Tupelo: Delicious Fried Grits

Who would have thought that fried grits could be so tasty?

There is a new restaurant in Inman Square, Tupelo, which provides Southern cuisine. Located on the site of the former Magnolias, Tupelo is owned by Renee McLeod (of Petsi Pies fame) and Mike Walker. Chef Rembs Layman’s family came from New Orleans and he has worked at places including Chez Henri, La Morra, and Pomodoro.

Tupelo is a very casual and cozy eatery, with a small bar. They serve only wine and beer, and the wine list is small but diverse. I had a glass of Pinno Pinotage ($6.50), a good and inexpensive wine from South Africa. They also serve fresh brewed, unsweetened iced tea ($2) with free refills. If you refer back to yesterday's rant, you can see that this restaurant is doing it right with their iced tea. I also note that you are served water in a mason jar.

The food menu is split into Small Plates ($5-$8), Creoles, Etouffees & Jambalayas of the Day ($7), Entrees ($9-$15) and Side Plates ($5). Thus it is relatively inexpensive and the dishes provide a decent quantity for the price. There are also usually several nightly Specials available.

One item not listed on the menu is Corn Bread, one of my favorite foods. How can a Southern restaurant not serve corn bread? I was a bit disappointed but I asked my server about it anyways. Fortunately they did have corn bread available and I ate a couple pieces (plus there was no charge for it). It was tasty and moist though I would have preferred that it had been served warm. I probably could have gotten that though if I had requested it. Next time I will know.

I began my meal with one of their specials, Fried Grits ($5), which had come highly recommended by Pam of Cave Cibum. Though I am not usually a fan of grits, or at least what is commonly available locally, I decided to give this a try. They looked nothing like traditional grits. Instead, they reminded me of marshmallows, small squares with a crisp exterior but a creamy interior with a flavorful corn taste. I dripped a little hot sauce atop each fried grit and enjoyed them very much. I would heartily second Pam's recommendation on this dish.

I also tried the Jambalaya ($7) which contained thin slices of sausage, shredded crab meat and shrimp. For the price, this was a decent-sized dish with plenty of flavor. The rice was cooked well, the dish was spiced properly and there was plenty of seafood. Another dish I would recommend.

The hardest part of my meal was trying to decide which dessert to order. All of the desserts cost $7 each and they all sounded delicious. Coconut cream pie, double chocolate bread pudding, pecan pie, banana pudding and more. The dessert chef is Rachael Cummings and they also get some items from Petsi Pies and ice cream from Toscanini’s.

After much consideration, I chose the Coconut Cream Pie with bittersweet chocolate. This came like an individual tart, a flaky pastry shell containing a creamy, coconut filling all topped by a mound of fresh whipped cream. The plate was swirled with bittersweet chocolate. A decadently delicious treat which certainly satisfied me. It would be worth coming here just for dessert.

Service was excellent, my server being personable and accomodating. I enjoyed my dinner very much and Tupelo shows much promise. I certainly will return to try their other dishes. In these tough economic times, it is good to see a value restaurant open that provides excellent food. I do recommend you check out Tupelo.

Tupelo
1193 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA
Phone: (617) 868-0004

Tupelo: Where's My Pecan Pie?

On a last minute whim, on a Wednesday evening, I stopped by Tupelo for dinner. I really was interested to check out their pecan pie. Tupelo probably came to mind because the Boston Globe had reviewed the restaurant that day. I enjoyed my first visit to Tupelo and looked forward to another tasty meal.

I began by ordering a glass of their Watermelon White Sangria ($6), which is house made with fresh watermelon, white wine, and some simple syrup. It had a strong watermelon taste and had only a small bit of sweetness to it. I found it tasty and refreshing, an excellent summer drink. Unlike my first visit, I also received a bread basket with my meal, containing corn bread, biscuits and some toasted bread.

For dinner, I ordered a couple of the nightly specials plus one item off the regular menu. One of the regular Small Plates is the Southern spiced turkey meatballs ($6). You receive three decent-sized meatballs in a gravy-like broth accompanied by a thick slice of warm French bread. The meatballs were quite firm and meaty, very tasty with a nice spicy kick. I dipped the bread in the flavorful broth and very much enjoyed it.

One of the specials was the PEI mussels ($10) which were in a white wine and crawfish butter sauce with lots of garlic. It too came with a thick piece of French bread, which I dipped in the sauce. The plentiful mussels were small and tender and the sauce was buttery and flavorful. An excellent dish. I also had the Softshell crab ($12), which was chicken fried and accompanied by a corn and tomato salad. The fried crab was quite good, nicely crunchy.

I saved some room for dessert, remembering all the delectable choices I had seen previously on their menu. The Boston Globe review had also raved about the desserts, such as the coconut cream pie and pecan pie. But, the pecan pie was gone! So was the coconut cream pie, the banana pudding, and everything else I had seen before. The dessert menu had changed on the day of my visit, the same day the Globe review had come out.

The new early summer dessert menu includes items such as red velvet cake, key lime pie, mixed berry pie, stonefruit crisp, and chocolate peppermint parfait. None of those items appealed to me, maybe because my expectations had been for different items, like pecan pie. Maybe I need to stop by Petsi Pies to find that pie.

Service was very good again, and the restaurant was quite busy by the time I left. I continue to recommend Tupelo, especially as a value restaurant with tasty food. I have yet to have a dish I did not enjoy. But where is my pecan pie?

Tupelo
1193 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA
Phone: (617) 868-0004

East Cambridge Rib Fest 2013: The Winners

"It's a simple question Doctor, would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs?"
--Will Ferrell

There is something primal about eating ribs, hearkening back to our ancient ancestors. You grab the rib with your hands so that there is no distance between you and your food, as occurs when you use utensils. You gnaw the meat off the bone, like any carnivorous animal would. And the sauces that usually cover the ribs sticks to your hands and face, often reminiscent of blood. This past Sunday, I participated in such a savage ritual, on the streets of Cambridge, amidst a horde of other carnivorous diners. The glories of charred flesh.

Once again, the East Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) presented their annual “Smoke This” Rib Fest 2013, pitting the chefs and pit masters of eighteen restaurants and establishments against each other in a culinary showdown on Cambridge Street to determine who made the Best Ribs. There were actually three levels of judging for this event. First, there were three more professional judges, including Dan Souza, senior editor of Cooks Illustrated Magazine, Nookie Postal, chef/owner of Commonwealth Restaurant, and Tyler Sundet, of Hungry Mother and State Park. Second, there were three local bloggers, including Erica of In and Around Town, Fiona of A Boston Food Diary and myself. This was my second year judging the event, and it was just as fun as last year. Finally, the the public had an opportunity to vote for their favorites too.

This year, eighteen restaurants and establishments participated, three less than last year, including: Abigail’s, Area 4, ARTBAR, Atwood’s Tavern, Bambara, Champions, CRLS Culinary, East Coast Grill, East Side Bar & Grille, The Filamonica Santa Antonio Center, Lord Hobo, New Deal Fish Market, Ole, Portugalia, Puritan & Co., Redbones, Trina’s Starlight Lounge, and Tupelo. Though there were a few less restaurants this year, there were still plenty of ribs, as well as other dishes, and more table space so you could sit and savor your ribs. It is important to mention that ribs were not the only items available, and that a number of restaurants sell other items too, from oysters to corn bread. If you leave this event hungry, then you have a problem (or are a vegetarian).

Fortunately, the weather on Sunday was excellent, sunny but with a pleasant fall crispness in the air. It brought out plenty of attendees, and several of the restaurants had long lines to obtain their ribs. With music, games, and cooking demonstrations, there was much else to do besides gorge on ribs. There were a few beer vendors, though no wine booths, which I think was an omission they need to fix next year. Not everyone likes beer and there are plenty of hearty red wines which would pair well with the meaty ribs. There is Sake too which would go well with ribs, but I wouldn't expect the Rib Fest to have a Sake booth too (though it would really excite me.)

There is such a diversity in the realm of ribs. Beef, pork, lamb, goat, and more. Rib styles such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, Carolina, Texas and more. Though the definitions can be a bit vague, you can generally separate the styles into two basic schools: wet and dry, dependent on whether the ribs are slathered in a sauce or prepared with a dry rub. The nature of the sauce varies, whether thick, thin, sweet, spicy or a combination of sweet & spicy. In addition, the cut, size of the ribs and which bones are removed makes a difference. We cannot forget Asian style ribs either though, and I mean more than the ordinary spare ribs you find at basic Chinese restaurants. Tea smoked, five spice, Thai style and so much more. The eighteen restaurants at the Rib Fest offered up plenty of diversity, though they obviously couldn't include every type and style that exists.

An important issue that struck me during my tastings was that not all ribs are created equal. When a restaurant is cooking a large stack of ribs, some of those ribs are going to be naturally better than others. Maybe a more tender cut of meat, a better cooked section of rib, an area with just the right amount of sauce or rub. Conversely, there are going to be worse ribs, with fatty or tougher meat, which are over or under cooked, or with not enough or too much sauce/rub. Good chefs will try to minimize these differences, but they cannot be eliminated. The result is that not all judges are going to have the same quality of rib from the same restaurant. That contribute to differences in voting results, and I think it played at least a partial role in my own decision of my top three favorites.

The professional judges selected Bambara as the First Place winner of the Rib Fest (which won last year as well. They also awarded Second Place to East Side Bar & Grill, and Third Place to the Tupelo. The public had some different choices, awarding First Place to East Side Bar & Grill, Second Place to Tupelo and Third Place to ArtBar. Last year, the professional judges and the public did not choose any of the same winners but this year they shared two of the same picks, though in different positions.

My own choices for the Top Three Ribs are most in line with the public voting, matching two of their choices, though not the positions. Before announcing those choices, I want to congratulate all of the entrants for their rib dishes. Judging was not easy because there were plenty of ribs which I enjoyed, each with their own unique attributes. It is a real pleasure to get to judge and sample so many excellent examples of ribs.

Third Place is awarded to Tupelo for their St. Louis Ribs with Tupelo's Secret Sauce. I am a fan of their restaurant (loving those fried grits) and I enjoyed their ribs much more this year than I did last year. The rib meat was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was complex and intriguing, with a nice balance of tastes. Third place was tough to decide as there were a few other close contenders, including Abigails, Lord Hobo, and Portugalia.

Second Place is awarded to ARTBAR for their Baby Back Ribs with Apple Cider BBQ Sauce. Last year they went more nontraditional with their Spiced Lemon Confit Marinade Baby Back Ribs, but this year went were traditional. When I picked up my rib, the meat slid right off the bone even before biting into it. The meat was incredibly tender, with a superb and complex sauce, both sweet and savory, that was rich in complementary flavors. This is the type of rib that thrills your palate and which makes you immediately reach out for more. And I was very torn over whether this rib should take first or second place. A very,very close decision. ARTBAR also gets kudos for the extra items they served, including a tasty pulled pork, corn bread and apple cider donut holes. All of them were delicious, especially the donut holes!

Drum roll, please.....

First Place is awarded to Champions Sports Bar! This is their second year as my top favorite, and their ribs are essentially the same as last year. This is what I wrote last year and it stands again to represent my feelings. "These ribs had a Kansas City dry rub, were cooked over apple, hickory and cherry woods, and had a glaze that included apples and brown sugar. The moist, tender meat slid off the bone and the taste impressed with its complexity and melange of compelling flavors, both sweet and spicy. The sauce accented the ribs without overwhelming it. This was another clear "wow" dish and I was tempted to remain at their table and devour several more of these ribs. Kudos for such amazing ribs!" When you create such a compelling rib, there isn't much reason to change your recipe.

I must also give a special Honorable Mention to Puritan & Co. for their Moxie Glazed Lamb Ribs, one of the most unique offerings at the Rib Fest. These ribs seemed to be a bit fatty, due to the nature of lamb, and the meat was a bit tougher than many of the other ribs, but they packed in some delightful and earthy flavors, with a mild but compelling glaze. I am a fan of lamb so these ribs appealed to me, and I think lamb ribs have lots of potential and I would like to see more of them at future Rib Fests.

Tupelo: I Found My Pecan Pie

I was disappointed on my last trip to Tupelo because they had changed their dessert menu and the pecan pie was no longer there. This past weekend though, I was very pleased to see that Tupelo had brought back their pecan pie, as well as several of their other prior desserts.

Dinner was once again quite delicious, especially the fried clams special. The warm pecan pie with a blackberry sauce and bourbon ice cream was excellent. I really enjoy pecan pie and this was a very good example of this fine southern dessert. The ice cream was intriguing, creamy with a flavor reminiscent of bourbon though it did not overpower.

It appears the dessert menu will change frequently. The chalkboard noted that the current dessert menu was good only for a week. So the pecan pie might not be available if you visit. If you really want it, call ahead to see if it is on the menu.

In that same regard, when our server told us about the specials, the fried grits were not on the list. But, I did ask about them and the server stated they did have a small amount left so we were able to get them. So, if they don't mention the fried grits, ask about them as well. Those are not to be missed.

Tupelo
1193 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA
Phone: (617) 868-0004

Tupelo: New Sunday Brunch

I love chicken & waffles! Such a delicious comfort food, a perfect melding of breakfast and dinner. Thus, when I learned that Tupelo had a new brunch, and served chicken & waffles, I just had to check it out.

Tupelo, located in Cambridge near Inman Square, was my Favorite Southern Restaurant of 2009. They serve inexpensive and delicious fare including their exceptional fried grits! Plus, they have excellent desserts, many coming from Petsi Pies. Previously, they only served dinner but have recently added Sunday brunch.

After a little difficulty finding an available parking spot nearby, a usual problem on Cambridge Street, we arrived at the restaurant just as it opened. We were seated immediately, and quickly received coffee and unsweetened iced tea while we perused the menu. The brunch menu includes Starters ($7-$9), Sandwiches ($10-$12), Main Courses ($9-$16) and Sides ($3-$4). Start with Southern Spiced Turkey Meatballs or try a Catfish po’boy. Maybe you would rather some Smoked sausage and roasted veggie hash plus a side order of Cheddar grits. Some of these items are also on their dinner menu while others are unique to the brunch menu.

The only special, not listed on the brunch menu, was the Fried Grits. As usual, these were superb, with a nice crunchy exterior and the creamy, corn-flavored interior. Dash some of Frank's Hot Sauce on these and enjoy! Even if you think you dislike grits, I strongly recommend you check these out and I bet you find you love them. If not, send them my way.

Ah, Fried Chicken and Waffles! They came with some bourbon maple syrup and spiced cream, the butter-like scoop on the right side of the waffle. Plus the dreaded powdered sugar! I have previously ranted about my dislike of powdered sugar on waffles, and other breakfast dishes. I don't think this dish needed it, especially because of the spiced cream and syrup.

The waffle was very good, crisp outside and soft inside. The spiced cream was intriguing, a blend of cinnamon and other Xmas spices, which added some sweetness to the waffle, though not overboard. The fried chicken was absolutely delicious, nice crunchy skin with plenty of juicy meat. I could have easily eaten a bucket of that chicken. I would certainly order this dish again, and just ask for them to hold the powdered sugar. Does anyone really want powdered sugar on their chicken either?

The side of Bacon had five strips, which were cooked perfectly for me, just the right amount of crispness without being over-cooked.

The Fritata of the Day, with Mixed Greens, was filled with peppers, tomatoes, goat cheese and cheddar. It was thick, moist and tasty, with plenty of creamy goat cheese. A lighter choice which is sure to please. Plus, you have some salad.

The usual dessert list was available after brunch, including their delicious pecan pie. But I wanted to try their Banana Pudding Pie. In its own pastry shell, there is a layer of banana slices topped by the pudding, and then capped with a light meringue and drizzles of caramel sauce. A decadent treat, the pudding had a rich banana taste, without any artificial flavor, and supplemented by the thin banana slices. The pastry shell was flaky and fresh, and the meringue offered a light and fluffy topping. All in all, a fine ending to any meal, though note it is large enough to feed two people.

Service was excellent, our server being attentive and efficient. The restaurant was about 90% full within 30 minutes of the opening, but the service never faltered. I checked out some of the dishes that went to the other tables and the po'boys really looked good, and big! Brunch was equally as good as Tupelo's dinners, and well worth checking out. I will certainly return here again and hope to see some of my readers there as well.

2010: Favorite Restaurants

What were some of my favorite restaurants of the past year?

Last week, I provided a General Summary for 2010 and now I want to touch on some more specific items, including my favorites in numerous categories. This post will concentrate on my Favorite Restaurants of the past year while future posts will discuss my other food, wine, sake, and spirit favorites.  This is certainly not a complete list but it is more a sampling of memorable matters I have experienced and posted about over the past year.  All of the items here get my strongest recommendation.

Favorite Brunch, Traditional Fare: For more traditional brunch items, albeit with a French flair, then you must make the trek to AKA Bistro in Lincoln.  Homemade croissants, hearty omelettes, quiche, Croque Monsieur sandwiches and much more. Consistent quality, excellent service, and absolutely delicious food. This has been an excellent addition to the suburbs.

Brunch, Traditional Fare-Honorable Mention: Who doesn't love chicken and waffles? Tupelo, in Inman Square, began serving brunch this year and is doing very well.  My personal favorite is their fried chicken (such a cripsy and flavorful coating with moist meat) and Belgian waffles, but I always get a side of the Fried Grits too.  In addition, Tupelo is inexpensive, making this a great casual choice. 

Favorite Brunch, Non-Traditional Fare: For the second year in a row, this category is won by Myers & Chang in the South End. Their non-traditional, Dim Sum weekend brunch consists of many creative and tasty Asian small plates, for only $3-$6 each. There is something for everyone, and you won't go away hungry or unhappy.  You can even sit at the counter and watch them cook.

Favorite Donuts: The chain donut stores just cannot compete with some of the small, independent donut shops out there.  And my big find this year was Donut City in Lynn, a new shop with a wide selection of fresh, delicious donuts and baked goods. If they were any closer to me, I would be buying their donuts every day.  This tiny spot puts to shame places like Dunkin' Donuts and Honeydew Donuts.

Favorite Japanese Restaurant: Though it is pricey, you get your money's worth at Oishii in the South End. From fresh sushi (in a wide variety of choices) to creative maki, from delicate tempura to innovative entrees, you will be very satisfied with the selections.  Their sweet potato tempura is superb, as well as the largest I have ever seen!  Plus, they have a lengthy and interesting sake menu. Go to Oishii and splurge.

Favorite Chinatown Restaurant: Xiaolongbao aka Soup dumplings. Such a simple but compelling dish, pork dumplings with a savory broth that bursts into your mouth when you bite into the dumpling. One of the best versions can be found at the Gourmet Dumpling House, and as it is often busy, the secret is out.  But you must journey there for this addictive dish.  And at only $6.50 for 8 soup dumplings, they are a great value too.

Favorite Asian Buffet: Another winner for the second year in a row, the Taipei Tokyo Cafe in Woburn offers a Japanese/Chinese lunch buffet for about $10 which cannot be beat.  You'll find everything from sushi to dumplings, fried rice to scallion pancakes. They bring out small portions of each dish, which helps ensure the food stays fresh, and they continue to restock the dishes when they empty. As it remains under the radar, it is never overly crowded like some other Asian lunch buffets.  Plus, it is BYOB and they don't charge a corkage fee.

Favorite Suburban Restaurant: For the third year in a row, Bistro 5, in Medford, is my favorite suburban place. Chef Vittorio creates intriguing cuisine, with the freshest of ingredients, and the restaurant has an intriguing wine list. I always have an excellent dinner there and it gets my highest recommendation.  You don't expect a restaurant of this quality in its location, but it is well worth the short trip.

Favorite New Suburban Restaurant: I previously mentioned that AKA Bistro has one of my favorite brunches, but the rest of their food is top notch too.  Go for lunch or dinner, and find both fine French and Sashimi dishes. You must try their homemade Miso soup, and their Mussels are exceptional.  I have yet to eat anything I disliked, and they get my highest recommendation too.

Favorite North End Restaurant, High End: If you want to celebrate, then you must make reservations at Prezza, which has some of the best Italian food in the North End.  The food is hearty, extremely tasty, and very well made. I have greatly savored all of the meals I have had their this year, and look forward to many more in the future.  They also have a lengthy and interesting wine list, heavy on the Italian wines.  Plus, though their regular menu is pricey (yet well worth it), they run numerous inexpensive specials, making it affordable for almost  anyone.  Another restaurant with my highest recommendation.  

Favorite North End Restaurant, Moderate: There are plenty of options in the North End, so where should you dine? The best choices are usually off the usual tourist paths, and one such gem is Nebo, run by two sisters.  They use the best of ingredients, and serve a delicious menu of Italian specialties, including exceptional pizza. This is a place for an intimate date, or to take the entire family for a weekend feast.  Plus, they have an extensive gluten-free menu.

Favorite North End Restaurant, Fusion:  Fusion is sometimes considered a bad word, but if done well, it can excel. Chef Jose Duarte of Taranta knows the secret, having created a superb fusion of Italian and Peruvian cuisine, not two that you would normally consider working well together. Taranta's dishes seamlessly meld these two cuisines, creating wonderfully flavorful entrees. This is a innovative restaurant not to miss.  

Favorite Italian Restaurant Outside the North End: With Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette behind it, you just knew Coppa had lots of potential.  And it livesg up to that potential, providing some incredible, and very affordable, Italian food. All of the food costs $15 or less, and the menu changes frequently, depending on what is seasonal and available. You'll find some excellent snout to tail cooking here, and other intriguing items like their blood sausage pepperoni.  It is a small, intimate spot and has enhanced the already exciting culinary scene in the South End.

Favorite Italian Restaurant, Somerville: Boston is not the only place to get excellent Italian food. Pizzeria Posto, just off Davis Square, is getting better and better all the time.  With an top notch brunch, delicious pizzas and killer pasta, there is much to enjoy. Plus, it is reasonably priced, making it an even more compelling destination.  The menu changes seasonally and I have to emphasize again the superb quality of their pasta dishes. This is a restaurant that is going places.  

Favorite Suburban Steak House: Though I need to write an updated post for it, I want to give kudos to the Beacon Grille in Woburn, a high-end steakhouse which also gives all of its profits to a charitable foundation.  Their food, both at lunch and dinner, is very good, equal to the quality found at other comparable steakhouses.  And their prices are less expensive than some of the other similar restaurants. If you are in the suburbs, you definitely should check it out.

Favorite Unique Ethnic Restaurant: Nestled in a small shopping complex in Malden, you'll find Habesha, an Ethopian restaurant.  This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, and it was intriguing and delicious. Try the Minchet Aresh, made from ground beef with garlic and a berbere sauce, berbere being a mix of powdered chile pepper and spices. You don't use utensils, rather eating with injera, a type of sourdough flatbread made out of fermented teff flour. Give Habesha a try.

Favorite Fried Seafood: The North Shore has plenty of good fried seafood places, but the Clam Box in Ipswich earns my kudos.  The plates are plentiful, and the fried seafood is light and clean, without any gritty taste. Clams, scallops, lobster, shrimp, and so much more. It is a very popular place so get there early unless you don't mind waiting.  

Favorite Underappreciated Restaurant: Some excellent restaurants just don't seem to get sufficient credit or publicity. Though their high quality might be acknowledged, the restaurant name doesn't seem to come up often enough in restaurant discussions.  One such place is T.W. Food in Cambridge, an intimate spot with superb food and an excellent wine list. I have enjoyed a few top notch dinners there this year, including a recent Jura wines dinner. Yes, it is located a bit off the beaten path but it is well worth the trek.  You won't be disappointed in the least.

Favorite Desserterie: This was once again an easy choice and for the third year in a row, the award goes to Le Patissier, located in the Troquet Restaurant in Boston. Pastry Chef Sarah Woodfine is extremelty, and her souffles especially pleased me.  Unfortunately, Sarah has left Le Patissier, moving out of state, so you can no longer find her culinary delights in Boston.  If you never had her desserts, you really missed out.

Favorite Pizza: This was a tough category as I enjoyed plenty of tasty pizzas this year, at places like Pizzeria Posto and Nebo.  But the winner was Coppa with their Blue Ribbon Pizza: mozzarella, tomato, braised oxtail, bone marrow, horseradish and the addition of blood sausage pepperoni.  A unique, savory taste, it stood out amidst plenty of other competing pizzas.

Favorite Comfort Food: Though I have not stopped by their storefront yet, I have tasted and enjoyed K.O. Catering and Pies' Aussie meat pie. The ground meat within the flaky crust is spiced well, and makes for fine comfort food. I do intend to make it to their store soon, and definitely want another meat pie, as well as to try some of their other Aussie foods. 

Favorite Chicken Dish: If you dine out, roast chicken is probably not your first choice for an entree. It just often doesn't seem special enough, and many of the roast chicken dishes you find fit that description.  But, Espalier has a Roasted Apple Street Farm Chicken dish which blew me away.  The chicken was cooked perfectly, incredibly moist with a delicious, crispy skin. It was better than almost any roast chicken dish I have had at home or elsewhere, and I would certainly order it again and again.

Favorite French Fries: Most sweet potato fries are just not appealing. They are often too limp and unsatisfying.  But, Clink, at the Liberty Hotel, has perfected their sweet potato fries, which are perfectly crisp on the outside, and fluffy and flavorful inside.  Very addictive, these should be the role model for all sweet potato fries.

Favorite Wine Dinner: This was another tough category, and in the end, I couldn't make a decision so there is a tie.  First, there was a phenomenal Sherry pairing dinner at Mooo, in their wine cellar. The food was superb, from butter poached lobster to some of the best scallops I have ever tasted.  Plus, the sherry pairings all worked very well.  The type of meal you savor in your memories for years to come. Second, there was the Vietti Wine Dinner at Prezza, with the wine maker Lucca Currado.  The food was phenomenal, such as the Rabbit Saltimboca and Goat Cheese Gnocchi.  And the Vietti wines were amazing, from the Arneis to the Barolo.  Most people are lucky if they have one such special dinner each year.  I was blessed to have two.

Favorite Non-Massachusetts Restaurants: I have taken several trips this year, both domestic and international, and one of those destinations had the hands down best food overall.  The winner is Spain!  Fresh seafood, tapas, gazpacho, angulas, and much, much more. This time, most of the food was paired with sherry, which did very well with the cuisine. If I had to recommend a single vacation destination, I would choose Spain.

What were some of your favorite restaurants this year?

Stoneham Sun: Trek to Tupelo

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the July 8 issue issue of the Stoneham Sun newspaper. This is a weekly column that concentrates on reviews of local restaurants though it also sometimes touches on other food and wine topics.

The new column has been published today and will be available online soon. The new article is a restaurant review of Tupelo, a new Cambridge place serving inexpensive, Southern cuisine. Check out their Fried Grits!

If you have any questions or comments about my column, feel free to add them here.

Dine with passion

East Cambridge Rib Fest: The Winners

"It's a simple question Doctor, would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs?"
--Will Ferrell

Yes, yes I would. And on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, it seemed as if part of Cambridge was made of ribs too and I certainly ate my way through it. In total, I sampled 20 different ribs, which is a great and tasty way to spend any day. I would have tasted 21 ribs, but unfortunately one restaurant ran out of ribs early.

This past Sunday, the East Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) presented the annual “Smoke This” Rib Fest 2012, pitting the chefs and pit masters of twenty-one restaurants and establishments against each other in a culinary showdown to determine who made the Best Ribs. Chef Tony Maws, of Craigie on Main, Kenji Alt, the Chief Creative Officer of Serious Eats, and Dave Andelman, of The Phantom Gourmet, were the celebrity judges of this event. There was a second level of judging as well, three local bloggers, including Erica of In and Around Town, William of The Boston Foodie and myself. In addition, the public had an opportunity to vote for their favorite ribs.

The twenty-one participating restaurants and establishments included: Abigails, ARTBAR, Atwoods, Bambara, Catalyst, Champions, CRLS Students, East By Northeast, East Side Bar & Grille, Filarmonica Santo Antonio, Lizzy's, Lord Hobo, Midwest Grill, New Deal Fish Market, Ole Mexican Grill, PF Changs, Portugalia, Redbones, Trina's, Tupelo, and West Bridge.

The event brought out lots of people, and later in the afternoon there were several long lines at some of the more popular tables. At times, the air filled with smoke and ash from all the grills, and when I went home, my shirt even smelled of that smoke. I was pleased that there were numerous tables and chairs set up along the street so you could sit and eat your ribs. Some of the ribs were expectantly messy so trying to eat them while standing up would not be the easiest. I am sure the fest went through tons of napkins, despite plenty of people licking the rib sauce off their fingers.

Unfortunately, no wine was available at the Rib Fest as they chose to concentrate on beer, which was certainly popular, including Pretty Things Beer, Cambridge Brewing Co. and Portico Brewing Co. But a hearty red wine would have pleased me, or even an umami-rich Sake.

There was music by Hayride and The Atwood’s Monday Night Bluegrass Band. Fiddles and banjos adding to the festive atmosphere.

In addition, there were cooking demonstrations, brought by the good people of How2Heroes,

For $3, you could take a spin on the Wheel of Chance and everyone was guaranteed to win a prize. I took a spin and won a $25 gift certificate to the New England Aquarium.

Of course, the main attraction at the fest were the ribs.

When you think of ribs, what first comes to mind? Southern style ribs, such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, Carolina, Texas and more. Though the definitions can be a bit vague, you can generally separate the styles into two basic schools: wet and dry, dependent on whether the ribs are slathered in a sauce or prepared with a dry rub. The nature of the sauce varies, whether thick, thin, sweet, spicy or a combination of sweet & spicy. In addition, the cut, size of the ribs and which bones are removed makes a difference. We cannot forget Asian style ribs either though, and I mean more than the ordinary spare ribs you find at basic Chinese restaurants. Tea smoked, five spice, Thai style and so much more. At the Rib Fest, you got to experience a myriad of styles and preparations.

The celebrity judges selected Bambara as the First Place winner of the Rib Fest. They also awarded Second Place to Tupelo and Third Place to the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School. The public had some different choices, awarding First Place to East Side Bar & Grill, Second Place to ArtBar and Third Place to Champions Sports Bar. It is very interesting that the celebrity judges and the public did not choose any of the same winners. That shows how tastes can vary significantly.

My own choices for the Top Three Ribs are more in line with the public voting. Before announcing those choices, I want to congratulate all of the entrants for their rib dishes. Judging was not easy because there were plenty of ribs which I enjoyed, each with their own unique attributes. Though I will list my Top Three choices, I will also give a couple Honorable Mentions to other ribs which deserve recognition.

Third Place is awarded to Abigail's Restaurant. This was the toughest Place to decide as there were several worthy candidates. Abigail's ribs were Memphis style, a dry rub, with a Kansas City style sauce. the ribs were tender and meaty, with an excellent melange of spices in the rub. I got a side of their house sauce for dipping and found it also to be delicious, with a spicy backbone. These are the type of ribs that you can easily devour a dozen or more.

Second Place is awarded to East Side Bar & Grill. They certainly looked very professional, with their huge grill, and it is easy to understand why their ribs are so popular with the public. They called their pork ribs "Texaschusetts" style, a blend of a Massachusetts barbecue sauce with Texas spices on the ribs. This is one of those "wow" ribs which should impress most people. Meaty, tender, and grilled perfectly with a great depth of flavor, both sweet and spicy. You'll want to order a complete rack of these ribs to satisfy your inner carnivore.

Drum roll, please.....

First Place is awarded to Champions Sports Bar! These ribs had a Kansas City dry rub, were cooked over apple, hickory and cherry woods, and had a glaze that included apples and brown sugar. The moist, tender meat slid off the bone and the taste impressed with its complexity and melange of compelling flavors, both sweet and spicy. The sauce accented the ribs without overwhelming it. This was another clear "wow" dish and I was tempted to remain at their table and devour several more of these ribs. Kudos for such amazing ribs!

I want to give Honorable Mention to the New Deal Fish Market for their incredible barbecue sauce. Their southwest style ribs were generously slathered with an Italian chestnut honey-based sauce. This umami-rich, earthy sauce possessed an intriguing flavor. I recently got to taste some chestnut honey and loved its earthiness, and believe it worked great in this sauce.

I also want to give Honorable Mention to the ArtBar. Their Spiced Lemon Confit Marinade Baby Back Ribs had one of the best presentations, with greens and focaccia bread. It also possessed one of the most subtle and unique flavors of all the ribs. After the big, bold flavors of many of the ribs, these were certainly a major change. ArtBar also offered a free taste of a new soda their bartender, Elizabeth, created: a combination of pomegranate juice, lime and black pepper. Such a bold, peppery flavor with nice fruity undertones.

Congratulations to all the winners! I can't wait for next year's Rib Fest.

Stoneham Sun: Favorite Restaurants of 2009

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the January 6 issue of the Stoneham Sun newspaper. This is a weekly column that concentrates on reviews of local restaurants though it also sometimes touches on other food and wine topics.

The new column has been published today and will be available online soon. The new article is a list of some of my Favorite Restaurants of 2009. The choices range from Bistro 5 to Craigie on Main, from Tupelo to Myers & Chang. Check out some of my highest recommendations of the past year.

If you have any questions or comments about my column, feel free to add them here.

Dine with passion

2009 In Review: Favorite Restaurants

Let me continue a review of my top recommendations and favorites of the past year, 2009. Yesterday, I provided a General Summary of 2009 and now I want to touch on some more individual events and items, including some of my favorites in certain categories. This post will concentrate on my Restaurant favorites. Future posts will discuss my other food, wine, spirits and Saké favorites.

This is certainly not a complete list. It is more a sampling of memorable matters I have experienced and posted about over the past year.

Favorite Brunch, Traditional Fare: For bacon and eggs and similar such fare, you must check out brunch at Craigie on Main. They put their own spin on this traditional fare, turning the simplest of dishes into a wondrous delight. Besides the usual fare, they also have some nontraditional items which are equally as delicious. It is a place to take someone you wish to impress.

Favorite Brunch, Non-Traditional Fare: For a tasty, albeit non-traditional, Dim Sum weekend brunch you must go to Myers & Chang in the South End. They have plenty of creative and tasty Asian small plates, for only $3-$6 each. Sit at the counter and watch them cook and prepare our food. I have eaten more brunches here this year than anywhere else.

Favorite Decadent Breakfast: The Lobster & Swiss Cheese Omelet at Becky's Diner in Portland, Maine, is certainly not your usual breakfast. But the sweet lobster meat, of which there was plenty, really makes for a great filling for the cheesy omelet. And at only $13.95, it was a good value too. Why not splurge for breakfast?

Favorite Asian Restaurant: Besides their Dim Sum brunch, Myers & Chang serves excellent food for lunch and dinner. Plus they have a full bar, with interesting specialty drinks and Saké. And did you know that about 85% of their clientele is women? Men take notice!

Favorite Asian Buffet: For only $10, you can order the Japanese/Chinese lunch buffet at the new Taipei Tokyo Cafe in Woburn. You'll find everything from sushi to dumplings, fried rice to chicken fingers. They bring out small portions of each dish, which helps ensure the food stays fresh, and they continue to restock the dishes when they empty. As it is a bit under the radar, it is never overly crowded like some other Asian lunch buffets.

Favorite Local Asian Dish: U-Me, a new Asian restaurant opened in Stoneham this summer. Their Szechuan Wings just blew me away. Very crispy and meaty chicken wings, slathered with a sweet and slighty spicy sauce, are so much better than the usual chicken wings you find elsewhere. They are so addictive, I have to order them nearly every time I dine here.

Favorite Local Restaurant: For the second year in a row, Bistro 5, in Medford, is my favorite local place. Chef Vittorio creates intriguing cuisine, with the freshest of ingredients, and the restaurant has an intriguing wine list. This past year I have attended some excellent wine dinners there, including an Heirloom Tomato Dinner, Spirited Gourmet Dinner, and Paolo de Marchi Dinner, all of which really pleased my palate.

Favorite New Local Restaurant: I was extremely pleased this year at the return of one of my favorite Chefs, Steve Bell, to the newly opened Bobby’s Grille in Wellesley. The restaurant reminds me of the former Savory Tastes Cafe and the food is equally as compelling. Prices are reasonable, the food is plentiful and I think this restaurant will only continue to get better. Kudos to Chef Bell!

Favorite Italian Restaurant, Innovative: Though you can find plenty of traditional Italian cuisine in Boston, it is much more difficult to find something innovative. For the best of the innovative though, you must seek out the cuisine of Chef Charles ("Chuck") Draghi at Erbaluce. His ever-changing menu items do not rely on butter, cream or oil, and his food thus seems much lighter but without any sacrifice of flavor. Plus, his Italian wine list is superb, with many esoteric choices.

Favorite North End Restaurant: There are plenty of options in the North End, so where should you dine? Well, I have thoroughly enoyed Antico Forno, located on Salem Street, a bit off the beaten path. With its brick oven, the restaurant adds an interesting twist on many of their dishes. They also have an excellent, thin crust pizza. With reasonable prices, and a newly renovated interior, this is fine choice.

Favorite Pasta Dishes: From the Papardelle with Bolognese to the Chestnut Bigoli, Sportello is making an impressive debut. Another piece of Chef Barbarba Lynch's culinary empire, this restaurant is located in the Fort Point area of Boston. The pasta and sauces perfectly complement each other, and the casual, diner ambiance of the restaurant is quite fun.

Favorite Southern Restaurant: A new southern restaurant, Tupelo, opened in Cambridge this year, near Inman Square. You'll find cheap, delicious fare including the exceptional fried grits! With some of their desserts coming from Petsi Pies, you will enjoy your entire meal, from appetizers to desserts. It is a small, casual place and has recently started serving brunch.

Favorite New England Steak House: Though Boston has plenty of very good steakhouses, it was a restaurant in Connecticut that impressed me the most this year. The David Burke Prime Steakhouse, at Foxwoods Casino, warranted two posts, one to discuss the place and the other to describe the food. Their dry-aged steaks are exceptional, as is most of their other food. From their caesar salad served tableside to their creative desserts, you will savor each bite. It is not cheap, but is well worth the price.

Favorite Las Vegas Steak House: My meal began with the Bone Marrow Flan, an intriguing and tasty appetizer. From the start, I was impressed. Cut, Wolfgang Puck's Steakhouse in the Palazzo, is a pricey but excellent steakhouse with fine food, excellent service and a lengthy and appealing wine list. It is also well worth a splurge.

Favorite Las Vegas Restaurant: Raku, a hidden jewel, is a superb Japanese restaurant located off the strip. The food is authentic, fresh, reasonably priced and absolutely mouth watering. Plus, they have a killer Saké list. You would probably never stumble across this place on your own. It is the type of place that you would never know about unless someone personally recommended it to you. Make reservations as this small place often fills up, especially on the weekends.

Favorite Vermont Restaurant: Seeking a fine French restaurant near Burlington, Vermont? Then make reservations for Café Shelburne, located just outside Burlington. It is a homey place, with traditional French fare, often using local ingredients. I was really impressed with their restrained use of sauces, never overwhelming any dish but ensuring each dish was extremely flavorful.

Favorite Carnivore Dinner: The Whole Hog Dinner at Craigie on Main was amazing, from the food to the company. With Jackie and David, fellow foodies, bloggers and pig lovers, we devoured many different parts of a pig, from the skin to the brains. Chef Maws certainly knows the best ways to prepare every delicious organ and body part. Craigie on Main is a great place for any special occasion, or just when you want something different.

Favorite Desserterie: This was once again an easy choice and for the second year in a row, the award goes to Le Patissier, located in the Troquet Restaurant in Boston. Pastry Chef Sarah Woodfine remains as talented as ever and continues to create innovative and fantastic-tasting desserts. I also don't think it receives enough love from the local culinary community, though I can't recommend it enough.

Favorite Dessert: The bread pudding at the Spiga Trattoria Italiana in Needham is heavenly, and almost makes you want to order it first, before your dinner. Chef Marisa Iocco has transformed this simple dish into something exceptional. You can even try to make the recipe at your own home.

Favorite Cheap Lunch: For only $5, you can go to the Prince Pizzeria and get their all-you-can eat buffet of ziti, garlic bread and pizza. It is a Rt.1 institution which is disparaged by some, but it is a place I recommend. I like their style of pizza, and they offer plenty of different pizza toppings at the buffet. For $5, you will find difficulty finding a better buffet.

Favorite Local Value Dinner Menu: L'Andana, in Burlington, is one of my favorite Italian restaurants, although their dinner menu is a bit pricey. But this year, they introduced their Enoteca menu in their bar/lounge area, a menu of inexpensive small plates. The tasty, high quality food is well worth checking out and the prices won't break your wallet.

Favorite Pizza: The Za Za Restaurant in Saugus makes a unique pizza that I have never seen before, a Bolognese pizza. It was very tasty, with plenty of ground meat, and a fine sauce. I don't know why other places haven't made this type of pizza before as I think it would be very popular.

Favorite Comfort Food: Winter is an especially important time for hot, comfort food, though it has its importance year round. Shepherd’s Pie has long been one of my favorite comfort foods though I am often disappointed with what I find at many restaurants. Until this year. Stearns & Hill Bistro in Melrose makes maybe the best Shepherd's Pie I have ever had, with multiple types of ground meat, a savory gravy, and melted cheese atop the potatoes. It is also very reasonably priced and available for lunch and dinner.

Favorite Comfort Appetizer: You might expect Buffalo Chicken Rangoons to be found in an Asian restaurant, but they are actually at Burton's Grill. With a great crunchy wonton wrapper, the interior is a mix of spicy buffalo chicken and bleu cheese. They are also quite large and I would order these again and again when I return there.

Favorite Holiday Dining Experience: Holiday dining can sometimes be overly expensive and unfulfilling. But the Santa Brunch at The Beehive was excellent on several levels. They had their usual brunch menu, at their usual prices, and there was no fee to see Santa or take your own photos with him. Excellent food, excellent service, and lots of fun.

Favorite Dining Experience: For the second year in a row, my favorite dining experience was not at a restaurant, but rather at the chef's home. The Chef's Table dinners, hosted by Chef Peter Ungar of The Dining Alternative remain one of the best culinary experiences in the Boston area, yet still under the radar of many. This year, I even got to choose the menu for one of the Chef's Table dinners and it was a phenomenal meal, satisfying on so many different levels. For 2010, you should definitely make plans to attend one of these dinners.

For more restaurant reviews and highlights, you can check my blog posts for the past year. Obviously I could not include everywhere that I ate in this review post.

What were some of your favorite restuarants this year?

2011: Favorite Restaurants

What were some of my favorite restaurants of the past year?

I have already posted several of my Favorites' lists and and now I want to concentrate on my Favorite Restaurants of the past year.  This is certainly not a complete list but it is more a sampling of memorable matters I have experienced and/or posted about over the past year. Some of the winners are the same as last year, and if so, I will provide a link to last year's list where you can read the details of that restaurant. Restaurants which are consistently good certainly deserve recognition, and I have tried to place their returning winners at the bottom of this post.

This year, I have also added a special new category, Overall Favorite Restaurant. This will highlight one place which has most impressed me over the past year, a consistent performer which has maintained a superior quality in all aspects. This restaurant receives my highest recommendation though all of the favorites in this post are also very worthy, deserving of my strong recommendation. In addition, you will find more Favorites from outside Massachusetts as I traveled a good deal this past year. I hope you enjoy all of these recommendations.

Overall Favorite Restaurant: Congratulations and kudos to Bergamot, an innovative and impressive restaurant in Somerville. Their food is superb, and the chef often combines what may seem to be disparate ingredients and creates delectable and harmonious dishes. From a phenomenal Pork Belly Ravioli, to an incredible Roast Chicken, the ever changing menu always has plenty of compelling dishes. They also have a killer wine list, with plenty of interesting choices, as well as an excellent cocktail program. Service is always professional and attentive, and the entire staff works well as a single unit. I have written a few times about Bergamot, including here, here and here. Every time I have dined here has been an excellent and delectable experience. It receives my highest recommendation and I urge all my readers to dine here.

Favorite Suburban Restaurant: The winner is AKA Bistro, which won last year for Favorite New Suburban Restaurant. This is another restaurant which is very consistent, offering excellent French and Japanese cuisine, very good service, and an interesting wine and sake list. From the savory, home made Miso Soup to the addictive Mussels, both cuisines please the palate. Though they are located only a few minutes off Rt.128, they still seem a hidden treasure and you should make the effort to dine there. The Runner-Up in this category is 51 Lincoln in Newton, which has an eclectic menu of cuisines, including Italian, Latin, French, Thai, Cambodian and more. The food is usually local, artisanal and quite delicious. I need to eat there again very soon.

Favorite Suburban Italian Restaurant: Italian restaurants are ubiquitous in the suburbs, but too many of them are simply average. But you can find an excellent Italian spot in Woburn, Tre Monte. They offer reasonably priced and hearty portions of tasty Italian staples and their own specialties. In addition, their Bolognese is killer, and I am very picky as to my Bolognese sauce. They also deserve kudos for their Arancini, a great blend of a crisp and crunchy exterior concealing lots of gooey cheese.

Favorite North Shore Restaurant: This winner also has a killer Bolognese and Arancini, making it a worthy choice for dinner. 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Salem is gaining lots of recognition for its cuisine and the kudos are well deserved. Plus, they are bold enough to have an all Italian wine list, including plenty of interesting choices.This is another restaurant I need to dine at again very soon.

Favorite Unique Ethnic Restaurant: Sometimes delicious food can be found in the most unlikely places. Moby Dick, located on Huntington Avenue, looks very unassuming, the kind of place you might walk by and never give a chance. But their food will surprise and impress you, from their moist and tender kabobs to their intriguing rice dishes. Very reasonably priced, portions are good and there are plenty of options, including organic and vegetarian. Don't pass this place by!

Favorite Pizza Chain: Many pizza chains offer, at best, only an average pizza and it is often better to find an independent pizza shop. But, Naked Pizza is one of the exceptions, offering a tasty pizza, which is also healthier for you. The pizzas are generally reasonably priced, though I have a small issue with how they price their additional ingredients. They are mainly a delivery and take-out shop and make a great option rather than places like Dominoes. They only have two locations currently, Brookline and Brighton, but are looking to expand and hopefully they will venture out to the suburbs at some point.

Favorite New Hampshire Restaurant: I don't dine enough in New Hampshire and that should change as there are a number of worthy spots throughout the state. This year, I was most impressed with Lobster Q, located in Hampstead, which offers seafood and barbecue. Their clam chowder was superb, the fried clams quite a delight and the ribs were compelling. Much of their food is made from scratch, including their barbecue sauces, and the quality elevates this place above many similar places. So if you are in southern New Hampshire, why not make a stop here for lunch or dinner.

Favorite Newport Restaurant: You probably would not expect to find creative Mexican cuisine in Newport, Rhode Island but it exists and it is excellent. Perro Salado, Spanish for "salty dog," does not offer traditional Mexican cuisine but rather Mexican-inspired dishes, and they are making some amazing food from their Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad to the mouth watering Sticky Pork Ribs. They have plenty of different tequilas, including an extensive list of cocktails such as margaritas.

Favorite Syracuse Restaurant: When seeking restaurant recommendations for Syracuse, New York, nearly everyone mentioned Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. They were largely correct and I will add my recommendation as well. Forget the wine list, this is a place for beer, hard cider and cocktails. For food, go for items like the Catfish Strips, Cornbread and BBQ Pork Ribs. A casual place, service is very good and the prices are reasonable.

Favorite New York City Bakery: NYC has so many excellent bakeries and restaurants, but I do have to give kudos to some of my newest finds. Momofuku Milk Bar, part of David Changs's culinary empire, is innovative and creative, with plenty of absolutely tasty baked goods, both sweet and savory. From Cornflake cookies to Cornbread with cortija cheese & jalapenos, their products really impressed. Please check them out!

Favorite New York City Lunch: David Chang deserves much praise, and the Momofuku Ssäm Bar, located across the street from the Milk Bar, is the place to go for lunch. You must have their Rotisserie Duck, which offers simply one of the best pieces of duck I have ever had, tender, moist and flavorful. This duck has remained locked in my memory and on my next trip to NYC, I will definitely return here. Their Steamed Pork Buns impressed as well, and I don't think any of the dishes will disappoint. Rush to eat here!  

Favorite Charlottesville Restaurants: While at the Wine Blogger's Conference, I found time to explore a number of restaurants in Charlottesville, Virginia, and I lucked out, finding several worthy places. I compiled a single post, describing the good places that I found, from excellent country fried steak at The Nook to delicious sushi at Ten.

Favorite Portland, Oregon Restaurant: This is a tie between two restaurants, Pok Pok and Ping, owned by the same chef, Andy Ricker. From the addictive Ike's Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings to the mighty Kha Muu Thawt, Chef Ricker is creating some superb Asian cuisine. The restaurants are casual spots, a great place to hang out with friends, drink and enjoy tasty food. I will be sure to return there when I go back to Portland next summer.

Favorite Underappreciated Restaurant: For the second year, the winner is T.W. Food in Cambridge. Though its location is off the beaten path, it is well worth the effort to dine here. It is an intimate spot with superb food and wine, killer special events and very reasonably priced for the quality you will find. Make a resolution to dine here in 2012.

Favorite Brunch, Traditional Fare: For a second year, the winner is AKA Bistro in Lincoln.

Brunch, Traditional Fare-Honorable Mention: For a second year, my choice is Tupelo in Inman Square.

Favorite Brunch, Non-Traditional Fare: For the third year in a row, the winner is Myers & Chang in the South End.

Favorite Donuts: For a second year, the winner is Donut City in Lynn.

Favorite Japanese Restaurant: For a second year, the winner is Oishii in the South End.

Favorite Chinatown Restaurant: For a second year, the winner is Gourmet Dumpling House.

Favorite Asian Buffet: For a third year, the winner is Taipei Tokyo Cafe in Woburn.

Favorite North End Restaurant, High End: For a second year, the winnner is Prezza, due to dinners like  this one, with Rabbit Parmigiano.

Favorite North End Restaurant, Moderate: For a second year, the winner is Nebo.

Favorite North End Restaurant, Fusion: For a second year, the winner is Taranta.

Favorite Italian Restaurant Outside the North End: For a second year, the winner is Coppa.

Favorite Italian Restaurant, Somerville: For a second year, the winner is Pizzeria Posto.

Favorite Suburban Steak House: For a second year, the winner is Beacon Grille in Woburn. 

Favorite Fried Seafood: For the second year, the winner is the Clam Box in Ipswich.

What were some of your favorite restaurants this year?