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	<title>BeantownEats &#38; BeantownDrinks - Boston MA Food and Drink Website &#187; Bang 4 Buck</title>
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	<description>Boston Food &#38; Drink Website</description>
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		<title>Cocktails and Small Bites at Happy&#8217;s Bar and Kitchen</title>
		<link>http://beantowneats.com/cocktails-and-small-bites-at-happys-bar-and-kitchen/</link>
		<comments>http://beantowneats.com/cocktails-and-small-bites-at-happys-bar-and-kitchen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 16:04:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bang 4 Buck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Downtown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Location]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chacuterie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fenway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mac and cheese]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tacos]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beantowneats.com/?p=5345</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What happens when a successful Boston Chef creates a diner concept with upscale ingredients? A whole lotta fun. Chef Michael Schlow has one rule at his recently opened Happys Bar and Kitchen: there are no rules. Break out of the suit and tie, don a Sox hat and head to Happy&#8217;s for dinner before the game, or like we did, for some drinks and small plates among friends. Upon entering, you will notice that the design of the restaurant was well thought out. A vast bar is located to the left and the space takes up the entire front of the restaurant. High top tables with no chairs give the Fenway Park crowd a spot hang out before the game, place their beer and order some finger-friendly appetizers. Tables are available in the bar area, but not too many, leaving the space open and able to accommodate a crowd. A host stand is located in front of a large but unassuming curtain that divides the casual dining room from front bar area. We sat in the dining room and immediately started perusing the cocktail menu. A simple list of classics includes the likes of a Tom Collins, Negroni and Pisco Sour, all priced from $12-14. For the more adventurous, the New Twists consists of Happy&#8217;s originals like the A&#38;P (also $12-14). The evening that commenced was full of food from the appetizer and munchies menus, which were all perfect for sharing at the table. The menu is fairly large but not overwhelming and this post only describes the left side of the menu. On the right are entrees including a Grilled Pork Chop with cherry peppers, sausage and potatoes ($17.99), Chicken Milanese ($16.99) and Fall River-style Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew ($21.49). Daily specials boast the fun and creativity of Schlow and his team. The Never Been Frozen TV Dinner special changes daily, and featured chicken fried steak the night of our visit, served in true tv dinner fashion, in a sectioned tray with two sides and a dessert. Blue-plate specials include a monstrous 1-lb Meatball (Tuesday) and All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken (Monday), all while supplies last. Here is just a small sampling of some of the great items you can find at Happy&#8217;s Bar and Kitchen. Start Mexican with a spicy margarita and cool duck tacos. The spice in the margarita is noticeable but not overwhelming. The little bit of heat dissipates and leaves your taste buds able to taste your food. Two small duck tacos come in one serving; the creamy cucumber cilantro sauce will cool your palate, unless you also eat the Jalepeno sliver. Tender duck meat will melt in your mouth. A&#38;P (Lunazul tequila, spicy passion fruit, lime, agave; $14) Duck Tacos with cucumber, cilantro, mint and chiles ($9.00) Feeling more like a taste of Italy? Try the M.B.&#8217;s Aperol Spritz (not pictured), made with Aperol, Prosecco and soda water. Pair that with a cured meat plate (the best ever, to be exact, according to Happy&#8217;s playful menu), and one of my favorites of the night, homemade ricotta; creamy yet fluffy, served with toasted crudités. Cured Meat Plate with garnishes ($10.49) Homemade Ricotta with olive oil, sage and hot pepper flakes ($8.20) For something more refreshing as the hot summer days approach, try a simple mojito with a wedge salad. As seemed to be a trend running through Happy&#8217;s cocktails, the mojito was not too sweet and well-proportioned.  The wedge salad was a nice size for an appetizer salad, or so share with the table with other small plates. Mojito ($12) The Greatest Wedge&#8230; Ever (seriously, that&#8217;s how it&#8217;s printed on the menu; $8.49) Comfort dictates this last &#8220;pairing&#8221; of bourbon and mac and cheese. Happy&#8217;s rendition of a Manhattan wasn&#8217;t exactly a home run, but certainly acceptable.  The mac and cheese was creamy, savory and had a nice play of salty bacon with smokey jalapenos. Mr. Pete (Craig bourbon, burnt orange, bitters, sweet vermouth; $12) Petra&#8217;s Super Mac and Cheese with bacon, peas, jalapenos and crunchy bread crumbs Last but not least, we couldn&#8217;t pass up on dessert. One of Happy&#8217;s featured desserts is a Chef Schlow staple, appearing on the menus of two of his other restaurants, Via Matta and Alta Strada.  This fun dessert is a plate of cookies with a side of marscapone cream for dipping, almost like a richer version of a do-it-yourself Oreo.  We were also treated to a serving of Strawberry Shortcake, which boasted a very light ending to our meal.  The shortbread was a great consistency: not too dense yet held up to the moist strawberries and whipped cream. Mascarporeos of chocolate shortbread and marscapone cream Strawberry Shortcake There is a lot more on the menu to taste and enjoy at Happy&#8217;s. I already have my eye on the TV Dinner Special and I&#8217;m sure at some point one of us will just have to try the 1-pound meatball.  But until then, Happy&#8217;s brings a fun atmosphere to the Fenway neighborhood, with good food at reasonable prices. Have you been to Happy&#8217;s? If so, what was your favorite dish? February 2013 Update: Happy&#8217;s has closed]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Mexican at Border Cafe: Cha Cha Cha!</title>
		<link>http://beantowneats.com/mexican-at-border-cafe-cha-cha-cha/</link>
		<comments>http://beantowneats.com/mexican-at-border-cafe-cha-cha-cha/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:26:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bang 4 Buck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Location]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Harvard Square]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[margarita]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mexican]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beantowneats.com/?p=4137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chances are you have eaten at Border Cafe.  Chances are there is better Mexican food to be found in and around Beantown.  But when good food can be produced in a very lively location, and for incredibly reasonably prices, it&#8217;s hard to pass up. Situated on Church Street in Harvard Square, parking can be a little tricky if you are not familiar with the area.  Allow yourself plenty of time to find parking, but know that the fun-filled evening at Border Cafe will be worth the little bit of extra time spent parking. Also be prepared to wait.  Border Cafe does not normally accept reservations and despite the two floors of seating space, this popular joint still fills up fast.  Get there early to avoid a line. As the saying goes, &#8220;When in Rome&#8221;&#8230; So go ahead and order a margarita.  Choose from a wide selection starting with a simple house Margarita Grande (tequila, triple sec, lime juice, $5.75), pictured below, or the Sauza Gold (obviously made with Sauza Gold, $6.75), Hornitos (with Hornitos and Gran Marnier, $8.00) or the Patron Margarita (Patron and Cointreau, $8.75).  If margaritas are not quite your thing, Border Cafe offers Sangria ($5.75), along with an array of bottled beers ($4.00), including Corona, Corona Light, Tecate, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, Dos XX Amber, Dose XX Lager and Modelo Especial. Border Cafe&#8217;s menu does double-time, with a classic Mexican you would expect, but also a Cajun menu that you might not expect. Their appetizers follow suit, with Mexican appetizers including Chorizo Mexicana ($6.83, Authentic Mexican Chorizo, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms baked with bubbling Poblano Jack cheese and served with fresh, warm flour tortillas), Tejas Chicken ($5.96, Chicken tenderloins lightly fried and dipped in a secret Tejas Sauce accompanied by bleu cheese dressing  and celery sticks) and Pastelitos (pictured below).  The Cajun menu includes the likes of Cajun Popcorn ($6.48, Shrimp fried, spiced with Cajun seasonings and served golden brown with house Bayou sauce) and Crawfish Ettoufee ($6.85, Crawfish tails sauteed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and seasoning combined to form a rich brown gravy over white rice). Pastelitos ($6.88): Flaky pastries filled with a chicken-cilantro mix; made in-house and served with a Chimi Verde sauce. Sizzling fajitas are a quintessential menu item at Mexican restaurants, and Border Cafe is no different.  Choose from classic beef, chicken, or blackened chicken, catfish or a combination.  Served piping hot on a cast iron skillet with onions, the generous portion will easily fill five soft tortillas and satisfy the healthiest of appetites. Blackened Chicken Fajitas ($11.88): Blackened chicken in a secret blend of spices, grilled it over mesquite wood and served sizzling hot. Enchiladas are another classic Mexican dish and the simple cheese enchiladas at Border Cafe do not disappoint.  Two corn tortillas are filled with a heaping amount of cheese, smothered with even more cheese then topped lightly with green onions and fresh chopped tomatoes. Served with your choice of jambalaya or beans and rice, the jambalaya is a solid choice with lots of flavor from the chorizo pieces. Further indulge with a side of guacamole to compliment the enchiladas. Cheese Enchiladas ($6.59): Stuffed corn tortillas baked in cheese &#38; homemade enchilada sauce, stuffed with cheese and diced green chilis. If you search for more healthy options amid all of the cheesy Mexican dishes, the Tostada Grande Salad is a solid choice.  Choose the healthy grilled chicken option, and vegetables help fill out the crispy tortilla shell, which may be a little too crispy for eating along with the salad. Tostada Grande Salad ($7.88): House special chicken or pulled beef with black beans, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, red onions, mushrooms, and peppers piled into a crispy tortilla shell. Cajun entrees include French Quarter Chicken ($9.96, a sauteed breast of fresh chicken embraced by a tangy lemon pepper sauce), Eggplant Royale ($9.86, a bubbling-hot blend of cheeses, lump crabmeat and Cajun spices, served over a delicately fried eggplant; a Creole family tradition as served on Royale Street in New Orleans&#8217; French Quarter) and a classic Blackened Catfish ($10.88, a fresh catfish fillet dipped in blackening seasoning and seared on a cast-iron skillet). With additional menu items including burgers and vegetarian options, everyone in your group is sure to find something to eat at Border Cafe.  Whether you are craving Mexican, on a tight budget, or just looking for a good time with friends, the Border Cafe is sure to offer you a great experience. What is your favorite Mexican restaurant?]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>&#8216;The Local&#8217; Dining Experience</title>
		<link>http://beantowneats.com/the-local-dining-experience/</link>
		<comments>http://beantowneats.com/the-local-dining-experience/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:19:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bang 4 Buck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Location]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chicken]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mussels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[noodles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[onion straws]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beantowneats.com/?p=3794</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Peanut butter and jelly. Macaroni and cheese. Some things were quite obliviously meant to be put together. Jon and I dined at The Local recently and found many menu items that could be paired in similar ways. The Local has an incredible selection of $5 small bites. But compared to other &#8220;small bite&#8221; portions you see in and around the city, these dishes help their own nicely as two appetizers to share between two people. The crispy onion straws were seasoned with a touch of salt and a hint of rosemary, lightly fried to perfection without being too greasy. The dish of steaming mussels was loaded with a garlic, onion, tomato and white wine broth. This classic mussel broth was delicious in it&#8217;s own right, but also complimented the onion straws, similar to mussels frites. Hendrick&#8217;s Gimlet: Hendrick&#8217;s gin, lime, simple syrup, muddled cucumber ($8) Half Full: The Local&#8217;s version of a Pimm&#8217;s Cup ($8) P.E.I. Mussels in Tomato, Pinot Grigio and Garlic Butter ($5), also available with Bass Ale, Dijon Mustard and a little Cream ($5) Crispy Onion Things ($5) Despite enjoying the small bites, we decided to order entrees.  Jon ordered the Spicy Hong Kong noodles. Sticking with the pairing theme, he selected a tiki-like cocktail of the 16 East Meets West had a touch of sweetness from the pineapple that helped balance the spicy noodles. Jon is always pleasantly surprised to see noodle dishes on menus that mostly offer traditional American fare. In this case, the copious amount of fresh vegetables added a nice crunch to the beef and noodles. 16 East Meets West with Jim Beam, Cointreau, pineapple juice, fresh lime and cranberry ($8) and 2010 Creme de Lys Chardonnay, Sonoma ($7) Spicy Hong Kong Noodles with wok-fried veggies and peanuts ($14) I rarely crave chicken when I eat out but the high-quality chicken dishes I&#8217;ve tried recently have started to change my mind. Although not in the online menu, this pan-seared chicken dish appears on their regular entree menu. Being pan-seared, I wasn&#8217;t expecting the chicken to be smothered in the rest of the ingredients. But the melted mozzarella and roasted tomatoes all worked really well together and turned out to be exactly the dish to satisfy my craving. I paired my dinner with a Chardonnay listed as a monthly special and selected for The Local by Newton-area wine distributor Lower Falls Wine Co. I prefer buttery Chardonnays, especially with chicken, and this wine did not miss the mark. Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with garlic mashed, fresh mozzarella and baby spinach, roma tomatoes and white wine ($18) The menu at The Local leaves little to be desired.  If you are fan of the small bite concept like me, you will enjoy the selection at The Local.  If you prefer a traditional entree, The Local will not disappoint. The Local is located at 1391 Washington Street in West Newton. Other Newton restaurant posts: O&#8217;Hara&#8217;s is a Must B Street Restaurant &#8211; From Newton with Love The Cottage at Chestnut Hill Sunny Sunday Brunch at The Cottage Don’t Feel Like Going to Chinatown? Try Bernard’s &#160; &#160;]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Happy Wallet Happy Hour</title>
		<link>http://beantowneats.com/happy-wallet-happy-hour/</link>
		<comments>http://beantowneats.com/happy-wallet-happy-hour/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 11:51:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bang 4 Buck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beverages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Downtown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Location]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[happy hour]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beantowneats.com/?p=1182</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Still lamenting Massachusetts&#8217; stubborn blue laws against true happy hours, BeantownEats was in search of a good deal downtown and found just the one! In search of a cocktail and a quick, light bite before heading to the Big Apple circus last night, we headed into McCormick and Schmicks in Faneuil Hall, where from 3:30-6:30 weekdays and 9:30-10:30 Monday through Thursday in the bar area, you can order off their Social Hour menu. There are very few places in the city where a $10 bill will actually fill you up, but McCormick and Schmick&#8217;s is one such spot. I started with three oysters and they were so good I was I had gotten two orders. For $3.95, why not?! (On Wednesdays, they feature $1 oysters at the bar from 3:30 pm until close.) Then it was Spinach Dip, a guilty pleasure of mine that I very rarely order. Served in a small cup with a decent amount of chips, for $1.95, you can&#8217;t really go wrong. Last came the Fried Gulf Shrimp. I was expecting the shrimp to be a little larger, but for $4.95 I&#8217;m not complaining. Other items on the menu include brushetta ($1.95), cheeseburger with fries ($2.95), tomato and cheese pizza ($3.95), and potato chips with blue cheese and bacon ($4.95). And I almost forgot to mention the best part! Blue cheese stuffed olives! I was a little disappointed that the olives on their drink menu, which also include bacon, were not available, but the bartender was more than happy to make the regular ones. McCormick and Schmicks is kicking off their summer season with their annual Patio Party, Thursday May 26th from 6-10 pm.  Drink specials include Level Upside Down Cake and Tommy Bahama Havana Sun ($7), Summerfield Cabernet Sauvignon and Morsasutti Pinot Grigio ($6), Ultimat Orange Persuasion ($5) and Heineken Light bottles and Baracardi Dragon Berry Madras ($3).  So if you are looking for a budget friendly happy hour in an otherwise blue law stricken state, you can&#8217;t beat McCormick and Schmick&#8217;s bar deals to satisfy that after work hunger. Where do you go for happy hour?]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Try Trina’s</title>
		<link>http://beantowneats.com/try-trinas/</link>
		<comments>http://beantowneats.com/try-trinas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 02:51:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bang 4 Buck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Eats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hot Dogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Somerville]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beantowneats.com/?p=135</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the city, it&#8217;s hard to find a good cocktail for less that $12.  For being so close to Boston (Beacon St in Somerville), you can&#8217;t get a bigger bang for your buck (with high quality) than Trina&#8217;s Starlight Lounge. For starters, all of the cocktails on Trina&#8217;s drink menu are $9.  If you&#8217;re lucky, Trina herself will be making your drink.  The part-owner recently appeared on NBC&#8217;s On the Rocks, a reality show searching for America&#8217;s best bartender (check out Trina&#8217;s interview here).  I recommend the Deconstructed Rum and Cola and the INMANhattan. Once settled in with your drink, there are several delicious appetizers that you can order without braking the bank.  For only $4, you can order the Pepperoni Roll or for $5, try the BBQ Sweet Potato Chips and Dip. For those really seeking to stay under budget, check out Trina&#8217;s Dog selection.  Craving a good old fashioned hot dog, the Griddled Dog ($3) is just that.  Add Chili and Cheese for just $3 extra.  Feeling adventurous? Ask about the Dog of the Day (market price) and you won&#8217;t be disappointed. If you are looking for something more hearty than a hot dog, don&#8217;t fret! Trina&#8217;s dinner menu is complete with a nice variety of entrees.  If you are in the mood for comfort food, the Mac &#38; Cheese ($9) is sure to satisfy your hunger.  For all you carnivores out there, I recommend the Steak Frites ($16).  Finally, don&#8217;t miss the Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Waffles ($14), named by Bon Appetite magazine as one of the top 10 best places for fried chicken! So if you want a creative cocktail, the Dog of the Day or dinner with friends, try Trina&#8217;s!]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>O’Hara’s is a Must</title>
		<link>http://beantowneats.com/oharas-is-a-must/</link>
		<comments>http://beantowneats.com/oharas-is-a-must/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:10:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bang 4 Buck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irish Pub]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newton]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://beantowneats.com/?p=71</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Looking for an Irish pub with good food and a warm, cozy atmosphere? Check out O&#8217;Hara&#8217;s in Newton Highlands, conveniently located off the Green D line at Newton Highlands. For starters, appetizers are all less than $10.  The Fried Clamari ($9) is consistently well-cooked and available with both marinara sauce or my favorite, Rhode Island style with banana peppers.  If your stomach is growling, dig into the hearty Nachos Grande ($10). O&#8217;Hara&#8217;s regular dinner menu is vast and offers a wide variety.  On a date and want to order something more sophisticated? Try one of their several baked seafood dishes ($14-16).   Want to really stretch your dollar and use left-overs for tomorrow&#8217;s lunch? I recommend the O&#8217;Hara&#8217;s Special calzone ($10).  In the mood for a burger and a beer? O&#8217;Hara&#8217;s has a wide selection of burgers and sandwiches, all modestly priced from $7.50-10. Pair a burger with a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, available on tap along with their rotating selection of bottled beers.  Dinner specials change nightly, be sure to look for their Pork Chops! O&#8217;Hara&#8217;s can serve in many capacities, but whatever the occasion, you can expect good food for a great price.  Also check out their sister restaurant, Paddy&#8217;s Pub in West Newton.]]></description>
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