Nubar Bar & Restaurant Review

NUBAR @ Sheraton Commander Hotel

My Opinions: I am excited that this is the 2nd out of 6 places I have been able to explore on my Dining Dreams 2011 list.

The establishment did a good job revamping the space within the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Harvard Square. The space felt more opened than before due to the neutral tones, reconfigured bar off to the side, and their table set up.

The food was tasty (better than what I expected), the drinks were decent, but the new younger bartender was unpolished (below what I expected). The saving grace was that they kept one of the staple bartenders (pictured above) who provides a personal touch by getting to know the regular guests while still providing professional service.

I would come back to try a sitdown dinner for a business meeting.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Grilled Shrimp Salad - Burger - Truffled Fries - Mojitos

Patronage Inclination:  Fleeting

Most Recent Visit: 4/26/11
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences: Bar

Address: 16 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: nubarcambridge.com  Phone: (617) 547-4800
Social Networking:  Facebook /Nubar  -  Twitter @NubarCambridge

Harvest Restaurant Review

Harvest

My Opinions: I had a lovely business lunch here today complete with friendly and attentive service - The lunch menu was great, with a nice choice of comfort food dishes and great quality - I like the interior as a nice change of pace from the all the casual places offered in this artsy and scholastic area - the Bar area can be a fun since it pulls a consistent crowd - The outside patio is very nice in the warm weather so try it!

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Shrimp Salad - Griddled Croque Monsieur – Eggs Benedict – Beet Salad - Harvest Charcuterie – Wild Striped Bass – NY Striploin - Chicken Pot Pie - Grilled Cheese w/Tomato Soup

Most Recent Visit: 5/07/2010
Amount Visited: 30+
Experiences: Brunch, Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion
Address: 44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.harvestcambridge.com  Phone: (617) 868-2255
Social Networking:  Facebook /Harvest Restaurant

Previous Posts: February 2010

OM Restaurant & Lounge Review

OM Restaurant and Lounge

My Opinions: I had another great bar experience with a twist ... they had a fantastic DJ spinning some house/dance music in the lounge (pictured right) and it was gay night! What a pleasant surprise, I didn't know OM hosted one. And, I haven't danced that much in a long time. Cheers to OM! - I am planing to go back for dinner one night soon. They have nice restaurant seating upstairs with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into Harvard Sq. – To Note: they now offer a special gluten-free à la carte menu including entrées and desserts and some of Om's wine list is organic.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Momos – Sweet Potato Ravioli – Sesame Chicken Skewers – Moulard Paillard – Roasted Chicken – Lamb Ribs

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/29/2010
Amount Visited: 30+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 92 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.omrestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 576-2800
Social Networking:  Twitter @OM_Restaurant  -  Facebook /Om Restaurant

Previous Posts: February 2010

Rialto Restaurant & Bar Review

Rialto at the Charles Hotel

My Opinions: Owner and Chef Jody Adams does a great job with this restaurant ... from a fun dining room layout to a tantalizing menu, I really enjoy Rialto. I would be very excited to put together a dinner party here - Definitely don't miss out on trying the bar menu! The confit artichoke and pate are two of my favorites.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Roasted Peppers - Beet Salad - Confit Artichoke - Duck Liver Pate - Penne Bolognese - Tuscan-Style Steak - Veal Osso Bucco - Roasted Duck - Shortcake Sliders

Most Recent Visit: 4/29/2010
Amount Visited: 25+
Experiences:  Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website:  www.rialto-restaurant.com  Phone: (617) 661-5050
Social Networking: Twitter @Rialto02138  –  Facebook /Rialto Restaurant

Border Cafe Restaurant Review

Border Cafe

My Opinions: A Cambridge / Harvard Square staple restaurant that families, college kids and couples alike enjoy. I don't think I have ever seen this place empty in the years and years I've been dining here - The food flavors the air and tastes consistently good - The service is surprisingly good, go team go!, even when it's slammed - They have a large vegetarian section on their menu - And, if anything, you can experience some of the biggest soda/water glasses I've ever drank from.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Every Margarita offered! - Steak and Bleu Cheese Salad - Tostada Grande - Cajun Burger - Chili con Queso - Catfish New Orleans - Blackened Chicken - Cadillac Fajitas - Chicken/Beef Fajitas - Burros - Enchiladas - Quesadillas - Jambalaya

Most Recent Visit: 3/25/2010
Amount Visited: 100+
Experiences: Lunch, Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 32 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (multiple locations)
Website: www.bordercafe.com  Phone: (617) 864-6100
Social Networking:

Craigie On Main Restaurant Review

Craigie on Main

My Opinions: I have been to "this" restaurant when it was Craigie St. Bistro, and the new location has only improved the dining experience - I was in a large party for my latest dinner here, and we were able to all enjoy the pig's head (half a head). It looks true to form and comes complete with teeth and a puffed-up ear ... not for the vegan-friendly - The service was very attentive and efficient - Libations were excellent - The management was not easy to work with, nor were they accommodating, on setting up a reservation for a larger party, but the actual experience was stress free.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Pig's Head - Tortellini of Braised Pork Belly - Hirmasa Sashimi - Roasted Vermont Organic Squab - Peanut Butter Parfait - Double Chocolate Tart

Most Recent Visit: 3/06/2010
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Dinner

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 853 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02139
Website: http://www.craigieonmain.com  Phone: (617) 497-5511
Social Networking: Twitter @craigieonmain  –  Facebook /Craigie On Main

Noir Restaurant & Bar Review

Noir at the Charles Hotel

My Opinions:  Food is delicious and I really like their specialty cocktails menu - The bar is nice to sit at ,and on the weekends it can get pretty lively - The 5-4-3-2-1-0 Happy Hour is Fantastic - During the summer they offer outside seating (always an added bonus)!

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Spinach Dip – Artichoke & Parmesan Dip – Butternut Squash Flatbread – Spiced Tomato Soup – Smoked Turkey Sandwich – Prosciutto with Fig Jam Sandwich – Spinach Salad – Chocolate Chip Cookies – Strawberries & Crème Fraiche

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 3/4/2010
Amount Visited: 25+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.noir-bar.com  Phone: (617) 661-8010
Social Networking:  Twitter @CharlesHotel  -  Facebook /Noir Bar

Sofra Cafe Review

Sofra

My Opinions: I plan on going back and trying everything I can carry! - Food quality is great and, since many of these flavors are not what I typically encounter, it was a surprise party in my mouth with all the new bites. I will not skip the Mezze Bar next time - Staff is knowledgeable and very kind to newbies like myself! - I must admit, I am not a fan of the Turkish Coffee, but I was warned - Seating is limited, but the wait is not too bad and the crowd is eclectic and friendly - It's the younger family member to Oleana Restaurant.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Earthquake Cookie - Egg Sandwich w/Haloumi (yummy cheese) - Turkish Coffee

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 2/27/2010
Amount Visited: 1+
Experiences: Brunch

Address: 1 Belmont Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.sofrabakery.com  Phone: (617) 661-3161
Social Networking:  Facebook /Sofra Bakery & Cafe

OM Restaurant and Lounge Review

OM Restaurant and Lounge
My Opinions: They have nice restaurant seating upstairs with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into Harvard Sq. - Food is very good, but a bit pricey – the lounge area downstairs is great with cushy seating and funky djs on certain nights. They even offer a semi-private room for small parties – To Note: they now offer a special gluten-free à la carte menu including entrées and desserts and some of Om's wine list is organic.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Momos – Sweet Potato Ravioli – Sesame Chicken Skewers – Moulard Paillard – Roasted Chicken – Lamb Ribs

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 2/25/2010
Amount Visited: 25+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 92 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.omrestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 576-2800
Social Networking:  Twitter @OM_Restaurant  -  Facebook /Om Restaurant

Harvest Restaurant Review

Harvest

My Opinions: Service is friendly with the expected casual "Harvard Sq." feel - The menu isn't too creative, but the food quality is good - I like the interior as a nice change of pace from the all the casual places offered in this artsy and scholastic area - the Bar area can be a fun since it pulls a consistent crowd - Sunday brunch breads are the best - The outside patio is very nice in the warm weather

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Griddled Croque Monsieur – Eggs Benedict – Beet Salad - Harvest Charcuterie – Wild Striped Bass – NY Striploin - Chicken Pot Pie

Most Recent Visit: 2/04/2010
Amount Visited: 30+
Experiences: Brunch, Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion
Address: 44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.harvestcambridge.com  Phone: (617) 868-2255
Social Networking:  Facebook /Harvest Restaurant

Grendel's Den Bar & Restaurant Review

GRENDEL'S DEN

My Opinions: Half-Price menu hours are great! The menu has a good variety of food and is very affordable – I love fondue, but I don’t like the one here … I think they use the wrong wine and a low quality cheese … too bad – the wait staff is friendly and fun, and gets the job done. The bartenders are usually the best company, so eat at the bar if you want good service – the Food is okay – They offer pitchers of beer which is always convenient - I am not a fan of garden-level dining establishments – Interior is plain and the seating is close together due to the small space - People who come here are lively and typically a younger, college-age crowd

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Fondue for Two - Burger - Nachos Supreme - Quesadilla - Turkey & Harvarti - Hummus bi Tahini - Sebastian Sandwich

Most Recent Visit: 1/28/2010
Amount Visited: 30+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 89 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: grendelsden.com  Phone: (617) 491-1050
Social Networking: Twitter @Grendels_Den - Facebook /Grendel's Den

Flora Restaurant Review

Flora

My Opinions: A local favorite with a family feel ... you'll often see the owner circulating the restaurant and saying hello to all the familiar faces - Food is consistently delicious – Service is attentive and friendly – There is a bar on the right side of the restaurant, but it's never been a true mingling spot since it's integrated into the dining room

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Beet Salad – Charcuterie – Risotto – Panko-Crusted Swordfish – Arctic Char – Daube of Beef – Chocolate Cloud Cake – Cran-Raspberry Tart

Most Recent Visit: 1/10/2010
Amount Visited: 10+
Experiences: Dinner

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 190 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02474
Website: http://www.florarestaurant.com  Phone: (781) 641-1664

Grafton Street Pub and Grill Bar & Restaurant Review

Grafton Street Pub and Grill

My Opinions: The food is is very good, but I'd skip coming to brunch here again – The service is decent – It's very nice to enjoy the outside seating in the warm weather – The bar can be very fun, but hosts a younger, college-age crowd

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Fried Calamari – Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Pot Pie – Grafton Burger – Pork And Sweet Potato Hash

Most Recent Visit: 12/22/2009
Amount Visited: 10+
Experiences: Brunch, Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 1230 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.graftonstreetcambridge.com  Phone: (617) 497-0400
Social Networking: Twitter @Grafton02138 - Facebook /Grafton Street

Chez Henri Restaurant Review

Chez Henri

My Opinions: I’ve been dining here since I was a little girl – The service is formal yet friendly – The food quality is always upstanding – The bar scene can be fun, but the space is small - Location is slightly hidden and mysterious off of Mass. Ave., which adds to its appeal

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Charcuterie Plate – Butter Lettuce Salad – Steak Frites – Bistro Chicken

Most Recent Visit:
Amount Visited: 50+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.chezhenri.com   Phone: (617) 354-8980
Social Networking: Twitter @ChezHenri

Grendel's Den Bar & Restaurant Review

Grendel’s Den

My Opinions: Half-Price menu hours are great! The menu has a good variety of food and is very affordable - Wait staff is average, and gets the job done. The bartenders are usually the best company, so eat at the bar if you want good service – the Food is fine – I am not a fan of garden-level dining establishments – Interior is plain and the seating is close together due to the small space - People who come here are lively and typically a younger, college-age crowd

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Nachos Supreme - Quesadilla - Turkey & Harvarti - Hummus bi Tahini - Sebastian Sandwich

Most Recent Visit: 12/11/2009
Amount Visited: 30+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 89 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.grendelsden.com  Phone: (617) 491-1050
Social Networking: Twitter @Grendels_Den - Facebook /Grendel's Den

Orleans Restaurant Review

Orleans

My Opinions:  Located in Davis Square ... haven't been back in a little while since I frequent Boston, but it's definitely a place I'd revisit - Food is good with a selection of bar food and some entree dishes - the service is friendly and casual - the establishment does a great job catering to the local younger crowd. Trivia night is fun and participatory, they offer live music or a dj some nights, and currently they've even integrated Rock Band into their offerings on Sunday. - Outside seating in the warm weather is nice, even if it has a back-alley feel.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Orleans’ P.B.T. – Cornish Game Hen – Chicken Rigatoni – Quesadilla - Nachos - Beer-Beer-Beer!

Most Recent Visit: ??
Amount Visited: 30+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 65 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144
Website: http://www.orleansrestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 591-2100
Social Networking:  Facebook /Orleans Restaurant

Gargoyles Restaurant Review

Gargoyles on the Square

My Opinions: The ambiance is dark and sultry, yet not too serious - the Service  is good - the Food is very fresh and tasty - the Bar is fun with a good cocktail menu - it's a nice formal option given the many pubs around the area

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Gargoyles Burger – Baby Spinach Salad – Hangar Steak – Chicken Stuffed Chicken

Most Recent Visit: 5/17/2009
Amount Visited: 10+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Address: 219 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
Website: http://www.gargoylesrestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 776-5300
Social Networking: Facebook /Gargoyles

Sandrine's Bistro Restaurant Review

Sandrine's Bistro

My Opinions:  I haven't been back to this bistro in a while, but I do remember it fondly.  It is a place I currently recommend to people looking for a refreshing break from Harvard Square's more casual restaurants - The food and service is very good that I hope to revisit sooner than later - Great wine list

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Apple and Bleu Cheese Salade – Foie Gras Farandole – Angus Filet Mignon – Peking Duck Breast – Profiteroles

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: ??
Amount Visited: 10+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 8 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: http://www.sandrines.com  Phone: (617) 497-5300
Social Networking:  Facebook /Sandrine's Bistro

Sabur Restaurant Review

Sabur

My Opinions:  This was a pleasantly surprising find in Davis Sq./Teele Sq. - The Mediterranean food is is very good. I always start with the Roasted Eggplant and Pepper Dip - I especially like coming here in the summer season because they have an outside deck you can dine and drink on - Certain nights they have live music in their lounge - They even have a small parking lot!

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Roasted Eggplant and Pepper Dip – Hand Stretched Burek – Olives – Zucchini and Fetta Fritters – Pears … Mix Greens Salad – Open Hearth Roast – Risotto – Chocolate and Hazelnut Filled Crepes – Poached Pear

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: ??
Amount Visited: 50+
Experiences: Lunch, Dinner, Bar

Address: 212 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144
Website: http://www.saburrestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 776-7890
Social Networking:  Facebook /Sabur Restaurant

Cuchi Cuchi Bar & Restaurant Review

Cuchi Cuchi

My Opinions: The service and food is very good - Cocktails and ambiance are outstanding ... dark and romantic with a fun flair (literally). The staff are required to wear sparkly accent pieces that they pick out before their shift. I haven't been back in a while, but it's not because I don't want to, even though it's close to Boston, it's still a bit out of my way since I frequent the city

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Fried Artichoke Hearts – Mexican Deep-Fried Tomato – Beef Stroganoff – Chicken Kiev – Mushroom Risotto – Couscous – Brie en Croute – Bliny – Fried Zucchini

Most Recent Visit: 2/04/2009
Amount Visited: 20+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Address: 795 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: http://www.cuchicuchi.cc  Phone: (617) 864-2929
Social Networking: Facebook /Cuchi Cuchi