La Petite Princesse

Russian Village ♥♥♥♥♥  1659 Beacon Street · Brookline, MA 02445 · (617) 566-3340 When I shop here, it’s like I’m transported back to my mother country.  Russian and Romanian food have a lot of similarities, but it’s more so the cluttered aisles, early Sunday morning bustle, lack of English and sweet old ladies with shopping carts that warm my heart.  A little while ago, I came here on a red caviar (my favorite – $7/jar, not bad) run and decided to pick up some baking soda.  Naturally, everything is labeled in Russian so I had no idea if what I was picking up was corn starch, baking soda, baking powder or what.  So I asked the women behind the counter.  They speak very little English, and my Russian is limited to “da” and “nyet”, so I wasn’t having much luck.  Pretty soon some customers got involved, and before I knew it, I found myself in the midst of a flurry of broken English and Russian as the entire store came to a halt to find me baking soda.  I love this place. 01/07/2007 

Serendipity 3 ♥♥ 225 East 60th Street · New York, NY 10022 · (212) 838-3531 I have a one track mind.  That is, I had been eagerly anticipating the Frozen Hot Chocolate for a couple of weeks.  One could say that the only reason for this sojourn to NYC was the FHC…ok, I exaggerate.  BUT STILL!  After arriving at Serendipity at around 9:30 to a line that stretched down the block, we were told by the clearly power-tripping dessert bouncer at the front door that if we weren’t on his list, we would not get in.  And his list was closed.  Thank goodness for Tasti D Lite. I can blame Serendipity, but I certainly can’t hold a grudge against the FHC…so, I’m sure I’ll try again.  Two hearts for simply the idea of the elusive Frozen Hot Chocolate. 12/18/2006 

Craigie Street Bistro ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Craigie Circle · Cambridge, MA 02138 · (617) 497-5511Chef Tony Maws was recently named one of Food & Wine’s best new chefs of 2005, and I stand by my conviction that as far as cuisine, service, and wine list go, this is THE best restaurant in Boston.  The quality, coupled with the extremely knowledgeable staff make Craigie Street a destination for true foodies.  The restaurant’s overall unpretentiousness is another one of its main strengths.  It’s the perfect place to go if you want to celebrate a special occasion but don’t like to do the whole ‘jacket-and-tie’ thing. 06/29/2005  

Metro Convenience ♥♥♥ 253 Summer Street · Boston, MA 02210 · (617) 345-0481If you work in the South Boston area and are looking for an alternative to Dunkin’ Donuts’ inconsistent coffee, you must stop by what I (and my co-workers) have dubbed “Mini-Metro” (there’s a larger Metro a block away on Congress Street).  Not only is their coffee good, they keep their check-out lines moving quickly, they have soups, salads and sandwiches at lunch time, as well as a great assortment of snacks AND beer and wine. 06/29/2005  

DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park ♥♥♥♥ 51 Sandy Pond Road · Lincoln, MA 01773 · (781) 259-8355 DeCordova is definitely worth the 30 minute drive out of the city.  The main point of attraction here is the 35-acre modern sculpture park.  I don’t even think I’ve ever been in the museum.  Come here on a sunny summer day with a picnic lunch and a date.  You will have an awesome time lounging on the grass, exploring the park and climbing on the sculptures – yes, there are even some interactive displays.  Access to the sculpture park is free on Mondays and every day after 5.  Otherwise, it’s 9 bucks and well worth it. 06/29/2005  

The Helmand ♥♥♥♥ 143 1st Street · Cambridge, MA 02142 · (617) 492-4646 This Afghan restaurant in Cambridge is very good.  Do yourself a favor and get the Mantwo appetizer.  Also, be prepared to have someone roll you out of here – the portions are very filling.  I am not kidding when I say that this is the site of my first-ever food coma. 06/29/2005  

Ivo & Lulu ♥♥♥♥♥ 558 Broome Street · New York, NY 10013 · (212) 226-4399 This is definitely one of those places you could only find in New York City.  The restaurant is tiny (10 tables max), the menu is very limited, there is one waitress and one chef…and everything he cooks is unexpected genius, from the pheasant pate in a brie crust to the rabbit sausage.  If that is not reason enough to go, how’s this: you can bring your own wine (there’s no corkage fee) and for $25 you can eat like royalty.  And of course, Ivo and Lulu’s does NOT take reservations, so you best get there early, and pretty much forget bringing a large party.  We were 10, took up half the restaurant, and had to wait for almost two hours…but man, was it worth it! 06/29/2005  

Blue Wave ♥ 343 Congress Street · Boston, MA 02210 · (617) 790-0720 More like “Wave of Nausea”.  This place has nothing on the other eating establishments in the area.  You would think that with so much potential business lunch/dinner clientele during the week, the Blue Wave would try to get things right.  Your lunch break will be over before the food arrives. 07/01/2005  

Abe & Louie’s Steak House ♥♥ 793 Boylston Street · Boston, MA 02116 · (617) 536-6300 The steak here is not as good as they want you to think!  This place gets so busy that the wait is ridiculous even with a reservation (we waited approximately 45 minutes), and the food takes forever to arrive.  All in all, Abe and Louie’s is not worth the money. 07/01/2005  

No Name ♥♥♥ 15 Fish Pier Street West · South Boston, MA 02210 · (617) 338-7539 The No Name is where I had my first New England lobster.  Not bad, but definitely somewhat of a tourist trap.  It’s still worth going to at least once, just so you can experience the unique ambiance.  Don’t expect to eat healthy – pretty much everything is fried. 07/01/2005  

Charlie’s Kitchen ♥♥♥ 10 Eliot Street · Cambridge, MA 02138 · (617) 492-9646 Charlie’s has phenomenal burgers, but the piece(s) de resistance here are the pork chops.  I have had them 5 or 6 times, and they’re great every time – just like my mom makes ‘em.  A couple of times I’ve been here, they actually ran out. 07/01/2005  

Brookline Booksmith ♥♥♥♥ 279 Harvard Street · Brookline, MA 02445 · (617) 566-6660 My favorite part of this store is the used book cellar – they really try to sell only the good stuff, and have it organized pretty well.  I don’t know why they decided to move Cinemasmith (the movie rental place next door) into part of the cellar, though – it’s sort of awkward.  Anyway, the staff is really friendly and helpful.  This place is way better than the Barnes & Noble down the street. 07/01/2005  

Takeshima ♥♥♥ 308 Harvard Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 566-0200 While I appreciated the friendly service and comfortable atmosphere, I think I still prefer Takeshima’s across-the-street neighbor, Mr. Sushi when I’m dining on Harvard Street.  The seaweed salad was one of the best I’ve ever had, but everything else was just ‘eh’. 07/01/2005 

The Publick House ♥♥♥ 1648 Beacon Street · Brookline, MA 02445 · (617) 277-2880 Let’s get one thing straight – you definitely do not come here for the food (although the St. Louis ribs are pretty tasty).  The extensive beer selection is ultimately what draws the crowds, making it pretty difficult to get a table on Friday and Saturday nights. 07/01/2005  

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant ♥♥♥♥ 34 Columbus Avenue · Boston, MA 02116 · (617) 482-3999 My love of McCormick and Schmick’s is based 80% on decor and atmosphere and 20% on cuisine…but what’s so wrong with that?  I love feeling like an interloper in an old boy’s supper club.  The service is a bit slow, and the food is not memorable, but it’s consistently decent. 07/01/2005  

Ma Soba ♥♥♥♥ 156 Cambridge Street · Boston, MA 02114 · (617) 973-6680 Woah.  No, really…woah.  a) Ma Soba has one of the best-looking sushi menus I’ve seen (every dish has a picture next to it), probably ever.   As I was perusing it, I though about how great this place would be for a first date, because looking through the menu together would be a fun activity that would relieve any potential awkwardness. b) Forget about ordering regular sushi rolls here – Ma Soba specializes in HUGE, creative maki, like the Ninja Roll, Super Crunch Roll, Double Double Roll, and my personal favorite…the Hungry Roll. 06/29/2005 

Angora Cafe ♥♥ 1024A Commonwealth Avenue · Boston, MA 02215 · (617) 232-1757 Come here for the creative yogurt/ice cream blends only.  I used to have Angora for dinner at least three times a week (I was especially fond of the falafel roll-up), and all of a sudden, the quality seemed to go down, like the ingredients weren’t totally fresh… 07/07/2005 

Jean Therapy ♥♥♥♥ 524 Commonwealth Avenue · Boston, MA 02215 · (617) 266-6555 As a designer-jean addict, I can assure you that this place is heaven.  Not only is this funky boutique below the Hotel Commonwealth filled to the brim with gorgeous denim, but the owner, Leah, is eager to help you take home the perfect pair. 07/07/2005 

Kingfish Hall ♥♥ 1 Faneuil Hall Market Place · Boston, MA 02109 · (617) 523-8862 Another unimpressive tourist trap.  While the cuisine and decor are creative and funky, nothing on the menu was truly memorable. 07/06/2005 

Sibling Rivalry ♥♥ 525 Tremont Street · Boston, MA 02116 · (617) 338-5338 I just wasn’t impressed.  Creative concept (I guess), poor execution.  With so many great restaurants in the South End, this one is not worth spending your money on. 07/05/2005 

Morton’s, The Steakhouse ♥♥♥ One Exeter Plaza · Boston, MA 02116 · (617) 266-5858 Morton’s will live in infamy in my mind as the place where I experienced my second and most powerful food coma.  From what I remember (that night’s events are still a bit hazy), my boyfriend and I each ordered a 2-lb steak and we split 2 sides (you order them separately).  The next thing I know, it is the next day, I’m wearing last night’s clothes and I’m late for work.  Ahhhh, Morton’s…who ever said you can’t have quality AND quantity? 07/05/2005 

Barking Crab ♥♥♥ 88 Sleeper Street · Boston, MA 02210 · (617) 426-2722 What a fun place!  I have many fond memories of work functions at the Crab.  The live music, and above average seafood are great, but the outdoor bar raises the Crab to a whole new level.  It’s getting more and more popular, especially with the after-work crowd, so get here early on Thursdays and Fridays. 07/02/2005 

Radius Restaurant ♥♥♥♥ 8 High Street · Boston, MA 02110 · (617) 426-1234 I have to say, this place has changed since I last reviewed it.  (I previously gave it one heart, but that was based on an experience I had in 2005).  I came back here for a friend’s birthday and was really impressed with the serious improvement in service (esp. the attentiveness and lack of pretention on the part of the staff) as well as the cuisine.  If the tasting menu at Le Bernardin (my barometer) is a 10, I put Radius at 8. 07/02/2005 

Rudi’s Bistro Cafe and Catering ♥♥♥♥ 30 Rowes Wharf · Boston, MA 02110 · (617) 330-7656 Best reuben sandwich I have ever had!  If you are having a work function and need catering, this is the place to get it from.  Their cookies and brownies are amazing also. 07/02/2005 

Three Cheers Restaurant Bar & Function Facility {Closed} ♥♥♥ 290 Congress Street · Boston, MA 02210 · (617) 423-2438 Do not eat anything here.  Just sit at the bar, put money in the jukebox, and when you start getting drunk, get up and dance.  You’ll be the only one, but it’ll be ok, because it’s just that kind of place.  I give it three hearts only because I have a strange attraction to it; it’s like the ‘Bizarro Cheers’. 07/01/2005  

Yada Yada ♥♥♥♥ 34 Farnsworth Street · Boston, MA 02210 · (617) 451-9232 Walking into Yada Yada is walking into a magical place of fresh baked muffins and scones, friendly staff and cozy kitch.  Just go there, and you’ll see. 07/01/2005 

Loehmann’s ♥♥♥♥ 1290 Worcester Street · Natick, MA 01760 · (508) 650-0772 I will let you in on a secret:  this is probably one of the only places in the Boston area where you can buy Marc Jacobs pants for $60, a Juicy Couture tracksuit for $50 and Paper Denim jeans for $70.  Hunt down someone with a car and go…it will be worth it. 07/11/2005 

Jae’s Cafe ♥♥♥ 1223 Beacon Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 451-7788 The food here is solid, the prices decent, and it says something that the staff has barely changed over the course of the year and a half I’ve been eating here.  The pad thai is my favorite, and the sushi is also very good. 07/11/2005 

Naked Clay ♥♥♥ 374 Massachusetts Avenue · Boston, MA 02115 · (617) 421-5529 Looking for a fun rainy Sunday afternoon activity?  At Naked Clay, you can choose from a variety of high quality ceramic pieces (plates, vases, candle holders, etc.), and paint to your heart’s content.  It’s totally reminiscent of elementary school art class, but you’ll discover that you’re a better painter than you thought.  I’ve given these as gifts and gotten really good feedback. 07/11/2005 

Addis Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant ♥♥♥♥ 544 Tremont Street · Boston, MA 02116 · (617) 426-8727 I actually went here last night because reading everyone else’s reviews of it made me very hungry.  The wait was an hour long (*note: they only take reservations for parties of 5 or more) but definitely worth it for the experience.  My sense is that this place, (while definitely romantic) is best for larger groups of 5-6 people.  The service was excellent, but slow, which I kind of liked – this is not a place you eat and rush out of – and the food was good.  The combo plate was definitely a good recommendation. 07/09/2005  

Classic Realty ♥♥♥♥ 397 Harvard Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 232-3001 Professional real estate company that deals with rentals and purchases in the Boston area.  They helped us find an awesome place that had everything we wanted and on moving day, even gave us a goody bag with stuff we’d need for the new apartment! 07/09/2005 

Lush Cosmetics ♥♥♥♥♥ 166 Newbury Street · Boston, MA 02116 · (617) 375-5874 Now, this is my kind of place – a store filled with yummy-scented, colorful, magical balls…bath balls.  Actually, they’re called “Bath Bombs”, and they’re fresh, handmade and packed with wild flowers, seaweed, sparkles, confetti and all sorts of other fun stuff.  You throw one in your tub and…I’m not going to spoil it for you.  Head to Newbury St. and just follow the smell.  Go.  Now.  Seriously, you’ll thank me. 07/08/2005 

Teriyaki House ♥♥♥♥ 32 West Broadway · Boston, MA 02127 · (617) 269-2000 You’re really doing yourself a disservice if you live/work in the South Boston area and haven’t ordered from here yet – their lunch combos are great – and cheap.  I also had my first Bubble Tea here, and while the “bubbles” scared me a bit, I found it quite delicious. 07/08/2005 

Kings ♥♥♥♥ 50 Dalton Street · Boston, MA 02115 · (617) 266-2695 This place is awesome!  I am convinced that it’s one of the best bowling alleys in Boston.  It even has a lounge attached, where you can wait a ridiculously long time for an expensive lane…but it’s worth it. 07/08/2005 

Shawarma King ♥♥♥♥ 1383 Beacon Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 731-6035 Oh, Shawarma King, we had an intense affair for almost three months, where I had you two to three times a week, and you were damn good.  Then I got bored with you and moved on.  The end. 07/08/2005  

The Upper Crust ♥♥ 286 Harvard Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 734-4900 Eh.  The pizza here is so-so and definitely over-priced, considering the fact that sometimes the crust will be charred beyond edibility.  I’ve also had issues with their delivery service – they couldn’t find my place (I live on a main street – you can’t miss it).  We wound up waiting until 10:30 or so and called, and they said they “got lost”.  This happened twice! 07/08/2005 

Atlantic Grill ♥♥♥♥ 1341 Third Avenue · New York, NY 10021 · (212) 988-9200 I’m giving the four hearts to one of the all-around best brunches in the city.  It’s always packed, so make a reservation, but if you have to wait, go ahead – the lobster eggs benedict is SO worth it. 09/25/2005 

Tao ♥♥♥♥ 42 East 58th Street · New York, NY 10022 · (212) 888-2288 This place is played out, but I don’t care – I’ll still be seen there.  The sushi is fantastic, the drinks are fabulous, and the lighting makes you feel like a star. 09/25/2005 

Le Bernardin ♥♥♥♥♥ 155 West 51st Street · New York, NY 10079 · (212) 554-1515 If you want an uber-trendy NYC dining experience, this is not the place to go.  If, however, you want to have the best meal of your life, come to Le Bernardin.  I was there about two years ago, and I STILL catch myself day-dreaming about that meal.  I am not kidding you.  Of course, I wasn’t paying, so I took the liberty of ordering the chef’s tasting with the wine pairing.  They take themselves so seriously, they didn’t even ask me if there is anything I won’t eat; they just brought out course after course… 09/25/2005 

Capital Grille ♥♥♥ 250 Boylston Street · Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 · (617) 928-1400 Call me a heretic.  I just wasn’t blown away.  True, the massive porterhouse I had was amazing, and so were the lobster and crab cakes, but something was off with the service.  Eh, I’d come here again, but only to bring someone who’s never been. 09/12/2005 

Jasmine Sola ♥ 344 Newbury Street · Boston, MA 02115 · (617) 867-4630 Oh puhleeeeze…you know what really pisses me off about this place, aside from everything that was already mentioned?  First off, let me say that I am not opposed to spending $150+ on a pair of jeans (in fact, I am addicted to it)…but this place is a RIP-OFF.  It’s TAKING ADVANTAGE of you, ladies!  I’m not talking about the designer jeans…I’m talking about those no-name $50 t-shirts and cheap looking crap that they try to sneak in between the designer labels.  I would give this place zero hearts if I could. 07/11/2005 

Sushi Yasu ♥♥♥♥ 617 Main Street · Waltham, MA 02452 · (781) 894-9783 If you are looking to have sushi in Waltham, this is definitely your best bet.  I love when I order sushi and the rice is still a little warm when it reaches my plate.  Fresh fish, friendly service, and cheap (as compared to Boston prices). 07/11/2005 

Asian Grill ♥ 265 Moody Street · Waltham, MA 02453 · (781) 398-1600 The sushi here is quite bad – the rice is dry, and it’s clear that the fish isn’t quite fresh.  I don’t know how they’ve gotten away with it for so long…you’d think that with all of the Brandeis freshmen taking their family here for Parents’ weekend, Asian Grill would be uncovered for the sham that it is.  Their other dishes are just ok. 07/11/2005 

H&M ♥♥♥ 350 Washington Street · Boston, MA 02108 · (617) 482-7001 H&M’s quality is generally ok, but there are two areas where it really excels: 1. accessories (those trendy beaded necklaces you see at Neiman’s for $50 are $5 here – why pay a lot if they’re going to be out of style next season?) and 2. wardrobe staples (colorful tanks and plain white tees for $6 a piece?  they may as well be disposable!).  WARNING: All the women working in the downtown area get the same idea after work – stop by H&M for a cute skirt/top for the weekend.  Be prepared to wait in long lines for dressing rooms and cashiers between 5 – 7 on weeknights. 07/11/2005 

Taqueria Mexico ♥♥♥♥♥ 24 Charles Street · Waltham, MA 02453 · (781) 647-0166 I discovered this place in college and am convinced that it is better than Sol Azteca AND Anna’s (yes, I went there).  It took me months of rehab (and moving to Brookline) to wean myself off of craving Taqueria every night.  I used to love sitting outside on warm summer nights with a cold Negro Modello and basically 1 of everything on the menu.  This place is so cheap – and the quality is superb. 07/11/2005 

Cuchi Cuchi ♥♥♥♥♥ 795 Main Street · Cambridge, MA 02139 · (617) 864-2929 Wow.  I’m officially putting the Cuch (as I will lovingly refer to it forthwith) on my list of favorites.  I enjoyed it so much that I feel compelled to list everything that was consumed.  Here goes: I started with the Ali Cat and then realized what I always realize after I order a fruity drink -  I don’t really like fruity drinks.  So I switched over to the Cuchi Martini (somewhat-spicy dirty martini with gorgonzola-stuffed olives), and that was damn good.  We had the Cuban Cigar, Skirt Steak, Scallops Provencale, Brie en Croute, Caspian Heaven (the piece de resistance for me, since I absolutely love potatoes and salmon roe) and the Banana Bread Extravaganza.  Sooo…yes, we may have gotten a bit greedy, but everything was ridiculous.  Plus, these are tapas sized portions (except for the dessert, which was huge).  The service and atmosphere were perfect.  We spent almost 2 1/2 hours here and weren’t rushed at all.  Over the course of the evening, the dim lighting masked my increasingly expanding waistline quite nicely.  Note that on Friday and Saturday, they only accept reservations for 5:30 or 6. 01/14/2007 

Jim’s Deli & Restaurant ♥♥♥ 371 Washington Street · Brighton, MA 02135 · (617) 787-2626 Came here looking for a greasy Saturday brunch, and got exactly that.  I ordered the hash & eggs with a side of sausages and it was exactly what I was expecting.  It seems like Jim’s has an unspoken code of conduct; when you walk in, immediately grab a tray and utensils and get in line to order.  Don’t try to save a table – sit down only after you’ve received your food and paid. 01/14/2007 

Mr. Sushi ♥♥♥ 329 Harvard Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 731-1122 Weird…I could have sworn I reviewed this place a while ago.  I’ve been coming here for a few years, and I can say that if there’s one thing Mr. Sushi has, it’s consistency.  Everything’s consistently good – food, service, ambiance.  I do have to say, though, that the Ikura (only MY FAVORITEST SUSHI in the whole wide world) is the best here.  Usually the roe is on the sweet side, but here it’s salty. Also, if you’re planning on coming here on a weekend night, they don’t usually take reservations and it does get somewhat crowded, not Fugakyu-crowded, but you might have a 30 minute wait if you come in at 8/8:30. 01/07/2007 

Chef Chow’s House ♥♥♥ 230 Harvard Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 739-2469 I’m giving Chef Chow’s three hearts because they have some of the best Chicken & Broccoli I’ve had.  The chicken is really tender and doesn’t have that questionable consistency I often run into with this dish.  Also noteworthy are the lunch special prices (around $6 for soup, appetizer and entree).  I would give this place four hearts, but the service is so-so – our waiter was forgetful and got really taken aback when I asked for chopsticks. 01/07/2007  

Tasti D Lite ♥♥♥♥ 61st and Park Ave · New York, NY 10079 I’m not an ice cream connoisseur. That said, all you Cold Stone loyalists, please try to hold back your gasps of disbelief when I say that Tasti D Lite is up there with soft-serve from the ice cream man in my book.  Based on the rigorous scientific tests I performed, I can tell you that it really doesn’t matter what flavor you get; they all pretty much taste the same…damn good. 12/18/2006 

Jasper White’s Summer Shack ♥♥ 149 Alewife Brook Parkway · Cambridge, MA 02140 · (617) 520-9500 I came to Jasper White’s Summer Shack seeking respite from the cold.  I convinced myself that any place with “Summer” in its name would help me forget that we’re entering 3 months of windy, frost-bitten hell.  That was achieved, hence my two hearts.  As for the food, I don’t know who Jasper White is, but I am convinced he poisoned me.  Stay away from the shrimp salad roll.  12/10/2006 

Chau Chow City Restaurant ♥♥♥♥ 81 Essex Street · Boston, MA 02111 · (617) 338-8158 I had dinner here a couple of weeks ago.  I know, I know.  I need to come back for dim sum.  I don’t remember much, but I do have a vague recollection of licking a plate, so the food must have been pretty good.  And call me a sucker for gimmicky drinks – I was definitely impressed by the Flaming Ferrari. 12/03/2006 

Dragon Star ♥♥♥♥ 700 Washington Street · Brookline, MA 02446 · (617) 277-4888 Who needs take-out from Golden Temple when you’ve got Dragon Star around the corner?  Seriously.  It’s tastier and cheaper. 12/03/2006

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