Allston

Kaju Tofu House Allston

July 26, 2018 by Rich 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

July 24, 2018 by Rich 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.

C Fruit Life Allston

July 18, 2018 by Rich 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

July 18, 2018 by Rich 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

June 19, 2018 by Rich 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

June 17, 2018 by Rich 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.

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.

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

Allston

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