IlCuoco

If I could impose on the local knowledge once more.... I have some friends from Italy who will be staying here for Christmas. Their parents are coming up and they'll be doing their traditional dishes but without access to their shops back home. So.... If you had to recommend where to find good sea bass for an Italian grandmother from Rome to prepare on Christmas Eve, what fishmonger would you suggest? They're in Eindhoven but anything in A'dam, Utrecht, Eindhoven or surrounding areas would be fine. Any help offered would be highly appreciated!

How could I have forgotten Buff's? The burgers are pretty good too (not nearly as good as the wings, naturally) and they usually have at least one interesting beer on tap. Great place. Especially after a golf game. And Lumiere, so romantic, so French... I feel like I'm a stranger in my own home town. Memories...... There used to be a good Italian Deli on Washington Street in Newton that made it's own sausage. Does anyone remember the name?

I've talked about some of these on other threads but. should you want to cross the river... -East Coast Grill in Cambridge; great location, cool (if crowded and noisy) vibe, wonderful fresh seafood and they do some nice work with slow-cooked meats too. I used to live quite nearby and we would eat there once/week. -Chez Henri in Cambridge; good upper-mid level dining and they really care about their product (I'm not a fan of the wine list but...) -Craigie Street Bistro in Cambridge; High-end, straight ahead French with an emphasis on what's fresh each day. Good food, nice wine list and a bit under-credited compared to other small, high-end joints. -Blue Ribbon BBQ in Newton; probably the best barbecue in Boston right now (not that there's huge competition). Take out only (save for a few chairs and 2 tables). -Petsie Pie in Somerville; a bakery specializing in pies. What more can I say/ -Village Kitchen in Cambridge; pretty darn good pizza -I second the Porter Exchange recommendation -Sullivan's in Somerville - a bar that serves HUGE, wonderful burgers and a bunch of crap. Burgers and beers are worth it, nothing else (but the burgers are great) -Zoe's in Somerville: I think it has some of the best Chinese food outside of Chinatown. -Christopher's in Cambridge; perhaps the best all-around neighborhood joint in Boston and it's areas. Good food, nice variety, good for a casual date, meeting friends, etc. Great place. -Cambridge Common in Cambridge; same owners as Christopher's, much more bar-like, but good simple food and nice beer selection -Out of the Blue in Somerville; a neighborhood seafood joint of surprising quality. Not fancy but darn nice, esp on a random weeknight. The fish is usually VERY fresh. -Redbones in Davis Square, Somerville; not as good as blue ribbon but a great hang out place. Noisy and fun with pretty good food. -Some interesting food shops include: Capone's (Union Sq, Somerville), Formaggio's Kitchen (Huron Ave, Cambridge), Russo's (Watertown)

I actually moved into a flat with GE Profile appliances (Gas Cooker/Oven, Fridge and Dishwasher). I only lived there for a couple of years but in that time I was VERY happy with the stove. Both the cooktops and the oven worked great, good controls, excellent heat retention in the oven, the whole thing. Since I didn't live there long (and the appliances were brand new), I can't speak to long-term performance (I used them a lot in the time I was there, though). I also agree with everyone who complained about the dishwashers. Thing was a dog from day one. The only reason I didn't replace it was the landlord had to pay for all the repairs.

Ahh, market day, the best day of the week. I do love grocery shopping, you never know what you'll find or see. Walking through the food shop is pure inspiration (and yes, my girlfriend mocks me constantly for my love of groceries). On to your questions: 1) Do you go to several different grocery stores -Oh yes. Over in Utrecht, I hit the good butcher on Friday (he's in the town where I work) and on Saturday I hit the Utrecht market - I have a good fruit guy and they're some good olives and other med specialties followed by a trip to the Italian speciality shop, the coffee and tea place, the good fruit stand near the park, the other Italian grocery store, the bakery for my bread and then the Albert Hein for bulk items, paper products, etc. Almost forgot the Asian grocery store near my house (gotta get my bok choi fix) I sometimes also go to the butcher that specializes in game and I hit the wine store once per fortnight or so and the good beer shop once per month (need my Young's Oatmeal Stout). I'm trying to get a card for the ISPC and the Hanos without success, lord knows if I get them, they'll be on the list. Back in Cambridge (MA) the route was: New Deal, a couple of farmer's markets (in season) then Whole Foods or Wilson Farms, Formaggios, Capone's, Wine and Cheese Cask and either Dears or Savenors with the odd side trip to some other places. 2) Do you clip coupons? -Nah, no patience 3) What do you usually buy at the Grocery Store -Over here, just staples (flour, paper goods, OJ and milk, etc), back home, a bit more as Whole Foods had some good stuff 4) Do you tend to buy more meat or produce -About even actually. When I have the time I prefer to buy meat all at once and produce throughout the week but it nets out to about even (ok, a BIT more meat)... 5) Are you too ashamed to make purchases from the "reject bin" -Over here it's not an issue and most of the stuff I buy is never there so... 6) Do you make a list? -Generally no, but if I'm shopping for specifics (a new recipe, a dinner party, etc) then yes. Also, if it's important I get one specific thing (i.e. not just some fruit that looks good but bananas) I'll usually write it down as well. 7) How many refrigerators and pantries do you have for food storage? -One fridge that is large by Euro standards and small by US ones with full size freezer underneath. Pantry is two large cabinets, wine goes in the wine fridge along with some of the beer. I really want to buy a second (big) fridge and a deep freezer but we shall see. 8) Do you enjoy grocery shopping as much as I do -I love it. Seriously. I can spend hours and hours just gathering raw materials (and then the next day in the kitchen). It is one of my favorite activities full stop.

Sorry to post twice in a row, but I wanted to change the subject a bit. If you're looking for a lovely source for wine, may I suggest Van Wageningen en de Lange on the Oudegracht in Utrecht? They specialize in French wine but their catalog has some nice Portuguese, Spanish and Italian stuff as well. The owners are an older couple who inherited the business from the wife's uncle (the place has been there since the late 1800s). It's located right on the canal in one of the old storage warehouses so the place is basically a couple of interconnected caves which open onto the water. They're primarily an importer and most of their business with restaurants, wine shops, etc but they keep stock for retail and will also import (by bottle or case) for private clients as well. Only downside is the lack of browsing hours as they're open weekdays and usually only in the afternoons. I used them a couple of days ago to source some older wines and today, I attended a tasting (they do a few each year and do each tasting 2 or 3 times). A great selection of wines were out (I'll post tasting notes later) and they really gave some thought to selections. The owners have a particular passion for Port and they stock a TREMENDOUS selection. Can't say enough about the place, friendly folk, great in-stock selection, excellent sourcing (they located the wines I was looking for between Friday when I asked and today when I went to the tasting)-the real deal. They also will do private tastings. I'll be setting one up with some friends but if anyone is interested in coming as well, PM me. For serious, one of the best wine shops I've found in a while.

I like Caulils, it's a nice litle shop. They also organize winetastings, which a friend of mine is always raving about, but I haven't been to one yet myself. As for the flour, try Delicious Foods on Westerstraat 24. I love this place, they sell all sorts of grains and pulses etc. in bulk (unusual in Amsterdam), they have this device where you can make your own peanutbutter, lovely homemade pastries, etc. and they sell a variety of flours from the Soezie range. About a year ago they were even selling sourdough starters, not sure if they still do that, but this place is worth a visit if you're interested in baking, just have a chat with the very friendly and knowledgeable owners. ← Wow, outstanding! Thanks loads for the recomendation. Looks like I'll be trekking to Amsterdam in the near future! Cheers.

Yeah, me neither. That's why I don't have much success with normal flour. Thanks anyway!

Hey IlCuoco, it's definitely worth a stop and a peek. They do have nice cheeses and cured meats, but in terms of packaged items, they don't really have too much that you can't find elsewhere on Haarlemmerstraat (mostly Italian and Spanish pastas, preserved items, and tuna). One thing they do have that I stop there for is salmon cakes from Frank's Smoke House. Very nice for a quick and easy appetizer. And they carry Dolfin chocolate from Belgium which comes in flavors like curry, anise, and pink peppercorn...an interesting change of pace for dessert, not as good as Puccini's though. mark ← Many thanks. It was the cheeses that drew me there in the first place (I saw some of them being delivered and they looked quite nice). I know Dolfin, good chocolate. I'm lucky in that I can get it here in Utrecht if I need it. If you don't mind another question, any idea where I can find high protein flour for bread or low protein flour for cakes/biscuits? Yours in ignorace....

Has anyone been to a small food shop on the Haalemmerstraat called Caulils(sp)? I've walked past it on the way home after leaving Proust but have never been inside. Is it worth a stop during the day?

No good cassoulet in Utrecht (sad to say) but remember: Paris is only 5 hours away by train....

I'll second the New Deal and Russo's recommendations, both excellent. If you don't mind paying through the nose, Formaggio's Kitchen on Huron Ave can be your source for some hard to find cheeses, salami's etc. I also recommend Capone Foods in Union Square in Somerville. Excellent house-made pasta, sausages, etc and a nice selections of oils, vinegars, etc A friend of mine has had excellent luck at Fresh Pond Seafood but I can't vouch for it personally. The retail counter at Legal Seafood in Newton is a good place to get very fresh shellfish (again, pricey) but the selection tends to be small. For the record, Somerville and East Cambridge both have a bunch of good, small Portuguese and Brazilian markets as well.

A fellow from Utrecht named Roi Loved uitsmijter since he was a boy He ate them every day and all he would say to "het lekker?" was always "ya, mooi"

Mmmm.....modern pastry...I go for the cookies. I like the cannoli at both places (Maria's and Modern), Maria's are better but they're both good. Here's an overly-long list of good casual places for dinners/lunches with kids or for when you just want something simple: I want to second the East Coast Grill recommendation. We used to live quite nearby and ate there often. Good, fresh food, kinda crowded and noisy (in the good way). They've also opened up a sandwich shop next door for lunches. Don't know how it is but I'll bet it's a winner. If you're out in Newton, Try Blue Ribbon Barbecue (if you can get a table), good stuff (by northern standards anyway). For good pub food, try The Cambridge Common, simple Italian go for Vinnie's in Winter Hill (best Italian served in the back of a convenience store even though it's gone a bit downhill). Rene's for a random breakfast/lunch is always a nice stop (Holland Street in Somerville, just outside of Davis Square). Nothing fancy but kid friendly and home cooked food. Seoul Kitchen on Mass Ave (outside of Porter Square) is pretty good but the owner's really nice and you feel like you've got your own Korean grandmother. The Porter Exchange Building houses a couple of good noodle bars and a half-decent sushi place (Bluefin). Christopher's in Porter Square is arguably the best general-purpose casual restaurant in Cambridge, mebee even greater Boston (good burgers, good vegetarian, nice mix, great place). Emma's in Kendall Square has good pizza and salads (non-traditional). Stonehearth in Belmont has EXCELLENT pizza and is good for the kids (I make a trip whenever I'm home). I like Redbones in Davis but I'm the first to admit I'm not an impartial judge. For Chinatown I always liked East Ocean City and Grand Chow Chow (although I tended to be eating at them in the wee hours after nights out). Pearl and Imperial used to have good Dim Sum. If you're in the North End, try Maurizio's on Hannover Street. Chains: Legal is funny, the good ones are pretty good (very fresh if unimaginative, good service), the bad ones.....are the Bennigan's of the Sea. Good ones at Kendall, the new one in Copley Place (NOT the Prudential), Downtown and Newton. A lot of folks like P.F. Changs for a chain, I always feel like I'm eating a big plate of sugar and salt and not much else, but what do I know? The Blue Room (kendall) used to have a lovely brunch. Henrietta's Table has a great brunch but pretty pricey. I'll second L'Espalier, Radius, Clio and Rialto (I've had good experiences there) for a special event and Sel De Terre for a more casual (but still nice) time. If you can get a sitter, don't rule out Silks in Tingsboro MA (haven't eaten there in a few years but they used to be excellent and they have a great wine cellar). I'm forgetting a ton but this is more than anyone will read anyway so.... Enjoy Boston!

Malbec is indeed a great choice, a lovely red wine. Same with Cabernet. Might I also suggest a nice Zinfandel? Good fruit, great deep color, heavy and hearty, a favorite wine with grilled meat generally. Also, they tend to be crowd pleasing. Also nice would be a good Montalcino or Montepulciano (rosso or vino noble); they're classic pairings with grilled food in Tuscany or a good Cotes de Rhone. All good with red meats. Cheers!

I've traveled solo in Italy and have had no problems at all. In Verona may I suggest Il Desco; one of the best meals I've ever had and they were very good to me as a lone diner (lots of extra stuff and comp'd me my wine so I could taste several bottles, etc). Lovely place, wonderful food.

A few other random suggestions. I consider them within walking distance but then...I like to walk (short cab ride at any rate). Note that I've been away for a bit so this is based on my last living in Boston and also note that I agree with the recomendations already made, these are just other options: South End: Hamersley's Bistro Metropolis - small, noisy but with good food and a nice vibe DeLux - not at all what you're looking for. A small bar with cartoons on the TV and a great Elvis bust in the corner. Small and alt. BUT some lovely comfort food Beacon Hill: Kennedy's - irish gastro-pub, food isn't bad (by pub standards it's good) and it's great for the college age crew. On Monday's they have a singer performing dirty versions of Irish folk tunes Back Bay: Clio - Pretty good for a high-end place but not the best. Used to have a nice "sushi" bar as their lounge L'Espalier - Very Expensive, very good I'd avoid Newbury Street and Haymerket (places are overpriced and GENERALLY of average quality). If you wanted to, you could also poke around Charles Street and Cambridge street; a few places on each are pretty good (although there's a fair amount of crap as well). Charles St is also just a nice place to stroll. There's a bunch of good stuff over in Cambridge but it's outside of your travel radius. Hope this helps!