Eat.Live.Blog.

#BBBos Recap Coming Soon….but First…

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

I had an amazing day yesterday at the first ever Blog Better Boston conference at the Google Offices in Cambridge. Even more amazing, I was a speaker on the Building Traffic and Community panel! My co-panists Krista and Katy were amazing, and so much fun! Not to mention the fabulous Adri who moderated our panel like a pro!

I am not going to give you my full recap now. I have to wait to beg to borrow photos from more responsible bloggers, since I did not take one. But I did want to show you these amazing Sketch Notes drown by Katie. This blows me away! Sketch Notes from Blog Better Boston

One of the coolest things ever, right?! Anyway, I will write more later. Let me just leave you with this thought…. I have definitely been bitten by the social media bug. This is what I am meant to be doing…. Thank you to the Blog Better Boston gals for an amazing day!

Filed under: Random | Tagged: blog, Blog Better Boston, boston, building community, conference, speaker | 6 Comments »

Boston’s Best Chili

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

For the last 8 years, I have been on a quest. A quest to locate my favorite food made well in New England. A quest…for Boston’s Best Chili. This has been a treacherous road with many ups and downs, and a lot of mehs. And until last week, I thought all hope was lost.

My homemade Beer Bacon Chocolate Chili

Now, because my homemade chili is out-of-this-world (she said modestly), maybe my standards have been a little too high. But I have never been one to lower my standards for ease, so the quest continued.

That’s when I wandered into All Star Sandwich Bar. The first item in the right column of their menu is “Texas State Penn Chili: w/ sour cream, onions, jack cheese, lime and cornbread.” And there is even a little fireball next to the description warning of heat. Sold!

Texas State Penn Chili at All Star Sandwich Bar in Inman Square, Cambridge, MA.

What the menu didn’t tell me was that this chili was a no-beans style chili with delicious, tender chunks of brisket simmered to perfection. It didn’t tell me that the seasoning in this chili is so well done, and isn’t overwhelming, but actually works to compliment every ingredient with just the right amount of heat. The menu did not tell me that my quest for Boston’s best chili was now over.

You know how they say when it rains it pours? Well, later that week we headed to Newton Center to try out B Street. Once again, taking a look at the winter menu, one of the first items listed caught my eye. “Turkey Chili w/ butternut squash & plum tomatoes: topped with Vermont cheddar & grilled rustic potato bread”, yeah, after seeing this nothing else had a chance.

Turkey Chili from B Street in Newton, MA.

Served in a bubbling crock, this chili came out with a delicious aroma that hinted of cinnamon. With chunks of ground turkey and a light sweetness, this chili was quite the opposite of All Star’s, but also sent my taste buds in a frenzy. I found myself wishing the bowl would never end.

Could it be? In one little week had my search for Boston’s Best Chili come to an end?! Now what am I going to do with my time?

What is your favorite restaurant chili?

Filed under: Reviews | Tagged: all star sandwich bar, b street, boston, cambridge, chili, inman square, newton, restaurant, review | 6 Comments »

Conversation w/ Crescent: An Inspiring Lunch w/ an Amazing Author

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

Meet Crescent Dragonwagon:

What is a Crescent Dragonwagon you ask? Why a Crescent Dragonwagon is the amazing red haired woman at the center of our afternoon at Ducali Pizza & Bar in the North End of Boston! And to tout a name like that you have to be something, right? Right! This Crescent Dragonwagon did not disappoint!

The premise of the afternoon was a Boston Brunchers lunch event where we also got to have an intimate conversation with Crescent, whose latest cookbook, Bean by Bean, has just been released by Workman Publishing. Not only is Crescent the author of over 50 books (from children’s books to novels), not only is she a James Beard Award winner, and not only is she the co-founder of the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hallow, but she is also warm, spirited, contagious, genuine and just plain fabulous.

The scene of our get-together was Ducali Pizza. I had never been to Ducali, so I was excited to try a new place in addition to the amazing conversation that would surely ensue. And boy did Ducali treat us right! First off, the setting was perfect for the meeting. The restaurant is intimate, with brick walls, colorful decorations, and lots of natural light (a little too much, hence some not-great pictures).

The warm interior, and the communal nature of the appetizers and pizza that were served, helped to create the perfect atmosphere for our conversation. Everybody dug into the Carciofi (grilled artichoke w/ homemade garlic aioli) together, commenting on how the aioli will be great on the pizza. Bites of artichoke were swapped for bites of Caprino E Bacca (baby spinach w/ goat cheese and dried cranberries) which seemed a little confusing with its lack of dressing (more aioli anyone?). And when the pizzas arrived, slices were passed across the table gleefully, as everyone made sure that everyone else had tasted the delicious pie in front of them.

It really was the perfect meal for such a communal conversation.

We did not only discuss Bean to Bean (my review will follow as soon as I have a chance to try a recipe), but we discussed the process of writing, a career that spans 4 decades, and the science-fiction writing of her partner David Koff, who is self-publishing his first novel, Threat, after being inspired by one of Crescent’s writing workshops.

Elina www.healthyandsane.com, Emily www.whatemilycooks.com, Liz www.eatingplaces.wordpress.com, Renee www.eatliveblog.com., Elizabeth www.freefoodboston.com, Crescent Dragonwagon, Erin www.agirlandhermutt.com, Biana www.confessionsofachocoholic.com

And let me just say what a joy it was to see the interaction of Crescent and David. My favorite part of the afternoon was when Crescent turned to him and said “tell them about the stew in Africa.” And from there David launched into a beautifully told the story of a stew eaten in the African desert, knowing exactly which story Crescent was talking about.

And so the lunch went. We talked a little about beans, but mostly about writing. And you could see straight into Crescent and how she was born to do exactly what she is doing. It was really absolutely inspirational. I can’t do enough justice to our conversation, but if I have peaked your interest enough please check out Crescent’s interview on On Point with Tom Ashbrook. Even on the radio you can feel the glow of Crescent.

A special thank you to everyone who worked with the Boston Brunchers to make this conversation happen! Thank you to Workman Publishing, Harvard Common Press, and Ducali Pizza and Bar for providing this afternoon to the Brunchers free of charge. The Brunchers were only required to pay a tip to the amazing wait staff of Ducali. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own, honest opinions.

Filed under: Reviews | 5 Comments »

A Brunch to Remember: Baker’s Best Catering, Greater Boston Area

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

Have you ever run into one of those restaurants that you only ate at once, but would still list as one of your favorites? Jack’s of New London, NH was one of those for me…it closed down before I could get back. Baker’s Best Cafe in Newton was also one of those, and it also closed down before I got to go back.

So imagine my excitement when I was approached to set up a brunch for the Boston Brunchers with Baker’s Best Catering! You see, they had closed down the cafe, but only to be able to focus on their thriving catering business.

We were lucky enough to be greeted by owner, Michael Baker, and Chef Phyllis Kaplowitz for the majority of our day. While Chef was busy in the kitchen, Michael gave us a personal tour of the space, which was so much better than you ever imagined a catering space would be.

Before building this space, the catering facilities had been located in the basement of the old cafe. When they decided to build the new location they had military consultants come in and watch and analyze the way the catering staff moved and worked. The result is this perfectly designed, optimized chef’s paradise. Honestly, the staff never has to double their path, they can go from dry goods, to cold storage, to freezers to cooking to packing and out the back door. It is really quite impressive.

Equally as impressive is owner Michael Best’s obvious vigour and love for what he does. From the initial goal of creating a “REAL” turkey sandwich, to now employing over 120 catering staff, chefs, cooks, and administrators, Michael has kept his standards of quality at a peak, and some how instilled an equal passion from his staff.

Chef Phyllis Kaplowitz glowed with every morsel that was introduced to us. Her creativity combined with a certain practicality made for the perfect introduction of passed apps, or “Eye Openers” as they so cutely named them.

Bloody Mary Shots w/ Poached Shrimp, Pickled Green Beans and a Celery Salt Rim...joined by Liz of www.eatingplaces.wordpress.com

A couple of the bites that followed have now joined my list of some of the best things that I have ever eaten. The Asian Tuna Tartar in a miso sesame cup with siracha aioli, wasabi greens, and soy pearls had a texture unlike anything I had eaten…in a good way! The sweet potato corned beef hash in a maple brown sugar bacon cup was delicious, but paled next to the other bites. However, more than one bruncher did declare this their favorite bit.

Clockwise: Everything Bagel Bite, Tuna Tartar, Sweet Potato Hash

But now it is time to talk about the bite that I will be dreaming about from here until the end of time….The Everything Bagel Bite. A moment of silence please….This bite was made up of a crunchy everything bagel cup filled with creme fraiche, gravlax, red onion, lemon pearls and frisee. The way the textures and flavors came together in this bite…it was honestly one of my greatest food bites ever.

We returned to the dining room (which was actually Michael’s office decorated by Peterson Party Center). We were delighted to find that the remainder of our meal would be a Chef’s Sideboard Buffet served right in the middle of the kitchen! What an experience! We helped ourselves to quiches, beet ravioli stuffed with queso valdeon and challah french toast with bananas foster, fresh berries, and Vermont cider maple syrup.

This buffet earned an A+ just based on beauty alone. The beet ravioli…genious! It did not prove as bold in flavor as it was in color, but once I added the salad to the beet bite, it was pretty close to perfection. While at brunch, some one tweeted to methat if they didn’t serve us french toast, I should demand it. Luckily I didn’t have to do that. And yes, it was absolutely delicious, the thick challah bread standing up to the perfectly balanced batter.

Beverages provided by Brix in South Boston

I would be remiss if I did not point out the delightful conversation that happened during this brunch. Like any good meal should do, our brunch at Baker’s Best created the perfect atmosphere for enjoyment. And it wasn’t over yet! When it was finally time to leave, the farewell committee had these adorable containers of multi-flavored whoopie pies for us to take home. Carrot cake, peanut butter fluff, peppermint, chocolate and red velvet whoopie pies better than any I have had were the perfect au revoir!

Michael, Phylis and the rest of the Baker’s Best crew put on an unbelievable event for the Boston Brunchers. I have no doubt that their professionalism, passion and creativity pours into every wedding, bar mitzvah, oscar party, and office breakfast that they cater.

Disclaimer: Brunch was provided to the Boston Brunchers free of charge courtesy of Baker’s Best Catering. As always, all opinions are my own.

Filed under: Reviews | Tagged: bakers best, boston, Brunch, catering, needham, newton, review | 6 Comments »

Cheesemaking Class at BCAE (Boston Center for Adult Education)

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

A while ago, the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) contacted me to see if I would be interested in auditing a course at the center. Of course I jumped at the chance. I have been hearing amazing things about their classes for the last year now, and just hadn’t gotten around to testing it out myself, so now was the chance!

I had a very hard time choosing which class to take. My first choice was to attend one of the celebrity chef “Behind the Line” series…I know, such a cop-out, but they are amazing! Naturally though, the class was already sold out. Next on my list was a beginners Cheesemaking class being offered on a Sunday from 10am – 1pm. Luckily, that class was available and registered I was!

I don’t know why, but for some reason I had a picture of a run-down community center in my head when I pictured the BCAE. What I did NOT envision was the state of the art facility that it is. I think I may have repeated, several times, how impressed I was.

Our instructor, Jessica Sennett, greeted the class and pointed out some of the literature that she had brought with for us to browse. There were all kinds of books on cheese, milk, etc. And one amazing old school cheese cookbook I can’t remember the name of….I need to look into that…

Jessica talked for several minutes on the cheese making process, milk, the pasteurization process, and the chemistry behind cheese making. And some how she managed to make it fascinating, which can’t be easy to do. After the initial “lecture” session, it was all hands on deck!

First up was butter. Do you have any idea how easy butter is to make? Why on earth didn’t I know this sooner? Literally, all you do is pour some cream in a food processor and let it go until it separates. Pour it into a butter muslin (which is like cheese cloth but with smaller holes) lined colander, press it down to release the moisture, put the remaining butter in wax paper and knead in a little salt and voila! Butter!

Next up we made ricotta. Once again I ask, how on earth did I not know how easy this is?! Pour a gallon of whole milk in a large pot with a little lemon juice or vinegar, SLOWLY bring it to 180 degrees while slowly stirring (its all about slow). When it hits 180, you should see the curd starting to form. Pour the mixture through a cheese cloth lined colander. Let drain for an hour….I may have just eaten the ricotta right away…. Jessica also had us demo how to make cream cheese and yogurt. Sadly those have to sit for longer periods of time, so we were un-able to sample these fruits of our labor.

And Jessica did not let anything go to waste! With the leftover whey from the ricotta, she made us delicious pancakes! It was Sunday morning after all…

…and yes, we did all taste the whey as well. Which wasn’t gross like you would think. It actually was pretty good, like a glass of warm milk. I know, even typing about it grosses me out a little, but it did taste good!

We did not leave our class empty-handed either. We took home the ricotta and butter we made, as well as a small yogurt to use as a starter for our own batch at home. Pretty cool.

The classes at the BCAE are not “cheap”. This class would have cost $60 + $20 materials fee. However, you would definitely get your money’s worth for that $80. Jessica was a very high-caliber, knowledgable professor….and she was fun! We made several different items and had take homes. Not too shabby!

I don’t know why I was expecting a much lower level of quality from the BCAE, but I am happy to say that they definitely proved me wrong. I will absolutely take another course there soon. I am interested to find out if all of their instructors are as impressive as this one was…

Boston Center for Adult Education
122 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116
617-267-4430
Twitter / Facebook

Filed under: Reviews | Tagged: adult education, BCAE, boston, Boston Center for Adult Education, cheese making, class, Classes, Jessica Sennett | 4 Comments »

Square Meals: Somerville Fresh – Union Square Foodie Crawl

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

So, I have another fun event to tell you about my foodie friends. And yes, I have a pair of tickets to give away as well!

This event is hosted by Union Square Main Streets:

Union Square Main Streets creates a vibrant neighborhood by enhancing the Union Square business district and surrounding neighborhoods through active community collaboration. By enhancing the artistic and ethnic strengths of the neighborhood we seek to drive commercial and economic development. We celebrate food — local and international, our own eclectic creative sensibilities, and the dense, unique fabric of our New England square that blossomed before there was such as thing as smart growth.

Union Square Main Streets has put together an evening that will delight all of your tastebuds as you experience a progressive dinner through three of the areas top dining destinations: Casa B, The Independent and Journeyman. This fabulous event will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 6:30 pm.

The crawl will start at 6:30 at Casa B, Union Square’s newest restaurant, opening just last December. Owners Alberto Cabre and Angelina Jockovich serve up tapas and pinchos, embracing romanticism, warmth and the spice of Latin-America. They’ll have a selection of delectable tapas ready for us and a glass of their exquisite sangria.

The next stop will be The Independent, where seasonal and sustainable ingredients are prepared classically. This long-time neighborhood favorite will serve up a savory course and paired beverage.

The evening will end at Journeyman, where chefs Tse Wei Lim and Diana Kudajarova source their ingredients from small artisan producers to prepare elegant food that always surprises. They promise to end our delicious night memorably.

And let’s not forget the fun you will have with the other foodies and non-foodies who join you in this advernturous evening! If you would like to hedge your bets and buy tickets ($40 + processing), simply click here. However, if you would like to win tickets….

How to Enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment here telling me about your favorite local restaurant in your hood.
Bonus Entry: Follow Union Square Main Streets on Twitter and tweet “I would love to win tix to @allabout02143′s foodie crawl thanks to @renh77 http://wp.me/pVsto-Ed“. Leave me a comment saying you did so.
Bonus Entry: Blog about this event with a link back to this post. Leave me a comment saying you did so.
All entries must be received by 10am on Wednesday, February 29th.
Winner of 2 complimentary tickets to the Foodie Crawl will be chosen using Random.org on Wed, Feb 29th.
If you win and are unable to attend, you will forfeit your prize and a new winner will be chosen.
If you do not respond to the prize notification within 48 hours, you will forfeit your prize and a new winner will be chosen.

Filed under: Random | Tagged: boston, events, food, foodie crawl, somerville, union square | 25 Comments »

Sweet and Sour Slow Cooker Pork Goulash Recipe

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

On the day I made this, I had an ultimate lazy day. It was the Monday after the Superbowl, I had the day off, and I never got out of my pjs. Yeah, I love those days too!

At about 11am, I brilliantly noticed that if I didn’t get up right then and throw something in the crockpot, we would be eating out of a can for dinner. I knew I had pork, and that was about it.

For some reason I got a craving for my oma’s cooking. Not sure where it came from, but it was strong. And the recipe just came to me. Luckily I had a can of Aunt Nellie’s Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage on hand….I know, what are the chances?

If you have never had jarred red cabbage, go out and get some, right now. It is in the veggie aisle of any grocery. It is perfect as a side dish, just saute half a peeled, chopped apple and half a chopped onion, add the jar of cabbage and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Delicious!

Back on subject. Pork. I used a homemade rib rub on the pork, but you can use any brand of rib rub you find. The flavor of the rub on the pork worked together so well with the cabbage. It really did taste like it came from my oma’s kitchen. I have a feeling she was with me in the kitchen guiding me on this one….

Homemade Rib Rub - Recipe Soon!

Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker Pork Goulash

Ingredients

1.5 lb bone-in center cut pork chops
rib rub seasoning
16 oz jar of sweet & sour cabbage (such as Aunt Nellie’s)
1/2 cup water
6 oz extra broad egg noodles
1 tbsp butter or margarine
salt & pepper
3 tbsp sour cream
1/2 cup room temperature water
2 tsp corn starch

Directions

Sprinkle a coating of rib rub on one side of the pork, rub the seasoning in, flip pork and repeat
Place the pork in the slow cooker
Pour the jar of cabbage and the water over the pork
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours
When cooking time is done, remove the pork from the pot to a plate and cover with foil
Put the remaining liquid and cabbage in a pot and place over medium heat
Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
Drain noodles, mix in butter and salt and pepper to taste
In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream and water, then stir in cornstarch
Slowly pour the sour cream mixture into the gravy, stirring slowly
Bring the gravy to a low boil and stir. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes
Add prepared noodles to the gravy, stir well making sure to coat noodles
Turn heat down to low
Meanwhile, take bones and fat off of the pork
Break pork into bite sized piece and place in noodle/sauce mixture
Stir well and continue to heat, stirring frequently, over low heat, for 5 minutes
Plate and enjoy!

Today is the last day to vote for the Boston Brunchers in the category of Lifestyle/City for a Boston Innovation Insider Award! Please take 2 seconds to vote!

Filed under: Recipes | Tagged: #crockpotwed, crockpot, dinner, German, hungarian, main course, main dish, pork, recipe, red cabbage, slow cooker, slowcooker | 5 Comments »

Ideas for a home cooked Valentine’s Day dinner

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

February is a month for cooking. First came Superbowl snack menu planning. An event filled with finger foods and quick bites. Less than 2 weeks later it is time to prepare the ultimate dinner for that special guy/gal/friends in your life.

The truth is, even if you are celebrating with a group of friends, Valentine’s Day is a chance to treat yourself as well. With that in mind, here is a list of my top five Valentine’s Recipes (in no particular order). Enjoy!

Osso Bucco - Doesn’t Osso Bucco just SOUND sexy? Try not to feel romantic over this dish…as long as neither of you are vegetarians!
Ropa Vieja – Because anything latin is sexy, and this dish is delicious.
Roasted Chicken – Its classic, its delicious. The classic roasted chicken needs no introduction.
Kind-of Chicken Saltimbocca – This is a dinner that WILL impress. It shows that you care enough to try something a little different. And even better, it is hands-down delicious.
Breakfast Stuffed Peppers – If you play your cards right, you will want to make sure to have this number up your sleeve for February 15th. Sorry…I couldn’t resist.

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? Are you cooking or going out?

Filed under: Recipes | Tagged: braised, cooking for valentines day, dinner, osso bucco, recipes, roasted chicken, stuffed chicken, Valentine's Day, valentines dinner | 2 Comments »

Slowcooker Thanksgiving Dinner: Its not just for Thanksgiving anymore!

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

I subscribe to the school that asks the question, why? Why do we only indulge in one of the best meals available once per year. It makes no sense friends. None at all.

Well I am here to tell you we don’t have to stand for this any longer! Stuffing, cranberries, poultry….we can have them any night of the week! And thanks to this recipe, you can have them in your crockpot with pretty much no fuss at all!

I found the base of this recipe on Allrecipes.com, which I love. The reviews weren’t great, but I saw potential in this recipe….and I was really craving stuffing. So, to work I went!

I will remind you that I have an amazing, crockpot thanks to West Bend, which I am sure played a part in this recipe coming out perfectly. I will also warn you to NOT over cook this meal, it will stick to your crockpot and possibly destroy it. However, if you cook this recipe on low for 4 hours only, what you will get is a delicious, comforting, fabulous dinner! Something in this recipe causes the chicken to be extra flavorful and moist, and honestly, addicting!

What is your favorite holiday recipe to pull out any time of the year?

Slowcooker Thanksgiving Dinner

Ingredients

2 split, bone-in chicken breasts
1/2 tsp Goya Adobo or poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp thyme
10 oz cubed stuffing (I used Pepperidge Farm Country Style stuffing – note: NOT the whole bag)
14 oz of whole cranberry sauce (canned or fresh)
14 oz Cream of Chicken soup (I used the 98% fat free)
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced vidalia onions
1 cup water

Directions:

Place the chicken breast, skin side up, in the bottom of your slowcooker
Sprinkle the chicken with poultry seasoning and thyme
In a large bowl, combine stuffing, soup, cranberry sauce, onions and celery
Mix together well
Pour stuffing mixture over the chicken, making sure it is evenly covered
Pour water over the top
Cover and cook in your slowcooker, on low for 4 hours
You may turn the cooker to warm after that to keep it warm
Enjoy!

Only a week left to vote for the Boston Brunchers for an Insider Award in the lifestyle/city category!

Filed under: Recipes | Tagged: chicken, cranberry, crockpot, recipe, slow cooker, slowcooker, stuffing, thanksgiving | 5 Comments »

Turkish Homecooking in Somerville – Istanbu’lu

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Renee {Eat.Live.Blog.}

Every now and then I have a Monday off from work, and I do my best to fill those Mondays with lunch dates to new-to-me restaurants. Well thanks to Kathy and the deck of dining cards she received for Christmas, on one fine Monday afternoon I found myself at Istanbu’lu in Somerville.

I have driven by Istanbu’lu many times on my way to McKinnon’s Meat Market, and I have always mentally marked it as some place I would like to try. I am a sucker for Turkish food after all! But the location is not fabulous. It is on the way to or from places, but it is never next to where you are going. However, I am here to tell you, you MUST make this a destination. The flavors that I tasted during this meal had me kicking myself that I hadn’t gone there sooner.

Shortly after sitting, the waitress (who was fantastic, patient, and able to answer all of our questions), brought over a basket of the softest, warmest bread I have had in a while. And the red pepper dip alongside of it….well I instantly knew I would be out-eating myself at this meal!

We decided to order a few of the “tapas” to split to get a good taste of a few different items. We started off with the Mercimek Kofte which is “steamed red lentil mixed with tomatoes, pepper sauce, parsley and scallion. Topped with yogurt.” Holy heck my taste buds exploded. It was reminiscent of the metch I love so much, only better. We ate this super slowly as to make sure we had enough to make it the last bite of our meal. It is absolutely memorable.

Next up was a Patlican Salad (top) which is “roasted eggplant mixed with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, roasted red pepper and parsley.” Now, I feel bad for this dish because it came after the Mercimek Kofte, and I am not a huge eggplant or tahini fan. But you know what, it was delicious! Some how the mix of flavors won me over and I continued in my taste bud bliss! Next at bat was the borek sampler (bottom). Now, I am biased to boreks because my aunt makes the most unbelievable ones you will ever taste. So, to me, these were just okay. And with the amazing flavor of the other dishes, I wouldn’t waste my calories on them the next time I am here.

We had to end the meal with a turkish coffee. If you have never had turkish coffee, it is an experience that grows on you. There are literally still grinds in the coffee and it is very strong. But once you get your taste for it, it is a decadent experience. Try it a few times before you decide whether you like it or not. That is my tip for the day.

So, friends, Istanbu’lu was a hit! I will definitely be back, probably with my mostly vegetarian sister, who I think will melt over this place. The service and food are undeniably high quality, and deserve your attention on that stray little corner in Somerville.

Istanbu’lu 237 Holland Street, Somerville, MA. (617) 440 7387

Only 10 more days to vote for the Boston Brunchers for an Insider Award in the lifestyle/city category!

Filed under: Reviews | Tagged: boston, food, review, somerville, turkish, turkish homecooking, turkish restaurant | 3 Comments »

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