Food Establishment # 13 Crispy Crepe Cafe, Boston, MA

I went to go visit my friend Colin today after my horrific morning and went somewhere to lift my spirits. Crispy Crepe Cafe between the "B" and "C" line on the subway is a tiny hole in the wall place next to a 7/11 with 5 tables. Their menu was large with many other options besides crepes. They had breakfast, salads, paninis and pasta as well. Colin got the 2-2-2-2 breakfast for $6.95 and it was huge, 2 pancakes, 2 hash browns, 2 pieces of bacon and sausage and 2 eggs. He enjoyed it but could not finish it even after being confident that he could. I got the strawberry, lemon and sugar crepe. It was enormous and delicious for $5.95. There was one guy at the counter, he made the food, served the food and rang you up for your food. Very nice guy and service was great.

I would give Crispy Crepe Cafe:

Food: *****

Appearance: ****

I liked the appearance, it was a little run down, but reminiscent of the area as well. It LOOKED like a place college students would frequent and that it what they do.

Service: *****

Overall: *****

Please note: I would just like to say that when looking at my *'s for the different category criteria please keep in mind what type of restaurant it is. Yes, I may think this crepe at the college hangout is worth five * but that obviously does not mean it may/ or may not be better than a crepe from a Five Star Restaurant. It's all about perspective. 

P.s. I put a picture of a cute duck that walked up next to me today.

Food Establishment # 12 CHEERS!

We all knew it as the famed television show, Cheers, Boston's favorite old time bar was my #12 new food establishment of the year. I went to the "Replica" bar in Faneuil Hall if you take a short walk through the freedom trail you will end up at the original Cheers where the show was filmed. My mom was here and though she is now a floridian she lived here most of her life and had never been to Cheers so we went together. When you walk in the bar is set up just like the show. (Except with big windows looking out into Fanueil Hall) Old dark bar counters, dark wood chairs and tables. We were sat by the window, which was great because it was a nice day. We were talked into the $4 soda and mug special. Which was nostalgic and fun. I got a bowl of chili and my mom got the petite burger. The chili was massive, it was pretty good too. Definitely not my favorite chili but definitely worth going back for. My mom's burger looked way smaller than a 1/4 pound and didn't look great. I know she liked the french fries though they were the first things off her plate. Both my mother and my meal were  a little pricey for the portion but it is the place "where everybody knows your name." I wanted to try the Boston Cream Pie but I opted for a giant sugar cookie in Fanueil Hall instead.

Food: ***

Service: ****

Appearance ****

Overall: ****

Food Establishment #11 Cafe Bistro at Nordstroms

A Nordstroms just opened at the North Shore Mall a few weeks ago, I went in yesterday to check it out. When getting off the escalator I saw a small cafe in the back called Cafe Bistro. I thought it was a coffee shop and thought "I'll try it sometime." When walking through the mall I found a menu for Cafe Bistro. It is more like a french luncheon spot than a coffee house, so I decided to go for a quiet lunch alone today.

When I walked to the host stand, I asked for a table for one. The woman, which later was my server explained to me that you order your food first at a counter, you are then seated and waited on. I went to the counter and ordered, a glass of pinot grigio, a water and the roast chicken frites. I was then seated and my server brought over my beverages and my meal.

Pinot Grigio by the glass $5.50

Roast Chicken Frites $14.25

The Pinot Grigio was a nice light pairing with the buttery chicken. I would recommend it.

The chicken boasted to be half a roasted chicken with the restaurants signature pomme frites (french fries) When it came out it was two chicken breasts, skin on, lightly coated in herbed and seasoned flour and pounded thin.  I enjoyed the chicken's coating, it was very flavorful and moist with the herbed butter on top. I did not like the skin on and not very crispy and the chicken was not raw but a little undercooked for my liking (I like my chicken a bit overcooked so in retrospect the chicken was cooked perfect). The pomme frites were delicious. Lightly seasoned with salt and tossed with what tasted like herbs de provence. I finished about half the chicken and a good half the mound of fries when I decided I would try the dessert that makes or breaks a restaurant. The Creme Brulee.

I was able to order the creme brulee from my server, I did not have to go back to the counter, but I did have to pay again. When it came out the presentation was beautiful served with fresh ripe raspberries. I tapped my spoon on the caramelized sugar and "crack" the most beautiful sound in the pastry world. The creme brulee was PERFECT! Perfectly smooth, perfectly cooked and the caramelized sugar was just golden. With the raspberries it was like heaven in custard. 

I would give the Pinot Grigio pairing ****

Roast Chicken ***

Pomme Frites ****

Creme Brulee *****

I would give Cafe Bistro ****

I was a little wigged out by having to order my meal first before being seated, but it worked out ok. I got my food faster. I didn't love you had to pay again if you wanted to add something, they should leave your check open at the counter. My server was extremely friendly and prompt. The restaurant was very clean and nicely laid out. Had an upscale casual feel, definitely a little different than the high end department store out side it's doors. I would go back again, but I would probably try one of the sandwiches or salads, or maybe the short ribs!

Food Establishment #10 U Burger!

I am half way there! U burger was delicious! 

Food Establishment #9 KooKoo Cafe

Today I went to a part of Boston that I don't often frequent, Brookline Village. I signed up for a free intro class at Boston Boabom and got there early so I decided to try this little cafe across from the train. Kookoo cafe, it had a sign out front written in chalk, a wooden door barely shouting it's name, when you walk in you get a nice middle eastern warm feeling. Dark wood lines the walls and floor and the back wall is covered in magnet words for people to be creative. As you walk in the bakery case is in front of you. I ordered a blueberry muffin and a black ginseng tea. I got my milk in a cute lil cow creamer and the tea in a very rustic style HUGE mug. The tables were pleated like outdoor tables but inside. The blueberry muffin was delicious, tasted homemade and was filled with blueberries. The tea was really good as well. I definitely fell in love with this place. The best part, a huge tea and a scrumptious blueberry muffin was $3.99. A new gem for me, if I go back to the karate class it'll definitely be a cool new spot! 

I also went back to Wagamama today with my friend Colin. This time I went to the one in Faneuil Hall and it was much better. My food came out much faster and the system seemed a bit more organized. I still wish you only had one server and there was separate not cafeteria style tables!

A quicky....

I just wanted to make a list of the new restaurant/food establishments I have tried thus far this year.... remember my goal is 20 or more. 

1. Tennessee BBQ, Peabody, MA

2. New England Soup Factory, Salem, MA

3. Top of the Hub, Boston, MA

4. Wagamama, Boston, MA

5. Ruth Chris Steak House, Boston, MA

6. The crepe place in Harvard (I forget the name :/), Cambridge, MA

7. The Purple Onion, Newburyport, MA

8. Chipotle

I think that's it. 12 to go. I can do it!

love ya!

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