Midnight Snack of the Month

Okay, I know I'm late but I could not decide on the perfect snack for the month of July. After many different trials I have found that this is the snack of the month for the month of July.

This is delicious!  It's like a cold sophisticated version of peanut butter and fluff!!! The plus is there is a crunchy chocolate covered candy in the mix making this a guilty pleasure.  FIND THIS FLAVOR ASAP!!!!!

Chinese Tonight???

I'm not sure if I'm the only one who feels this way but I love Chinese food, however; I hate nasty Chinese food.  I must preface the rest of this post by first saying that I understand that authentic Chinese is different from the Chinese cuisine found in China.  The Chinese food in America is different but tasty nonetheless and, to me, it is hard to find good Chinese food.  When I say good Chinese food I mean food that does not force me to run to the bathroom (pardon the expression) right after consuming it, question whether or not the meat I am eating is chicken or "the other" and does not make me feel like I committed a sin directly after eating.


At Chinatown the food is delicious!!! Large portions and deliciousness come hand in hand at this restaurant.  From the appetizers to the entrees you will enjoy yourself.  I did!  Check out what I had.

The Starters

Chicken Scrolls

Scallion Pancakes

Shrimp Rangoon

These were the starters.  The chicken scrolls are a combination of a spring roll with chicken.  There is nothing extravagant about this dish; tasty inside with a crispy outside.  The dipping sauce provided is a sweet chili sauce that makes having this dish, and the others accompanied by this dip, worth having.

The Scallion pancakes were the standard pancake.  Crisp outside with a slight doughy inside with the proportionate amount scallions.

The Shrimp Rangoon is a refreshing take on crab rangoon.  The two are nothing alike; the shrimp rangoon consisted of minced shrimp and a leafy green; possibly the green part of a scallion.

The Entrees

Shrimp in Satay Sauce with Homemade Noodles

Filet of Sole with Black Beans and Peppers

Chicken with Black Bean Sauce and Homemade Noodles

The shrimp in satay sauce was sweet and noddles just made it better.  For the shrimp lovers out there be ready to have your fix satisfied.  The shrimp are large and meaty and the peppers and onions are a plus.

The Sole was fabulous.  The fish was tender and the flavorful.  Chinatown prepares this dish as a special and it can be made 3 different ways and they are all delicious.

The Homemade noodles are always the star of the show every time I go to Chinatown this dish must be ordered.  The noodles are dense and chewy and the black bean sauce is not too spicy and flavorful.  This can be prepared with beef, chicken, shrimp and scallops.

The menu at Chinatown is large and they have a full bar!  Check them out!!!!

Mexican Anyone?????

I don't know about you but I DO NOT like Taco Bell. Yes, there are some things on their menu that are OK, but if you seriously think of Taco Bell when Mexican is considered for lunch or dinner you should seriously consider re-evaluating your food rating system.


In the meantime here is an example of Mexican food that sets the bar high for Mexican food.

Acapulco's in Norwood has a menu that will entice the pickiest eater.

Chimichanga & Enchilada with Refried Beans and Yellow Rice

This is a combination plate.  When you order from Acapulco's you can simply order a meal or you can order a combination of 1, 2 or 3 items from a list that comes with rice and refried beans.  The main dishes are a miniature version of what is on the menu when ordered alone.

Chimichanga with Yellow Rice and Refried Beans

This is an example of the size you would get if you ordered one item from the menu rather than a combo.

The food at Acapulco's is flavorful and there is a variety of things that suits the tastes of many.  More importantly it is an inexpensive place to enjoy the company of a friend over a good meal.  Did I mention that there is also a full bar?  Good food cheap AND a bar?!?! Enough said. Go and eat, drink and be merry.

Acapulco's has locations in Amesbury, Beverly, Enfield, Framingham, Franklin, Milford, Needham, Norwood, Quincy, Stratford, Sudbury and West Yarmouth.

Midnight Snack of the Month

Up Late? Looking for something good to eat that is not too heavy?  This is my midnight snack of the month!

Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Slices

These were inexpensive and when eating these you don't get the feeling that you need to eat in excess; two or three will suffice.  ENJOY!!!!

Looking for a Great Lunch Cheap??? I got you!

Most of us work and when we do we either bring our lunch to save money during these tough times or we try to find some place that has great food, will serve us quickly and does not set us back financially.

Viga is the place to go if you are looking for those 3 things.

Sausage Escarole Soup

The bread is homemade AND complimentary and this was under $3


The menu at Viga offers a wide variety of choices and there are specials that change daily.  The soup choices change daily as well as the pasta specials among other amazing items.


Viga has 3 locations in Downtown Boston and they are open from 11-3 Monday through Friday.  CHECK THEM OUT!!!!!

Who Doesn't Love Brunch??

I'm always looking for something good to eat; more specifically something cheap AND something good to eat.  I feel that it is hard to find someplace that can deliver on both.  Dot 2 Dot Cafe in Dorchester is the place to go when you are looking a good inexpensive meal.  They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and a few brunch items.   I usually have breakfast when I go but I encourage you to go for dinner.




These are just a few items that are served at Dot 2 Dot

This is my personal favorite

Two Poached Eggs Potato Rosti with Spinach and Hollandaise Sauce served with 2 Sausage links and two pieces HOMEMADE toast.

This is very similar to Eggs Benedict; the difference is instead of there being an English muffin there was a Potato Rosti (simply grated potatoes browned).  I rarely eat anything that is undercooked but I always have this when I go to Dot 2 Dot.  It's a wonderful start to the day.

Perfect Pancakes

These weren't my cup of tea but my fellow diners were fans.  

Eggs Benedict with Ham

This was oh so good.  This is served with a choice of spinach or ham.

Scrambled Eggs, Grits, Sausage Links and Toast

This is the most basic breakfast that was simply delicious.  The simpler the better (to me anyway).  

Dot 2 Dot makes there own bread on site along with making there own quiches and other pastries.  No frills, bells or whistles; Dot 2 Dot is a refreshing take on everyday dining.  

Dot 2 Dot cafe is pocketbook/wallet friendly easy to find and doubles as a gallery for local artists. They are open on Thursday and Friday for dinner CHECK THEM OUT!!!!  

Website: dot2dotcafe.com

The Blarney Stone

Ok, so this place is among my favorite restaurants in the city of Boston.  My friend and I had dinner there last Sunday and it was magnificent.  They change up their menu every so often so there is a variety occasionally.

  Mac & Cheese Cupcakes

 

They consisted of sweet peas, sun dried tomatoes, basil and a three cheese sauce.  These were delicious.  I must say that this was the best, most creative appetizer I have had in a long long time. For $1 more you can add crispy bacon bits.

I know this is an appetizer and only meant to curb hunger until the main dish arrives, but I wished there were more than four, they were just so so so GOOOOOD.

Next,

Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Lemon Zest Ravioli in a creamy Pomodoro Sauce with roasted tomatoes and topped with Basil and Parmesan cheese.

This is a vegetarian meal and it was very tasty.  Usually I don't eat or order ravioli but this seemed different and I was interested in trying it, I thought this was an exceptional meal and I do recommend it to those who are open to the vegetarian option.

Haddock Picatta served with Rice Pilaf and Garlicy Wilted Spinach.

 

I love LOVE LOVE anything picatta....well, mostly chicken picatta.  Haddock (or chicken) picatta is prepared in a white wine lemon butter sauce with capers.

Finally,

Apple Crostata served with Vanilla Ice Cream.

This was delicious.  It was warm and when cut into warm, tender apples await.  There is so much to this dessert that cannot be described.  I suggest you try it for yourself.  If you like warm apple desserts like me then this is the dessert to try.

In Sum, the Blarney Stone is a great restaurant and it is HIGHLY recommended by yours truly.

They are open for Lunch and Dinner and there are flat screens EVERYWHERE and a bar to write home about.  Did I mention they serve Brunch on Sunday's?  The Blarney Stone has been open for over 35 years.  Now you know they're doing something right.

Check them out!!

The Blarney Stone is located on Dorchester Avenue in Fields Corner. 

Winter Restaurant Week at Kingfish Hall

This was a 3-course meal that I had at Kingfish Hall.  My first course was Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Asian Slaw and sticky rice.

Before

There was no sticky rice (disappointing) but the shrimp were truly JUMBO, however, the heads were still on which can be intimidating if you are not accustomed to that kind of thing.  I personally do not want to know that my food had a soul, nevertheless, this course was delicious.  The shrimp were grilled perfectly and although there were only two the size was large enough to keep any shrimp lover satisfied.  The Asian slaw consisted of greens that were on the bitter side but still very tasty and there were some thinly sliced apple to garnish.

After

It was good....

My second course was the Swordfish.  This was my first time having swordfish (that I can remember).  It was pretty good.  If you have never had swordfish I must inform you that the texture is like chicken but tenderer.  This entree had an arugula and red onion salad on the side and diced tomatoes in a cream based sauce.  The salad was bitter but the tomato concoction evened out the bitterness.  The swordfish was not cook all the way through; I am accustomed to my meat being cooked thoroughly so eating raw fish does not appeal to me, however, I believe this is the way that swordfish (and other types of fish) are prepared.  I hate overcooked food (especially fish) so the experience was not awful.  Overall, the second course was not my favorite, I would not order it again but it was good.

The third and final course was my favorite course.  I had the "T.E. Style" Boston Creme Pie.  It was DIVINE.  I would go back to Kingfish Hall just for this desert.  As you can see it was cut in to a square and it had many layers.  Served warm atop of what appeared to be chocolate painted on the plate, this dessert was the best I have had in a long time.

  

In sum, I enjoyed my visit to Kingfish Hall.  I do recommend this restaurant to seafood lovers.  Kingfish Hall is located in Faneuil Hall.



This is The Wasabi Crusted Tuna that my friend ordered.  It looked good but he said it didn't taste too good.  I can't say whether it was good or not because I do not eat raw fish.

Excellent presentation though!

From the Boston Burger Company

This burger is from the Boston Burger Company and it's called the Killer Bee.  It was topped with beer battered onion rings, bacon, barbecue sauce and American cheese.  Their burgers are usually served with homemade potato chips that are pretty good and your choice of cole slaw or baked beans (I suggest the slaw).

This burger was soooo great.  It had flavor and it wasn't dry forcing me to search for a drink nor was it doused with barbecue sauce creating a mess that would surely cause embarrassment.

The Boston Burger Company is located in Davis Square right next JP Licks.  They offer an assortment of burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and french fries.  Check them out!