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Restaurant Reviews

Hulun Beir Mongolian Food Somerville

by 18 Comments

[3.84/5] I never had a restaurant that specialized in Mongolian Cuisine before. The only Mongolian coined foods I had in the states are Spicy “Mongolian” Hot Pot Broth or PF Chang’s “Mongolian” Beef. I came here out of curiosity because I swear by my motto of trying anything (food, that is) once.  

Review #041
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
My short summary sentence: Genghis Khan’s name could make a great rap hook. Mark my words, one of these days it will happen.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 3/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 3.67

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)]
   = [2.39]+[0.75]+[0.7]
   = 3.84

The Pluses…  
+ Minimally designed menu and streamlined operation. The food is quick and easy on the tongue.  
+ Great for lunch and takeout.
+ Since it’s across the street from the Davis T stop, it makes great takeout dinners for those coming home from their commutes. Easy parking too.
+ Prices are very decent 🙂  

The Negs…
– The rock pot is not new as it’s been around for thousands of years but we’re starting to see it more in and around Boston which is great for Asian Cuisine but both rock pots I had (ROCK POT PORK RIBS and ROCK POT BEEF) was just OK. It could be more flavorful imo.

The Neutrals…
o I think if you’re new to Asian cuisine this is a pleasant gateway.
o This place has a lot of promise. I expect them to make adjustments along the way as I came during their soft opening. Good Luck to the owners!

Trattoria II Panino Boston

by 7 Comments

[3.94/5] It’s a midsummer Friday night in Little Italy. The area is lively, and I’m having the time of my life due to the beautiful Bawwwston weatha. I’m here for date night with the lady and I’m starving Marvin. Can the restaurant complete what looks to be an almost perfect night?  

Review #040
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining. You may want to dress a little nicer here.
My short summary sentence: Italian food and Romantic vibes. What’s there not to like?!

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

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)]
   = [2.49]+[0.7]+[0.75]
   = 3.94

The Pluses…  
+ Mom’s Meatballs was delicious. The ricotta was a perfect complement. This is a must have starter!
+ If you know me, I love natural airflow. With the open window, it set the tone for the night quite nicely.
+ Impressive, vast wine selection.
+ Great ambiance. Dimly lit lights, lots of people, and busy energy. Great for groups, date night, and dinner in general.
+ Food came out at a good speed.
+ You would expect this, but I love that the staff are all wearing white; it’s clean and professional.

The Negs…
– Charcuterie could be more inspiring. Presentation is nice but the meats and cheese could be of better variety.
– My GF found a fly in her drink. When she told the waiter, he shrugged it off and nonchalantly told her, “It’s ok. It’s normal for flies to go inside.” Then walks off without asking to replace her glass. We were quite shocked by his response. This is unacceptable no matter how you look at it.

The Neutrals…
o The Lobster Fra Diavolo (House Special) was ok. It was missing another ingredient imo. I’d skip and get the Paccheri ai Frutti di Mare instead.

Happy Lamb Hot Pot Cambridge

by 17 Comments

[4.11/5] I was getting tired of my usual hot pot stops and wanted to try something different for once. Happy Lamb, you guys have great reviews and I happen to be in the area so, why not?

Review #039
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
My short summary sentence: Keep the lambs happy and you’ll keep me around.

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

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)]
   = [2.71]+[0.8]+[0.6]
   = 4.11

The Pluses…  
+ Great Lunch Menu at approx. $13!
+ You get to choose a protein, broth, and comes   with a set of veggies.
+ The variety of veggies is pretty good.  
+ Large selection of meats and veggies.
+ Great portion sizes. Not too much and not too little.
+ The slices of the meat was nice. Not overly frozen like some places.
+ Friendly waiter and a clean kitchen.
+ Broth was full of flavor :). Lot of herbs and spices most notably cumin.
+ Delicious Lamb Skewers! They were perfectly tender and hot! They should make a Chili Powder option. I would have loved it sprinkled all over.

The Negatives…
– No major negatives here.

The Neutral…
o Broth was a little salty which make sense since dipping sauce is not encouraged.
o I repeat, this is not the place for dipping! In case you absolutely need to dippity-dip, they have Sesame oil, Sesame Sauce, Minced Garlic, and Chili.
o Despite having only one waiter (who was also, strangely, the host) for the whole restaurant, he was pretty efficient. I don’t recall needing to find the waiter to get my water filled or something else. He always came before I needed anything.

Hanmaru Allston

by 8 Comments

When you’re craving for Korean and live in an area that’s become a breeding ground for the newest and hippest Asian Restaurants, I had to go on a little adventure. Hanmaru was next on my list.

Review #038
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
Good for: Meeting Friends and Dinner.
My short summary sentence: 1 word, 3 syllables: Gamjatang!  

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 n/a
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: When I looked through the window, I was glad to see a lot of people inside. Having never been there before, I had no idea what the restaurant’s flagship dish was. When the waitress walked me to my table, it was pretty obvious at that point what it was, Gamjatang. “Ah ha!” I said to myself. Pretty much, everyone was eating Gamjatang which made an indecisive person like myself, an easy order. Overall, the food was as delicious as the pictures look. Vegetables were so fresh & clean. The pork was oh so tender and flavorful. In addition, I really enjoyed their Banchan. I would go back there within a heartbeat, even on these hot humid summer days.


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.