Tag: food

Food and Booze Reviews…

So today I’m like “Holy shit, I haven’t written a damn thing in a while son!”. It’s not like I don’t have some great stories to share, I’m just a busy cat….don’t worry…I still love you bitches! This time around I’m going write about two things I 

The Sugar Bowl knows coffee…

The Sugar Bowl knows coffee…

Your boy is a coffee nut as most of you folks may know from some of my previous rants. The best way to tell that you’re drinking good coffee is to try an establishment’s house blend. You know….that “go to” regular java with no frills, 

Where ya taking Ma?

Where ya taking Ma?

Wow…feels good to be back writing again. Trying to find inspiration to write can be tough at times but, I figured why not combine two things I love…Ma and food. Personally I enjoy cooking for Ma since she is the one who actually taught me. The gal from Grove Hall really enjoys the simple recipes that she learned from my grandmother who had the monumental task of feeding 13 kids from her 3 bedroom apartment overlooking the corner of Geneva and Blue Hill Ave. Pot roasts, smoked shoulders, boiled dinners, even simple roasted chicken are at the top of her list and usually put a big smile on her face. Can’t really tell if she actually enjoys my cooking or the mere fact she doesn’t have to cook herself but, throw a couple of scratchies and a meal at her and it seems to make her one happy camper. She’s a tough old Dot Rat and likes things simple….and that’s what I love about her.

Now, I like keeping it old school and I enjoy getting family and friends together at the house for a meal but, time is a commodity these days for families everywhere. Many of us will end up opting for a restaurant. Well your old pal Dot Rat would like to make some recommendations. These are in no particular order and in no way reflect any preference. Simply put, if these folks didn’t serve meals made with some love….I would never recommend them.

Savin Bar and Kitchen – The place serves up killer sandwiches – The egg roll of the day is usually incredible – The meals are consistently fresh – Solid drinks and down to earth staff make it Dot Rat friendly – Check out this fish sandwich I had there recently

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Maria’s Restaurant  – This place has roots on Leroy and Park Street in Dorchester going back to the 1930’s. You have to visit the website and read the history of this family! Maria’s makes solid Italian staples and became a go to spot for many families given it’s proximity to the Quincy shipyard during it’s heyday. The place is no frills – they offer good portions for the price and really fresh seafood dishes. Ma will love it!

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Abigails – I personally know this young family from Ireland but never had a chance to try the food they are so passionate about until recently. Lets put it this way, six of us sat down for a meal…all six plates were empty when we finished. Aside from the killer drink menu and creative apps, the Maine Family Farm Pork Chop is in the top three I have ever had in my life….look at this bad Larry!

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Alba Deli – Are you opting for breakfast? I know the majority of you like to roll into McKenna’s in your finest yoga pants and sweats for a hangover remedy. McKenna’s is legit but, if you don’t like the long lines, Alba Deli has one of the best breakfasts in the game kid! My mother loves this place….check out this corned beef hash omelette.

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Well…it’s time to go scream at the TV while the Bruins play the Habs. I hope all the Moms out there have a good day with their families – I wouldn’t be the man I am today without such a wonderful mother.

On a more serious note, I ask everyone to not forget how hard it can be for those less fortunate. There are so many wonderful women holding their families together in the face of adversity….many will even go hungry to provide for their children tomorrow. We as Dot Rats should never forget where we come from. Our families didn’t always have it easy and some still don’t….but we always watch out for each other.

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, I ask all of you to try and make a donation to support the Saint Mary’s Center. This is an incredible organization that plays a crucial role in the lives of so many young families. Cheers!

 

Stem Cell Burgers?

Stem Cell Burgers?

I consider myself a progressive guy, and during any stem cell debate you can find me usually siding with scientists. My thought process is simple, if we have the technology to help a young child or an adult overcome some terrible disease….why not use it…who 

Vak talks food…

Vak talks food…

So my close friend Big Vak sat down with me recently to talk food, dieting, Miracle Whip, ham and cheese dreams and food art. He’s the happiest big man I know and gives a very candid and hilarious look into his thought process.

Dinner with TJ…

Dinner with TJ…

This is a great little web series where TJ sits down with various celebs and comedians for a meal. Not a new concept but it’s worth a few laughs…TJ is a very picky eater… here’s the show’s description:

TJ is a 31 year old man-baby who is terrified and disgusted by food. Join TJ as he attempts to get over his picky eating disorder with the help of a few celebrities. TJ has gone his whole life only ever eating 5 things. This is completely true. For real.

In these episodes TJ sits down with local comedians Bill Burr and Robert Kelly. I got to meet Robert many years back…very funny dude!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm_B3D4JN_8]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-BOUcFGTfY]

Ohhh hot dogs!!

Ohhh hot dogs!!

When it comes to hot dogs, Sullivan’s has always been a favorite. I can remember piling into my aunt’s station wagon and making the trek over to Castle Island from Dot on hot summer days. Unlike today, swimming in Boston harbor during the 80’s wasn’t 

Hip Hop clams…

Hip Hop clams…

Saw this on picture floating around and thought it was absolutely brilliant. Cash rules everything around me….CLAMS!!…Get the money….Dollar Dollar Bills Yall!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjZRAvsZf1g

A party in your mouth…

A party in your mouth…

So I head over to the Rock Island Food Company last night in search of something really good for dinner. What a dinner it turned out to be….

Some of the best Cod Cakes ever…pan fried with lemon infused olive oil.

I paired that with some rice pilaf….then I had to have one of their lobster pizzas.

Those of you who follow dotrat.com know that I absolutely love this place. Ellen Wilson just does it right….she cooks local…with high quality ingredients. If you have had a long day at work and don’t feel like cooking…let Rock Island do it for you. Call them during your lunch break and they will have dinner ready to go home with you. They make some dishes ready to eat and others you can take home and fake like your an all star chef. This is a small business I would love to see prosper. Get in touch 617 594 9604

Why not get a whole meal together and treat Mom to a relaxing dinner this weekend with no lines or reservations…..just sayin…

http://www.rockislandfoodcompany.com/

http://www.facebook.com/rockislandfood

Ashmont Grill…

Ashmont Grill…

So apparently the Ashmont Grill serves a salad with greens gathered from the sidewalks of Dorchester….they call it the Ashmont Jungle. I love local produce and I’m down with this as long as there is no old bubblegum and ezwider wrappers in it. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVqfEZM7tQ4]