It’s All Greek To You: Family-run restaurant serves up Hellenistic heaven (Originally published 12/15)

Though their current political situation may be shaky, Greece will always be known as the birthplace of democracy and the heart of the Mediterranean Diet. That is why it is so wonderful to have a restaurant that offers both in such delicious abundance.

Down at the end of Needham Street, just off Route 9 in Newton, Farm Grill & Rotisserie (www.farm-grill.com) offers fresh and flavorful family recipes that are still prepared and served by the family! For nearly 20 years, the Grill has been a beacon for the Hellenistic community (one that was expanded upon a few years ago with the opening of the Greek International Food Market in West Roxbury, but more on that later) and a favorite spot for families and all those who appreciate fine ethnic food…and lots of it!

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The Best of Most Possible Worlds: Brothers Restaurant offers a lot of what makes Coolidge Corner great (Originally posted 10/15)

“Honey- What do you want to eat tonight? American?… Italian?… Mexican?”

“Yes!”
“Do you want a good meal or a place with live music?”
“Okay!”

“I know the PERFECT place!”

 

While Brookline’s Harvard Street is known for a wide array of impressive ethnic eateries – from the Kosher Mecca of Rubin’s and the Kosher-style legend of Michael’s to the authentic Mexican flavor of Anna’s Taqueria, the savoir faire of Paris Creperie and the non-faux Vietnamese of Pho Lemon Grass to the sports bar with a BIG difference known as the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse and the upscale American class of Lineage and on and on – none combine so many flavors and tastes with so much passion as Brother’s Restaurant (www.brothers-restaurant.com)

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Cozy Coast to Coast – The Cottage offers home cookin’ and comfort from CA to MA (Originally published 1/15)

While more and more people are traveling further and further for taste sensations (as evidenced by the popularity of shows featuring tireless tasters like Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern), it is nice to know that, no matter which coast you are on, you are never too far from a place that combines the comforts of your home with ideas and inspirations from the homes of people who are in the know when it comes to good food.

Such is the case with The Cottage – a family-owned and operated restaurant where the family is bi-coastal but the flavor is just where you want to be.

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La Morra of the Story – Culinary couple celebrate 10 years together (Originally published 12/14)

In our supportive community, it is still commonplace for a bride and groom to be “set up” by members of their loving families. What may not be so common, however, is for the married couple to go into business together. Even rare still is for both the marriage and the business to be going strong after a decade. There is a great section on their site which you can see once you visit their website.

Such is the story, however, for Jen and Josh Ziskin, co-owners of Brookline’s popular Italian eatery La Morra (www.lamorra.com).

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The REAL McCoy – Dunn Gaherin’s offers authentic Irish…and MORE! (Originally published 11/14)

Having lived for a spell in South Boston (a.k.a., “Southie”), I thought I had had my fill of Boston Irish culture.

Little did I know that I would find what is perhaps a more authentic example (sorry, Mr. Bulger!) in Newton!

From the outside, Dunn Gaherin’s (www.dunngaherins.com) looks a bit out of place, with its chalet-style architecture amidst a mixed residential and industrial area. Inside, the surprises continue….

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Con Brio – Big party or small- Italian eatery makes everyone feel at home (Originally published 7/14)

Amidst the hustle and bustle that is Chestnut Hill Square (the new shopping Mecca on Route 9 that features such roadtrip-worthy destinations as Wegmans, Soul Cycle, etc.) is the Boston-area edition of an Italian eatery chain that makes everyone feel at home- That is, if you lived in an Florentine piazza with a gleaming open kitchen and glistening full bar!

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