Sunday, November 30, 2014

NO CRUST BREAD

When I was at the Market Basket opening yesterday, they hooked us all up with this No Crust Bread fro free. It's perfect for the kid (or adults) who always takes the crust off of their bread. I never really understood this because I think the crust is the best part! If this does well, maybe we'll see a No Crust Pizza line.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

INSIDE THE NEW MARKET BASKET IN WALTHAM

Today is a new day for Market Basket. At 7 a.m. the grocery store's newest store opened its doors in Waltham, Massachusetts. It's something many would not have expected after a tough summer for the company. Market Basket made national news when workers and customers protesting the firing on long time owner, Arthur T. Demoulas. Artie T. is back on the job and Market Basket appears to be stronger than ever.

The opening in Waltham was like a well-oiled machine. The place was packed with shoppers just before noon, but I parked with no problems. Inside, there was a sea of workers in their signature navy blue and maroon coats waiting to help everyone out.  Their legendary low prices were even lower for the opening and there were lots of freebies and free samples. I got some pasta with sauce and Christmas cookies. I also got a free loaf of crustless bread and a mini ciibatta stick. Workers placed coupons all over many of their products to save even more money. Like many of the newer MB's, this one also has a coffee shop, sushi bar, bakery, butcher's block and pizza station.

There are several other restaurants opening up at the 1265 Main Street Plaza. Grab a beer and enjoy classic bar food at Jake and Joe's, which is to the left of Market Basket. There's also a Starbucks, which may look open, but it's not yet. One of my favorites, Not Your Average Joe's in also in the works, along with a restaurant the specializes in meat called Flank.
, ,

Monday, November 24, 2014

THE CHIPYARD: A FANEUIL HALL FAVORITE

Finding the perfect cookie can be difficult. They all taste so processed. That's where The Chipyard comes in at Boston's Faneuil Hall. I've been going to this place for years for cookies that taste like the one's mom makes. You can watch them bake the cookies and see them pop out of the oven nice and fresh. My favorites are the chocolate chip and peanut butter chocolate chip. Other varieties include oatmeal raisin, walnut chocolate chip and mint chocolate chip. The price is also nice with a dozen cookies at $6. , ,

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

HAVE YOU TRIED THE NEW CROISSANT DONUT AT DUNKS?

It's hard to forget the cronut craze that started in New York City last year. These donut and croissant hybrids were all of the rage. Now, Dunkin Donuts is out with their own version. Just don't called it a cronut. They are calling it a "croissant donut." It comes it its own little box. The croissant donut is dripping with sweet sugar and it's pretty good. I must say, it kind of reminds be of a Krispy Kreme donut. Since this is no average donut, it's a little pricier, around $2.49 each. , ,

Sunday, November 16, 2014

PERFECT PIZZA AT OTTO

Otto's Twitter says, "home to some of the best pizza in the country." They aren't joking! I stopped by Otto in Coolidge Corner Brookline on Friday night and was wowed by their slices with creative topping combinations. 

You can buy a whole pie or grab a slice or two. I went for the slices, so I could try a couple of varieties. These thin crust slices are HUGE and packed with flavor. I LOVED the butternut squash, ricotta and cranberry pizza. What a combination of flavors and perfect for the fall. I also enjoyed their mushroom, ricotta and herb pizza. The flavor of the herbs really popped in my mouth.

Other pizzas on Otto's menu include mashed potato, bacon & scallion, pulled pork & mango, apple, bacon & vidalia and their famous margherita pizza. There are several options for vegetarians and you can get your pie on a gluten-free crust.

Otto originated in Portland, Maine, where you'll still find it today, along with another location in South Portland. Besides Brookline, you can also find Otto in Newburyport, Harvard Square, Lynnfield and on the BU campus in Massachusetts.  

There's a reason why Otto is packed with people - this is some excellent pizza.

www.ottoportland.com
@OTTO_pizza
, ,

Saturday, November 15, 2014

THE GREAT PUMPKIN CREPE

Everyone loves the Peanuts classic, "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown." The movie has come to life in crepe form at Paris Creperie in Brookline, Massachusetts. The Great Pumpkin Crepe is their crepe of the month. This sweet treat is filled with pumpkin and pecans and topped with cinnamon, maple syrup and a sugary glaze. Leave plenty of room because this Great Pumpkin crepe will fill you up. It's also the perfect way to get your pumpkin fix if you can't wait for grandma's pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. , ,

Sunday, November 09, 2014

FALL FAVORITES: CARAMEL APPLE SANGRIA

It doesn't get much more fall than this caramel apple sangria. I ordered it at Not Your Average Joe's. It's like drinking a caramel apple. The rim of the glass is lined with caramel and cinnamon. The drink is made of Smirnoff cinna-sugar twist vodka, caramel apple liqueur, pinot grigio and apple cider. NYAJ is also offering a Cranberrita as part of their fall menu. It's a cranberry margarita with a sugar-rimmed glass. Cheers to the fall! ,

Friday, November 07, 2014

OLD GRIST MILL TO REOPEN NEXT WEEK!

It's been about two years since The Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk, Massaschusetts burned down. It was a heartbreaking loss for the community. This is one popular place! But, fear not. The Grist Mill has announced on its Facebook page that it will reopen on November 14, just in time for the holiday season. 

The owner tried to make the new building look as much like the old building as he could, saving what he could from the fire, which was caused by a gas tank explosion. The cost of the new building: $3.5 million. I've always loved the Grist Mill. How many restaurants have a real waterfall? Plus, their salad bar is soooo good. Congrats to the Old Grist Mill on their much-deserved opening.

Monday, November 03, 2014

FILL UP ON MEXICAN AT MARGARITAS

Apple cider margarita
Margaritas Famous Taster
Margaritas is one of my favorite Mexican spots in New England and no matter where you are, there's usually one close by. They have locations in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut and New Hampshire. I stopped by their restaurant in Waltham the other night to eat.

You've gotta order a margarita at a place called Margarita's, so I ordered there seasonal apple cider margarita. It's served with a cinnamon rim and is so good! BTW, they are also offered a pumpkin sangria right now. There are bottomless chips and salsa to tide you over before the meal, so no apps were needed. There are lots of them on their menu including fresh guac, nachos, baby chimis, taquitos and Mayan shrimp.

I wanted to try a little of everything, so I ordered "Margaritas Famous Taster" for dinner. It's a heaping portion - a chicken burrito, cheese enchilada and taco with ground beef. It also comes with rice and beans. Very tasty and filling. Margaritas menu is packed with Mexican favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, tacos and burritos. There are also a bunch of salads including a salmon, avocado shrimp chop and fajita salads. There are plenty of vegetarian options including a vegetarian burrito and roasted vegetable zarape.

Check out Margaritas Circle of Friends card to save some money. Once you sign up, you'll get 25% off your first meal and $10 for every $150 points you earn, along with a gift on your birthday.

www.margs.com
@MargsMex
, ,

Saturday, November 01, 2014

GET A CUPCAKE ON THE GO AT A CUPCAKE ATM!

Every cupcake shop should have one of these! The Sprinkles shop in Las Vegas has this cupcake ATM, so you can get a sweet treat without going inside the store. Just swipe your ATM/credit card and pick your flavor and you'll get one of their famous cupcakes. , ,