and the hash, but overall, nothing amazing.

From here, it was on to Boston to watch the Hong Kong movie "12 Golden Ducks" at the Regal Fenway Stadium 13 and RPX with my other friends.

We were a little early, so we walked around Landmark Center for a bit before heading to the theater.

I have to say, although the movie had its funny bits and all the famous movie stars, it was a little too outrageous at times, and overall I did not really like the experience. My feeling exhausted from the events of the day did not help the situation either.

A few of us headed to dinner at Hancock's, an upscale hotel restaurant located within the Boston Marriott Quincy hotel.

By the time we arrived, my other friends had already almost finished their Crispy Salt and Pepper Fried Point Judith Calamari (Bell Peppers, Jalapeños, Garlic Butter, Marinara) appetizer, although I still managed to get a bite of whatever was left over. Not bad.

This place has all you can eat Prime Rib, which is what everyone at the table got.

The cut that we all got was really huge, but somehow I managed to get through mine, it tasting really excellent and tender, with my friends even getting seconds to take home.

The night was not at an end yet though, with dessert being at Yocha in town.
This time, I got the Red Raider (RED BEAN and SESAME SOUP W/ PEANUT MOCHI BALLS & TOFU PUDDING),

while my friends got the Frozen Yogurt

and the Strawberry Madness (STRAWBERRY PUREE, DICED STRAWBERRIES, SLICED BANANAS W/ TAPIOCA and TOFU PUDDING).

I especially liked the mochi balls, with the peanut filling being so creamy. A pity that there were only 2 in my bowl.

With that, we called it a day, and somehow I made it home despite feeling extremely exhausted. Not too sure if I want to go out tomorrow.

March 6th 2015: Dinner at Mi Pueblito Restaurant, Boston

Today was my colleague's last day at work, so we had a company lunch at Kyoto Bar and Grill. As always almost everyone else got Hibachi, while I got the Rock and Roll Roll (sweet potato Tempura, Shrimp Tempura, cream cheese, Eel sauce, sriracha, spicy mayo, sugar, tobiko, tuna) And The Cape Cod Roll (scallop, crab, tuna, Salmon, white tuna, Yellowtail, avocado, cucumber, Tempura crumbs, tobiko, spicy mayo).

Not bad, as always, especially the sweet potato in the Rock and Roll. Pretty filling too.

After work, I headed into the East Boston area for dinner with friends at Mi Pueblito Restaurant, a small Mexican place. For food, I got the Carne de Venado (deer meat, served with rice, beans, salad and pico de gallo),

While my friends got the Revueltas (Pork and Cheese) and Queso con Loroco (cheese and loroco) Pupusas and the Plato Tipico Montanero (Colombian steak dish, served with rice, beans, eggs, pork, plantains and salad).

The pupusas were the best I have had to date, being pretty cheesy and fresh, although my deer meat was slightly overcooked and dry.

For dessert, my friend got the Postre de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake),

while I got the Nuegados con Chilate (corn atole with yucca dessert and sugarcane syrup).

The cake itself was a little dry, while mine was a little disappointing, as I had expected something more fancy because of the name, instead of the 3 patties I got. They were a little burnt as well, although the syrup did help make them taste better.

Overall, not coming back here. I've definitely had better elsewhere.

After dinner, I headed to the Showcase Cinemas De Lux Revere in Revere to watch "Kingsman: The Secret Service" and "Focus".

The first movie was a pretty good British spy movie with a few unexpected plot twists and lots of excitement and action, although I have to say the scene with the exploding heads was a little on the cheesy side.

The second movie was about a con man and his con jobs, which had so many twists that I could hardly keep my head on, although it worked out pretty nicely in the end. Definitely 2 movies to watch.

March 5th 2015: Meals in Worcester and Fitchburg

After coming back from vacation yesterday, it was back to my normal routine today, grabbing lunch first from Jean's Place, a pretty run down diner in Worcester, where I got a Hot Chocolate

and the Triple Decker Sandwich with Turkey and Fries.

Nothing special though.

After work, I decided to head into Fitchburg to get a cheap dinner at Legends Sports Bar and Grille, a dive bar in town.

I went with the Baby Back Ribs (slow roasted, seasoned Pork Ribs smothered in Schultzy's secret sauce, served with Sweet potato fries and coleslaw).

Not too bad, but nothing amazing.