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Restaurant Reviews

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).     

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 🙂