June 11th 2021: AJ Tomaiolo's, Northborough

 Today, after getting a Vegetarian Lentil Soup from Spoodles Deli in Worcester,

we decided to have dinner at AJ Tomaiolo's in Northborough. I have been here once in the past before I started this blog. We got the Escarole Soup (Homemade Italian favorite made with fresh escarole, chicken, white onion, meatballs and chicken stock),

the Seafood Calabrese (Fresh shrimp, scallops and calamari sautéed with scallions fresh basil, diced tomatoes, crushed red pepper, lemon and butter over Angel Hair),

the 12oz Sirloin Steak (Charbroiled and served with French fries),

which came with a House Salad (Fresh mixed greens and vegetables and cheese),

and the Tiramisu for dessert.

the soup was a little sour, while the steak was dry and flavorless, and the salad was jsut alright. The pasta was not bad though, as was the dessert. Overall, just an okay meal here.

June 9th 2021: More of Dean Park Pizzeria, Shrewsbury

 Today, we decided to get takeout from Dean Park Pizzeria in Shrewsbury, this time getting the Taco Pizza (no sauce, pizza cheese, mexi-spiced fresh hamburger, tomatoes, jalapenos cooked, and topped with avocado and lettuce)

and the Shrimp Scampi (Shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic and tossed with fresh tomatoes over pasta.).

The pizza was just alright I guess, while the pasta was really sour. A little disappointing this time around.

June 8th 2021: Zapata Mexican Cocina, Fitchburg

 Today, while in the area, we decided to check out Zapata Mexican Cocina, a decently decorated Mexican restaurant in a crappy part of Fitchburg. We got the De La Casa Margarita (FRESHLY SQUEEZED LIME JUICE, HOUSE TEQUILA, TRIPLE SEC, PURE CANE SUGAR, Sugar Rim),

 

the EZQUITES (CORN GRAINS, MAYONNAISE, QUESO FRESCO, GUAJILLO, EPAZOTE, LIME, SOUR CREAM, CHILI POWDER), a cob free Mexican corn dish,

the CARNE ASADA  (TENDER JUICY SKIRT STEAK COOKED TO YOUR LIKING, REFRIED BEANS, TOCINO BREAD CRUMBS,CUCUMBER, RADISH, GUCAMOLEADA, CARAMELIZED CEBOLLITAS, CHILTOMATE. W/ CORN OR FLOUR TORTILLAS),

and the LOS CHURROS (FRESH FRIED CHURROS, COVERED IN CINAMMON SUGAR DULCE DE LECHE) for dessert.

The corn was not bad, although our little one did not take to it. The presentation for the beef was pretty good, though a little small in portion. Very filling in the end though. The churros were definitely the best I have had to date, being freshly made, not having too much cinnamon flavor, and delicious with the caramel suace provided. Glad that all the restaurants were closed to day so we could check this gem out.

June 7th 2021: Avocado Toast from Dunkin, Shrewsbury

 Today, we decided to get a snack from the Dunkin' Donuts in Shrewsbury, getting the Munchkins, including Berry Powdered ones,

and the new Avocado Toast (with sourdough bread).

The berry powder was just alright I guess, although the avocado toast was actually pretty good in my opinion, compared to other food I have had from Dunkin in the past.

June 6th 2021: Getting Lost at Bowman Conservation Area, Westborough

 Today, with the sunny weather, we decided to go on a hike at the Bowman Conservation Area in Westborough, which encompasses Sandra Pond, that I have visited from Minuteman Park a few times in the past. This time the path we took is shown below in pink.

We chose the wrong path right off the bat,

crossing the stream on the right when we should have gone straight ahead instead. I eventually figured out my mistake, and cut across the grass to get back to the main track. While in our search for the little water body here, we took a slight detour to get to the nice views of Sandra Pond.

The water body we were looking for was nothing special though. For lunch, we headed into the town of Ashland, checking out 2Mauro's Cafe, a modern looking diner in town.

This place is actually affiliated with Mauro's Village Cafe in Southborough, which I visited once before in the past. This time, we got the Greek Salad (chicken),

The "Pomp and Consequence" Benedict (with fresh fruit salad, toasted garlic bread topped with Maine Lobster meat, grilled asparagus spears, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce)

and the Acai Superfoods Bowl (organic acai with sliced banana, homemade granola, fresh strawberries, shredded coconut and toasted almonds).

 The salad was just alright, although the benedict was pretty delicious, especially the lobster flavored garlic bread, and the soft asparagus, and it was pretty interesting to eat acai with the consistency of ice cream. Really good stuff from this place.

June 5th 2021: Totto Ramen and Matcha Cafe Maiko, Boston

 While in Boston today,

Seaport Place

Mass Bay Credit Union,
147 West Fourth Street

we decided to have lunch at Totto Ramen in the South Boston area. I have been to the Allston location in the past. A little larger and nicer here.

Ths time around, we got the Joto Sake Cup (bursting with hints of green grape and juicy watermelon),

the SPICY PAITAN (Our Chicken Paitan (Our original straight noodles in our house made Chicken Paitan Soup topped with scallions, onions, nori, *char siu and kikurage) topped with house made spicy sesame oil, scallions, bean sprouts, nori and *char siu) and Poached Egg,

and the Curry Ramen (Golden curry in our broth, with wavy noodles, char siu, half of a seasoned soft boiled egg,  scallions, bean sprouts, and onion).

The ramen was pretty good this time around, although the alcoholic drink really looked like it was a drink for kids, and didn't taste like much. The charsiu had very little fat, and hence dry though.

For dessert, we decided to check out Matcha Cafe Maiko, which opened its first location in Boston recently. Luckily, we got in just before it got really crowded.

We got the Maiko Special (Matcha and Hojicha),

which was really delicious with jelly, mochi balls, chestnuts, red beans and matcha cke.

Excellent day out in the Boston area.

June 3rd 2021: A Hike, A Park and Dessert in 2 Hours

 Today, I had two hours to spare, so I started out with a hike in the Edmund Hill area in Northborough. I have visited the area once before, The path I took this time around from Meadowbrook Road to try to get to the water bodies here is shown below in pink.

Going from thee Meadow Brook Trail to the Pine Tree Trail, I found the outlet to the railway line on the Proctor Trail.

 

Moving on, I was unable to get good views of the water body from the Goldfinch Trail, so I backtracked to a point on the Proctor Trail where there was an outlet to the rail tracks, and went to find it that way. Nothing special in the end though.

Heading back along the Edmund Hill Trail, there were no views to be had of the other water body in this area. Oh well, the views I had the last time I was here were better. 

From here, I headed to Hudson, where I visited Lamson Park,  park that has been modeled around Tripp Pond, which I visited a long time ago. Much nicer now I must say.

From here, I still had some time to kill, so I decided to go check out some of the dessert places in the area, starting with Harvard Sweet Boutique,

getting a Key Lime Pie,

which was a little strong for my liking. Luckily, the Pasteis de Nata, a Portuguese almond custard tart 

from Silva's Bakery nearby at 140 Main Street was pretty good.

With that, my time was up, and I headed homeward. Not bad for two hours of activity.