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Yoma Allston

by 41 Comments

In another life I had to be Burmese because the food here tastes like how my previous life’s momma would have made it.

Review #037
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
Good for: Any time, any occasion.  
My short summary sentence: Yoma’s got it from her momma.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4.5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4.17

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.71]+[0.8]+[0.6]
   = 4.11

What else to know: I’m going to keep this review simple because you really need to come here for yourself as this one is truly a hidden gem. As you walk in, you are greeted by pictures of temples and pagodas which definitelty sets the mood for the restaurant. I gawked at it for several minutes and almost fell into a meditative state. The food here feels like it was made with lots of love and care is the best way I can describe it. I know it sounds cheesy but it really felt that way. The dishes I recommend for starters are the Tea Salad (looks and tastes better in person than by the pics), chicken plata, and if thirsty, a fresh limeade. Those are my must-haves and everything else is pretty good too but will depend on your personal preference. That’s pretty much it for Yoma. Oh wait, there’s one thing left I forgot to mention, it’s BYOB. You’re welcome.  

Seoul Topokki Allston

by 11 Comments

For anyone who doesn’t know what Topokki is, it translates to stir fried rice cakes. For me, when a restaurant names themselves after a food item, you best believe it mandatory for me to try that specific dish. In other words, if you’re the type to get lobster rolls at McDonalds or cheeseburgers at Papa Ginos, I wouldn’t read on :p

Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
My short summary sentence: Bring out the selfie sticks and your best victory poses.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom n/a
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.6]+[0.8]+[0.6]
   = 4

What else to know: This place is cute, like Korean Drama cute. What I mean is walking in I felt like I was on the set of Boys Over Flowers (don’t ask me how I know this). Once seated it only took one glance for me to realize this was a dating spot as couples surrounded my lonesome table. Was it awkward? “It’s only awkward if you make it awkward” was what someone told me and that became my mantra for the next 45 minutes. When the waitress arrived I proceeded to order their popular dish, the Cheese Topokki. It was simply delicious. The mozarella cheese was the perfect complement to the rice cakes and other ingredients underneath it, just clean and creamy. To my fellow non-Koreans, I would describe it like a lasagna with Korean flavorings (duh). They also have other dishes to eat with it such as the kimbap, rice plates, and stew.

Rangzen Tibetan Place Cambridge

by 38 Comments

Rangzen - Luksha Momo

Everytime I head to H Mart, I’m always passing by Rangzen Tibetan Place. This went on for about 2 years and finally I told myself, “Enough already. Let’s try some Tibetan food!”

Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
My short summary sentence: Momo for the Millionaire Guru.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 2.5/5
Quality to price 3/5
Portion to price 3.5/5
Average = 3

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom n/a
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [1.95]+[0.8]+[0.6]
   = 3.35

What else to know: I found myself torn and yet again a minority here. I really wanted to like the place. I mean, they did a wonderful job with the exterior and the prayer flags hanging outside their veneer. The menu was nicely curated with a thoughtful intro on the first page. The ambiance and the wait staff were all too kind but when the food came, things started to go a little south. At $15.95 for 8 pieces of lamb momo, I expected complex flavors and textures. When I bit into it, all of it was absent. Don’t get me wrong, they were good but not at that price point I was anticipating much more. I would have felt quite differently at half the price which brings me to their lunch buffet. At $14.77 per person, this may address my price complaints and change my review. Perhaps, this is the experience reviewers rave about. For that reason this review remains to be finalized. Until then, 3.35/5 sounds just about right for dinner time.

  • Langsha Tsel Nezom
    Langsha Tsel Nezom w/ steamed buns!
  • Rangzen - Langsha Tsel Nezom
    Langsha Tsel Nezom

Midtown Oyster Bar (Newport, RI)

by 18 Comments

All I wanted in Newport were some oysters. How hard can it be? After walking by several questionable places on Thames, I knew I had to revert to Yelp to assist me on this mission. The Yelpers brought me to Midtown Oyster Bar.

Restaurant Type: Casual Dining with loosely enforced dress code.
My short summary sentence: Have you ever seen Batman shuck an oyster?

Food (65%)
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 4.5/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4.5

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3/5
Promptness 2/5
Average = 2.5

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 4.5/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4.17

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.93]+[0.5]+[0.63]
   = 4.06

What else to know: For some reason, the exterior is dark, like Batman dark. Maybe the owners are huge Christopher Nolan fans. Whatever the case maybe, I can learn to dig the gothic look. When I arrived the host walked us to what was probably the best seat of the house, the roof top right in the corner facing Thames. Picture this man, the weather was around 85 and sunny heading towards sunset. I couldn’t ask for a better experience especially when my oyster shooters were besides me. I’ve come to this conclusion after being up there for some time: Sipping shooters on the roof top and people watching should be televised. I had a blast watching all the people walk by. Afterwards, I ordered half a dozen oysters, chilled lobster, and the seafood pan roast. One by one they came out and one by one I savored every bite. All of which were fresh, lush, and abundant. I could not ask for better seafood. You have to come here for the seafood.  


Cheers Cut Allston

by 17 Comments

Cheers Cut. I’ve wondered many times what the meaning of the name is. After countless sleepless nights and hours of vein popping focus, I’ve decided to give up. Yep, just like that. How does the newest fried chicken restaurant in town compare to the already crowded fried chicken competition?

Restaurant Type: Fast Casual/Takeout.  
My short summary: Cheers Cut is what happens when KFC meets Jay Chou.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4.5/5
Average = 4.5

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 3.5/5
Average = 3.5

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 3/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 3.67

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.93]+[0.7]+[0.55]
   = 4.18

What else to know: To be fair, Cheers Cut is from Taiwan and all the other fried chicken restaurants (namely Bon Chon, BBQ Chicken, K-Town) are Korean so in a way, competition is slightly different. Right from the start when you walk in, it’s a different feel as this place is more of a takeout/fast casual restaurant. You’ll see the majority of customers holding a Gong Cha cup (which is for a whole ‘nother review). When you look at the menu, there are many options for their chicken (and fried squid, which is a must try). You can either order their rice combos or just the meat as a snack. I went with the Samurai Chicken chili flavor with minced pork rice; it was simply delicious. For the price and portion, you cannot beat it. Easily, this place is for the budget conscious looking for something fast, relatively healthy, and a cup of Gong Cha for their friend. For these reasons, I call it the ideal spot for a first Tinder date. To all you serial daters, you can thank me later for that tip 😉


Shabu Zen Allston

by

The OG of Boston Hot Pot.

Having grown up in Boston when I think of Hot Pot, Shabu Zen immediately comes to mind mainly because of them being the first hot pot restaurant in Chinatown. Then came Kaze and a whole slew of hot pot focused businesses in the early 2000’s. This Allston location is their second and it appears a new generation of hot pot restaurants are either on the way or have opened within the last year to Allston. So how does the OG compare to their younger and hipper brethren?  

Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.6]+[0.8]+[0.6]
   = 4

What else to know: To answer my question, they are still holding it down after almost 2 decades! This is still the hot pot restaurant to go to. The quality is there. Sure, portion sizes have decreased and prices inflated but one would expect that with the changing times. My biggest surprise is how they’ve managed to stay consistent all these years. For some time, it felt like Spring Shabu Shabu would have threatened their business but I haven’t seen any difference. If anything, the competition is keeping Shabu Zen on it’s toes. With a Mala Kung Fu Hot Pot and another one down Harvard Ave opening before the end of this year, hot pot is heating up some more (pun intended). As customers we’ve got to kick back and enjoy this second golden era of hot pots. What a time it is, to be alive for hot potheads.

Kaju Tofu House Allston

by 26 Comments

[3.9/5] You see, I’ve had a rollercoaster of a relationship with Kaju Tofu House. After coming here for years I took a long break when I figured out how to make my own at home. I went back a few times but it just wasn’t the same when my less than $3 home version tasted comparable to the $14 version. And then something happened.

Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.

Food: See pic (65%)
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.5

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.6]+[0.7]+[0.6]
   = 3.9

What else to know: On a lazy, hot-humid day I decided to stop by. I ordered my usual beef, octopus tofu soup. Within 15 minutes, the waiter came holding my soup and placed the claypot in front of me. That’s when I started to get excited. To my amazement, the soup simmered for what seemed like an eternity (see my video). I couldn’t even see the silky tofu that usually swims with the current of the soup. Once the steam cleared and the bubbling calmed, I made my way to the broth and found treasures of tofu, beef, and octopus. These were much fresher and larger than what I remembered. When I took the first sip, I couldn’t believe how spicy and rich the flavor was and once I made it halfway, I was practically sad not wanting it to end. By the last drop of soup, I suddenly remembered why I enjoyed Kaju Tofu House in the first place which was for the value and the comforts of their stew.

When comparing the last few times to my most recent, the taste was like night and day. It’s a rare feat for a well established restaurant with an already huge fan base to improve their dishes like that. Perhaps they have some Jedi Mind reading powers and wanted me back as a customer. Whatever the case maybe, it worked. I’m back and lovin’ it. Kudos to management 🙂

Allston Diner

by 18 Comments

I usually don’t go to diners because I generally don’t eat breakfast but now and then I have what’s called ‘cravings’. These cravings don’t come often but when they do I’m hallucinating a giant dancing pancake singing to me the Beatles, “I want you so bad, it’s driving me maaaaad”. Does Allston Diner deliver?

Restaurant Type: Breakfast Diner. 

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 3.5/5
Average = 3.83

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom n/a
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.49]+[0.8]+[0.6] 
   = 3.89

What else to know: OK, disclaimer here. What my cravings imagine and what happens in RL are, at many times, two separates things. For this occasion I got myself the homemade corned beef hash which was simply delicious. Mind you, I’ve had better but still delectable. This place is solid I will say from the service to the atmosphere. I was immediately greeted and the food came out a good speed. The waitress was attentive and the dining area clean with good ventilation (I loathe smelling like food). It almost had a home feeling to it which was welcoming. Very cute establishment. Come here if you want to grab breakfast with your S.O. 

South of the Clouds Brighton

by 20 Comments

In the mood to try other noodle soups besides pho or ramen? Well, I’ve got the place for you. South of the Cloud specializes in rice noodle soups from Yunnan and they are mighty delicious. 

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 4.5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4.17

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.75

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom n/a
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.71]+[0.75]+[0.6] 
   = 4.06

What else to know: I’ve been coming here since their grand opening last year. Each time, I’ve seen some kind of improvement in their operations or soups itself. I remember their first day and they were extremely slow. I was so close to leaving that day as I waited 40 minutes for a table and another 30 minutes for my noodles. In the end, I’m glad I stuck through it as I would have missed out on a gem. Nowadays they are streamlined and the food comes out pretty quickly. Times sure has changed, for the better 🙂 If I’m starving my go-to has always been the Rice Noodle Soup in Clay Pot accompanied by the Crispy Fried Pork. 

What I like is the minimal menu, it makes ordering a cinch. You barely see that from a Chinese restaurant in the US. I dislike having to go through chapters of a menu trying to figure out what their restaurant is known for. You don’t want to be that guy eating raw oysters at a cheeseburger joint only to run to the toilet minutes later. Because of this minimal design, the food has always been consistent which is another plus for me. This puts me at ease knowing I can rely on this restaurant each and every time. 

Shaanxi Gourmet Natick

by 13 Comments

I lost count trying to remember the amount of times I’ve visited Shaanxi Gourmet. This place has been a part of my driving route after shopping at the Natick Mall. There’s only one dish I come here for and it’s the Da Pan Ji, which literally translates to Large Plate Chicken. See pics to begin salivating. 

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 4.5/5
Quality to price 4.5/5
Portion to price 5/5
Average = 4.67

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3/5
Promptness 3/5
Average = 3

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom 3/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 3.67

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [3.04]+[0.6]+[0.55] 
   = 4.19

What else to know: Although not really a Shaanxi speciality and more of a Xinjiang one, of all the places I’ve tried in the Boston area Shaanxi Gourmet has the best Da Pan Ji making it a hidden treasure since it’s not even a highlight in their menu. I have yet to try their other dishes simply due to their Da Pan Ji literally being too large for me to get anything else. My GF and I always end up taking the rest home! For $21.95 + $3 for noodles, I can say it feeds about 3.5 people which makes it a steal of a deal. At this rate, I don’t think I’ll ever get the chance to try their main draws of Roujiamo (Chinese burger) and Paomo (Lamb Soup w/ Pita Bread).