Restaurants

VINYL IS BACK!

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Though I am a HUGE fan of the award-winning North Street Grille and South Street Diner in Boston (both of which were recently chosen as Boston’s best breakfast places by Good Morning America), it is good to know that there is an great place to start the day in the ‘burbs as well.

The 50’s Diner in Dedham is tucked behind Whole Foods in Legacy Place. And while the outdoor mall includes many other notable eateries (including Friendly Toast, Shake Shack, Life Alive, Legal Sea Foods, and Capital Grille), it is still worth the visit on its own.

The wait can be long, but as soon as your tush hits the vinyl seats, you will definitely know it was worth it!

Tastefully decorated with art and furnishings that evoke a simpler time (including the phone booth that houses the ATM for this cash-only establishment), the Diner has been offering non-greasy traditional diner food and much more for 30 years, including huge freshly-made omelets, cinnamon rolls that serve as meal and dessert, hand-spun shakes and floats (including the orange-y Dreamsicle) and a 50’s Special that includes so much delicious food for so little you may think the Diner has not changed its prices since it opened!

As the kids menu includes not only the obligatory mac and cheese and chicken fingers but also fresh cold cut and salad sandwiches, and a “good ol’” PB&J that is better and newer than any I had ever made, the Diner is a great place to bring the family, either during a day of shopping or just for its own sake. And as there are no TV’s, you may actually be able to talk to your family between moan-inducing bites! 

When you do have to leave, be sure to pick up their great diner mugs and customized soda bottles and a bottle of their delicious honey mustard and take the good vibes of a simpler time home with you to enjoy between visits.

www.facebook.com/50sdiner/

A STEAK IN A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

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Capital Grille coming to Dedham August 11

I have been a fan of Capital Grille for many years. In fact, my family and I have been marking my father’s birthday there for over a decade, And while we have no problem traveling to Chestnut Hill or Burlington for such special occasions, it is nice to know that a new location will be opening in Dedham at Legacy Place later this summer.

Known as much for their personalized service as their perfectly-cut and cooked meat, poultry, fish, and more, the Capital Grille is a great place for a date, business meeting, or just to take a self-treating break from an aggressive shopping excursion.

From their wide selection of succulent steaks, each of which is dry aged in-house for 18-24 days and hand cut daily by the Grille’s resident butcher. While the Grille may be best known for such curated cuts of beef, many also come to enjoy its lobster mac n cheese, seared salmon, or double-cut lamb chops (all with a side of Sam’s mashed potatoes, of course) and some even come just for a slice of decadent cheesecake and the famous Stoli Doli cocktails that are always ready to refresh!

Speaking of refreshing, summer is a great time to visit as many other locations are offering the Grille’s famous Generous Pour wine event through September 3, during which guests can enjoy a wide range of wines from the world’s top winemakers all for $35 with the purchase of a dinner entrée! 

In addition to bringing new flavors and people to Dedham the opening of the Grille is also set to create nearly 100 new jobs in the area!

As any foodie knows, a good meal wis worth travelling, but it is nice when the good meal comes closer to you too.

See you there!

www.thecapitalgrille.com/

TWO GREAT TASTES THAT TASTE GREAT TOGETHER

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As a fan of diners and of local establishments with long histories, I have long been a regular at Johnny’s Luncheonette. 

For over 30 years, Johnny’s has been a staple of the Newton Centre community, drawing people in from far and wide and catering to such legends as David Mamet (who I saw there myself!) and the Kennedys.

With such worth-the-visit plates as the LEO (lox, eggs, and onion) omelette, avocado fries, an elegant burrata avocado toast, big, beefy, biohack-free burgers (including one made with fresh felafel), the Larry David (the good one- with pastrami with Swiss, of course!) and the corned beef-packed Langley sandwich that hearkens back to the eatery’s own history, as well as always-fresh and flavorful menu additions sourced from Johnny’s many farm friends, Johnny’s has something for everyone whether you want a wholesome family meal or a Formica conference table for an important meeting.

If you need more form the Johnny’s family, head over to the equally legendary Cabot’s Ice Cream which the Johnny’s team recently took over. Though the management is technically new, longtime owner Joe Prestejohn is still scooping a few shifts a week and the offerings are as wonderful and varied as ever- ranging from mile-high pies to their signature ice cream cupcakes and banana wheels, the almost fatally rich Chocolate Homicide, and the two-quart Newtonite that has ended many a local’s meal. Speaking of meals, Cabot’s also offers everything from Belgium waffles to hot turkey dinners- ‘cause you need to have something to have dessert after!

Drop by one whenever you are in the area. Or, heck- drop by both!

www.johnnysluncheonette.com / www.cabots.com

GOOD MORNING, BEST BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

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Well, it is official- As we have long known, now all of America knows that North Street Grill does have the best breakfast in Boston!

In fact, it has been certified by no less an authority than the nation’s #1 breakfast-time program Good Morning America.

A few weeks ago, North Street ‘s Robin Sidell went against its equally legendary (and deservedly so!) sibling restaurant, Sol Sidell’s South Street Diner in a head-to-head competition for Beantown breakfast bragging rights. Pitting her Banana Bourbon French Toast against her brother’s Boston Cream pancakes.

After showing who the saucier Sidell sibling was, Robin went to New York (with Sol selflessly serving as sous chef) to the United States of Breakfast finals, where a panel of judges that included celebrity stylist Carsen Kressley, savvy Shark Barbara Corcoran, chef and food judge Leah Cohen, and food fanatic Adam Richman tasted, tested, and titled the four best breakfasts in the nation.

In addition to its triumphant toast, North Street offers everything from enormous omelets made with all fresh ingredients and a panoply of pancakes that range in fillings from blueberries to Boston cream to a slew of satisfying salads, a bevy of big burgers, their bananas banana bread and a full bar that features “adult” milkshakes that will cure any night-before debauchery and get every day off to  a great start!

As it is right along the Freedom Trail, the North Street Grill has long been a favorite for locals and tourists alike. After their strong performance on GMA, however, more people may line up for their brunch than que for the nearby Paul Revere House. In so doing, they will be able to taste the toast loved ‘round the nation and experience the true flavor of Boston!

https://bestbrunchboston.com / https://southstreetdiner.com

ANOTHER ROUND AT THE WINERY

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In its never-ending quest to give area food, wine, and entertainment fans what they want, City Winery is offering a new program that will bring all of these and more to more people than ever by encouraging what some may say is the sadly lost art of of sharing.

As part of their new “Pairing is Sharing” dining experience, the food and beverage teams at City Winery have combined forces to combine small plates that show off their big-flavored wines through a dining experience that is guided by the diners but supported by the staff.

Tapping into top winemakers like North Coast, Sonoma Mountain, Windrem, and City Winery’s own wines from their hydroelectric-powered facility just north of New York City, the sharable selections options include charcuterie and oysters, charred octopus, Wagyu Sliders, triple cream brie, as well as a mushroom-pocked pizza known as the ”Fun-guy” flatbread. All of the wines are tapped fresh from stainless steel kegs and all the equally elegant edibles are prepared and delivered fresh to enhance the experience all the more!  

For those who want to enhance their experience even further, the Winery recently rang in Ringo Starr’s birthday and will soon be hosting the legendary likes of Lisa Loeb, Dickey Betts, Holly Near, Bebel Gilberto, Lalah Hathaway, Cowboy Mouth, and Jon Cleary & His Absolute Monster Gentlemen, as well as bartending classes, comedy shows, and trivia nights.

Despite the name, City Winery has been offering much more than wine for many more years than some of the wine you drink has probably been around. If someone has not shared it with you yet, be sure to reserve a table for Pairing is Sharing and make it a night of wine, friends, and song!

https://citywinery.com/Boston

IS THIS A STEAK KNIFE I SEE BEFORE ME?

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Before I wrote about food, I wrote about Shakespeare and have been a fan for many years. I teach about him in most of my English classes and see every production I can.

Among my favorites is the story of Macbeth- the noble lord who climbs to the heights of power through murder and deception only to fall to his doom.

While I have seen performances all over the globe, one of my favorite Shakespeare companies is Boston’s own Commonwealth Shakespeare. That is why I am so looking forward to seeing their outdoor production on Boston Common which runs through August 6.

Years ago, I was asked to prepare pre-performance presentations about their play. This year, Comm Shakes his offering another special treat- a dinner and show package that involves the popular partner Boston Chops. In Downtown Crossing. 

For a $200 ticket (half of which is tax-deductible and which includes tax and gratuity), guests will be seated at Boston Chops between 5 and 6:30 to enjoy a special prix fix meal that offers options including Wagyu dumplings, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and pappardelle Bolognese. And while the dessert options of crème brulee and toffee pudding are both worth visiting Boston Chops on their own, the real finishing touch will be seats in the CommShakes Friends section to enjoy the evening’s performance of this terrifyingly timely tale.

Whether you want to dig into a delicious steak dinner or a timeless drama, an evening with Boston Chops and Commonwealth Shakespeare is a Tony evening indeed!

www.bostonchops.com / www.commshakes.org

A Golden Fleece of a Restaurant

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While the main issue with eating in either Boston or Providence can be deciding where to enjoy your next meal, we are also blessed (or perhaps cursed) with a bevy of suburban stars sandwiched between that make the choices even harder!

Among the newest of these is Kosmos in Walpole which, as luck would have it, is about halfway between the Hub and Renaissance City.

Headed by Greek imports Stavros and Angelos Petropolos (who trained under Boston legend Gordon Hammersley and helped open Committee in the Seaport district), Kosmos is already a local fave that is drawing fans from both states and even further afield- many of whom use public transportation so they can fully enjoy themselves (Opa!). 

Speaking of drinks, the eponymous white cranberry and vodka Kosmo is a surefire hit, as is the Kosmos IPA from Opa Opa Brewing in Williamsburg, MA. Kosmos also offers a wide range of Greek wines, Ouzos, and Metaxas. 

With the recently-revealed garden patio and authentic decor and food that make you feel as if you are on the coast of Corinth, Kosmos is a universe away from many other Greek eateries in the area and features such family-founded and family-friendly recipes as spanakopita (spinach pie), grilled octopus with Santorini split pea puree, pan-seared Saganaki cheese, chicken and lamb chops, striped bass, and Makaronia Me Kima (which is the famed Greek version of pasta Bolognese). If your family or group of friends is large, Kosmos also offers platters for at least two that feature grilled meats, seafood stew, and whole grilled snapper. Sunday brunch adds such Hellenic heroes as Spanakopita Benedict, Greek yogurt pancakes, hearty Shakshouka, and even an omelet topped with traditional Greek salad!

For those who like a sweet finish to their suburban excursion, Kosmos also has phyllo cake, multi-napkin baklava rolls, and Bougatsa custard pie with Nutella.

As I said- Opa!

www.kosmoswma.com

Firing up the Family Grill

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Summer is coming and that means it is time to start looking forward to spending more great times with two things – family and a grill.

What better time to check in with our friends the Iliades family at Farm Grill and Rotisserie in Newton?

In addition to such Hellenistic hits as their spicy Feta spread, tender grape leaves with aromatic herbs, tzatziki made with homemade Greek yogurt and Greek olive oil, flaky spanikopita, rich and hearty pastitzio, and traditional village salad with homemade dressing that you can (and should) take home, the Grill also offers everything from beef kabobs and rotisserie chicken to octopus salad on their always-refreshing (and mouthwatering) steam table. In their eternal quest to support other family businesses while offering the best products around, Farm Grill recently began offering Vermont-raised organic lamb that can be specially prepared for weddings, graduation parties, and other events either at Farm Grill or at your location with just a week’s notice!

Apparently, they may even be selling a great book about the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com) soon as well!

As we open up our windows to let in the warmer air, Farm Grill is also opening its doors for longer hours (another great sign of COVID recovery!), staying open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights until 9 PM and opening Sundays for on-site private events that offer all of the family-fueled flavor without any family cleanup!

And if you want more amazingly authentic, fresh, and flavorful Greek food, drink, and gifts for summer or any time of year, he sure to visit Farm Grill’s sister store, the Greek International Food Market in West Roxbury.

Either way, you are sure to bring your family something νόστιμο (“nóstimo”) every time!

www.farm-grill.com / https://greekintlmarket.com

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

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As Matt’s Meals fans know, I am admittedly not the biggest Indian food fan, but I LOVE Shanti.

While we wait for them to come to Needham, my family and I will venture to Roslindale or even back to my old hometowns of Cambridge and Dorchester to enjoy (and I mean “ENJOY”!) their authentically contemporary tastes, like their worth-the-trip hand-baked naan and fresh and refreshing mango lassi and their amazing curry dishes, vegetable plates, and exotic meat offerings.

Speaking of great food in Cambridge , the Shanti team is planning to bring their sister restaurant, Dudley Café, from Dudley Square in Roxbury (hence the name!) to Porter Square in Cambridge as well and are asking for help by offering a great reward to fans and friends even before they open!

Using the community finance tool NuMarket, the Dudley Café crew is crowdfunding the new venue by offering a 120% return on any investment. This means that when you donate $100, you get $120 in credit to spend at the new location. And with a menu that ranges from delicious day-starters like thick and rich challah French toast and a breakfast sandwich that includes egg, sauteed spinach, cheese and the Café’s house sauce to a lunch break’s worth of rice bowls and such hand-y favorites as the PAC Man (pulled pork, Asian slaw and chipotle mayo) and the famed No. 34 sandwich (which features grass-fed local roast beef with caramelized onions, sweet potatoes, and greens on French bread), any amount of credits will be easy to spend!

In addition to offering great food, Dudley Café is also a community space that presents local artists and events that bring people together in ways that go beyond shared meals (as good as they may be!).
In encouraging donors to enjoy the fruits of their generosity, the Shanti/Dudley team hopes to build a true community of food fans who also want to support local businesses, even if those businesses are worth visiting from not-so-local locales.

Please visit ShantiBoston.com and DudleyCafe.com and join the community!

Back to the Track

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I have long been a fan of Rail Trail Flatbread Company and its sister ice cream stop New City Microcreamery and so was thrilled to hear how successful the Valentine’s Day event that we recently promoted was.! 

Apparently, people came from miles around to pick up the special heart-shaped pizzas they made that we decorated with poems by neighborhood second grade students. Speaking of students, Rail Trail’s recent Teachers Appreciation Day event on May 2 was another hit, with scores of area educators dropping by for a well-deserved free lunch.

To keep the good vibes going (and the event calendar full), New City will be participating the Best Buddies walk at Polar Park in Worcester on Saturday, May 13, to help even more neighbors in need get support. On the 13th and 14th, they will also offer special Mother’s Day meals featuring their famed flatbreads and other delicious delights. The next weekend, Rail Trail will join their newest neighbors in Milford, MA (which was recently added to their sought-out addresses in Hudson, Sudbury, and Cambridge) by participating in that town’s terrific Milford Day festivities. As usual, proceeds from sales of their flatbreads and nitrogen-smoothed ice creams will go to support community organizations. May 21 also marks the eighth birthday of the talented team and their terrific treats- I can hardly believe it has been so long since I first fell in love with them!

As they are so dedicated to offering great food and doing so much good for others, it is no surprise that Rail Trail and New City have so many fun and productive events planned. There is even talk of presentations of a book about the Ivy league in the works!

Even if it is just an allegedly average day, however, Rail Trail and New City make any meal special and any day worth celebrating!

https://railtrailflatbread.com / https://newcitymicrocreamery.com/