tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197088822024-03-07T13:53:00.880-05:00Boston ChompsChomp chomp chomping at restaurants around New Englandminihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-21355097069837204932009-08-27T01:41:00.005-04:002009-08-27T01:59:10.345-04:00Reviving the ChompsDear 3 readers I have left, 1 of whom is probably a bot and the other 2 my parents. I confess to the cardinal sin of blogging. Not having an update in a span of almost 8 months. It would seem like I went for a vacation in Asia, never to return. Not a bad outcome really.<br /><br />The truth is that I moved to California last December. Exciting times! Though that leaves the question of ... can I still blog about California eats on Boston Chomps?<br /><br />Been blogging a bit at <a href="http://travelingchomps.blogspot.com">Traveling Chomps</a>. Still contemplating the fate of Boston Chomps.<br /><br />Hello, San Francisco Bay Area ...<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3240776572_5212812a69.jpg" width="400" />minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-87810034210558599152008-12-26T02:43:00.006-05:002008-12-26T03:24:02.568-05:00Beijing: Big Hairy Crabs at Jing Ding XuanI had this sudden desire to eat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mitten_crab">hairy crabs</a> (大閘蟹) while in Beijing. The concierge must have thought it to be a strange request. I suppose it's Shanghai not Beijing that's famous for these yummy crustacean delicacies. Anyway they recommended a restaurant called Jing Ding Xuan. <br /><br />The restaurant itself was extremely large and busy but we were seated quickly: <br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is314.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is316.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />Jing Ding Xuan serves a variety of food but since we were there on a weekend the dim sum option seemed to be very popular. We decided to get the dim sum as well as a crab for me. The dim sum was very cheap, approximately US$1 an item! Now where else can you get such a deal. The quality however was reflective of the price. I didn't enjoy it much. <br /><br />We got chicken feet, shiu mai, har gau, spicy noodles, veggie buns (these were actually quite good):<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is319.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Now for the HIGHLIGHT of my meal. The hairy crab! Ahh satisfaction:<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is324.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />The best part of the crab is the roe. Rich creamy and I love how it tastes with the vinegar it's served with. The crab itself doesn't have much meat but the sweet flesh dipped in vinegar (yes the vinegar is crucial) makes picking at it all worth while hehe<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Chomp Meter:</span> </span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. There are much better restaurants in Beijing. However, if you are hard pressed to find hairy crabs then this place will do :) <br /><br />Jing Ding Xuan 金鼎轩酒楼<br />He Ping Li West Street No 77<br />On the south gate of Ditan.<br />Phone: 010 6429 6888<br />Open 24hrs<br /><br />Directions for the cabbie:<br />南三环路<br />丰台区方庄蒲芳路16号 (家乐福对面)minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-58329421953813791742008-12-26T01:24:00.002-05:002008-12-26T02:40:22.701-05:00Beijing: Dong Hua Men Night MarketDong Hua Men night market was featured on a couple travel shows including Samantha Brown and Bizarre foods so naturally I had to make a trip to see what all the fuss is about. I'm not sure how I planned to get there since I had no clue where it was and I am clueless when it comes to directions :P<br /><br />Luckily for me we stumbled upon the market while exploring off Wang Fu Jing (the main shopping street). So if you're planning a trip to Beijing bear that in mind! I have to report though that I was very unadventurous. We didn't end up trying anything except for dessert because we'd consumed a whole lot of duck at Li Qun. Then greedily stuffed our faces with some <a href="http://www.muginohousa.com/main.php?nav=our_products">Beard Papa cream puffs</a>. <br /><br />I do bring photos of the weird and bizzare however. <br /><br />Innard Kebabs?<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is294.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Sea Urchin and Crabs?<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is291.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is292-1.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />And don't forget the insects. GULP:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is290-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />The Beijing colleague reminised about eating "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_hu_lu">Tang Hu Lu</a>" as a child, so that was the lame snack we got at Dong Hua Men. It's a kind of candied fruit on a stick? If you've ever had "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haw_flakes">Haw Flakes</a>" from Chinatown, the fruit tastes just like that, but sickly sweet since it's dipped in a hard sugar coating. This is one dessert I didn't like. <br /><br />Sticks and sticks of Tang Hu Lu:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is283.jpg" width="300"><br /><br />Chomp Meter: </span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />I can't really rate this since I didn't eat much there but it's definitely worth a stroll around so you can scare yourself with the weird foods available haha. Just a disclaimer too that the market is geared towards tourists. It felt kinda staged to me :p<br /><br />Dong Hua Men Avenue<br />West of Wang Fu Jing Avenue <br />Beijing 100005 <br />Chinaminihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-49517030135748618152008-12-22T02:32:00.002-05:002008-12-22T02:43:27.015-05:00Peking Duck in Peking - Liqun Roast DuckI decided to head to Li Qun for peking duck after doing some research on <a href="www.chowhound.com">Chowhound</a> and seeing it on <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain?idLink=abc6513412eb7110VgnVCM100000698b3a0a____">No Reservations</a>. There are several popular duck restaurants (Dadong, Quanjude, Duck de Chine) in Beijing but Li Qun had a more rustic appeal, at least from what I read. <br /><br />One of the hub's local colleagues kindly offered to show us around. When I mentioned wanting to go to Li Qun, he had this blank look on his face. OK not a good sign given that this guy grew up in Beijing and has no idea where Li Qun is. But I pressed on. I mean this place looked all authentic from what I'd seen and I made him take us anyway haha.<br /><br />Li Qun is really hard to find! It's hidden in a hutong (old street). We drove past it several time before finally finding it. I'm thinking it's even harder for non locals to locate.<br /><br />See how quaint it is? <br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is267-1.jpg" width="400"> <br /><br />As soon as we entered the restaurant, I realized that everyone there was a tourist. HRMMMM. The look on the colleague's face was also priceless. I'm thinking he's thinking this is a tourist trap and I'm the clueless foreigner.<br /><br />Spot any tourists inside? Hehe <br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is271.jpg" width="300"><br /><br />Anyway the colleague helps us order. We get a peking duck and some other dishes. I loved the duck feet in a horse radish kind of mustard sauce. It was sooo yum! There also a stir fry of assorted duck parts in a white wine sauce. My 2nd favorite dish hehe.<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is278.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />The duck was good but wasn't great, not really fine cuisine. The skin wasn't as crisp as the peking duck I've had in HK/Singapore and the slices had more fat and meat. Different style?<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is275.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Here's the duck sliced:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is277.jpg" width="400"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Chomp Meter: </span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />The duck at Li Qun Restaurant was ok. It's more of a homey preparation. I'm not sure I'll recommend it if you're looking for the BEST duck. There were some good dishes (like the feet hehe) but the main attraction was lack luster. The location however definitely has a very authentic feel though according to the locals the prices are not :P I'm sure they're raking in a huge profit.<br /><br />When the local Beijing colleague was asked where the best duck was, he said <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/asia/china/beijing/restaurant-detail.html?vid=1194723840271">Da Dong</a>. So I'm thinking I will try it next time. It's in a somewhat fancy restaurant setting but I guess I'm over rustic for now!<br /><br />Finally, if you want to head there, get the Hotel Concierge to call ahead and make reservations. They are very busy!<br /><br />Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant (Li Qun Kao Ya Dian) 利群烤鴨店 <br />地址:前門東大街正義路南口北翔鳳衚同11號<br />Phone:6705 5578minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-39923286942428780922008-12-21T01:34:00.005-05:002008-12-21T02:07:11.207-05:00Traveling Chomps: Next Stop, Beijing!The hubs had to make a trip to Beijing for work in November and I obligingly agreed to accompany him. Well actually I was soo desperate to go ... it'd be silly of me to forgo the good food heehehe<br /><br />Anyway my first meal in Beijing wasn't so exciting. Since the hubs had to work, I spent my day lazing around the hotel room which I quite enjoyed. After lounging around all morning, I finally dragged myself out for lunch. The choices around the hotel (financial district) were limited so I ended up going to Ajisen Ramen (I know I know, it's a chain and there used to be one in Boston). But unlike the Super 88 food court, there's a wider selection of noodles. I got a spicy noodle dish, it was aight. <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is165.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />After lunch, I headed to the KFC next door for egg tarts! I am absolutely OBSESSED with the eggtarts at KFC. They don't seem to sell these anywhere else in the world and I always have to have them whenever I'm in China. <br /><br />The variety changes slightly with the season. I've had mango and peach before, this time they were selling passion fruit egg tart and it was GOOD. The egg filling is blended nicely with some fruity chunks. Seriously, if you are ever in China, you have to try this! Ahhh HBO + egg tart and coffee ...<br /><br />It tastes better than it looks:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is171.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Did you also know that KFC is China's most popular fast food chain? Even more so than Mcdonald's.<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is168-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Alright, more China eats to come!minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-69771457200998847302008-11-28T23:26:00.005-05:002008-11-29T00:14:45.668-05:00Traveling Chomps: Singapore Food Wrap UpOK y'all must be tired of my Singapore posts by now. Here's the last installment. Photos of what else we ate and what to try if you're headed that way:<br /><br />Kaya Toast (L) Half Boiled Eggs (R) Kaya is an egg/coconut jam found only in S.E. Asia<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is163-1.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is162-2.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />Sea Coconut Ice (L) Ice Kachang (R) Both are desserts you can find in any hawker center. <br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is018-3.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is020-4.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />Roti Prata from <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g294265-d781324-r15593400-Causarina_Curry_Restuarant-Singapore.html">Causarina Prata</a> (L) Duck from <a href="http://www.dianxiaoer.net/">Dian Xiao Er</a>(R)<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is038.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is009-2.jpg" width="190"> <br /><br />Braised Sea Cucumber from <a href="http://www.hotfrog.sg/Companies/Imperial-Treasure-Teochew-Cuisine">Imperial Treasure Teochew Cuisine</a> at Takashimaya S.C. (L) Roast Duck Noodles from Hawker Stall(R)<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is134-1.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is124-1.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />Pepper Lunch (L) Mos Burger - Rice Burger (R) <br /><br />I love <a href="http://www.pepperlunch.com.sg/">Pepper Lunch</a>, a Japanese fast food restaurant that serves meals on a hot plate. It's fun because every thing is thrown on a sizzling plate. Marketed as DIY steak! <a href="http://www.mosburger.com.sg/">Mos Burger</a> is always yummy especially their rice burgers! Fast food with a Japanese twist. <br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is045-2.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is041-2.jpg" width="190">minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-84873983097856383342008-11-26T09:41:00.004-05:002008-11-26T09:54:38.971-05:00Durians: The King of Fruit<span style="font-weight:bold;">Where:</span> Singapore, Geylang<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Specialty:</span> Pungent fruit!<br /><br />What I love about Singapore is that you can run out anytime at night and be able to fulfill your food cravings. I was taken to eat durians one evening. It's really not so bad, but like stinky cheese or tofu, I suppose some people handle it much better than others. <br /><br />A display full of durian:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is157-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is155-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Here's how you eat it, with plastic gloves. This way you won't smell of durian for the next day or two ...<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is159-2.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />The durian we got was especially good. Strangely each section tasted slightly different. For the faint hearted, you can start with durian puffs which can be purchased at some bakeries. They are like cream puffs but filled with durian cream. It's also key to get a good durian because a bad one can ruin your first experience!<br /><br />Really it's just a fruit, what's there to be afraid of :)minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-90848090717128674182008-11-25T15:04:00.004-05:002008-11-26T09:41:03.668-05:00Traveling Chomps: Going back in time ...<span style="font-weight:bold;">Where:</span> Singapore (Kranji Reservoir) <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Specialty:</span> Seafood<br /><br /><a href="http://dkranji.com.sg/index.html">Kranji Farm Resort</a> in Singapore must be one of the strangest places I've been. The idea behind this resort is the farm life for city folk. Not particularly appealing to me given Singapore's humidity. Anyway, the in-laws insisted on checking out this place (thankfully at night).<br /><br />The resort is buried deep in the jungles of Singapore (didn't know this existed!) and gives off a tacky 80s vibe. Also the restrooms were gross, like we were in a rural town! They really didn't need to be that authentic :P <br /><br />The main attraction for us though was the seafood restaurant, <a href="http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/atlantis_seafood/">Atlantis</a>. Thankfully, despite the location, the food was actually amazing!<br /><br />Do you doubt that the seafood is fresh? Hrmmm check out the tanks and tanks of sea creatures I've never seen before:<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is025.jpg" width="350"><br /><br />Based on the owners recommendations we ordered several dishes. <br /><br />Clam Vermicelli (L): This was absolutely delicious! Spicy with a rich clam broth and full of clams. I couldn't get enough of this. Fresh Steamed Prawns (R) <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is030-1.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is031-2.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />The weirdest dish of the evening though was the shark. I've never actually had shark before but it was strangely delicious, perhaps because of the unique preparation. The shark was first prepared asam style which is a spicy, sourish curry often cooked with fish. It was then cooked in a more traditional Cantonese sauce. I'm not sure what cut of the fish this was but it had lots of gelatinous parts (as you can see in the photo) which was really yummy!<br /><br />Assam Style (L) Cantonese Soy Sauce Style (R)<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is032.jpg" width="195"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is035.jpg" width="195"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"><br />Minus 1 star for the strange location. The food though was excellent. Ask the server for the night's specials and stick to the seafood of course!<br /><br />Atlantis Seafood<br />10 Neo Tiew Lane 2<br />Singapore 718813minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-1997948459791908142008-11-21T10:32:00.004-05:002008-11-21T10:50:41.645-05:00Traveling Chomps: Sweet Endings at Canele<span style="font-weight:bold;">Where:</span> Singapore (Paragon Shopping Center - Orchard Road)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Specialty:<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> Dessert, Chocolate, Cake, Macarons<br /><br />I discovered <a href="http://www.canele.com.sg/about.htm">Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie</a> at Paragon Shopping Center (basement) on my last trip. I love their variety of cake, macarons and such. Being centrally located on Orchard Road, it's easy to stop by after shopping. We headed here after dinner at Tatsuya which is right across the street. Yes, the fruit was insufficient to satisfy my sweet tooth :P<br /><br />The shop is small but there are several tables where you can sit and enjoy some coffee and cake. <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is069-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Feeling rather guilty, P and I shared a Green Tea Mousse: <br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is066-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />One of the better dessert cafes in Singapore. Canele stands out because the desserts are aesthetically appealing in addition to delivering on taste and packaging. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie</span><br />290 Orchard Road,<br />#B1-25 Paragon,<br />Singapore 238859<br />Telephone: (65) 6733-8893<br /><br />There are also <a href="http://www.canele.com.sg/shop.htm">Canele outlets</a> at Raffles City Shopping Center, Shaw Center, and Robertson Walk.minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-26477021923114431302008-11-21T04:34:00.005-05:002008-11-21T10:50:58.617-05:00Traveling Chomps: Black Pepper Crabs at Eng Seng<span style="font-weight:bold;">Where:</span> Singapore (East Coast Area) <br />Tell the cabbie it is off Still Road in Joo Chiat)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Specialty:</span> Black pepper crabs<br /><br />Black Pepper Crabs are the less famous cousin of Singapore's famed chili crabs but equally delicious! <br /><br />Craving crabs, we headed to <a href="http://www.visitsingapore.com/insidescoop/apr06/offthebeatentrack/eng_seng.htm">Eng Seng Coffee Shop/ Restaurant</a>. Don't be deceived by the name, a coffee shop in Singapore is a slightly more glamorous version of a hawker store. The food is extremely authentic (clean, I haven't had problems) and it's the place locals go for good food. <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is157.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is154-1.jpg" width="190"><br />The Coffee Shop (L) The Hor Fun (R) - Eat it with the vinegar-ed green chili that the serve together with the dish. <br /><br />We ordered 2 crabs (black pepper style), a flat noodle dish (seafood "hor fun"), and a stir fried veggie dish between the 3 of us. I wasn't expecting much from the crabs since I'd eaten there a year ago and wasn't impressed. This time however, I found the crabs to be yummier than ever! I'm suspecting it's because the restaurant has waned in popularity leaving the chef more time to focus on whipping up good crab :P We didn't even have to wait for a table ...<br /><br />The crabs were juicy and delicious. The black pepper sauce was very thick and rich (almost buttery) which went nicely with the sweet crab meat. MMM heaven .... YUM!<br /><br />Black pepper crabs, a must for every foodie!<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is156.jpg" width="400"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"> <br />A must go stop the next time I'm in town. Experience local food at its best, this is what Singapore is all about! There is a minimum order of 2 crabs. They offer 2 styles, black pepper and chili, though the pepper is their signature dish. The crabs run about SGD $40 for 2. Cooked dishes are about SGD$10 per plate. There are several other popular crab places that are all the rage now but IMO Eng Seng is great now because the food is good without the crowds and attitude (well less anyway).<br /><br />Oh yes, remember to bring the Kleenex, crab eating is messy business :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Eng Seng Restaurant</span><br />241 Joo Chiat Place<br />Singapore<br />(East Coast - Joo Chiat)minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-89885490807805944402008-11-17T10:32:00.006-05:002008-11-21T10:51:19.612-05:00Traveling Chomps: Sushi at Tatsuya<span style="font-weight:bold;">Where: </span>Singapore (Orchard Road)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Specialty:</span> Authentic, top quality sushi and sashimi<br /><br />According to my friends G and V, Tatsuya Japanese Restaurant is THE place to go for authentic fresh sushi in Singapore. They'd promised to take me here when I was last in town but I ended up having to take a rain check. I made it a point to go this time round however!<br /><br />We decided to do the sushi/sashimi omakase. Due to the size of our party, we had to sit at a table so the omakase experience was slightly watered down though still excellent. Also we didn't have any cooked food which I will have to try another time.<br /><br />We started off with an appetizer of ikura. It was served with a sweet ponzu sauce (I think?) which enhanced the flavor of the roe.<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is049.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />First out was the sashimi course. Beautifully presented and super fresh:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is051.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />The second course was sushi, some of it seared. All excellent, though the most memorable for me was the seared shrimp. Partially raw and seared with a sweet teriyaki sauce, DELICIOUS. <br /><br />Sushi Part I:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is057-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Next up was another sushi course. I was really quite full at this point but pushed on. Good sushi though nothing spectacular. The chef was prolly out of ideas by now hehe. One of the items was abalone which is a delicacy in these parts. It was good but I wasn't blown away. <br /><br />Finally we finished off with a salmon skin handroll. It didn't look that appetizing but was actually really good! The pieces of salmon skin were fried perfectly and was a nice contrast to the roll. <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is058.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is059.jpg" width="190"><br />Sushi Part II - Squarish one is the abalone (L) Hand roll (R)<br /><br />The meal ended with some fruit. Persimmon and melon. I was very impressed with the persimmon (Hachiya so it is soft). It was perfectly ripe and the texture was wonderful. It totally melts in your mouth. A perfect ending ....<br /> <br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is060.jpg" width="400"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Chomp Meter: </span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"> <br />This is a top notch sushi joint. The owner, Ronnie Chia, gets his produce directly from Japan in order to ensure quality and authenticity. The restaurant serves a balance of both traditional pieces as well as more creative ones. Tatsuya is also the only restaurant in Singapore that serves <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsusaka_beef">Matsusaka beef</a> (step aside Wagyu!). Of course none of this comes cheap, our sushi omakase was SGD$250 per head. We felt it was worth every penny, well most of it anyway :)<br /><br />A suggestion for Tatsuya's would be to have the wait staff introduce the dish before serving. It was a mystery at times trying to guess what we were served ... <br /><br />And head to <a href="http://bostonchomps.blogspot.com/2008/11/traveling-chomps-sweet-endings-at.html">Canele</a> for dessert!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tatsuya Japanese Restaurant</span> (New Location)<br />22 Scotts Road (Goodwood Park Hotel)<br />Singapore 228221 <br />Tel: 6737 1160<br /><br />Park Hotel Location (Will close in December 2008)<br />270 Orchard Road<br />#01-05 Park Hotel Orchardminihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-32505466191495296402008-11-13T22:45:00.007-05:002008-11-13T23:47:34.276-05:00Traveling Chomps: The Singapore Ritual - Katong LaksaI'm in Singapore for a couple days and this is the ONE dish I absolutely have to eat every time I'm in town: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laksa">Katong Laksa</a>! <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is142-1.jpg" width="300"><br /><br />You may have seen it on the menus of some Southeast Asian restaurants in the Boston area. More recently <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/2008/05/28/save-the-laksa/">Lisa from Top Chef</a> also attempted to make laksa and failed miserably (*snigger*). But IMO, none of them get it right. <br /><br />Singapore is where you need to have this dish. Laksa originates from South East Asia, more specifically Singapore and Malaysia. It grew out of local Malay cooking mixed with Chinese elements brought by the influx of merchants in the 1800s and the intertwining of cultures. <br /><br />Now back to the food. Laksa is most easily described as a curry noodle dish, but it is so much more than that. The broth is rich, coconut-y, sweet yet savory, and served with rice noodles, bean sprouts, shrimp and fish cake. <br /><br />I may be biased, but the best Laksa is from 328 Katong Laksa. A quirk is that the dish is served only with a spoon and no chopsticks. You see, the cook wants you to taste the broth with every bite. Something chopsticks will not allow!<br /><br />Mmmmmm divine! Careful though, it's spicy ...<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is148-1.jpg" width="400"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Chomp Meter</span>: <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"> <br />Five Chomps of course. How could I give any less? This hawker stall is a quick 20 minute cab ride from the city center but if you want authentic, this is absolutely worth the journey. Hawker food in Singapore is cheap too. A bowl of laksa will set you back only US$2.50. Oh and did I mention being a Katong home girl ;)<br /><br />Bookmark this store for your next South East Asian vacation!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />328 Famous Katong Laksa</span><br />216 East Coast Rd., Singapore<br />9732 8163<br />9 a.m.-9 p.m.minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-73750672262891445422008-11-10T02:25:00.000-05:002008-11-10T02:25:00.355-05:00Zoe's Chinese Restaurant Review - Somerville, MAZoe's Chinese Restaurant is an authentic Sichuan restaurant in Somerville. In case you're wondering about the name, (gee, Zoe's doesn't sound Chinese?) it is actually named for the owner's daughter, Zoe. The restaurant is a little run down on the outside but the food is excellent. <br /><br />The waiting area:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is110-2.jpg" width="300"><br /><br />A local haunt for Chinese students in Cambridge (we were brought here by a friend from Sichuan), Zoe's is on par with the other Sichuan restaurants in the area like <a href="http://bostonchomps.blogspot.com/2006/05/sichuan-garden-hot-damn.html">Sichuan Garden</a> and <a href="http://bostonchomps.blogspot.com/2007/01/quality-chinese-food-sichuan-gourmet.html">Sichuan Gourmet</a>. <br /><br />My favorite dish at Zoe's is the tea smoked mushrooms with pork (<a href="http://shop.waiyeehong.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1924">cha shu gu</a>?). I haven't seen the latter dish at any other Sichuan restaurant in town. The tea mushrooms are really long, a little crunchy, and stir fried with shredded pork. I love the texture hehe though I don't know if it's for everyone. I can't seem to find the name of the dish online but I think it's near the bottom of the page on the menu in the pork section. <br /><br />Some other dishes we usually get are the double cooked pork, hot and sour sliced potatoes with chili peppers, fish fillet in chili sauce (water cooked?), and the tea smoked duck.<br /><br />Here's what we had when we were there recently. There's the tea smoked mushrooms on the right, the beefy looking dish is tripes, and the last dish is the braised fish Sichuan Style.<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is112-2.jpg" width="400"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />Oh Yum! Bring on the spicy stuff. Where Zoe shines is of course the more authentic dishes. Try what I've recommended above, or ask the servers for recommendations. Be adventurous! <br /><br />Zoe's Gourmet Chinese Restaurant <br />289 Beacon St<br />Somerville, MA 02143<br />(617) 864-6265<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/55050/restaurant/Boston/Zoes-Gourmet-Chinese-Cuisine-Somerville"><img alt="Zoe's Gourmet Chinese Cuisine on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/55050/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-91915531029911897222008-11-07T01:40:00.002-05:002008-11-07T03:47:20.119-05:00Herrell's Ice Cream Blog Review - Havard SquareWhen the kiddos came to visit, we took them to <a href="http://www.herrells.com/design/index.php?lv=5">Herrell's Ice Cream</a> in Harvard Square for ice cream. This was more out of convenience than anything since we were shopping in the area and had to bribe them to keep pace after a couple hours :) <br /><br />The kids loved the ice cream though I don't think they'd ever say ice cream is bad! Being fascinated with Twinkies (indefinite shelf life and all) and having a soft spot for cake, I got the Twinkie flavor. It was good enough, cake batter ice cream with bits of Twinkie. <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is207-1.jpg" height="160"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/herrell.jpg" height="160"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter: </span><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> The ice cream is good enough and they're open late so it's an option for after dinner dessert in Harvard Square. Like any good broken record, I have to repeat that <a href="http://www.finaledesserts.com/">Finale</a> is over rated (good concept?) and frankly not very good and <a href="http://bostonchomps.blogspot.com/2008/07/chocolate-and-more-at-la-burdicks.html">L.A. Burdicks</a> closes at 10pm. <br /><br />Harvard Square<br />15 Dunster Street<br />Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138<br />(617) 497-2179<br /><br />Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 A.M. - Midnight. <br />Friday and Saturday, 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 A.M. <br />Cold season: seven days a week, 11:00 AM - Midnight<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/52229/restaurant/Boston/Harvard-Square/Herrells-Ice-Cream-and-Espresso-Bar-Cambridge"><img alt="Herrell's Ice Cream and Espresso Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/52229/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-89072702688930992932008-11-05T21:53:00.006-05:002008-11-06T03:06:01.658-05:00In N Out ! - My First VisitMy west coast friends rave about <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">In N Out</a> and while I've been to California many times now, I've never actually been to one until recently. <br /><br />I had no idea what to expect at In N Out, all I'd heard about was that there are only 4 or 5 items to choose from and the existence of a <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp">"secret" menu</a>. <br /><br />The inside of In N Out reminded me of a 50s diner, similar to Johnny Rockets minus the checkered tiles. See, it's true:<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo-4.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />It was a pleasant surprise that the cheeseburger and fries I ordered were really delicious. The burger comes conveniently wrapped and compact so you can hold it. Unlike the usual fast food burgers, the In-N-Out one also comes with lots of lettuce and tomatoes and its own special sauce (tastes like thousand island). Juicy and delicious! <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is273.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />I should also mention that the prices are very reasonable. Where else can you get a cheeseburger for $2?!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter</span>: <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"> <br />Hmmm should I admit to liking a chain much less a fast food joint? Will that affect my street cred as a food blogger hehe? Though to be fair <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">In N Out </a>is excellent for what it is. Fast food that's fresh at reasonable prices. Don't expect gourmet Kobe beef burgers or something. Though Kobe beef really shouldn't be eaten in burger form. Ok sorry off topic!<br /><br />Oh and the fries are also made from real potatoes which is always a plus in my book. I verified this as I peered into the <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">In-N-Out</a> kitchen. Lo and behold, I saw a guy slicing REAL potatoes with a very cool machine! It's really quite fascinating ...<br /><br />Stop by if you're ever in California (Nevada, Arizona or Utah)! In-N-Out owns their own meat packing plants so it's unlikely that you'd ever find one on the East Coast.minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-58927322371109918172008-10-31T18:33:00.002-04:002008-10-31T18:36:45.271-04:00Happy Halloween!From Boston Chomps :)<br /><br /><img src="http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/images/2008/10/31/img_tolslidepacman.jpg" width="400"><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />As seen on <a href="http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/316045/35199695">Cute Overload</a>. Courtesy of <a href="http://www.networkworld.com/slideshows/2008/102308-top-tech-o-lanterns.html">top tech-o-lanterns</a>.</span>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-5258615250960049612008-10-29T14:14:00.004-04:002008-10-29T18:49:31.374-04:00Boston Challah-Off -> Credit to Josh!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=19708882&postID=6179996934201680709&isPopup=true">Josh</a> left a comment on my Rosenfeld entry which I found interesting. Anyway thought I'd post it to share with everyone so the info won't get hidden in the comments. Thanks Josh!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Boston's Best Challah Bread Bakeries</span><br />All accessible within Newton Center ...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Cheryl Anne's Challah </span><br />The bread here is sweeter and more brioche like. You can also purchase this at JP Licks.<br /><br />Cheryl Ann's of Brookline<br />1010 W Roxbury Pkwy<br />Chestnut Hill, MA 02467<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/51117/restaurant/Boston/Cheryl-Anns-of-Brookline-Chestnut-Hill"><img alt="Cheryl Ann's of Brookline on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/51117/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://cateringbyandrew.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Andrew's</span></a> (Catering by Andrew) <br />You can get Andrew's Challah at the liquor store on Beacon Street in Newton or at the place itself. They have raisin and whole wheat challah.<br /><br />Catering by Andrew<br />402 Harvard Street<br />Brookline, MA 02446<br />(617) 731-6585<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rosenfelds</span> <br />One of the few whole wheat challah producers!<br /><a href="http://bostonchomps.blogspot.com/2008/10/rosenfeld-bagels-review-newton-center.html"><br />Rosenfeld Bagels</a><br />1280 Centre St<br />Newton, MA 02459<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/53931/restaurant/Boston/Rosenfeld-Bagels-Newton"><img alt="Rosenfeld Bagels on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/53931/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-76767443331451497262008-10-29T04:11:00.000-04:002008-10-29T04:11:09.971-04:00Al Forno Review - Italian in ProvidenceOur friends T and S convinced us to make another trip to Providence to visit them, enjoy the last <a href="http://www.waterfire.org/">Water Fire</a> of the season and grab dinner. They promised a wonderful meal of Italian food and we weren't disappointed!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.alforno.com">Al Forno</a> is not on Federal Hill like most Italian restaurants in Providence. It's in a building of it's own in the jewelry district and has really cute outdoor seating for warmer times. Reservations are always necessary especially on "Parents Weekend" which unfortunately was the case when we went. We weren't able to get seated till 9.30pm for our 9pm reservation. (Parents weekend is when families of the college kids at schools like Brown, RISD visit.)<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is180-2.jpg" width="200"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is191-1.jpg" width="200"><br /><br />T and S had been there the past weekend as well and recommended we eat "family style" since the portions are big and you get to sample more foods. Here's what we ordered for the 5 of us and my ratings:<br /><br />- Clams Al Forno (spicy) - OK<br />- Wood Roasted Duck Duet - Yum Yum Yum!<br />- <a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is187.jpg">Grilled Pizza Margarita</a> - Yum!<br />- Steak Del Monico -> Yum!<br />- <a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is189-1.jpg">Spaghetti with ribeye meatballs</a> -> Pass. Pasta not al dente.<br />- Concord Grape Granita - Yum!<br />- <a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is192.jpg">Raspberry Upside down Tart</a> Yum Yum! (Sorry I forget exactly ...)<br /><br />Clams (L) Steak (R)<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is184-1.jpg" width="200"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is185-1.jpg" width="200"><br /><br />Our favorite dish was the duck which we all agreed was one of the best we've had. It was cooked 2 ways, one as a confit and the other quickly seared. The duck meat was actually pretty raw but I didn't mind since it was so good! The skin was crispy but the meat was tender. This duck dish is worth the trip ...<br /><br />The duck! You can see that it's rare.<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is188-1.jpg" width="400"> <br /><br />I really enjoyed the pizza as well. The base was crisp which was a nice contrast to the softer layer of cheese and sauce. A more sophisticated version of cheese pizza. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />4.5 Chomps! Unfortunately, I can't have a half shaded Ms. Pacman :) The food here is excellent and a great place for refined Italian dining. I highly recommend sharing so you can sample a variety of dishes. I am still raving about the duck! The restaurant changes the menu frequently with the local produce available so there's always something new to try. I don't think my experience at the restaurant would be as great if I didn't get to sample the different dishes. What if I had ordered the spaghetti dish? GASP! hehe<br /><br />Al Forno (Italian)<br />(401) 273-9760<br />577 S Main St<br />Providence, RI 02903<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/41/450021/restaurant/Jewelry-District/Al-Forno-Providence"><img alt="Al Forno on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/450021/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-66365249527104340102008-10-28T02:05:00.000-04:002008-10-28T02:05:00.983-04:00Vegas Eats - BouchonSince I haven't yet been able to score French Laundry reservations, Bouchon will have to do. If you don't already know, <a href="http://www.bouchonbistro.com/">Bouchon</a> is also owned by Thomas Keller.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.venetian.com/BOUCHON.aspx">Bouchon is at the Venetian</a> (Hotel / Casino) and is tucked away in a rather obscure corner. Hard to find if you aren't staying at the hotel. The restaurant was only serving items from the Brunch Menu when we got there in the afternoon. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2977679950_ff09b05121.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />Here's what we ordered. Some of the Bouchon photos are from our Vegas trip last year. We were feeling rather uninspired this time and as you know searching for a good restaurant requires quite a bit of effort and trawling the web. Bouchon was a known quantity and so we decided to head there again. Boring I know!<br /><br />Garlic Soup (L) Crab Salad (R)<br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/353222902_35f52ca5c7_b.jpg" width="200" /> <img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/353223105_8d7068e8a8.jpg" width="200" /><br /><br />Steak Frites <br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/353223048_c9373dc538.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Tartine du Tuna <br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/353222948_9df7d4d37a.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Oysters and Mussels (L) Croque Madame (R) <br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2976825241_763a4d77aa.jpg" height="190"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2976823811_70beb6fc77.jpg" height="190"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />Clearly, I don't mind going there again seeing that I've been twice! The food is consistently good and well executed, though it's not particularly spectacular. OK value for money however bearing in mind that things in Vegas are a tad overpriced. Oh yes, and not forgetting the yummy fries (as seen on No Reservations)!<br /><br />Bouchon <br />(Venetian)<br />3355 Las Vegas Blvd S<br />Las Vegas, NV 89109<br />(702) 414-6200<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/220350/restaurant/The-Strip/Bouchon-Venetian-Las-Vegas"><img alt="Bouchon (Venetian) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/220350/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-60550743525870958112008-10-25T21:30:00.009-04:002008-10-27T02:49:07.219-04:00Vegas Eats - Jean Philippe Patisserie ReviewWe were in Las Vegas for the weekend!<br /><br />I really wanted to go to Bouchon Bakery (Venetian) again for breakfast but found <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/jean-philippe-patisserie-at-bellagio-las-vegas#hrid:tzOP_yCOWnLQth-cy9KhCA/query:jean%20philippe">Jean Philippe Patisserie (Bellagio Hotel/Casino) on Yelp</a>. Since it was closer and very highly rated (4.5) we headed there instead. As with all things Vegas, the setting was more ostentatious than elegant ...<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2963178055_952dae6728_b.jpg" height="190"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/2963177419_6b0fcf2728_b.jpg" height="190"><br /><br />I was certainly not disappointed with the offerings however! Check out the spread. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2964017936_d400081624.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />The patisserie offers a variety of breads, coffee, and crepes made to order. We ordered a Bananas Foster Crepe, Caramel Macchiato, and a Nutella Brioche. <br /><br />All three were decadently delicious! The crepes were well cooked, the batter was light, and it did not come out too thick. The brioche was buttery and chock full of nutella. The caramel macchiato was really expensive ($6!) but at least it was good with some frothy milk at the top, or so I try to tell myself. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2963176175_e742a1d6da.jpg" height="190"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2964017080_d9f1f1cfbd.jpg" height="190"><br /><br />Sadly, I have some disappointing news. Gorgeous as the cakes look, I didn't end up trying any. BOOOOOO. Here's why, the cakes were displayed in the back of the shop and I didn't see them till after I'd ordered :( After consuming the above 3 item with enough sugar to make me diabetic I decided to pass on the cake till later in the day. <br /><br />Anyway you guessed it, we didn't have time to make it back for the cakes. I guess another trip back to Vegas is in order!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"> <br />Jean Philippe's is worth a trip if you are in Vegas. Almost everyone stops by the Bellagio right? There's the cool fountains in front ... I hate to admit it but the fountains are quite spectacular (even if it performs to Celine Dion's "Heart Will Go On" :P Eeeeps ... )<br /><br />Jean Philippe Patisserie <br />Bellagio<br />3600 S Las Vegas Blvd<br />Las Vegas, NV 89109<br />(702) 693-7111<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/221653/restaurant/The-Strip/Jean-Philippe-Patisserie-Bellagio-Las-Vegas"><img alt="Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie (Bellagio) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/221653/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-61799969342016807092008-10-23T08:12:00.002-04:002008-10-23T08:12:00.528-04:00Rosenfeld Bagels Review - Newton CenterLooking for bagels? Rosenfeld Bakery is my favorite place for bagels in the hood (Newton Center), and it also happens to be Boston's best! No no, I am not biased or anything. The bagels from Rosenfeld's are chewy on the inside yet slightly crispy on the outside. <br /><br />The shop is a take out place (no seating) and gets pretty busy in the mornings. You can order bagels to go or get them individually toasted. I can't seem to veer from my usual order of a toasted blueberry bagel with strawberry cream cheese (heaven), though I would love to try the toasted chocolate chip bagel with butter sometime, yes sometime....<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo2-3.jpg" width="200"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo3-4.jpg" width="200"> <br /> <br />I haven't tried the challah bread there (I can never finish a whole loaf of bread before it goes bad) but it seems Rosenfeld's has won awards for it. Rosenfeld's also sells a chocolate chip challah bread that I'm very curious about!<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo-3.jpg" width="300"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Chomp Meter</span>: <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"> <br />Great bagels, give them a try! Then walk to Peet's for coffee :) You can also pick them up for office breakfasts or weekend brunches. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/53931/restaurant/Boston/Rosenfeld-Bagels-Newton"><img alt="Rosenfeld Bagels on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/53931/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a><br /><br />Rosenfeld Bagel Company<br />1280 Centre St<br />Newton, MA 02459<br />Phone: (617) 527-8080minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-76325825137046590792008-10-22T08:03:00.000-04:002008-10-22T08:03:01.539-04:00Blue Ribbon BBQ Review - Southern Goodness!I usually get take out from <a href="http://www.blueribbonbbq.com/default.htm">Blue Ribbon BBQ</a> but we decided to toss things up and eat there instead. We shared a platter of dry rubbed BBQ ribs with collard greens and black eyed corn. The platter also comes with corn bread making it more than enough food for two! <br /><br />The BBQ here is the absolute best in Boston. The meat is slightly charred on the outside and tender on the inside. I don't know why people bother with Red Bones :P Anyway, I'm not in much of a writing mood today so I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves:<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo4-3.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo5-3.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />The sides at Blue Ribbon are as good as the meat! The corn and collard greens were delicious. Finally you have to wash it all down with sweet tea. MMMMM<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo7-1.jpg" width="380"><br />(Sorry for the blurry iPhone photo...)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />IMO this is the best place for BBQ in the Boston area. Great sides, corn bread and sweet tea too! Head here for your fix ...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Blue Ribbon BBQ</span><br /><br />(Newton Location)<br />1375 Washington St<br />West Newton, MA<br />tel 617 332 2583<br /><br />(Arlington Location)<br />908 Massachusetts Ave<br />Arlington, MA<br />tel 781 648 7427<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/50578/restaurant/Boston/Blue-Ribbon-BBQ-Newton"><img alt="Blue Ribbon BBQ on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/50578/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-91428936287711661712008-10-17T00:19:00.004-04:002008-10-17T00:54:38.174-04:00Trattoria Toscana Review - Tuscan in FenwayTrattoria Toscana is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Boston. Well Tuscan to be specific. The only downside is that they don't take reservations and the wait can get pretty long. Just go early or on a weekday (like we did last week)! <br /><br />The interior is cute and cozy as you can see in the photo below (L). We started off with a caprese appetizer (R). <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo9-1.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo13-1.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />The food here is generally homey and casual but delicious. The pasta isn't drenched in oil and the portions are just the right size. European? For mains, I got the cod fish spaghetti while P got the tripe dish. The spaghetti was so al dente. I loved it. I know it's not hard to make al dente pasta, but few restaurants get it just right. I also liked stealing pieces of tripe. It seems to have been stewed for hours and was melt in your mouth yummy!<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo12-1.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo8-1.jpg" width="190"><br /><br />They don't have much of a selection for desserts on weekdays so we passed. The only option available on Thursday was tiramisu though I've heard it's good!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />Highly recommended in my books. This is a great authentic place for Italian food (not Italian American). The atmosphere is romantic and the prices are cheap too at about $15-$20 a dish. Eat well and date well in this down economy! hehe<br /><br />Trattoria Toscana<br />130 Jersey St<br />Boston, MA 02215<br />(617) 247-9508<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/54732/restaurant/Fenway-Kenmore/Trattoria-Toscana-Boston"><img alt="Trattoria Toscana on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/54732/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-83750389020516959382008-10-10T07:58:00.000-04:002008-10-10T07:58:00.431-04:00Shiki Lunch Review - Kaiseki Sets GaloreSometimes I work up a craving writing about restaurants. Tee Hee! After completing my <a href="http://bostonchomps.blogspot.com/2008/09/shiki-review-izakaya-style-dining.html">Shiki review</a> from ages ago I had the irresistible urge to head there.<br /><br />Saturday was the perfect day to plot my way to Shiki. Sunny with beautiful weather, we stopped by Paper Source in Coolidge Corner to buy a wedding card and then I suggested walking over for lunch :) <br /><br />The main feature of the lunch menu is "Kaiseki". I believe this is the more casual form of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiseki">kaiseki</a>. Each set is named after a flower. There's the Cherry Blossom set (smallest at $12) all the way to the Camelia (largest at $18). It is rather confusing what the difference is between the sets and the staff don't explain it well. Never fear however, I have it deciphered. The staff don't really know the difference themselves, just order based on how much you want to eat. The hungrier you are, the larger the set! Elementary.<br /><br />P got the Chrysanthemum set ($16). It included soup and salad, tempura, sashimi, chawan mushi, tataki, and an assortment of cooked items. I believe the sets include generally the same thing with larger sets having more of the same thing.<br /><br />Chrysanthemum set (tempura not pictured):<br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is183.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />Rather than get a kaiseki, I got a Ika Natto (Squid and Natto) set which I loved. Much better than the Blue Fin version. Mmmm the gooey goodness! The raw quail egg makes the whole concoction creamier and richer. <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/870is180.jpg" width="400"><br /><br />I only stole a couple pieces from P's set. His verdict is that the set was decent though he suspects some of the items liked the broiled fish were left overs from yesterday's dinner :P<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />IMO Dinner at Shiki is way better than lunch. More variety with more interesting dishes. Though if you're hungry and want to eat up a storm, lunch is pretty good value. <a href="http://bostonchomps.blogspot.com/2008/09/shiki-review-izakaya-style-dining.html">See my Shiki dinner review</a>.<br /><br />Shiki Japanese Restaurant<br />9 Babcock St, Brookline 02446<br />At Harvard Ave<br />Phone: 617-738-0200<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/334956/restaurant/Boston/Shiki-Brookline"><img alt="Shiki on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/334956/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19708882.post-41723788311292560942008-10-09T08:20:00.000-04:002008-10-09T08:20:00.489-04:00Color Restaurant Review - Korean Food and Fun DecorColors Restaurant in Allston is a perfect place to stop by for a quick casual dinner on a week night. The food served is home cooked and the prices are relatively cheap for Korean food. <br /><br />The decor here appeals to my inner tackiness *cough* with lots of cutesy colors. Look how nice the different shades turn out in the photos! You have to admit the colors are bound to cheer you up, unless you have a migraine hehe:<br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo-2.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo2-2.jpg" width="190"><br /><br /><br />While I haven't been to Korea, I always feel like I'm in the country when eating at Color. You know, Korean pop music playing, eating steaming soups from stone pots etc. Hey all the Korean movies I've watched make me a good judge OK :)<br /><br />I ordered a seafood tofu chigae and P got a beef bulgogi. The restaurant also serves complimentary iced tea (corn?) and Dum Dums instead of mints. Seriously, who can resist <a href="http://www.dumdumpops.com/default.php">Dum Dums</a>? <br /><br /><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo3-3.jpg" width="190"> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/photo5-2.jpg" width="190"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chomp Meter:</span> <img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll104/chompster_2008/pacman-grey.jpg"> <br />3.5 Chomps! A great place for a casual homey Korean meal. Definitely try their special chicken wing appetizer too. It is fried and smothered in chilli sauce. Don't make the mistake we made however, the portion is large so have at least 3 or 4 people to share. The first piece was delicious, second piece ok, third .... <br /><br />Color Restaurant - Korean<br />166 Harvard Ave<br />(between Brighton Ave & Glenville Ave)<br />Allston, MA 02134<br />(617) 787-5656<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/4/51251/restaurant/Boston/Allston-Brighton/Color-Allston"><img alt="Color on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/51251/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>minihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16317753645794344353noreply@blogger.com2