For Foodaholics

Cooper's Tavern

2013-01-21T22:09:00.001-05:00

I usually avoid the Herald Square area if I'm looking for a nice sit-down restaurant, the area is way too crowded and over-priced, but Cooper's Tavern is definitely an exception. They have great food, a reasonably priced happy hour, and the waitstaff is always very attentive.

As the name implies, Cooper's Tavern has that mahogany wood and dim yellow light decor with TVs showing live sports games, but it's nothing like your average pub. The artwork and decorative glass wall all lend to an upscale American restaurant environment. The waitstaff is super friendly and eager to please you. They aren't afraid to say if they don't like something on the menu and never leave your water glass empty.

The restaurant has a great happy hour special. Selected appetizers are all under $10 and draft beers, house wines, appletinis, cosmopolitans and sangria are under $7. I definitely recommend getting a glass of sangria and fried calamari.

The menu at Cooper's Tavern ranges from seafood to steak to pastas and pizzas. There's something on there for everyone. In addition, there's a prixe fix menu for $19.95 that includes an appetizer and entree. Try the bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and olive oil for your appetizer (definitely meant to be shared). For my main course, I had the pesto chicken pasta topped with ricotta. The delicious flavors of the pesto and the creaminess of the ricotta make this pasta perfect. Warning: there is a lot of fresh garlic in this dish, so if you're not a big garlic person, this may not be the option for you. My friend ordered steak with potatoes and, though it needed a little salt, the meat was juicy and the potatoes were the best I've tasted in awhile. For dessert, if you love chocolate as much as I do, try the chocolate ganache cake. It's very heavy and can be a bit overwhelming if you aren't prepared, but a bite of this can cheer up anyone.

Would I recommend Cooper's Tavern? It may be just a little bit over-priced but the food and great service definitely make up for it. If anything, it's worth checking out for its happy hour.

Cooper's Tavern
481 8th Avenue,
New York, NY 10001
(212) 268-8460

Bambara

2012-12-26T15:57:00.001-05:00

Boston is known for its seafood restaurants and a great one to try is Bambara Restaurant in Cambridge.

Bambara Restaurant is located near the Cambridge Galleria. The lighting, table settings, decor and ambiance create a wonderful classy American environment. The waitstaff is very helpful with explaining the menu and offering recommendations for the perfect meal. I went with a group of ten friends and our waiter was always there when we needed him and got all of our orders right.

The food itself is delicious. Although the menu has a wide variety of options, I definitely recommend the seafood courses. I tried the spicy tuna tartare for the appetizer course. It comes with an avocado puree and crispy potato chips. It's not as spicy as the name implies so don't be scared to try it. The fried squid and grilled flatbread are equally delicious. If you're in the mood for soup, try the lobster bisque which is one of the best I've tasted.

For my entree, I got the pan seared sea scallops which were cooked perfectly and came with a delicious tangy sauce. If you choose to get the lobster meal, the lobster roll and lobster risotto are made with the freshest ingredients. The risotto isn't too creamy or heavy so you get to enjoy your whole meal without being overwhelmed by one particular flavor.

The only negative comment I have about Bambara is its vanilla creme brulee. I love all things sweet but this was just a little too sweet for me. But the restaurant has many other dessert options. For something on the lighter side, try a selection of the sorbet. For something warmer, try the caramel banana bread pudding. It's definitely a dessert meant to be shared but this warm treat is a perfect way to end your meal. Bambara also has a huge selection of wines, champagnes and cocktails. Ask your waiter to help pick the best match to accompany your meal.

I went to Bambara Restaurant during restaurant week over the summer. The regular menu may be a little bit different but this is definitely a restaurant I recommend trying if you're in the Boston area.

Bambara Restaurant
25 Edwin H. Land Blvd.
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 868-4444

Sweet Potato Casserole

2012-11-18T18:42:00.000-05:00

Here's a yummy recipe for your Thanksgiving table!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
5 sweet potatoes
1/4 cup margarine (reduced fat for a healthier option)
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 package of miniature marshmallows

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 F.
2) Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1 inch thick slices.
3) Place the slices into a saucepan and cover with water.
4) Add salt to the sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash.
5) Place mashed sweet potatoes into a large bowl. Add the margarine, brown sugar, orange juice and ground cinnamon. Blend the ingredients with an electric mixer.
6) Spread the mixture evenly in a 9x13 baking dish. Add a layer of marshmallows on top.
7) Bake for about 20 minutes or until the marshmallow are golden brown and enjoy!

(Makes 8 servings.)

El Viejo Yayo

2012-10-29T16:06:00.002-04:00

I don't often try restaurants in Queens but recently I went to El Viejo Yayo for some Spanish food.

This is one of those restaurants that you can't really tell what you're getting yourself into until you experience it. It looks like a bar from the outside, with a big light-up OPEN sign in the window. But inside are white table-clothed tables with a bottle of wine on each. But, there's also two televisions and refrigerator where they keep their desserts and bottled beer. Management is very confused if it wants a casual bar or fancy Spanish cuisine restaurant.

The service was terrible. There were two waiters to wait on four tables but service was still slow. I couldn't find a waiter to ask for more water or for the check. Both had difficulty understanding English and couldn't answer any questions. I was even asked to move once I had sat down and started eating.

The only slightly redeeming part of this experience was the food. El Viejo Yayo has a very extensive menu, leaving little room for someone to not find something they like on the menu. Most main dishes come with a side, which was my favorite part of the meal. The rice and beans and maduros (sweet fried plantains) were delicious. My entree, chicken with a mushroom sauce, was decent at best decent. The sauce overpowered everything else on the plate and tasted like oil as the food began to cool. For dessert, I got a slice of tres leches cake, which, even though it came from a plastic box from that very visible dessert and beer refrigerator, was really good. It wasn't too sweet or dry. Paired with a cup of coffee, it was a great ending to the meal.

Would I recommend going to this restaurant? Probably not. You can always find a much better Spanish restaurant in NYC. The decent food didn't come close to making up for the terrible service and confusing environment.

Rabia's

2012-08-24T15:15:00.002-04:00

I've been so busy with moving back home and such I completely forgot to write about an amazing restaurant in the North End, Rabia's Italian Seafood and Oyster Bar.
Rabia's is located on one of the main streets in the North End, right next a cute little sweet shop that you should also visit. One of the greatest things about the restaurant, besides the food, is it decor. The walls are lined with ivy and flowers and fruit hang from the ceiling. The lamps are decorated with crystals and the whole restaurant seems to transport you somewhere far and much more serene than downtown Boston. The waitstaff is very attentive; they are eager to help with the menu and always quick to refill your water glass.

The Italian restaurant has as an extensive menu with something to please everyone. For goat cheese lovers, try the Baked Goat Cheese as an appetizer. The cheese is creamy and smooth, perfect to eat with the toasted crostini. While Rabia's has a great standard menu, don't forget about the daily specials. I tried the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, which was served over penne with sundried tomatoes and delicious. The restaurant is known for its seafood selection so you should definitely try one of the lobster dishes. The Ravioli d'Aragosta comes in a creamy champagne sauce and is the best lobster ravioli I've ever tried. I'm not usually a big fan of risotto, but Rabia's has amazing seafood risotto and lobster risotto that you should try if you prefer heavier meals. Of course, being an Italian restaurant, there is a great wine selection at decent prices to accompany your meal.

Rabia's may be on the pricier side as far as restaurants go in the North End, but it has a great atmosphere and delicious food, which make it perfect for any special occasion.

Rabia's
73 Salem Street
Boston, MA
(617) 227-6637

Ocean Grill

2012-07-26T22:19:00.000-04:00

It's NYC Restaurant Week (actually 3 weeks), a great time to have a delicious 3 course meal at any of the hundreds of restaurants in New York City. I had a great lunch at the Ocean Grill, a seafood restaurant on the Upper West Side.

Ocean Grill is located just a few minutes walk from the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, making it a great place to eat while you're enjoying the city. It has outdoor seating with a view of the museum and a soothing interior that reminds you of the beach. Seashells hang from the lights on the ceiling and the walls have a wavy pattern. This is definitely a white table cloth restaurant so make sure you dress up.

I personally chose this restaurant because it had many things on its Restaurant Week menu that I've never tried before and it was all delicious. I tried the watermelon gazpacho with scallops for an appetizer. The mix of pepper, onion and mint in this dish make it a refreshing treat for the summer. The salmon roll is also yummy and probably one of the best salmon rolls I've ever had.

For the entree, I ordered the cod and this is the only complaint I had with the meal. The fish and the sauce were delicious and the tomatoes helped to add just the right amount of tartness to the dish. However, I wish there had been different flavors on the plate because it all started to taste the same after a while. The lobster roll, on the other hand, had a great mix of flavors and came on a freshly baked bread. The fries that came with the roll won the entree round for me. I've never had better fries! Ocean Grill has found a way to make each and every fry the perfect mix of crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The dessert was my favorite course. The strawberry shortcake was light and the lemon sauce was refreshing after such a heavy meal and walking around in the sun. The chocolate torte was a little heavy but I love my chocolate and the vanilla ice cream really helped to balance the density. The cookie crumbs and chocolate balls used to decorate the cake were my favorite part.

Overall, Restaurant Week at the Ocean Grill was a great experience with the delicious food and attentive staff. For all the seafood lovers out there, I definitely recommend eating at the Ocean Grill

Ocean Grill
384 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10024

Also, check out NYC Restaurant Week!

Tapeo

2012-05-03T18:33:00.000-04:00

During Restaurant Week, my friends and I went to Tapeo, a tapas bar on Newbury Street. I had heard really good things about the food there and thought Restaurant Week was a good time to check it out.

Like most restaurants on Newbury Street, Tapeo looks interesting from the outside and has a great seating arrangement. The lighting is a bit dark, or it could just be the rainy weather that day, but there's some very interesting decorations on the wall to remind you of Spanish culture. The waitstaff were friendly and prompt, and willing to explain the whole menu, which was helpful because I don't have much experience with eating at Spanish restaurants.

The regular menu and the Restaurant Week menu are basically the same. The only difference I noticed is that, for the appetizer course, I ordered a potato and ham spicy soup, which doesn't seem to be on the every day menu. My friends ordered the Tortilla Espanola, a Spanish omelet whose main ingredient is potatoes. The soup was delicious and just warm enough. The Tortilla Espanola came as a triangular slice with the right proportion of potatoes to eggs. For the main course, I got the saffron batter fried shrimp with spicy mayo. It is the most delicious fried shrimp I've ever tasted. I also tried the grilled Spanish sausage. It wasn't as sweet as I was expecting it to be but it was the perfect texture and very filling. We also ordered an eggplant and cheese bake (also cannot find on the menu), which kind of reminded me of eggplant parm. The sauce in the mixture added a nice tanginess to the dish, making it yummy.

If I had to choose, I would definitely say dessert was my favorite course. We ordered churros with hot chocolate, almond cake and, of course, flan. The churros are nothing like American churros you buy at amusement parks. They are salty and when dipped in the hot chocolate, you get this amazing sweet and salty flavor. The almond cake came with a coffee cream which was my favorite part of the dessert. It really helped to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Overall, the food was delicious and everyone should definitely grab their friends and check out Tapeo!

Tapeo
266 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-4799

Kashmir

2012-03-27T23:04:00.000-04:00

In my attempt to try all of the Indian restaurants in the area, a few weeks ago I had dinner at Kashmir Restaurant on Newbury Street. I've passed by this place so many times but it always felt like a special occasion type restaurant so I never went in. But I was really craving Indian food and wanted to go somewhere new, so I went here and I'm really glad I did!

Kashmir is one of those restaurants where you have to walk downstairs to get in and there's some outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful Newbury Street as you eat. It's a bit more expensive than Punjab Place, which means the people eating here are a little bit older. The restaurant is also classier and doesn't have televisions showing crazy Indian music videos. The decor, art and music are all in sync for a more cultural Indian atmosphere. The waiters are friendly and attentive and more than willing to help you with your order.

Most Indian restaurants serve papad, or Indian chips, with dipping sauce at the beginning of your meal. Kashmir serves little samosas, and these were my least favorite part of the meal. There was too much crust and not enough stuffing, and the crust was a little too hard. But the onion-pepper sauce, which is my favorite, was perfect and made the samosas much better.

The rest of the meal was great though. My friends and I ordered the Vegetarian Appetizer Platter to share, which is great because you get to try a little bit of everything. The samosas in this platter are delicious and remind me of home. My favorite was the paneer (homemade cheese) samosa; it has green sauce on the inside and seasoning in its batter which makes it so much more flavorful.

For the main course, we ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, Malai Kofta and Saag Paneer. You can ask your server to adjust the spiciness of the food to your liking. (If you really can't handle spicy food at all, ask for no spice because even milk can be too spicy for some people. If it's still too spicy, order Raita as a side dish. It's a yogurt sauce that balances the spiciness of the food.) All of the food was really good! I had never gotten lamb at an Indian restaurant before but it was delicious. The lamb was cooked just right so it wasn't too chewy and just melted in your mouth. They only give you 3 koftas, but the curry itself is so good, that's all you really need to eat the rice. The saag paneer (spinach and cheese) had the right balance of both ingredients and was one of the creamiest variations I've ever tried. The potato naan and onion naan were my favorite. Heads up, the naan are bigger than usual so you may want to start off with less than you normally order. To go with all this, try the Mango Lassi drink. I've found this drink is normally a hit or miss with restaurants but Kashmir's is really good.

Kashmir Restaurant can be a little pricier than your average weeknight dinner but the food is amazing and definitely worth checking out.

Kashmir
279 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-1695

Papa-Razzi

2012-03-19T17:41:00.000-04:00

I finally did brunch on Newbury Street! I was planning on going to Papa-Razzi for Boston Restaurant Week but ended up doing brunch instead and it was great!

Like most of the restaurants on Newbury Street, Papa-Razzi has outdoor seating and huge windows that are opened during spring and summer to let a nice breeze in. A heads up, if you're looking for outdoor seating, make reservations and get there in advance because there will be a long wait. The restaurant has an elegant look with white tablecloths and waitstaff wearing black aprons, but don't be intimidated or feel the need to get super dressed up because it also has a relaxed and friendly feel.

Our waiter was a little slow in introducing himself and taking our order but it was a reasonable wait considering how busy the restaurant was. After that, he was prompt and attentive and very helpful with providing suggestions on what to order.

Papa-Razzi's brunch menu has a little bit of everything for everyone and reasonably priced considering its location. I got the Calamari Fritti for an appetizer and I don't think I've ever had better. There's so much flavor to this dish and the calamari is cooked just right. It's a lot of food so make sure you have someone to share with. The Tuscan Eggs Benedict were the main course. It's one of the most popular dishes on the brunch menu and I can definitely see why. The poached eggs were delicious and the roasted potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's a light dish that combines the best of breakfast and lunch foods. If you're looking for something more breakfast-y, try the Frittata. This dish has a great balance of meat, vegetables and cheese, and the eggs have the perfect texture. The tomatoes are definitely the star of this dish; they provide the perfect fresh tangy flavor to complete this meal. All brunch items on the menu also come with a complimentary Bellini or Mimosa. (They're both delicious!)

I'd give Papa-Razzi a 4.5 out of a 5. You should check it out!

Papa-Razzi
159 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-9200

Cafe Brazil

2012-02-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

I had never been to a Brazilian restaurant before, except once in London but it was more of a contemporary Brazilian cuisine restaurant, so I decided to try Cafe Brazil in Allston.

Like most of the restaurants in Allston, don't judge this place by what it looks like outside. (That beer sign in the window has really got to go.) It seems like a fast-food or bar type restaurant but it's really a nice dine-in restaurant with live music.

The food here is delicious and comes in large quantities so be careful if you're ordering for a lot of people. For appetizer, I tried the chicken empanadas. They were flavorful but a little on the dry side. I ordered the Chicken Bossa Nova for dinner, grilled chicken breast and Brazilian sausage with vegetables. Make sure you try their sausage if you go! It was my favorite part of the whole meal. Everything tasted fresh and stayed warm because it was served on a sizzling platter. All of the entrees come with a side of rice and beans. Like I said, they serve a lot of food so definitely think before you order an appetizer or you can have yummy leftovers for the next day! And just because I love all sweet things, I also tried their sweet fried bananas. They didn't come in syrup, which was a little disappointing, but they were still pretty good. Sadly after all this I didn't have room for dessert and I missed it out on their custard with caramel sauce. (How good does that sound?)

The service at this restaurant is okay. The waitress forgot to bring out the side order with the meal but after that became very attentive and I never had to wait for her. True to the Hispanic custom, the waitstaff don't rush you and let you enjoy your meal and take as much time as you want. If you go later on in the evening, you'll get a chance to enjoy live Brazilian music while you eat.

Cafe Brazil may have some things it can improve on, such as its website, but it's definitely worth checking out for its delicious food.

Cafe Brazil
421 Cambridge Street
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 789-5980

Tiramisu in NYC

2012-01-30T23:13:00.000-05:00

My friend and I wanted to meet up to chat and relax in a cute little cafe and decided on Martha's Country Bakery on Austin Street in Queens. The bakery has a few locations in Queens and is supposed to be known for its traditional and home style feel. I didn't realize that I had been here once before and had tried the Roman Candle. It's a spongy cake dessert shaped like a candle, layered with cream and fruit, and encased in a chocolate cylinder to hold shape. It was delicious, just the right amount of sweet mixed with tart.

This time, I decided to try a slice of the Tiramisu and it just wasn't good. The cake was a little dry, with too much chocolate powder on top and not enough mascarpone cheese or espresso. It was served with a dollop of whipped cream, which only made everything worse.

If you want really good Tiramisu, try Pietrasanta restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. I randomly stumbled upon it while looking for dessert and decided to try it. It's a fancy restaurant, definitely catered to a sophisticated customer and great for dates. The waiters treat you like loyalty and you never have to hunt them down. The Tiramisu at this place is absolutely delicious! It's soft and moist and creamy and so good I can eat the whole slice for two by myself in one sitting. The restaurant also has a full menu and pri fixe dinner menu that I can't wait to try sometime soon. I definitely recommend going here if not for a full meal, then at least for dessert and drinks!

Although it doesn't make the greatest cakes, I do recommend checking out Martha's Country Bakery for its pastries and cookies.

Martha's Country Bakery
70-30 Austin Street
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 544-0088

Pietrasanta Restaurant
683 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
(212) 265-9471

Chart House

2012-01-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

I finally decided to try a seafood restaurant near the harbor in Boston (it only took me like 3 years!) I went to a place called Chart House, located along the water and highly recommended by one of my friends.

From the outside, the restaurant looks like an old lodge or inn where sailors may have stayed for the night; very fitting with the seaside theme. The inside is all dark and cozy, and the staff seems to whisper to add to the sophisticated ambiance of the Chart House. All of the waitstaff is very nice and eager to help you make a choice. You're never rushed through your meal but you don't have to wait forever to get your food either. The waiters guide you through your meal with perfect timing.

The food itself is absolutely delicious! There's something on the menu for everyone, even people who don't like seafood. I started off with the Lobster and Shrimp Spring Rolls which are served sliced in half with a dipping sauce. This dish is soo yummy, make sure you don't eat the whole plate or you won't have room for your entree. I would definitely recommend sharing this appetizer with someone.

For the main course, I order the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. I know it sounds really plain but they were the best crab cakes I have. They were just the right amount crispy and soft and served with green beans in this amazing sweet sauce. The Miso Glazed Salmon is also very tasty. It comes wrapped in prosciutto and of course glazed with miso sauce. It's the most different way I have ever seen salmon presented on a plate and it was just great. For drinks, you could of course have a glass of white wine or try one of their signature cocktails. Their mojitos are delicious!

It's a very popular restaurant, especially during the weekend, and I would suggest making reservations before going. If you do end up waiting (it's definitely worth the wait!), you can always enjoy a nice walk along wharf. Chart House is a great place for those special occasions!

Chart House
60 Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 227-1576

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

2011-11-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
1 box jumbo shells pasta
1 box of frozen creamed spinach
1 medium onion
1 medium sized container of ricotta cheese
1 jar of pasta sauce
1 packet of shredded mozzarella cheese
oregano
basil
salt
pepper
garlic
rosemary
olive oil

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Fill 3/4 of a large pot with water and set over medium-high heat to boil.

2. Add the jumbo pasta shells, about 3 tablespoons of olive oil and salt to liking.
3. Finely chop the onion and heat up the frozen spinach in the microwave.
4. Place a pan over medium heat and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the onion.
5. Cook the onion until tender. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary to liking.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the creamed spinach. Also add 3/4 of the ricotta cheese. Season again to liking.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and remove from heat. Let cool.
8. Fill shells with the onion, spinach and cheese mixture, and place in oven-safe baking pan.
9. Cover shells with pasta sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top until shells are covered.
10. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cheese has melted.

Finale

2011-11-20T11:06:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's taken me a whole semester to make a trip to Finale, an awesome dessert place located in Coolidge Corner (and other parts of Boston).

The restaurant has a very sophisticated feel about it. There are tables with white tableclothes and dim yellow lighting and soft music playing in the background. The waitstaff wear sleek black clothing with black aprons to complete the professional look.

Finale has a great dessert and wine selection. You can expect Cheesecake and Creme Brulee, but there's also Peanut Butter Pie and Bourbon Pecan Tart. My favorite is their Molten Chocolate cake. It's a chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate center, served with ice cream and and toasted almonds. If you're looking to share and want a bigger portion, order the Magnanimous Molten. It comes with a bigger cake and more ice cream, yum!

Finale also has dessert sampler plates. You can choose from nine different selected desserts, and create a sampler of 6 or 9 desserts. This is a great option if you can't decide on one thing or if you want a mix of creamy and fruity. It's also a great way to share a little bit of everything if you choose to go with someone. I definitely recommend trying the Manjari Mousse!

The restaurant doesn't only serve dessert (although that's the best part). There's also a full lunch a dinner menu.

I think Finale is a great place to complete your meal or just visit on those week nights when you're really craving something sweet. Check it out!

Finale
1306 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 232-3233

Sunset Cantina

2011-10-18T10:05:00.000-04:00

Sunset Cantina has always been a great restaurant for those nights when I want to go out for dinner but don't want anything too fancy. It's not very far, always has good food and an amazing energizing atmosphere.

The restaurant has outdoor seating and heating lamps which are convenient given the Boston weather. It's really known for its bar and you can tell that right away from the outside of the restaurant. The windows are decorated with bright neon signs, showcasing their beers, tequila selection and margaritas. There's usually a line if you go around dinner time, depending on how large your group is, so plan to get there a few minutes early.

The staff is always nice and friendly. They don't hover around making the dining experience uncomfortable but you never have to wait too long for your food or ask them to refill your water glass.

The menu has a great selection for both vegetarians and meat lovers. The enchiladas are always a safe bet. They come with lettuce, sour cream, cheese, salsa and rice and beans. It's a good option if you want food leftover for the next day (or later that night). Sunset Cantina also has delicious sandwiches. Their avocado chicken melt is one of my favorites. For spicy food lovers, ask for the cajun seasoning on your curly fries. The restaurant also has great burgers. You can choose from the signature combination toppings to go on your burger or create your own. Two of my favorite are the Sante Fe and the Baja Burger. They both add just enough zest to your burger to bring that extra flavor. Obviously, you have to order a margarita with your meal. Sunset Cantina has a selection of classic and flavored margaritas. You can get them on the rocks or frozen. For berry lovers, the Very Berry Margarita is amazing!

Sunset Cantina is a great place for that middle of the week day when you just need to go out and relax. It has delicious food and an amazing atmosphere!

Sunset Cantina
916 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
617-731-8646

Cornwall's Pub

2011-10-12T22:42:00.000-04:00

Surprisingly, Cornwall's Pub reminded me a lot of the pubs in Britain. It looks very small from the outside, Cornwall's is written in big golden letters, and the inside is very very dimly lit with wooden tables. There were a lot of men, pink in the face from too many drinks, sitting at the bar and younger people enjoying a drink after a day of work. Yea, pretty much the same as London.

The food isn't spectacular, at least the appetizers aren't. They serve your average loaded nachos with cheese, salsa and jalapenos. An interesting option is the spinach and artichoke stuffed dumplings. They are fried and served with sweet and sour sauce. Mine were a little on the burnt side but they still tasted great. The rest of the dinner menu has your usual bar food, such as salads and burgers. To keep with the British theme, you'll also find shepherd's pie and London style fish and chips. It's all priced around $8-14 a plate.

The best part of Cornwall's Pub is the drinks menu. They have some of the most interesting beer cocktails I have ever heard of. For those of you who have traveled to Europe and absolutely miss cider on draft, this is the place to be! Cornwall's has Strongbow and Magners cider. For the people that miss Guinness as well, Cornwall's has the perfect drink for you. Called the Black Velvet, this beer cocktail has a layer of Strongbow cider and Guinness beer, and it's absolutely delicious!

If you're looking for that British experience or just want to get a drink with a friend, I'd definitely recommend going to Cornwall's Pub. Get some greasy pub food and enjoy a beer you won't find anywhere else!

Cornwall's Pub
654 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-262-3749

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse

2011-10-06T19:57:00.000-04:00

Coolidge Corner has so many different cozy little restaurants, I'm sure it has a perfect place for everyone.

This past Sunday, I decided I wanted to venture out for lunch and ended up in Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, a sports bar in the area, that has the best brunch menu! Check it out!

The place is a typical bar with like 10 flat screen tvs up on the walls. There's an actual bar area where you can enjoy a beer and there's also seating for people who want food. The menu is decently priced and you get a lot of food for your money. The brunch menu has the typical different types of eggs, steak and eggs, pancakes, French toast, and the best, Belgian waffles with ice cream! The food is delicious, I'd recommend trying their chocolate chip pancakes. There isn't too much chocolate to make everything overly sweet, but there's just enough to make you cherish every bit of chocolate you get in a bite. They serve bottomless coffee in this fancy clear glass and you think it's iced coffee but don't be fooled, it's still hot coffee. The only complaint I have about the food is that they're home fries are delicious but I wish they gave more of them with your meal.

The service is okay. My waitress started off being really friendly but then became more and more reserved. It may have been because the place was packed with people and she was a little overwhelmed, which is fine. But she also never offered to refill the water glasses and never asked me if I wanted another cup of coffee. It's bottomless coffee, I shouldn't have to ask for another glass myself.

In short, I really liked this place. The food is great and so is the atmosphere. You can have your private conversation but still be sucked into the energy of a sports bar. The service wasn't great but every waiter/waitress is different and I'd definitely wouldn't rule this place out just because of one experience.

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse
309 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA

Kayuga

2011-09-26T22:25:00.000-04:00

After 2 years of living just a couple blocks away, I finally tried Kayuga, a Japanese restaurant in Allston. I had been there once before but had yet to try its sushi.

The restaurant isn't very exciting looking from the outside, and it's not very exciting on the inside. It has plain black tables with yellow lighting and lacks any sort of personality I expect from a sushi restaurant. Even the bar is dull and uninviting for people who are looking to have a drink.

Kayuga does have an extensive sushi and Japanese entree menu with options to please everyone. There is personalized maki, such as the BU Maki, MIT Maki, and the Red Sox Maki. It also has the standard Dragon Maki, Caterpillar Maki and Shrimp Tempura Maki. I had the Scorpion Maki, which was amazing. All of the sushi is fresh and delicious and holds shape. However, the sushi here is a bit overpriced. The average roll has 6 small pieces for at least $10 a roll. You have to order at least two rolls to be full and by that time you're heavily invested in your meal. I've had sushi of the same quality in many other restaurants which isn't nearly as expensive.

The restaurant also has a beer and wine menu. There is a cocktail menu but you may have to ask for it.

The waitstaff is nice but not very friendly and a little slow. The waiters don't make any effort to seem welcoming or hold conversation. You should order all of the food you want at the beginning because the waiters will take a while to serve you if you order twice. I went with three friends and one of the waitresses was nice enough to create separate bills for us, which I appreciated.

Overall, I didn't find Kayuga to leave a lasting impression in my mind. I may go there again because it's convenient in terms of distance, but it's not a restaurant I would recommend to anyone for their special night out.

Kayuga
1030 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
617-566-8888

Punjab Palace

2011-09-23T18:25:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted in a while, I should definitely eat out more in Boston.....

But yesterday I went out for Indian food at Punjab Palace in Allston. The neighborhood can seem a little sketchy at night but it's full of amazing ethnic restaurants everyone should try.

This place has delicious Indian food! I've been here a few times before and I keep going back because the food is great, average priced for an Indian restaurant, and it's only a 10 minute walk from where I live. It's a small place that always plays Indian movie songs on TV, which can sometimes be distracting if you're trying to have an intimate conversation but also really amusing for people who have never seen one before.

The menu has your typical Indian food: appetizers, vegetarian, chicken, lamb, goat and seafood entrées, naan, rice and dessert. There's also an extensive wine and beer list to go with your meal. I'd suggest having a glass of red wine such as Shiraz or Pinot Noir which pairs nicely with the spicy food. Entrées come on a spice scale of mild, medium or hot, which is great because no one has to limit their options due to the spiciness of the food. The mixed appetizer platter is great to share of you go with a group of people, it let's you try a little bit of everything. As for entrées, the chicken tikka masala is always a favorite. If you're looking to try something new, try the chilli chicken, a blend of Chinese and Indian cuisine best tried a little spicier than you're used to. For vegetarians, there is also the paneer chili, the same concept but instead of chicken they sure paneer. My favorite vegetarian option is malai kofta. I have never tried any other type of entrée because I don't really like lamb or goat meat but I have heard people ordering it so must be good.

The only problem with this restaurant is that the waitstaff is always a hit or miss. Sometimes they are really nice and come fill my water glass often but don't hover so I feel comfortable while eating my food. But yesterday, they kept walking by to see how much food was left in place. They even asked at one point if I was finished when I clearly wasn't. And no one offered me a dessert/coffee menu at the end. Needless to say, that affected the tip I left but I really wish they had been nicer because I do love their food.

Regardless, it is a definitely a place to try for its delicious food. And if you're worried you'll go there on a day when the waiters are being rude, you can always order take out!

Punjab Palace
109 Brighton Ave.
Allson, MA 02134
617-254-1500

Maluken Karaoke Sushi

2011-09-15T13:43:00.000-04:00

I discovered Maluken last year while searching for a place to eat late at night. It's a small restaurant located in Kenmore Square and has karaoke every night.

Maluken has some of the freshest sushi I've ever had. The fish has great texture and the sushi keeps shape and doesn't fall apart in your hands. The menu has the expected items, such as California and Philadelphia rolls and Rainbow maki, and special rolls I've never seen before, such as the Red Sox maki which has yellowtail, avocado, scallion tobiko with tuna on top. One of my favorite rolls is the Crazy maki which has shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, cucumber and spicy mayo. The spicy mayo brings so much great flavor that soy sauce is unnecessary. For those of you who like eel, try the Caterpilla maki with eel, cucumber and avocado on top, actually shaped in the form of a caterpillar. For people hoping to be more adventurous with their meal, Maluken also has a Honey roll with sweet potato, banana and honey. This might actually be the perfect dessert to end your meal.

Maluken is also part of campusfood.com, an online food ordering service for university students. The service is quick and the food is reasonably priced, making Maluken a great restaurant to satisfy those late night cravings.

Maluken
645 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02215

Blue Chili/Siam Inn

2011-08-26T18:57:00.000-04:00

I feel like everyone I talk to loves Thai food but every time I try it, I tell myself never again. But recently, I discovered a Thai restaurant in New York City that I absolutely love. It's called Blue Chili and located on 51st Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.

There seems to be some confusion about the name of the restaurant. It's sometimes called Blue Chili/Siam Inn Restaurant and sometimes just Blue Chili, but the Siam Inn sign is the most prominent when you reach the restaurant. It may not look very nice on the outside, some of the signs even leave you wondering if you're actually looking for the fast food Thai place next door, but don't hesitate and walk right in to the dimly lit cosy little restaurant. If you go around 7pm for dinner, expect it to be full and wait a little for dinner.

The restaurant has a bar area that serves happy hour drinks such as fruity cocktails, beer and wine from 4pm to closing. The lychee Martini and pomegranate Cosmo are delicious!

The food is the best Thai food I've ever tasted. There are options for meats, rice, noodles and even a few vegetarian entrées. For starters, try the chicken skewers. There's four per order and they come with a cucumber relish and amazing peanut sauce. For the main course, try the chicken satueed with mushrooms and bird's eye chili served with jasmine rice is one of my favorites. Be careful of the spice meter, this dish only has a medium spice warning but can be quite spicy for those of you who aren't used to eating such food. The Thai fried rice with chicken is also yummy and once again a little spicy. The shrimp with peppercorn is perfect for people who don't like spicy food. The shrimp are fresh and the dish is flavorful but easy on the tastebuds. To end the meal, order the chocolate soufflé for dessert, a perfect light treat to share for two.

Blue Chili is definitely a restaurant I'll be visiting again!

Umi Sushi

2011-08-20T12:35:00.000-04:00

I love sushi and I can't believe it's been so long since I've had it!

I decided to try a new place yesterday, around the Korea Town and Herald Square area, called Umi Sushi. From the outside, it looks like a little whole in the wall and all the advertisements and papers in the window don't help. But once you walk inside, you realize it's a cute little place with soft lighting and bamboo decorations.

The waitress was really nice and brought hand towels for me to clean my hands at the beginning of the meal. The service was quick and she often came to refill the water glasses. I was sitting right next to the sushi bar, so I could practically watch the chefs making my food, which I don't really like. I'm not sure if there was a back area with additional seating (I would hope so or this place is actually as small as it looks) but I felt like I was being watched by the chefs while I ate my food.

The sushi itself was good. The menu has some choices that you wouldn't expect in sushi restaurants. I had the shrimp tempura and mango roll, which sounds really odd but the sweetness of the mango brings all of the flavors together. There's also an option of a banana tempura roll which might be interesting if you really like bananas. They have an extensive list of special maki rolls which takes up two pages on the menu and there's something on there to please everyone. There's also a wine and beer menu to go along with your email. The menu is very reasonably priced compared to the amount of food you get.

Was this the best sushi place I've tried? No. It smelled a little like cucumbers and as I said I didn't like the seating. But there are some different things on the menu for you to try and the service is good. It may be a good place to go if you're looking for a quick lunch.

Umi Sushi
118 E 31st St, New York 10016
Between Lexington & Park Aves.

Strawberry Shortcake

2011-08-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite cake recipes. It's very simple and you can also use a boxed golden cake if you don't feel like making the cake from scratch. For those of you who prefer thicker cakes, I would double the batter and make two round cakes instead of making one and cutting it in half.

Ingredients

Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Strawberries and Cream:

2 pints strawberries
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch round cake pan or use non-stick spray.

Whisk the flour with the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Lightly whisk in the butter, egg, milk, and vanilla, just until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then turn it out of the pan, flip upright, and cool completely on the rack.

For the strawberries and cream: Set aside 1 pint of the best-looking whole berries for topping the cake. Hull and thinly slice the rest of the berries and toss with the granulated sugar. Set aside. Whip the cream with the confectioners' sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. This step generally takes a good 5-10 minutes depending on the speed of the blender. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To assemble the cake: Cut the cake in half horizontally with a serrated knife (skip this step if you're using two cakes). Place the bottom layer cut side up on a cake stand or serving plate. Drizzle the juices from the sliced berries over the cut sides of both halves. Fold a couple tablespoons of the whipped cream into the sliced berries and spread over the bottom layer. Top with the other piece of cake, cut side down. Spread the remaining whipped cream on the top of the cake and decorate with the remaining berries. For more color, add some blueberries on top.

Know-How: Cutting a cake into layers is easy as saw-spin-separate: Begin to saw the cake in half horizontally. Just before you reach the middle of the cake, give it a quarter turn. Continue to saw almost to the center, then give it another quarter turn and saw again until you reach your original point of entry. Saw completely through the cake's center and separate the layers.

Tip: For those of you making two cakes for the layers, the cakes may rise more in the middle than the sides. Layering these uneven cakes may result in the strawberries falling out of the center. To prevent this, cut the very top of the first cake with a serrated knife to even the surface. Then go ahead and follow the rest of the recipe.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Recipe courtesy of Food Network.

Terry's

2011-08-11T18:40:00.000-04:00

When I went to Stuyvesant High School, my favorite place to eat was Terry's, a deli located between the school and Battery Park. It's a regular deli with salad options, freshly baked donuts and beverages but its sandwich options are what truly set this deli apart from the other options in the Battery Park area.

The deli has a variety of "combination sandwiches" that are served on a hero. My favorite is their grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, sun-dried tomatoes and honey mustard. The combination of ingredients may seem a little weird at first but I promise you'll love it when you take your first bite. Get an iced coffee with your sandwich for the perfect cold refreshment.

Terry's salads are also delicious and better priced than most of the other delis in the area. There are many fat-free dressing options for people concerned with their weight. The fat-free Caesar is one of my favorites. For those of you who aren't, I recommend you try the Asian Sesame dressing. It has the perfect combination of spices and sweetness to bring out the flavors of your salad.

For those of you who are just looking to add a twist to your lunch, Terry's also has options for you. Their breakfast special is served all day and enough food for two people. It has eggs anyway you want them, toast, hash-brown and your choice of meat. For a real change up, try a pizza bagel. It's marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese with or without chicken or pepperoni served on a bagel of your choice. It's a great way to treat yourself if you just need a break from class or work. But be careful, this sandwich is always really really hot!

For anyway of you who happen to be in the Tribeca area, I would definitely try this deli for a quick lunch. Take it to Battery Park and enjoy a great view of the river while you enjoy your food!

Terry's is located on Chambers Street between River Terrace and North End Avenue.

Heritage of India

2011-08-01T19:27:00.000-04:00

I often go to Indian restaurants with my family and friends for special occasions. I think it's become more and more difficult to find restaurants that serve good Indian food without trying to "Amercanize" the cuisine. Last night I went to Heritage of India for a friend's birthday, and it was one of the best Indian restaurant I have ever been to.

One of the best things about the restaurant is that it has its own parking lot. Anyone whose tried to park on a busy NYC street, knows how difficult it can be to find parking! The restaurant's dim lighting and dark red decor provide a great intimate atmosphere that makes the largest of dinner parties feel very private. Be prepared to bring your table manners and hushed voices to this white tablecloth and red napkin restaurant!

The food of course is true to Indian cuisine and absolutely delicious. One of my personal favorites from the appetizer list is the stuffed mushrooms. I'm not sure what they're stuffed with, but they're crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and come with an amazing sauce! The dinner menu has the usual list of entrees to be expected at an Indian restaurant. The chicken tikka masala is always a good option but if you're in the mood for something spicier, try the chicken chilly. It's an Indian twist on Chinese chicken with garlic sauce. Another favorite is the biryani, a spicy rice dish. It takes a lot of effort to even make decent biryani but this restaurant's is the best. There are vegetarian and meat options to please all customers. For those of you who always order naan, try ordering the onion kulcha which has tons more flavor. The restaurant also has a great drinks selection. The mango lassi is good but can be quite filling. I'd go for a glass of spicy red wine like Chianti or Shiraz. I don't particularly like their kheer or ras malai, but the moong dal halwa is a perfect Indian dessert to end your meal!

The waiters at Heritage of India are very helpful. They have perfect timing in terms of bringing your next meal and refilling your water cup. If you call ahead of time and let them know of someone's birthday, they'll even bring out their Manhattan Truffle dessert with a candle!

Make sure you check out this Indian restaurant located on 2024 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park, NY.