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C Fruit Life Allston

by 21 Comments

C Fruit Life. What could the C stand for? High Expectation Asian Father would not be happy, why not get an A in Fruit Life. Whatever the C is for, after trying their desserts I reckon the C’s got to stand for one of these, if not together: Cute Chinese Cafe. 

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 3.5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 3/5
Average = 3.5

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

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.28]+[0.6]+[0.75] 
   = 3.63

What else to know: Going through their menu, I was pleased by the sheer amount of items they had. This is your one stop shop for sweets. It didn’t stop at desserts though as they carried pizza of all things. These pizza’s reminded me of the personal sized ones at Pizza Hut, except these may be better for the different varieties. For today, I had the Fried Milk Curd and Coconut Mango Season. The Fried Milk Curd, I could probably go without and the Coconut Mango Season I could order again on a hot summer day. It was delicious and subtle in sweetness which is what I like. As for the Fried Milk Curd, I usually don’t order fried desserts so this was a total wild card for me but the picture was enticing enough (I wasn’t ready for the mayo on the side). If you’re not a fan of fried desserts, then you can skip this one otherwise this is a must order if you love fried desserts. Kitchen and dining areas are clean as a whistle. This review isn’t really over until I try their other products such as their beverages, snowdaes, and pochette to get a better grasp. What a good way to keep me coming. 

Kimchipapi Kitchen Allston

by 36 Comments

The newest and hippest establishment on the block. With a name like Kimchi Papi and the owner risking it all as the franchise’s mascot, it’s caught my attention enough for me to try. 

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 n/a
Dining area 5/5
Kitchen area 5/5
Average = 5

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.6]+[0.7]+[0.75] 
   = 4.05

What else to know: In every way, the food matches their marketing efforts, bold and confident. When you look over at the wall, there’s a sign requesting to send “noodz”. Well played Kimchi Papi, well played sir. Since you asked nicely, below is my Bibim Nood Bowl which I made sure was shot under good lighting and angle for your pleasure. If you drool, it was well intended 😉 The bowl was delicious and if you’re not in the mood for noodz, no worries as you can make your own bowl. When you look over to their toppings bar, you’ll see a plethora of it. With a creative menu, refreshing ambiance, and a clean kitchen/dining area to match, this place is easily the best in Allston to grab poke. 

Habanero Mexican Grill Allston

by 8 Comments

Word of advice, come here if you’re absolutely starving. Portions here are large and in charge. Whenever I visit, my GF and I split the special plates. At under $9, this has to be one of the cheapest dinners, taking into consideration the amount of food and variety. Hands down: If you do not like to save money, do not come here 🙂

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 3.5/5
Portion to price 5/5
Average = 4.5

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3/5
Promptness 3.5/5
Average = 3.25

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom 3
Dining area 3.5/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 3.5

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.93]+[0.65]+[0.53] 
   = 4.11

What else to know: They have an impressive array of menu items ranging from your typical burritos to some special plates not really seen in the neighborhood. In addition, I like their menu; it is not overwhelming and quite easy on the eyes. Just be aware there’s not much options for vegetarians as there are plenty of meats in each plate. When you enter, you will see pictures of their dishes on the wall and straight ahead you will notice a hot table where you can order premade food. I have yet to order from there nor are there any mentions on the menu so I will have to find out the next time I drop by. Their Pupusa is pretty good, I highly recommend trying it.   

Coreanos Allston

by 33 Comments

With almost 300 reviews and 4.5 stars, I’d be a fool not to try this place out. 

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 3/5
Quality to price 3/5
Portion to price 3/5
Average = 3

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

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [1.95]+[0.75]+[0.75] 
   = 3.45

What else to know: And maybe I’m a fool to be in the minority here but I didn’t think the food was special. I had the Beef Coreanos Bowl and it was just OK. The flavors did not pop. If it’s supposed to be spicy, it wasn’t there and if it was supposed to be flavorful, I didn’t taste it. The next time I come by, I promise to try to their other dishes such as the tacos and fried chicken because I really want to like this place! Then update my review to give a more rounded rating but for now, the food gets a 3 for me. Besides that, the cashier was friendly and the establishment is very clean. 


Spyce Boston

by 8 Comments

“Hmmmmm ‘Robotic kitchen’ sounds awfully like a gimmick to me” was what I thought… until I tried the food. This place is legitimate. I can’t think of a more ideal place for a weekday lunchbreak. Spyce meets all my criteria: relatively healthy, fresh, fast, cheap, and has all my macronutrients. Do you know how difficult that is to achieve??? 

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

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

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [3.25]+[0.8]+[0.75] 
   = 4.8

What else to know: If you’re a picky eater, do not fret! As soon as you enter there’s a kiosk for you to order. Here you can order exactly what you want on or off your bowl of choice. What I love is the fact I could customize it anyway I like. Whatever new diet craze you’re on, you can literally have them make it that way. In the end, I got myself the Indian bowl plus a soft egg. Spoiler alert, it was under $10! With so much variety of fresh ingredients, I have no idea how they were able to keep it at such a low price point. That is amazing to me and I hope these MIT boys keep it that way. 


Clay Pot Café Boston

by 23 Comments

Clay Pot Rice, you are the ultimate of all comfort foods! You know when you run out of places to eat and you can’t make a decision where to go? Well Clay Pot Cafe is the place if you’re feeling indecisive… You’re welcome. 

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4.33

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

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom n/a
Dining area 3/5
Kitchen area 3/5
Average = 3

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.81]+[0.6]+[0.45] 
   = 3.86

What else to know: I haven’t tried everything on their menu because I didn’t need to. The Yellow Eel Claypot Rice is what stopped me from trying anything else. 3 days have passed and I’m still thinking about it (I generally, don’t even like eating eel). I just wish they gave more eel meat as these bowls tend to have a 1:3 ratio of eel to rice portions. Not to say the rice isn’t good, because it is delicious! The burnt rice is the best part. Wait a few minutes before digging in and the rice will reward your patience once it turns golden brown. Trust me 🙂


Koi Japanese Cuisine

by 13 Comments

If you want to try something different, want to go somewhere “foreign”, and love spicy hot pot, I strongly recommend this place. It’s a small ma and pa type of restaurant. My GF and I have been going here for almost 2 years now!

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 4.5/5
Portion to price 2.5/5
Average = 4

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

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom 3.5/5
Dining area 5/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4.17

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.6]+[0.8]+[0.63] 
   = 4.03

What else to know: Be ready. The prices here seems to be getting more expensive. After the price of the broth and a few items, it can easily become expensive so monitor your orders. Besides that, this is my favorite place to get hot pot. They have some things in their menu you just cannot find anywhere else in Boston. They also have a self-serve mini sauce bar (similar to Spring Shabu Shabu) that’s got to be taken advantage of. My go-to sauce mix is minced garlic, chili peppers, scallions, sesame oil, soy sauce, red vinegar, and a bunch of cilantro. You can also ignore the word “sushi” in their name because there’s nothing sushi about it. They actually removed their sushi menu because their customers only go there for one thing, Spicy Hot Pot!


BAB Korean Bistro

by 17 Comments

It seems like I’ve been going to Coolidge Corner a lot recently. I guess I’m getting Allston fatigued. After awhile Allston can be limited especially if you live there so nearby is Coolidge Corner, not as hip but a more grown version. I was craving for Korean and honestly, just looking for my next new restaurant to victimize, I mean, review 🙂

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 3.5/5
Portion to price 5/5
Average = 4.17

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 3/5
Average = 3.25

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 5/5
Kitchen area 5/5
Average = 4.67

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.71]+[0.65]+[0.7] 
   = 4.06

What else to know: So what can one expect going to a 2 month young restaurant on a Friday night? Hmmmm… chaos and slow service? But on the positives, nice waiters and delicious food? Yep! All the above applies for this restaurant. I ordered the Sundae Gopchang Jeongol (serves two). My, oh my it was quite delicious and filling. That’s all I needed. No apps and dessert. I was with my GF and we couldn’t finish the whole thing. We had to take the rest home which made another great meal at home. My one gripe is the speediness. It was rather slow and you know with Korean food, I drink lots of water so having it constantly refilled is a must. Not to worry as I expect them to improve over time especially since they are new. I will update my review accordingly. Overall, very promising and I’ll be back. 


One Pot Malden

by 40 Comments

One Pot Malden

We ended up here because we couldn’t find any parking in Chinatown. Should we have known better than to try finding parking on a Sunday? No, because days like that wouldn’t have allowed us to find hidden restaurants like this 🙂

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

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

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 5/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4.33

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.49]+[1]+[0.65] 
   = 3.24

What else to know: Once again, I entrusted our hand dandy Yelp app to guide us to a nice restaurant for lunch. We ended up here and I was pleasantly surprised. This place is like Hello Kitty cute. A lot of effort was put into constructing this place. Nice decorations and pretty much new (this place opened a couple of months ago). Immediately we were greeted by what appears to be the owner who was very nice and accommodating. My GF and I got a 3 course meal because we were simply starving after making the trip here from our failed Chinatown voyage lol. The food was good. With so much more on their menu, I know I’ve only scratched the surface. I will have to come back to try other dishes and will update accordingly. Good luck to the business, you guys will do well! 

  • One Pot Malden
  • One Pot Malden
  • One Pot Malden
  • One Pot Malden

The Daily Catch Brookline

by 23 Comments

I came here for the Lobster Fra Diavolo. It seems like everyone comes here for that dish. I verified when I glanced over the other tables and saw the same thing. The question is, how hungry are you and how much do you love seafood?

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 3.5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 5/5
Average = 4.17

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4.5

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom 3.5/5
Dining area 3.5/5
Kitchen area 4.5/5
Average = 3.83

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.71]+[0.9]+[0.57] 
   = 4.18

What else to know: 

You will never hear the words “I wish there was more food”. The portions here are plenty to go around. My GF and I ordered the Small Fried Calamari for apps and the Lobster Fra Diavolo (for one) for our main entree. By the end of our meal, I was struggling to get up and my belt may have stretched a few centimeters. I also loved they kept the door open as it was a lovely sunny day. Our waitress was so nice and I enjoyed her a lot. Keep in mind that because the place is so small, there can be quite a wait time. For instance, I arrived on a Monday at around 6:30 pm and waited about 20 minutes so not too bad but if I had came in 15 minutes later I could have easily been the couple staring at me waiting to take my table instead. 

  • Daily Catch