Boston Food Guy

I know – some of you really love these burgers.  I have read the reviews on all the other sites and magazines – so I had to try it.  The burger is like a big meatball at this Somerville institution.  Yes you know the drill, the owner says that it’s up to you to squish the burger and that’s just how he makes them.

What everyone forgets to tell you is that the burger is as dry as cardboard.  I’ve tried two burgers there – both were unseasoned – dry- and boring.

The service was curt – and unfriendly.  We went on a very unbusy Sunday around 2ish – there was only about 6 other people in the place.  And still – service was slow – our glasses were dirty and the burgers were boring.

I actually don’t mind the roundness of the burger – that’s cool – but the lack of flavor and juices is what bothered me the most.

I don’t think I’ll be going back – there are much better burger places out there. 

Yea I know – this is the flagship of Todd English’s empire.  I want to say up front I think Todd English is a fantastic chef and that I typically have been impressed at his restaurants and menus.

I really don’t like Olives.  Don’t get me wrong – I’ve given it plenty of chances – I wanted to like it.  I really did.  But to me the single thing that was consistent wasn’t the food it was the terrible service.

Consistently bad service.  I have eaten at the bar – bad service.  Large dinner party – bad service.  And for an intimate dinner for two – (poor/average service that time).

Listen, the food is good – sometimes great (fantastic steak frites – and the pork chop was decent as well).  But what was always left in my mouth was the taste of a rude bartender – or rushed and thoughtless waitstaff.  I actually thought about telling the bartender how disappointed I was with him – but the BFG doesn’t like to confrontation.

Anyway, the decor is lovely – and it is almost always buzzing with people.  But just be prepared to wait – and wait.  Don’t expect your water to be filled – with a server that smiles – or anything else for that matter. At the end of the day – for the prices that you’re paying you expect quality service.

And it’s a shame because Figs just down the street is just to opposite – that wait staff is seemingly always cheery and helpful.  I don’t get it.

Executive chef Tom Holloway has done a tremendous job at this suburban gem of a restaurant.  I don’t know the whole back story behind the old Todd English Rustic Kitchen in Faneuil Hall and I don’t really care – this is Jim and Kathy Cafarelli’s and I couldn’t be happier.  I am not going to lie, I didn’t expect much considering the location in the outdoor shopping area of Derby Street in Hingham, but what lies inside is nothing short of a fantastic dining experience – especially considering the price.  I have to first comment on the service – because our waitress not only offered heartfelt and honest opinions (I always love it when they tell you what they don’t like on the menu) but was always helpful and attentive.  The ambiance was just lovely – you forgot you were in Hingham the moment you stepped in.  We split an appetizer of the Lobster and artichoke dip – not what I expected but it was delicious with the wontons being very flavorful and crispy.  The wine selection was descent but did offer good value – so I give them a hat tip to being smart for offering such a nice range of offerings.  Then came my pork chops – oh my – think – and juicy – with a wonderful sweetness.  They were brined in an apple cider.  Just perfect – the bostonfoodgal – had the squash ravioli – which were homemade and soft and full of a robust sweet flavor – with the sauce not overpowering the flavors of the ravioli which I liked.  I would highly recommend both dishes.   All in all – the Rustic Kitchen truly surprised me as I was going in not expecting much – but ended up leaving happy with a great meal at a reasonable price. 

Yes we all know that Dali is one of the most cozy and romantic places in the area.   The wonderful decorations, everything from the ceiling to the wall looks like it’s alive – Dali’s has a pulse. The aromas of dishes coming out instantly make you want to order everything on the menu – which doesn’t sound like a bad idea. The sangria is out of this world, so grab a carafe (or two).  One of my favorite dishes is the raspberry duck – always perfectly cooked with a wonderful sauce.  Plus you can never go wrong with the garlic shrimp, and for dessert the flan is outrageously good. Service is also top-notch. The waitstaff is always there to help and offer suggestions. Trust their judgment as they will likely have you try dishes you wouldn’t normally order and you now have a new favorite.

Locke Ober is old Boston at it’s finest. Superior service in an elegant setting.  The menu has all of the best classics with some being tastefully updated with  modern touches. The lobster savannah is well worth the price – and while ordering please – ask for the Ward 8 cocktail as well as the lobster stew. I mean for those of us who see a visit to Locke Ober as a special event, why not go all out? For dessert make sure to get the baked Alaska. It’s to die for. Please understand that Locke Ober certainly isn’t inexpensive, but it does rate well on value – and that goes to show how great not only the food is, but the service is impeccable. The wait staff  is always present, but not hovering, and they never make you feel rushed. I could not have been happier.

Wine list is ample. Oh – and ask to see the Kennedy room it’s worth it.

And yes they did have Island Creek Oysters when I went.

This old time Jamaica Plain watering hole is a political spot for the ages.  You feel like at any moment a Mayor Flynn or Billy Bulger might walk in and order a point.  While the charm is still there – Doyles itself is showing it’s age.  The pints still flow – and the food – well the food is what you expect.  They have the basics down – the fish and chips – a burger- but what sells the place is the vibe.  It’s a walk down history lane with the Menino Room and some great pictures on the wall.  Anyway, Doyles has always had a special place in our hearts and it always will.

This hot spot is one of the most beautiful and exciting restaurants you can go in the North End.  I say exciting because the blend of contemporary dished infused with traditional favorites allows you to experience dishes that you thought you knew – in a whole new way.  One of the best examples of this is their simple – yet elegant antipasta – which allows you to taste all the different meats and cheeses for what they are – wonderful ingredients of top notch quality – without being all blended together in a messy pile.  All of the meals that I have had their have been wonderful, from veal and lamb to their gnocchi.  While service for some reason always seems be slow – the waitstaff is always there to please.  This is a wonderful date destination and they throw a wonderful private party as well.

This is probably my favorite spot for lunch in Boston. Everyone always calls this a “brunch spot,” but I’m not exactly sure why because the sandwiches are the real draw. Friggin good sandwiches I might add. If you’re a total foodie, you’ll fall for this place too – they get their sandwiches from other chefs in the city. There’s only about a dozen on the menu, so you have to be a little adventurous to love it like I do, but it’s well worth it. They have added new things to their menu recently, but the Zuni Roll is my favorite. It’s delicious! Visiting the Parish Cafe also wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the outdoor patio either – best spot in the city. If you go on a nice Saturday afternoon, be prepared to spend some time waiting for an outdoor table, but in that case, try one of their funky drinks – that menu is one of the best around as well!

This downtown crossing lunch spot is not a bad spot for a quick bite of Italian food.  Nothing here will wow you, but for the price you get a pretty good deal.  The lines always look intimidating – but they know how to quickly move a crowd.  The baked zita is one of their better items, as well as the chicken parm.  Again, this is Italian food cooked for a large hungry lunch crowd – don’t expect something you’ll get in the North End.  The sitting area is what you’d expect with the basic tables squeezed together – with lots of loud noise from the folks on their lunch break.  The pizza is underwhelming.  But if you need some Italian and find yourself in Downtown Crossing, eh give Rico a shot.

If you go to Nebo’s and don’t order both the Mussels for an app – and the Nebo pizza – you’re missing out on two of the hidden gems in the North End. The mussels served at Nebo’s in this fantastic – thick and flavorful broth might be the best BFG has ever tasted – they are always cooked fantastic and the bread they serve with it goes just perfectly. It’s a little bit of heaven in a bowl.

Then you get to pizza with an egg on top… yea it sounds gross – but it’s really good. The friendly service at Nebo’s adds to it’s charm, and if you are lucky you might even seen a Celtics player or two. Check out Nebo’s for a different take on the North End.