The gambler in the kitchen - The Boston Globe
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Metro - Feeling the Pressure
As the Fort Point neighborhood slowly, but surely, trudges through its transformation one thing has become very clear...
Metro Cafe, the stalwart of lunch in the neighborhood for the past few years, is feeling the pressure.
Fort Point hasn't developed a reputation for food... at least not yet. But who knows what the future holds. For the past 2 years, the dining options for lunch have been limited. There are 2 Metro Cafe locations, 1 Au Bon Pain, Marco Polo, Sienna's, Sleeper Street, Yada Yada, and Finagle a Bagel. (Yes, some might say Lucky's or Channel, but I leave them out because they are both going to cost you in excess of $10 per day to eat there.) Obviously a couple of these places are chains, and you know what to expect. But the others are all pretty much built on the same model. Quantity over quality, affordability (under $10/day) and a cafeteria menu board of selections that change daily, but pretty much recycle weekly.
This model has allowed Metro to become THE spot for lunch, as they out-do all of their competitors at offering quantity.
The problem is, quality is moving in on their territory. For the past year or so, Flour has built a strong customer base. People willing to spend an extra dollar for a high quality lunch are making a difference in the lunchtime culture. Yes the sandwiches are smaller, but you don't hear anyone talking about "shiney chicken" after eating at a place like Flour.
Over the past month or three I've observed that Metro has put themselves on notice. They have begun making an effort to introduce higher-quality ingredients (whether it be artisan breads) and they have also begun to diversify their menu more (offering things like noodle bowls). Yes, they still offer the tride-and-true staples of their menu, but the alternatives have certainly been kicked up a notch.
Hopefully the influx of finer dining establishments in our neighborhood continues to raise the bar for our lunchtime options... but maybe not to the extent that lunch costs more than parking. ;)
Metro Cafe, the stalwart of lunch in the neighborhood for the past few years, is feeling the pressure.
Fort Point hasn't developed a reputation for food... at least not yet. But who knows what the future holds. For the past 2 years, the dining options for lunch have been limited. There are 2 Metro Cafe locations, 1 Au Bon Pain, Marco Polo, Sienna's, Sleeper Street, Yada Yada, and Finagle a Bagel. (Yes, some might say Lucky's or Channel, but I leave them out because they are both going to cost you in excess of $10 per day to eat there.) Obviously a couple of these places are chains, and you know what to expect. But the others are all pretty much built on the same model. Quantity over quality, affordability (under $10/day) and a cafeteria menu board of selections that change daily, but pretty much recycle weekly.
This model has allowed Metro to become THE spot for lunch, as they out-do all of their competitors at offering quantity.
The problem is, quality is moving in on their territory. For the past year or so, Flour has built a strong customer base. People willing to spend an extra dollar for a high quality lunch are making a difference in the lunchtime culture. Yes the sandwiches are smaller, but you don't hear anyone talking about "shiney chicken" after eating at a place like Flour.
Over the past month or three I've observed that Metro has put themselves on notice. They have begun making an effort to introduce higher-quality ingredients (whether it be artisan breads) and they have also begun to diversify their menu more (offering things like noodle bowls). Yes, they still offer the tride-and-true staples of their menu, but the alternatives have certainly been kicked up a notch.
Hopefully the influx of finer dining establishments in our neighborhood continues to raise the bar for our lunchtime options... but maybe not to the extent that lunch costs more than parking. ;)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Finagle-a-Bagle... parting is such sweet sorrow.
Fort Point suffered a loss last week that went largely unnoticed. Finagle-a-Bagel closed their doors for one last time.
The gym next door, Equilibrium I believe, has rented the space and plans to expand into the space in order to offer classes, etc. to their members.
One less place for a quick lunch, one less place to get a marginally tasty bagel... the biggest loss of all? No more horror movie saw to ogle when your bagel gets sliced. :(
The gym next door, Equilibrium I believe, has rented the space and plans to expand into the space in order to offer classes, etc. to their members.
One less place for a quick lunch, one less place to get a marginally tasty bagel... the biggest loss of all? No more horror movie saw to ogle when your bagel gets sliced. :(
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tamo features "medicinal" cocktails
TAMO Bar in the Seaport Hotel now featuring "medicinal" drinks to help ease the seasonal sickness woes.
Drink menu >>
About TAMO from their Web site: "Sip, relax and refresh as you enjoy our engaging bar staff and a light meal layered with the exotic flavors of the Spice Trade in one of the most distinctive Boston restaurants. Named after Japanese ash wood, Tamo is filled with soothing colors and striking architectural details."
Seaport Hotel Dining Web site >>
Drink menu >>
About TAMO from their Web site: "Sip, relax and refresh as you enjoy our engaging bar staff and a light meal layered with the exotic flavors of the Spice Trade in one of the most distinctive Boston restaurants. Named after Japanese ash wood, Tamo is filled with soothing colors and striking architectural details."
Seaport Hotel Dining Web site >>
Monday, December 29, 2008
Calling all chocoholics!!!
The Sebastians restaurant at the World Trade Center is having the following class on Thursday February 5, 2009 from 6 to 9 pm:
"This event will also feature chocolaty treats like chocolate martinis, the ultimate hot chocolate and a flourless chocolate cake! But the best part is, at the end of the class, you can take
home your very own custom box of chocolates."
George
Monday, November 10, 2008
A new lunch place in the 'hood!
Just opened: Sportello (348 Congress Street). Rumor has it that there is some delectable looking snack-and-go, as well as a nice counter where you can snack on things like chicken soup with cumin gnocchi, house-made rosemary raisin bread, and even a nice little glass of wine.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Yada Yada
Doug, peter and I walked over to the Yada Yada Bakery Cafe today for takeout lunch. I ordered Lentil soup, a BLT, and lemonade. Both were quite tasty. The price was about the same as at the Metro deli.
Next visit, I'll try some of their pastries.
Next visit, I'll try some of their pastries.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Benefit at the Barking Crab
Received in an email from Zagat...
Getting Crabby for a Cause
 Photo: Sam BlackmanOn October 13th, The Barking Crab will donate 20% of the day's proceeds to the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Live music will be playing from 6:30–9:30 PM, and gift certificates to local breweries, salons and wineries will be raffled off. Diners will also have the chance to participate in the restaurant's first ever “Crab-Off,” which will award a $100 gift certificate to the person who can eat 4½ lbs. of crab in the shortest amount of time (11:30 AM–10 PM; free admission, $85 to participate in the Crab-Off; 617-426-2722). |
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Kona Bistro
I'm going to go out on a limb and write a review about a really good lunch spot in Oxford, Ohio: the Kona Bistro. We ate there on Monday in between client meetings.
I had this great pasta dish with chicken, spinach, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, ziti, and bacon bits in a light cream sauce. It was great! It wasn't until I visited the restaurant's web site that I knew they have two locations; one in Oxford and a second in Cincinnati.
I had this great pasta dish with chicken, spinach, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, ziti, and bacon bits in a light cream sauce. It was great! It wasn't until I visited the restaurant's web site that I knew they have two locations; one in Oxford and a second in Cincinnati.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Where do you get a gourmet salad in FPC?
You don't. You have to make it yourself. Unless of course you want to schlep over to the place across the street and wait for 20 minutes to get your 8 pieces of lettuce, two tomato slices, a cucumber slice, a sliver of salmon, etc. But don't worry it comes topped with a heaping piece of attitude.
Better off making it yourself. Luckily, we have some nice new plates in the kitchen. Otherwise it might not look so... gourmet.
Better off making it yourself. Luckily, we have some nice new plates in the kitchen. Otherwise it might not look so... gourmet.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Lunch at Sebastian's
Today was my third visit to Sebastian's. I had the Salmon fillet with veggies and steamed rice. It was tasty. On prior trips, I had the chicken parmegiana (over-heated and tough), and a cold deli sandwich (turkey, lettuce, and tomato on whole wheat, which was very good). Prices are still too high, though.
Chicken Biscuit Sandwich
I know... this isn't about lunch. This morning, I tried the Chicken Biscuit Sandwich at McDonald's, since it was their "2 for $3" special.
It sucked.
Big time sucked. The sandwich was dry. The chicken deep-fried. No egg or anything on the sandwich. Just a piece of fried chicken and the biscuit.
Now you know... avoid this McDonald's sandwich, whether it is served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It sucked.
Big time sucked. The sandwich was dry. The chicken deep-fried. No egg or anything on the sandwich. Just a piece of fried chicken and the biscuit.
Now you know... avoid this McDonald's sandwich, whether it is served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Lunch Inspiration: Tatooine Bento Box
View other Bento Boxes at Bento Box Challenge
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sanitation Improvements at BigBad
The laborious bilateral task of pre and post lunch hand-washing has been greatly eased by the brilliant lo-fi engineering solution of Jason Lombardo, inventor of the Faucet Genie 9000. Users will no longer be tasked with the previous inefficiencies of uni-hand washing; long are the days of soapy faucets, wet counters and unscrubbed hands. This simple device with instructions clearly displayed, is placed on the faucet knob and allows user access to a dependable, steady stream of water. The Faucet Genie 9000 does come without concern of elevated water consumption, a possible patent infringement of the Sam's Faucet Brick and a facilities inequality; a concern expressed by female employees of BigBad. Walmart, building management and Sarah Buck were unavailable for comment.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Friends of Fort Point Channel
Summer Music Series
Noon on FridaysAll preformances are free of charge and happen outside Boston Children's Museum on Children's Wharf Park. FREE ICE CREAM
July 18
Arabic Drumming with Karim Nagi Mohammed
August 1
Jeff Robinson Jazz Trio
August 8
Celtic Music & Stepdance with Laura Cortese
August 22
Singer Songwriter Mark Erelli
August 29
Children's Preformance with Sarah Hickman
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Dining in Downtown Crossing
So close, yet so far. Here are a few options worth checking out.
Lambert's Fruit Stand
55 Summer Street
fruit, produce and flowers.... CHEAP
Herrera's Burrito Inc. aka 'Boston's Best Burritos'
294 Washington Street
or Summer Street
Burritos and Fajitas- don't skimp on the hot sauce.
Karo's BBQ
Summer Street
Chicken Kabobs. This place must be good with lines this long.
Chacarero
101 Arch Street
The perennial favorite -Homemade bread, your choice of meat, green beens (for the Chilean touch), avocado spread and don't forget the hot sauce.
Lambert's Fruit Stand55 Summer Street
fruit, produce and flowers.... CHEAP
Herrera's Burrito Inc. aka 'Boston's Best Burritos'
294 Washington Street
or Summer Street
Burritos and Fajitas- don't skimp on the hot sauce.
Karo's BBQ
Summer Street
Chicken Kabobs. This place must be good with lines this long.
Chacarero
101 Arch Street
The perennial favorite -Homemade bread, your choice of meat, green beens (for the Chilean touch), avocado spread and don't forget the hot sauce.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Getting to know my coworkers
Yeah, I know this isn't about lunch, but I am glad that I had my Flip with me Friday evening. Enjoy!
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