But later into the night, when the DJ's come out to spin practically every type of music you can imagine, the bodies start hopping off the couches and begin to let go of their inhibitions. While the 6 o'clock guests may resemble an after work happy hour with families welcome, when the clock strikes twelve the Enormous Room has turned into a full on dance party, featuring a crowd so diverse you wonder what keeps everyone coming back.

What makes us return night after night? Well, of course we love the music and the diverse crowds. But let's face it, the drinks are stellar, and they're the type of infusions you can't find at any other bar. If you fear the burning esophageal aftermath of tequila, your worries are over. With a mix of tequila and strawberry puree, the "La Perla" is a smooth and delicious cocktail that tastes more like the alcoholic form of a fruit smoothie than a cocktail. So if you've never been to the Enormous Room, make sure to climb that stairway to cocktail heaven. Just look for the big red elephant.

Enormous Room [Official Site]

[Photo: the Enormous Room's bathrooms via nedward.org/Flickr]

We'd try to think of a clever title, but the name is already so darn cute...

So we miss Rachel's Kitchen in the Bay Village, but what good news that she's moved to Cambridgeport! Hungry Mother features updated southern cuisine: boiled peanuts, fried catfish, grits, collard greens, and cinnamon buns for dessert. The service? Out of this world. Easily the nicest folks in the Kendall area. The prices are steep, and the place can get noisy on a busy night, but the succulent shrimp and roasted chicken with snap peas are worth any trouble you might encounter. We love trying new spots, and this one should be on your list too...assuming it isn't already.

Grab a HM logo pin on your way out as a souvenir.

Hungry Mother [MenuPages]
Hungry Mother [Official Site]

[Photo: LimeyG Bends Yer Lughole]

No matter how you roll through Inman Square, there are ways to feed your face. Consider the following:

S&S Restaurant might not be a diamond among stones, but it does do a few things right, namely a huge menu and the ability to handle large groups. It's nice to breakfast-all-day-with-a-group options in our town aside from the IHOP, ya know? It sure is hard to mess up scrambled eggs and toast.

But for the seekers among us, we'd send you down the block to All Star Sandwich Bar. Some balk at an $8 sammie, but we like local spots with nice folks who fill our bellies. It might be a sandwich place, but their chili is to die for. And can you say free Oreos?

Alas, real dessert is often in order. Not to fear: Christina's has every strange and wonderful flavor of ice cream or sorbet you could want. Everything is seasonal, rotating around like the planet, but we say you can never go wrong with chocolate.

S&S Restaurant and Deli [Official Site]
All Star Sandwich Bar [Official Site]
Christina's Homemade Ice Cream [Official Site]

[Photo: lilivanili/Flickr]

We’ve always loved Punjabi Dhaba. They are always serving up the freshest, most authentic Indian food available in the area. Sure there is generally a line forming, either inside or down the block, but the wait is never THAT long and is always worth it. Oh you’ve not eaten at Punjabi Dhaba? What are you waiting for, get over there!

Of course, you have your staples, naan, tikka masala, and saag paneer. However, there is something different about this place. The food is served in massive helpings onto metal trays, almost cafeteria like in a way. Some might be skeptical, until you put that first bite in your mouth. If you want to experience it inside, grab one of the seats at the large table upstairs, or a stool in the window. It’s a very homey experience.

And of course, there's the pakoras. Oh lord how can we describe these tender little morsels of amazing? Perfectly cooked with a sweet sauce to dip in. The best snack to eat between bands, the best snack between beers at the bar, or even just as a treat to walk home with. Seriously, get the pakoras to start, end with the green tea ice cream, and pick ANYTHING to eat in the middle and you will be super duper happy.

Punjabi Dhaba [MenuPages]
Punjabi Dhaba [Official Site]

Photo: Frank H's Flickr

Featuring an enormous menu, from sushi to BBQ, we dig Koreana for diversity and style. We can roll in with a crowd and everyone leaves happy. The appetizers (especially the salads) rock, bulgogi and bi bim bap never disappoint, we love the fresh japchae noodle dishes, and their vegetarian menu makes this place a win for everyone, regardless of your dietary needs. Dinner wouldn't be complete without a California or avocado roll, and while we know some folks hate on Koreana's sushi bar, we say, if you're trying to cover a lot of bases, you do the best you can. We're not here to pick a fight - we're here to pick out our meats! Koreana, among other things they do right, lets you cook your own meat and veggies. DIY hasn't lost its charm, at least not when it comes to barbeque!

This is the kind of place you go for dinner and just relax. Perfect for a leisurely night out sans children or a great spot to catch up with an old friend. Their cheap lunch menu is worth checking out, too.

Koreana [MenuPages]
Koreana [Official Site]

[Photo: snak/Flickr]

What's not to love about the newly renovated Clear Conscience Cafe in Central Square? Attached to the Harvest Co-op, this friendly, bright cafe is a great spot for breakfast on the run or a lunchtime snack. Renovated and renamed from its former (and less original) Harvest Co-op Cafe, the new shop is much more welcoming.

Featuring a menu accessible for everyone, CCC (C3?) offers a wide range of scones, bagels (with tofu or regular cream cheese!), veggie and meat sandwiches, and daily soups, including vegetarian chili. With free wifi for an hour, it's a nice spot to briefly rest on their comfy sofas. During the day, the tables stay pretty emptyas people get their food to go, making it a cool place to get a little work done too. And the coffee refills in your own mug? Twenty cents off. Every little bit counts, right?

Grab a few groceries on the way out. Organic produce and knowing you're supporting a local market (other location in Jamaica Plain) is a pretty good deal.

Clear Conscience Cafe, 581 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617 661-1580

[Photo: ninjapoodle/Flickr]

When we're spending the lunch hour near Kendall, we'll be the first admit interesting, affordable options can be a bit lacking. Don't great minds need great food?

Lucky for us, there are trucks. Every day, a whole pack of them drive into the MIT parking lot off Main Street at Ames Street, circle up in the shadow of the Stata Center, offering some of the best cheap food in the area. The diversity can't be beat, and the cash only mobile food stands almost hearken back to a day of lunch counters and sandwich pails.

Our favorites include the Mexican truck (known as Jose's but with no menu online), which makes huge, cheap burritos and amazingly fresh salads. The Middle Eastern truck, Jerusalem Cafe, has the standard shawarma and falafel, both equally solid choices. We recommend swinging by for the lentil soup too. Goosebeary's is among the most popular and has stellar Chinese food and provides yet another reason you and your wallet will both be happy. And yes, we know sometimes the trucks seem nameless, but we're all for pointing in the right direction, name or cuisine, whichever works for you.

[Photo: Dan4th/Flickr]

Maria Bonita is a pretty non-descript looking taqueria from the outside. When you walk in, however, you are greeted with a large, varied menu, many daily specials, nice tables and coolers full of Mexican and domestic sodas and beers. With low prices and pretty great food, this out of the way Mexican place is a great spot to check out.

The burritos start on the grill, tortilla’s mildly grilling with the cheese melting on it (HUGE plus), and the seasoned yellow rice is a great surprise to those of us that have gotten used to bland white rice in our burritos. The fish tacos (pictured above) were incredible, lightly battered and fried fish with cabbage and their special taco sauce. They were hard to put down!

With breakfast selections available as well, we really recommend stopping into this little shop. Trying it recently, we were very upset at ourselves for driving past it every day for over two years without stopping. Please don’t make the same mistakes we’ve made and stop in as soon as you can!

Maria Bonita [MenuPages]

Summertime in Boston gets humid like the South. While the two don't ultimately compare, we're happy to find fare that reminds us of the Gulf Coast.

So, enter Coast Cafe. Fried chicken just shy of too-greasy, just the right amount of crispy, we have a winner in Cambridge. Mac & cheese doesn't get much better than this, and their sweet potatoes are a perfect side. Fried plantains and collard greens round out the menu. Perhaps the best of all, their cornbread is worth an entire side order of its own. And that's how you've gotta order this goodness - with about two real seats in the tiny space, you're gonna need to get this amazing Southern action to go.

Closed Sunday and Monday, make sure to hit this place up during the week or on a summery Saturday for a waterfront picnic or a night in with pals who love catfish and yellow cake.

Coast Cafe [Official Site]

[Photo: serenejournal/Flickr]

There is tea all over this city. We are, after all, in Boston. Parties revolving around tea have been happening since this city began.

But when we want a sampling of some of the best, we head to Harvard Square. First stop: Dado Tea. With a fun pastry assortment, you're guaranteed to leave with your hands full. Dado has shelf after shelf of tea supplies for home, from pots and kettles to loose leaf bags and strainers. The perfect stop for a gift for a tea lover, even if that person is yourself!

Next: Tealuxe. Featuring perhaps the best selection around town, this tiny cafe is known for it's huge assortment and daily iced treats. Serving bubble teas in the summer, there's something for everyone - even hot chocolate for the tea haters among us.

Finally, and most unexpectedly: Karma Yoga Studio. While we know it's an unconventional choice, this amazingly calm studio has a lovely cafe out front that serves some of the best iced peach rooibos we've ever had. Stop in on a hot summer afternoon for a delightful sampling of many soothing teas - and grab a relaxing yoga class while you're there! Two good things under one roof is always fine by us.

Dado Tea [Official Site]
Tealuxe [Official Site]
Karma Yoga Studio and Cafe [Official Site]

[Photo: Naama/Flickr]

One of the best things about living in the Boston area is fresh seafood. And one of the worst things about fresh seafood is that it can get pretty pricey. So where can you go where you can get great, fresh seafood on a budget? Well, Dolphin Seafood is out there to fill your belly and spare your wallet.

Every day, there is a trusted member of the staff goes and picks the fish and lobsters, so you know you are getting the freshest meal possible. To really take advantage of the deals, hop in between 4:30pm and 5:30pm for a 10% off daily special, which really helps keep things in anyone's budget.

At a place where seafood is the specialty, you need to really sample the fresh daily catches, as well as the long-standing regular menu. The Shrimp Fiesta platter (pictured above) offers up 4 pretty huge shrimp each in three styles: grilled, cajun seasoned, and orange ginger glaze. There are barely any words that can describe how awesome this trio of fresh, succulent, and downright large shrimp were. The dish is the monthly special, and comes with 2 side dishes (we opted for the fresh corn on the cob and the garden salad with fresh shaved carrots and French dressing). If you are with someone who isn’t into seafood, their steak tips are just perfect and also right in the budget.

If you are looking to satisfy a seafood craving with some fantastic incredibly fresh food, and don’t wanna spend a ton, go to Dolphin and live it up!

Dolphin Seafood [MenuPages]
Dolphin Seafood [Official Site]

First off, we must explain why we love Ethiopian cuisine and its many dishes, all heaped together as one. Injera, the huge, spongey bread on which all the food is presented, is often considered the most notable of the Ethiopian dining experience. Salads, pastes, tender meats, crushed lentils, and stews fill the bread, and everything can be consumed at once, tearing apart the bread to use in place of Western flatware.

Asmara, the smaller and sometimes lesser known Cambridge/Central Square restaurant, is unparalleled because of their unbeatable homemade mead, or honey wine. In business since 1986, diners at Asama are seated around the traditional Mesob, a woven basket-like table that comfortably holds the entire shared meal. You'd better like your dinner companions if you suggest this place.

Addis Red Sea, a staple of the South End culinary scene, expanded last year to a Porter Square Cambridge location as well. A bit more Westernized than Asmara, table or Mesob seating options are available, and the standard range of mild to spicy foods are also up for communal dining debate. Are they giving their competition a run for their birr? This remains to be seen.

Asmara [Official Site]
Addis Red Sea [Official Site]

[Photo: LollyKint/Flickr]

Everyone we know seems love to Helmand, a few blocks from Kendall and right next to the Cambridgeside Galleria. Serving up some of the best food and wine in town, it's no wonder tables are tough to reserve on the weekends. Their giant oven warms the spacious dining room, and guests would perform an amazing feat if they left hungry. Specializing in the traditional pallow rice (challow for vegetarians), they feature a wide variety of lamb, beef, and chicken dishes, while their vegetarian options are equally appealing.

But, despite Helmand's notoriety, our personal favorite is the lesser known, equally delicious Ali Baba Tandoor, tucked on Mass Ave. between Porter and Davis Squares. Because prices and quality are comparable, we like this little known gem for its family appeal. Recently opening for lunch, Ali Baba Tandoor serves amazingly fresh bread, tasty chutneys, and makes the best salad with pomegranate dressing you've ever had. Their lamb is on a visible skewer in the corner just outside the kitchen, and their vegetarian sampler is the best mix of baby pumpkin, okra, and spinach in town. Need further incentive? Try the hot homemade pickles or Sheerberaing (rice pudding) for dessert. We promise you won't be disappointed.

Helmand [Official Site]
Ali Baba Tandoor [Official Site]

[Photo: Jeff Kubina/Flickr]

With summertime upon us, our thoughts have naturally turned to summertime drinks. And one of our favorite ingredients for these drinks is cachaca, the Brazilian spirit made from cane sugar. Like anyone else, we love a good caipirinha; there are many good caipirinhas to be had around town, and we particularly like the ones at Zuzu. Caipirinhas are labor-intensive, and ZuZu! has never served us one that skimped on the crushed lime or the sugar. (Caipirinhas might be light, but they are not a drink for dieters.)

While we will happily drink caipirinhas all summer, we wonder if there's any locale serving other cachaca-based drinks. Given the sizable Brazilian population, we'd be inclined to think so. (Or maybe all the clever concocting happens behind closed doors?) Having spent a bit of time in Brazil, we know that not all cachaca ends up in caipirinhas, and that not all caipirinhas are made with lime (although kiwi and passionfruit, a couple of the variations we've tried, are not often stocked in bars). If anyone knows where to go for good non-caipirinha cachaca drinks, or where we might find variations on the standard, lime caipirinha, please let us know.

Zuzu [MenuPages]
ZuZu! [Official Site]

[Photo: caipirinha via Dieleute's cocktail page]

Boston’s love of Mexican food is no secret at all, as walking in almost any neighborhood you will find a place with a decent burrito. But what about the burrito’s underappreciated younger sibling, the taco? Well Olecito is there to help all your taco craving needs. Located across the street from its big sister restaurant Ole Mexican Grill, Olecito’s storefront feels comfortable and familiar from the first visit.

The staff at Olecito is always friendly and there to help. The Baja taco (battered shrimp, pickled cabbage, chipotle mayonnaise, cilantro pesto) can sometimes have an overwhelming portion of the chipotle mayo, but just asking for the staff to go light on it will create an original and downright tasty taco. Other offerings include filling tortas, cheesy quesadillas, and filling burritos. When it comes to tacos however, Olecito provides us with something special.

The Rajas taco at Olecito might just change your life. Comprised of homemade guacamole, lettuce, black beans, poblano peppers and shredded jack cheese...well, you get the idea. The peppers melt in your mouth and offer a very slight hint of spice, the cheese has just the perfect amount of melt and for the low price of $2.75, it’s pretty darn filling for a taco. Stop on into Olecito sometime before going to the Abbey Lounge or one of the other great bars in the neighborhood, and you will surely be a returning customer like we are.

Olecito [MenuPages]
Ole Mexican Grill [Official Site]

[Photo: Jared Razzano/Flickr]

Reef Cafe has the best Lebanese falafel in town, and it is an absolute treat to visit this tiny eatery. With mom in the kitchen and friendly son Salaam up front, Reef is the best family-run establishment in Allston Rock City. Cold Vimto and other sodas in the cooler plus daily specials round out the menu, and late hours keep everyone happy. Call ahead - they'll have it ready if you're on the go, in usually ten minutes or less.

While not always everyone's first choice (most notably due to the high prices), Rami's in Brookline serves soft Israeli falafel with a variety of veggies in a pita pocket. Keeping completely kosher - no outside food or drinks of any kind allowed in - these thin pockets contain a great variety of greens, tomatoes, and a delicious tahini and hummus covering the fresh, fluffy falafels.

If Cambridge is the place you call home, you're lucky to have Moody's Falafel Palace on Mass Ave., in the heart of Central Square and open later than most of its neighboring restaurants. A drunk's destination after the bars close on the weekends (open until 3am!), it's also a lunch attraction for a reason. Their prices are low, their lentil soup is always warm, and the taste can't be beat on that side of the riverbank.

Reef Cafe [MenuPages]
Rami's [MenuPages]
Moody's Falalfel Palace [MenuPages]

[Photo: Avlxyz/Flickr]

The Plough & Stars is a cozy little comfort spot tucked in between Central and Harvard Squares, right on Mass. Ave. And though it’s been in it’s location for around 50 years, it still has the feel of a secret. Not only are the wait staff and bartenders so friendly and polite, but after a bit of time with them they will feel more like friends than restaurant employees.

There are 3 meal times at the Plough: Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch. And every single one is a lot better than most of the other food in the area. The lunch (as with all of the times) have an astounding amount of specials, that change daily, using the freshest ingredients, and basically mean, like, this is why people want to go to this place. The tomato bisque (pictured above) was one of the best soups we’ve ever had. It was perfectly rich and creamy at the same time, not being too over the top, just a great balanced soup for a rainy afternoon. Other specials might be saffron capellini with (gigantic!) gulf shrimp and roasted garlic, or a grilled balsamic chicken with mixed greens, crispy bacon, croutons and parmesan. Yeah, we know you want it too.

The dinners are the same way. Of course they have the same basic menu as lunch (including items like sirloin burgers, rabbit stew, and the incredible Cuban sandwich), but here the special dishes just shine. The best thing we’ve ever tasted has from the special menu was the potato, scallion, garlic and Dublin cheddar pizza. Dinner is served until 9:30, and from 10pm on there is live music or on Mondays DJ nights. On Sundays, there is a chicken and fish fry, with some of the best fried chicken and fish you’ll ever get a chance to eat. So come in early, grab a bite to eat and a cold beer and stick around for some fun!

The brunch is also fantastic, served only on Saturday and Sunday, and if you aren’t checking it out or becoming a regular, you are missing out on an amazing traditional Irish breakfast, an incredible omelette of the day, and banana walnut french toast! We can’t say enough positive things about the pork hash, though, a whole plate full of hash, topped with two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, served with an English muffin!

So seriously, if you aren’t getting to the Plough, you need to. Your taste buds will be thanking you!

The Plough & Stars is located at 912 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 576-0032

Christopher's in Porter Square is a local hot spot for the after work crowd, people who want to get a good beer for a good price, and people who are ready to spend a little to get a whole lot! If you have $10 and you want to get a delicious, satisfying cheeseburger, Christopher’s is the place. They have a large selection of tasty burgers, but the best one on the menu is the English Burger. It is ground Coleman beef, topped with cheddar and bacon, lettuce and tomato, and served on a large English muffin. It comes with a healthy portion of Christopher’s fries, which fall somewhere between a potato wedge and a steak fry. The burger itself is juicy, pretty big, and hard to put down. The use of the English muffin really lets you taste the flavors of the meat and cheese, since there isn’t a large bun overpowering the flavor. The best part? This burger is only $8.95, so it won’t break the bank to enjoy such a quality meal!

Besides having one of the best burgers in the city of Cambridge, Christopher’s also has a pretty great beer selection. We recommend getting the Boddingtons when enjoying the English Burger, but the special Opa Opa Red Rock Amber was on tap so that is what went in the glass last night.

Christopher's [Official Site]

We think it's brunch season in Boston, though one may argue that it never isn't brunch season. Something about the birds chirping and the sun shining and the breeze drifting down the streets makes us want to get up late and saunter into our favorite brunch spots. We brunch a lot, so our top picks are everywhere.

• You may consider the Globe Bar & Cafe a popular Boylston St. bar. It is that, so it's fitting that they seek to take care of you when you come back in the morning. Try the smoked salmon benedict, with warm focaccia and mixed greens.

• In Union Square in Somerville is a hidden gem called simply the Neighborhood Restaurant. You can sit outside under a ton of grape vines, and you are given the option of orange juice or coffee, grits or fruit salad. You are not paying for those. The menu is filled with everyone's brunch staples, and the food is plentiful. No wonder there's a line.

• The community feel of Veggie Planet Pizza makes the food taste even better, we think. Waffles covered in nuts and berries are delicious, and even the vegans in your life can enjoy the tofu scramble. With nice music (of course - it's at Passim!), this is a calm and fuzzy-feeling brunch.

Globe Bar and Cafe [Official Site]
Neighborhood Restaurant [Chowhound]
Veggie Planet [Official Site]

[Photo: Foodaphilia]

Oh, the humidity! The air is like shaving cream, and our spirits and feet are dragging! What could possibly save the day? Oh, right: Italian soda! What can be more refreshing than a cold and sparkling water flavored lightly with sugary syrup? We've replaced our afternoon coffee with it, with a little help from these guys...

• Espresso Royale Cafe never flavors their sodas too much, and the flavors they have are many. Our favorites are blackberry and raspberry, but the word from the friendly baristas is the new banana syrup is surprisingly delicious, as well.
• A raspberry soda from 1369 Coffee House is a little too sweet for our taste, but we know many people like their Italian sodas saturated in color. If that's your bag, you've found a home in Inman. Or Central.
• Being a Spanish cafe, Cafe Pamplona doesn't seem like the prime spot for Italian anything. Believe us, though - it is one of the best! Bonus: you can sip it on the Bow St. patio.

Espresso Royale Cafe [Official Site]
1369 Coffee House [Official Site]

[Photo: Small World Coffee]

It's strange when the local newspapers are mostly occupied by coverage of every graduation on this side of the state, but we all know what it means: the students are leaving, and we have our city back! Here are some on-campus favorites you can't try outside of summer and winter breaks.

Boston University The Terriers have gone home, and now we have Comm Ave. back! Sort of. At the very least, enjoy Noodle St without hearing about what a drag it is to be studying pre-med while researching the best residencies in the country. Pick your own topic of conversation and your own curry dish. We recommend the yellow curry to those who seek out the mild but are ready to kick it up a notch.

Harvard University The charms of Grendel's Den in the summer far outweigh their school-year counterparts. Go for their express lunch and have a soup and half-sandwich combo - maybe even sneak in a half-pitcher of sangria before you head back to work. We won't tell.

Northeastern University: Okay, we all know that the best way to shave off some of that 5-year degree that goes along with co-op is to go to school in the summer. So no, you cannot go to Tigerlily and avoid the NU DogHouse at the same time. We would, however, highly recommend a walk in the opposite direction on Huntington. The Squealing Pig offers a fine selection of beers (we like the Franziskaner hefeweizen) and rather delicious food (like the brie and cranberry toasted sandwich).

Noodle St. [Official Site]
Grendel's Den [Official Site]
Tigerlily [MenuPages]
The Squealing Pig [MenuPages]

[Photo: La Shawn Barber's Corner]

Wednesday, May 21
• A little bird told us that tonight is Girls' Night Out at Masona Grill in West Roxbury. From 7-9, this event, which features food, fashion, prizes, and sangria, is $40 a head.

Tuesday, May 27
• Leave it to UpStairs on the Square to be adorable about asparagus. The Glory of Asparagus is a four-course dinner with wines for $75 at 6:30. [UpStairs on the Square]
• From 6-9, Vlora will be hosting a Mike's Hard Lemonade tasting, featuring Mike's drinks and Vlora's tasty comestibles. [Vlora]

What is Pimm's? It's gin-based, with an otherwise top-secret recipe that features herbs and spices. The Pimm's Cup is Pimm's served with lemonade (or lemon soda, or ginger ale), cucumber, mint leaves, and lemon, orange, and strawberry. Very refreshing, we daresay, and it's fun to think that's what they sip at the Henley Royal Regatta.

We recently traveled to London, and were delighted to find that we could buy a bottle of our favorite British beverage when we came home. Pimm's, while not yet popular in the States after nearly 200 years, can be bought by the bottle in some liquor stores. What we were even more excited about was the fact that we could order it in some of our favorite bars and restaurants. Brilliant!

• Our first Stateside foray into Pimm's at a bar was where we learned that you can't ask just anyone for a Pimm's Cup. The senior bartender at the Milky Way Lounge & Lanes recommended a number of good mixers, and we settled on a Pimm's and Ginger, which was garnished with lime.

• Miracle of Science (by the MIT Museum, on Mass Ave) serves their Pimm's in a pint glass, garnished with a cucumber! Probably the closest approximation of a Pimm's Cup.

• We've applauded Silvertone Bar & Grill for their mac and cheese, but their British Isles motif is surely conducive to an enjoyable Pimm's-drinking experience. Bonus points to the bartender, who was apologetic for the lack of cucumbers.

Milky Way Lounge and Lanes [Official Site]
Silvertone [Official Site]

[Photo: The Publican]

These warm days washed clean by spring rain have us raring to go in the morning. Sort of. We only hit the snooze button once. Okay, we could use a little help. Some protein - an omelette! But make it worth our time, because we could have had an extra nine minutes of sleep.

• The Blue Star has been a trademark Roslindale storefront for decades, and it's no wonder why. We are most impressed by their German (ham, leek, and cheese) omelette, served with home fries and toast. Bonus: the best espresso in the Square.

• Visit any friend in JP, and they will take you to Sorella's. Why? Because they know. They know that Sorella's only uses fruits and vegetables that are in season, that it feels like your artsy aunt's kitchen (complete with breakfast nook!), and that, in addition to the impressive selection of pancakes, they will put anything you want in an omelette. Our favorite? The Philly, which is stuffed with (surprise!) cream cheese. We like to ask for avocado, too.

• Then, of course, there's the old breakfast standby in Inman Square, the S&S Restaurant. There's a reason it's been around since 1919. We would highly recommend the heart-healthy garden omelette, made with Egg Beaters, dill havarti, broccoli, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

S&S [Official Site]

[Photo: Gourmet Trading]

We know it's overcast and due to rain, but these gloomy days can't last forever! And since it's not raining yet, we think sitting on the patio can work for now. Today we talk about some of the area's best patios. We'll run inside when the first raindrops touch our table.

• To see and be seen, Stephanie's on Newbury is the way to go. Fortunately for you, the food is great, too! We would recommend the lamb chops with white corn polenta, grilled asparagus, sun dried cherry and pearl onion demi glace.

• Newbury Street not your scene? The most coveted seats on a nice day in Harvard Square are at Shays Pub and Wine Bar. This dates back to a time when restaurants in Cambridge weren't allowed to serve alcohol on their patios - Shays found a loophole by making sure their patio was on their property, and not the sidewalk. These days Shays boasts an impressive wine list in addition to the variety of beers they serve. Of course there's food - the burgers are good and huge. We'll admit the spotlight is on quality sipping and good company.

• Tucked away in the center of Roslindale Square is the absolutely charming Sophia's Grotto. They share a patio with other local restaurants and shops, but theirs has a bubbling fountain! Try the Boston lettuce salad with bleu cheese and golden raisins, then have the popular pappardelle (with tomatoes, asparagus tips, crabmeat and shrimp in a lobster reduction).

Stephanie's On Newbury [Official Site]
Sophia's Grotto [Official Site]

[Photo: Flickr: eileansiar]

We had the great pleasure of attending World Cocktail Day, an event run by Green Street Grill and drinkboston, all to benefit the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans. Four top-notch bartenders each prepared one drink, and each drink had a delicious back story that was told tableside. Green Street's food complimented each cocktail course, which we feel is how it should be on such a night.

The night started with Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli of Eastern Standard's Maiden's Prayer. It was as refreshing as he promised, with less Cointreau and more bitters. The next course was John Gertsen of No. 9 Park's Nicol's Secret Pisco Punch, with a great lesson in Gold Rush-era saloons and the popularity of punches in the 19th century. Next on the docket was Brother Cleve's Bijou, which was as rich in history as one would expect from a celebrated cocktail historian. We ended the night on a very strong note - John Myers, co-founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail, traveled down from Portland to make one whopper of a cocktail, suitably called Remember the Maine. This drink, made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and absinthe tasted far better than we expected from such a potent concoction, and understandably packed quite a punch. If this is how Mainers keep warm in the winter, we are not surprised.

Did we eat? Naturally. Throughout the evening we were presented with some delightful Green Street offerings, including toasted bread with white bean dip, pizza topped with tomatoes and sliced peppers, cow tongue tacos with a unique sauerkraut, and a rather spicy shrimp dish.

Green Street Grill [Official Site]
drinkboston [Official Site]
Museum of the American Cocktail [Official Site]

[Photo: Museum of the American Cocktail]

Desserts really are the new black, and even more hipster hangouts see that change is in the air.

Opening
Back Bay: Look out! The world's cutest cupcakes are moving in on Mass Ave! Well, we're excited. [Sweet Boston]
Davis Square: Intriguing - Dairy Bar opens next to Kickass Cupcakes. Not surprisingly, this place is projected to have dairy goods galore for sale. [Chowhound]

Open
East Somerville: Another Brazilian restaurant is open in Somerville, and we are not complaining. Word on the street is that Rodizio has a truly authentic feel. [Wicked Local: Somerville]

Closing
Inman Square: We are sad to see Magnolia's go. Where else in Inman can you get food that sticks to your ribs? [Chowhound]

[Photo: National Geographic]

We just booked a flight to New Mexico, and we have only two months to get our taste buds into shape. We like spice, but we are not used to having it all the time. We had better get used to it, because in the Southwest, you're supposed to know what your server means when they ask, "red or green?" It's important to be familiar with your chiles - what goes with what, how to extinguish spicy flames from your tongue, etc. We've been there, and we'd like to share with you our training regimen.

•So far, Boca Granda Tacqueria (in three very convenient locations!) has the closest we've come to real New Mexican red chile sauce. We've brought packets of powder back to the east coast and tried to make huevos rancheros on our own, but with absolutely no success. And with enchiladas - our favorite - for only $3.95, we can come here a lot.
•For a fancier night out, the Cottonwood Cafe provides heaping platters of food for not much money. Again, we would highly recommend the enchiladas (rojos or verdes), but we're pretty sure you can't go wrong with any of their signature entrees, including the aptly-named Chicken Diablo.
•So your friends are tired of always going out for Southwestern cuisine. Compromise: go to the Border Cafe and look at the Mexican menu (maybe try the Corn and Black Bean Empanada). They can check out the Cajun menu for a different kind of spice (try the Eggplant Royale).

And remember! When you can't handle the spiciness you just bit into, bread and/or milk is always a better friend to you than water. Doesn't sound right, but it's true. Buena suerte!

Boca Grande Taqueria [Official Site]
Cottonwood Cafe [Official Site]
Border Cafe [Official Site]

Between the Harvard Square ice cream invasion and the closing of a few local institutions, we don't know what to do!

Openings
All Over the Place!: Finally! Saladworks moves to the Bay State in multiple locations! [Fast Casual]
Brigham Circle: Montecristo, a Mexican restaurant, is moving into the former Cafe Italia. [Chowhound]
Central Square: Craigie on Main is the newer, larger, more accommodating Craigie Street Bistrot. [Craigie Street Bistrot]
Dorchester: Dot-2-Dot has a menu that changes daily - never a dull moment on Dot Ave! [Lower Dot]
Fenway: The president of Red Sox Nation opens the very fitting Remy's Sports Bar & Grille [Boston Herald]
Harvard Square: Sushiya, a Chinese/sushi place, is moving into the old Mayflower space. And rumor has it J.P. Licks will be opening a Harvard Square location. Because between Herrell's, Lizzy's Ice Cream, and Ben and Jerry's, there is simply not enough gourmet ice cream to go around. [Chowhound, Boston On the Go]
Newtonville: Bon Bon brings their sorbet and candies to the suburbs! [Newton TAB]
Washington Square: Roadhouse Barbeque will be run by the folks at The Publick House. Residents of Brookline and environs trust this will be a nice change from Vinny T's. [Chowhound]

Closings
Allston: New Trend Eatery closes its doors in just under a year. [Chowhound]
Central Square: After 37 years in business, La Groceria closes to make way for Craigie on Main. [Cantabrigia]
Jamaica Plain: After an 85% rent increase, Milky Way Lounge & Lanes must close. Hipsters this side of the river wonder what to do on weekday nights. [Jamaica Plain Gazette]

Moving
Jamaica Plain: The good news is, Bella Luna is moving - to Amory St. [Jamaica Plain Gazette]

[Photo: Richard C. Harris]

Happy birthday, Cambridge Brewing Company! This past weekend marked the 19th anniversary of the local brewery-restaurant, and to celebrate, they had quite a party. As you may have guessed, nineteen beers were on the menu (well, 24, in case five got tapped before the celebration was over). We started off with the Charles River Porter, which is full-bodied with caramel and toffee notes. Next we tried the LoveBuzz Espresso Stout, which was exactly what we were looking for on a sleepy, rainy Saturday. Last but not least, we wanted to try the unhopped heather ale, as it was all our friends could talk about on Friday. It was tapped, but not to worry! We could have the unhopped herbal, thanks to those who thought having an extra five beers would be worth their time. The beer was unlike anything we'd ever tried before, so we think we need to explore the world of the unhopped.

To eat, we sampled the spring rolls, which were served with a yummy ginger-chili-garlic sauce, and the hummus platter with falafel. We know: these were not the best foods to pair with our dark and heavy beers, but we wanted to know how a brewery makes falafel. We were not disappointed, as the falafel was warm, with just enough spice, and all served with toasted pita.

We hope to go back soon to try the entrees, and more importantly, the Biere de Miel, which is made with local honey.

Cambridge Brewing Company [Official Site]

[Photo: Eric's Beer Page]

With Free Cone Day behind us, it's easy to be in the spring-almost-summer mindset that the rest of the country is in. Unfortunately, the weather forecast for the weekend calls for nothing but Londonesque rain and overcast skies. Problem solved: hot chocolate, sweet, and more importantly, warm, boosts our mood any day. So grab a cup and drink it outside! It's spring, after all.

•LA Burdick might be better known for its hot drinks than it is for all its other chocolatey treats. There's a reason for this: each tiny cup is filled with the richest dark chocolate we have found in the city. It may seem expensive at around $4 a cup, but trust us: it's worth it.
• Made by stirring their homemade hot fudge into steamed milk, the hot chocolate at Emack and Bolios tastes like liquid chocolate cake. Bonus: conveniently located in many places, with more locations opening soon - keep an eye on North Station!
• When it finally starts behaving like spring around here (or when we have another knockout tease week like we did last month), go to Bon Bon on Mass Ave. for their gelato. For now, settle for their array of hot chocolates and teas. Our personal favorite? The rather spicy Chocolat-inspired cocoa, which can be enjoyed by the adventurous and timid alike.

LA Burdick [Official Site]
Emack and Bolios [Official Site]

[Photo: My Recipes]

Wednesday, April 30
•Tonight, Tasca Spanish Tapas is having a Spanish wine dinner, featuring five wines paired with some of their signature tapas. At 7pm, the event costs $49. [Tasca]
•Umbria is also hosting a wine dinner, featuring wines from California's Coturri Vineyards, at 6:30pm, for $85. [Umbria Ristorante]

Friday, May 2
• Happy birthday, Cambridge Brewing Co! Why does it seem the celebration is for us? This free event is both Friday and Saturday, from 5pm to 1am. [Cambridge Brewing Co.]

Saturday, May 3
• Go to Vinalia for their Spring Wine Fest. The event lasts from 7:30pm to 2am, so plan accordingly! Tickets range from $79-95. [Vinalia]

After a long day at work, when we are world-weary and don't feel like cooking, all we can come up with for dinner is elementary school staple macaroni and cheese. Sometimes, it's true, we resort to the blue box we knew so well, containing cheese powder in the most fluorescent orange we have seen to date. We try no to do that so often. Aiming higher on occasion, we will have any of the all-natural brands that we turned to in high school, but alas, these things still come from a box. Really, there's no reason we can't go out for the same gooey comfort food we require. Here are just a few places that offer some of the classier mac and cheeses in the city.

•We recently went to a show at the Orpheum, and met at Silvertone Bar & Grill first. Everybody at the table ordered the bread crumb-topped macaroni and cheese. Not at all disappointing, and it comes with field greens on the side to make you feel better about yourself.
•Located between Inman and Lechmere, cozy Atwood's Tavern offers a lot of other warm comfort food, but the mac and Vermont cheddar cheese is tough to beat, with a choice of sides and the option to add grilled chicken.
•Veggie Planet Pizza does not only serve pizza! As the name would suggest, there is some health added to your guilty pleasure, which in this case is organic whole-wheat pasta with cheddar, tomatoes, scallions, and broccoli.

Silvertone [Official Site]
Atwood's Tavern [Official Site]
Veggie Planet [Official Site]

[Photo: Quarter Notes]

So much to report this week! What is going on over there?

Openings
Brookline: When Pigs Fly will be setting up shop in Coolidge Corner, but rumor has it that the bread will be baked in Maine. And our sources say Genkiya will be serving organic sushi in the old Nori space. On top of all that, Bottega di Capri sets up shop in Brookline Village. [Brookline TAB]
Harvard Square: A warm welcome to Crema Cafe, and the folks at Daedalus open a pizza place to add to the Harvard pizza wars. [Chowhound]

Closings
Back Bay: Panificio has left that lovely space on Mass Ave. Who will move in? [Chowhound]
Brookline: Yes, that's right: Nori is closing (to be replaced by Genkiya). So is Bottega Fiorentina (soon to be reincarnated as Bottega di Capri). [Chowhound]
Davis Square: Neapolitan eatery La Spina closes its doors. [Chowhound]

Reopenings
Back Bay: Ken Casey is opening a new baseball bar. Will he still have time to write a new Red Sox anthem? [Dropkick Murphys]
Downtown Crossing: Cafe Marliave is back in business, just in time to use their upstairs terrace! [Boston Real Estate]

[Photo: Kodachi]

We know we keep talking about the weather, but it's true that such warm sunny days so early in the year can give us Bostonians a heavy dose of Spring Fever - more than in other regions, we think. Today is projected to be the last balmy day for some time, but before we don our wool outerwear again, we'd like to have one last hurrah. The ideal dinner for the occasion? Tapas! Here are some of our favorites.

• While we are ever impressed by their dark and dream-like atmosphere, Dali near Inman Square does not disappoint the palate, either. You'll notice that anyone you dine with here has a dish they must get and not share with anyone. In those cases, get two, because your friends are probably right. In the past, we have ordered two of the stuffed squid in its own ink, as well as the braised rabbit with red wine, juniper, and garlic .
• We really like that Masa's website plays a wonderfully appropriate song by Calexico on a loop on their website. The food is wonderful, too. For only $1 each at the bar, you can order such little plates as the grilled chorizo with cranberry chutney salsa.
• Before we were old enough to know the taste of sangria, we were in awe of the beautiful people eating at Dali's sister restaurant Tapeo on Newbury Street.. Now that we are well-versed in the different sangria recipes of the world, we are delighted to know that three tapas and a dessert at this restaurant go for only $35. That, we figure, is a small price to pay to eat chicken breast in rosemary sauce and still be one of the beautiful people.

Dali [Official Site]
Masa [Official Site]
Tapeo [Official Site]

[Photo: Sangria Tapas Bar]

As you may have already heard, the Harvard Square Starbucks is one of six locations in the country that has the new Clover coffee machines. You haven't heard of it? It's a very space-age machine, apparently worth $11,000 a pop. We needed a tutorial before trying it, so we thought we would provide you with the same.

While we are not the coffee snobs who require espresso not touched by air, we do appreciate a good cup of coffee, and the one we had brewed by the Clover (for a little extra cash) did not disappoint.

Le Gourmet TV [Official Site]

Do you have a hot tip about a restaurant opening or closing? Let us know!

Openings
•Brookline Village: Brookline residents, get psyched to have Venezuelan, and not sushi, as the South End's Orinoco opens on Harvard St. [Boston Magazine]
•Central Square: Chowhounders find it strange that Four Burgers is going into the space formerly occupied by Gandhi. [Chowhound]

Closing
•Back Bay: Area foodies not terribly surprised that the Back Bay location of Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizzeria is closing. So much space - so few people! [Chowhound]

[Photo: Harvard Medical School]

Picnicking season has arrived in Boston, and we love nothing better in our basket than the perfect BLT. We've had them at the odd New York deli and don't see what all the fuss is about. Here are just a few places where Boston does the BLT right.

•The All Star Sandwich Bar in Inman Square is a natural choice, as these folks know their sandwiches. This is especially evident in the BLT (featuring the freshest tomatoes available and a tasty herb mayonnaise).
•Were you aware that The Pour House on Boylston St. has a BLT and chowder as their Wednesday special every week? What a winning combination! Just to make it that much more sinful and delicious, temper the salt fix with a chocolate frappe.
•We spent many a winter break afternoon bleary-eyed, eating chocolate chip pancakes with friends at Martin's Coffee Shop in Brookline Village. We still go for the pancakes, but now that we've grown up a bit, we eat afternoon-appropriate meals. Sit at the counter and make yourself a regular.

All-Star Sandwich Bar [Official Site]
Pour House [Official Site]
Martin's Coffee Shop [Official Site]

[Photo: Wild Bean Cafe]

Have a date, but low on cash? Calm down! To some, the Bostonian cheap date is a myth. Allow us to prove it possible!

•Share Piattini's little dishes, like the Ravioli di Zucca Gialla (we assume this means "absolutely delicious butternut squash ravioli in apple cider, brown sugar, and sage" in Italian). Each food listing has two wine recommendations from their extensive list.
•Check out some local folk music where Bob Dylan and Joan Baez hung out in the 60s. Order food from Veggie Planet Pizza while you take in a show at Club Passim. Diners rave about the Portobello Redhead and what breaks the ice better than food you can eat with your hands?
•Check out The Dogwood Cafe in JP for their local art and warm, dim atmosphere