Tag Archives: Dining

Restaurant Review: PICCO

Posted on April 25, 2011 | 2 comments

PICCO (short for Pizza & Ice Cream Co.) is a very casual restaurant open for lunch and dinner with a large patio overlooking Tremont Street in the South End. Although they are best known for their pizzas (which are excellent) and their homemade ice cream, the restaurant features other delicious options all reasonably priced and well made.

Because of the reasonable price-point and menu, PICCO generally has a lot of tables with young children. This is a place to grab a quick bite or order for take out, and the restaurant seems to recognize and embrace this. Prices are less than most restaurants in the neighborhood. One can have an entire meal (appetizer, main course and dessert) for less than $25.00 – if you share a pizza the average price drops below $20.00.

On my most recent visit I opted to have fish tacos which are delicious. One order comes with 3 flour tacos filled with flaky white fish, cabbage, black beans, chilies, avocado, chipotle vinaigrette & cilantro; total cost $14.00

It is hard to visit PICCO without indulging your sweet tooth. On many summer evenings I’ve been known to find all sort of excuses to walk by PICCO so I can order an ice cream to go. On this occasion I shared the decadently delicious dark chocolate brownie sundae ($7.50), which is so large it really should be shared.
PICCO is located at 513 Tremont Street in the South End (617)927 0066
Reservations not required walk-in table service available.
Picco on Urbanspoon

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Chef BosGuy?

Posted on April 23, 2011 | 11 comments

I cook dinner only 1-2 times a week, but last night’s meal made me proud. I must have been channeling Julia Child, because something got into me and in lieu of ordering or eating out, I cooked a great dinner.

Earlier this week I purchased artichokes for the first time. I remember eating them at my Nana’s house as a kid and I do love them, but I hadn’t a clue how to cook them. All I can say is Thank God for YouTube: How To Prepare An Artichoke. Instructional videos like this one are so much more helpful than reading a “How to”. I’m not a particularly adventurous chef. I tend to cook variations of the same 2-3 Italian meals my mother taught me; deferring to my nights dining out to try different plates.

Chez BosGuy
Chicken breast sauteed in olive oil w/ onions, carrots and sage
Couscous w/ blanched almond slivers and cranberries
Artichoke steamed and flavored with salt and the juice of 1 lemon

Click on any of the photographs to enlarge

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Mystery Meet Boston: Tres Gatos

Posted on April 17, 2011 | 2 comments

Earlier this month I attended my second Mystery Meet Boston event. The group which is comprised of food lovers and bloggers, hosts a monthly meet-up at a location in and around Boston the second Tuesday of each month. If you are a food blogger or avid foodie living in and around Boston, I’d suggest you check out the group.

This month the group met at JP’s Tres Gatos, a funky Spanish tapas restaurant that also sells books and music. The tiny restaurant and bar has a definite cozy vibe and seems like a great addition to the neighborhood. Chef Marcos Sanchez was on hand to welcome us and cook the 4-course tasting menu for all of us. At the end of this entry I’ve included photos from each course. If curious, you can view the restaurant’s menu here.

1st Plate Assorted Tapas: I thought this was the most disappointing of the four plates. In particular the radish shown at the top of the plate was both lacking flavor and not satisfying.
2nd Plate Gambas A La Plancha: If we eat food with our eyes, than this was my favorite in terms of presentation. The over sized prawns in a cilantro coulis did not disappoint.
3rd Plate Fideos: This included chorizo, chicken liver, mussels and was extremely flavorful.
4th Plate Queso: This included three cheeses. My favorite was the manchego but all of it was good. My only complaint was the portions for this plate were ridiculously tiny.
Tres Gatos on Urbanspoon

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Restaurant Review: Legal Sea Foods

Posted on April 12, 2011 | 2 comments

Without a doubt, Legal Sea Foods (or Legal’s as locals refer to it) is Boston’s best known, homegrown restaurant chain. Tourists often have this on their list of places to try even though restaurants are now in 9 states. A dinner at a Boston area Legal’s will run you approximately $40.00pp (starter, main plate and dessert) no alcohol or tip included. If the dinner prices are too steep, visit for lunch and you can dine for a bit less cash. Tonight, I ate at the Prudential Mall location and started with 1/2 dozen oysters. I devoured the Prince Edward Island and Cape Cod oysters within minutes. All were delicious but I prefer the P.E.I.’s (they are personal favorites).

1/2 Dozen Oysters: $13.95
Following the oysters I had fish-n-chips which is really quite excellent. Legal’s seems to always use just the right amount of batter and never overcook the fish. It’s a great value – less than most entrees and its incredibly filling. My plate came with 6 large fillets which left me more than stuffed and only too happy to have a mile walk home to help digest everything.

Fish-n-Chips: $16.95
Service can vary depending on the location you go, but the staff at the Prudential was attentive and helpful. Our waitress accommodated a few special requests and made some helpful suggestions when ordering. The food at Legal’s is consistently good and worth trying should you have a hankering for sea food.

Legal Sea Food: Multiple Locations
Reservations: Not necessary but suggested
Legal Sea Foods - Prudential Center on Urbanspoon

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Max Brenner Boston restaurant & bar opens

Posted on April 3, 2011 | 6 comments

Max Brenner opened his first shop in Boston earlier this week. In lieu of his logo which any chocoholic worth their while would recognize, I opted to include a photo of Lee, one of the friendly bartenders at Max Brenner Boston. I figure Lee’s resemblance to the corporate logo and winning smile was reason enough, but truth be told I’ve known Lee quite a while and was pleasantly surprised to see him working there and happier still to have an excuse to post his handsome picture. I believe this is the first (perhaps only) Max Brenner location in North America that has a bar. Although it may be an anomaly for Max Brenner shops, this will probably guarantee a late night crowd will keep the store full and busy and help it remain profitable. There are approximately a half dozen other chocolate shops within blocks of this store, but none offer such a large menu or remain open quite so late.

Included below are a few photographs of the new location. Click on the image to enlarge. Apparently I’m not the only chocoholic, as this table of handsome guys from the South End shows. They appeared to be enjoying their afternoon meal and were good sports to smile pretty for the camera so I couldn’t resist including the photo.

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Posted in Back Bay

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A tale of two towne’s

Posted on March 29, 2011 | 5 comments

Towne Stove and Spirits (known locally as towne) has generated a lot of buzz since it opened its doors in the summer of 2010. I’ve made two recent visits to towne and the experiences could not have been more different. To be blunt, your experience will vary based on where you are seated. A louder more raucous environment dominates the first floor; a slightly more subdued atmosphere exists on the main section of the second floor; and the most intimate experience is in front section of the second floor overlooking Boylston Street.

Comparing service from one dining room to the next is unfair since the experience is totally different. Because of this, when you make your reservation (because it is worth checking out), consider what kind of dining experience you want and request the section that seems most in line with your wishes.

Dinner at towne will run you approximately $50 / person (1 drink, an appetizer and main – not including tip). On my second visit, we shared mesclun greens salad and lobster popovers. Both were beautifully presented and equally delicious. Lydia Shire always seems to work magic with lobster so when you visit I would strongly recommend trying one of the many options with lobster. For dinner I selected the duck which has a mouthwatering sauce comprised of cane syrup, citrus and red currants and mashed potatoes on the side. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the portion and wondered if I’d finish it. For the record the duck was devoured, and I soldiered on ordering the bittersweet chocolate bouchon, peanut butter sauce and mocha ice cream for dessert.

For food enthusiasts, I would certainly recommend trying towne. The dining experience and service varies depending on where you sit so take that into account and book your reservation accordingly. If you have eaten at towne, I’d be curious to hear your thoughts in my comments section.

The delicious duck
Towne Stove & Spirits on Urbanspoon

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Posted in Back Bay

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2011 Boston Bacon and Beer Festival

Posted on March 25, 2011 | 3 comments

Saturday, April 30th from 1 PM to 3:30 PM the Bowery Boston (located in the Theater District) will host Boston’s 2nd Bacon & Beer Festival.

The event costs $35.00 w/ proceeds going to benefit the local hunger relief organizations Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Community Servings, and Share our Strength. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 1st. More information about the event is available here.

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Posted in Philanthropy

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Taste of the South End 2011

Posted on March 9, 2011 | 4 comments

Last week I first wrote about the Taste of the South End which benefits the AIDS Action Committee, and the event did not disappoint. Although there were no beads or parades to commemorate Fat Tuesday, nearly all who attended left a bit fatter than when they first arrived. And how could you blame them? With 40+ restaurants, wineries, beers and cocktails all tempting the tastebuds it was a food lover’s delight.

Restaurants new to the neighborhood like The Gallows and Noche kept pace with veteran establishments like Mistral and Stella. There were some noticeable absences, which will lead me to ask “Why?” on my next visit to these restaurants. You can see the full list of participants on the Taste website. Support these restaurants and thank them for their participation.

If you were unable to attend the festivities, you can check out this 2-minute video, which shows you some of the tempting treats cooked up for attendees. Again, sincere thanks to all the cooks and volunteers who made this a fantastic event.

The Boston Foodie also has a nice write up with more pictures from the event which you can check out by linking here.

4 Comments

Posted in Philanthropy, Video

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Going to towne

Posted on March 8, 2011 | 3 comments

This week was the start of Boston’s Restaurant Week and a friend has scored dinner reservations at towne. Located adjacent to the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s BackBay neighborhood, this restaurant has received a lot of attention due in part to its size (its pretty darn big by Boston standards) and the two culinary directors, Lydia Shire and Jasper White are much loved local chefs. Earlier this year, I provided a restaurant review of one of Shire’s restaurants, Scampo.

I’m not sure what to expect, but I’ve been obsessing over the reservation; probably because tonight is theTaste of the South End and it has me thinking about food even more than usual. If you are in Boston or thinking of coming to Boston, restaurant week actually runs from March 6-11 and 13-18. There is more information about the event including participating restaurants, here.

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Posted in Back Bay

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Taste of the South End – March 8, 2011

Posted on February 27, 2011 | 4 comments

In just a few days one of my favorite charity events in Boston will take place, The Taste of the South End. As the name implies this is one of the city’s many charitable fundraisers that revolves around food, but I think this is one of the best organized taste events, and the fact that the proceeds benefit such a wonderful organization, The AIDS Action Committee (AAC) is really a bonus. In addition to the participation of 40+ neighborhood restaurants, local chefs provide cooking tips and demonstrations. If you really enjoy food and dining out this event gives you an opportunity to sample some of the fare offered at some of the city’s best restaurants. While it won’t confirm if a restaurant has great service it does give you a preview of the type and quality food the establishment serves. If you arrive early with a VIP pass like I do each year, you also can chat with the chefs present before the event becomes truly crowded.

Below, I’ve included a two minute video from the 2009 event. It provides a quick preview of what one can expect on March 8th and closes with a shot of your’s truly stuffing his face with a fish taco.

Purchase your tickets here

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Wholy Grain: new coffee shop & bakery opens in South End

Posted on February 22, 2011 | 10 comments

This past Friday another cute coffee shop & bakery opened in the South End. The Wholy Grain sign outside claims it’s “a little taste of heaven”. I hope it proves to be just that because this place is nestled a block from The South End Buttery and across from South End Formaggio at 275 Shawmut Avenue. Both the Buttery and Formaggio enjoy a strong, loyal following, but that doesn’t mean Wholy Grain can’t thrive. One thing that might help it in the mornings is that it opens at 7AM (30 minutes before places like the Buttery and Flour).

This tiny little place has limited seating but serves good coffee (I know I just tried my first cup), sandwiches, scones, muffins and tempting treats. You can check out their full menu here. I’ll be stopping by again (and I’m sure again). Check out the coffee shop and let me know what you think.

If you can find a seat (there are a couple of tables) you can bring along your laptop and leverage their free WiFi… Password is: WholySmoke (cute right?)

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Restaurant Review: Scampo

Posted on January 29, 2011 | 3 comments

Scampo is in the very cool Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill. It is also one of Lydia Shire’s signature restaurants. It is one of those places that I always enjoy when I go because its surroundings are so beautiful, the service is consistently excellent and the food is as delicious as it is memorable. This is not a restaurant to visit if you are on a budget. Dinner for two (appetizers, main dishes and a shared dessert – not including drinks or tip) will cost ~$100.00. However, the menu is fantastic (maybe one of the best in the city). Service was flawless from start to finish. Our waiter provided excellent suggestions and went out of his way to make our evening special. My partner finished his meal a good 5 minutes earlier but his plate was not cleared until I finished; making me feel unrushed and allowing me to savor every bite.

My dinner consisted of a few glasses of wine, sharing two starters and a delicious main. We started with “Patrick’s naan w/ proscuitto” and the vine ripe heirloom tomotoes, basil and fresh mozzarella salad. My main dish was large and flavorful. I ordered one of the special meals that evening; slow cooked pork in a wine reduction sauce, accompanied by marinated cherries, vegetables and risotto.

Want a special night out? Put Scampo on your list – its one of Boston’s best.

Starter: Patrick’s naan w/ proscuitto $18
Starter: Mozzarella salad $14
Main: Pork special $39
Scampo is located in the Liberty Hotel Boston, MA 617-536-2100
Reservations strongly recommended
Scampo on Urbanspoon

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Posted in Beacon Hill

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Restaurant Review: Union Bar and Grille

Posted on January 16, 2011 | 6 comments

Union Bar and Grille (a.k.a. Union) is part of the Aquitaine Group, a local restaurant group that also owns and operates, Gaslight, Metropolis Cafe and three establishments that take the name of the management group. Previous restaurant reviews have focused on dinner, but an excellent (and affordable) alternative is brunch and Union does this better than most. On Saturday (from 10am – 3pm) and Sunday (from 10am – 11am) they offer a special that includes coffee cake, an entree from a select menu as well as coffee and juice for $9.95. You can check out the early riser menu here. I love the sytlish decor of this restaurant. The photo of the dining room is from Union’s website – for more images, check out their website here. Both the bar and the booths in the dining room are very comfortable and make it difficult to leave (esp. on cold winter days). Another plus with Union is their consistently excellent service.

The brunch menu includes traditional items such as eggs benedict, french toast and a variety of omelets as well as sandwiches with their deliciously crispy fries. Below I’ve snapped a few photos from our brunch.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Huevos Rancheros If credit card bills from Christmas are now coming due and you need an affordable option to treat yourself – check out Union’s brunch. The food, service and atmosphere won’t disappoint and is one of the best deals in Boston.

Union Bar and Grille is located at 1357 Washington Street Boston, MA (617) 423 0555
Reservations (even for brunch) strongly recommended.
Union Bar and Grille on Urbanspoon

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Restaurant Review: Lucca

Posted on January 2, 2011 | 5 comments

Lucca is an Italian restaurant in the North End that opened a second location last year in the Back Bay (where I ate). Dinner for two (appetizers, main dishes and a shared dessert – not including drinks or tip) is ~ $85.00. However, a number of pasta plates on the bar menu, which is slightly different from the main dining room can be ordered as half-portions which further reduces the average bill.

Sitting at the bar (as I did) provides a different dining experience than in the main dining room. However, the bartender’s suggestions (e.g. ordering a ½ portion of pasta and validating the starter I wanted) were spot on so I have to give credit for her knowledge and suggestions. Moreover, my food arrived promptly (along with a delicious bread basket w/ hummus and olive oil), and throughout my meal I was never rushed or jostled. These things may sound inconsequential but they impact my dining experience and matter to me.Both the bar and the main dining room are beautiful and provide an impressive backdrop to the main event (the food), which is excellent. The burrata cheese in my first plate melted in my mouth and was so delicious I could have this every night and not get bored for at least a year. Because Bolognese sauces tend to be quite heavy, I opted for the ½ portion which proved to be the perfect amount for me – esp. since I was busy inhaling the entire bread basket. The sauce was well seasoned and complimented the pasta which was served (as I like) al dente. This was my first time dining here, but it will not be my last. Hungry for Italian and want to try some place in the BackBay – try out Lucca.

First plate: Bibb lettuce, w/ burrata cheese, candied pine nuts, truffle vinaigrette, and shallots $13

Second plate: Rigatoni w/ Bolognese sauce (½ order) $10
Lucca in the Back Bay 116 Huntington Ave Boston, MA (617) 247 2400
Reservations strongly recommended
Lucca Back Bay on Urbanspoon

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Posted in Back Bay

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Boxing day celebrations commence

Posted on December 26, 2010 | 14 comments

For the past few years, my good friend, Tracey, has hosted a Boxing Day dinner party. Tracey is originally from the U.K. where Boxing Day is an official holiday, and I think celebrating this way makes her feel as if she’s sharing a bit of herself with us.

For me, this annual dinner party hosted by Tracey is an excuse to prolong the Christmas holiday by spending a fun evening with friends that is filled with too much wine, too much food and hilarious conversations.

Although dinner is not typically served until 8pm or 9pm, we will all show by 7ish (although today’s storm, Boston’s first of the season could make hailing cabs dodgey). Wine will be flowing nearly non-stop and games like Twister will start sounding like fun (note: drinking & Twister absolutely do not mix – I say this w/ a voice of authority on such matters). At some point in the evening there is also a Yankee Swap, which can get quite serious, although I never take it so (as my gift each year proves).

2009 Boxing Day dinner party photos



Okay… so I admit the last photograph was not from our party, but if you happen to see this guy, would you please get his number and shoot me an email or leave a comment below? He is most certainly welcome to the party.

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Posted in Christmas, Friends

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