Black Horse Tavern Restaurant & Bar Review

BLACK HORSE TAVERN

My Opinions:  What a pleasant surprise to find this new restaurant in Winchester (my hometown) conveniently located by the commuter rail stop. It opened in August of 2010, and seems to be thriving! I couldn't believe how busy it was today ... and it was only lunch time. 

I had a great experience at the bar chatting with the owner, enjoying a good meal with a glass of cabernet, and loving the comfortable ambiance. (I loved that they had golf playing on the big screen!) I only wish I discovered this town hot spot earlier this winter so I could sit by their gas fireplace ... I guess the large opened windows letting in the warm spring air was a decent consolation prize for me.

You will find generous food portions of refined tavern fare at average prices, a good wine and beer selection (along with a full bar), friendly people, and lots of parking. To note: Lunch is not served every day, I believe it's only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so give them a call before you plan an afternoon meet-up here.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Chicken Picatta

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit:  5/06/2011
Amount Visited:  1
Experiences:  Lunch

Address: 32 Waterfield Road, Winchester, MA 01890
Website: blackhorsetavernwinchester.com  Phone: (781) 369-1620
Social Networking:  Facebook /Black Horse Tavern Winchester  -  Twitter @BHTavern

Glutenus Minimus Review

GLUTENUS MINIMUS

My Opinions:  The location was a bit off of the main road, near Cushing Square in Belmont, but worth the drive. This is a small bakery with a big-hearted mission - to bring tasty gluten free items to you.

As most of you know, I am not one to deny myself of food or drink, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate healthier options ... especially when taste is not sacrificed. Going gluten free when I can is a great choice for me (for all), so give it a try by starting here.

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised at how much variety this little place offered, and I went ga-ga over their coffee cakes. The Lemon Pound Cake was my favorite (so far!), and I am looking forward to trying their chocolate pound cake. I really liked the cookies here as well. To be honest, I didn't care for the muffins, I thought they were dry with an odd aftertaste, but if you wanted quench your curiosity, the Cranberry Harvest was the best out of the bunch. If they haven't run out, I will try the cupcakes and pumpkin bread next visit.

Some Food Tasted:  Sandwich Bread - Lemon Pound Cake - Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake - Blueberry Muffin - Keylime Coconut Muffin - Corn Muffin - Cranberry Harvest Muffin - Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie - Chocolate Chip Cookie - Double Chocolate Mint Cookie

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/20/2011
Amount Visited: 1

Address: 697 Belmont Street Belmont, MA 02478
Website: http://www.glutenusminimus.com/  Phone: (617) 484-3550

Social Networking Facebook /Glutenus Minimus - Twitter @GlutenusMinimus

Port 305 Bar & Restaurant Review

PORT 305 

My Opinions: Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

I had a fun time at the bar tonight, even with the more "mature" crowd ... St. Paddy's Day (aka Jameson Irish Whiskey) has a way of bringing out the kid in all of us.

This is the newest restaurant on the block, next door to its older brother restaurant, Siros (still my favorite). The food and service here is good. I especially like coming here for a late lunch or pre-dinner cocktail. The easy-going atmosphere is a nice medium for what's around. The place does quiet down early, but once the summer is here, I'm betting that will change.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Fried Calamari - Pot Stickers - Chopped Caesar - Quesadilla - Chicken Pot Pie - Baked Haddock - Sweet Potato Fries

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 3/17/2011
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Lunch, Dinner, Bar

Address: 305 Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171
Website:  port305marinabay.com  Phone: (617) 302-4447
Social Networking:  Facebook /Siros & Port 305 at Marina Bay

China Sky Restaurant Review

China Sky 

My Opinions:  Feels like home ... this is an unexpected find in my hometown of Winchester, MA. And it's still popular after all these years, so you know the food is good!

The service is informal, "You ready to order? What you want?" style, but it comes with a smile and you can always order slowly if you don't want your food to all come out at once.  Also, you should be aware that they don't have a full liquor license, so it's cordials, beer and wine only.

The appetizers and meals are of very good quality and flavor, but the maki was not. I have yet to try the sushi/sashimi, and, even though it was not a "bad" experience, I am not encouraged to do so. We'll see if I'm feeling curious next visit!

     Try:  Crispy Beef
     Skip:  Maki

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Fried Dumplings - Miso - Sesame Chicken - Crispy Beef - Maki - Scallion Pancakes - Tangerine Chicken - Lo Mein

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 12/21/2010
Amount Visited:  5+
Experiences: Dinner

Address: 27 Converse Pl, Winchester, MA 01890
Website: ??  Phone: (781) 729-6899
Social Networking:

Hawthorne Tavern Restaurant & Bar Review

Hawthorne Tavern @ Hawthorne Hotel

My Opinions: You know what's not spooky? ... this place! Today was my first time here, located just off of Salem Common, and I felt comfortable right away. I absolutely loved the seating, the friendly staff, the crackling fireplace (and the food's delicious and affordable too!).

I hope to come back and try more of the menu; I really want to experience the Sunday Jazz Brunch.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Hot Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Dip - Turkey Burger

Most Recent Visit: 10/02/2010
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences: Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970
Website: www.hawthornehotel.com  Phone: (978) 744-4080
Social Networking: Twitter @HawthorneHotel

Gingerbread Construction Company Review

Gingerbread Construction Company

My Opinions: I remember when this family owned business opened in my quite hometown of Winchester. The space was known for it's rotation of businesses, and after I had a taste of the goods, I hoped that this is what we needed to "reverse the curse" ... and it was!

Yes, they have fantastic gingerbread houses and cookies to justify the company name, but they bake so much more. I am in love with their muffins. They are large, always fresh, super flavorful and moist, and come in a wide variety of flavors. These muffins are a sure-hit if you're tasked with bringing desert for a party or treats for the office. The pre-made and build-your-own gingerbread houses are great fun as well.

For convenience, you can even place orders online. I can't wait for my next muffin-run!

My top favorite muffins here: Chocolate Chip - Gingerbread - Blueberry - Coffee Cake - Lemon Poppy Seed

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Most Recent Visit: 9/22/2010
Amount Visited: 100+

Address: 562 Washington Street, Winchester, MA 01890 (multiple locations)
Website: www.gingerbreadusa.com  Phone: (781) 729-7700
Social Networking:  Facebook /Gingerbread Construction Company

Cafe Escadrille Restaurant & Bar Review

Cafe Escadrille

My Opinions: I got to sit at the bar tonight and it was a good experience. The food wasn't my favorite this time around, but it's typically been very good, so it may have just been an off night. The Steak Tips were served like "beef stroganoff" ... not what I expected or wanted. The Chicken Picatta remains my favorite dish here.

This is a great spot in Burlington. The service is attentive and friendly; the food is very good. The bar is a fun scene with an older crowd, and very busy after work.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Hearts of Lettuce – Tuna Tartar - Baked Stuffed Artichoke Hearts – Baked Brie – Steak Tips - The Perfect Pair – Chicken Picatta – Grilled Swordfish - Brownie Sundae

Most Recent Visit: 8/5/2010
Amount Visited: 10+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 26 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA 01803
Website: http://www.cafeescadrille.com  Phone: (781) 273-1916
Social Networking: Twitter @CafeEscadrille - Facebook /Cafe Escadrille

Older Posts:  November 2009

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:

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

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 Posts:  June 2010  -  January 2010 

Il Casale Restaurant Review

Il Casale

My Opinions:  This is the first time I hosted a business diner here, and it exceeded my expectations. The service was great with a good pace and polite, not overly chatty, conversation - My free Business Development Advice: For places that don't have an active bar scene, patronage especially suffers during major sporting events, so it is wise for these places to cater to special events and offer some food specials and festively named cocktails (market it  3 to 4 weeks beforehand).

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Sfizis – Semplice – Ravioli – Funghi Trifolati – Bistecca - Carne Meatballs - Salumi Plate for Two - Petto Griglia

Most Recent Visit: 6/13/2010
Amount Visited: 10+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Address: 50 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Website: http://www.ilCasaleBelmont.com  Phone: (617) 209-4942
Social Networking: Facebook /Il Casale

Previous Posts:  February 2010  -  December 2009

Siros Restaurant & Bar Review

Siros

My Opinions:  The outside dining must have distracted me, and I ordered the veal piccata - a dish I must remember not to order here. I do love my piccata's, but this is one of the few preparations that does not taste good to me ... something about the large olives and chewy pasta fall short - On the up side, the Frenched Pork Chop was delicious - savory, tender with a perfect crisp on the outside - To note: Siros' has a tasty marinara sauce - No surprise, it gets pretty busy in the Summer, so be sure to make a reservation - I am looking forward to trying their new restaurant that's replacing Skyline on the marina. It's set to open in the Fall/Winter 2010.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Rolled Eggplant – Bruschetta - 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: 6/10/2010
Amount Visited: 50+
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 Posts:  January 2010 

Savinos Grill Restaurant Review

Savinos Grill

My Opinions:  Good Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine that offers a small, but pleasing menu - Great restaurant layout with a semi-opened kitchen. You can find the owner working, hands-on, in the kitchen  until close (I love that!) - Very small bar you can sit at, but even singles can typically get a table if so desired - the Sundown Special offers a delicious tapas menu - They currently have Live Jazz on Thursdays

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Tapas Menu - Spiced Pear – Spinach Salad – Lasagna – Steak

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit:  1/19/2010
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 449 Common Street, Belmont, MA‎ 02478
Website: http://www.savinosgrill.com  Phone: (617) 484-3499‎
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

Capital Grille Restaurant Review

Capital Grille

My Opinions: I braved the snow storm to eat ... how very "Kristin" of me! This was my first time experiencing the Capital Grille in Burlington, MA and it was very good despite the unattractive location. Every one I have visited, including Denver, CO and Chestnut Hill, MA, has proved to offer a consistent and reliable high-quality of food and service – If you like you waiter you can always request him/her and they’ll do their best to seat you at their table – Top-notch cleanliness – Decent bar scene – If you want something offered at a different Capital Grille (like caviar), you can call ahead of time and they will ship it to your restaurant’s location!

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Dry Aged Steak Au Poivre – Calamari – Oysters – Shrimp Cocktail – Wedge Salad – Tomato Salad – Filet Mignon – Swordfish – Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich – Lobster Mac N Cheese – Seasonal Mushrooms – Creamed Spinach – Asparagus – Truffle Fries

Most Recent Visit: 2/16/2010
Amount Visited: 100+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Address: 359 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115 (multiple locations)
Website: http://capitalgrille.com  Phone: (617) 262-8900
Social Networking:

Older Capital Grille Posts:  January 2010

Il Casale Restaurant & Bar Review

Il Casale

My Opinions:  I am a huge football fan, and after doing the party circuit with people who weren't cheering on the Saints as much as I was, I needed my full concentration to help them win.  So, I chose to stop by Il Casale during Super Bowl XLIV because I knew the  bar would be pretty quiet as this establishment doesn't have a sports-bar scene. I was right, it was very quiet in there, and I was surrounded by Saints fans, so I knew I picked the right place ... the only unpleasant thing about this visit was that they shut down the kitchen  extremely early without the courtesy of a warning to the few patrons in there - My free Business Development Advice: For places that don't have an active bar scene, their bars especially suffer during popular sporting events because the pubs/sports bars pull the crowds, so it is wise for these places to cater to special events like the Super Bowl and UFC and offer some food sports-specials (and advertise it 3 to 4 weeks beforehand).

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Sfizis – Semplice – Ravioli – Funghi Trifolati – Bistecca

Most Recent Visit: 2/07/2010
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Address: 50 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Website: http://www.ilCasaleBelmont.com  Phone: (617) 209-4942
Social Networking: Facebook /Il Casale

Previous Posts:  December 2009

Flat Top Johnny's Restaurant & Bar Review

Flat Top Johnny's

My Opinions:  I went back to this place for the dart boards! They are one of the few remaining places that I know of that still have dart boards - Fun billiards bar that offers pitchers of beer and tables outside in the warmer season - Food is okay ... I would recommend going thirsty, not hungry.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Buffalo Tenders - Greek Plate - Sliders

Most Recent Visit:1/30/2010
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Bar

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Address: 1A Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02141
Website: www.flattopjohnnys.com  Phone: (617) 494-9565
Social Networking:  Facebook /Flat Top Johnny's

Siros Restaurant Review

Siros

My Opinions:  I enjoy going to Marina Bay, and this is my favorite restaurant in the marina. Siros has a lot of outside seating that overlooks the docks - The food is consistently good. To note: they have a tasty marinara sauce - Service is appropriate to a semi-casual white-linen restaurant - They have a decent bar inside that can be nice for the local diner or a solo diner - No surprise, it gets pretty busy in the Summer, so be sure to make a reservation.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Rolled Eggplant – Mediterranean Salad – Wedge – Chicken Parmesan – Chicken Broccoli and Rigatoni – Filet Mignon – Tiramisu – Bread Pudding

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 1/07/2010
Amount Visited: 50+
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

Il Casale Restaurant Review

Il Casale

My Opinions: It's nice to have a more formal restaurant in Belmont Town center, and they do have some good dishes, but, as a whole, the food and service is simply average - It can be fun to sit at the bar and enjoy their bar menu/Happy Hour

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Sfizis – Semplice – Ravioli – Funghi Trifolati – Bistecca

Most Recent Visit: 12/23/2009
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Address: 50 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Website: http://www.ilCasaleBelmont.com  Phone: (617) 209-4942
Social Networking: Facebook /Il Casale

Yoki Restaurant & Bar Review

Yoki

My Opinions:  An unassuming Japanese restaurant that offers great sushi/sashimi - Staff is very friendly - Sitting at the bar is just as fun and service oriented as sitting at a table - It's a comfortable spot for the single diner too - Drinks are creative and good (definitely try the scorpion bowl) - Restaurant is a good size and kept clean. There is even outside seating in the warm season, but with minimal views ... on the topic, there is plenty of free parking in the lot, so it makes it an easy place to visit!

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Maki, Sushi & Sashimi - Edamame - Beef Teriyaki - Gyoza - Scorpion Bowl

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 11/22/2009
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 62 Station Lndg., Medford, MA 02155
Website: http://yokirestaurant.com  Phone: (617) 381-6688
Social Networking:  Facebook /Yoki Japanese Restaurant