The WAY of the INTERCEPTING CHOPSTICKS

Boston Brunchers at The Sinclair in Harvard Square, Cambridge

leiann — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:45:56 -0400

I LOOOOOOVE eating in Harvard Square. It has definitely been one of my favorite stomping grounds over the past, hmmm, oh, two decades that I’ve lived in Boston :)

I definitely have my favorite go-to spots when I’m in the Square. For the best slice of Sicilian pizza, Pinocchio’s for sure. For a cheap but good hipster cheeseburger, Charlie’s Kitchen all the way! Brunch however? Now, that’s not so easy for me in Harvard Square. Thank goodness I just learned about The Sinclair!

Along with 8 others from the Boston Brunchers group, I was lucky enough to be invited over by The Sinclair to partake of their delicious brunch menu & specialty cocktails! It was the *perfect* Sunday as well with sunny blue skies & no sign of rain while sitting atop their rooftop deck & hearing the music & festivities of the concurrent Harvard Square May Fair!

These were the lovely dishes that were served…some on their brunch menu & some just for us ^_^

1. Mimosa Flight. Taditional OJ, Cava Novara-Mango Campari, Cava Orchard Pear-Austrain liqueur, nectar cava. Such a nice way to start brunch! I think the mango was my fave of the 3.

2. Misty Point, Virginia oyster. A sweet & super fresh oyster from somewhere *other* than New England!

3. Smoked Pork Belly Bloody Mary garnished with a pastrami’d pork belly slice & a Grillo’s pickle. I don’t like Bloody Mary’s but this was nicely spicy & the piece of perfect pork was quite an unexpected surprise!

4. Asparagus Soup with fresh Parmesan shavings…creamy smooth & flavored with truffle oil.

5. Smoked Salmon Gravalax with dill, pickled red onion & Thai chilies. Supreme in its simplicity and one of my favorite dishes.

6. The Tiger Lily: Corralejo Tequila Blanco, aperol, grapefruit, soda. My favorite of the cocktails…perfectly refreshing for the sunny afternoon.

7. Fried Calamari with Tom Yun Gai sauce. The squid was light & crunchy & the spicy Thai sauce was a yummy accompaniment…another favorite dish!

8. Duck Confit over Root Vegetable Hash. They had saved the heaviest, yet best dish for last…my absolute favorite of all the yummy items we had already been served. Even as full as I was getting, I ate every last shred of duck & cubes of veggies :)

The staff at The Sinclair really showed us a good time & the brunch presentation was just amazing. I have friends coming into town next weekend who are definite foodies & this would be a place I would *definitely* take them. Thanks again to The Sinclair & I’m very happy to now have my go-to brunch place in Harvard Square ^_^

Disclaimer: As a member of the Boston Brunchers, I was provided brunch & cocktails free of charge by The Sinclair, but opinions are 100% my own :)

A Box of Donuts from Union Square Donuts, Somerville, MA

leiann — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:15:43 -0400

I woke up really early one day about a month ago & for some reason couldn’t get back to sleep. Soooooo…I decided to drive to Somerville to get some donuts…hahaha!

It was my first time going to Union Square Donuts & I had a *mad* hankering for their now famous maple bacon donut, but also decided to try some other tasty treats! While I will always favor salty pork products on my delicious baked good, I was actually surprised that I liked the perfectly pink glazed sweetness of the cherry hibiscus donut the best! Must be the Hawaiian in me…hahaha! Apparently that morning, my timing was impeccable. Not even 2 days after I satisfied my craving, USD had announced that they were closing down since they were moving into a bigger space & will be reopening next month! Whew…lucky, lucky me! It’s almost May & I’m *just* about getting a maple bacon craving again. Pleaaaase, Union Square Donuts! Looking back at my old photos is making me hungry! Please open back up soon!

1st Annual Taste of Columbus Hospitality Group Party @ Mistral

leiann — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:39:35 -0400

On a rainy Tuesday night, I was lucky enough to be invited to a cocktail party hosted by the Taste of Columbus Hospitality Group. I, along with blogger pals, Jen of Boston Bachelorette & Elissa of Style Wire, enjoyed the tasty small bites of restaurants like Mistral, Teatro, Sorellina, Mooo… & L’Andana. I especially liked the sirloin sliders, swordfish kebobs & tuna tartare :)

They also had custom-created cocktails…the Spring Thyme was my favorite with vodka, rhubarb & thyme, but I also enjoyed The Races since I do have a fondness for whiskey. Can’t lie though, my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE course was dessert consisting of miniature cones! There were lovely raspberry sorbets & lemon ice creams, but I saved my final bite for the best & last…a maple walnut ginger ice cream in a bacon-flavored cone! Tiny, yet delicious! Thanks again so much to the Columbus Hospitality Group for their *ahem* hospitality (like how I did that?) & looking forward to the *Second* Annual Taste of CHG…hahaha!

Healing Our Community - Brunch at Red Lentil, Watertown, MA

leiann — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0400

I am a resident of Watertown, MA. Up until only 5 days ago, that didn’t mean much to a lot of people. Then, the bombers came & terrorized our sleepy little neighborhood…nay the entire city of Boston & even the nation…for a whole day. Some residents, like me, were very lucky & never even heard the commotion going on just a mile away. Others, like my friend, still find it hard to sleep at night, worried she’ll wake up to gunfire & bombs exploding on her street again.

That’s why after everything was all over, we were very happy to attend the “Healing Brunch” that Red Lentil, our local vegan restaurant was holding in support of what our community had to endure. I’ve eaten at Red Lentil before & being a self-professed carnivore, I can still appreciate their delicious vegetarian, gluten-free food. Everything from their vegan french toast, soy sausage, zen veggie burgers & bunny spice smoothie, we thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you again to Red Lentil for your generous brunch & thoughtful first step into helping our town cleanse & rejuvenate. As much fear as I was in just a few days ago doesn’t surpass the pride I have now (which I have always had) for being a resident of Watertown :)

My Doppleganger Glazed Donut Sandwich from Dunkin' Donuts

leiann — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:34:48 -0400

When I read reports of the new Dunkin’ Donuts “donut” breakfast sandwich being beta tested here in MA, *of course* I had to hunt down this monstrosity. My search was futile. I couldn’t find the “official” one - made with bacon, a pepper fried egg on a glazed donut. I was even practically laughed out of a Waltham DD just for asking about it…grrrrr. At least I don’t seem to be the only one getting ridiculed. The best I could do was convince the nice lady at the Allston one (not during peak hours) to just doppelganger me a sausage & egg breakfast sandwich with a donut instead of the bagel. She was very skeptical (& a little revulsed), but she kindly complied. Then, I thought, hell…I’m going this far…why not request the pretty Spring Fling frosted donut instead of plain glaze? If you’re gonna come high, COME HIGH or stay home. Yup, I did it…of course I did it o.O

Brunch & Donuts at Pies 'N' Thighs in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

leiann — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:28:18 -0400

PIes ‘N’ Thighs - the most popular brunch spot in Williamsburg for sure after their Triple D coverage…hahaha! I’ll be honest…I’ve had better fried chicken & biscuits & waffles (well, I’ve spent time in the South after all) that might not have been worth the 45-minute wait, but do what we did. We ordered our donuts to go right away, so we got them while waiting for our brunch items to arrive. No joke, by the time we were done eating, they had sold out of all flavors but their old fashioned. Lucky for us! The sugary, crunchy pecan was the bomb & what a tragedy it would have been if we had left without one :d

Hong Kong Style Bubble Milk Tea from Kung Fu Tea in Allston, MA

leiann — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:21:00 -0500

My favorite beverage from the popular bubble or “boba” tea shops that have gained much popularity in the past few years is the traditional iced Hong Kong style milk tea — black tea with very sweet milk (however I like it sans boba). So, when Kung Fu Tea, a New-York based shop, opened their first store here in the Boston area (with a 2nd store planned for Chinatown soon), I had to stop by! They have the same setup if you’re familiar with Lollicup. Your drink is prepared to order & the top heat seal wrapped, ready for you to punch your straw through, Capri Sun-style :) I like their milk tea, but it’s very different…spicier, almost like they used Earl Grey tea since I seem to taste that distinctive bergamot, plus lots of milk. Maybe *too* much milk, but you apparently can customize your drinks, so I’ll remember that for next time…because with their extensive menu of teas, milks & coffees, I will definitely be back to try them all!

Sake, Pork Bun & Noodle Bowl at HinoMaru Ramen in Queens, NY

leiann — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:54:00 -0500

Stop #2 on a chilly, rainy night in NYC? HinoMaru Ramen - the best ramen shop in Astoria, Queens!

A perfect pork nikuman - a generous slice of roast pork with the fluffiest steam bun.

The HinoMaru Ramen Bowl - with their signature “monkey faced” fish cake & delicious spicy pork “fireball.” I’m still salivating just thinking about it again.

Finally, all washed down with a lovely citrusy sweet yuzu sake!

The Cheesemonger's Choice Plate at Murray's Cheese Bar in NYC

leiann — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 22:35:50 -0500

Go to Murray’s Cheese Bar in Greenwich Village in NYC. Order the Cheesemonger’s Choice Plate. Tell the waitress what type of cheeses you either like or don’t like (semi-soft, hard, stinky, etc). Ask for an accompanying glass of wine. You won’t be sorry :)

Rising Sun Tavern Ramen Prix Fixe Night Popup at District Lounge

leiann — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:37:10 -0500

Boston is having quite the ramen moment. First, we went gaga over Guchi Ramen. Then, we gladly waited in the long line outside of Yumewokatare. Now, Rising Sun Tavern (formerly the Staff Meal food truck) is getting in on the noodle game ^_^

Tonight’s prix fixe at District Lounge in the Leather District included a shochu cocktail, Cantonese porchetta steamed buns, tsukemen ramen topped with roast park & deviled egg & a green tea mochi with nutella crumbles, chinese red date & Calpico (a creamy japanese milk drink) sauces! Even though I miss Staff Meal’s mobile tacos, I’m also glad they’re serving their innovative offerings in a more fixed location…easier for me to find them :)

Blue Dragon ~ Ming Tsai's Newest Fort Point Channel Gastropub!

leiann — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:08:37 -0500

I’ve been to Blue Ginger many times in the past. I’ve also been to Blue Bamboo in Jacksonville. Granted, it’s not a Ming Tsai property, but it was opened by a former chef of his, hence the “Blue” blessing. Now, I’ve completed the Power of 3 trifecta with this recent visit to Blue Dragon :)

Chef Ming Tsai’s opening night was a solid hit for sure with packed crowds even though arriving 9:30 at night. There was a really interesting & creative cocktail menu, but I was more in a winding down sort of mood, so went with the Maine Downeast Cider being in a “pub” & all :)

The idea of Blue Dragon is Chef Ming’s take on the whole small plates/tapas idea…perfect little bites, the option of shareable snacks late at night instead of full-on fancy dinners. I went with the duck liver/cranberry jam mousse & crostini, while MDH (who loves deviled eggs) savored BD’s soy pickled version :) Finally, I finished off with the Korean chicken with kimchee slaw. I really loved the soy glaze that covered the wings, so I wish there was more of it :) All in all, I’d say a pretty successful first night! Being a hop, skip & a jump from Chinatown (where I am often), I’m looking forward to partaking of the lunch menu & many more late night apps & trying out the fancy cocktails ^_^

Strip T's Southern Fried Chicken - Not A Traditional CNY Dinner

leiann — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:32:00 -0500

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Winter Storm Nemo kind of put the kibosh on my new year plans, so I ended up eating local. The fried chicken, biscuits & gravy plate from Strip T’s may not be what you think of as the traditional Lunar New Year dinner. However, chicken feet is considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, so I find it most *auspicious* I get a chicken foot as part of my drumstick dinner! Hahaha! Happy Year of the Snake!

Delicious DIY Detox Frozen Green Juice Smoothie Cups

leiann — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:52:00 -0500

Know what I like better than a tasty green juice drink? A *frozen* tasty green juice drink that is homemade, super cheap, I can make in batches & reconstitute every morning for the simplest breakfast on the go ^_^

My friend, Melissa of Shoestring Magazine, posted this *BRILLIANT* recipe for frozen green drink concentrate that sounded astoundingly delicious & ridiculously simple! I just had to try it myself!

The only addition I make to this already quick & perfect breakfast (or any meal substitute or snack really) is that I prefer to blend the frozen tabs with vanilla soy milk instead of coconut water. Just gives it that *bit* of creaminess, so it’s like the consistency of a smoothie that is more satisfying & filling to me than just pure juice. Otherwise, can’t improve much on this perfect green drink ^_^

Jasper White's Summer Shack's Famous Pan Roasted Lobster

leiann — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:55:00 -0500

Was it ironic to go to Jasper White’s *Summer Shack* when we’re right smack dab in the middle of winter? If ironic means “craving some tasty lobster”…then heck YEAH!!!

Pre-dinner treats consisted of Summer Shack’s deliciously cake-like cornbread & impossibly fresh raw oysters…with all its lovely accoutrements of cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges. Chowing down on a fresh ear of corn also felt completely like summer :)

The highlight of dinner however was Summer Shack’s famous pan roasted lobster in its deliciously rich bourbon sauce with chevril & chives. So flavorful! I needed a whole ‘nother lobster so as not to waste all that lovely sauce! Awww well…I’ll just order this dish again. Maybe one more time before summer actually comes :)

Stir It Up Cuisine's Original & Lime Zest Pepper Jelly Review

leiann — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:39:00 -0500

I really love receiving food products to try out & review. It would be infinitely more helpful though if I cooked a lot more than I actually do. However, luckily I was able to find a *much* appreciated quick & easy use for the sweet pepper jellies sent to me by locally based, Weymouth’s own Stir It Up Cuisine :)

One night, I decided to fry up some egg rolls for a quick dinner. Unfortunately, I had run out of duck sauce that I typically like to serve with them…having the spicy & sweet balance the fried crispiness. Then, I looked at the sweet pepper jelly from Stir It Up & the few & simple ingredients seem a perfect substitute…sweet cane sugar & pectin blended with vinegar, lime juice plus both sweet & scotch bonnet peppers. Also, since it was a jelly vs. a liquidy sauce, it was actually a more perfect condiment, the way it just clung to the egg rolls. No more sticky drips on my shirt! Plus, the flavors were just perfect…sweet, yet peppery & spicy. If these pepper jellies worked so excellent as just a condiment, can’t wait to use them in actual recipes! Check out Stir It Up Cuisine! They even have an online retail shop for these wonderful jellies :)

**Disclaimer: I was compensated by Stir It Up Cuisine for this post, but opinions are 100% my own.**

The Fatty Pork Ramen Bowl at Yume Wo Katare in Porter Square

leiann — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:58:49 -0500

“Ramen” has always been equated with thoughts of ‘cheap eating,’ ‘starving college student’ or ‘sodium & MSG laden nonfood.’ These days in the Boston area, it means long lines & drooling anticipation. What the what???

Much like my experience with Guchi’s Midnight Ramen, my mealtime started out in front of Yume Wo Katare with an expected wait. We were actually very lucky that night. I anticipated the time *just* to get inside to be about 90 minutes, but the line moved right along & we were in like Flynn in less than 40 :)

So, Yume Wo Katare is the first USA installment of this popular ramen shop in Japan. No wonder for the long waits! It’s arrival has been heavily anticipated & one month after it’s opening, the line is still dozens of people deep, even an hour before the official dinner starting time. Do yourself a favor & read up on Yelp all the tips & tricks for eating at Yume Wo Katare before you go there.

For example, as soon as you get inside the door of the shop, you are asked for your order & to pay (cash only). You only have 2 choices on the menu…fatty pork ramen with either 2 pieces ($12) or 5 ($14) pieces of pork. I read that the pork is quite substantial & fatty & the bowl of broth BIG, so I went for the 2 pieces. Bottled water & tea are the only beverage options, but there are plenty of glasses & pitchers of water on the one communal table to serve yourself. Then, you wait again standing alongside the seated happy & slurping diners who got their bowls before you :) When space opens up for your party, you are seated & then your ramen is placed immediately in front of you. Then you EAT!!! Another tip, don’t wear anything fancy or easily stained. The soy based broth is very hearty & full of meaty flavor, but also very OILY. Be forewarned. Also, if you have long hair, tie it up! I luckily had a rubber band around my wrist & after a few slurps, I had to pony it all back to get any kind of eating progress done…hahaha! Be kind to your fellow starving citizens still waiting in line outside in the cold, eat quickly (or as fast as you can muster) & don’t obnoxiously linger. When you’re finished (or have thrown in the towel), toss a couple bucks in the tip basket & you’re done! So, was the wait worth it? Of course! I still have lingering food coma from consuming the entire bowl of noodles, cabbage, bean sprouts, pork fat & broth, but when I recover, I’d totally do it again :)

The 2nd Annual National Sandwich Day Face-Off at Chez Henri

leiann — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:40:17 -0500

How often within a week does one get to vote in, not one but *two* elections, that would have such a profound effect on life as we know it??? Not only did I perform my civic duty in the 2012 presidential election, but I fulfilled my “foodie” civic duty as well ^_^

You see, last Saturday was National Sandwich Day. How else would you celebrate such a momentous occasion other than attending a National Sandwich Day Showdown & voting for the winner? I couldn’t think of a better way to honor the day :) The 3 contestants were Chez Henri, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese Gourmet Food Truck & All Star Sandwich Bar.

The format of the battle was simple. Every diner had a choice of an appetizer & dessert from each establishment…however the main course of sandwiches, we got to sample from all 3. There was a vegetarian as well as carnivore option for the sandwiches. I won’t talk much about the apps or desserts because *really*, it’s all about the hot & tasty sammiches :) All Star’s offering was a really good scallop po boy…small & sweet. I had heard about Chez Henri’s signature Cubano. It was crispy, it was porky, it was delicious. I could have used a few more pickles in it, but very tasty & filling. Finally, my overall fave, was Roxy’s Mighty Rib…a short rib grilled cheese sandwich. I’ve had the MR before & tonight’s offering tasted a bit sweeter to me. I actually liked it (I tend to like sweeter marinated meat), but I think it may have been too sweet for other diners.

After all that sandwich goodness, it was hard to fit in dessert, but you know me & loving the sweetness, I just had to make room! My favorite dessert ended up being All Star’s creamy “ice cream” sandwich which was really cheesecake smooshed between 2 chocolate chip cookies. After that, we had to step up to the voting booth & cast our ballots! I voted for Roxy’s, but found out the next day that All Star was the triumphant winner! Since I did like their po boy & dessert, I wholeheartedly agree :) Unlike the presidential election though, there were 3 winners (all the sandwich contenders) & 1 loser (my waistline)…hahaha!

The Chicken & Waffles Plate at M3 (Meat 'n 3) in Davis Square

leiann — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:27:00 -0400

When I think of Southern food in Davis Square, my first thought always goes to Redbones. However, must now rearrange the ol’ synaptic pathways. You see, while Redbones *is* a Southern joint, its claim to fame is most definitely its ribs. I had a hankering for a different type of Southern cuisine staple that led me to M3…

I didn’t even have to peruse the menu for very long to know I wanted the CHICKEN & WAFFLES! I hadn’t had really good fried chicken since the last time I was in Florida back in April. We actually first started off with crab meat deviled eggs served with delicious pickled carrots! What a pleasant switch from regular pickled cucumbers. They didn’t have truly authentic sweet tea, but more of a fruit sweet tea. Meh, I like my Southern food tried & true, but it’ll do :) Now, to be honest, I’ve had better fried chicken, but I did like the fact I got 3 unclipped wings instead of the usual breast & a thigh or a drumstick combo. I’m not a big fan of white meat chicken & having the wings kept the meat to fried chicken skin at a proper delicious ratio. Cos don’t you hate having a lot of white breast meat (no matter how tender & juicy) but then run out of skin? Annoying right? The waffles were probably the best I’ve had. Very thick, fluffy & chewy with plenty of cherries & pecans right in the batter. Made me a proper mix of RedHot sauce & maple syrup, poured it over everything & had myself a finger-lickin’ good time!

I learned that M3 meant “meat ‘n three”, as in when you order a main entree of meat, you get 3 sides. I didn’t even get past this *one* meat! I’ll definitely have to remember that for my next visit to M3!!!

Boston versus New York City 1st Annual Food Truck Throwdown

leiann — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:57:27 -0400

It was a super cold, clear & windy day last week in Boston. The type that you wouldn’t really want to be outdoors all day. However, there was the one thing, THE.ONE.THING that would make me stand outside (for a few hours at least) in the cold…food trucks! Not just food trucks, but also out-of-town FOOD TRUCKS! Let us begin…

Last Saturday, was the 1st ever Boston vs. NYC Food Truck Throwdown in Dewey Square, Boston. A lot of my regular Boston favorites were present…Mei Mei Street Kitchen, Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese & Staff Meal plus their chosen competitors from New York. On an ideal day, with 9,999 less people in attendance (hardy har har!), I would have sampled from every single truck. However, with toes freezing & daylight waning, I managed to wait in line & successfully order from only 2 food trucks, both from NYC. I eat at the Boston food trucks all the time, so they weren’t my priority. Pro tip: If you’ve never eaten at a food truck before, DON’T let your first experience be at one of these humungo festivals. Even on a normal day, you will wait for your food. So, with hundreds of people in line ahead of you, I don’t need to hear you keep complaining why it’s taking so long. Go to Mickey D’s if you want fast food.

So, the only food trucks I ate from were Fishing Shrimp & Mike-N-Willie’s. M&W’s had pulled pork sliders, lime chicken & beef tacos. I really liked the sweetness of the BBQ sauce in the sliders, but nothing spectacular in any of the dishes. Plus, that wait took FOREVER! Like I just said, I don’t mind waiting, but I think there was something amiss aboard the truck. One of the chefs really looked like he wanted to quit mid-festival! However, the battered shrimp, whitefish with fries combo plate from Fishing Shrimp was excellent! You would think, yeah, yeah, fried fish, simple, but no, the batter they used was really well-seasoned. Spicy, but not too much of a kick & just super flavorful! All in all, it was a long, but fun day. Now, the next time I go down to the Big Apple, I have a few food trucks that I can be on the lookout for ^_^

FOUR Burgers ~ Four Kinds of Burgers for All Kinds of People

leiann — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:46:08 -0400

So, I just have to say it. Don’t tell me I’m the only one to wonder about this either. What is *UP* with the new crop of burger joints that have to have a number in the name??? Five Guys Burgers & Fries…Five Napkin Burger…now Four Burgers? I mean, it’s weird right??? So, when I had the opportunity to dine at Four Burgers, I jumped at the chance & I just had to find out :)

This opportunity came in the form of a food blogger meetup hosted by the bubbly blonde, Jen aka The Boston Bachelorette :) We met up one rainy evening last week & lemme tell you…I was hungry! So much so that all I wanted was a straight up, no frills, good ol’ American burger. Four Burgers is named so because it only offers 4 types of burgers…grass-fed beef, turkey, salmon & black bean veggie (with the occasional special burger of the day, like ostrich or lamb). Simple menu right? We all should be happy with one of these categories. Oh, did I mention they also do hot dogs, French fries, sweet potato fries, pickles, wine & beer? Now we’re talking! I chose the grass-fed beef burger with standard toppings of lettuce, tomato & American cheese plus a side of regular French fries. It was a simple, but yummy burger, cooked perfectly to my specification of medium rare. I liked the fact that I was eating locally sourced, not corn fed cow. It wasn’t a humungo sized burger either so I was able to finish it completely without stuffing myself to the point of food coma. Washed it down with a glass of red wine. It was a solid meal all around. There are 2 locations…that night was at the Boylston Street location near the Theater District & I’ve been to the one in Central Square in Cambridge before. There were also raves for the salmon burger, so I think I will definitely try that one the next time! Thanks again to Jen & the other bloggers & can’t wait for the next food adventure :)

Disclosure: The meal was provided by Four Burgers, but the opinions are 100% my own :)