Category Archives: Sandwiches

July 13, 2012

Live Alive Café

Best Health Food Café

Overall: B+

Service: 4.5/5 Whether you pop in for a wheat grass shot or sit down to enjoy a glass of organic white wine and salad wrap, you will be warmly welcomed by the café’s laid-back, friendly staff. If you can avoid Live Alive’s busiest hours (in my opinion, weekdays from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m and weekends anytime after 6:30p.m.), you will probably wait less than ten minutes for your your food. The convenience behind the ‘pay before you eat’ method and the ability to customize your made-to-order meal makes the wait during those busy hours worth it.

Food: 4.5/5 This place is a health nut’s dream. Not only is it vegetarian friendly, but it is also gluten-free friendly, vegan friendly, raw foods friendly, low-carb friendly, and macrobiotic diet friendly. The only thing it isn’t? Meat and dairy friendly (with the exception of whey protein and organic raw cheddar cheese from Cedar Grove). If you like simple, nutritious meals made with fresh ingredients, you should try this café. It’s easy to swap or add ingredients, and the staff make excellent suggestions. Keep in mind that prices may vary with changes. Laura recommends a concoction she calls “The Simply Crushed,” which consists of green tea, bee pollen, and ice. Live Alive offers organic tea and wine, vegan soups, all-natural fruit smoothies, fresh squeezed juices, gluten-free cookies, warm meals, and cold salads. The warm meals and cold salads come in three sizes, including a “demi” size aka “taster plate” (smallest portion, one serving), “handy wrap” (warm meal or salad wrapped inside a whole-wheat tortilla), and a “filling bowl” (largest portion, two servings). Kid-friendly options include the cheesy quesadilla, ants on a log, peanut butter and jelly tortilla wrap, and dried fruit granola with milk.

Atmosphere: 4/5 Although this place is quite literally an urban oasis, it echoes ‘cliché health food restaurant’ in that is geared toward free spirits and plant-lovers. You enter into a funky, yet modest interior and hear the soft humming of blenders, smell fresh produce, and notice the bright, bold accents. Upstairs offers café-style seating, tables, and booths. Downstairs has secluded bench areas, 6-top tables, as well as a children’s play area that is fully equipped with books and toys. Check for the passcode at the register to acquire an internet connection.

Price: 4.5/5 Live Alive uses quality ingredients to construct creative meals tailored to each customer’s nutritional needs. The only way to get this quality of product for less money would be to go to the farmer’s market, pick up the ingredients, and make the meal yourself. Not everyone has the time, nor patience to make fresh, homemade meals daily. This is where Life Alive comes in. Founder and CEO Heidi Feinstein recognizes the importance of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that carry health benefits, which is why fresh, local produce is delivered to the café daily. Frankly, you get what you pay for.

Accessibility: 4/5 Live Alive is located on the corner of Massachusetts Ave and Inman Street. There is metered parking scattered along both streets. Pleasant Street off of Massachusetts Ave has a few blocks of metered parking on the left-hand side. The café is 0.1 miles (about a three-minute walk) northwest of the the Central Square T stop, which services the red line.

Recommendations:

-12 oz. Superhero Alive Fresh Pressed Juice {carrot, apple, ginger, spirulina, cayenne, garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey}

-16 oz. Elvis Alive Smoothie {peanut butter, cocoa, banana, coconut milk ice cream, ice. *Other additions may include: chai, avocado, kale, cinnamon, dates, rice milk, flax, hempseed, maca} *On August 28th, Live Alive’s smoothie menu changed; consequently the Elvis Alive Smoothie is no longer available.

-The Lover Warm Plate {shiitake mushrooms, steamed greens, shredded carrots and beets, broccoli, brown rice, ginger Nama Shoyu sauce. *Other additions may include: sweet potato (seasonal), sunflower seeds, tamari almonds, dried pineapple, red lentil hummus, sesame stix}

-The Hot and Healthy Bachelor Grilled Tortilla Wrap {melted cheddar, hardboiled egg, broccoli, warmed greens, Braggs, nutritional yeast, whole-wheat tortilla. *Other additions may include: avocado, pressed garlic, corn, tofu}

-The Seeker Cold Salad {spring mescaline greens, garlic-lemon hummus, granny apple slices, cashews, cucumber, shredded carrots, sunflower sprouts, ginger Nama Shoyu sauce. *Other additions may include: avocado (seasonal), sun-dried tomatoes, quinoa, cranberries}

-12 or 16 oz. Warm Vegan Corn Chowder

-12 or 16 oz. Dandi Blend Coffee Substitute {a detoxifying drink made from chicory and other roots}

765 Massachusetts Ave

Cambridge, MA 02139

617.354.5433

www.lifealive.com

Dave’s Fresh Pasta Bar

Best Make-Your-Own Gourmet Sandwich

Overall: A-

$-$$

Service: 5/5 The cashiers are friendly and they get your order right the first time. They will be happy to substitute ingredients and will even offer recommendations. You simply order and pay, take a seat inside or outside, and wait for your name to be called. I’ve never waited longer than fifteen minutes for an order and there are plenty of specialty groceries and wine varietals to browse through while you wait. Keep in mind that they stop making sandwiches half an hour before closing. Hours are Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Food: 5/5 Dave’s uses fresh, local ingredients to make some of the best sandwiches in town. What makes Dave’s the best place for making your own sandwich is that they offer a variety of quality ingredients. Not only that, but the establishment doubles as a unique grocery store that sells specialty foods and wines, handmade pasta (which they have been making and selling for more than twenty years), homemade sauces, fancy sodas and juices, local fruits and vegetables, and artisanal meats and cheeses. Choose from their menu of speciality sandwiches, handmade calzones, pasta salads, pita wraps and paninis, or get creative and build your own sandwich by selecting a protein (grilled chicken, plainville turkey, grilled flank steak, grilled shrimp, prosciutto, chicken salad, tuna salad, black forest ham, genoa salame, mortadella, hot capocolla, smoky bacon), cheese (homemade boursin french brie, fresh mozzarella, fresh vermont goat cheese, aged asiago, crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, imported swiss, provolone piccante), fresh veggies (hot peppers, hass avocado, cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, caramelized onions, baby spinach, dill pickles, red onion, grilled portabella, katamala olives, fresh oregano, green apple, tomatoes, shredded carrots), homemade spread and/or dressing (chipotle aioli, tzatziki, black olive tapenade, dijon, grainy mustard, extra virgin olive oil, hummus, caesar dressing, mayo, artichoke and lemon pesto, greek dressing, tamari tahini dressing, dried fig jam, balsamic vinegar reduction, sun-dried tomato pesto, ranch dressing), and your choice of fresh bread (cibatta, pane rustico, french baguette, focaccia, whole wheat, Iggy’s rye, pita wrap). The possibilities are endless! I’ve been impressed with everything except the salads- save your money for one of their sandwiches or frozen pastas (easy to reheat at home).

Atmosphere: 5/5 Dave’s is more of a grocery store with a sandwich counter than a restaurant, but the casual Italian deli feel gives it a rustic charm (think blackboard menu, wood floors, pantry-like grocery display, wooden counters and booths) that’s hard to find elsewhere in Davis Square. Although seating is minimal, you can typically find a spot since people don’t linger long after meals. This is a great place to pick up picnic food or groceries for a night of at home cooking. Dave’s also offers wine tasting, cooking classes, catering, and gift certificates.

Price: 4/5 The portions are huge. If you have a voracious appetite, you can probably finish a whole sandwich. Otherwise Dave’s will gladly wrap your leftovers at the counter. This is no Subway. These sandwiches are made with fresh, local ingredients, so don’t expect to shell out $5.00 for a sandwich, drink and cookie. Specialty sandwiches and pasta salads cost less than $10.00, soups and salads cost an average of $5.00 each, and calzones that serves 6-8 peoples cost $25.00. In addition, there are enough specialty meats and cheeses, fresh produce, local ice cream, and homemade spreads to entice even the most frugal wanderer to leave with a sack full of goodies.

Accessibility: 4/5 For drivers, there is metered parking along Holland Street and Buena Vista. There is also a multi-space parking lot on the corner of Buena Vista Road and Holland St. Rates for meters (accepts quarters only) and parking lot (accepts quarters, bills, credit cards) are $1.00 per hour in $0.25 increments. Public transportation goers can take the red line to Davis Station and walk less than 0.1 miles (about three minutes) to Dave’s.

Recommendations:

-Italian Sandwich {mortadella, genoa salame, hot capocolla, provolone piccante, tomato, roasted peppers, red onion, hot peppers, fresh oregano, olive oil on your choice of bread}

-Roasted Veggie Goat Sandwich {fresh Vermont goat cheese, roasted eggplant and red peppers, greens, fresh oregano, olive oil on your choice of bread}

-Hot Tomato or Minestrone Soup

-Mediterranean Wrap {tzatziki, greens, tomato, red onion, shredded carrots, cucumbers, kalamata olives, olive oil in a pita}

-Cubano Sandwich {roasted pork loin, black forest ham, imported swiss, dill pickle, chipotle aioli on your choice of bread}

-My Personal Favorite Make-Your-Own Sandwich {swiss cheese, artichoke and lemon pesto, tomato, baby arugula, avocado on grilled focaccia bread}

81 Holland Street

Somerville, MA 02144

617.623.0867

www.davesfreshpasta.com

City Table

Best Fallback Restaurant for Dinner

Overall: B

Service: 5/5 The service at City Table is what makes this establishment one of my favorite go-to dinner places. If the server’s food recommendation isn’t to your liking, they will take it off your bill. If they are fifteen minutes from closing the kitchen and you come in starving, they will make you feel like a preferred customer. The attentive and pleasant nature of the staff greatly contributes to the delightful opulence of this prime neighborhood destination.

Food: 3/5 The food isn’t life changing, nor is it a disappointment (to say the least). I can come here day or night (without a reservation) and know that I will have a satisfying meal. The restaurant is in the perfect location. You can grab a bite after shopping on Newbury Street, or stop by after a night out for snacks and drinks (cocktail and bar menu available until 2:00 a.m.). If you’re looking for American cuisine with a polished edge, this is your place. The flavors usually blend well (you won’t find an extensive use of salt to cover up blunders, but sometimes the food can be too sweet, too rich, or too bland), the menu is creative (Chicken Drummetts in a dark rum glaze with lime dipping sauce), and menu items change bimonthly (you can always try something new). The only qualm I have is that there is nothing to take this food to the next level. And the desserts are, unfortunately, nothing special. On the plus side, City Table offers a fully loaded bar, late-night menu, and multiple vegan options.

Atmosphere: 5/5 Nestled in the Lenox Hotel located in the Back Bay, this laid-back yet elegant restaurant creates a comforting and rich dining experience. The restaurant’s high ceilings, warm brown woods, bamboo and slate floors, and neutral palette present an upscale, organic atmosphere. This is the perfect spot for a special occasion, unexpected rendezvous, or late business meeting.

Price: 4/5 The pricey portions aren’t monstrous, but you really get your bang for your buck with the starters, sandwiches, and sides. Even big eaters can spend less than $45.00 and leave with a full belly. Start with the New England Clam Chowder sprinkled with apple smoked bacon and served with a corn fritter, or try a simple House Chopped Salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, radicchio, mesclun mixed greens, and champagne vinaigrette. For your entree, try the Pancetta and Asparagus Pizza with ricotta cheese, fresh mozzarella, basil, and roma tomatoes. Might as well order a hefty side of Herb Risotto too. Still not full? Then you didn’t dig into the warm bread basket and wine.

Accessibility: 4/5 Although meters are numerous along Boylston Street, they are hard to snag unless you circle the block a few times. Valet parking is available at the Lenox Hotel. If you prefer public transit, you can get off at the Back Bay subway stop on Dartmouth Street and walk approximately seven minutes to the restaurant. After getting off at Back Back station, head North toward Stuart Street, then turn left and continue onto Huntington Street. Turn left onto Exeter Street and you will see City Table.

Recommendations:

-Ava’s Sweet Pea Soup {with gooseberry creme fraiche}

-Endive and Roquefort Salad {shaved radicchio and romaine, walnut vinaigrette, brioche croutons, Macintosh apples}

-Surf or Turf Tacos {ancho rubbed hanger steak or seared ahi tuna, warm tortillas, spicy tomatoes, guacamole}

-Lamb Two Ways {sliced grilled top round and osso bucco, white asparagus, smoked gouda and leek smashed potatoes, Cabernet sauce}

-Side of Herb Risotto

-Chardonnay, La Poule Blanche, France

61 Exeter Street

Boston, MA 02116

617.933.4800

www.citytableboston.com

The Paramount

Best Hangover Breakfast

Overall: A-

$-$$

Service: 4.5/5 Although the weekends can render a line out the door, it’s worth the wait. I’ve learned to go around 3:30pm on weekends and around 3:00pm weekdays to avoid the crowd. However, you can always order take-out to eat in the Boston Common or along the Charles River. If it’s your first time, the seating can get confusing. The rule is you have to order your food (cafeteria style), pay, and get your food before grabbing a table. The establishment seats less than forty people, but servers do quick table clean ups and regulate the seating so a table is always open up by the time your order is ready. The chefs are friendly, they work fast, and they cook everything just right (you won’t find any burnt pancakes or undercooked eggs here).

Food: 4/5 One of the reasons this is the best hangover breakfast spot is that everything on the breakfast menu is served until 4:30 p.m. I always respect a place that allows you to sleep until 3:00 p.m. and still satisfy a scrambled eggs, bacon, and french toast craving. The lunch menu, which is also served until 4:30 p.m., is a great alternative for those who prefer not to eat breakfast past noon. Whether you’re a local or visitor, if you like classic American breakfast foods like eggs, waffles, and french toast you will like Paramount. Honestly, I don’t go for the dinner because you just can’t top their breakfast. I personally dislike the hand cut sweet potato fries, but the home fries, omelets, blueberry buttermilk pancakes, grilled sandwiches, and homemade black bean burgers with tomato salsa are phenomenal. Paramount offers fresh squeezed juice, coffee, hot cocoa, unsweetened iced tea, and milkshakes.

Atmosphere: 5/5 The Paramount, which has been on Charles Street since 1937, evokes the history of the picturesque Beacon Hill. Gas-lit streets, window boxes filled with bright floral arrangements, and brick sidewalks set the mood for a comforting meal. The open kitchen evokes that casual diner feel while the brick walls, stainless steel appliances, and luxuriously heavy curtains entertain a more sophisticated energy. Overall, it’s quite charming.

Price: 5/5 The portions are large and the prices are moderate. You can get a simple egg and cheese sandwich for $4.00, or splurge on a grilled reuben for $8.50. Nothing on the breakfast or lunch menu costs more than $11.00, which is excellent considering the inflated prices in the Beacon Hill area. And you can’t beat the breakfast special: two eggs (any style), toast, home fries, and coffee for $6.00. If you’re not a coffee drinker, feel free to substitute hot or iced tea.

Accessibility: 4.5/5 Parking meters line Charles Street and there are a few Beacon Hill visitor parking spaces nearby, but the spots fill up on weekends. If you don’t have a car, take the subway to Charles/MGH Station (red line), then walk 0.6 miles (about 12 minutes). Or you could get off at Park St. (red line, green line), then walk 0.5 miles (about 10 minutes). Another option is to get off at Boylston St. (green line), then walk 0.5 miles (approximately 10 minutes). If you are within walking distance from Charles Street, I highly recommend taking a stroll. The area is just as safe and clean as it is enchanting.

Recommendations:

-Black Bean Burger {tomato salsa on a toasted whole wheat roll, served with your choice of sweet potato fries or regular fries}

-Western Omelette {ham, onion, pepper, and cheese served with home fries and toast}

-Texas Style Whole Grain French Toast

-Blueberry Pancakes {you can request real Vermont maple syrup for an extra $2.00 or “fruit on top” for an additional $2.00}

-Breakfast Special {two eggs any style, toast, home fries, coffee}

-Fruit Bowl {fresh, seasonal fruit}

-Fresh Squeezed Orange or Carrot Juice

44 Charles Street

Boston, MA 02114

617.720.1152

www.paramountboston.com

(South Boston address is 667 East Broadway)

6 Comments

Filed under $-$$, American, Boston, Breakfast, Brunch, Burgers, Catering, Dinner, Lunch, Meat Friendly, Rating: A-, Restaurant, Sandwiches, Take-Out, Vegetarian Friendly

Tagged as American, Breakfast Menu, Brunch Menu, Catering, Dinner Menu, Meat Friendly, Take-Out, Vegetarian Friendly

February 14, 2011

Temple Bar

Best Fondue and Seasonal Accompaniments

Overall: B+

$$$

Service: 4/5 I’m always satisfied with the geniality of the waiter or waitress, but a few times I’ve had to wait uncomfortably long for my food to arrive. If you aren’t starving, it’s no problem. If you are, I recommend snacking on the delicious bread basket that includes whole wheat options and Boston brown bread.

Food: 4.5/5 Temple Bar specializes in modern American cuisine that suits any palate. Traditional American flavors blend well with New England’s seasonal influence, adding a modern twist to the fare. Executive Chef Greg Boschetti Greg has previously worked for Chez Henri, a French meets Cuban restaurant in Cambridge, and moved his way up from Sous Chef to Executive Chef at Temple Bar. For brunch, try the “Croque” Eggs Benedict with artisanal sour dough, black forest ham, swiss cheese, smoked paprika hollandaise, and home fries. Or go for the Cowboy Omelet with chorizo, roasted peppers, mushroom, Vermont cheddar, and home fries. Meat-free dinner options include the Seasonal Vegetarian Charcuterie Board with vegetable terinne, pequillo pepper hummus, lemon edamame, daikon radish “spring roll” pickled vegetables, warm roasted root vegetable, and tarragon-mustard dressing. Also available are exquisite (and fairly priced) late night bar menu options, including the Crispy Confit Duck Wings with spicy pineapple duck sauce and sweet soy syrup for $9.00; Yuzu Citrus Tuna Tartar with spicy cucumber, avocado mousse, house made pickled ginger, and sesame rice crackers for $13.00; and the Rosemary and Sea Salt Pommes Frites with Malt Vinegar Aioli for $5.00.

Atmosphere: 5/5 This is one restaurant where the bar seating is just as warm and comforting as the rest of the charming interior. The spacious restaurant has exposed brick, ambient lighting and floor to ceiling mirrors on one end and a fully stocked copper and wood-paneled bar on the other. You and your party can lounge in oversized leather booths, or you can cozy up with an Old Orchard Sour (Lairds Applejack, lemon, simple syrup, yellow Chartreuse, angostura bitters) at the hightop bar. It’s a suitable dining or drinking venue for families, couples, friends, and chummy co-workers.

Price: Temple Bar serves fresh, seasonal food for a good price. Unique appetizers like Crispy Flash Fried Calamari with sweet and spicy dipping sauce and the Roomkass “Double Creme” Gouda Cheese Fondue with seasonal accompaniments are $11.00 and $16.00, respectively. Meat and seafood entrees average $20.00, as do the vegetarian options like the Seasonal Risotto and Seasonal Vegetable Plate. Sandwiches and pizza are a bit cheaper, costing you less than $15.00, and the sides are the cheapest things on the menu. Try the Olive Oil Poached Fingerling Potatoes and the Sautéed Spinach with fried garlic chips for $5.00 each. Keep in mind that portions are satisfying, but may not fill you to the brim (which isn’t always a bad thing).

Accessibility: 4/5 There is free parking daily from 6:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. behind the restaurant on the right side. Metered parking is also available along Massachusetts Ave. When it comes to public transit, take your pick between Harvard Square and Porter Square, since Temple Bar rests in between the two stations.

Recommendations:

-Snake River Farm Kobe Beef Sliders {artisan brioche, caramelized onions, smoked tomato aioli}

-Roasted Beet and Endive Salad {candied pistachios, toasted goat cheese crostini, horseradish-buttermilk dressing}

-Vegetarian Chef’s Tasting {Prix Fixe. Appetizer, Entree, Dessert. Chef’s Choice}

-White Truffle Pizza {avocado, tear drop tomatoes, baby arugula, white truffle oil, aged balsamic}

-Seared Brussels Sprouts {olive oil, salt}

-Roomkaas “Double Creme” Gouda Cheese Fondue (paired with seasonal accompaniments, like thick pretezel bites, thinly sliced pear, fingerling potatoes, broccoli)

-Fresh Brewed Ice Tea

1688 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

617.547.5055

www.templebarcambridge.com

4 Comments

Filed under $$$, American, Bar/Pub, Brunch, Burgers, Contemporary, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Fondue, Full Bar, Fusion, Gluten-Free Friendly, Late Night Menu, Meat Friendly, Modern, New England, Private Parties, Quick Bite, Rating: B+, Restaurant, Sandwiches, Snack, Vegetarian Friendly

Tagged as American, Best Fondue and Seasonal Accompaniments, Dessert, Dinner Menu, Late Night Menu, Meat Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly

Category Archives: Sandwiches

Live Alive Café

Dave’s Fresh Pasta Bar

City Table

The Paramount

Temple Bar

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Category Archives: Sandwiches

Live Alive Café

Dave’s Fresh Pasta Bar

City Table

The Paramount

Temple Bar

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