Saturday, July 31, 2010

Fleur Irisée's Tweets (July 2010)

 
July 2010
Tweets on Twitter by Fleur Irisée

Coppa Restaurant Review

Coppa
My Opinions: The serving sizes are small and the price tag is high, but the food almost makes it worth it! - Sad to find out today that the foie gras is off the current menu, but we all (including the server) are hopeful that it will reappear soon – I am looking forward to trying the Crostini de Fegato on my next visit - During the summer, there is a decent wait time for an outside table, but inside is nice as long as you don’t mind tight quarters – Service is good and wine list is fair - I really enjoy their Salumi board (you can usually influence the pick if you are polite).

Special touches: I like that they bring the bottle of wine over and pour you a taste before they fill the glass … a simple gesture, but is noticed and appreciated.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Meatballs Alforno - Pesto di Zucca - Prosciutto e Melone - Salumi Board - Buratta - Tomato Salad (special of the day) - Fiori di Zucca Pizza - Pate de Champage

Most Recent Visit: 7/30/2010
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences:  Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Address: 253 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Website: www.coppaboston.com  Phone: (617) 391-0902
Social Networking: Twitter @coppaboston – Facebook /COPPA

Friday, July 30, 2010

Sam's Restaurant & Bar Review

SAM'S AT LOUIS
My Opinions:  What a great spot, and this time I was able to sit on the patio ... it was beautiful (be sure to bring your sunglasses though). Plan to get here just before sunset for a gorgeous harbor scene light up right before your eyes.

The crowd is of a more mature mix with socialites that  would go to places like the Boston Harbor Hotel, Miel Brasserie, Morton's, and the Omni Parker. The bar is small, so seats are difficult to come by. Too bad, they didn't setup an outside bar! The table service is very good. Sam's is now my favorite place to order a beet salad; Stephanie's on Newbury makes a short step down to second place! The food here is very good with portion sizes that are not too small and not too large, finally a sensible plating plan. I'm looking forward to trying the burger; I understand it's a very popular menu item, the pate and the brownie sundae.

Don't miss out on the chalk board walls - sign your name, leave a message, and taggers are welcomed to share their art. Come back to see how long your mark stays visible! Fleur Irisee needs to go back and tag their logo.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  The Narcissist Cocktail - Island Creek Oysters - Beet Salad - Steak and Fries - Halibut Provencal - Confit Country Ribs - Fresh Baked Cookies

Most Recent Visit: 7/29/2010
Amount Visited: 2+
Experiences: Dinner


Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 60 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02110
Website: http://www.samsatlouis.com/  Phone: (617) 295-0191
Social Networking: Twitter @SamsAtLouis  –  Facebook /Sams Louis

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Eastern Standard Restaurant & Bar Review

Eastern Standard
My Opinions:  Have I mentioned how much I love late-night menus? Well, I especially like the one here - you can still get quality hot meals, seafood and snacks!  The food here is very good; I especially like coming here for lunch. Be sure to sit outside when you can to people watch and enjoy the weather.

I enjoy the great service and fun bar scene that's busy with a slightly older crowd. It's a nice spot for singles to meet.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Steak Tartare - Eggs Benedict - Frisee aux Lardons - Chicken Chopped Salad - Standard Burger - Charcuterie Plate - Breakfast Breads - Grilled Cheese - Fried Calamari

Most Recent Visit: 7/27/2010
Amount Visited: 75+
Experiences: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Address: 528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Website: http://www.EasternStandardBoston.com  Phone: (617) 532-9100
Social Networking: Twitter @ESKDboston  -  Facebook /Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks

Older Posts: October 2009

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Marliave Restaurant & Bar Review

Marliave
My Opinions:  I ate outside again, closer to the street side, and it was very nice. Leave it to Marliave to top themselves with offering great menu items. Where else can you get butterscotch pudding, imported  flavored dipping oils, and a large selection of cheeses? Sooo good! The Wellington wasn't my favorite, but I really like the Pot Roast. I've heard their sandwich menu is delicious, so I plan to try it (if only I can stay away from their main entrees).

The service and atmosphere here is wonderful - they encourage you to sit and enjoy the atmosphere and food ... you almost forget you're in Boston.  I'm looking forward to my next visit!

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Formaggio Selection - Oysters on the Half Shell - Tuscan Pate - Lasagna - Cheesy Macaroni – Beets - Henry’s Soup – Yankee Pot Roast – Bistecca - Risotto - Mixed Greens - Pan Roasted Chicken - Wellington - Cake and Ice Cream - Butterscotch Pudding

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Most Recent Visit: 7/24/2010
Amount Visited: 15+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 10 Bosworth Street, Boston, MA 02108
Website: http://www.marliave.com  Phone: (617) 422-0004
Social Networking:

Older Marliave PostsMay 2010  -  March 2010 - November 2009

Friday, July 23, 2010

Raso's Restaurant & Bar Review

Raso's Grille
My Opinions: This place was such a pleasant surprise! I really like the staff and supporting a family-owned restaurant. Ladies, you're going to find a lot of officers here, so look cute! The dining room space is quite roomy, and the bar does a great business ... at night it can get packed! The food is yummy and the drinks cold. I am looking forward to another opportunity to revisit.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Caprese - Penne-Chicken and Broccoli - Meatball Sandwich - Pizza Mama - Chicken Tenders

Most Recent Visit: 7/22/2010
Amount Visited: 3
Experiences: Lunch, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 209 Mystic Avenue, Medford, MA 02155
Website: www.rasosgrille.com  Phone: (781) 396-2001
Social Networking:

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Lumiere Restaurant Review

Lumière
My Opinions: Quaint neighborhood restaurant with modern French cuisine. Very nice wine options by the glass and by the bottle. They even have organic wines that taste quite good. 

At first, I was inundated with information from the server (TMI), but once we got past the rather long ordering process, I was able to relax and enjoy. The food is good and noticeably fresh. I love that they support local businesses. The spot is a bit out of the way from Boston, and there aren't many after-diner options around, so I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. I would definitely come back if I'm going to be in the Newton area.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Veal Terrine - Farm Chicken - Striped Bass - Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait

Most Recent Visit: 7/21/2010
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences: Dinner

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Address: 1293 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02465
Website: www.lumiererestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 244-9199
Social Networking:  Facebook /Lumiere the Restaurant

Monday, July 19, 2010

Pigalle Restaurant Review

Pigalle
My Opinions: This is such a romantic neighborhood restaurant ... The rumor mill is whispering that it's going out of business, but my birdie told me that if anything were to happen, the menu, along with the layout-and-atmosphere, may change to a brasserie-feel rather than shut down or change management.

The food is consistently delicious here, with a wine list to match. The service is attentive and respectful of your space and conversation. The upscale restaurant is small and cozy, all while avoiding feeling cramped ... magic?

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Arugula Salad – Duck Liver Mousse - Petite Beef Tenderloin – Roasted Beet Salad – Truffle Risotto – Squash Risotto – Smores – Cookie Plate - Pre Fix Specialties - Vanilla Panna Cotta

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Most Recent Visit: 7/18/2010
Amount Visited: 30+
Experiences: Dinner

Address: 75 Charles Street South, Boston, MA 02116
Website: http://www.pigalleboston.com  Phone: (617) 423-4944
Social Networking: Facebook /Pigalle Restaurant

Older PostsNovember 2009

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Siros Restaurant & Bar Review

Siros
My Opinions:  Tonight, I remembered not to order the veal piccata here because of the over-zealous olive flavoring; instead, I got one of my favs, the chicken parmesan, which is consistent and delicious! Siros has a tasty marinara sauce (mmmm!). Don't miss the Frenched Pork Chop either - savory, tender with a perfect crisp on the outside.

No surprise, it gets pretty busy in the Summer, so be sure to make a reservation.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Antipasto for Two - Rolled Eggplant – Bruschetta - Tomato Mozzarella Salad - Mediterranean Salad – Wedge – Chicken Parmesan – Chicken Broccoli and Rigatoni – Filet Mignon – Tiramisu – Bread Pudding - Veal Piccata - Double Thick Frenched Pork Chop

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 7/17/2010
Amount Visited: 75+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 307 Victory Road, North Quincy, MA 02171-3105
Website: http://www.sirosrestaurants.com  Phone: (617) 472-4500
Social Networking:  Facebook /Siros Marina Bay

Older PostsJune 2010  -  January 2010 

Friday, July 16, 2010

M Bar Review

M Bar at the Mandarin Oriental
My Opinions: I got to see my favorite bar manager, Ari,  tonight. He seems to be fitting in just fine as one of the newest members of the restaurant and bar management team (somewhat expected, coming from the Four Seasons).  I've had a great time working with him on several occasions already.

M Bar offers quality brand beers and liquors that you don’t commonly find. Friday and Saturday nights are typically busy with people ready to flirt and drink, but during the week it's much more subdued. The bartenders are great - knowledgeable and friendly. Cheers!

Some Food/Drink Tasted: VeeV Acai Mixinations

Patronage Inclination:  Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 7/16/2010
Amount Visited: 25+
Experiences: Bar

Address: 776 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199
Website: http://www.mandarinoriental.com/boston/dining/m_bar  Phone: (617) 535-8800
Social Networking: Twitter @MO_Boston  -  Facebook /MandarinOrientalBoston

Older M Bar Posts: March 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Stephanie's on Newbury Restaurant & Bar Review

Stephanie's on Newbury 

My Opinions: This is a classic Newbury Street Restaurant, and I've been coming here for years. Tonight did not disappoint. The dining room was full, the outside patio was packed, and the bar was boisterous! I tried the Ahi Tuna Tartare for the first time tonight and it was excellent.  My favorite meal here is the weekend brunch, but an occasional lunch or dinner here is quite satisfying.

Don't miss dining at Stephi’s on Tremont, Stephanie's younger member of the family, which has a similar menu that's just as delicious.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Ahi Tuna Tartare - Fruit Bowl - Chocolate Chip and Blueberry Pancakes - Frittered French Toast – Skirt Steak – Winter House Salad – Fried Calamari – Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip – Open Faced Thanksgiving Sandwich – Fried Chicken Sandwich – Turkey Club – Classic Chunky Chicken Salad – Red Beet Salad – Pecan Crusted Warm Goat Cheese Salad – Pulled Chicken Pasta – Chicken Pot Pie – Oversized Stephi Burger – Lobster Pot Pie - Macaroni and Cheese – Bread Pudding – Warm Chocolate Cake

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 7/12/2010
Amount Visited: 100+
Experiences: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar

Address: 190 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Website: http://www.stephaniesonnewbury.com/  Phone: (617) 236-0990
Social Networking: Facebook /Stephanie's On Newbury

Previous PostsMarch 2010  -  December 2009

Monday, July 12, 2010

Rowes Wharf Bar Review

Rowes Wharf Bar @ the Boston Harbor Hotel
My Opinions:  I had another great time here. It was fantastic to watch the World Cup at the bar with all my friends!

I have enjoyed the Sea Grille and Meritage many times, and, although you don't get the view, the Wharf Bar does not disappoint. The food is fresh and well seasoned; although this is a more casual atmosphere, the service is of the same caliber as in Meritage. The bar is well stocked and accommodating for the single diner/drinker.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Grilled Pizza - Bar Seafood Tasting Plate - Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass - Cheeseburger with Buttermilk Fried Onion Rings - Warm Bartlett Pear Crisp - New York Cheese Cake

Most Recent Visit: 7/11/2010
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Websitehttp://www.bhh.com/wharf.htm  Phone:  (617) 439-7000
Social Networking: Twitter @bohaho  –  Facebook /Boston Harbor Hotel

Previous PostsFebruary 2010

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Haiku: Beer


  HAIKU
( 5 – 7 – 5 )

Two rushing beer men
One large traffic jam in Boston
Who's a thirsty man?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Wedding Vendor: Taylor Creative



Click on the image to see photos of the furniture I rented from Taylor Creative for a wedding I planned at the Boston Harbor Hotel (July 2010). They were reliable and did a great job setting up.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

YOU


YOU

I look around
How am I on the ground?
You pulled the rug out from under me.

As I spun down,
The veil was lifted
Your lies became illuminated with sound.

There was no trust.
There was no love.
Just empty words disguising lust.

I look around
How am I on the ground?
You pulled the rug out from under me.

Reality incessantly hits my chest.
I lay breathless,
Vulnerable and soaking wet.

I loved your body - your face.
The calm you instilled in me
Was like an immaculate grace.

Now, my dreams unraveled, my face disgraced.
How could your undying love
Freeze our palace.

I never knew what loss was until you put me in my place.
I never knew what hate was
Until “in the name of love” became debase.

I look around
How am I on the ground?
You pulled the rug right out from under me.

I love you so,
And you let me go.
Strange that this foreign place feels safe.

     - Kristin Kim Haynes

Friday, July 2, 2010

Radius Restaurant & Bar Review

Radius
My Opinions: I enjoyed another great dinner here tonight, but noticed the dining room was extremely quite. The bar was busy, but the dining room was fairly empty - Last time, I just had an after-work drink and the sociable bar was fun! I'm definitely keeping this on my "hot spot" list.

Radius remains to be a Boston-Classic in the Financial District, and one of my favorite restaurants to dine at - Service is impeccable with Food Quality and Flavors to match - I like the sexy room layout and simple/clean decor - I'm a big fan of Via Matta as well, a member of Michael Schlow's group of restaurants.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Maine Crab Salad – Sweetbreads – Foie Gras – Chilled Maine Lobster – Bass – Organic Chicken – Rib Eye - Loin of Lamb - Boston Creme Donuts - Cookie Plate

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Most Recent Visit: 7/01/2010
Amount Visited: 75+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 8 High Street, Boston, MA 02110
Website: http://www.radiusrestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 426-1234
Social Networking:  Facebook /Radius Restaurant Group

Older Radius PostsMarch 2010  -  November 2009

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Top facts about the name Kristin Kim


  1. 30% of the letters are vowels. Of one million first and last names we looked at, 79.9% have a higher vowel make-up. This means it is modestly envoweled.
  2. In ASCII binary it is... 01001011 01110010 01101001 01110011 01110100 01101001 01101110 00100000 01001011 01101001 01101101
  3. Backwards, it is Nitsirk Mik... nice ring to it, huh?
  4. In Pig Latin, it is Istinkray Imkay.
  5. People with this first name are probably: Female. So, they are constantly overcharged for beauty products.
Top facts about this Kristin Kim
  1. 100% made in Korea. This means I was born in Seoul, Korea - then adopted and became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America in 1980.
  2. Strategy, Puzzle and Word games are fun to me.
  3. I have yet to find an appropriate doppelganger ... even on Facebook
  4. I like to help other people achieve greatness, and make situations better. Perhaps this is the driving force behind starting a multifaceted consulting firm. 
  5. The best thing a Fleur Irisee employee told me was that I make a great boss because I lead by example and am fair.

National Food Holidays (July)

JULY 
NATIONAL FOOD HOLIDAYS
Here are some national food holidays that you can celebrate which ever way you see fit. Pick you favorites and put them on your calendar to enjoy! If you are truly passionate about a food that doesn't yet have its day, our President has the authority to grant them, so get a petition introduced by a constituent, trade association or public relations firms and keep your utensils ready.
  • July 1: National Gingersnap Day
  • July 2: National Anisette Day
  • July 3: National Chocolate Wafer Day
  • July 4: National Barbecued Spareribs Day (FAVORITE!)
  • July 5: National Apple Turnover Day
  • July 6: National Fried Chicken Day
  • July 7: National Strawberry Sundae Day
  • July 8: National Chocolate with Almonds Day
  • July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day
  • July 10: National Piña Colada Day
  • July 11: National Blueberry Muffin Day
  • July 12: National Pecan Pie Day
  • July 13: National French Fries Day
  • July 14: National Grand Marnier Day
  • July 15: National Gummy Worm Day
  • July 15: National Tapioca Pudding Day
  • July 16: National Corn Fritters Day
  • July 17: National Peach Ice Cream Day
  • July 18: National Caviar Day (FAVORITE!)
  • July 19: National Daiquiri Day
  • July 20: National Lollipop Day
  • July 20: National Hot Dog Day
  • July 20: National Ice Cream Soda Day
  • July 21: National Ice Cream Day
  • July 21: National Junk Food Day
  • July 22: National Penuche Fudge Day
  • July 23: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
  • July 24: National Tequila Day (FAVORITE!)
  • July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
  • July 26: National Coffee Milkshake Day
  • July 27: National Crème Brûlée Day
  • July 27: National Scotch Day
  • July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day
  • July 29: National Lasagna Day
  • July 30: National Cheesecake Day
  • July 31: National Raspberry Cake Day