As we bid '08 sayonara it's important to remember the meals that fed us, both big and small. I had a dynamite yr. of feasting in this fair city and beyond. The seafood stew at Cobblestones sticks out in my mind (and not because my coat had more of it than I did) for its succulent goodness. The volcano roll at the Blue Taleh, followed by the sake to me martini was the sleeper hit of the summer and gave us renewed hope that Kearney Sq will swing once again. In ’08 we said so long to latte art at Cafe Aiello and hello to ribs and delicate sweet potatoes at the Village Smoke House. Ole' sashayed into town adding some needed kick to Merrimack St., and Bad Dawgs brought quality street food we office dwellers sorely needed. Etsogo became THE place for quality sushi that doesn’t make wallets weeps. The artful paradise roll should be on the city seal. Hidden discoveries like Tepditha Khmer, on the fringes of DTL, added depth to the food scene. Fresher fish and fruitier sauces are hard to find. In the CHL, Moonstones is perking things up w/ it's Sex and the City vibe and adventurous menu, while we mourn the recent loss of Infusions bistro. Throwing caution to the wind is handsome Tabocas that just opened in Lowell. We wish them and every eatery a prosperous and joyous New Year. What dining moment makes your 2008 short list?
Meals to remember
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Most of my memorable meals where north of the border, but were not far from DTL. Portsmouth is still my favorite dining destination and I enjoyed Green Monkey (espresso filet) and Brazo (churrasco steak) there. On a perfect summer night, I dined al fresco at Ferry Landing and then went to Press Room to see a favorite band.
We celebrated Mom's day at Carriage House (Rye) and Dad's at Mission Oak Grill (NBPT) -- I liked the latter better. We had another celebration dinner at Summer/Winter. I have been to Arrows and it's not Arrows, but it is very good. I enjoyed the crispy fish and the small plates.
In the Nashua area, I enjoyed Black Orchid, Surf and Buckley's. Z Food and Drink is a nice find in Manchester. The annual Greek festival (Nashua), Rock'n'Ribfest (Merrimack) and Seafood festival were all good. I'll be back next year.
I also have to give thanks to my adopted home away from homes during my 6 days without power: Bonhoeffer's Cafe, A&E Roastery, Peddlar's Daughter and Martha's Exchange. Free wi-fi goes equally well with coffee and beer, who knew?
The entire Chelmsford dining scene-Feng Shui, Cobblestones, Fishbones and the late Infusions Bistro. It's been great to be able to get a great meal at restaurants we can walk to!
In NH, the infused martinis at Saffron Bistro in Nashua and everything on the menu at Buckley's Great Steaks in Merrimack.
I'd have to say my recent trip to Moonstones. I got the beef carpaccio and it was incredible. Loving the Village Smokehouse too -- especially the prices!
Mickey's in Lowell installed a completely new kitchen staff and their new menu is absolutely terrific. I invite anyone to stop in and try the corned beef with carrots and potatos. Their cornbread is the best I've EVER had as well.
I have to give it up to Centro on this one. I find them inconsistent, but when they are good, they are very, very good! They had a winter squash salad that I still remember. If you can do that with a salad, you've got something going.
Love Etsogo and Blue Taleh too.
My wife and I had dinner at Taboca's in December. I HIGHLY recommend it. The décor is beautiful and upscale- unrecognizable from the Rio's days of old - and for under $25 you can feast like a king on their hot and cold buffet (fried plantains...yum!) and about 10 different kinds of rotisserie meats. Our service was impeccable. The downstairs bar is nice and the manager wants to have lite jazz down there. Visit this spot with an open mind and an empty stomach. I promise you won't regret it.
My husband and I have become regulars at Gilson's Herb Lyceum in Groton. Dinner there is always fabulous and innovative; chef Greg is awesome and creative. The atmosphere is charming, and whether we dine with friends or go as a couple and sit among the other diners we always have a memorable evening.
Other memorable meals include tapas at Bocado's in Worcerster, great pizza at Angela's in Tyngsboro, fine food and presentation at Saffron Bistro in Nashua, and delightful not-your-traditional-pubfood at the Garden at the Cellar in Cambridge.