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Lotus7

  • Member since The Beginning
  • Total posts 176
  • Total comments 338
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

Thanks all again for your thoughtful suggestions. We had a fantastic time (what was up with that crazy weather!) and enjoyed some great meals in Boston--some highlights were a wacky fun time at Max Brenner (mediocre savory items, great dessert), a fun dinner at Myers+Chang (good food, not earth shattering), a delicious and decadent dinner at Island Oyster Bar (my 6 year old tried his first raw oyster there!), a lunch at Dumpling Palace where we all (including 6, 4, 1 yr old) stuffed ourselves silly with delicious dumplings, and a great family meal (really solid food but i wouldn't say I have to go back though it was a warm, inviting atmosphere) at Area Four. We did a little hop through Quincy Market and the kids enjoyed a bacon mac n cheese and I had a pretty decent chowder. Look forward to my next visit!

Thanks all again for your thoughtful suggestions. We had a fantastic time (what was up with that crazy weather!) and enjoyed some great meals in Boston--some highlights were a wacky fun time at Max Brenner (mediocre savory items, great dessert), a fun dinner at Myers+Chang (good food, not earth ...

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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

Hi guys. What is the address for dumpling palace II? Is it near back bay? And any thoughts on Genarros 5 for early dinner? To give more context I'm solo with three kids under age of 6. They are pretty good eaters. But I have to keep logistics/transportation simple and stay somewhat close to backbay (Sheraton). Thank you

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

We miss Asian cuisines generally so will try a Chinatown option. We are staying at the Sheraton (convention center) and could use a really solid seafood option not too far from there. A bit limited by kids and rainy weather. Cool w cab but walking will be rough in this rain. I really want to go to the north end but it seems like restos are quite small and no reservations. I hate to miss out but am thinking Regina pizza just to get a taste of Boston pizza. Thanks guys. Following along your interesting discussion.

We miss Asian cuisines generally so will try a Chinatown option. We are staying at the Sheraton (convention center) and could use a really solid seafood option not too far from there. A bit limited by kids and rainy weather. Cool w cab but walking will be rough in this rain. I really want to go...

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

Thanks guys appreciate your honesty and I'll take your advice. I will not be seeking Malaysian or Burmese food in this trip ; )

 

We'll be visiting Boston this weekend (staying at Sheraton-convention center) and we're craving Burmese and Malaysian food (we enjoyed frequently in philly but no longer in our new home-Austin). We will have three little kids with us and no car. Hope you can recommend some place great. Thank you!!

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

appreciate the info! now, do i cook both at same time? separately? time and temp you believe can stay same? thanks!

 

I'd like to make a Rum Cake (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/20...) which calls for it to be made in a bundt pan. I don't have one. Could I make in a regular pan? If so, how large of a pan? Would the recipe need to be tweaked? Thanks in advance!

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

I appreciate the suggestion. We will have children with us and so far it doesn't seem he or a few other Destin chefs are interested in doing a private dinner w children (even though of course we're willing to pay full price for them). So I'm Moving on...any Recs for best high end dining that doesn't mind children (again we're not expecting Mac n cheese for them) that may have a private room? Thanks and look forward to suggestions.

 

12 of us will be traveling to Destin to celebrate my father's 70th birthday the week of July 4th. I thought it might be nice to create a special dinner for him on the beach--I'm seeking a restaurant that might do this? We'll have 6 kids (10 and under) and one vegetarian. Seeking a memorable setting and food. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 
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Hi there! Im seeking advice/Recs for excellent food in this area but also appropriate for the 5 & under set. Are reservations required? We'd do either lunch or dinner. First time in Puerto Vallarta and I'm excited to explore life outside our hotel.

 
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Hi there! I'm considering catering from Biryani for a crowd. Does any one have experience w/ catering? how was the quality? Any favorite items? I definitely will have biryani and am considering the goat biryani. Thanks in advance!

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

Please keep us updated if you hear anything more of a Burmese restaurant!! Missing my favorite one back on the East Coast!

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

appreciate all the recs--i've printed out and packed in the suitcase. One last question--what are some great only in Cali spots we could check out--best California style burrito; best sushi (with emphasis on freshest fish--we're not as into the monster rolls with lots of sauce), fish tacos that are within 15-20 min of Carlsbad?

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

Thanks all! any suggestions for places that are necessarily just a kid friendly place, but instead does really good food and allows kids as well? I know we have to compromise some--and we'll do that...but if there's a great spot for FOOD i'd love to know...

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

We'll be heading to Carlsbad again at the end of this month, this time w/ a 3rd kid. Will hit some of the spots discussed above, but wondering if anything interesting has opened up in or near Carlsbad--again we're open to all cuisines and love trying new things as long as Resto doesn't look down upon 3 kiddos under age of 5. We'd definitely eat on the early side. Will probably hit up San Diego 2 days on our trip so suggestions there also welcome. Thank you!!

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

We had a pretty good experience at El Alma for out group. The servers were working hard and looked spread thin. Food was on point though. The bug disappointment was they were out of ceviche-at 6:30 pm!!

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

Optimista-I too am confused : ) I was at Jack Allens (South) on Sunday and asked to make a reservation and they said that could only do 4:30 and something about any later (we want 6) takes up their patio space during peak times? I was so surprised. All these places said no to our reservation of 18 (none take reservations but I thought for a large party they would? Also, please note I did not want to utilize their "private party options. Just wanted to make a reservation for dinner at 5:30 or 6 p.m.): Chuys (Barton Springs), Shady Grove, Guero's, Hula Hut, Moonshine, Threadgills (First hostess said no, but I called back and got a yes. They were really nice and could set us up for a reservation). I didn't want to do Italian (I've taken this group to Mandolas), and Hopfields menu looks good to me but not right for this group. El Alma can accommodate us on their roof, and I love their food so we've decided on that. I was surprised how no one takes reservations for big groups--was even to provide a cc number.

Optimista-I too am confused : ) I was at Jack Allens (South) on Sunday and asked to make a reservation and they said that could only do 4:30 and something about any later (we want 6) takes up their patio space during peak times? I was so surprised. All these places said no to our reservation of...

 
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Lotus7 commented 7 years ago

Thanks for the suggestions. Was looking for something Auistin-y (no chains) and no one seems to take reservations, even for large groups-No on Threadgills, Moonshine, Jack Allen. Some places offer private parties but didnt want to go that route...I'm so disappointed! I'll have to keep searching...need to to figure out fast bc it's for this Saturday!

 
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Lotus7 commented 8 years ago

thanks so much for your great suggestions. I love Olive and June but since my husband and I are paying, we'd prefer more casual (and less expensive than that). I haven't tried any of the ones you've suggested so i'll check them out on line! thanks again.

 

Hi there-we'll have a lot of family in town-includes 8 kids 10 & under, all the way to grandparents. 2 are vegetarian. I'd like to plan a dinner somewhere that's easy with kids, has fun atmosphere, and has a few vegetarian options. Please help! I'd like to be able to make a reservation. So far I've Come up with hula hut, central market if there's live music (but may be too complicated w ordering process) . Where else is fun, has good food, and easy with kiddos?

 
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I've decided to cater from Central Market (along w/tray of Ribs and Potato Salad from Rudys) for my kid's upcoming first birthday party. From CM I'm catering sandwich platters. I may make a tray of mac & cheese, and will put together a fruit tray. I'd like to add 2 catered items from CM but am at a loss. Not many of their catering choices look that great to me--they said that they can prepare anything that they have/do offer in their prepared food section. Any favorites you can recommend that would fit my menu? Something tasty that will ADULTS will enjoy-the kids will be set with tea sandwiches, fruit, and mac & cheese. Thank you!!

I've decided to cater from Central Market (along w/tray of Ribs and Potato Salad from Rudys) for my kid's upcoming first birthday party. From CM I'm catering sandwich platters. I may make a tray of mac & cheese, and will put together a fruit tray. I'd like to add 2 catered items from CM but am...

 
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Lotus7 commented 8 years ago

Thanks again all. Thought I'd update-after looking at the links you provided here's what I served: apps were Cheese plate, charcuterie, Marcona almonds, spanish tortilla (I used SO much more olive oil than I'm used to but it turned out really good.). For entree I sort of made up my own braised chicken using inspiration from the different recipes I read. Marinated chicken thighs and legs in garlic, thyme, adobo, spanish paprika. Then cooked w onions, fire roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika, saffron and sherry. Threw in some olives. Served with a heirloom tomato salad w smoked salt and a side of Brussel sprouts sautéed w bacon, garlic and balsamic until crispy. Store bought desserts: TJs chocolate truffles and whole foods orange almond cake. It was a fun party! So appreciated your insights and enthusiasm.

Thanks again all. Thought I'd update-after looking at the links you provided here's what I served: apps were Cheese plate, charcuterie, Marcona almonds, spanish tortilla (I used SO much more olive oil than I'm used to but it turned out really good.). For entree I sort of made up my own braised c...

 
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Lotus7 commented 8 years ago

Appreciate the suggestion. I don't have any connections to local culinary students. Was hoping for something a bit more straightforward in terms of a place that has menu options, possibly could deliver etc. Any one? Has anyone tried Central Market Catering? Whole Foods seems to be more pricey... Thanks

 

We're hosting a birthday party for my young daughter in June (Inflatable water slide, baby pool etc) and I'm looking for some affordable, yummy food for our crowd that will include about 20 kids and their parents. i'll have a lot of family in town and won't have a ton of time to prepare food myself so I'm seeking ideas for catering--open to all types of food as long as it includes a few vegetarian options for those who don't eat meat. Any ideas? Food trucks seem too pricey. Thank you!

 
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I'd like to buy an olive oil cake for a dinner party--I probably will make an orange compote to go with it, but don't have time to make the cake. Any recommendations for a bakery/restaurant where I can get a delicious olive oil cake from? Thanks in advance!

 
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Lotus7 commented 8 years ago

Thank you to all of you for providing me with such wonderful ideas, resources and inspiration! greatly appreciated. i'm excited to put this party together.

 

Hi there-I'd like to host 4 couples for dinner at my home and am thinking of making Spanish food--Sangria, Spanish Tortilla, Cheese plate, Spanish Ham are things I know I want to offer. But for a hot dish/es I need some help. I've made Paella before but I've had mixed results and don't want to take chance with this crowd bc it's not entirely make ahead. I'd prefer something that I could make the night before (and benefits from make ahead cooking). Any ideas?? I'd probably serve a salad as well. Thank you in advance!!

Hi there-I'd like to host 4 couples for dinner at my home and am thinking of making Spanish food--Sangria, Spanish Tortilla, Cheese plate, Spanish Ham are things I know I want to offer. But for a hot dish/es I need some help. I've made Paella before but I've had mixed results and don't want to ...

 
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