The Butcher Shop-South End Boston

Butcher Shop - http://www.butchershopboston.com/

552 Tremont St, Boston (SOUTH END)- (617) 423-4800

Watermelon Gazpacho-honeydew, Prosecco, mint

Hanger Steak-Great Hill Blue, radish

Chocolate Almond Cake-peaches

I went to Butcher Shop in the South End part of the Chef Barbara Lynch empire (No. 9 Park is still a destination I would love to check out sometime in the future). This place has a great neighborhood vibe and sells cured meats, cheeses and wines. Also it is another locale I hit for Boston's Summer Restaurant week 2007! I met up with good pal and food buddy from one of my other lives DW.

It was a muggy night and when I arrived it took awhile for me to cool down. I got a great Kriek (love that stuff from Belgium). Enjoyed the watermelon gazpacho with the avocado garnish (did not really go there for me) but the watermelon juice was refreshing but not what I call much of a gazpacho (just because it is a cold soup) but did not have the usual olive oil, sometimes bread but mainly tomatoes.

For the entree we had the steak (medium rare) cooked to perfection and properly seasoned simply with salt and pepper sliced thin with great simple grean salad with radish and I believe some onions. The bread was fantastic served with creamiest, sweetest butter with great sea salt that had me grabbing for many slices of bread.

The meal peaked with the chocolate almond cake which was similar to a small cake dipped in chocolate but the flavors were dense and dark with the hint of almond, peach and freshly whipped cream balanced out the chocolate's richness.

I give it an 8 forks out of 10 forks.

Avila

Avila - http://www.avilarestaurant.com/

1 Charles St S, Boston - (617) 267-4810

Sunday 8/5/2007 marked the first night of Boston Summer Restaurant week 2007 at Avila ( Charles St, Boston, MA). The sleek bar area is very cool and very upscale. The open kitchen is nice and you can watch the cooks while waiting for your friend, which ended up being the case for my friend Alita. We were given a bread plate some different breads (warmed) and one big pat of butter. I liked the foccacio and there was parmesan melted onthe pita points. We started with an amuse bouche of gazpacho--a bit tart with great bits of cucumber, tomato and avocado. Yummy and refreshing as Alita commented to me. Then I got the tuna carpaccio with tarrogan mustard sauce and fried shallots. We loved how it was light and fresh tasting with the tarrogan mustard sauce being a nice accent. Alita got the potato, fennel and leek soup with Jonah Crab. She is not a fan of leek and fennel but she lapped up the soup loving the smooth texture, the flavors were magnificent and she lapped up the soup using her bread to get every last bit of it. I did opt for the spicy chorizo, garbanzo beans and tomatoes with seared cod. It was delicious. Alita got the lamb souvlaki with feta cheese, tomatoes and mint sauce. The flavors were great and the strong saltiness balanced the grilled lamb very well.

Service was attentive, we were given new silverware with each course, water was always poured and we never had to ask for a refill. We ended with the panna cotta with balsamic dipped strawberries with a almond biscotti, yummy. Silky and custardy with a slight sugary carmelized hard crust with the lovely strawberries.

I give Avila a 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.

Jumbo Seafood---Newton Center

JUMBO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (cross street-Centre Street)

10 Langley RdNewton Centre, MA 02459-1972Phone: (617) 332-3600

Last night, I attended a fund raiser at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant for a local Newton Alderman Amy Mah Sangiolo. It was my first time at this restaurant. It was very busy on a hot humid Thursday night and we had the back room space. Going to events with Chinese menus you usually have banquet style. This time, the food was very good and when there is usually a lot of leftovers, this event did not have any!

Starting off the menu was the seafood soup---simple with bits of seafood and egg swirled within the velvety broth. Next was their version of Pei Pah Tofu (usually served lightly fried cubes of tofu with ground shrimp) but here they roll it up for easier eating and it was a very nice touch. Not overly greasy and the wrapping made it easier to dip and eat compared to the traditional style of Pei Pah Tofu. Then came the seafood stir fried with vegetables in a fried tarot root basket. Again, the food was very fresh, the sauce light and the fried tarot basket was a hit! Then came the beef and broccoli (american) with the marinated beef in a brown sauce with the great crispy broccoli florets decorating the edges hit the spot.

One of my personal favorites and a rarely seen item at a fundraising menu is Crabmeat sauce over peapod stems! Peapod stems tend to be a bit on the pricey side but are very healthy and delicious. You can get them usually stir fried with garlic but with the crab sauce it was light and healthy. More seafood came with the big shrimp with walnuts and mayo (one of the big hits of the night) there is something about this combination that attracts many fans to it! The roast duck was great too with crispy skin and the meat was tender and juicy. The general gau's chicken was not overly breaded or in an extremely spicy sauce---just mild and good for a banquet style meal (as not everyone can handle spicy foods).

The meal ended with two traditional items a rice and noodle dish, the noodle dish was a regular stir fried noodles and the fried rice was Yang Chow style studded with bits of char siu (roast pork) and shrimp.

The service was attentative, we always had our water glasses filled (not bad with so many people on a busy night), the food came out a a good pace and everyone had a great time. If you live kind of far from Chinatown and you do not want to make there, go to Newton Center to Jumbo seafood!

**Majority of the items were taken off the Chinese language menu.

I give it 8 forks out of 10 forks.

Minsok--new Korean Restaurant in Brookline Village Area

Minsok -Korean and Japanese Restaurant

92 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA (intersection of Harvard Street with Aspinwall/School Streets)

Open for little over two weeks, I went and ate at Minsok. I was very excited to have a potential new restaurant in the area. Formerly a Kosher Chinese Restaurant and last incarnation was Zoe's, Minsok is a welcome addition.

The waitstaff is dressed in colorful Korean outfits. The menu is extensive and since it was the first time for my friend BM to try Korean food I figured I would keep it simple. I ordered the seafood pancake, seafood chapchae (veggies, seafood stir fried with clear noodles), steamed mandu (Korean dumplings), and bulgoki (Korean BBQ beef).

First we were treated with an amuse bouche of rice porridge. My friend found it refreshing and I found it different from the regular Chinese style porridge due to the type of rice being used. Next came out the seafood pancake which was a big healthy portion. It was airy and crispy with bits of seafood and scallion in this eggy batter. The dipping sauce was not too spicy but nice accent. We got over 8 little side dishes too (one of my favorite things at a Korean restaurant). I have found this to be a generous selection, some other Korean places around town give you four side dishes and then charge you if you want more. I have been spoiled at other Korean restaurants outside of Massachusetts (ie Los Angeles Ktown or even Korean Food in NYC). They consisted of two types of kimchee (bok choy and cucumber), a black bean, fish cake, blanched bean sprouts, to name a few.

Next came our mandu-dumplings, very pretty and delicious with a lovely healthy mixture of meat and veggies inside (you can get them steamed or pan fried) with the dipping sauce. Next was the seafood chapchae which was a heaping portion and the same for the bulgoki with lots of onions. The chapchae was good (we ended up having to take it home) with the nice amount of veggies, generous helping of seafood-mussels, shrimp, squid. The bulgoki (I tend to like to cook my own as it is drier) but it was still good though prepared in the kitchen.

Service was good. The waitstaff was very attentive making sure our water glasses were always filled and they always asked before taking away our dishes. At the end of our meal, we were asked for dessert, they only have mochi ice cream. But some fresh fruit orange and pineapple slices were served with our bill. On our way out, we were given a small present. We thought it a nice touch.

Next time you are in Brookline Village area, check out Minsok Restaurant! I have told a few friends already!

8 forks out of 10 forks

Icarus-29 years Anniversary Menu

http://www.icarusrestaurant.com/

Icarus Restaurant-3 Appleton StBoston, MA 02116(617) 426-1790

Stephen's Summer Sangria Red or White $8 a glass

$29.99 three course pre-fixe menu

Polenta, Braised Azuluna Veal Breast, Black Truffles, Parmesan

Marinated Wellfleet Littlenecks & Casco Bay Mussels, Panzanella Salad & Saffron

Pan-Fried Sunburst Trout, Pecan Brown Butter, Bright Lights Chard , Santa Barbara,

Grilled Leg of Lamb, Socca Pancakes Stuffed with Peppery Greens, Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

Dessert: Gateau Chocolat and Lemon Buttermilk Panna Cotta

First off, I met up with Sue L. for dinner and I had to push back our reservations a little (due to my coming from out of town). We got settled pretty quickly into a small table for two. We opted to try the sangrias. Sue has been to Spain and is particular about proclaiming a sangria good or bad. (Similar to my tastes in Cantonese cooking, dimsum and gelato as I am a bit more selective). I got the white one---it was too syrupy sweet and I did not taste the wine. Sue opted for the red and it tasted more wine with no fruit taste or sweetness.

Our server was apologetic and offered to change our drinks, but we figured it would be hard as they are premixed and done already. Our water glasses were filled without our needing to ask, silverware was changed for every course and we did not have to wait too long in between courses.

For our first course we got the polenta and the mussels. Both were amazingly good! I loved the slight cheesiness in the polenta from the parmesan and the veal breast was nicely flavorful accent on the side. The marinated Wellfleet littlenecks and Casco bay mussels were great with the salad with enough creaminess from the dressing for the salad. The littlenecks and mussels were very fresh and delicious.

For our second course, we got the trout and the grilled leg of lamb. The grilled leg of lamb (we were forewarned is served medium rare) that was not the issue but it was the cut of the meat. It was bit chewy (I guess it should be as it is the leg) but was more blah for me. Nothing special in terms of taste but it was not gamey at least. Peppery greens commented Sue were akin to Chinese stir fried veggies (I tended to agree) but the Socca Pancakes had no place on the plate. They were a bit soggy/crispy and to us served not real taste purpose and were a bit boring. The trout on the other hand was delightful! It was not overly cooked or sauced, the pecan brown butter and the crispiness of the fish was divine. The slight crunchiness of the skin and the soft flaky trout meat were excellent. (I so dislike over cooked fish).

The desserts were lovely. The gateau chocolate as expected was rich and chocolatey but with dark chocolate flavors. I always like the fresh whipped cream served with it. The lime panna cotta was served with a crunchy butter cookie and a fresh blueberry sauce. I was in heaven with this dessert. With the blueberries in season they were juicy and delicious and a lovely accent to the sublime lime panna cotta.

Best ---Trout and panna cotta

Worst ---white sangria and the grilled leg of lamb

I give Icarus an 8 forks out of 9 forks.