Kingston Station in Downtown Crossing

Kingston Station (former Peking Toms space)

25 Kingston Street, Boston, MA (between Summer and Bedford Streets)

(617) 482-6224

Recently went with some friends to the pretty new business in the Downtown Area (closer to Chinatown) to Kingston Station. I was greeted with the busy afterwork bar scene on a Friday night. I was lead to the back to a quieter dining room area off to the side. It was nice. I was very comfortable. Our server for the night was very affable, polite, friendly but at times forgot a few minor details (to even make the diner's experience even better).

While I waited for my friend, I tried the grapefruit martini (comes in two sizes and I got the larger size) and it was refreshingly delicious with a nice kick that I need to end my work week. By the time my friends arrived, we all agreed to forego the entrees and just subsist on the appetizer menu. One friend recommended alot of dishes as she has come over many times as it is conveniently located near her apartment.

Tuna Tartare avocado, prickly pear $13.00
Pork Ribs Ah-so with asian slaw $10.00
Chili Glazed Chicken Wings $8.00

Crispy Calamari cilantro, garlic and red chilli $10.00
Seared Scallops ginger-braised apple, lemon risotto $11.00
Truffle Frites* warm gruyere, and sliced scallion $7.00

Mussels* smoked chorizo, roasted jalapeno, tomato confit $ 11.00

Overall I had a lovely experience at Kingston Station. The appetizers varied in quantity in terms of the Tuna Tartare or the Seared Scallops but the Truffle Frites, Mussels, Calamari, Wings and Pork Ribs we had generous portions.

Other than everything more on the heavy side (being fried) the food was great. I loved the seared scallop over the delectable and divine lemon risotto (I couldn't get enough of the slightly tart and edgy risotto). The Truffle Frites were fabulous (who wouldn't love food with truffle oil on it!) and the mussels were good in a good broth. The tuna tartare had high grade sashimi grade tuna but I could care less for the rice base. The avocado slices were nice (as I love avocado) but the prickly pear was alright here. The ribs were good slightly sweet bbq sauce and the chili wings were not that spicy but good.

The bread pudding was excellent, good mix of rich and cream made an excellent ending for three spoons to finish off the dessert!

Service overall was good. Some minor things and kinks need to be addressed such as not clearing off dishes when people are not done eating, clearing off crumbs, etc. Our water glasses were always filled and we did get service with a smile from everyone including the bus people too.

Great afterwork hangout with good food!

9 forks out of 10 forks.

The Clambox----Fried clams heaven!

246 High St. (Mitchell Rd.) Map · Ipswich, MA 01938. 978-356-9707

http://www.ipswichma.com/clambox/index.htm

I read alot about THE CLAMBOX and since I adore fried clams, I had to check this place out after going to Kelly's and Woodmans (they say they invented the Fried Clams). But in Ispwich and Essex, that area is laden with many clams that it is the place to be for fresh and delicious clams!

The building is in a kitschy shape of a Clambox and the lines are long (we waited for about 40 minutes but I heard even on off season the wait can be just an hour!!!). But it was well worth the wait! I went there over the weekend with my buddy MKP (who also went to Woodman's with me the prior weekend). I was afraid he would not want another weekend of Fried Clams, I was wrong! (Thank goodness he was open to eating with me!)

The Clambox is amazing and a great destination for fried clams!!! I know I went to Woodman's invented the fried clams, but the Clambox is WORTH the pilgrimage to have their great "big bellied" fried clams (upon request). We got there at 12 (opened at 11am) and already a good half hour wait. There was a sheet of paper by the entrance to look at to figure out what you want to order.

MPK and I decided to share and go the Fisherman's Platter ($21.95) with clams, haddock, scallop and Maine Shrimp with a choice of two sides from your choices of fried onion rings, french fries and cole slaw. Then got a cup of clam chowder $4.95 and one clam cake $1 with two small lemonades at $1 a piece. We could not leave without a lobster roll for $14.95. We also had to wait another15 minutes but it was WORTH the wait. I was busy reading the great articles and awards hung around the ordering area. Be warned, CASH only is accepted but they conveniently have an ATM machine. So the Clambox has been serving for fried clams and only believe in fresh food. Per the articles, I gathered that the owner dips the clams in evaporated milk then twice in corn and once in flour before frying them in lard (lard is changed daily in the afternoon). The big bellied clams were delicious! Finally to have big bellies (no extra charge too!) were delicious and I like the taste of the sea when you bite into it. The crunch and taste was fabulous on the generously piled on plate. (For those with smaller stomachs, there are mini meal options available). We opted for the sides to be fried onion rings --golden and crispy but the inside was sweet and delicious--and cole slaw ---not dry, great mix of carrot and cabbage and the dressing was just right. The fried clam cake was great and much better than the clam fritters we had at Woodman's the prior weekend. The crispy crunch exterior was yummy and the tartar sauce was great acccent. The juicy scallops and medium sized but thoroughly deveined Maine Shrimp were a treat. The best clam chowder out of Kelly's, Woodmans and the Clam Box was the latter. Their clam chowder had the right amount of thickness, potatoes, and clams which were delightful and flavorful--both MPK and I were sighing in sheer delight. The lobster roll was good but a bit too much of may for my taste but the lobster tail and claw meat was plentiful.

The decorations were more kitschy at the Clambox, the exterior is shaped as a Clambox with a side section to eat inside. The lines are worth the wait for this delicious taste of Essex clams (YUMMY) I can now understand why many make the pilgrimage to have these fried clams. Unfortunately you need car to get to this place, but it is well worth the wait!
A 9 forks out of 10 forks!

Temple Bar--brunch

1688 Massachusetts AveCambridge, MA 02138(617) 547-5055

(http://www.templebarcambridge.com/)

I went to brunch at Temple Bar (an American Bistro also owners of Redline and Grafton Street both in Harvard Square)this past Saturday. We started off with some complimentary chocolate chip mini muffins which were very cute. I opted for the IRISH FRY and my friend RS got the Mascarpone Cheese stuffed crepes. She loved the crepes as they were more

MASCARPONE CHEESE STUFFED CREPES - $10 HOUSE MADE STRAWBERRY COMPOTE, CHOCOLATE SAUCE

IRISH FRY - $12TWO EGGS, IRISH SAUSAGES, IRISH RASHERS, BLACK AND WHITE PUDDING (blood sausage), BREAKFAST POTATOES, GRILLED TOMATO

I liked my Irish Fry but it was as unhealthy as it sounded. All in its artery clogging goodness but still great in its nitrates and saturated fats! Luckily I do not eat this way for brunch daily/nor breakfast for that matter. The breakfast potatoes were nice and and seasoned, blood sausage and eggs were great. Everything had a bit of salt to it but the potatoes and eggs off set it for me. RS said she loved her crepes as they were sweet (but not overly so).

Waitress was good and our server made sure we had our water glasses refilled and did not rush us out of the place.

I give it 8 forks out of 10 forks.

Fried Clams at Kelly's in Revere Beach..

Last weekend, I took my friend JH and mom to get fried clams at Kelly's. Kelly's to locals is a fried seafood and roast beef place! They do take away business and have over three locations (the one we went to did only take away business).

We also were in the area to check out the sand sculpture festival too on the other end of the beach. It was a hot day not too humid with a light breeze here and there.

As we approached, we noticed a ton of people, the lines were longer for waiting for your food than to actually order. The wait was actually not bad at all. My mom loved the prices and thought them affordable. Our clam plate was under $20 with onion rings and fries too! The fisherman's platter with fried shrimp, fried scallop and fried clams along with onion rings and french fries was priced under $20 as well! Our clam chowder (more light broth) was only $3 for a cup.

The clam chowder broth was very thin (not much flour was put in to make it thicker). I usually like me chowders to be a bit thicker than the watery consistency we got. But the flavors were simple and good. The key was fresh clams in the broth with awesome little nuggets of potatoes and onions.

The fried clam platter we got to share-my mom and I. It was great! (Part of it might be because we were ravenous and really craving fried clams. The batter was good the clams were hitting the spot. Only one thing to complain, we wish the bellies were fatter! JH loved the fisherman's platter and I enjoyed the fried shrimp (different batter) and fried scallop (also another batter). I liked the variety. The tartar sauce was a great accompaniment.

Service is not overly friendly but does the job. They call out your name and you come and pick up your order. JH did not get a fork and we all had to ask for them (we were not keen on using our fingers to pick up our food).

There is a covered area to eat your food across the street from Kelly's that overlooks the beach. We found it helpful though there were benches no tables. My sister warned me about the overly aggressive birds who would eat your food is left unattended. (I had watched a Rachel Ray episode in Boston at Kelly's and the birds were hovering over her before she got to try her fried clams!).

It is off the Blue Line (Wonderland T-stop) with a 15 minute walk away to get there. There was a bus but it ran infrequently on that Saturday we went there.

8 forks out of 10 forks (for decent prices, good quality clams though even on the thin side)

Union for Brunch

This past Sunday, I had my second brunch at Union Restaurant in the South End off the silverline. I met up with a good friend AHP. We caught up on life and enjoyed a nice brunch. I think it helped that I had made reservations as I was seated immediately.
We missed out on the brunch special from 10-11am pastry, entree (three choices) and then coffee, tea or orange juice for under $10 (before tax and tip). A steal!
We got the berries plate $6 which had freshly cut fruit berries, bananas, grapes as well. I got the zucchini, tomato, cheese fritatta served with potatoes and wheat toast which was lightly buttered. I thought of the fritatta reminding me more of a omelette truth be told. But it did not taste like one. I enjoyed how the potatoes were cooked just right. The toast was not overly buttered.

Texas Steakhouse

Cinnamon butter and dinner rolls

bucket of peanuts

cup of chili

Last night, I went out to the Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse with my buddy CC. He wanted to thank me for all my help over the years with all the great volunteering opportunities and gigs. He has been a good buddy over the last few years at least 7! Wow time has flown! Whenever I am involved with a community organization, gala, event I know I can ask him for assistance. So we met up and had steak. I had other options but once in a while I want to enjoy a good steak.
It was my first time there but if you take public transport, not very convenient as it is a good 10-15 minute walk from Wellington Station. We did witness a few bdays that night. They put the person on this saddle and then put the "light" on you. From there, they ask the whole restaurant to say a nice and loud "yeeee haw" to the birthday recipient. (I admit better than the Bugaboo Creek chant of "Happy Bday" multiple times coupled with clapping. I had celebrated a bday there and heard it one night seriously 20 times. A record and bit of annoyance to be truthful.)

There is a peanut bucket. (I did not partake). I had one too many of the awesome dinner buns with the delicious cinnamon butter. I opted for the medium size --16 oz prime rib medium rare (boy was it rare and a bit too chewy). CC assured me it is usually not this chewy. They were not kidding when they said it was bloody, which is fine with me but I wish it was not so chewy. HMMMM. The mash potatoes and gravy were tasty. The chili was just right too. By the end of the meal, I had no room for dessert! It was a good meal for value and being a chain. (I cannot have the same standards for some chi chi place to compare with this place anyways.)

Thanks CC for a great meal!

South Street Diner--wanting a burger at 1am!

In the wee hours of this past Sunday, SKL and I wanted a burger! Granted it did not help that I did not have dinner so I was ravenous. The went to a fundraiser she had assured me had food did not. (She misread and thought of another fund raiser). We were around Chinatown but that is not the place for a burger though. By 1am we were starving and her feet hurt but we made it to South Street Diner (open 24 hours on weekends for sure).

There is even a bouncer for this diner too! Our wait was not long we entered the small diner lite with pinkish light with a mixed clientele of high schoolers (from their prom playing card games) to students needing a light night fix and us. We were seated at the counter were we got the first hand look at all the hustle and bustle by the line cooks and waitstaff. Our server was very pleasant, efficient and sported more tattoos and piercings I will never have.

We decided to order a cheeseburger and halve it and also we got the South Street Diner Breakfast Special ($9.50) with three eggs, 2 pancakes, choice homefries, sausage, bacon. We got plenty of fries and the diner generously divided up our burger and gave us generous amounts of fries that were fried to perfection. The potatoes with the breakfast plate were fried but bigger pieces and a bit on the dry side. The medium burger was just right and hit the spot. The corned beef hash as a option was nice and the eggs and pancakes were all filling. As with any greasy spoon, it hit the spot.

Lucky for SKN I knew of a this diner, there are no alot of places that serve food 24 hours anymore and at reasonable prices even!