Strip T’s

My second visit, this time for lunch. Strip T’s is bustling on a Saturday afternoon and there’s a short wait for a table which gives me time to contemplate my order.

IMG_1686Duck Wings (Special for the day) – I was more enamored with the peanut sauce than the wings

IMG_1688Gravy Fries – not a fan of the type of cheese on these (some kind of sharp Italian), great fries though!

IMG_1689Japanese Eggplant Banh Mi – filling was overwhelmed by the bread and the eggplant by itself was too salty from all the soy sauce

 

Commonwealth

menuOn my first trip to Commonwealth, I was underwhelmed with my cocktail and the service. However, being that it was only a day or two after the opening and I didn’t even try the food, back I went for brunch. I’m happy to report that the food is good. Unfortunately, the service still needs perfecting.

beignetBeignets – The first set came out and one beignet was missing the filling, but with the filling, excellent!

jerseyThe Dirty Jersey – basic, but tasty

hashHash & Eggs – Pastrami hash, yum!!

 

Boston Burger Company – Somerville

killerbeeLiving near Davis Square I’m used to being surrounded by college students for most of the year. However, I must not be frequenting the same establishments as the bright minds of Tufts University because when I sat down at Boston Burger Company, surrounded by students (and even their friends standing over my table because they were on their way out but still chatting), I felt outnumbered and old. The burger list at BBC is long and it’s tough to make a choice, but I go with the Killer Bee (American cheese, bacon, onions, honey bbq sauce) and some fries (because their burgers are served with chips).

friesThe fries come out first. I don’t know why, I remember saying I wanted them at the same time as the burger, but I’m hungry (maybe she knew?). If you’re a fan of thick steak fries, you’ll enjoy the fries here. Personally, I prefer a thinner cut. The burger is just okay. This isn’t my first time ordering a burger here either nd I always have the same comment – underseasoned. The onion rings and bbq sauce are the best part!

Loretta

IMG_1621A quick lunch in Newburyport. I was really hoping Brine served lunch, but they do not. After scoping out a few menus, we end up at Loretta, a suggestion from a local. The service was brisk and it seemed as though they wanted us out the door asap (even though there wasn’t a wait). Good news though, Newburyport Brewing Company is on draft and the pulled pork is $6.50. The food isn’t anything special, just your average neighborhood fare.

Pulled Pork & Mesclun Salad

Pulled Pork & Mesclun Salad

Moxy

IMG_1632After pizza at Flatbread Company in Portsmouth, I’m in need for something sweet. The whoopie pies at Moxy fit the bill. Supposedly a customer favorite, they are not my cup of tea. The filling reminded me of a whipped version of Oreo cream filling (this may be a personal issue, I hate the cream in Oreos). However, the little pot of chocolate they serve the pies with is fantastic! Drizzling it over the pies causes it to harden, textural win! The bartender, Neal, was incredibly welcoming and did not judge us for only ordering dessert (which sometimes happens). I’ll definitely be back for dinner!

Tupelo

tupeloCheap date night at Tupelo! If only the beers were cheap…

Your choice of a small gumbo OR a mixed greens salad, a side of our famous crispy cheddar grits, an entree to split AND a slice of pie… all for $30!

The meal was good overall; stars of the show were the gumbo, grits, and vanilla ice cream. I was too shy to ask for salt and pepper because I don’t like to hurt feelings, but I wish everything was a bit more seasoned. The cherry pie fell flat for me which was a huge disappointment considering that I love Petsi Pies. However, I will say that the ice cream was amazing and made up for the pie.

First things first, cornbread

First things first, cornbread

Gumbo, who would pass that up for salad?

Gumbo, who would pass that up for salad?

Fried Grits, yum!

Fried Grits, yum!

Fried Chicken, jalapeno mac & cheese, collard greens, pickled red cabbage

Fried Chicken, jalapeno mac & cheese, collard greens, pickled red cabbage

Cherry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Cherry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

 

 

Lone Star Taco Bar

IMG_1581Somewhere between the cabbage and the price ($6), I fell in love with the Victory Club Nachos at Lone Star. I dump hot sauce on them, have a beer or mug-arita (depending on the mood) and I am happy. Other things I like here are the guacamole, fish taco, and tostadas. The menu is simple and the service is always friendly, nothing not to like!

Patisserie on Newbury

IMG_1555Patisserie on Newbury is a great option if you need to add some variety to your coffee routine around Newbury Street. The French roast was surprisingly tasty and the croissant wasn’t bad considering my geographic location. A few details: seating is limited (3 tables), they do not open until 8am, and they carry a wide variety of specialty goods (but the prices are steep in comparison to other specialty shops).