Who doesn't love Ramen?

We all are familiar with a college student favorite; It's cheap, fast and easy. I recall loving ramen as a unique meal but not knowing much about it. As I got older and began to explore food in different ways I discover ramen in its true form. Now I love to experiment with making ramen at home! I buy simple components and include them to make a wonderful meal. 

These are some examples of what is possible at home. 

Late breakfast, Early Lunch

I had meeting earlier today in Cambridge and while I waited I treated myself to lunch at the food court in the the new H Mart location in Central Square. At a little place called Go Go curry I enjoyed a crispy chicken curry with rice, cabbage, shrimp tempura an unknown pickled vegetable. It was wonderful.

H Mart also serves ramen and has a self serve pastry bar. Check them out ASAP!

Menu Exploration 101: Peruse and Choose

If there is one thing that we as human beings have in common it is that we are creatures of habit.  How many times have you gone to a restaurant that you love and you order the same thing every time?  You know that everything on the menu is good and you've tried a few things here and there, but you tend to stick to your top 3 favorite dishes. That's what I do at least, especially when I am hungry.  I'll peruse the menu analyzing all of the exotic choices and exciting selections and by the time the server arrives at the table to take my order I panic and order something from my top 3.  Today. however, I was feeling lucky.  I was on my way home from running an errand and I decided that I had the perfect chance to have something  I desired for dinner.  I stopped at the Pad Thai Cafe and as I was walking in I felt myself leaning toward one of my top choices, but before I knew it I found their specials and ordered something that I had never had before.

As I waited for my food I realized I was going through a series of emotions.  Firstly, I felt bursts of excitement because I was hungry and this place gets their orders out fast. Secondly, this was a new entree for me; it could have ended really well or really poorly.  As I waited I felt time began to slow and the anticipation started to get to me.  Even when the cashier was calling out orders my number was skipped.  Finally, when my number was called I all but ran up to get my food.  When I grabbed it this is what I saw

Ba Mee Song Kruang

This dish is called Ba Mee Song Kruang and it was SERIOUS.  I don't even know where to begin to describe this dish.  It consisted of yellow noodles, roast pork (which was sweet), ground pork (that was savory), cilantro, Chinese broccoli, scallions, fish balls, fish cake, peanuts, bean sprouts, fried wontons, crushed chili pepper, sugar and a lime on the side.

The sweet and savory pork mixed with the chili pepper and sugar made for quite a treat.  My senses were overwhelmed and stimulated at the same time.  This dish was a treat and a must try.  If you ever see it on a menu at a Thai restaurant broaden you palette and try this.

The Pad Thai Cafe is located on 1116 Boylston Street in Boston. You can also check them out on www.padthaicafe.com.

Who Doesn't Love Pizza?????

Have you ever had a night out that was really a night in? You know? Those nights that are spent with good food and good company?  I had one of those few weeks ago and had the best pizza that I can think of.  A friend of mine, who is friendly with the employees at a local restaurant, made a special request for pizza.  He asked that they marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for a few and then put it on the pizza.  

This BBQ chicken pizza was delicious.  I have never had anything like it.  One would think that it would be a nauseating combination but it wasn't.  They even put ranch dressing on the side!!!!!! This was a great combo!

Check out The Avenue Grill at they're site http://www.856avenuegrille.com! They are located at 856 Dorchester Ave!!!

Midnight Snack of the Month

So, all last month I was thinking of what could be this month's midnight snack of the month.  I felt I couldn't find the right snack and then I realized I was over thinking it (as usual) and that the snack was sitting right in front of me.  

These cheese curls are hard to find, but worth the search.  I can only name 3 stores in the city of Boston that sell these and they sell out fast!  They are spicy, flavorful AND plentiful.  This is a great snack to share as there are 3 servings per bag OR you can have them all to yourself.  You decide!!!!

Check out Herr's at their website http://www.herrs.com/ and see what else they have to offer! They sell their product online and in bulk. 

Late Night Dinner @ McCormick and Schmick

The other night a friend and I decided to get a late drink in the South End when hunger struck.  Since it was at a time when most eateries in Boston are closed pickings were slim.  He suggested late night Dining at McCormick and Schmick.  I went reluctantly and found that I was pleasantly surprised.  We both ordered the Half-Pound Cheeseburger.  I couldn't believe that it was $5!!!  $5!!!!

This was AMAZING!!!!!!!

Great service and great food! EAT HERE!

Phantom Gourmet Food Festival 2012

The Phantom Gourmet Food Festival is held every year at the end of the summer.  This year the weather was less than welcoming but it was still one of the greatest events of the year.  The atmosphere was vibrant and the vendors were great!!! Here are some photos of just a FEW of the vendors that participated and my review of what they had to offer!  ENJOY!

Grillo's Pickles

I love these pickles. Sometimes they sell them out of this cart in Boston Common 2 for $.50.  They can also be found in Whole Foods Market. They sell 2 flavors; dill and hot. My favorite is HOT!!

Go visit this location. If you like pickles you will not be disappointed.

UTZ Chips

UTZ introduced their New England Style Kettle Cooked Chips

You can find UTZ in your local grocery store.

Comella's

Comella's served baked ziti to Phantom Phans

I was not a fan of what Comella's had to offer but I have heard good things about this restaurant.

Comella's is located at 1844 Centre Street in West Roxbury.

Tio Juan's Margarita's

Margarita's served Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

Margarita's gave out samples of guacamole and tortilla chips.

Tio Juan's Margarita's has 6 locations in the Boston Area check them out at www.margs.com.

Teresa's

These Meatballs were my favorite item out of everything at the Festival.

These meatballs were, for lack of a better term, EVERYTHING. I have heard great things about this restaurant and no matter how many times it has been suggested I have not made my way there.  After sampling this meatball I vow to eat at Teresa'a and bring a friend.

Teresa's is located 143 South Main Street in Middleton, Ma.

Emma's Pub and Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip was pretty good.  I've never been to Emma's and have only seen the commercials about how crazy Ron Emma is and what fabulous deals they have on food.  

There are 3 Locations in Massachusetts check them out at www.emmaspubandpizza.com/

 Chicken Connection

Chicken Connection served bits of fried chicken.  It was fried crisply and it crunchy. I've never heard of Chicken Connection and I was pleased with what I had.  

Chicken Connection is located at 242 Broadway, Rte 97 Haverill, MA. Check them out!

The Danish Pastry House

I'm not sure what these were but whatever it was it was good.  I love a great pastry.  

The Danish Pastry House is located at 330 Boston Avenue in Medford, MA.

Cedar's

Cedar's gave out samples of their hummus and mini tortilla chips, coupons and recipe cards.

I love Cedar's products!! They can be purchased in most supermarkets.  I am a fan of their Hummus and Taboule salad.

Planet Marshmallow

They toasted the marshmallows for Phantom Phans!!!!!!!!

I don't like marshmallows at all but I enjoyed what Planet Marshmallow had to offer. They had 3 Flavors, mint chocolate, toasted coconut and pumpkin.  I, of course, tried the pumpkin and was ecstatic that they toasted it for me.

Planet Marshmallow is located at 81 Hanover Street in Manchester, NH and they have an online marshmallow store.  Check them out at http://www.planetmarshmallow.com/!!!

BAWSTINS

This is an energy drink company based in Boston.  I do not drink energy drinks.  I have never had a Red Bull, Rockstar or a Monster but i had to try it. I had to show some love to this local company.  I am definitly big on supporting local businesses.  I have to say it wasn't bad.  No after taste and not too sweet.  If I were to buy an energy drink this would definitely be the one.

Check out them out at their website http://www.bawstinsenergydrink.com/ and find out where to buy BAWSTINS on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bawstinsenergydrink!

Sal's Homemade Potato Chips

Sal's was giving out samples of their homemade potato chips. I got BBQ!

Check them out at www.salsgourmetfoods.com!

Wicked Kickin Savory Cheesecakes

Clam and Bacon Cheesecake

I sampled some of what Wicked Kickin had to offer at the last food festival and they were unforgettable.  Savory cheesecake sounds sacrilegious but I assure you that these cheesecakes are delicious.  They are not to be eaten like a slice of Strawberry cheesecake.  These savory cheesecakes are meant to be hors d'oeuvres.

Wicked Kickin is located at 319 Dartmouth Street New Bedford, MA.  Check out their website and see what they have to offer http://www.wickedkickin.com/!!!

Necco

Necco was giving out Zombie Food!

Zombie Food!!!!!

We all know who Necco.  Candy available in stores everywhere!

Check out their website www.necco.com!!!

Frederick's Pastries

Frederick's was giving out their signature Purple Velvet Cake Truffles. It was sweet and decadent.

Frederick's has 3 locations in Massachusetts Check them out at www.pastry.net

Mezcal

Mezcal gave out samples of their guacamole.  They had two kinds, crunchy and Mediterranean.  The Crunchy had toasted pepitas, smoked almonds, diced jicama and fried corn nuts.  It was great!

Mezcal has two locations in Massachusetts.  Check out their website www.mezcalcantina.com

Mela

Mela is an Indian restaurant; they served curried potatoes wrapped in bread and there was a choice of sauce to top it with.

Mela is located in Boston on at 578 Tremont Street.  They offer a daily lunch and Brunch on the weekend. 

Kowloon

I was happy to see that Kowloon was present at the festival.  I love Kowloon. I remember there was a location in the Copley Mall when I was young.  I have fond memories of the flavorful food they served.  They served their famous Saugus Wings and they were popular.

Kowloon is located at 948 Broadway in Saugus! EAT THERE!

Gaga Sherbert

Gaga gave out samples of their Lemon Sherbet.  I've had this brand before.  It is really very good and available at local super markets like Whole Foods and and Foodies.  

Unfortunately they do not have a website that I can find.

AJ's Kitchen

AJ's Kitchen gave out samples of their marinara sauce and meatballs.  To my surprise these meatballs were very good.  The Sauce was not bland but not overpowering and the meatballs were flavorful.

AJ's Kitchen is located at 162 Lowell Street in Wilmington, MA.

 Table Talk

PIES!!!!! They had many flavors including pineapple and pumpkin. I chose pumpkin!!!!! I put it in the microwave for a few seconds and ate it with vanilla ice cream.  I would always look at these pies with a raised eyebrow, but I was pleasantly surprised.  I would certainly buy one of these pies if I were looking to satisfy a craving.

You can find these pies in almost any local supermarket.

Dunn-Gaherin's Pub

Dunn-Gaherin sampled their meatloaf.  I not a meatloaf fan, but it was pretty good.  I would like to visit this pub for dinner.

Check them out!!! Dunn-Gaherin is located in Newton at 344 Elliot Street.

Cakes by Erin

These cupcakes were truly different.  The flavor that stuck out to me most was the red cupcake with blue frosting labelled "Red Bull and Vodka". As previously stated I am not a fan of energy drinks but I had to try one.  It was good, although, I have nothing to compare it to I still enjoyed it.  They had other flavors like strawberry lime margarita and apple cider donut.

Cakes By Erin is located at 58 Kenoza Ave in Haverill, MA. Check out their website at www.cakesbyerin.com and see what they have to offer!

Summer Shack

Summer Shack did a full clam bake!!!!

Summer shack has several locations in the Boston area and Connecticut check out their website to see the menus at different locations www.summershackrestaurant.com.

Harrows Chicken  Pies

I have heard of Harrow's Chicken Pies and remember sampling them at the last Phantom Festival I went to.  Chicken breast, potatoes and carrots are the main staple in these pies.  There is a hearty gravy that binds all the ingredients to make this pie complete.  I'm not a huge fan but I think you should give them a shot. 

Check out their website for the nearest location www.chickenpie.com.

Sweet

Sweet was giving out samples of their delicious cupcakes.

Sweet has a few locations in Boston so visit their website www.sweetcupcakes.com.

All Star Sandwich Bar

All Star gave out samples of their BBQ chicken Salad.  I've never had chicken salad like this before.  I would definitely have it again.

All Star Sandwich Bar is located at 1245 Cambridge Street in Cambridge. 

This is the end of the line.  I hope you enjoyed my longish post of this event.  Will I see you at the next Phantom Gourmet event??  I hope so!!!