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!!!

Midnight Snack of the Month

I was out shopping with a friend a few weeks ago and stumbled upon this snack.  I was looking for something to bring to party and picked this up.  After mulling it over, I decided to keep these for myself.  It turned out to be a great decision.  These chips are sliced thinly, lightly salted and not heavily seasoned, but flavorful.  These are the best plantain chips I have ever had.  They come in different flavors (Chili, Chili Lime, Lime, Garlic, Sweet and Natural) and you can buy them online.  The bags are a decent size so you will get multiple servings from one bag. 

You can buy them online at http://www.platanicious.com/

Check 'em out!!!

Midnight Snack of the Month

I am one of those people who just LOVES mint chocolate.  I've always loved it and I think i will always love it.  I am not a fan of dark chocolate, but there is something about the coolness of the mint that compliments the richness of the dark chocolate that makes me want more.  I recently discovered this new addition to the M&M family! They are addictive to say the least! Enjoy!

Summer Restaurant Week 2012

Recently I went to lunch at Aquitaine, a French Eatery in the South End of Boston, during restaurant week. I've seen this restaurant many times travelling in and around the city and have always been curious. When I saw their menu for restaurant week I could not resist. Here is my review.


Appetizers

To Start Aquitaine offered a Blue Crab Beignet (Crab Cake) served with a Watercress and Frisse Salad.  This was my favorite part of the meal.  It was not like most crab cakes that are mostly cake and no crab.  It was was loaded with crab and served with a hazelnut tomato romesco that added flavor to this small appetizer and the small salad it was served with was a nice touch.

Also Aquitaine offered a Chilled Corn "Vichyssoise" topped with Crisp Smoked Bacon and Avocado.  This was delicious.  Chilled soup is not something I think go hand in hand but Aquitaine did this quite well.  I would certainly order this on a regular night.

Entrees

For Entrees Aquitane offered Seared Merlu with a Provençal Mussel Stew and a Saffron Rouille.  Although I am not a fan of shellfish, I enjoyed this dish. The gravy that was served with this dish was flavorful, not overpowering and each component complemented the other.  The only disappointing part of this meal was the delicious looking piece of garlic toast pictured here was actually tough and nearly impossible to eat.

Also on the menu was Berkshire Pork served with a Sweet Corn Tart, Watercress and a Marinated Tomato Salade.  The pork was dry and flavorless, the corn tart was interesting and the watercress and tomato salad was just there.  This was disappointing to say the least.

Dessert

This is the part of the meal I was anticipating the most. Two of my favorite fruits were featured on Aquitaine's dessert menu and they were both disappointing.  First, there was the Peach Souffle Glace served with Almond Biscuits.  The presentation was appetizing but I was surprised with an abrasive burnt taste that penetrated every part of the dessert (and if you did not notice the almond biscuits were not served as advertised).  Thankfully, when I mentioned the dessert being burnt the waitress brought me a new one immediately despite my objections.

Also being served was a Sugar Plum and Black Walnut Cake with Creme Chantilly.  This cake was dense and served at room temperature. The first few bites were alright until I bit into a pit diminishing what was left of my appetite.

Overall, my experience at Aquitaine was not what I expected it to be.  It's posh interieor, impeccabble and prompt service made me feel like I was in for a treat.  Although, some parts of the meal were delicious I have to say I was disappointed.