TrishCT

To Robert and my fellow Sox fans.... Let's face it, our enemy is not the Yankees.... We have met the enemy and he iz us (Pogo). If the Sox were perennial cellar dwellers (coff coff Mets coff coff) or were pulverized each time they made the postseason playoffs, we (the fans) could just roll our eyes and accept the fact that the Sox are losers. But the Sox have had some terrific teams... This year's was phenomonally talented and scrappy... They liked each other, they shaved their heads and grew goatees and they even had a battle call- "Cowboy Up" (Dorky? Yes, but that's camaraderie!) I do not credit the Yankees or Mets for their victories against the Sox. The Red Sox blew those games. We were salivating at our chance to taste victory (In '86 the broadcasters even announced that Bruce Hurst was going to be named the series MVP...). Then the Sox blew it. Blame whomever you want (Buckner, Grady, Pedro...) it doesn't really matter... but those games didn't lose themselves. And that's the pain of it. To be on the cusp and suffer a brain fart. No, I won't exactly be going rah rah rah for the Yanks... but I hold nothing against them for the Sox's implosion. edited to credit Pogo.

Linguica is like a spanish chorizo, right? or is it the portuguese equivalent to italian sausage? Linguica is a portugese sausage, red like chorizo but narrower. It comes either in a coil like sausage or packed like hot dogs. The only brand I have ever seen is Gaspar's. You don't boil it (unless it is part of a New England clam boil). You fry it in a frying pan. A popular recipe is linguica with peppers and onions.

Reggie, since you are living in Boston... Sometime when you are in the Brockton area, check out the pizza at the Cape Cod Cafe. It is a dive bar.... but they have intriguing pizza. The most expensive item on their menu is $8.50. Get the pizzas with one topping only, otherwise they get soggy. My faves are the linguica and the onion. To Jason: I recommend linguica on a roll ... nice alternative to italian sausage.

I lived in Brookline while I went to BU. I so wish I bought my apartment when it first went condo, I could probably retire now.

Little Blue- Usinger's mail order has really good hot dogs, brats, etc...

I dined at Trattoria Trecolori last week with a very diverse group, (some sophisticated...some not adventuresome in the least...) and everyone enjoyed their meals. Great service, fun atmosphere, and moderate prices. Reservations are a must, there was a line waiting when we left. I have also dined with a group at Becco. It has a very extensive wine list, and every bottle costs $18.00. Also had a good meal here (nicely done veal chop, rack of lamb and a prix fixe all you can eat pasta entree, but skip the veal parm) The front room is way too loud....reservations for the back room are a good idea here. Becco will cost you a bit more than Trecolori...not that it's about price... We saw Little Shop of Horrors...It was to die for (pardon the pun...) What are you seeing?

If it were just a game, why did my red sox fan friend, who didn't cry at his father's funeral, start weeping with the Boone homerun?? I can't empathize with this kind of losing. Sure the Yankees have lost TWO world series game 7's on the last at bat, but neither of them seem to be as painful as any of Boston's losses. I wouldn't say I "wept" per se... but there were a few tears and much sadness... My husband asked me what was for dinner tonight... I said we're eating humble pie with a nice whine...my usual post season dish... So many times, something Buckneresque happens to shatter our dreams...

gee Trish, thanks! that's probably the most gracious comment i've heard from a Sox fan so far, or will hear. if it makes you feel better, my friends and i missed the game we were scheduled to attend. we had tickets to the sunday game which was rained out and rescheduled for tues. a lot of us, myself included, weren't able to make the tues. game. so if you want to experience a bit of shaddenfreunde, that might make you laugh. It's just a game.... If I say it 5,216 more times..... I just might believe it... Good luck v. the fish.... Trish

I'm surprised A. Bourdain hasn't been approached to shill for BK... after all, he eats scary stuff...

Congrat's Reggie. sad:

Holly, how was your trip? I went to a cranberry festival on Monday in Plymouth, MA. A little disappointing, not much there.

Geez, I'm getting old but I seem to remember after a game that they lost, that the Yankees fans tore up the field so badly it was barely playable for the next game... Sox v. Cubs.... would be the Win Win Series! Whoever wins is thrilled because at LAST they've won... and whoever loses, who cares, they are used to losing... its just good to be invited to the show....

Boston fans rioting??? Sheesh, must be some bad New York influence blowing in the air... I guess I'll stick to south shore joints....Definitely gonna hit up Cape Cod Cafe in Brockton.... excellent linguica pizza... By the way, "Reggie," I'll take historic Fenway over the portapottie traffic and mugging nightmare you call Yankee Stadium anyday...I thought George was gonna move it to Jersey. Oh Man, front page article in the local paper today... Sox fans are visiting Babe Ruth's grave praying for him to remove the curse...

The food doesn't have to be sensational, just decent enough...I have been out of the scene so long that I don't know what's what anymore in Boston. (Or Massachusetts for that matter.) Thanks for the rec's ....If you think of anything along the south shore also, let me know! Trish

I'll be in the greater Boston area for Columbus Day weekend so I can join in the cheering of the Red Sox .... It's unlikely we'll be able to get tickets to a game at Fenway... (Ahhh...but if any of you have any extras lying around, let me know please!!!) So where's some good places to munch, imbibe, and watch the game (bringing a 15 year old in tow....) We'll be staying in Plymouth/Carver area but willing to go up as far as Boston area. Thanks for any rec's... Trish

I can think of one reason. If you are going to the trouble of cooking something from scratch why not use the best quality product. With that said, I feel Watkins vanilla is a good quality product. Others may disagree. Mamster, in addition to french toast, simple whipped cream might be another good way to taste test vanillas. Perhaps the french toast could be served with whipped cream and strawberries? But how do you define "best quality"?? If the taste is identical, then why would the real vanilla be of a higher quality than the artificial? It's a food of love thing I think to use something "pure" as opposed to something "imitation." In terms of vanilla, the labelling might be misleading. Perhaps Alton Brown or umm.. coff coff....Fat Guy... coff coff... or some other scientifically knowledgeable e-g'er would explain what the actual difference is between real and good quality imitation vanillas.

I can think of one reason. If you are going to the trouble of cooking something from scratch why not use the best quality product. With that said, I feel Watkins vanilla is a good quality product. Others may disagree. Mamster, in addition to french toast, simple whipped cream might be another good way to taste test vanillas. Perhaps the french toast could be served with whipped cream and strawberries?

For sure, some imitation vanillas are probably nasty. I admit I have not tried many. My mother-in-law buys the Watkins products at a country fair and gives them to me at Christmas each year (double strength and clear, large bottles). In addition to sham mexican vanillas, I think McCormick's real vanilla, the one traditionally sold in mass quantities in supermarkets, is not very good (more alchoholy than vanilla tasting.) How's this for a test recipe...? French Toast. Using a plain bread like challah--- eggs, milk, vanilla as the dip. That might be a straightforward way to taste the vanilla differences.

I admitted in an earlier thread on vanilla that I use Watkin's Double Strength Vanilla which is labeled imitation, and Watkin's Clear Vanilla which is great for keeping whipped cream white. Unlike the usual connotation of "imitation," meaning something totally fake, from what I understand, some imitation vanillas (including Watkins) actually are made from vanilla beans. Perhaps that's why they have such good flavor.

For shock value there's Kitty Litter Cake (someone out there has a link to it). I know it's not in your league, but it's either that or a DQ Belly Blaster...

If you like chinese food...there is a cool place in Brookline on Beacon Street called The Golden Temple, near where I used to live when I went to college in Boston... It has good food and fun atmosphere.

On your trip back, I can recommend a few spots off I-84 that you might enjoy. In order as you drive down from the north: Phillips Diner in Woodbury (I 84 Exit 15, stay on that road till you get to Woodbury.) I have never had lunch here. The reason I recommend it is for one thing---doughnuts. They only have a few varieties and when they run out each day, c'est la vie . They cost 50 cents apiece, 25 cents for day old. Sugar/Cinnamon, chocolate frosted (my fave), jelly or lemon, that's it. These are what doughnuts should be. They also make adorable little chicken pot pies which they freeze and you can get to go (never bought em 'cause I was never going right home after stopping by). Carminuccio's for pizza. (I84 Exit 10, towards Newtown Center, left at the flagpole on Route 25, about a mile or so on the right, across the street from a strip mall with a Subway...) They don't use special equipment that I can see, but this place makes some terrific pizza! I haven't been able to do a fair taste comparison with Pepe's or Sally's because I haven't had a pie from either of those spots in a while.... but this place is really good, and basically unheard of... Good Taste for earthy sandwiches and such... (Also Exit 10, but go towards Sandy Hook not Newtown Center.) This is a breakfast/lunch only spot and they have nice homemade breads, sandwiches and soups. Intriguing selection of cheeses as well. JB BBQ is an undiscovered hole in the wall BBQ takeout only joint right off Exit 4, next to McDonald's. I am sure you still have fond memories of the Q in Tennessee (as do I), but this place has some good stuff for CT...especially the brisket. sandwiches are $3.75...they also have pulled pork, ribs, and the standard sides. Caveat: Closed Mondays. Bon Appetit! Trish

Hi Mr. Grahm and welcome to E-Gullet, Would you please recommend some wines to go with a traditional turkey, stuffing, veggies, homemade pies Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you! Trish

I heard that the NYC Red Lobster is a huge success. I can't believe it's just the tourists eating there....

Ronnie, you'd be miffed if someone brought in baby food for their baby??? Ooops I see Fat Guy beat me to that query.... To wit, I understand the concepts of vegetarianism being discussed on this thread, ad nauseum.... And I am not defending the customer.... And I don't run a restaurant... And I am not a vegetarian by any definition you can fabricate... But I do know a bit about common courtesy... It just seems that giving this customer a cup of hot water so she could feed her hungry baby.... Although not something desirable, and not an act the restaurant condones.... Could have been extended in this one instance, as an exception. Then a posting could be put on all the menus explaining that no meat in any way, shape or form is allowed in the restaurant... so that "unfortunate incidents" like these would never happen again. Would have been a nice thing to do and would have spared everyone some grief.