Avellino's- 313 Mystic Ave, Medford, MA

Hi all! I've missed you! I wish I could give you a big creepy cyber hug!

SO everyone's been asking about the food in Hawaii, and expecting me to write a post about it. BAD NEWS- I took a break from foodiness while on my honeymoon..BOO I know, I'm the worst. BUT I have to say, I would feel kind of bad writing about all the glorious fresh fish and macadamia nut encrusted everything, knowing you can't take a quick drive under 30 minutes to get it yourself. So I did it for you. Know that.

Now, on to more important things. I land in Boston on a Thursday morning red eye, after traveling for almost 12 hours. After about a 4 hour nap, I wake up- STARVING. Think about it- I've been out of my natural culinary habitat for almost 2 weeks, and have nothing in the fridge...WHAT AM I GONNA EAT? This is a big decision, and you better believe I didn't take it lightly.

We were heading over to Medford to do some errands, and I immediately knew what I wanted- a chicken cutlet sub from Avellino's.  

'merica

Avellino's is the spot for authentic Italian cuisine with an extensive menu. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dine-in, takeout or catering options. The place is super casual , and the staff isn't exactly warm and fuzzy- but honestly, that kinda makes it badass. They know- they make good food. They know.

Their chicken cutlet sub is the BEST  I've ever had. I don't know about your, but there is nothing worst than tough, dry, breaded chicken breasts on a mediocre sub roll, that would literally take a TREX to tear through. Avellino's fills their fresh, soft, giant sub rolls with 3 large, diced, tender chicken cutlets and only the freshest produce. I can put down some serious food, and I can only eat half of one of their subs. While I am a creature of habit, and typically always order the cutlet with mayo, provolone, lettuce and tomato, I sometimes get a little wild and order the Steak Bomb. It. Is. Amazeballs.

So if you're in the mood for some good old fashion, casual, Italian cookin, hit this place up this weekend- you won't be disappointed.

 

http://www.goavellino.com/index.php

Keltic Kitchen- 415 Massachusetts 28, West Yarmouth, MA

Ahhh its been so long! I feel like the worst bloggerfriend ever.

Well, I'm happy to be back and excited to write about a place that is very close to my heart. For as long as I can remember, me and my family would spend 1-2 weeks down the Cape every summer. While we have all grown up now, our traditions still stick: Beach, Candy Store, Pirates Cove and of course some of our favorite restaurants. THE BEST one is my favorite breakfast place of all time- the Keltic Kitchen in Yarmouth, MA. We usually carve out two (sometimes even three) mornings during the week to attend this traditional Irish eatery. It was originally a small restaurant, with about 15 tables max, but because of its popularity, now has outdoor seating on a deck with 10 additional tables.

Keltic is one of those places where you will ALWAYS wait for your table. I have never gone and been seated right away. Maybe its because we are a party of 6? But probably because it has a sick breakfast.

 

Now, on to the food. As a young tike, I always beasted their omelets. And I say "beasted" because they were made wtih seven eggs...SEVEN. With a side of homefries and toast, this is guarenteed food coma central. My sister still gets it, and its impressive.

 

With my age and sophistication I have moved on to the blueberry french toast with a side of their BOMB.COM homefries. It's just so good, I can't even handle it.

I mean....

 

Keltic really makes you feel like home (even if you're not Irish). The wait staff have all worked there for years and really make you feel like you are getting a true Irish breakfast experience (and yes, most have Irish brogues). Pretty sweet.

 

Anytime anyone asks me if I have a Cape recommendation, I always tell them to hit up Keltic. Be prepared to wait, but also be prepared to be completely satisfied for hours and hours, or until your food coma takes a hike.

http://www.keltickitchen.com/

The Local- 1391 Washington Street, West Newton, MA

So if you haven't noticed...I haven't posted a recipe in a month or so. Well, sorry guys, its summer where my main priorities include eating out, going to the beach and drinking beer. Let's face it- there is nothing fun about cooking when its 90 degrees outside. No thanks. So I spend my nights eating chicken salad sandwiches, chowing on BLTs with extra bacon on the side (duh) or planning out my next restaurant attack.

So on this awesome Thursday that is like a Friday (i love when that happens), we celebrated the long weekend by kicking it off at the Local in Newton, MA. The Local is known as one of the best restaurants in Newton for its cool bar atmoshere and dynamite food. They breakdown their menu in my favorite way possible, having TWO categories of apps- "Snack things" and "Small things". We ordered the house potato chips with warm onion dip and the Parmesan truffle fries. Both were UNREAL and you NEED to get them if you go! The house chips were salty and crispy and tasted bomb.com with that onion dip and the fries were a good medium sized fry doused in truffle oil and parm cheese. The portions were awesome, and these two apps were perfect for a party of 3!

 

 

For meals, Jake and Brenna got the special flatbread of the night-chicken, bacon ranch, and I (clearly obsessed with truffle oil) got the mushroom and truffle mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was made with a totally different pasta than I had expected or ever seen before in mac and cheese. I looked it up and google says its called ditali rigati. The sauce wasn't overly cheesy but had a really good combo of cream, truffle oil and cheese. The shrooms were also tender and flavorful. I got about halfway through, and since it was an early dinner, I accepted the fact that I would plan on finishing it at around 8pm.... T minus 1 hour 29 minutes and counting :)

 

Since chicken, bacon, ranch is a common "thing" now- I think we really  need to recognize whoever decided to put these three impeccable flavors together. You are truly a foody Picasso. 

 

Sidenote: This might not look like much pasta, but this bowl ran DEEP - and so did my love and affection for it.

 

This is definitely one of those places that you recommend to anyone coming to the area. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and most importantly, REALLY good food!

The Clam Box - 246 High Street, Ipswich, MA

In my food aka only POV, one of the best things about summer is seafood. As New Englanders, we are lucky to have access to some of the freshest seafood in the country. As much as I love the stuff, I really don't go out of my way to eat it that much. However, my dad had mentioned that the Clam Box in Ipswich was known for the best seafood around, so this was a necessary trip to make!

The Clam Box of Ipswich has been serving customers for 60 years and has been recognized nationally by Food Network, Chronicle, U.S Airways and Yankee Gourmet for its fried clams and clam chowder. They are known for having a line out the door, and last Saturday, they did not disappoint!

We waited for 25-30 outside the tiny restaurant. We ordered a clam roll, and clam plate with french fries and onion rings at the single counter window. After waiting for about 15 minutes, our number was called and we ventured outside to grab a table! They also have a small dining room with indoor seating, but it was such a nice day, we wanted to take advantage.

As you can see, the clam plate was enormous. The clams were lightly fried, and tender. I hate it when fried clams crunch and chewy, taking away from the flavor of the seafood. These were literally fried perfectly. The fries and O-Rings were pretty standard, but also delish. These were by far the BEST clams I have ever had. You can tell they have been doing this for a very long time and have the freshest ingredients they can get their hands on! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves seafood and isn't afraid of waiting in line for a heavenly feast!

Shake Shack- 49 Boylston Street, Newton, MA

Some of you might remember my recent disappointing and life changing experience at my previous "go-to" burger joint- Fudruckers. Ever since, I've been looking for a new restaurant to fill the gaping hole in my heart and stomach. Well- I think its been done.

People have been telling me to go to Shake Shack for months, and I finally made the 10 minute drive over to Chestnut Hill a few weeks ago. We went on a Friday night at 7 and were greeted by a lovely line of people at the door. Unlike others, lines for food actually excite me. It means that people are willing to stand awkwardly for a long period of time for 10 minutes of eating bliss.

The line took about 30 minutes and then we ordered. I got a single shack burger, chocolate shake and cheese fries. After about 15 minutes, our buzzer went off and the heavenly feast began. The burger was topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and ShackSauce. To be honest, right before I dove in I thought "this doesn't look like anything special"- but boy was I wrong. It was one of the best burgers I've ever had. And, I can't put my finger on why! The obvious guess would be the sauce, but I really think its the cheese to burger ratio.

 

Same thing happened with the cheese fries. They look like your basic cheapo frozen fries doused in melted cheddar, but they were so addicting. I DONT GET IT!!!

 

My meal was topped off by a delicious chocolate shake that (was a little small) but still delicious.

 

Overall, if you can't tell, I am SO excited I finally tried this place. If you are a burger person and haven't been here- you are doing yourself a disservice.

 

Get ready Shake Shack! I will be a loyal customer for years to come!!

Highland Kitchen- 150 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA

First, I feel like I need to explain my absence. I was on a work trip last week to San Francisco! Bummer because I couldn't blog, but also awesome because I ate out 3 meals a day for 6 days (my dream). I need to take a few days to compile my thoughts/experiences to make sure I honor San Fran food the way I should.

To tide you over... I tried Highland Kitchen with some friends a couple weeks ago, and finally have the time to tell you all about it! I think making plans to go out to dinner on Friday night, might excite me more than anything in the world. ESPECIALLY if its a well known hot spot. Well, lemme tell ya- I looked at this menu every single day that week leading up to this Friday night meal. I prepared myself all day, eating light, and drinking a lot of water to expand my stomach. I knew this was going to be an all out dining experience with apps, entrees and dessert.

This place doesn't take reservations and is known to have a line out the door. Its a good size place with a full bar, and about 20 tables. The menu is what I call "escalated comfort food" with a Southern twist. The wait was about 45 minutes- in my eyes- totally reasonable for complete and utter deliciousness.

Like I said, this was an all out affair. For apps, we ordered the mac and cheese, house potato chips and onion dip, Ricotta and mozz fritters and empanadas (Fri night special). All were delish, even though the onion dip slightly resembled an undermayo-ed bowl of tunasalad. While the mac and cheese was soo good (how can it not be tho?) The fan fav was the Ricotta and mozz fritters. They came with a sweet chile-honey dipping sauce and were a really unique mix of flavors. This is a must order!!

 

When it came to the meal, because I was in a Southern mood, I went with the pulled pork. A safe choice, I might add, but still a solid choice. Other choices at the table included a spicy Jambalaya, Pappardelle Bolognese and the Highland burger. All got rave reviews! I tried the Bolognese and was really impressed with the use of truffle oil. I don't understand how it makes everything better.

 

Now- we were stuffed, but obviously had to get dessert! The menu just looked too good! We ordered the warm banana bread pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream aka Heaven in a bowl. I'm drooling just thinking about it now.

I am so glad we gave this place a try, I would recommend it to anyone willing to wait for a good meal! Only negative (which I feel like I have to mention because I'm lookin out for you guys) is our server was "questionable"(I'm being generous). Have you ever been to a restaurant that is so popular/busy, the server make you feel like they don't NEED your business?  Well that was our waiter. He was a smug smug man and I did not appreciate it. Annoying thing was, the food was great, and everyone else that worked there was nice! However, sometimes just one person can make you leave a place with a bad taste in your mouth (pun intended).
http://www.highlandkitchen.com/

Fuddruckers-900 Broadway, Saugus, MA

 

I have been a Fuddruckers fan for as long as I can remember. In middle school and high school it was the go-to place for team dinners, fundraisers, or any other excuse you could come up with. Guys would walk around bragging about who was taking on the famous Fuds 1lb burger, while girls would spend their change on cheap mood rings and temporary tattoos.

Like clockwork, I would order my $5.00 cheeseburger kids meal (best deal in the house) that came with a 1/4 lb burger, and a ton of steak fries. I would then proceed to load up my burger with a fresh tomato, lettuce and doused my steak fries in the most amazing house honey mustard on the planet.

This was my go-to routine for at least the past 10 years.

About a year ago, my experience at Fudds started to become very disappointing. The first and mainly last straw was that they replaced all condiment machines with the KENS line of condiments. I wish someone could have taken a picture of my face when I went to load up my tray with my favorite honey mustard, and noticed they had made the change.

 I. WAS. HORRIFIED....ANGRY...SAD...there were too many emotions for me to handle. I wanted to throw my burger and fries on the ground, and stomp out of their like a child, but somehow, I found it in my "mature" 26 year-old self to continue through the condiment line and walk back to my table.

 

I have also noticed that the once overflowing tray of fries has dwindled its way down to 10-12..max...and the kids burgers itself are  shriveled up and overcooked. Maybe I just need to start ordering grown up meals..

BUT they still do have some good things going for them- mainly their golden brown, buttery and soft burger buns. mmmm.. and of course their shakes (PB cub one is bomb.com). Also, their menu has gotten substantially better over the years, now offering a menu of over 10 "specialty burgers" with tons of topping options.

Believe me, dumping on my Fudds experience does not make me happy inside. It actually feels like a giant betrayal. But as a blogger, I have to be true to the food, and the meals I have had are just not cutting it.

Next time, I think I will try one of their specialty burgers and see if it makes a difference...but they could win me over just as easily by bringing back my honey mustard.

Fogo de Chao-200 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA

*WARNING*What you are about to read may result in the mouth watering desire to eat endless types of juicy and delicious meats.

 

Fogo de Chao is an upscale Brazilian steakhouse located in historic Copley Square, across from Boston Public Library and steps from Trinity Church. I have been here once before, about a year ago and was utterly amazed by the overindulgent and heavenly experience, so when I got a gift card for Christmas, I could have shouted from the rooftops!!

Now why is this place so amazing? Hmm, let's see...

Step 1: You're greeted and seated quickly (make a reservation) by a friendly and professional host or hostess.

Step 2: Your server quickly comes over, takes your drink order and places a bowl of fresh pao de queijo (cheese bread) on the table. These things are literally my favorite restaurant bread in the world (and we all know how I feel about Not Your Average Joes bread). They are small popovers, warm and soft and filled with cheese. The cheese is melted, and literally looks like butter. OMG these things are to die for.

Step 3: Your server welcomes you to serve yourself at the salad bar. And no, its not your average salad bar..it is overflowing with over 30 items, including cured meats, imported cheeses, Brazilian side dishes and fresh vegetables. I enjoyed some fresh mozzarella, pasta salad, prosciutto, bacon and smoked salmon!

The salad bar was way too crowded to get a good pic, so I pulled this from their website- but it looks identical to this!

Step 4: When you get back to your table, you find that your server has dropped off some family style garlic mashed potatoes, fried bananas and polenta.

 

Step 5: After 2-3 pieces of bread and picking at your salad bar plate, you glance down at your table and realize what you are really here for...

Step 6: The restaurant gives each person a two sided cardboard circle, one side red and the other green. When you place the card green side up- the fun begins. You are bombarded with servers carrying the most amazing meats on a giant skewers. There are over 10 different meats to choose from at anytime, and while that card is still facing up green, they keep on coming! ITS MADDNESS I TELL YOU- MADNESS!!!I tried the top sirloin, bottom sirloin, house special, filet wrapped in bacon, lamb chop and ribeye. Other options included pork ribs, chicken wrapped in bacon, sausage and pork loin. These guys run around this place so many times and are always friendly and professional. They cut you a slice of meat cooked however you like it, and you get to take it out of their hands with a fun pair of tongs!

 

Step 7: Put your card on red, and enjoy the meat you have collected as well as some of the family style side dishes provided by your server (usually about 15 min). Then, you take a nice deep breath, set your mind right, and flip that baby to green again...

Step 8: Repeat steps 6 and 7 until food coma ensues.

If you can't tell- I am obsessed with this place. For $51.50 a person you get great customer service and an endless supply of amazing food! Its the best game of red light, green light I've ever played, that's for sure!

http://www.fogodechao.com/locations/boston/

The Yard House-340 Market Street, Lynnfield, MA

I have actually been to the Yard House in Dedham several times over the years, but now that they have one in Fenway and Lynnfield, it is a lot more convenient for me to go! I have always been a big fan of this place because it has a great atmosphere, tons of beers on tap and really good food. My experience was no different when I tried the new restaurant at Market Street in Lynnfield!

The setup in Lynnfield is much like the one in Dedham with a big bar in the middle and a mix of pub tables and big booths. The only thing I will say is it is pretty loud in there, so if you are hoping to go and have a nice long dinner with great conversation, you might lose your voice doing so!

Now my mom's side of the family are big appetizer people, and my dad's side are big dessert people. So when we go out to dinner as a family, its a giant pigout fest of all three courses. For apps we ordered the truffle fries, sweet potato fries and tower of onion rings. The onion rings and sweet potato fries were paired with special sauces (as you know I love a good dipping sauce), my fav being the maple bacon sauce for the sweet potato fries (yes, I said maple bacon sauce- they should bottle that ish)! And of course I can't deny a divine bowl of truffle fries, which we devoured in minutes.

The menu at Yard House is like a hipper version of the cheesecake factory menu. It is pages and pages of modern dishes covering all sorts of cuisines. From burgers, to pasta, to salads, to sushi- it was so hard to choose! I ended up going with the street tacos, and ordered an additional side of truffle fries, cuz I just couldn't get enough! My tacos were so good, full with carnitas, onions, pico de gallo, pineapple and guac. They were paired with beans which I didn't touch and rice, that was a little too spicy for me. If I went back, I would probably replace those two for another side. Everyone loved their food, and licked their plates clean!

CARNITAS TACOS
roast pork with grilled onions, pico de gallo, guacamole and pineapple

(MAC+CHEESE)2
chicken breast, applewood bacon, wild mushrooms, cheddar, parmesan, campanelle pasta and truffle oil

BAJA FISH TACOS
crispy white fish with lemon sriracha aïoli, green cabbage, cilantro, pico de gallo and guacamole

GRILLED CHEESE + ORGANIC TOMATO BISQUE
roasted roma tomatoes, cheddar, gorgonzola, swiss and fontina on artisan bread

MARGHETRITA PIZZA
roasted roma tomatoes, roasted garlic, mozzarella and fresh basil

SHRIMP RICE BOWL
bok choy, baby corn, snap peas, carrots, peppers, broccoli, celery, shiitake and jasmine or brown rice

 

But that doesn't mean we didn't have room for dessert...



MINI CREME BRULEE
with vanilla bean custard and chocolate topped with caramelized bananas



KONA COFFEE ICE CREAM SUNDAE
java chip ice cream topped with oreo cookie crumbles, macadamia nuts and chocolate sauce served with macadamia nut cookie



SALTED CARAMEL BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING
topped with house made whipped cream, chocolate cookie crumble and maldon sea salt



MINI CHOCOLATE SOUFLEE

Another great experience at the Yard House! I loooveee it when you can go to a restaurant knowing that no matter what you order you will have a more than satisfying eating experience! This place is my jam.