bigwino

Where would people suggest for an early dinner with four kids all under the age of 6? I'm thinking Flatbread Pizza Co. for lack of something more interesting. Definitely need the "tolerant" end of the spectrum in terms of kid-friendly. Dewey's? Something better and more interesting outside the Old Port? Anywhere around Portland is OK. Different is better! Thanks!

Daniel, I remember you were interested in the whole North Shore roast beef sandwich phenomenon. Well, The Boston Globe has come to your aid. They recently had a story in their meager Food section about it. Included are recs for places to try. Enjoy! Bull Market

I used shelled shrimp, but mostly because that's all I had access to. The shells would add great flavor to the oil, but would take away from the eating experience (IMHO). The oil tastes great anyways, so I'd save the shells for stock making. I keep the garlic in until they're pretty crispy - so past the fragrant stage. They're little tasty garlic chips to be sprinkled at will. As to the pepper choice, I guess it's up to the palate of the crowd. I used dried thai bird peppers - again, that's what I had. Chipotles might be fun for some heat and smokiness. I wouldn't go nuts with the heat, though. I think it would take away from the gorgeous, subtle flavors of the shrimp. Did I mention that the leftover oil is a keeper? Great vinaigrettes and pan sauces with that stuff.

Cannot wait for this season to begin. Johnnyd, I'm also very much looking forward to your periodic reports and (hopefully) photo essays. What's first on the menu when the season begins? For me, it has to be gambas al ajillo.

I'd second the Lyceum. It's by no means cutting edge or world class, but they do a good job and have for years. Another one to try, if you're in an ethnic mood, is Passage to India. Here's their website. I've been a few times and have found the food very good each time. They've recently opened another restaurant closer to me in Newburyport. That made me very happy! Enjoy the museum. It's a great place to spend some time.

Duckworth Bistrot is supposed to be very good. Franklin Cape Ann is another one often mentioned as worth taking in. They're both in Gloucester. Off your path slightly is The Black Cow in Hamilton - good pubside dining and beers. Have a great weekend. Perfect weather.

1) Aujourd'hui in the Four Seasons or Radius. 2) No. 9, but only the bar side. The Butcher Shop or B&G Oyster in the South End (no, I'm not a whore for Barbara Lynch! ) Also in the South End - Union, Sibling Rivalry, Pho Republique. The South End is a very cool part of town with plenty of nightlife. Ethnic - you're right near Chinatown. Pho Hoa for pho, Noodle Alcove for hand drawn noodles (get nothing else there). Pho Hoa Noodle Alcove

Yes, it makes sense to bring a young child to a high end restaurant, if that's what the parents want to do. That move by itself is not treating them like wealthy, spoiled adults, BTW. Why can't a young child try and enjoy something like the items you've mentioned? How do you know what a child you know nothing of will like?

Try Eastern Pier Seafood Restaurant, the Chinese place between the World Trade Center and Pier 4. Very good chinese, especially the seafood dishes.

FYI, not all two year olds shriek and many will enjoy some of the interesting things Clio offers. You assume too much. Children might especially enjoy the interesting platings they do there. One option that's worked well for us is to order one course ahead for the kids. So, get a starter for them during your aperitif, dinner during your starter and dessert during your meal. It might help to keep them focused and off your lap/back so you can enjoy your meals. There was a great story in Gourmet several years back about a couple bringing their child to a very high end NYC restaurant. They had the realization that a young child is very similar to a wealthy, spoiled adult. They want what they want when they want it. Period. So, the restaurant bent over backwards to cater to every whim of the child. Not what I'd do, but a funny story nonetheless.

You might consider Sel de la Terre, which is still quite close to the Wyndham. I'm sending some visitors there on Sunday. Their website

Best lobster roll I've ever had was at Waterman's Beach Lobster Co. in Thomaston, ME. Simple and delicious. Lots of Bostonians rave about the lobster rolls at B&G Oyster in the South End. I've not had the pleasure yet, but can assume that Barbara Lynch does a good job with them. She's not failed me yet.

I will be so sad when the season ends! I made up some gambas al ajillo for friends on Saturday night. These little babies were just perfect. Toast garlic slices in lots of olive oil (not too hot!). Take out the garlic slices and then put in the shrimp along with some dried chilies (I also added some pimenton). Poach them slowly and serve hot or warm with lots of bread and the garlic slices sprinkled on top. They were a big hit.

I think the behind the scenes special was done for the original set of ICAs last year, when Puck was the third Iron Chef. Maybe he just wasn't interested in returning? Yes, both the Chairman and the Airhead were using chopsticks for at least part of their tasting. Steingarten is amazingly frank with his comments. I'd love to hear what they edited out! He sort of put down the other judges by commenting that they never had anything bad to say about the food. He does seem to be the only honest one.

I would highly recommend Lala Rokh in Beacon Hill. A nice, understated environment with a helpful staff to guide you through ordering their terrific Persian food. Lala Rokh's Website Another nice take is the Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro. Decidedly not mediocre hotel food! Their website Enjoy!

I'll second the recommendation for Tu Y Yo. Not typical Tex-Mex fare. Order anything with huitlacoche in it. Delicious. Their website

For convenience, I'd recommend a stop into the Portland Public Market. There is a good greengrocer, butcher and cheese shop all under one roof. You might find better prices elsewhere (well, you almost definitely will), but you'll spend less time driving and looking for parking, etc. If you in the Old Port, the Portland Greengrocer on Commerical is very good for produce, wines and cheeses. Browne Trading, also on Commerical is great for wine, cheese and seafood, but is fairly pricey. There's a good supermarket in Scarborough right near the Walmart. It's either a Hannaford or a Shaw's. I don't really have experience with either, but how different could they be? I'm stumped on good pies... Sorry!

If I go to a restaurant and the food is bad, I'll never be back and won't ever question the decision. Why return for what is likely to be a bad meal again? If the service is bad but the food is good, I'll likely give it another shot. Though, that is influenced by the severity of how bad the service is... There's a much better chance, I think, that service can improve (or that it was just a bad night - see above management issues). If the food is bad, there's a low chance of significant improvement without major change (ie. turnover of ownership or chef).

A couple of additions from me: The Haymarket is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so no luck there. A great restaurant supply place that does sell to the general public is: Eastern Baker's Supply 130-155 N. Washington Street Boston, MA 02113 Tel 617-523-2682 This is the edge of the North End, an area already mentioned. It's very utilitarian looking and it appears to gear only to restaurants, but just jump in and poke around! There's another good restaurant supply place in Chinatown, unfortunately I can't recall the name of it, but if you poke around the area (it's not that big) you'll find it. I enjoy Ginza for sushi, in Chinatown. You can get great seafood at Chau Chow City or Peach Farm Restaurant in Chinatown, too. For cookbooks, you should make a trip out to the store for eCookbooks.com: http://www.nebookfair.com/ Enjoy the trip!

You can try this place: DwarfCitrus.com

Things have changed, the Hynes isn't the convention center we refer to any longer, that's this place now! Now, back to our regularly scheduled questions... How far outside the Newbury Street area do you want to venture? Do you have a car at your disposal?

I'll second the Clam Box over Woodman's. Way over. I'll likewise add that I've not had their chowder, but the fried seafood kicks butt. Be prepared for a wait. I grew up in Marblehead and can't think of a good place to eat there. Plenty of mediocrity, but nothing outstanding. I'm sure others will disagree. The Grapevine in Salem is very good. The Lyceum can be good, too. Not far away in Beverly, I'm hearing strong compliments about Soma. Yanks and Cygnet are both well respected places in Beverly Farms.

You might also consider a gas smoker. I bought one from Costco and have had good success so far with smoking chickens and turkey breasts. I also did a tasty pulled pork. The challenge for me has been maintaining good smoke production and a low temp. I would imagine the electric one would have the same problem.

Craigie Street Bistrot is a great spot. Walking distance from Harvard Square. http://www.craigiestreetbistrot.com/

I found morels at the green grocer in Kittery. They had the worms, too. I refrigerated them in plastic and the little worms started making a break for it in the bag. I just removed them. I also roughed up the shrooms in a water bath (with several changes). That got out a couple more worms. I think I got them all. The bath is necessary to get all the dirt and junk out, too. I'm dying for ramps, but Portland is a bit far to go for them. I'm hoping to find some in the woods near home...