Favorite Boston Restaurants of 2006

As I had mentioned earlier, the Best Boston Restaurants of 2006 page is up on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site. But I was wondering what people's favorite restaurants of 2006 might be. "Favorite" and "best" can indeed be two different things; for instance, one of my favorite restaurants of 2006 is the Salem Wood Cafe in Malden, but I wouldn't quite consider it one of the best restaurants in Boston, though their steak tips aren't too far behind those of the New Bridge Cafe in Chelsea.

If you have a favorite restaurant of 2006, we have a section on the site where you can post it. Go to the Visitors' Favorite Restaurants page and write a brief description of your favorite dining spot. Chances are, it will appear on our site!

Tags: Boston restaurants best of Boston

Our Latest Review: Salem Wood Cafe in Malden

The latest review that is on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site is the Salem Wood Cafe, which is in the Maplewood section of Malden. The Salem Wood Cafe is a friendly, old-fashioned place that is a good alternative to the nearby New Bridge Cafe in Chelsea, as the Salem Wood has outstanding steak tips, but unlike the New Bridge, it is rarely all that crowded.

Tags: Malden restaurants steak tips

Restaurants for New Year's Eve in Boston

It is only a few days until Christmas, with New Year's Eve not being too far behind, so it is definitely time to start making plans for New Year's Eve. I have dined at Ristorante Romanza in Providence (see photo) over the past two New Year's Eves, but this year I think we are doing something different (perhaps a restaurant closer to Boston). Needless to say, I need to make reservations by today or tomorrow, or it will be Chinese food and the Three Stooges for me!

New Year's Day is also a fun time to go out to eat. Last year, we went to Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain for brunch. This year? Not sure at this point, but if the weather is nice, I definitely want to go out for brunch someplace around Boston that is also close to an area where I can take a long walk before the college football games start on TV. Perhaps Doyle's and the nearby Arnold Arboretum will work out. We shall see...

Speaking of Jamaica Plain, for those of you who read my previous entry on the Christmas lights at Dominic Luberto's house on the Arborway in Jamaica Plain, I believe the lights will remain on Mr. Luberto's house until the end of January, so there is still plenty of time to view this amazing scene of what is basically a castle lit up with thousands of bulbs.

Tags: Boston restaurants New Year's Eve Boston Christmas lights

Macaroni Grill, Burlington

I went to a large Christmas/holiday dinner at the Macaroni Grill in Burlington last night. I went with a bit of trepidation, since I am not a big fan of chains, and I had heard mixed reviews of the place. But it turned out to be a good night, with mostly satisfying dishes and decent wine.

My favorite item was the wild mushroom ravioli appetizer, but the Caesar salad was good, as was the chicken cannelloni. The calamari was ok, but a bit bland, and the rosemary bread was tasty. The tiramisu was fantastic--not sure how I was able to finish it, but I did. And the Pinot Noir was surprisingly good, and not too expensive at about $7 for a glass.

Most of the 20 people who went enjoyed the Macaroni Grill, too. I wouldn't choose it over any of the restaurants in the North End, East Boston, or Medford, but it was good enough, and a great place for a large group.

Tags: Burlington restaurants Italian restaurants Boston Macaroni Grill

Prairie Star in Boston Has Closed

Well, December has been a tough month for restaurants in the Boston area, with so many of them closing (or about to close). Add one more to the list, as Prairie Star has shut down. Prairie Star, which was located on Dartmouth Street near Columbus Avenue, was never a big hit among diners in the Boston area, so it is not a huge surprise that they are gone.

Clery's might be expanding into this spot, as it is next door to where Prairie Star was. This might be a good move, as Clery's is a decent place that attracts hoards of people looking for comfort food and a pint or two. Clery's, which is owned by the same group that owns the Black Rose and the Purple Shamrock, might become a big player in the Boston Irish pub scene if they go ahead with this move.

Tags: Boston restaurants South End restaurants

No Restaurant Reviews This Week

Just to let everyone know that there will be no new featured restaurant on Boston's Hidden Restaurants this week. There should be a new restaurant reviewed either next Sunday or next Tuesday (Christmas is on Monday!).

I hope everyone is having a good holiday season!