boston

Monday Munchies: Dinner at Back Bay Social Club with Cisco Brewer’s

May 19, 2014

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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A few weeks ago I attending an incredible dinner at Back Bay Social Club. They host specialty dinners where the chefs base the 4-course menus on the drinks that are being served that night. I was lucky enough to be invited to attend one of these delightful events.

For this night the dinner was paired with the beers from Cisco Brewer’s. Cisco Brewer’s, a local brewery based on Nantucket, is a triple threat brewery that makes beer, wine, and spirits. I had never had their products so I was looking forward to trying the beers out. As well, as seeing what the chef at BBSC would make to pair with each beverage.

After some shopping at the near by mall, I headed to BBSC and down I went into the lower bar level for the dinner party. People were milling about and chatting while enjoying cans of Sankaty Light Lager. Servers were passing around appetizers for use to enjoy along with the hoppy beer.

My 2 favorite appetizers were the stuffed mushrooms and the prosciutto wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates. The mushrooms were teeny tiny and poppable. I could have eaten a tray of these babies. The stuffed dates were perfectly paired with the Sankaty Light Lager. The date was sweet and salty and just so happened to sync up nicely with the refreshing beer. It was a light beer so it would be perfect to enjoy on hot summer nights. Just pop a top and sip.

As well, I now can say that I have had bone marrow butter. It was super rich but really interesting. The bone marrow butter was served on toast points with some wilted ramps. I feel that trying it that one time is enough for me because of how rich it was but I’m glad I decided to try something new.

After the passed appetizers, we were then seated at 2 long clusters of tables for our dinner to being. During the dinner both the representatives from Cisco and BBSC spoke about the beers and food while explaining how they were paired.

To my delight a plate was lowered in front of me that contained a large Day Boat Scallop that was sitting in a shell along with with Chilled Cucumber Coulis, Black Pepper Seared Halloumi Cheese and a garnish of mint. This was almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.

The scallop was paired with Cisco’s Grey Lady Ale. This was my favorite beer of the night. It is named after the nickname for the foggy island where the beer is made. I enjoyed the flavors from the fresh fruit and spices that the beer is made with.

The Main Course was a Potato Wrapped Grouper that was served with a Pineapple Burre Blanc and some sautéed Root Spinach. This was paired with a large glass of Madaquet IPA.

The fish wash light and flaky. It was cooked perfectly in its potato wrapper. The spinach was flavorful, but a bit difficult to eat as they had long steams making for a big bite.

The Fourth Course of the evening was the dessert course. Cisco’s Island Series Reserve Lager was paired with BBSC’s Peanut Butter Torte. The torte was served with a Banana Sabayon, Fried Plantains, Salted Caramel. The torte was creamy and had layers of flavor from the crumbly crust to the peanut butter filling to the caramel. The plantain provided a nice crunch to the dessert. Plus, it was just a fun flourish to the top of the slice.

The lager was richer in flavor compared to the ones that we had earlier in the night. It was also the strongest beer of the evening with 6.5% abv. I’m not a big fan of heavy beers but this was a nice contrast to the sweetness in the dessert. It provided a nice overall balance.

After dessert I grabbed a cab home. I stared out the window watching the rain streak across the windows as I thought about the great food and drink I just had and the great family I was heading home too. It was a wonderful night.

If the food at this speciality dinner is an indication of the quality and creativity involved in the normal menu at Back Bay Social Club I know I will be going back. I already have been eyeing their brunch menu and their signature burger. So while you can’t go back and time and enjoy this dinner with me, you can enjoy a great meal at BBSC and enjoy a cold brew from Cisco.

*While I did receive this complimentary dinner provided by Back Bay Social Club and Cisco Brewer’s, these opinions are entirely my own.

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Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Monday Munchies: Union Square Donuts- Somerville, MA

May 5, 2014

I love donuts.

I mean, who doesn’t?!?

Doughnuts or Donuts… I like them equally as much!

And I love donuts from Union Square Donuts in Somerville, MA, a suburb just north of Boston. It’s a small shop that sells donuts and fresh brewed coffee. I don’t think things need to be more complicated than that.

They are famous for creating large flavorful, soft, airy, and unique donuts. They were even included in Thillist’s list of 21 Best Donut Shops in America that came out just last month. Their yeast and cake donuts are equally as good as their sweet and savory donuts, which will set you back $3 for regular ones and $3.50 for the premium ones.

I mean just check these babies out!

Mouth watering!!!

Maple Bacon

This is a must get donut here. This is a great combination of salty and sweet. The maple glaze is offset with the cripsy, crunchy bacon. It can be a bit messy to eat but I won’t tell if you lean over the sink and eat it. Or if you hold your plate up to your face and then lick it later. I swear I won’t tell. ($3.50)

Sea-Salted Bourbon Caramel

This is my favorite donut. It’s massive and intensely flavorful. The donut itself is very light as it’s dough is full if airy pockets. The caramel glaze is sweet and the bourbon in there adds a lot of flavor. But the sweetness is also balanced with the sea-salt. Be careful, it’s really sticky, but I don’t think that is a bad thing, just give your fingers a good lick once your done! ($3.00)

Bacon Cheddar Sage

They have savory donuts! Both are crazy good but I love the Bacon Cheddar Sage. I love the bacon and the cheddar combo but the herby flavor from the sage is so good.($3.50)

Boston Cream

I’ve lived in Boston for over 10 years and have never had Boston Cream Pie from Omini Parker House, which is directly across from my office. FOR SHAME! But that doesn’t mean I don’t know a good Boston Creme Pie Donut when I devoure it. This crispy ried donut is jam packed full of a vanilla bean cream and then topped off it a velvety chocolate glaze. The vanilla cream is packed full of vanilla bean caviar so the vanilla flavor shines through against the chocolate. Yum! ($3.50)

Brioche Cinnamon Roll

This was the first time they were serving these guys. I just happened to be there when they brought out the first tray. I have to admit it felt a little special to be there to get to try one of the first ones ever sold.

Price commented on how this reminded him of Baklava because of the cinnamon and honey combination of flavors. The honey glaze is super sweet but really enjoyable as it’s sweetness is slightly cut back from the cinnamon that is swirled through the bun. ($5.00)

I mean… come on! I can’t even get over how good everything is here!! Besides the ones showcased above, hey have flavors like Brown Butter Hazelnut Crunch, Vanilla Bean, Birthday Cake with Sprinkles, and Strawberry.

I have a love affair with the donuts at Union Square Donuts. I just can’t resist. And yet I don’t think Price minds when I give in and come home with a big box of donuts. ha!

I at least try to plan ahead by getting there soon after they open since they have been known to sell out in as little as 90 minutes. And missing out on getting one of these donuts would make me sad. They are only opened Thursday & Friday from 7 AM – 1 PM and on Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM. Even if you are just half awake after a night of drinking just stumble over there for a donut and coffee to perk yourself up!

Union Square Donuts

16 Bow Street

Somerville, MA 02143

3.14-16: Weekend Recap

March 18, 2014

{Friday Afternoon & Night}

Price brought Autumn into work | Dinner: Price had Taco Bell, I had Indian take-out leftovers | Grimm

{Saturday}

sleep in | Sonic | test drive a Mazda CX5

{Sunday}

Monday Munchies: Fajitas and ‘Ritas- Boston, MA

March 17, 2014

Fajitas and ‘Ritas has been serving Boston with fun Tex-Mex food since 1989. Enjoy Texas favorites from Nachos to Tequila Wings, Fajitas to Barbecue, and Chili to Burritos. That’s 25 years of amazing lunches and dinners serving up some delisious food and drinks!

Price had worked near Fajitas and ‘Ritas years ago so we would occasionally meet there for lunches or drinks after work. It was a great place for affordable meals and drinks to help you get though the rest of a rough day.

It had been ages since we went but going back for lunch recently brought back the memories of the great food and margaritas we enjoyed together and with friends among the mural covered walls.

During our recent visit, we had planned on starting with the Build Your Own Nachos. Basically, you start with a plate of tortilla chips with melted cheese ($3.74) and then you pick the toppings you would like. I like that you can make the nachos exactly how you enjoy them with steak ($3.74) or chicken ($2.15) or chili ($1.64) and topped off with things like sour cream ($.75) or jalapenos ($47). Nachos were on my mind but since a basket of warm tortilla chips with salsa were put in front of us the moment we were seated we decided to enjoy those and pick other starters when we ordered our drinks.

I ordered the Mexican Sunrise ($6.07). I wanted something fun and it sounded like a great pick with it’s Lunazul Reposado, Grenadine, lemonade, orange juice, fresh lime juice, and ginger ale. It had great bite from the tequila and the lemonade and was such a pretty color from the Grenadine. I liked the slight effervescence from the ginger ale as well.

Price enjoyed the house margarita ($5.37). Fresh citrus and a hearty amount of tequila always makes for a great drink. Plus, the affordable price doesn’t hurt.

Ultimately, we decided on starting with the small order of 8 tequila wings ($8.18). Price loves wings so this was his pick. He was excited to dig right in when they were set down in front of us and the scent of the wings rose up with the steam coming off the hot wings.

The tequila wings were juicy and really flavorful without being too hot. The tequila adds a really nice flavor. I would have preferred the skin to be crisper but I’m honestly really picky about wings since I don’t actually really like wings. shhh… I prefer tenders but I have to say I did have one of these and it was really good. Loved the flavor from the sauce.

The wings were served with a zesty blue cheese sauce and, of course, celery. I loved the blue cheese sauce as it was really creamy and flavorful. I couldn’t resist dipping some tortilla chips into the sauce as well.

I picked out the special of Jalapeno Poppers since they are some of my favorite appetizers. I love the combo of spicy pepper with cooling cream cheese and the crunch from the crisp coating. These poppers were a perfect combo of that. Plus crazy fresh from the fryer, which is a must with poppers as you want a hot filling and crisp coating.

The jalapeno poppers were served with the same zesty blue cheese sauce as the wings.

Fajitas and ‘Ritas has several zones in their restaurant. It makes for flexible seating when it comes to avoiding loud crowds or for hosting a party in an area.

For my entrée, I ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas ($10.28) because I couldn’t pass up the signature dish in which the restaurant is named.

The fajitas are served with fresh guacamole, chopped pico de gallo, sour cream, and 2 warm flour tortillas.

I loved it all. It was a large portion of vegetables with steak and 4 shrimp. The steak was lean, flavorful, and tender while the shrimp had a nice blackening to it from the heat of the cooktop. The steak was cut into strips so it was easy for stacking into the tortillas.

Because we enjoyed 2 starters, I saved half of my fajitas to have for lunch the next day. It heated up well in the microwave as the veggies were still a bit crisp and the steak was not too well done in the first place so it didn’t get tough and chewy after it was reheated.

Price picked the pulled pork platter ($9.35). The platters are served with a corn muffin, cole slaw, beans, and a side of BBQ sauce. The typical hearty Texas meal!

Price really enjoyed the 12 hour smoked pork that was smothered in BBQ sauce. The thick sauce was smokey and sweet and a great compliment to the beans. A bite of pulled pork followed up with a bite of corn muffin was a great combination.

We both really enjoyed the cole slaw as it was really crunchy and lightly dressed. For us, texture is a big factor in a good cole slaw and this style of cut (like a dice, not ribboned) makes it extra crunchy.

While Price was enjoying his entrée, he had a CoronaRita ($8.41). What’s a CoronaRita? Well, it’s their house frozen margarita served with an upside down 7oz bottle of Corona in it. As you drink the margarita you pull the Corona out of the drink to release more of the beer so it mixes with the ‘rita. yum!

Besides the margaritas, they also serve wine and margarita like drinks with a vodka base instead of tequila. The Texas Sipper ($6.54) made with Titos Handmade Vodka, St. Germain, Grapefruit Juice, soda has my name all over it for next time.

I had been hoping to enjoy some dessert but we had filled up too much on our meal. Only means we need to go back for some Sopapillas (One for $1.64, Three for $4.40) and, of course, more ‘ritas!

And a big THANK YOU to our waitress who gave us awesome service, as well as being super sweet to Autumn. Just the sweetest thing ever!!!!!! Love the extra attention for our little one. Made my day.

Fajitas and ‘Ritas

25 West St #1

Boston, MA 02111

617.426.1222

*While a portion of my lunch bill was comped by Fajitas and ‘Ritas these opinions are entirely my own.

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Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Tip Tap Benedict @ The Tip Tap Room, Boston MA

October 1, 2013

For one of our monthly date days I took Pricer out to brunch at The Tip Tap Room here in Boston for their Tipsy Brunch. We have loved Chef/owner Brian Poe since we met him years ago when he became the head chef of The Rattlesnake Bar and Grill. I knew that brunch would be a hit here because of how awesome everything from the The Rattlesnake, and here at the Tip Tap Room, has been over the past few years.

Tip Tap Bloody Mary

our spicy homemade Bloody Mary with a candied bacon rim. $10.00

Obviously, brunch = Bloody Mary’s. While I love a mimosa, I can thow together some oj and champange/ perseco myself so I go I will order a Bloody Mary 9x out of 10. I’m always just so interested in how everyone makes their Bloody Mary base mix and how they finish off the glass with garnish. And this candied bacon rim was a winner. Sometimes I struggle with a bacon rim because it will be super smoked and I think that can just be too intense for the spicy sharp flavors of the Bloody Mary. So this slightly sweet bacon rim was really enjoyable.

Muffins and Stuff

Chef Poe’s blend of fresh breads with breakfast caramel butter $6.00

We started with the Muffins and Stuff to see what kind of fresh breads they offered. The chocolate bread was to die for. To-die-for. everything was incredible really with the moist breast, toasted English Muffins, and crunchy pastries. Plus, there was a caramel infused butter served along side of the bread basket. I wanted to sneak this ramekin into my purse. It was heavenly with its soft consistency and a sweet flavor that had toasty notes that went really well with the sweeter breads.

Corned Beef Hash

Topped with a poached egg $11.00

Price ordered the Corned Beef Hash entrée. It honestly surprised me because 1) he doesn’t covet Hollandaise like I do and 2) he doesn’t love runny eggs. So I had guessed he would pick something like the Belgian Beer Waffles or the Steak & Egg entrees.

So when he picked the Corned Beef, and loved it, I was really shocked. But he really enjoyed combining the in homemade shaved corned beef with the home fries and scooping up a bite of the Hollandaise sauce covered egg. It was that really balanced bite that he really enjoyed. The runny egg yolk was not too intense for him because it was mixed together with the Hollandaise sauce, and ultimately mixed together with the salty meat and crisp potatoes. A real play on texture and flavors.

Tip Tap Room_Corned Beef Hash_02

I think that I have to give this a try next time.

serious noms.

Tip Tap Benedict

Butter Fried Smashed Potato Cake dusted with English Muffin Crumbs, Cured Ham, Poached Eggs, Beer Cheese Hollandaise $12.50

Of course I ordered the Eggs Benedict dish. duh.

I did consider some of the other entrée offerings, but only for a split second since I can’t resist Eggs Benedict and this once just sounded so incredible.

I was really intregeted by the Fried Smashed Potato Cake because I was wondering how it would taste and if it would have a chunky texture. I was thinking of the post- Thanksgiving leftover creations I make up. But I discovered this was not at all like my leftover mashups. (Thankfully!) This potato cake was soo light, fluffy, and very smooth. The English Muffin crumbs on the outside were super fine and a lovely golden brown color. Oh yeah, there might have been some butter going on.

On top of the potato cake was the cured ham, which was just like Canadian Bacon, and then the egg and the dreamy Beer Cheese Hollandaise sauce. I repeat… Beer Cheese Hollandaise. Yep, can’t have a tipsy brunch without some beer in your Hollandaise sauce. Plus it was cheesy too! So it was not like any other Hollandaise I had before since I’m sured to the more traditional sauce that is pretty lemony. The play on the sauce was really interesting. It was really think, creamy and all around amazing.

Under all that Beer Cheese Hollandaise sauce were the loveliest poached eggs. I love when they don’t look that uniform, like someone cut off the edges with a scissor. Besides that they were cooked well. The yolk was super runny and there was not too much (gross) runny white surrounding it.

I wanted to lick this plate clean to get every bit of the egg yolk, Hollandaise sauce and infused oil off the plate and into my stomach. But I had some self control and managed to resist myself.

Rating

Potato cake– 20/20 pts

Cured Ham– 18/20 pts

Poached Egg– 23/25 pts

Hollandaise Sauce– 25/25 pts

No side*– 0/10 pts

Total: 86*/100 pts

*There was no side, like home fries or a side salad, which I rate because its pairing is just as important. Also, I can’t just ignore a bad side when looking at a whole entrée. So while there was no side (knocking it 10 points from my rating) it was a hearty enough Eggs Benedict that I didn’t feel like it was lacking, especially with the big potato cakes.

The Tip Tap Room

138 Cambridge Street

Boston, MA 02114

(857) 350-3344

Tipsy Brunch: Sunday 10:30am—3pm

ROY G. BIV

June 18, 2013

Last night there was a fierce storm that passed though Boston right as I was about to leave for home. From a hot sticky afternoon to a chilly wet evening in just about an instant! At least I didn’t have to water the plants. 🙂 Well, after a bit of a delay I headed to meet Pricer and continue on our way home. I got to work on making dinner and he took the dog out. I soon got beckoned outside to see this…

Incredible.

I went to tell my neighbor about it but was having a little bit of a hard time explaining what I was insisting she come outside to see since I couldn’t remember what rainbow is in Spanish. Note to future self: it’s Arco Iris!

Loved how bright it was. Just something magical about it.

PS-Thank you everyone for the well wishes related to our little news on Sunday. Oh baby!

Monday Munchies: Chefs in Shorts 2013

June 17, 2013

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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So I’m changing this up this week and sharing with you a recap of an event instead of an established eatery. What I say goes!

Last Friday night we attended the sold out (!!) 16th annual Chefs in Shorts event. It was my first time attending the benefit that helps out Future Chefs, which helps students in the Boston area get into culinary school and ultimately into kitchens. So cool.

As soon as I walked in I saw this little cutie hard at work helping her chef aunt prep the most amazing grilled cheese. I just love when kids are helping out and learning in the kitchen.

I could have eaten each and every one of those grilled cheeses. But I held back and only had one. Sang! So good!!

Working on some potato pancakes to serve up with chicken chili. The flavors were so good. A bit of a kick from all the spices. Plus, check out the view… that was just as awesome!

Decorate your own cupcake bar! Pick out the cake and frosting combo and then get to decorating. This would be so cute for a kids party.

Can I have a platter of these please?

This station served ribs that you could top with honey… that you scrape right off the comb. Seriously- coolest thing ever.

So much fun to see the chefs grilling up a storm.

We were stuffed (and one of us was buzzed) at the end of the night. It was so much fun to meet the different chefs and try all the fun grilled dishes that they were preparing for everyone to enjoy.

I can’t wait for next year’s event!

While I was invited to attend this event as a guest, my views and opinions are my own.

Monday Munchies: The Red Hat- Boston, MA

June 3, 2013

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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Oh, man my Monday Munchies series has really taken a hit! I’ve slacked off since we hadn’t really been going out with having the dog to coordinate our outings around. Plus, Price and I have been so busy at work so we’ve just been keeping things simple and staying in. Or ordering take out- love you Foodler! I hate being off schedule, even if it is my own schedule so I’m starting things up again and I promise I’ll have some great shares in the upcoming months. 🙂

So here I am, finally sharing with you about a nice little lunch I had with Pricer at The Red Hat in Boston. We had a groupon so we got a fantastic deal on this lunch. Plus it’s exactly why we ordered so much. noms.

Santa Fe Egg Rolls- Egg rolls stuffed with Santa Fe sauced chicken and spring vegetables. Served with orange marmalade sauce – 6.99

These were really good but nothing too special. Plus, I have a feeling they were pre-made. I never would have thought of pairing spicy egg rolls with a marmalade sauce but it was a nice opposites attract sort of thing.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders- Breaded chicken tenders with accompanying sauces – 7.99

Do you see how big these tenders are?!? These were soooo good. And massive! The buffalo sauce was spicy but, as always, served with some celery and blue cheese dressing to cool it down. These would be great for a crowd to enjoy while watching a game.

Turkey Club Salad- Your favorite club without the bread. Spring greens topped with roasted turkey breast, tomatoes and red onions tossed with honey mustard dressing. Finished with crispy bacon bits – 8.99

Price ordered this salad since he loves club sandwiches and salads. It was a big, fresh salad piled high with toppings. The salad was served was a tangy honey mustard dressing, which went nicely along with the turkey.

Polo Grasso- Sautéed chicken, strips of bacon, Russian dressing and topped with mozzarella cheese-8.99

I loved this sandwich so much. I thought it sounded good and I was right. The chicken, bacon, and motz combo was so good. I also think it would be great with swiss, but anyway. It was a great combo tied together with the tangy Russian dressing. (Random factoid- I love Russian dressing on sandwiches, but not on salads.) It was served with a mound of seasoned waffled fries.

Some things were ordered were hits and others were misses but we really enjoyed the lunch over all. It was a great deal as we had plenty of left overs to enjoy the next day. Give The Red Hat a try for lunch as well. 🙂

The Red Hat

9 Bowdoin Street

Boston, MA 02114

(617) 523-2175

My city

April 16, 2013

Boston (and the surrounding towns of Brookline, Newton, and Chelsea) has been my home since late August 2003. I am approaching my 10 yr anniversary of when we packed up my stuff into a u-haul and my mom and step dad moved me up to my cute studio apartment at Beacon Street and Mass Ave. I left everything I knew behind in CT to go to a new to me city to attend Boston Architectural College.

I was setting forth on my own little adventure in Boston.

I always joke/whine that Boston is not a city all because of its size and my long-standing relationship with NYC. But it is a great little city that has captured my heart. I love to wander around the different neighborhoods when we have time to. While I joke how small it is, I also enjoy that it is so small and you can practically walk end to end taking it all in.

It is well-known that I do not like winter but when the snow is lightly falling on The Common or at the old cemeteries across from where I work I can’t help but smile as the city gets a new white start that day.

Then in the spring as the magnolia blossoms are opening wide along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall I take that in. I loved it the first spring I was here and I love it still. I push the limits and wear flip-flops far to soon but love the warm days that are woven between the days that still have a chill in the air.

My favorite season is summer with heat radiating off the pavement and my hair sticks to my neck from the humidity. The city is alive with events and people all around soakng up the summer sun. I can’t miss an opportunity to sit on the greenway and watch kids run through the fountains while I enjoy a lunch from a food truck.

And the fall is lovely in New England so it goes without a doubt to say that Boston has a special feel about it when the air gets crisp and cool again.

I’m still quite in shock when I think about the attack on Boston yesterday along the Boston Marathon route. I find attacks like this cowardly. How dare you harm innocent people cheering on family and friends doing something they love? How dare you?!?

As much as this incident is horrible, horrific, and senseless, I am reminded of how much good there is in the world as I hear stories and see images of people helping out at the explosion sites or by opening their homes up to people who couldn’t get back to their hotels.

This will only make us stronger.

Monday Munchies: Pedro’s Tacos- Boston MA

March 18, 2013

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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When my coworker told me that he had just been to a new taco place just a few blocks from work I knew that I had to give it a try. He was telling me about Pedro’s Tacos. A Cali transplant that has brought tacos to downtown Boston.

I’ve really enjoyed everything that I have tried and I just love the menu is on a surfboard! You can get everything from nachos, tacos, burritos, and combo plates with rice and beans.

Their classic taco is the Fish Taco. For 3.49 you can’t beat a taco made with 2 corn tortillas a fried fish fillet, fresh shredded cabbage, dressing, and salsa. I prefer the tacos without salsa but give it a try.

For just $1 more the Shrimp Taco is also a steal at $4.49. The tacos are packed with 5 or so shrimp

If you are looking for a vegetarian option then try the potato one, which is similar to the fish taco, but with a hash brown. It is basic but fun to load up with the different salsas that they have at their salsa bar. Verde is always a winner for me.

I also really enjoy the Lobster Tacos. Lobster at lunch any day of the week… love!!!

If you can’t make it to lunch and need a burrito fix as soon as possible then you should stop by. They open up at 7 so you have a whole 12 hours a day to visit Pedro’s slice of Cali here in Boston. Stop by for breakfast from 7-11 for some breakfast burritos.

I mean just look how big their breakfast burritos are!!

Oh, hello… this bean, egg and hash brown burrito set me back just a bit over $5 and it left me so full that I had a late lunch and very light dinner. Great start to the day. noms!

So grab some cash or your cell to use LevelUp to get some tacos or burritos. Satisfy that craving!!

** Join LevelUp with my unique invitation link and get $5 instantly!**

Pedro’s Tacos

55 Bromfield Street

Boston, MA 02108

(617) 482-8822

M-F 7am-7pm

Time to Explore: Must-Haves from Asian Supermarkets

February 20, 2013

Boston Magazine asked me to share about how they have an Asian focused dining guide in their February issue. I love venturing into Chinatown and finding new places or visiting my favorites. I suggest you do the same and keep an open mind, bring cash, and go hungry! I love when I have a friend to guide me through the different shops and restaurants so here is a little guide Leah Mennies, Food Editor, has created to help you with some shopping in Asian Supermarkets*.

Leah Mennies Shares Her Must-Haves from Asian Supermarkets

For February issue’s “The Complete Guide to Asian Cuisine,” I spent quite a bit of time in Asian supermarkets like Ming’s (in the South End) and H Mart (in Burlington). Here are my must-have items:

Chinese black vinegar: Similar to balsamic and perfect as the base for a dumpling dipping sauce.

Hot sesame oil: Adds a spicy kick to soups, stir-fries, and salad dressings.

Brown rice cakes: These sliced rice cakes have a texture similar to a flattened piece of gnocchi and they’re a great (and gluten-free) alternative to pasta.

Pocky sticks: Chocolate-Dipped Pocky biscuits that are a (relatively) low-calorie, sweet indulgence.

Dried mushrooms: Soak in lukewarm water for about ten minutes, drain and squeeze, and chop up for stir-fries, soups, or fried rice.

Yu-Choy: If mustard greens and broccoli rabe had a baby…it would be this.

Fried shallots: Works on everything—basically, a skinnier, less puffy version of French’s fried onions.

Oyster sauce: Adds a salty, earthy depth of flavor to sauces.

Fish sauce: Go for the Three Crabs Brand, perfect in Thai-style salads.

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I hope this guide helps you out on your next adventure exploring markets near you. But don’t fear if you can’t find an Asian Supermarket near you! You can always turn to Amazon as they have a wide selection that can be delivered right to your door. All that matters is that you try something new and enjoy the process! 🙂

Be sure to check out the other great articles in Boston Magazine and on their on-line Restaurant and Food Section. There are pieces all about the food scene in and around Boston but their feature right now is on Asian Dining.

Now I really want to stroll around Chinatown and try some new places in their Chinatown Tour to Asian Dining. I’ve already been to a few places but I should take this as the perfect opportunity to try some new places and dishes.

And they call it puppy love

January 27, 2013

boston terrier_01

Yesterday, Pricer and I went to our Boston Terrier breeder to visit the puppies again. We are picking up our pup next weekend!!! We had our deposit in first so we get first pick so we came to take some time to figure out which one we liked most on appearance and personality.

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There are 3 males to pick from so we each held them for a bit to see how they did being held again. Plus the puppy breath is to die for.

At that point I was drawn to the first puppy born which was a brindle one. Price liked the 2nd one (photo directly above) and the 3rd one, which was the smallest. As usually, we agreed on nothing.

Tony, the breeder, said we could put them down. This would allow us to see how they played and responded to us. Game changer.

Lap of puppies. #3 on left,#2 on right

Tony also had 2 rex 6 month old kittens. One decided that I made the perfect seat to watch us play with the puppies.

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Seriously so cute!! 7 weeks of cuteness

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After we left the puppies play around for a while between us we decided on #3, above picture. While they are all super wonderful puppies and we would be lucky to get any of them, we picked him because he was the mellowest of the three. The other 2 wanted to climb over us, which was cute, but we are aiming for a little guy who is a bit more chill. Plus one who does not NEED to chew on our shoes and pants, which the other 2 quite enjoyed.

We put the pups back in the elevated crate to snuggle with the girls and take a nap. The puppy pid pile is the cutest. One choice on #3 seemed to solidify when #1 started to hump one of the sleeping girls, which let him know she did not enjoy that. Not polite!

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sooo sleepy…

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Some of the girls woke back up and were thirsty.

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Fat belly!!!

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I just about peed my pants laughing when I turned and looking at Tony’s pugs. He was falling asleep like that so his block head would droop down and then pop back up as he caught himself dozing. Hilarious.

It was so worth it to go back since they changed a lot in 4 weeks and having that time with him really helped us pick which one we will be taking home next week. SQUEEE!!!!