http://www.chow.com/boards/12 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:04:19 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/467053#3185386 Are you new to Chowhound? Or just to the Boston board? Perhaps visiting from out of town? We've got some tips to help you get started. If you're brand new to the site, you should read our Site Etiquette (http://www.chowhound.com/topics/367605) so you don't break any rules or step on any toes. This board is focused on discussing chow in the Boston area. For tips on the rest of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, please see our New England board: http://www.chowhound.com/blog/boards/13 . For a complete list of boards available, click on the down arrow next to the word 'Chowhound' in the navigation bar. HAVE A HOT TIP? If you've got a great tip or a recommendation for someone, dive right in and post it. It's great if you can include some details of why you like a place, but even those short tips on where to find a great taco or donut are appreciated. If you need help starting a new thread, check out the FAQ: http://www.chowhound.com/faq#topic HAVE A QUESTION? The Boston board is a pretty active place, and a lot of questions have been covered recently--the Chowhound archives are a great resource. Start your quest for an answer with a search of all the great info that's already out there. There's a 'SEARCH THIS BOARD' link at the top of each board and thread -- it's next to the name of the board. 'Search this board' is a quick way to search the last year worth of posts on your current board to find recent mentions of your subject. Just add your keywords and go. On the search results page, you can change your search criteria to add more keywords, or change your sort order or the dates you're interested in. Here are just a few of the subjects that are common on the Boston board, and some suggestions on how to find that information: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE BOSTON BOARD: Where should I eat near Quincy Market? Faneuil Hall? Fenway Park? the Convention Center? Other attractions? Search terms to try: name of attraction (Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall) or any shorter versions or nicknames. Boston has two major convention centers, so be sure you know which one your conference is in. Where should we eat in the North End? Harvard Square? Back Bay? the Theater District? Other neighborhoods? Search terms to try: the name of the neighborhood you want to eat in, use quotes around multi-word neighborhoods like "North End" to avoid getting all the results including North or End. Add a cuisine for more specific results. Where should we go for Seafood? Lobster? Lobster Rolls? Clams? Search terms to try: seafood, lobster, clam, clamshack Where's the best brunch/sushi/burrito/dim sum/seafood/etc? Search terms to try: title:best and the type of food you're looking for Also, check out the Boston Hub on Places: http://www.chow.com/places/regions/12 Choose your cuisine of choice from the list for local Places tagged with that cuisine, then check out the threads to find out more about them. Where should we go for our special occasion? Search terms to try: anniversary, "special occasion", proposal, romantic, birthday These might not all apply to your particular occasion, but they generally turn up the same kind of recommendations. Where should I plan my group dinner? Search terms to try: "private room", "buy out", corporate, group, "holiday party", "large group", "rehearsal dinner" Where should we go for a bachelorette party? Girls night out? Search terms to try: bachelorette, stagette, "girls night", "fun night out" Where can we get NY-style pizza? Chicago-style hot dogs? Other non-local regional specialties? Search terms to try: New York, Chicago, "NY-style", etc. If you end up asking about these, please be nice--don't disparage the local food scene when asking about the stuff you remember from back home. For information on more advanced search options, see the Search FAQ: http://www.chowhound.com/faq#find STILL HAVE A QUESTION? Boston hounds are a great resource, but help them help you by including some important details. Tell them: - Whether you have a car or will be relying on transit. - How far or how long you're willing to travel - What neighborhoods you'll be visiting - What your budget is. Descriptions such as 'expensive', 'moderate' and 'cheap' mean different things to different people, so use dollar values. Boston's restaurants can be expensive, but it also offers a wide variety of great places with lower prices. - What types of cuisines you're interested in. - Any other special circumstances (traveling with kids? vegetarians? non-chowhounds?) that will help If you've done some of your own research, mention what you found so hounds can help fill in the gaps, rather than rehashing what you already know. AFTER YOUR MEAL Most importantly, after your trip or your meal, thank the Boston hounds for their help by reporting back. Tell people which suggestions you used and how the meals turned out, plus add tips about any great places you discovered on your own. This helps make the board more useful for everyone who visits after you. BOSTON SPECIFICS Here are some things you might see referred to on the Boston board: JP = Jamaica Plain DOT/Dot = Dorchester NE = North End SE = South End CTown = China Town. Southie = South Boston Eastie = East Boston Neighborhoods, Squares and T-stops tend to be abbreviated, so when searching keep an eye out for other names for the areas you're looking for -- searching on those as well may help you find more data. LINKS Boston Regional Hub: http://www.chowhound.com/places/regions/12 Add a new topic to the Boston board: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/12/new Boston transit info, including subway stops: http://www.mbta.com FEEDBACK If there's something you think is vitally important for new members of the board to know that we've missed, please comment on this Site Talk thread: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/458605 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:04:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/467053#3185386 http://www.chow.com/topics/564074#4098231 Got a Phantom Gourmet gift card and none of the 100 plus options is really sticking out as the place to use it. It's $100 so it's a chance to treat ourselves. We live in Metro west and checked out the menu for Sky but know nothing about it. Any advice or recommendations for using the card would be appreciated. Will travel for good food so not restricted to our neighborhood. Here's a link to the other choices. Have a look. http://www.certificatesetc.com/restaurants.asp Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:05:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564074#4098231 http://www.chow.com/topics/564070#4098205 Gansu Girl and I swung by Chinatown today for some goodies to take home - we got some delicious roast pork at vinh sun, my daughter got her candy from the shop next to eldo cake house and we stopped into ho yuen for some baked delights in between. We came home and immediately pulled out the bbq pork buns from ho yuen and took eager bites. Then we both went kind of eeeewww...lots and lots of the very salty grey goopy filling, not much pork at all. very disappointing. So - it leaves us wondering - which bakery is most renowned for their char siu bau (bbq pork buns)??? King Carnivore & GansuGirl Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:46:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564070#4098205 http://www.chow.com/topics/563842#4098142 FWIW, I went today and it wasn't as good to me (and my companion agreed) as I've had in the past. Not that it was bad - it was very good, just not as good. If that was my first time and I'd heard all of the hype I'd probably have been a little disappointed. OTOH if that was my first time and I went in "blind", I'd have been raving about it. If that makes sense. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:05:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563842#4098142 http://www.chow.com/topics/561163#4098124 I went to Sofra in Cambridge today, and their Persian Spice doughnut was awesome. It seemed to me they might only have them on the weekends though. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:55:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561163#4098124 http://www.chow.com/topics/563123#4098079 Barmy and I shopped in the Allston Super 88 this afternoon, and things looked better than they have in quite some time. Sauces such as the Lee Kum Kee line are well-stocked at last, and they had plenty of peanut oil on the shelf. BTW, we got our purchase packed in a plain tan plastic bag, with neither a Super 88 NOR a C Mart logo. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:13:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563123#4098079 http://www.chow.com/topics/562437#4098045 What exactly is clover coffee at Starbucks? Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:45:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562437#4098045 http://www.chow.com/topics/563584#4098038 Where did u go? And, how did it end??? Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:41:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563584#4098038 http://www.chow.com/topics/563909#4098026 You're welcome. Somebody shocked me with the same info about 3 years ago. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:31:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563909#4098026 http://www.chow.com/topics/564051#4097985 looking for delicious Italian in north end section of Boston. Delicious food with a nice regional Italian wine list. Only hear for the night and want to Have a great Boston foodie experience. Thanks a bunch! Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:03:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564051#4097985 http://www.chow.com/topics/564049#4097968 Hi! Was wanting your favorite Italian recommendations in the North End with a laid back atmosphere. Was looking for great pasta, preferably house made if possible. Price doesn't matter as long as it is worth it. Thx! Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:50:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564049#4097968 http://www.chow.com/topics/562932#4097907 We were hoping to give a big report on the place and the food but we have started off with an unpleasant experience with Asana. We went to the Mandarin Oriental to check out all the restaurant a few days ago. The person at the front desk of Asana showed us the restaurant and the chef's table. We immediately asked for availability today (Saturday) at the chef's table for the tasting menu since it was our anniversary. We waited at the M bar having snacks (good and well priced, drinks were $$$ though) until it was confirmed (we believed) that we would be joining Chef at his table for a special meal. We then spent the week exchanging emails with the manager and Chef for the menu. This morning, the restaurant called to confirm the reservation and told us we will not have the chef's table but a "nice" table in the restaurant with the Chef's tasting menu, They isisted that the Chefs table was previously booked and that there must have been some miscommunication Several calls from assitant manager to the food service manager resulted in us clearing understanding 1) that we are not eating there tonight, 2) that the Chefs table has a six seat minimum (this is not what was told to us before), 3) that they would be happy to host the two of us at a later date at the chef's table. Intitially this was offered simply as a "we will get you a reservation" but later it seems that they have offered to at least accept some of the responsibility for the "confusion" and comp as dinner. If it is the former, you will not hear a food review, if it is the later, then we will report back later. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:12:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562932#4097907 http://www.chow.com/topics/564008#4097750 RL is cheaper and has much more flavorful food. I didn't like anything I've had at MP. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:48:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564008#4097750 http://www.chow.com/topics/563987#4097745 My first impression is that you'd have to get it online, but perhaps you can find it in the diabetics section of a well stocked pharmacy. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:43:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563987#4097745 http://www.chow.com/topics/563938#4097673 hungry now Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:51:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563938#4097673 http://www.chow.com/topics/563776#4097666 You can get them for only $3.99/lb steamed at Basket Market and eat at your place. Victira on Comm Ave. have twin lobsters for $16.95 cooked in numerous ways. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:46:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563776#4097666 http://www.chow.com/topics/534382#4097619 how would you order differently if you don't remember what you ordered? Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:13:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/534382#4097619 http://www.chow.com/topics/563400#4097612 I got some goat shanks for $4/lb at the Somerville MB yesterday. They had a bunch of packages just labeled GOAT MEAT that were mostly shanks, with a few bits of tail and miscellaneous bony pieces mixed in. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:10:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563400#4097612 http://www.chow.com/topics/563994#4097611 great sushi at a price - go to o ya. oishi is good also. go to the north end for italian, though i think stella does a nice job too. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:09:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563994#4097611 http://www.chow.com/topics/563471#4097609 adding a Place link Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:08:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563471#4097609 http://www.chow.com/topics/564003#4097603 Living in Dorchester, the best local brunch is Freeport Tavern ... at $22 a pop. For just 3 of us, it would cost about $75 with tax & tip. Are there any decent breakfast brunches in the Quincy, Milton, Braintree, Weymouth, or Dorchester areas that are more reasonably priced? Thanks! Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:05:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564003#4097603 http://www.chow.com/topics/562497#4097406 Not really a place you want to go with kids. HM is not what I'd call a casual dining place. It's got a Southern-leaning menu, sure, but there's nothing funky and downhome about it. With small fry in tow, I wouldn't feel relaxed enough to fully enjoy my meal. Save it for a babysitter night. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:56:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562497#4097406 http://www.chow.com/topics/509674#4097402 I've been three twice and have enjoyed it very much both times. The food and service were wonderful. On my second visit- which involved bringing guests- I was horrified to discover that I left my credit card in my other purse! I did not want my guests to know or offer to pay. The receptionist and owner could not have been nicer about it. They discreetly took care of the bill and let me come back the next day to pay- I was very grateful for the way they handled it. All four of us loved our meals- crab stuffed portobello, pork chop, roasted chicken. The bread and drinks were perfect. The only thing that was a slight disappointment on the second trip was dessert. We split a piece of chocolate cake which was very chocolatey but a bit dry. I will definitely be back- to try again! Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:54:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/509674#4097402 http://www.chow.com/topics/563723#4097287 I second their seafood in parchment, just love it. Also had their special 'risotto' of the day, which was Salmon......incredible. Rule of thumb for me there, always order what's cooked in the brick oven. ; ) Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:31:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563723#4097287 http://www.chow.com/topics/560303#4097031 I would try Hamersley Bistro...He does a lot of French inspired cooking..His frisee salad with bacon that is house cured, with a poach or fried egg on top with a light vinegrette is as french bistro as it comes... Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:49:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560303#4097031 http://www.chow.com/topics/558564#4096924 I had some fantastic pumpkin ice cream at White Farms in Ipswich today- I also got some superb pumpkin fudge at Russell Orchards! Yum! Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:43:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558564#4096924 http://www.chow.com/topics/515274#4096838 This place is fantastic. I have been to a LOT of restaurants up and down the east coast. This could be my 3rd favorite of all time,,,that says a lot. (The others are in Jupiter, FL). Had the risotto app, delish, nicely al dente. You can also get this as a dinner portion. Had the salmon, it was pistachio crusted and on a bed of roasted beets, and some greens on top. I thought I would never find a better salmon that the one at Salvation Cafe in Newport, but this is my new BEST salmon! Perfectly cooked medium (without having to ask for it that way). And only 20 bucks! Nice selection on a fairly small menu, not overwhelming to have to choose. But something for everyone. The restaurant itself is beautiful with big windows that open outwards in the bar/lounge area. Nice wine list and good service. ( I sat at the bar). I doubt I will be heading into Boston for dinner anytime soon with this place just down the street! Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:50:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/515274#4096838 http://www.chow.com/topics/563869#4096495 The Franklin Cafe (South End) does a very nice chicken liver appetizer at this time of year: soy-marinated and pan-fried. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:35:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563869#4096495 http://www.chow.com/topics/561559#4096420 Thank you to all of the hounds who replied to this post. Today I went to the Woburn MB, which I had not visited in a good number of years. Yes! It is definitely much better than before as regards to what they stock, and the prices are amazingly better than Shaws, S&S, Roche Brothers, and even Hannaford. Heck, even my favorite Greek yogurt (Fage) was at least 50 cents cheaper than at Trader Joe's or Russo's. I also enjoyed the atmosphere. You can tell it is a local chain that is focused on local people. It's just too bad that this MB (or even the one in Burlington, which is closer to me but not as nice IMHO) is so out of the way. Otherwise I would definitely be shopping there every week. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:56:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561559#4096420 http://www.chow.com/topics/563297#4096411 The other night I ended up with the safe eggplant choice and it was outstanding. Today, I had the mustard greens and bean curd, which was OK, but not quite up to the eggplant standard. I def need to try gini's recs. I've had the dumplings at TC and do like them as well. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:50:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563297#4096411 http://www.chow.com/topics/563858#4096402 It's really standard fried rice, usually with pork product and english, snap or snow peas. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:45:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563858#4096402 http://www.chow.com/topics/563795#4096381 Houston's is a great suggestion. I have always had very good meals there. I especially love their clam chowder and cheeseburgers. The french fries are great too. I am sure lots of young people hang out there. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:31:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563795#4096381 http://www.chow.com/topics/563250#4096339 Yeah I have to agree. Anyone who truly appreciates this ham is going to be insulted by what's being done to it. So you're not going to attract true fans. People who aren't fans won't pay the money for it. So, anyone who orders it is doing it just to be a pompous git who can prove they can burn $100 without blinking an eye. I suppose if you subscribe to the "any PR is good PR" school of thought, you'd be happy here, but if I was getting PR that made me and my customers look like idiots, I'd have to rethink it. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:02:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563250#4096339 http://www.chow.com/topics/563422#4096319 Another good year with Farm Direct Co-op (http://www.farmdirectcoop.org in Melrose, Salem and Marblehead.) I've been a member for about 5 years or so and even though this year was challenging to the farmers, the coordinators really scrambled to get us great stuff anyway. A nice mix of things too- lots of lovely greens... maybe a bit too much lettuce, but hard to complain about that- I just need to be eating more salad! Our last pickup is next week but I've signed up for extended season, which is twice in November. They also allow you to special order bulk purchases so if you want a flat of peaches or 50# of carrots for storing through the winter, it is delivered to the depot along with the regular shares. I also like how they allow you some choice. They've got a huge waitlist at this point- 175 families on it- and are starting to register for 2009 now. But it's worth calling and getting on the waitlist to have the option if you live/work in one of those areas. I continue to be thrilled with Houde Family Farm's meat co-op. A nice mix of cuts and extras available for purchase (pork fat, trotters, bones, etc.) They're sourcing some of their beef from another farmer but the quality seems to still be the same. I pay $6.50/lb for a 15# share of beef, veal and pork. 10# and 20# shares are available, as are "no veal" shares. I've tried all of them- 10# was too small, 20# was too big (although you also get a discount, $6.25/lb.) 15# feels a BIT big for my family of 2 adults and 2 kids who don't really eat much meat, but it's nice to have enough to invite people for dinner. Plus- home delivery! Can't beat that. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:51:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563422#4096319 http://www.chow.com/topics/562659#4096224 My wife took me to one of their beer tasting dinners for my birthday this year. We had never been before, and we enjoyed it. The beers were from Berkshire Brewing Company, and the pours felt a little short, but there were several courses so larger pours probably would have resulted in a hangover. I liked the food and thought it was interesting. The service was handled by two waitresses, and the owner/chef was fluttering around chatting with people. She seemed nice enough if a little flighty. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:18:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562659#4096224 http://www.chow.com/topics/544046#4096134 Looks like they're toast. I went by the other night and the place is empty. No furniture, cooler, pictures or other signs of life were visible thru the darkened window and gated door. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:44:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/544046#4096134 http://www.chow.com/topics/560746#4096108 D'oh! My mistake. Miami Cafe in the southend is what I was talking about. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:33:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560746#4096108 http://www.chow.com/topics/563574#4096071 Hi- It's inthe parking lot next to the park with the gazebo on 3A. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:21:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563574#4096071 http://www.chow.com/topics/551113#4096067 I drove by the other night and saw signs of life. Any early reports? Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:18:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/551113#4096067 http://www.chow.com/topics/554130#4095875 I've had lunch on their patio twice recently (trying to soak up the last rays of the year) and both times have been perfectly acceptable. One of my DC's is a big fan of the pulled pork sandwich, both before and after the chef switch. The autumn chopped salad I had was overly dressed and way too sweet, but the flavors worked, if sweet is your thing. Today I had a tuna melt that was perfectly fine as well. I generally prefer their sandwiches to other options in the area (the place next to Citizen's Bank), but I wouldn't go if not for working nearby. That said, I really enjoy their brews. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:09:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/554130#4095875 http://www.chow.com/topics/563830#4095856 Grain and Salt is an Indian restaurant in Allston that I've heard good things about. So, passing by today when I saw a sheet taped to the window "Lunch Special - Chicken Curry, Rice, Nan, and Salad - $7.95" I figure, good deal. I order it to go. I waited about 10-12 mins for it to be ready, but I figure if it's made to order, cool. When I'm handed the bag I note it feels a little light. I get it back to my office and open it. The food fills only half the styrofoam container. There's 3-4 pieces of chicken, a scoop of rice, 3 tomato slices and a couple wilted shreds of what looks like iceberg lettuce. Plus a small, "personal size" nan. I ate it in all of 3 minutes, opting to leave the "salad" alone. It WAS tasty, but not better than what I'd expect at most Indian buffets. And jeez, can't they at least keep up the pretense of a larger portion size with some extra rice?! With tax, this cost just over 9 bucks and now I'm needing a slice of pizza. Feeling cheated and just had to vent. Thank you. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:01:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563830#4095856 http://www.chow.com/topics/563263#4095840 This isn't strictly "tropical," but the Diva Lounge in Davis Square has surprisingly good mixed drinks with muddled (or smooshed) berries in them. I like the Shiva (it has cayenne pepper in it!) and the Zen (mashed-up blackberries). A good option for cocktails that will make you feel warm as the weather cools off! Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:53:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563263#4095840 http://www.chow.com/topics/561483#4095836 I like the Foley's (South End) burger too, and they also do a good turkey burger. The same chef (Katie Grealish) runs their kitchen as the one at Costello's; it's a sort of franchise setup at both, I believe. The downtown Foley's has a different chef and menu, more traditional American bar food, whereas the South End Foley's menu has the usual American suspect plus some Irish-leaning dishes: shepherd's pie, curry chips, fish and chips with a thick beer batter. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:51:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561483#4095836 http://www.chow.com/topics/523728#4095827 I'm awful with the follow up, but just wanted to say that the 5 of us ended up going to Gargoyles on the Square and had a great dinner. We did the 6 course chef's tasting menu with wine pairing ($90/person) and overall it was a good meal. The dinner began with their Tuna Poke which was good, spiced with hijiki, nori oil and ginger. I'm not fond of the texture of that type of dish, but it tasted good. Then we had oaxacan salad, which was a a simple green salad with heart of palm. Nothing spectacular, but a good salad. Then we had salmon, which was amazing...I don't even remember what sauces/garnishes were with the salmon, but I remember wanting to eat my weight in it. Next was a foie gras course which I don't remember the waitress talking about because if I had I would have asked for something else. It was served cold with berries and chocolate aioli and it was just bizarre. None of us finished the entire course. I decided I only like seared foie and cold applications make me wonder who decided something like that can be good. Next was their hoisin & honey glazed duck confit with sticky rice, mango, cashew and coconut milk. This entree was amazing. The portion was enormous, the duck was cooked perfectly, and it totally made up for the very underwhelming foie dish that preceeded it. Mmm! For desert, it was butterscotch fondant with black truffle ice cream...a delicious end. Overall, I'd say go!! Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:48:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/523728#4095827 http://www.chow.com/topics/563767#4095620 Captain Fishbones at Marina Bay in Quincy has 99 cent appetizers Mon - Fri from 4 to 6. They also offer early bird specials until, I believe 6. I was there last Friday and ordered the fried oysters on the early bird. The portions were more than generous and the oysters were good. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:19:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563767#4095620 http://www.chow.com/topics/563654#4095571 The burrito bowl at Purple Cactus also has a lot of simple fresh ingredients for a good price. Cheap and fast and decent - Wonder Spice Cafe for Thai and Cambodian - I also like the Bukhara lunch buffet, but I think I am in the minority. I think the place that Joanie is referencing below is actually called Bon Saveur. Too bad Cafe D is now closed - *sniff* - that would have been the perfect spot. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:04:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563654#4095571 http://www.chow.com/topics/561557#4095333 Checked out finally last night -their basil gimlet is TO DIE FOR! Amazing!! Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:35:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561557#4095333 http://www.chow.com/topics/525375#4095123 Good point on the "rare" fish - When we were there, the waitress was sort of embarassed to ask how we wanted the salmon cooked. She shrugged at the chef's insistence that some folks might not want it cooked all the way through. We left it up to the chef and it was cooked perfectly to just done. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:44:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/525375#4095123 http://www.chow.com/topics/563419#4095098 I wound up buying some Malaysian/Indonesian products through the website: www.indomart.us Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:30:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563419#4095098 http://www.chow.com/topics/561143#4095094 Was in the hood yesterday and stopped at Cafe Azeca with a friend, had an excellent fish dish, also if you've never tried the habenaro salsa, it's got a nice jab to it. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:28:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561143#4095094