glauer

did you get vegetarian food at the fat duck? and I would do Arpege if you can ..I found it sensational

Though a Brezel should only be eaten in the south of Germany, ideally around Stuttgart. That is the real thing and I never had a really good one anywhere to the north.

not in Berlin...but I know you will be in Koeln as well go to Pfaeffgen Brauhaus http://www.paeffgen-koelsch.de/ in Friesenstrasse This is the real thing! they will serve you one after the other of their small Koelsch beers, until you stop them. Inside it is smoky, loud and everything else a real brewhouse should be. And the beer is great. Dont expect great food. Stick to a "Halver Hahn" (Gouda on a rye roll) or a sausage with the beer. This will be a very unique German experience.

I would rather expect the opposite actually.......restaurants might be pretty empty as people might stay home. The soccer fans certainly will not spend much on food, their money goes all for beer. And in addition, Berlin is a pretty big city.

The grilled clams are great and I also like the clam ceviche. Oysters are also very good. For entrees I like the bluefish and also the pan roasted lobster (though the latter is a significant investment). Then I guess the clam bake is something very local and original but I am not a huge fan of boiled lobster. As a rule of thumb I would say the simpler and "more natural" the preparation the better the dish.

well, on "that other board" most of my favorite restaurants are regularly blasted. I actually get slightly worried if the places I like get a lot of positive comments there. It is the equivalent to the Zagat guides and thus inevitably popular mediocrity wins out. So you really need to know what kind of experience you want. I like the Summer Shack, especially the Alewife location, but it is a huge place and just for that the cooking is certainly standardized to a certain degree. But when you pick the right items you can have a fun and delicious meal there. And do not forget: It is called "shack" for a reason. There is no point comparing it to B&G. They both serve seafood, but otherwise the experience could not be any more different (actually they both can also be rather loud).

Summer Shack can be fun indeed. But if someone else was paying and willing to spend a bit of money then I would rather do something along the lines of B&G, especially if wine is also relevant.

If you all like seafood then B&G is the place. Smart but relaxed. Great wines. And really good food with some regional influences and lots of regional products. Though I would not necessarily eat the famous lobster roll. While theirs is very good it still is a lobster roll.....never understood what should be so special about lobster on a roll other then when eaten from a shack at the beach. Everything else is more interesting. My favorite being the spicy lobster stew. And obviously the oysters. But it is hard to go wrong at that place. Only the desserts are sometimes a bit uninspired. Anticipating that someone will now post that Neptune Oyster is even better I have to say that I do not see that on any level. For me the dishes at B&G are more original, better executed and presented , and the wines are more interesting by far.

oha, seems like I was not only the last one to visit this establishment but also the second to last.....with my visit in 1982.

There are two basic types of dumplings: One made out of old bread, the other one made out of potatoes. Usually the potato ones have croutons inside. Is that the one you want to make? Gg

The cousin also needs to be a pretty curious and open-minded eater in order to enjoy WD-50. WD-50 is more exciting and interesting, but the food at Craft is easier to apppreciate for many people.

Prices were not cheap, especially dinner menu. The tuna sandwich was 14 I think, and the chowder 5 or 6. Dinner entrees were well in the twenties and even thirties, an dthe lobster dishes had a 10 dollar "high lobster prices" surcharge. That is why I might not go back: For less money I can go to B&G etc and eat on a very different level. The (outdated)style of food they are serving would need to be perfectly executed and the place in better shape, then I would go on occasion.

My mother is visiting right now and we were going to the ICA. Everytime I take in the view over the water I also see Anthony's Pier 4 and wonder how it is. Last meal there was in 1982, first visit to Boston with my parents and that time it was one of the few culinary highlights of the city, and I was mightily impressed. So lunch seemed a great opportunity to check out whether it might be worth going for a full dinner some time soon. And now I don't really know what to say. I really want to like this place, and I must say I enjoyed our visit mainly for all the weirdness of the place. It feels like being in a time machine right back to the culinary and style desert this country was not so long ago (and Anthony's Pier 4 considered an oasis in that desert.....). I dont think they have changed the interior a bit over the years, everything looks like an english sailing club, but on a closer look is pretty cheaply made. The view is great, if you manage to ignore the incredibly tacky and run down pieces of fake grass carpet laid out on the vast deck outside. The waiters seem also unchanged in many years, judging by their looks and style of service, and I like it that way. Somebody should tell them, however, that they look better if they wash their clothes on occasion, I cannot remember having seen waiters anywhere with so many stains on their jackets. The crowd was almost exclusively granddads and -mums taking the family out to where they have been going for the last 80 years (I am not sure how many people were there voluntarily). How was the food? We tried the Clam Chowder and an open Tuna sandwich on Brioche. Chowder tasted nicely like very fresh clams and was not too thick. I would prefer it even lighter and maybe a bit more interestingly spiced, but there was nothing wrong with it. Tuna was also OK, but a bit too much vinaigrette with lots of cheap balsamic vinegar poured over it. It was also not very nicely plated, pretty messy. I also studied the famous winelist and it was impressive indeed with some deals mixed in (especially if the wines have been well stored). Despite my negative comments I think this place has great potential. They should dust it off a bit and renovate some of the most appalling things (the green carpet outside and the super cheap ceiling come to mind first) and they should modernize the food just slightly and work on execution and presentation. I would enjoy it very much as an oldfashioned place full of memories, but they need to play that at a much higher level. With the new museum, the hotels and the conference center there should be a huge opportunity to revive this old classic.

Great summary eipi10, I pretty much agree on everything you said. We must have met several times over the last three years as you seem to follow the same path through cambridge and somerville as I do. The only difference I see is Korean food, I am usually happy at Wu-Chon. I know it is not Koreatown LA, but still pretty good food.

I have not had an espresso at Peet's for a long time, as I usually get a cappuccino when there (and recently I always go to Simon's). But that is always first rate and in a very different league from starbucks and northend cafes. They definitely have much better beans than what is used at those places.

I was last July. No, it is not blowing one away. But it is very competently prepared classic food (in generous portions) served in a very classic and lively environment. I had foie gras and blanquette de veau, both comme il faut. So if that is a style you like then go.

Last night a later dinner at The Butcher Shop. I had not been in a while and was a little worried as online and elsewhere I continued to hear comments about this place "not being what it was" and being a hype with expensive mediocre food. I am glad to report that neither is true. They still serve simple, but excellent food made from top notch ingredients. We started with liver crostini with prunes. They were just that but that is a compliment. Right size, right amount of topping, right texture, right taste. Then the steak tartare and gnocchi with sausage. Both excellent. The tartare is always very nicely spiced, complex and flavorful, but everything in balance. I would prefer it maybe a bit finer chopped and would rather have their excellent normal bread with it instead of the buttery brioche, but that is personal preference. The gnocchi were perfectly textured, the sauce was as intense and flavorful as I am used from my friend's mother in Bologna, and applied in the perfect (modest) quantity. Note to all Italian restaurants in town: This is how pasta sauce is done. Lots of taste, little volume, not the other way around. After we started with some wines by the glass we had a bottle of Morgon with the food (32$). It was nice to see the waitress get excited about their Beaujolais selection as theirs are of great quality, work excellent with the food of the place and are modestly priced. Atmosphere was lively and enjoyable. But people need to remind that it is a small and not too comfortable space that is always packed. Overall this place is just as good as ever. I have no clue why some people do not like it (well, actually I do......I think it is the same crowd that always tells you that they found this and that at some trashy neighborhood shop and that it is sooooo much better than the famous pricey soandso). I also do not find the prices extremely high. Cheap it is not, but quality should not be.

First visit to Eastern Standard tonight and most likely not the last. Was sitting at the bar and thoroughly enjoyed the bartenders. Very nice, very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to watch. I had a excellent champagne cocktail, a pretty good Corbieres and a nice Banyuls. Prices are alright. Food was also quite pleasant. Impeccably fresh oysters followed by the "offal of the day": grilled beef heart with endive salad and parmigiano. The heart was perfectly grilled and the salad was nicely dressed with a light hand (endives are so often served soggy). Dessert was a cherry cake and was good, if not very exciting. Overall a pleasant experience in a place with a very good atmosphere for Boston standards.

what about just not eating tomatoes in winter? I feel already lucky if I find a really tasty one during summer.......

Bryan: from your posts in the NYC forum I would think that L'Arpege might be the place for the expensive *** experience. I found it truly unique and one of the few restaurants by which I divide my food life in "before" and "after". Regarding the smaller places you will find the most up to date advice in some recent listings on here. Your trip sounds great, I am envious. First time Fat Duck will also be fun. georg

I know that you have booked now for Bergisch-Gladbach. But in case you make it also to the South, for example Nuernberg, I definitely would recommend Landgasthof Adler in Rosenberg. Way out there in the middle of nowhere, in the most beautiful landscape with tiny villages. Also some very well preserved medieval towns such as Dinkelsbuehl. And the Restaurant is a really old building in the middle of a small hamlet, very originally renovated with a mix of very old stuff and bauhaus furniture and pretty bold colors. The food is also one of the most original I have had anywhere. Half of the menu are refined versions of local dishes (eg tripe with braised onions and smoked eel, or wonderful liver dumplings in beef broth) and the other half are surprisingly elegant more international dishes (standout was a perfect rouget with a vegetable salad). This place is as unique as it gets in every aspect. They also have nice rooms. Everything very affordable. I think it would make a nice contrast to the luxury and opulent perfection at the two chateaux hotels. I also think from what I read in thr NYC forum that you might like the lack of gimmickry in the foods. It is inventive but all for better taste. http://www.landgasthofadler.de/

Last night I had my first full dinner at Locke-Ober. I have to admit that I might not have gone had i not received a gift certificate for it. Nevertheless, I was happy to go as it seems to be one of the few places in Boston that one needs to experience at least once. Upon arrival I was rather happy to find the place buzzing, not at all the subdued and stiff atmosphere I had expected. Once we were seated I found it actually a bit too happening, the table of six next to us behaved more like they were in a sports bar watching Superbowl. Middle aged business men lacking even the most basic manners is something I have observed a few times recently, making me glad that I usually don't go to places they typically prefer. Despite this, I really liked the room and the overall atmosphere a lot. Just for saving this original establishment Lydia Shire deserves a lot of credit. Service was quite friendly and reasonably competent. What i did not like was how they tried to pace the meal. The moment the first course was taken away we got the next dishes. But they responded to my request to slow it done after that. To my surprise there is no Sommelier and one is left alone with the quite large list. Credit to our server who at least admitted that he did not know anything about the majority of the wines. Also their wine glasses are barely acceptable at that level and for the expensive wines they serve (though it must be said that the wine list also contains surprisingly many very reasonably priced good wines). They should ask their very inexpensive neighbor Silvertone Bar for advice on how to get the glasses right. But now to the most important thing. How was the food? We started with Clams Casino and the smoked salmon. The clams were a surprise for me. Exactly how I would envision a contemporary but also exact version of a classic dish. The filling was light and not too much of it added, so the clams were not overpowered. Even the big pieces of bacon had just the right amount of salt and smokiness. This was delicious and surprisingly light. The salmon was also good, though the garnishes did nothing to move it beyond just a plate of smoked salmon. Then we had soups, JFK's lobster stew and a game consomme with dumplings and roasted quail. Both of them were quite good. The lobster stew expectedly rich, but not overly so with a very fine lobster flavor. The lobster meat was the least interesting part of it. The consomme was flavorful and a bit peppery, which I liked but my dining companion found too strong. The fluffy dumplings and the tender quail meet added nicely to it. The main courses were less successful. Huge portions of high quality meat (we had grilled duck and a lamb rumpsteak), but overly intense sauces and sides. These dishes seemed all about quantity and power with zero finesse, just too much of everything. Maybe we should have stuck to one of the basic grilled meats as the quality of the ingredients was flawless. Desserts were OK but nothing to write home about. So overall we had a fine meal in a very special ambiance, and the competently executed classic appetizers and soups were very enjoyable. On the other hand, nothing was truly exciting so at that price point I personally would prefer restaurants with a more inspiring cuisine. But I guess Locke-Ober is not really meant to be a dining destination for "eaters" but seems rather geared towards people who usually find their happiness in upscale steak houses. Nothing is wrong with that apart from the fact that I wish we had a few more exciting restaurants in Boston.

While most people will agree that Starbucks and the like have brought a welcome improvement over diner coffee sitting on a hot plate for hours, their coffee and espresso drinks are still mediocre at best. And we don't even talk about abominations such as "venti caramel macchiatos"..... But we are lucky in this city to have plenty of alternatives (and no, this does not include "the best coffee in the world" from Dunkin Donuts..... ). So what are the best of the best? Until recently I gave my top spot actually to another chain, though much smaller than Starbucks, and something like Starbuck's godfather. Peet's makes an excellent Cappuccino that always very much reminds me to Italy, especially when you get the "traditional" that is served in a small porcelain cup the same size as in Europe. Their coffee beans to take home are also excellent. Recently I have discovered Simon's Coffee on Mass Ave close to Porter square and I must say that their cappuccino and espresso now top the list for me. I have not had better ones anywhere. So far it also seems to me that no matter which barista is on duty, they all turn out the same high level of quality. Once you watch them how meticulously they stamp the ground espresso you are not really surprised that they turn out serious coffee, this place is clearly devoted to quality. Two big pluses for both places are also that they serve above avergae pastries (those at Starbucks I would not feed my dog if I had one) and that they offer the coffee in real cups, not only in plastic as some places do. Two runners up for me are 1369 and True Grounds. Both places I like a lot for charm and originality (and True Grounds' pastries and sandwiches are actually the best of all mentioned places), but the coffee is, while good, not as excellent as those at the two top places. What are your favorite coffee spots?

I thought the Boston/New England forum needs to be much busier. The best way seems to just start writing more myself. So this is a start. I was just in the mood for a quick and simple dinner tonight when driving by Union Square. Wu Chon House being one of my favorite ethnic places in Boston I easily convinced myself to stop. I only had the spicy silken tofu seafood stew, but this simple dish reminded me why this is one of the few truly above average asian restaurants in the city. The different kimchis are already a good indicator of what is to follow. A very nice variety, impeccably fresh and very natural flavors. I needed seconds despite the generous serving. The stew was boiling hot, and definitely spicy, with wonderful smooth tofu and a small amount of seafood with a fresh salty taste. The seafood was almost more a spice than a main ingredient, which I really liked-it kept it light and left the focus on the tofu. This quick meal made me really, really happy because everything I had was simple perfection . Usually I go to Wu Chon with a large group so we can order lots of different dishes (Kalbi, spicy pork and spicy squid being maybe my favorites), but the soups and stews make wonderful alone dinners. Tomorrow I will be at Locke-Ober. Lets see whether they prepare their dishes as flawless. I shall report.

I think the pastry you are talking about is not a Munchner, but a Mutschel. see here: http://www.wernerfrueh.de/mutscheltag.htm It is a local specialty, mostly from Reutlingen (a city about 15km from Tuebingen) and surrounding villages. It is mainly produced in January with the peak being Thursday after epiphany, which is the "Mutscheltag", a local holiday on which locals meet and roll the dice with the winner getting a Mutschel. They come in all sizes, and there is also a sweet version with raisins. I grew up in the area, though not in a town where this is a tradition, but they definitely taste delicious.