The mayors of Boston and New York City, Mayors Menino and Bloomberg, are engaging in the standard "friendly wager" based on the outcome of the Super Bowl. If you compare the two lists, it's pretty clear which city has the better food options, and we're not talking about the Big Apple here:
Ed. Note: No wonder the Harvard Lampoon is honoring her. She brings her own beverages.
Sandwiches can be a rather mundane lunch choice, grabbed on the go or because there aren’t many other options. But Hot Off the Press, in Central Square and Charlestown, serves more original sandwiches which are, yes, hot and pressed, not to mention delicious and cheap.
After opening stores in Taiwan, Dunkin' Donuts is breaking into the Chinese market. The company announced that it plans to open 100 restaurants in the city over the next 10 years.
This afternoon, the Globe reported that Cambridge ice-cream store Toscanini's is back in business. After the state seized the store for nonpayment of taxes, the owners raised enough money online to give to the state and reopen.
Highland Kitchen is a little off the beaten path—it’s situated somewhere in the no man’s land between Davis Square, Porter Square, and Union Square. But with a laid-back vibe, delicious Bayou-influenced food, and a fantastic cocktail menu, it’s well worth the trek. And if you don’t want to hoof it, never fear: There’s parking in the back, if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot. Bostonist went on a recent Saturday night to check out the new restaurant, owned by former Green Street Grill chef Mark Romano.
Now Veggieist obviously loves vegetables, but even we think that this may be taking things a bit too far. The Vienna Vegetable Orchestra plays music on instruments made out of vegetables. So if don't like eating carrots, perhaps you'd like to play a carrot recorder? Not a fan of peppers? Make a pepper trumpet! (See all the instruments here, we're not going to comment on the 'cucumber instrument,' it speaks for itself).
We shouldn't have gotten our hopes up. The relationship between Dunkin' Donuts and Rachael Ray is still as strong as ever.
Mike of The Food Monkey shares his thoughts about cooking, food history, restaurant trends, and any other Epicurean issues. He promises to discuss what tastes good, but not always what is in good taste. For more on consuming the opponents and other food news, go to the Food Monkey website. To contact Mike, go to the Food Monkey's contact page.
One of your favorite childhood treats is all grown up now.
Listen hard enough, and you'll hear it: a slurping noise from the next table over. Loud jazz and the clanking sounds of metal soup pots can't drown it out. Order your own soup, and you'll be making those same slurping noises in no time.
Gus Rancatore, owner of Toscanini's, which was seized by Massachusetts for nonpayment of taxes, is launching an effort to save the beloved ice-cream store, and he's taking his efforts to the media.
If you stop in to When Pigs Fly Sourdough Bakery’s new shop outside of Davis Square, be sure your stomach is empty—the friendly loaf slingers behind the counter have samples of every bread right out on the counter, and it’s hard to say no. Bostonist enjoyed all of the bread we sampled, but we really loved the banana pecan, maple, and brown sugar bread, especially smeared with a little bit of their own pumpkin butter… perfect for breakfast. The potato, roasted garlic, and onion bread was another favorite. The onion and garlic on the outside of the bread was soft and caramelized, and the loaf itself was tender and delicious. With about 20 different breads to choose from, each between 5 and 7 dollars, it’s definitely worth stopping by (and maybe picking up a treat from nearby Kickass Cupcakes while you’re at it). The bread isn’t baked on premises, unfortunately—the smell would be fantastic—but it is trucked in fresh daily from York, Maine. And if you can’t get out to Davis Square, several local grocery stores also carry the breads, including Whole Foods and Stop & Shop. Photo by Lisa Scanlon.
You are what you eat, so the saying goes. Well, this one old adage certainly rings true. Ask a vegan/vegetarian why they keep their diet, and health will be near, if not at, the top if their reasons. Putting healthy vitamin-rich whole foods into your body makes you feel better, gives you more energy, and helps to prevent against both short and long-term illness.
Update: The Cambridge Chronicle hopped right on it and, while they couldn't reach the owner, things aren't looking so good for the burnt caramel: "Toscanini’s Ice Cream, a mainstay for cool treats in Central Square since 1981, may not ever open again, and its owner, Gus Rancatore, owes the state’s Department of Revenue more than $167,000 in back taxes." (Thanks, Ron!)
Update: Adam notices that Rachael Ray is no longer on the Dunkies website. Perhaps her big mouth cost her a job?
Meet more of Bostonist's new writers! Dale Cruse, of Drinks Are On Me, is launching a weekly drinks column for Bostonist that will appear on Wednesdays. Bostonist loves his site, which tracks food and wine trends, and is thrilled that he's joining the team.
Basta Pasta doesn't look all that different from any of the hundreds of pizza shops around the Boston area: the menu board hanging over the counter, shakers of parmesan and red pepper flakes on the tables, uncomfortable benches, and stock photos of subs and greasy pizza in the takeout menu. But take a closer look at the menu, and it becomes clear that Basta Pasta is unlike its competitors.
The owners of Clear Conscience Cafe in Central Square are on a mission. It’s pretty hard to miss… in fact, it’s conveniently spelled out on a poster behind the counter. They sell fair trade, shade grown, organic coffee and organic food “with an underlying agenda of social responsibility and environmental stewardship.” The counters are made of bamboo or crushed beer bottles; the ceiling tiles are made of 100% recycled material; the shop is illuminated by efficiency lighting; whenever possible, the owners used materials from less than 250 miles away. “Wherever we could make tiny little inroads to what I believe in, we did it,” says Daniel Goldstein, one of the owners. It meant that it took longer than expected to build the cafe, located at the front of Harvest Co-Op... well over a year. But it’s more than worth it, according to Goldstein—he hopes the café will be Massachusetts’ first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified commercial retailer.
After Brookline banned trans fats, it was only a matter of time before the city of Boston followed suit. The Boston Public Health Commission has approved the ban. The Globe reports that the vote was unanimous.
The pumpkin was amazing - the flavor was very strong with just the perfect amount of spice. It was certainly a nice seasonal departure from standard ice cream flavors. Next we tried the White Russian which was decadent and creamy; we would be seriously surprised if anyone could discern that it was non-dairy without being told. While the Pina Colada flavor was not our favorite of the bunch it had a nice bright tropical flavor with chewy bits of coconut. Finally, the Chocolate Chocolate Chip is one of their most popular flavors and we can certainly see why. The ice cream tastes wonderfully rich with just the rich amount of thick crunchy chocolate bits.
The New England Confectionary Company (NECCO) has announced the new phrases that will be printed on its hearts. This year's themes include weather ("Melt My Heart" and "Get My Drift") and animals ("Wild Life" and "Nature Lover").
If Elvis Presley were still alive, he’d be turning 73 today. In honor of the King, one of J.P. Licks' flavors of the month is banana ice cream with hand-swirled peanut butter, inspired by the ingredients in his favorite deep-fried sandwich. Never ones to turn down an excuse to eat ice cream, even in January, Bostonist tried out "Elvis’ Favorite." We have to hand it to J.P. Licks: Their ice cream impersonations are always dead on. (Sometimes with frightening results.) The banana flavor is strong, and perfectly complimented by the sweet, salty, smooth ribbons of peanut butter. The only way it could be closer to Elvis’ famous sandwich is if it was deep fried. But it’s great as it is, a perfect high-calorie tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Photo by Lisa Scanlon.
Mike of The Food Monkey shares his thoughts about cooking, food history, restaurant trends, and any other Epicurean issues. He promises to discuss what tastes good, but not always what is in good taste. For more on consuming the opponents and other food news, go to the Food Monkey website. To contact Mike, go to the Food Monkey's contact page.
Those who keep a vegan diet will probably tell you that eating a healthy breakfast out can often be a challenge, especially when hoping to get something quickly. Breakfast in America is heavily focused on animal products and often the only options involve bacon, eggs, milk, or all three! Enter the chain of Bagel Rising and Espresso Royale cafes in Boston. These green-leaning, eco-friendly, and vegan-catering cafes are warm, inviting, and most importantly, delicious! While most mainstream coffee shops offer soy milk as an option (and charge up to $.60 extra!) that is where the vegan options usually end. BR/ER is, from our experience asking around, the ONLY cafe in town that offers tofu spread – they even have different flavors!! Their menu offer one fully vegan sandwich (the yummy Joy of Soy), and many others that can be made easily vegan (Chia Bagel minus the cheese). The also offer other vegan cookie and pastry options as well.
So, you didn't listen to your momma, and you didn't drink water or eat nibbles as you poured booze down your gullet. Or, more appropriately, Bostonist didn't drink water or eat nibbles--an eagle-eyed commenter caught us boozing early. So here are three lists of hangover remedies that you might be able to use right about now:
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