chickenlady

Haru Sushi - Boston Boston, Massachusetts
We loved this place Sep 18 2008, 19:14

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The sushi here is fresh and creative. The service was very nice as well. Two thumbs up!

Circa at Dupont , District of Columbia
Best Brunch Jun 03 2008, 21:44

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After a wedding, my fiance and I had brunch at Circa. The menu is not large, but there are enough choices to satisfy most tastes (a few breakfast selections, a few lunch selections). My fiance had the belgian waffle--it was delicious! I would return for the waffle alone. I had the vegetarian omlette, which was less memorable but also good. The service was quick and friendly. The people watching is also very good on a Sunday morning and the restaurant is situated right near a farmer's market so you can pick up fresh strawberries (or whatever is in season) on your way home.

Sake Club District of Columbia, District of Columbia
Hip Sushi Jun 03 2008, 21:30

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After vising the National Zoo, we were hot and tired. Sake Club was just what the doctor ordered. The restaurant itself is modern and has an asian/zen feel to it. Although the kitchen was slow (we were the only people there at the time) the food was delicious. I had the shrimp tempura lunch, which was huge and came with a lightly dressed salad, miso soup and sticky rice. My fiance had negihama wrapped in mint leaves (slightly strange taste) and spicy tuna roll. Admittedly, we did not try anything particularly exotic, but we thought the quality, presentation and value was great. We would be happy to return to Sake Club the next time we are in DC.

Da Vinci Boston, Massachusetts
Doesn't LIve Up to the Name May 22 2008, 23:09

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I really want to like this place. The bar is relaxed and cozy--a place where you would be happy sitting for several hours. The wait staff could not have been more attentive and pleasant. The food, however, was less than inspired. Our appetizer (prosciutto wrapped asparagus) was pretty tasty, though the addition of cheese was unnecessary and clouded the delicate favors of the ham and vegetables. The pasta tasting dish was not as good. The pasta with meat sauce was fine, but nothing I would write home about. The eggplant stuffed pasta was smothered with a porcini sauce that was overwhelming. I did like the gnocci with fava beans--this dish was light and fresh. As someone who likes a tast of everything, at first I liked the idea of the pasta tasting dish. Now that I have experienced it, I think they should take it off the menu-- it did none of the pastas justice. Pasta is best served piping hot and by the time I got the the second pasta, it was already luke warm. I would happily return to Da Vinci with the hopes that the kitchen works out the kinks in the menu.

Match Burgers and Martinis Boston, Massachusetts
Pop Rocks Martinis! May 14 2008, 19:38

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Get your fill of super girly drinks at this after-work watering hole. The mini burgers are pretty good (though I have had some come out rather on the cold side). The lamb burger is particularly tasty. The martini list is the star attraction, but beware, the drinks can be VERY sweet. The waitstaff and bartenders are very nice, so ask them for recommendations if you are picky.

Stella Boston, Massachusetts
Stylish Italian May 07 2008, 21:28

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Stella has a great bar with fun champagne drinks. The food and the service can be spotty (last time, our waiter poured us (party of 8) sparkling water without asking and then charged us for it after ignoring us all night!--bad business!). After having visited Stella several times for dinner, I have concluded that the best way to enjoy this restaurant is with one or two friends sitting outside under the heat lamps with a cocktail and apps. Don't bother with dinner or big groups here. You will just be disappointed.

Aquavit Dining Room Manhattan, New York
Good 16 Course Dinner May 07 2008, 21:22

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I have been to Aquavit a few times now. I generally enjoy the mix of a chic atmosphere with scandanavian fish dishes. The one time I tried the 16 (!) course menu, I felt completely overwhelmed by the time the 9th course arrived. Amazing food and an amazing experience, but make sure to skip lunch before hand. The bar is funky and retro in "A Clockwork Orange" kind of way. The swedish meatballs are also good.

Aura Restaurant Boston, Massachusetts
Skip It May 07 2008, 21:16

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I do not understand why this restaurant is highly regarded. I have been multiple times for lunch and dinner (it was right next to where I worked) and the food is mediocre. The service is also often off-key and slow. Save your money and head to the Channel Cafe up the street instead for a delicious and inexpensive lunch.

Dalias Bistro & Wine Bar , Massachusetts
Good Place for a Date Mar 26 2008, 20:59

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Dalias is a charming restaurant in Washington Square. Pretty much everything is good here. Recommended for romantic evenings when you don't want anything too fancy, just nice.

Gaslight Boston, Massachusetts
Flirty French Mar 21 2008, 21:23

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I loved this place from the beginning. The decor looked like an authentic French bistro. Our waitress was incredibly nice and helpful. After our order was taken, hot French bread arrived immediately. My friend ordered the salmon and proclaimed it one of the best salmon dishes she has ever had. I ordered fondue and the mixed lettuce salad, which were both delicious. My friend had the lemon tart for dessert and loved it. Highly recommended. I will definitely return to Gaslight.

Harvest Boston, Massachusetts
High Priced Brunch Feb 06 2008, 22:29

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Harvest is a sophisticated spot right off of Harvard square. Beware though--the brunch is prix fixe ($33). When we went, the starter, main course and dessert sections did not complement each other and it was a struggle deciding what to order. I had the fruit plate, huevos rancheros and sorbet (nothing else on the menu went with huevos rancheros). The fruit and sorbet were as good as fruit and sorbet can be. The main dish was served with chorizo, which was almost impossible to cut through (with a knife or teeth). The eggs, beans and salsa were all heaped on a tortilla, which was hopelessly soggy as a result. The flavors all worked here, but I think they should re-think the plating. The poached eggs on hash was a better choice. The bread basket was delicious, with slices of baguette and in halves. I would return to Harvest, but probably not for brunch.

Cottonwood Cafe Boston, Massachusetts
A good place for a drink Feb 06 2008, 22:20

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A margarita, to be specific. Do not expect too much from this place and you will not be disappointed. Beer and chips and salsa is a common order here. I had dinner here twice and was unimpressed both times. This is a fun watering hole after work in the summer.

Aujourd 'hui Boston, Massachusetts
A little boring Feb 06 2008, 22:17

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A friend and I had dinner at Aujourd 'hui during the week. Both of our dinners were tasty but uninspired. I had the sausage ragu and my friend had the salmon. The desserts were somewhat disappointing. My three tastes of apple (or, apple three ways) was beautifully plated but bland. I would not rush back for these prices.

Capital Grille - Chestnut Hill Boston Suburbs, Massachusetts
Great steak... Jan 30 2008, 22:07

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My friends and I went to the Capital Grille on a Saturday night. We had an 8:15pm reservation but weren't seated until about 8:45pm. We were seated in the back of the restaurant where it was quieter than the bar area (totally crowded for some reason). We each ordered steaks; two of which came out undercooked and subsequently needed to be sent back for a little more fire. Our servers were incredibly nice and even apologized for the undercooked steak and gave us additional side dishes to compensate. I had the porcini rubbed Delmonico steak with 8 yr aged balsamic. It was deee-licious and huge! We also tried the truffle fries, onion rings, mashed potatoes and vegetables; all of which were perfect. The desserts were not as good as the entrees though certainly tasty and oversized. Expect a big bill but also to leave satisfied (and stuffed:)...

L'Espalier Boston, Massachusetts
Perfectly Poised Jan 09 2008, 23:16

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As it should be, dinner at L'Espa is an experience to savor and remember. The service was prompt and polite (if a little cool at times) and each dish was plated elegantly without the overly contrived presentation that can be found in other fine restaurants. At the end of our night, we were sent home with house-made preserves, which was a simple and lovely touch. The location is charming and formal at the same time, situated in a brownstone off of Newbury Street. This restaurant lives up to expectations.

Mamma Maria Boston, Massachusetts
Creative Italian Dec 30 2007, 11:22

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We visited Mamma Maria with a group of 6 for a special family occasion. We requested a "private room", which turned out to be a closet sized room aptly named the "Piccolo Room". The table had to be turned at an angle to even fit in, however, a beautifully decorated window overlooked the square below. The food was good, but not memorable for the prices. The service was excellent as was the wine list. I would be happy to return to Mamma Maria.

Grotto Boston, Massachusetts
Cozy and Yummy! Dec 30 2007, 11:16

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Grotto certainly lives up to its name. The restaurant is tucked away in a sweet little basement location near Gov't Center. Our party arrived on a rainy, dark night and were thrilled to find ourselves in this warm, cozy setting. The service was pleasant and the food was very tasty. I recommend the pasta dishes! Looking forward to returning.

Kingston Station Boston, Massachusetts
Hopping After Work Dec 13 2007, 21:16

1/1 people found this review useful

Went to Kingston Station for drinks and appetizers after work. Though the decor is a little bare (white tile, not much on the walls), you don't notice it at all once the after work crowd arrives. We had three appetizers--the hummus, the prosciutto, and the calamari. Though the prosciutto was hard to eat, it was delicous and came with roasted red pepper ribbons, olives and artichokes topped with shavings of cheese. The hummus was fine but the calamari was perfectly light and fried and was accompanied by cherry pepper strips and y tomato dipping sauce. Don't forget to request a basked of the delicious hot onion rolls. Yummy! Would definitely return again.

Davio's - Boston Boston, Massachusetts
Fun for a crowd Dec 10 2007, 21:44

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I went to Davio's with a group of work colleagues. We had a long table, which made it hard to hear anyone who was not sitting right next to you or across from you (this restaurant gets loud). At this place, if you have 10 or fewer table-mates, ask for a round table so you can all talk and see eachother. That being said, everyone had a great time. The wine list was a huge hit, as were the appetizers. Beware of the blue cheese puffs! They are delicious, but strong flavored! The crispy thin onion rings were delicious as was the sauteed spinach with toasted pine nuts and sultanas. The only dish that was mediocre was the fusili with shrimp. The pasta was homemade, but undercooked. The shrimp tasted fishy and the dish was otherwise bland. The desserts were delicious and our server was attentive and helpful.

Avila Boston, Massachusetts
Warm and Inviting Dec 09 2007, 10:33

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A friend and I went to Avila on a week night. The restaurant itself was well decorated for the holiday season and made an otherwise spacious restaurant feel cozy. We were seated immediately and received prompt attention from our waitress. In fact, our waitress came to our table so frequently to check to see if we were ready to order that we almost told her to give us ten minutes before returning so we could review the menu. I had the squid appetizer, which was good but not great. My friend had a stacked tomato salad which looked good for what it was. For entrees, I had the spaghetti w/ clams which was delicious and very flavorful. My friend had the chicken entree which was large and also very good. I would definitely try Avila again. They have a large menu and I look forward to trying other entrees and wine.