Rich

Tim Ho Wan NYC

May 18, 2018 by Rich 12 Comments

There’s Tim Ho Wan, and a mile below are the rest. I’ll make it easy for my readers, Tim Ho Wan is the best dim sum restaurant I’ve ever been to. Keep reading if you want to know more.

Food: See pic (65%)
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 5/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4.67

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

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [3.04]+[0.75]+[0.7]
= 4.49

What else to know: Prior to coming here, I was a little skeptical considering my last experience was a huge disappointment at another Michelin acclaimed dim sum place (cough cough Din Tai Fung). To be frank, I was expecting watered down Americanized dim sum and to my surprise, when I saw chicken feet I was immediately calmed knowing this place may have not lost its roots. There, I ordered pretty much a quarter of the menu because I just didn’t know when the next time I’ll be able to make a visit. Looking back, I wish I had ordered everything because there was not one item I didn’t like. This is the king of all dim sum places, coming here on an empty stomach is mandatory. You will thank me later.

Pho Le Dorchester

May 16, 2018 by Rich 33 Comments

Come here if you want the classic pho experience. I’ve been coming here for years and no matter what, they’ve managed to stay consistent all this time. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

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

Service (20%)
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 5/5
Average = 4.25

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.71]+[0.85]+[0.53]
= 4.09

What else to know: It’s become somewhat of a tradition for me. Whenever I’m in the South Shore area, I have to drop by. Prices are pretty good given the amount of food you’re getting. This is how you do pho; pho restaurant owners, please take notes. They do not skimp out on anything. Generous portions and I get along very well. Lots of thai basil, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Heck, if it’s not enough ask for more and they’ll gladly bring it over. Friendly service and I like when you walk in the owner has such a nice big smile. Solid place for pho. I recommend it.

Ittoku Brookline

May 12, 2018 by Rich 18 Comments

I don’t go to izakaya’s often but when I do, it’s this one in Boston. Come here for the sake and grab some skewers! Their menu is like a tour of Japan with all the different varieties which alone make it worthwhile to visit. The menu pictures are great for those who need more than a description of words.

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 3.5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.75

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.49]+[0.75]+[0.53]
= 3.77

What else to know: I lived in Japan for half a year so I’ve been to quite a few izakayas in my time. When this place first opened, I was excited to finally visit and try some Japanese foods I can hardly find in Boston. I was amazed with the menu. There is a diverse selection of foods from your traditional izakaya eats like yakitori, to sushi, and hotter meals like ramen and rice bowls. On top of that there is a large selection of sake. I prefer my sake dry and full bodied 🙂 Kudos to the taste profile chart. It makes ordering sake easier. If you’re unsure, ask for a sample. Overall, this place is pretty good and a solid choice if you’re craving for some hard to find Japanese dishes. Come here if you miss Japan, it’s as good as it will get in Boston.

Xiang Yu China Bistro

May 7, 2018 by Rich 16 Comments

What used be Takusan Sushi is now Xiang Yu China Bistro. After my first visit, I will say I was pleasantly surprised. This place brings it! Food here is simply delicious!

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

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

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.6]+[0.7]+[0.7]
= 4

What else to know: I happened to be at Trader Joe’s and suddenly craved for something spicy. I go on my Yelp and Xiang Yu China Bistro with 5 stars pops up. That immediately caught my eye and after trying a couple of dishes I have no regrets. With so many Hunan and Sichuan restaurants popping up everywhere, this place was refreshing. For once the food was actually spicy. You see, I’ve built a tolerance over the years and my lips do not get numb anymore from Sichuan peppercorns. After a few bites, it was quite satisfying (for a spicy food lover) having the need to gasp for air. To my surprise, there was only one waiter that day. With over 10 tables to himself, he brought the food out pretty fast. Kudos to that man 🙂 Although he was fast, understandably we had to wait for some time for water. Trust me, you will need it!

Steamed Soup Dumplings
Spicy Beef Hot Pot
Chicken in Chili Oil
Spicy Pork Kidney

New Sushi Allston

May 7, 2018 by Rich 18 Comments

As solid of a sushi/poke place can be. Prices are reasonable and portions are good. This is the value pick for sushi lovers. If you’re in need of a quick and light lunch this is the place for you.

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

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

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.6]+[0.7]+[0.7]
= 4

What else to know: This place opened up not too long ago. I’m glad Allston finally has a fast casual sushi restaurant. The only other similar place is in the Super 88 food court which is just OK in my book. What I really like is the ability to customize and see my orders made in front of me. They’re set up much like a Chipotle where the sushi is made via assembly line. Go in, grab an order sheet (by the window) and check off the items you want. Trust me, it’ll make the process much faster. Head over to the counter, pay and watch them make it for you. There you will see the decent selection of ingredients. They’re usually fresh and well maintained. My one gripe are the sauces. I wish they had sriracha or low sodium soy sauce as I’m not really a fan of the mayonnaise or sweet sauces. Overall, as mentioned before this place is very solid. They will see me more often for my lunches with my own bottle of sriracha.

Pot Bar

April 24, 2018 by Rich 41 Comments

This placed was once a Hookah Bar, then it became a “Pot” Bar… I thought to myself, “Wow, this is a Boston first.”

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

Service (20%)
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 2/5
Average = 2.75

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.28]+[0.55]+[0.75]
= 3.58

What else to know: I was sort of right on the first pot bar thing but wrong on so many levels of my imagination :$ This place is a Hot Pot Full Service Restaurant. Something was lost in translation from Chinese to English.

I actually came here on their soft opening back in March so I will have to come back for another review. I’m sure they’ve streamlined their processes and changed menu items since then. This place is a little bit of a different twist to your typical hot pot. Instead of throwing the veggies and meat yourself into your pot, they bring the pot to you already mixed. In otherwords, DIY hot pot became DIFM hot pot. I ordered the House Special Hot Pot which took quite some time to arrive. I will give them the benefit of doubt and label this a soft opening hiccup. As for the soup, it was pretty tasty considering I’m a fan of mala flavored foods but I did notice the price. At $12.95 with the selected veggies and meat, it was a little steep factoring in the portion and time of the day as I came in during lunch hours. Could a lunch menu be in development 🙂 ? I think it would help them a lot. I conclude by wishing this place best of luck and I look forward to my second visit. Good luck guys.

House Special
Fried Fermented Tofu

Little Donkey

April 23, 2018 by Rich 5 Comments

Apartment hunting in Cambridge is a pain, but somehow it led me here so I’m glad I got something out of it.

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 5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4.5

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.49]+[0.9]+[0.6]
= 3.99

What else to know: This place was packed. I was here on a Saturday night. Luckily there was a table by the window for me. I was immediately greeted by the waiter who was uber-friendly and helpful. He talked me into having Percebes (Yeah, what the hell is that right?). I also had the beef tartar and the Matzo ball ramen. I was most excited for the ramen because it was listed as one of the top ramen by Eater to which I’ll confess is pretty good. For a tapas place, the portion size is decent. Ambiance and crowd gave me good vibes. Great place to chill if you’re looking for higher end food and drinks. At 3.99, Little Donkey is so close to 4 Stars yet so far. I can’t round up given my rating system and I wish Yelp would allow me to display a 3.99 instead of 3 stars. Next time, I’ll come back and order different plates. As for service and cleanliness, they’re top notch.

Percebes
Matzo Ball Ramen
Black Pepper Popovers

Carlo’s Cucina Italiana – Allston

April 23, 2018 by Rich 7 Comments

Lately, it seems like Allston is being taken over by the Asians. Sandwiched between a row of Asian restaurants is this gem of a place. The only establishment left, literally, to get a romantic Italian dinner in Allston.

Food: See pic (65%)
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 5/5
Average = 4.67

Service (20%)
Friendliness 5/5
Promptness 4.5/5
Average = 4.75

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 3/5
Dining area 3.5/5
Kitchen area 3.5/5
Average = 3.33

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [3.04]+[0.95]+[0.5]
= 4.49

What else to know: I’m going to have to give Carlo’s the accolade for ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in Allston. It’s not saying much since there really isn’t many but this place can compete against the best of North End. The food was made to order; my GF and I ordered the Vitello Carlo and the Linguine Frutti di Mare. Both, I would highly recommend. Portion size is huge given the decent prices. The waiter was extremely attentive and food came out at the right time. Overall, I enjoyed this place a lot. If you want a change of scenery in Allston, check this place out. You will not regret it.

Vitello Carlo
Linguine Frutti di Mare

Primanti Brothers – Pittsburgh

April 23, 2018 by Rich 12 Comments

Our Segway tour guide recommended this place to us. It was that or Five Guys. With choices like that, it was quite obvious where to go for lunch (I can get Five Guys virtually anywhere).

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 3.5/5
Promptness 3.5/5
Average = 3.5

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 2/5
Dining area 2/5
Kitchen area 2/5
Average = 2

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.9]+[0.7]+[0.3]
= 3.9

What else to know: If you’re in Pittsburgh, you have to stop by this place. French Fries and coleslaw in a sandwich, what’s that all about? Well, don’t knock it til you try it. Apparently, this is the blue collar choice of a lunch. You’re not going to get any plates or utensils, just sandwich and wrapping paper. It’s going to get messy but once you bite into the sandwich you’re going to tell yourself it’s all worth it.

Trying to make it pretty
Beast mode

Tony Luke’s – Philadelphia

April 22, 2018 by Rich

Bon Appétit’s Alex Delany brought me here. This guy ate 16 cheesesteaks in 12 hrs and said he’d go back here for more. After hearing that you know I had to stop by.

Food: see pic (65%)
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4.3

Service (20%)
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.8

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

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
= [2.8]+[0.8]+[0.5]
= 4.1

What else to know: The cheesesteak here is delicious! A bit greasy but can you expect anything else? You have to get it with cheese whiz. Don’t let someone else tell you otherwise unless you absolutely love the other types of cheese. I love the condiments station. There’s a never ending amount of fresh pickles and pickled peppers. That’s a huge plus for me. Come here if you want the Philly experience. You can skip Geno’s and Pat’s.

Rich

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