My Dining Journal All my restaurant activity, easily findable by restaurant.

Displaying all 9 journal entries

March 2, 2009

  • 3.0 star rating
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What would you do for a burger?

Okay, so the big deal is that they fry everything in peanut oil. This works fantastic for the hand-cut Idaho potato fries which I even saved the left overs and reheated in the toaster (still fantastic). But the burger meat was lackluster and condiments were also subpar. But the vegetables fresh/crisp and the bun toasted nicely.
Unfortunately, the insanity inside the restaurant waiting in line for 15 minutes, waiting for the order – 20 minutes, and stalking people for a table (unpleasant for both the stalked and the stalkers). This whole scene was at 1:30 in the afternoon and I can only imagine the mahem at noon.
Personally, I don’t think the pain of the experience outweighs the delicious fries and so-so burgers.

Dishes I tried:

Burgers & Fries

  • 3.0 star rating
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The “big” burger is actually twin thin burgers made to fry quickly. I got mine “made like a whopper” although I had to spell out what that meant to the order taker as he insisted he didn’t know what that meant (hmm just being difficult for the refernce to another burger joint?) I ordered the mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and sliced onion verbatum. Anyway, the mayo was literally flavorless (but I am sure not calorie-less) and the ketchup tasted like a welfare brand. But the veggies were nice.

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Autentica!

9 College St
South Hadley, MA
(413) 315-6476
Cuisine: , ,

March 2, 2009

  • 4.0 star rating
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Not taco bell

We visited before a movie on a Weds night. The place is small, garishly lit, and sparsely decorated. So you don’t eat here for the ambience.

The other reviewers must be students- and vegetarians at that- complaining that a potato or plain bean burrito is bland is well like stating the obvious- it can only have SO much flavor. But you know if you are that bored with your meal there is a salsa bar of eight different sauces to put on top!

As for the service, I can only imagine that the waitress was thrilled to see a real tipping customer and not just another student using their dining card to get takeout. She was VERY cordial and accomodating. As for takeout, I also noticed you can call ahead for your order, so why anyone would be standing around watching the cook and waiting for their order is beyond me!!!

Our experience overall was fast, curteous service, tasty, inexpensive food and food that was authentic mexican- not taco bell-like. For those who are used to the Americanized version of mexican, sorry this is NOT your kind of place.

Dishes I tried:

Pozole Soup

  • 3.0 star rating
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Great flavor, spicy and tasty but not too hot. However, the Pozole (Hominy) should probably be added per order as it gets a bit soggy in the entire soup throughout the evening.

Pork Carnitas Burito

  • 4.0 star rating
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Savory, well sauted in cilantro and onions, and I was given a choice between black and kidney beans- I like choices. I really enjoyed it and had leftovers for the next day from this big burrito.

Chicken Fajita Dinner

  • 4.0 star rating
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Only had a bite of my friend’s but it left me a little jealous that I couldn’t eat two meals!

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Fresh Catch Seafood and Cafe

30 Chauncy St
Mansfield, MA
(508) 339-4252
Cuisine: ,

March 2, 2009

  • 3.0 star rating
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Best sushi outside of Boston.

The food here is wonderful but I have to rate it only three stars because of the overcrowded, strip mall ambience. An overhaul of the restaurant interior would definitely get a higher rating.
There are other excellent plates available from the traditional fisherman’s platter and boiled lobster to a great Grilled Salmon Oscar topped with lobster meat, asparagus and béarnaise sauce also the Halibut topped with citrus salsa is quite good.

Fresh Catch has become a local chain in the metro south region. But the food is the best at Mansfield although the ambience is better at the Attleboro location (which used to be a bar fly lounge).

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Esselon Cafe

99 Russell St
Hadley, MA
(413) 585-1515
Cuisine: , ,

March 3, 2009

  • 5.0 star rating
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My version of heaven!

Best cup of cappuccino in the region! Beans roasted on site bi-weekly.

Although they don’t tout themselves as a French bistro (and certainly are not pretentious like one) walking in is like stepping into Europe. In the Spring, sit in the outdoor seating next to the magnificient garden filled with Tulips it is just to die for!

The interior has the ambience in the evening to kindle a romantic spark and in the day is friendly enough to bring the kids or have a business date! Such a versitile little place! During the day however, it is order at the counter and collect your drinks but a sever will bring over your food.

The food is amazing! Whether you are just looking for a giant cookie to go with your coffee drink, a baguette or salad for lunch, full on gourmet dinner or a place to bring the parents for brunch. You will find something interesting and delicious on their menu to appeal to anyone!

Dishes I tried:

Baguette

  • 5.0 star rating
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Just like Europe! Great Ciabatta bread and fresh fixin’s. Just pick one out of the case for a yummy, quick lunch!

Smoked salmon benedict

  • 5.0 star rating
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Poached eggs with smoked salmon, sautéed spinach, and hollandaise, served on an organic ciabatta roll with a side salad in balsamic vinaigrette.

Oh this is tasty and fresh!

Crabmeat blt

  • 4.0 star rating
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A little on the VERY, VERY rich side- but what a way to blow your diet!
Crabmeat salad with apple smoked bacon, tomato, fresh herb mix, and homemade aioli.

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Rancho Chico

52 Washington St
Plainville, MA
(508) 643-2534
Cuisine: ,

March 3, 2009

  • 4.0 star rating
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Crosses authentic and americanized without issue

Higher end (and priced) than most Mexican restaurants. They do a fantastic job of providing more of the stuff Americans are used to (Cheese, guac, sour cream and fried fare), and serving it along side of proper pinto beans, chile verde and mole sauces. Be sure to rey something outside of your normal Mexican ordering comfort zone and you are likely to be greatly satisfied! Oh and they make a MEAN margarita!
My complaints about this restaurant are reserved for takeout. I like it so much I have atttempted to order takeout and there is not enough english speaking help to take the order and easily answer questions.
Also, I attempted to use them for catering a party and left an order for 40 which I wanted priced- they NEVER called me back and I followed up three times. So stick to in-house dining!

Dishes I tried:

Chile Rellenos

  • 4.0 star rating
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Spicy, lightly egg batered with cheese just oozing out! So delicious- just eat this first, it does not reheat to eat day two as well!

Puerco Chile Verde Plato

  • 5.0 star rating
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The pork is savory and cooked to fall apart and is smothered in a green chile sauce that I wish they would bottle.

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Jacky's Galaxie

1764 Mendon Rd
Cumberland, RI
(401) 333-4700
Cuisine: , ,

June 8, 2009

  • 5.0 star rating
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If only there were more of them!

There are a lot (Four or five) of this restaurant chain- but all in RI! Southern MA could use a dose of Jacky’s!

Not just chinesse, but also Thai, Vietnamese and Japanesse!
Fresh veggies, cooked to the edge of still crisp. Fresh sushi. Sticky American favs like sweet-n-sours and lesser known like lettuce cups and tasty soups!

Also, they aren’t shy with the volcano bowl drinks!

Dishes I tried:

Sauteed green beans in garlic

  • 5.0 star rating
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Not on the menu, ask for them specifically. Just to give you an idea how good- I hate green beans usually!

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Emma's Pub

130 Mansfield Ave
Norton, MA
(508) 285-8814
Cuisine:

June 8, 2009

  • 3.0 star rating
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Family pricing, but leave the kids home.

The upsides- great, fantastic, even extraordinary prices for VERY tasty food! A large menu to pick from and something for every taste. I can imagine this would FANTASTIC pre-concert eating before heading to Comacast Center a mile down the road.

The downside- there must not be an “Emma” (unless it is a dog) as no woman would eever create this atmosphere. The atmosphere (if you could say it had one with it’s stark white walls), of this restaurant is completely centered around the bar. There is also great patio seating outside- between another bar and a pond. But EVERY table outside had an ashtray on it (so nonsmokers go elsewhere for your fresh air than outdoors) and there are no servers outside before 5 weekdays so order- (at the bar of course) and carry your own if you want to sit outside.

Most tables are highboys, short folks and kids need not dine here (actually I think I saw four booths in an area for 110). But if you have the nerve to bring a child in- the swishy bartender will be sure he practically hisses at it.
The funny thing is, there is a great kids menu and sundae deals fro little ones. So maybe they are working this out still.
Bottom line, If the management brings in nicer staff, limits their booze-centric service and maybe adds a coat of neutral paint, this place will come off a whole lot friendlier and inviting. Becuse I don’t care how good the food is if I feel unwelcome!

Dishes I tried:

Salmon Cesear Salad

  • 4.0 star rating
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Well-cooked salmon (although the skin was charcoaled) on crisp greens with crunch croutons and tasty dressing.

Buffalo Chicken

  • 5.0 star rating
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Hubby is quite picky about buffalo chicken AND pizza. He thought this was the best of both surprsingly.

Cheeseburger (kids meal)

  • 5.0 star rating
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Served with EXCELLENT fries and a drink for $5. Quality burger, toasted bun. Yummy!

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October 2, 2009

  • 2.0 star rating
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You don't go here for the food

This is the place to go for a drink in advance of a show or a game at Gillette Stadium. It is the closest thing to a sports bar in Patriot’s Place- but the concept is just stupid a “Hard Rock Cafe-esque” eatery for CBS shows. If you can’t leave the tube at home, there is one at every table and several on the walls.
The food is mediocre although the menu and the kitchen try pretty hard with upscale comfort food and Americana eating. But the execution isn’t there. For example, the Seared Tuna salad is cooked perfectly, but the salad is absolutely drowned in rice noodles, the dressing is flavorless and there is an occassional peanut thrown on for no apparent reason. IMO it is pretty hard to screw up a salad- but they managed. If you want good food, try Skipjack’s or Tastings!
Also, I wanted to enjoy a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc with this. I can usually nurse a glass through an enitre meal- but had to order a second drink by the time the salad arrived, because a “glass” is a two-ounce tasting pour. I ordered a beer the second time around, since I didn’t want to be ripped off again ($8) for another glass of wine.
My server was very friendly and tried to make my visit pleasant but she was also seldom seen because this place is packed!
Finally, there is a silver lining. Make your reservations in advance and you can listen to a concert from the patio without paying a couple hundred for the ticket. Sure you won’t see much of the band- but you wouldn’t from inside the stadium either (in the case of an end-stage show) unless you are in the first 50 rows on the floor or third of the balconies from the stage. ANYWHERE else is a substandard view of a concert since the stadium is really designed for a game or a floor show in 360 degrees.

Dishes I tried:

Seared Tuna Salad

  • 2.0 star rating
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Calamari appetizer

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Maybe this is indicative of the direction this establishment should take, be a better bar (better wine pours and I hear the mix drinks are weak) and serve apps!

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Blue Fin Lounge

70 Boston Providence Turnpike
Foxborough, MA
(508) 216-2700

October 13, 2009

  • 4.0 star rating
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Great food in the most unlikely place!

Okay so you can only get sports bar food (apps, sandwiches, soup in a bread bowl, couple of salads), but nothing disappoints! All of us remarked how incredibly good our food. The amazing part is this sports bar & restaurant is inside the Bass Pro shop (an outdoor hunting fishing retailer).

Dishes I tried:

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

  • 4.0 star rating
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Fresh, just spicy enough, very tasty. Recommend the onion rings to accompany.

Sliders

  • 5.0 star rating
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Delish! The kids chowed these!

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 5.0 star rating
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Bought to share- was sorry I didn’t get two orders!

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