Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe: Eversave Coupon Deal

There has been an increase over the last few years in small, neighborhood butcher shops, a positive trend which I fully support. Locally, one of these new shops is the Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe, located at 169 Haven Street in Reading. The store is owned by Greg Chesnulovitch, a Reading resident and a former butcher at the defunct Atlantic Super Market. In fact, most, if not all, of their employees also used to work for Atlantic so they bring many years of experience to this business.

I previously reviewed this shop soon after its opening, and I have patronized the business numerous times since then. My experiences have been very positive and I continue to highly recommend this butcher shop. One of my favorite items is their combo pack of ground beef, veal and pork, great for making a Bolognese sauce or ragu. Their customer service is excellent, and if you need a particular cut of meat, or a certain size, they are able to do so to your satisfaction.

Tomorrow, Eversave, the daily deal site, will offer a Special Deal at the Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe, giving you the opportunity to check out this local business. You will have the choice of one of two deals:

l) Three pounds of handmade meatballs for $9 (approx. 32-36 meatballs & you save 50%)
or
2) Three pounds each of hormone-free, boneless chicken breast (approx. 4 pieces) and hot or sweet sausages (approx. 6 pieces) for $17.

So take advantage of this deal and support a good local business. For more details and to sign up for this deal, go to the Eversave site.

The Wine Bunker: Now Open

One of the most significant trends in local wine stores is the rise of discount wine stores, often warehouse-like places with very low mark-ups on their wines.  I think more of these stores will open in the near future, and such stores will then need to work hard to differentiate themselves from the competition.  Their low prices alone will not be a compelling enough reason.

The Wine Bunker, which just opened in Reading, is another of these discount wines stores and I dropped by recently to check it out.  Please remember that this store is brand new and I am offering only my initial impressions. Matters could change, and hopefully for the positive, over the next few months. 

Back in August, I provided some preliminary information about this store, some of which has changed though nothing too significant.  Though the store has somewhat of a warehouse feel, it also has nice wooden wine racks and display units. It is spacious with a good amount of clear space between the aisles. To the back of the store, they constructed a tasting room, though I did not see it.  It should be large enough though for larger tastings, classes or private parties.    

Though I was previously told they would only sell wine, they have decided to expand their selection to include beer and spirits. They still are adding to their spirits selection, though you should be able to find many of the most popular brands. I randomly looked at the price of their Grey Goose (750ml) to see how it compared to other stores. Wine Bunker had it for $32, which seemed a bit high to me.  I checked and found that Kappys carries it for $31, and has it on sale for $27.

The store carries about 1000 wines and will be bringing in some more.  The wines are generally categorized by country or wine region, though they need some signage to indicate where each group of wines is located. Individual wines also mostly lack shelf talkers. Plus, I found the Spanish wines in two separate locations, though there was no apparent reason for the division.

Wine prices are discounted from what you will find at many regular wine stores, and often on par with other discount wine stores, though there is some variation.  For example, you will find the 2008 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon for $58, an excellent price, though the 2008 Caymus Conundrum is $23.25, where other discount stores may have it for only $18. Though they had pondered offering a case discount, they chose not to go with it, which is typical for most discount wine stores.      

The wine selection varies, with the most popular wine regions commonly have the best variety.  So there are plenty of California wines, from the most popular ones, to some less common but also compelling.  For example, they carry the 2008 Hirsch Vineyards Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir ($27.25), which is an excellent wine, though not something found at many other discount wine stores.  You will also find some higher-end Cabernet Sauvignons, including Duckhorn, Heitz, and Caymus.  In addition, they have a good selection of wines from Washington and Oregon, and will be adding more in the future. The Pacific Northwest appears to be one of their passions, and a location where they feel is very good value.

The Wine Bunker carries nearly the entire portfolio of wines from 90+ Cellars, which is a good thing as they have some excellent, value wines.  Though you can find these wines on the wine racks, they also have the above unit which showcases all of their wines. I have written about these wines before, and found some true treasures in their portfolio.

On the negative side, the store is lacking in a number of niche wines, and has limited options for some other wine regions.  For example, though they have maybe 30+ Spanish wines, only one costs over $20.  So they lack any higher-end Spanish wines, such as the best from from Rioja and Priorat.  There are only three, inexpensive Portuguese wines as well as maybe five, inexpensive South African wines.  They do not carry any Greek wines, Israeli wines or Sherry.  There are only three Sakes, and none that are particularly interesting or excellent.

When I asked about some of the missing niche wines, I was told that there were no current plans to bring in them to the store.  Instead, they would wait to see what their customers requested, to determine whether people would ask for Greek wines or sherry or not.  I countered that customers may not always know which wines they might like. For example, most people might not request sake, but it is certainly something they would enjoy if they were exposed to it, if they got to taste some delicious, premium sake. Thus, they should be exposed to unfamiliar wines, to get them to broaden their palates. 

I raised this issue in a discussion on Facebook, without naming the store, and an employee of the Wine Bunker responded.  But, she essentially changed what I had been informed hours before, in her presence, at the store.  Now, the store allegedly will start carrying some of those niche wines, such as Greek wines, without waiting for customer requests. We shall see what develops.     

There is a Grand Holiday Tasting Event scheduled for Saturday, December 4, from 2pm-6pm, which should have over 60 wines available for tasting.  They will be holding regular tasting events but have not yet worked out a schedule.

On their website, which apparently is still being changed, you can order numerous wines, though they all appear to have a tiny clock on their listing. Previously, that clock indicated there was a need for a "3 day lead-time required to confirm availability." That has since been changed to a 5 day lead-time. Corporate Wines used to do something similar, and ran into some complaints about the process.  I was informed that the system was different now, more in sync with the distributors, so maybe there will be less times when the wines you order are not available or the price has changed.

Overall, I see this wine store as a place of great potential, but whether it meets that potential or not remains to be seen.  More signage, including shelf talkers, needs to be added.  Pricing needs to be more consistent, so that the wines all have similar discounts.  Currently, some prices are very good while other wines you can find cheaper elsewhere.  The selection needs to be improved and expanded, carrying more variety and niche wines, especially if they want to attract the more experienced wine lovers.   

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.

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1) The Wine Bunker, a new wine store in Reading, should be opening soon, a little later than originally expected.  I previously discussed this new store, and do have a couple updates. They they will be carrying some of the 90+ Cellars portfolio, which is a good thing as they have some excellent, good value wines. Their website is now up and it is interesting.  Though they are connected to Corporate Wines in Woburn, they don't have a link to it, or even mention that fact.

The Wine Bunker site lists many wines available for sale, but they all seem to have a tiny clock on their listing. That clock indicates a "3 day lead-time required to confirm availability," meaning the wine may be available from their suppliers and they have to check on the availability.  Corporate Wines used to do something similar, and ran into a number of complaints about the process.  It can be frustrating if you order a wine and it is not available, or the price is higher than quoted. They subsequently removed such ordering from their website, but now have apparently resurrected it for their new store. I am curious how the process has changed, if at all.  As soon as the store opens, I will check it out.

2) I am a big fan of brunch and apparently The Langham, Boston, has quite an extensive one, the City Brunch. Executive Chef Mark Sapienza offers a variety of locally sourced and produced foods, in addition to house-made items. Chef Sapienza has a direct relationship with local farmers and artisan food purveyors to offer the best meat, seafood, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. New this year, City Brunch will feature a Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar.

A Taste of the City Brunch menu:

Haymarket
Roasted Beets with Lakes End Goat Cheese and Marcona Almonds
House Made Mozzarella and Vine Ripe Tomato, Basil, Sea Salt and Virgin Olive Oil
Artisanal Meats and Cheeses
Duck Prosciutto wrapped Roasted Red Pear with Lavender Honey
Beef Carpaccio with Arugula, Parmesan and Garlic Aioli
East Coast Catches
Raw Bar with Oysters on Half Shell and Chilled Poached Gulf Shrimp
Yellowfin Tuna Poke with Ponzu Sesame
Sushi Bar
Assorted Nigri and Maki hand rolled to order by a Sushi Chef
Taste of New England
Chatham Cod Loin with Creamy Sweet Corn and Snipped Chive
Maine Lobster Ravioli with Chanterelle and Amontillados Sherry Cream
Carvery
Salt Crust Roasted Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream
Atlantic Salmon and Scallop Coulbiac with Amotillados Sherry Lobster Cream
Café Fleuri Breakfast Specialties
Mixed Berries, Vanilla Yogurt and Granola Coupe
Honey Strawberry and Banana Smoothie
Hot Breakfast
Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon and Chive Hollandaise
Omelets with over 10 fillings and Crisp Belgium Waffles Cooked to Order with eight toppings
Pasta
Choose from Five Cheese Tortellini, Penne and Gnocchi
Sauces include Lobster Cream, Parmesan Cream, and Plum Tomato Basil Sauce
Kid’s
Mini Beef Hot Dogs and Rolls, Mustard, Relish, Ketchup
Country Fried Chicken Nuggets with BBQ Sauce
Macaroni and Cheese Bites
Pastry Table
Selections from the Chocolate Bar
Cinnamon Dusted Beignets
Crepe Station

City Brunch is every Sunday from September 12, 2010 through June 26, 2011. The price is $48 for adults and $25 for children ages 5 to 12. Reservations are strongly suggested and are available at 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. To make a reservation for City Brunch, please call 617.451.1900, extension 7125.

Make reservations early for Thanksgiving Brunch (November 25), Sunday Holiday Brunch with Santa and carolers (November 28, December 5, 12, 19, and 26), Christmas Brunch (December 25) and Recovery Brunch (January 1). Special holiday event pricing may vary. Please reserve early for holiday events.

3) Featuring a menu designed by Chef Rachel Klein, Aura will celebrate Thanksgiving with an elaborate Buffet Brunch, with two seatings. What better day than Thanksgiving to celebrate family dining, in a way that kids and parents can enjoy great cuisine without the distractions of the cooking and cleaning; just enjoying the family in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Selections from the Servery:
Traditional Eggs Benedict
Crab Cake Benedict
French Toast
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Pork Sausage
Chicken Apple Sausage
Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Strudel
Spinach, Artichoke and Fontina Quiche
An Assortment of Cheeses
Sliced Fruit
Smoked Salmon

Chef Stations:
Turkey with Gravy
Sirloin with Red Wine Demi

Stationary Selections:
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Baked Sole with Lemon Beurre Blanc
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter
Green Bean Almondine
Herb Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Macaroni and Cheese
Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Desserts:
Assortment of Mini Pies (Apple, pumpkin, pecan)
Personal-sized Treats (Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse)
Assorted Cookies
Fresh Berries (Chantilly Cream, Cinnamon and Nutmeg Whipped Cream)

WHEN: Thursday, November 25.
There will be two seatings: 11:00 am-1:00 pm and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

The cost for adults is $65 plus tax & service; for kids: $24 plus tax & service. All children 6 and under are free. Pre-paid reservations can be made at 617-385-4300.

The Wine Bunker: Opening in October

Last month, I mentioned that a new, discount wine store, The Wine Bunker, was coming to Reading. I now have some additional information I wanted to share with my readers.

I stopped by Corporate Wines in Woburn to ask about the new store, and they were able to share some information about their plans. I should note that Corporate Wines seems to have lots of empty spaces in their wine racks, and some wines are spread out over the facings so that the number of different brands of wine is much less than you might think. Maybe they are currently devoting more attention to the new store.

The Wine Bunker will be located at 128 Marketplace Shopping Center, One General Way, near the Market Basket. It is scheduled to open in October and will only sell wine, and no beer or spirits. They are partially modeled after Rapid Liquors in Stoneham, a wine store I often recommend to people because of their very low prices. Thus, the Wine Bunker wants to offer wines at prices competitive with Rapid, but they will try not to carry the same wines as Rapid carries.

They will offer a case discount, maybe 20%, but that is still tentative. That will be a difference from Rapid, as they do not offer a case discount. They will carry wines at all price points, including some high-end wines. Their selection should have 1000+ wines, including a fair share of Washington and Oregon wines, which they consider to be excellent value wines. There will be weekly tastings, though they might also always have an open bottle available for tasting.

I will be sure to check out the Wine Bunker when it opens, and I will report back my thoughts.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my semi-regular column where I briefly mention some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) Oye's Restaurant in Reading opened this past Monday. Kevin, one of the owners of Sato II in Stoneham wanted to open his own place and has now done so. It is a fairly large restaurant, nicely decodated with a large and well stocked bar. The menu bears some similarities to that at Sato, though it is more expansive, including items like a raw bar. You'll find plenty of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, as well as a few Thai and Korean dishes. They even have a gluten free menu.

I stopped by for lunch the other day and had a nice meal. I began with some good sushi, from unagi to sweet potato tempura maki, and it seemed fresh. Sushi prices are average. I then ordered one of their lunch special, Combo #2 ($8.50), which came with pork fried rice, four chicken fingers, a beef teriyaki skewer, and some boneless spare ribs. I then chose chicken wings as my extra appetizer. The food was good, better than the average Chinese restaurant.

The restaurant is promising, and I look forward to returning to try more of their menu.



2) I was excited to learn about the first annual Boston Wine Week, which is reminiscent of Restaurant Week but in the realm of wine. Numerous restaurant will participate, from September 20-26, by offering at least six different wines at a substantial discount. All of the wines (some of which retail up to $90/bottle) will be offered at $9/glass and $32/bottle. And based on the samples, there does appear to be some excellent bargains.

A sampling of wine highlights include:
--2006 J Hoffstatter Gewurtztraminer (Alto Adige, Italy)
Served at BiNA osteria; normally $75/bottle
--2007 Sottimano Langhe Nebbiolo (Langhe, Piedmont, Italy)
Served at Bin 26 enoteca; normally $54/bottle
--2007 Broglia ‘La Meirana’ Gavi di Gavi (Gavi, Piedmont, Italy)
Served at Lala Rokh; normally $44/bottle
--2001 Castellani, Soave Classico (Veneto, Italy)
Served at Jer-Ne; normally $84/bottle

Participating restaurants include: Bin 26 enoteca, Lala Rokh, 75 Chestnut, Clink at The Liberty Hotel, The Hungry i, Beacon Hill Bistro, Woodward at The Ames Hotel, BiNA osteria, Jer-Ne, Locke-Ober, The Beehive, Petit Robert Bistro South End, and Brasserie JO.

In addition, during Boston Wine Week, you will have the opportunity to attend a couple special events. Guest pourer Tyler Balliet of The Second Glass will offer featured wines at BiNA osteria from 6pm–7pm on September 20 (complimentary pizzettas included). Richard Elia of the Quarterly Review of Wines will also be on hand at Bin 26 enoteca on September 21 from 6pm-7pm to serve featured wines alongside paired cheeses.

Additional restaurants and more details about which wines will be served will be posted on the Boston Wine Week website so keep checking it. I will be taking advantage of this special wine week, and maybe I will see you there.

Stoneham Sun: A Local Sampling

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the August 18 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 collection of some local food news, ranging from new restaurants to an upcoming salsa contest at the Stoneham Farmers Market. You don't have to travel far to find some new and exciting places to check out or things to do.

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

Dine with passion.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my semi-regular column where I briefly mention some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) Last year, I had a superb dining experience at David Burke Prime Steakhouse at the Foxwoods Casino. Since then, I know several people who have also had excellent meals there, including their Sunday brunch and Monday lobster specials. I recently returned to Foxwoods and chose to return to David Burke. The food was once again quite good, fine steaks and prime rib, though we had some service issues. It was as if our server was not really listening to us, and committed several minor errors. There was nothing significant, but enough little things added up so that the dining experience was marred. Based on what I have heard from others about their experiences, this seems more of an isolated incident.

2) Sam's Bistro in Reading is now open and I recently stopped by for lunch. The menu is somewhat different from Stearn's & Hill's Bistro. The lunch menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Prices seem reasonable and quantity is good, if not sometimes quite large. Food quality was a bit uneven, some dishes being very good, and others so-so, but I do realize this is a very new restaurant which requires some time to work out its kinks. A couple of the highlights include a large and tasty Salmon BLT sandwich and a very good Mac n' Cheese side dish. Service was a bit slow too and that may also be due to the newness of the restaurant. I will be returning and will report back again.



3) Chef Dante de Magistris of Restaurant dante is bringing back the tradition of his signature Italian film-inspired grilled cheese sandwiches, available for $2 each at the bar and lounge on Tuesdays. Chef Dante de Magistris’ newest installation of Grilled Cheese Tuesdays includes the following:

July 27th: Roman Holiday: crescenza cheese, pistachio, sundried tomato
August 3rd: Three Coins in the Fountain: buffalo mozzarella, tomato, basil, pepperoncini
August 10th: Under the Tuscan Sun: smoked scarmoza, pancetta, arugula

New Discount Wine Store Coming To Reading

The Wine Bunker, a new, discount wine store in Reading, may open sometime in August. Though initially declined, the owner Peter Donovan of Arlington, was able to fight the denial and get the Reading Selectman, in a 3-2 vote, to approve the store.

The new store will be located at 128 Marketplace Shopping Center, One General Way, near the Market Basket. Mr. Donovan already operates a wine store in Woburn, Corporate Wines, with which I am familar. For the new store, the license prohibits the sale of nips, lottery tickets, tobacco and wine coolers. The proposed times of operation will be 10am-8pm on Mondays through Saturdays.

I don't know whether the Wine Bunker will be similar to Corporate Wines or not, though I suspect they will be fairly similar. If it is similar, then I don't expect it will have a very significant impact on other local wine stores. Though Corporate Wines had started off strong, including with some interesting wine tastings, it seemed to have stagnated for a time, and stopped holding tastings. I was not impressed with my most recent visits.

I will be sure to check out the Wine Bunker when it does open, and will try to speak with Mr. Donovan prior to that time to see if I can gather some more information about plans for the new store.

SwissBäkers: First Anniversary

SwissBäkers is celebrating the First Anniversary of their SwissBäke Express. One year ago, 1200 people visited their opening celebration. On Monday March 8, from 5:30am-4pm, they would like to say thank you to everyone who made their first year such a success.

Here are some of the special guests that will be at the anniversary party.

Early Morning before 9AM
Peter Hechenbleikner, town manager
Stephen Goldy, Selectman
Emil Wyss, Deputy Consul of Switzerland
Jerry O'hare, from Coffee company George Howell

Starting at 9AM
Ned Paul from Lindt with the famous Lindt chocolate and maybe with the Easter Bunny Smart
Adrian from Hollistic drinks

Some Items You Can Get:
Raffle mini quizes, pins, booklets, CD's, Pedometers and----
A lot of beverages and food samples

Raffle prizes include:
---One Week For Two People in the Hotel Eiger in Grindelwald. (See the mountains on their mural in the store)(You do have to pay for your flight.)
---2 Bruins of Celtic Tickets (Your choice)
---The Original Raclette Oeffeli (including a recipe booklet)

This bakery is one of my favorites, and they make so many delectable treats. If you have never been there, you definitely should stop by. I will likely stop by for their Anniversary, and I sincerely hope they are around for many more years to come.

SwissBäkers
32 Lincoln Street
Reading, MA
Phone: 781-354-1155

Stoneham Sun: Fresh Meat & More

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the November 11 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 review of Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe, a new butcher shop in Reading. Find fresh meats, deli meats, sandwiches, soups, salads, and prepared foods. A local shop, run by local residents, which promises excellent customer service.

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

Dine with passion

Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe

The Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe, a new butcher shop, is now open at 169 Haven Street in Reading. The store is owned by Greg Chesnulovitch, a Reading resident and a former butcher at the defunct Atlantic Super Market. In fact, most, if not all, of their employees also used to work for Atlantic. So they bring many years of experience to this new business.

I spoke with Greg, and he indicated that the butcher shop will be similar in many ways to that which existed in the former Atlantic. He wants to provide quality meats, at reasonable prices, and with excellent customer service. The shop will offer custom cut meat (prime and choice), deli items, and some prepared foods. It is a small store but still relatively well stocked, and willing to do special orders, such as turkeys for Thanksgiving.

On the right wall are the prepackaged meats, including hot dogs, bacon, ham, lamb, chicken, beef, and more. Many of those meats have been cut and packaged on the premises.

On the left side of the store is the first deli case, containing a variety of deli meats, most Boar's Head. Greg felt that brand is the best for most of the deli meats, though he has chosen a few other brands when he felt the meats were better.

The second deli case also contains a variety of home made salads, from tuna salad to potato salad. In addition, they sell hot soups, usually chili and two other soups each day. Plus, they sell sandwiches and subs, from cold cuts to hot subs. You'll find items like BBQ Chicken Breast, Hot Pastrami, Meatball, Chicken Caesar, and Chicken Parmesan.

I tried a Roast Beef and Swiss on a bulkie roll ($3.99) and it had a thick pile of tender and flavorful roast beef. A very good sandwich and I will certainly return to try more of their choices. This could be a convenient place to grab a quick sandwich or sub for lunch or dinner.

Lastly, there is the meat case where you can order whatever amount you desire, from a pound and a half of burgers to three pounds of filet mignon. Prices seem reasonable, such as Sirloin Tips $5.99/lb., Filet Mignon $12.99/lb., and Ground Sirloin $4.99/lb. The meats all looked very good to me. Plus, this case also contains some prepared foods, such as Meat Loaf $4.99/lb., Chicken Cordon Bleu $3.99/lb., and Stuffed Chicken Breast $3.99/lb.

I was pleased with what I found here and also like the fact it is local people, running a small, local business. I think they will excell in customer service and cater well to the local community. Why not stop by and see what they have to offer.

Stoneham Sun: New & Upcoming

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the September 30 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 discusses three new places of interest to food and wine lovers. This includes Bobby's Grille, a new restaurant in Wellesley where Chef Stephen Bell, of Savory Tastes Cafe fame, is the Executive Chef; the Olde Redding Butcher Shoppee, a new butcher shop in Reading; and Central Bottle, a new wine store in Central Square, Cambridge.

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

Dine with passion

Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe

Just a head's up for my dedicated carnivore readers.

A new butcher shop, the Olde Redding Butcher Shoppe, is scheduled to open in Reading on October 19. Located at 169 Haven Street, the butcher store is owned by Greg Chesnulovitch, a Reading resident and a former butcher at the defunct Atlantic Super Market.

This new shop will offer custom cut meat, prime and choice, as well as deli items and some prepared foods including marinated steak tips and chicken cordon bleu. I will definitely check out this new butcher shop soon after it opens and then report back. It sounds very promising, and I do like the idea of supporting a local, small business, so I do hope for the best.

City & Town Recommendations

Two years ago, I wrote a short series of posts listing my personal recommendations for food/wine places in various cities and towns. The lists provided my favorite wine stores, restaurants, bakeries, food markets and other similar establishments. They were intended to be quick reference guides. But, the lists were incomplete, and did not cover all of the cities and towns I have visited.

In addition, with the passage of time, some of those lists now require revision, such as the omission of places that no longer exist or the addition of new places. So, over the next couple months, I will be working to update these lists. Plus, I will add additional cities and towns that I did not previously lists.

Below, you will find the list of cities and towns that I have already covered, as well as the date of the latest revision, if any. Please note that these lists provide only brief data on each place and you can easily search my blog for more extensive reviews of each place. This list of cities and towns will grow so please return here frequently to check for any additions.

Acton (6/16/09)
Andover (6/16/09)
Arlington (6/14/09)
Bedford (6/14/09)
Belmont (6/16/09)
Beverly (6/14/09)
Braintree (6/16/09)
Brookline (6/18/09)
Burlington (6/18/09)
Concord (6/20/09)
Danvers (6/18/09)
Malden (6/20/09)
Medford (6/14/09)
Melrose (6/20/09)
Middleton (6/20/09)
Natick (6/21/09)

Needham (6/21/09)

Newton Lower Falls (6/21/09)
Peabody (6/14/09)
Reading (6/1/09)
Salem (6/21/09)
Saugus (6/7/09)
Stoneham (6/1/09)
Tewksbury (6/21/09)
Wakefield (6/7/09)
Winchester (6/14/09)
Woburn (6/14/09)

SwissBäkers: More Enticing Products

I really enjoy when my favorite places add something new to their menus, when they expand their repertoire. The SwissBäkers in Reading, which I have previously raved about, has been doing this, showcasing new products, or at least products I had not previously seen on their shelves. And these new items are just as delicious as everything else they make.

The Swiss Swirl Cake is a small loaf, a sweet bread with hazelnuts, which makes for an excellent breakfast treat or a nice dessert. It is not overly sweet and the nuts add an interesting taste to the bread. The ChocoCake is also a small loaf, almost like a rich, soft brownie cake. It is moist with a strong chocolate flavor and a thick slice topped with ice cream would make for a great treat. As usual, both are made with fresh, natural ingredients.

You could also try the SwissStix or ChocoStix, packages of three short cookie "sticks." The SwissStix have a nice hazelnut flavor to them and are crisp on the outside and soft inside. The ChocoStix are similar but obviously have a chocolate flavor. I think this cookies would be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults. A nice after school snack or a treat next to a cup of tea.

As an added incentive, SwissBäkers now issues frequent buyer cards, a Swiss Passport. Every time you make a purchase there, your card is stamped. When the card is full, after ten purchases, you get a free treat.

If you have not visited SwissBäkers yet, then what are you waiting for?

Ristorante Pavarotti: Improving

When I last visited Ristorante Pavarotti in Reading, it had only been open for about three weeks and I was rather underwhelmed. But I intended to return there after some time had passed to see whether it had changed or not. All new restaurants need some time to work out the kinks, to get everything in its proper place. I ate there again recently and was pleased to see that some positive changes have occurred, though I still have a couple issues with the place.

First, the wine list has not changed and I remain disappointed by their very limited wine-by-the-glass options. As they only serve beer and wine, I would hope could provide a more interesting selection.

Second, they have changed their bread, now offering fresh, warm sliced bread with their oil. The bread almost looked like a small loaf and I really liked it. This is a positive change, helping to set a good initial impression, hinting of the promises of good food that should soon be delivered. It certainly gave me hope.

Third, the food menu has undergone some modification, apparently adding some appetizers, changing a few items, and some of the prices may even be a little lower. Plus they had a number of nightly specials, including items like a veal chop and filet mignon. I should also add that many of the entrees now come with a variety of possible pastas, including fusilli, and not just ziti as before. There are all more positive changes.

I began with an appetizer of Mussels ($9.95) which came in a white wine sauce with cherry tomatoes. The mussels tended to be on the larger size, though they were fairly tender. The sauce was tasty, and a good place to dip my bread. Overall, a good dish though not exceptional.

My entree was the Veal Parmigiana ($18.95), which I believe is $1 cheaper than it used to be, and I had it with a side of fusilli. I did have to ask the waitress though about my pasta side as she did not volunteer any options. The veal was quite large and covered with plenty of melted cheese. It tasted good, as did the red sauce, and the veal was fairly tender. But like the mussels, though the dish was good, it was not exceptional.

I am glad that the restaurant has made some positive changes since its initial opening. It sells good food, at average prices, but I still have concerns that it is not competitive enough with all of the other local Italian restaurants. I don't think you get anything special here that you can't find at most other Italian places. So why would you choose this restaurant? You may enjoy your meal here but I don't think you will fine it memorable. I would like to see them do something different, unique, which would make them stand out in the crowd.

Ristorante Pavarotti
601 Main St.
Reading, MA
Phone: 781-670-9050

Stoneham Sun: SwissBäkers

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the April 15 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 review of SwissBäkers, a new Swiss bakery in Reading. The baked goods are authentic, fresh and natural. As well as quite delicious! I have already become a regular customer and highly recommend this bakery.

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

Dine with passion.

SwissBäkers: A New Bakery in Reading

I feel like I recently visited Zurich, Switzerland though I never left Massachusetts. You might feel the same way if you stop by the new SwissBäkers in Reading. This small bakery, located inside the Reading Depot, opened last month and I am very pleased about that. It sells an assortment of delectable and authentic Swiss baked goods and I highly recommend that you stop by and try their wares.

The owners and bakers, Thomas and Helene Stohr, were both born in Switzerland. I had the opportunity to meet both of them, and chat for a time with Thomas. As a small child, Thomas grew up in a bakery and was even put to work there, carrying wood. Much of his adult life was spent working in restaurants and hotels, most recently at the Rain Forest Café. Helene too has plenty of similar experience. So, they both bring much skill and knowledge to this endeavor.

For a time, their baked goods were only available at farmer's markets, supermarkets like Whole Food's, and other small outlets. They also did some catering, including for the Swiss Consulate. But they desired a retail outlet as well and eventually settled on the Reading location. It is certainly easy to find and there is parking right in front of the store.

Their baking philosophy is simple and compelling: Authentic, fresh, and natural. All of their recipes are authentic Swiss, including some recipes gotten from their families. Everything you can buy at the store is fresh, baked that same day. They don't sell any leftovers. They use only natural ingredients without any additives or artifical items. Some of their ingredients include unbleached and unbromated flour, organic sugar, and cage-free eggs. All of their jams and jellies are made with sugar and not corn syrup. Just taste their baked goods and you will know they are fresh and made from quality ingredients.

Their baking philosophy seems to extend beyond baking and into their personal lives as well. I felt that Thomas was authentic and sincere, a man of passion who does something he truly loves. And his desire for a natural life extends beyond just his food. For example, their uniforms are made from organic cotton and they give away large, reusable bags to save on paper. And when you return to the bakery with your bag, they give you a special treat. This is how he was raised in Switzerland. The philosophy is not a gimmick or marketing ploy. It is a cherished belief held by the Stohrs.

Though it is a small store, like many bakeries, they have plenty of different baked goods to select. On my first trip here, I bought an assortment of baked goods and they looked very appealing. I shared them with a group of my friends and they ravenously devoured everything, with many compliments about the taste. I too thoroughly enjoyed all of the items I had bought.

On my second visit, I bumped into one of my friends who had loved the food so much that he had stop in to buy a bunch of items. I have become a regular customer now, telling everyone about this fine bakery. I have yet to hear a single complaint from anyone I have referred there.

What really satisifies me is the freshness of the items plus their delicious taste. I thought the flavors were generally well-balanced, nothing being overly sweet. They sell items including breads, cookies, croissants, pretzels, chocolates and other Swiss baked goods.

They have soft pretzels, in two sizes, and I really liked them. Soft with good flavor and a bit of salt. You can even get a pretzel baguette, a small loaf of bread. You can try a Pajazzo (the Italian word for "clown"), which is an oddly shaped bread that is crisper and lasts longer than a baguette. The Pajazzo also comes With Seeds or as a Dark Pajazzo. There is the Rustico, a multigrain bread, and the Swiss Challah. Maybe my favorite bread is their Zopf, a soft braided bread that is traditionally served on Sundays. It was very tasty, especially if you can get it when it is still warm.

Got a sweet tooth? You have plenty of delicious options. Try a Berliner, which is kind of like a Swiss donut. It is made from a light bread dough which is lightly fried, usually filled, and topped with powdered sugar. The fillings include apple, apricot, blueberry, chocolate, and raspberry. They even have a non-filled, cinammon Berliner (which I really enjoyed). The apple one is filled with a homemade apple sauce which was also quite good.

You can try the Choco Weggli, a roll made from chocolate chips, butter and sugar. This was another item that I really enjoyed, that had just right balance of flavors. It is essentially a chocolate chip roll and should appeal to many. The bakery also has a variety of croissants, including butter, chocolate, raspberry, almond, and ham & cheese. The ham & cheese is flaky, with a very buttery flavor. Another of my favorite items is the Swiss Sin, a soft butter roll with cinnamon and snow sugar. It had just the right amount of sweetness and was absolutely delicious and addictive.

They also have cookies including Leckerli (Swiss honey cookie), Leckerli with chocolate, Swiss Almond Tarte, Swiss Linzer, Swiss Nestli and Coconut Macaroons. The Macaroons were very interesting, and somewhat different from what I usually see. They had almost a flaky exterior, like a meringue, but with a rich and moist interior.

For lunch or dinner, there are other savory options such as sandwiches, soup and quiche. Sandwiches includes salami, swiss cheese, tomato & mozzarella, and tuna salad. Besides this retail, they also do catering for breakfast, midday snacks and lunch.

The store is open Monday-Friday, from 5:30am-7pm and Saturday, from 7am-11am. They are closed on Sunday so the owners have some free time to catch up on all their work. Prices are reasonable for a high quality bakery and you won't be disappointed with whatever you buy. Stop by this bakery and get a taste of Swiss bliss and I bet you will return time and time again.

SwissBäkers
Reading Train Depot
35 Lincoln St.
Reading, MA
Phone: (781) 354-1155 or 781-354-6989

Wine Shop of Reading Changes Ownership

The Wine Shop of Reading has always had a special place in my heart. It was one of the first wine stores to really captivate me, partially due to the passion of its owners, Robyn and Dion. I went to many wine tastings there and found plenty of interesting and delicious wines. Plus, I have savored many of the cheeses they sell, as well as other gourmet foods. It was a warm and welcoming wine store, a place where you would not feel intimidated.

Unfortunately, Robyn and Dion have sold the Wine Shop and it is now under the new ownership. I understand their reasons for selling and ardently wish them the best in their lives. For seven years they have run this store, and it is now time for them to depart. Though they will help out with the transition for a time, assisting the new owners. Plus, I am sure they will eventually take up new endeavors, likely something to do with wine and food.

So what does that mean for the Wine Shop? What changes will occur?

The new owners, Beena and PJ, do not plan to change anything. They love the store as it is and will even keep the current employees, the women who you have seen there over the years. You should be able to find all of the same items, the cheeses, gourmet foods, giftware, and more. Robyn and Dion believe in the new owners and feel they will maintain the integrity of the shop. So you should not fear that the Wine Shop will change beyond recognition.

There will be a wine tasting this Saturday, from 3-5pm, of some new arrivals. Robyn will be there so it will be a good opportunity to see her, to wish her the best. It will also be a good opportunity to meet the new owners, to get to know the new faces who will now be at the store. I am planning to stop by so hope to see you there too.

Ristorante Pavarotti: Underwhelmed

This is certainly a tough time to open a new restaurant and if you are going to do so, you better make sure it stands out. Massimo Fiume, an Italian native, recently opened Ristorante Pavarotti in Reading, at the site of the former Savory Tastes Cafe. I dined there the other evening and was underwhelmed. I think they will need to work much harder if they hope to survive, especially with Venetian Moon as their nearby competitor.

Some interior changes have been made to the restaurant from when it was Savory Tastes. The small bar at the back was removed, a wall was put in its place and the kitchen is no longer openly visible to the customers. It still seats approximately 40 people. The walls are decorated with pictures of Italian scenes and people, as well as shelves with wine bottles. It presents a bit of a higher end ambiance and not just some casual Italian joint.

I first checked out the wine list and was disappointed by their very limited wine-by-the-glass options. They basically carry only a single producer, Delicato, plus a single Chianti. Both are very inexpensive, ok wines but also very forgettable wines. As the restaurant only has a wine and beer license, I had hoped they would carry a better selection of wines by the glass, especially if presenting themselves as a higher end restaurant. The wines by the bottle offer more variety, many priced in the $20s and $30s, yet there are still a number of forgettable wines there as well.

As for the food menu, there are a limited number of appetizers, generally costing $10-15, and the least expensive salad is $7.95. They have plenty of entree choices, incuding pasta, seafood, chicken, veal and more. There is actually a list of about ten different and interesting preparations for chicken or veal, and all are priced the same, $16.95 for chicken and $19.95 for veal.

Prior to my food arriving, I received a basket of sliced Italian bread with oil. The bread was fresh but it was neither warm nor special. I think this was a missed opportunity to help differentiate this restaurant from others by offering some compelling bread choice. In this economy, even the little things count for a lot. Why go here for ordinary Italian bread when I can get a hot, homemade loaf at another place, or maybe a basket of hot garlic bread?

I ordered the Chicken Saltimboca, which consisted of two, thin cutlets that had been folded over prosciutto and melted cheese, and in a sherry wine sauce. The dish came with ziti in a red sauce, and that was your only pasta option. Why is that? Almost every other Italian restaurant I know at least gives you the option of spaghetti or ziti, and the better ones give you even more choices. I think that is another missed opportunity. The dish also came with some roasted potatoes. Overall, the chicken was good, tender and flavorful, and the sauce was tasty. I liked the dish though I did not consider it exceptional.

I also got an antipasto ($11.95) to go. As I carried it to my car, I could tell by its light weight that it might be lacking. Most times a good antipasto is quite heavy, filled with plenty of meat, cheese and veggies. When I got it home, I confirmed that it tended to be on the smaller side and was an ok salad. But still not comparable to much of the competition out there.

Service was very good and the owner, Massimo, was also present and making sure that everything ran smoothly.

The restaurant has only been open about two weeks so they must be granted some leeway as they work out the usual kinks of any new place. I do think there is room for improvement, especially if they want to be competitive with all of the other local Italian restaurants. And Venetian Moon is a formidable competitor. Ristorante Pavarotti needs to do everything they can to stand out, to be above the ordinary.

I'll return here in the future to check on their progress, to see what changes, if any, occur over the next few months.

Ristorante Pavarotti
601 Main St.
Reading, MA
Phone: 781-670-9050