Luke's Lobster Opens in Downtown Boston!

The first inkling that Luke's Lobster was coming to Downtown Boston came in the form of a poster in the window of the storefront that once was Cakeology.  Before that, I had first come across Luke's Lobster as I researched ideas for my DC trip back in 2014.  We never did make it there to try their Noah's Ark sampler, but now Luke has come to me! 

Each time I walked by, I observed as the store came together, as the furniture was delivered, and wondered, just when will they be opening?  Perhaps on a Monday, for the start of a work week?

 And the surprise answer was - TODAY!  They were opening at noon on Friday, September 23, 2016.

Luke's Lobster Downtown - Grand Opening Staff

And in honor of the opening of their 21st location, they gave away 21 free lobster rolls.

The lobster roll tasted great, though the lobster meat was a bit light a portion.  Hopefully that will improve as their staffers become more experienced.  Photos of the lobster rolls at their Back Bay location seemed more generous.

Luke's Lobster Menu

I'm going to have to return sometime to sample their crab roll, stone crab calls, and ice cream cookie sandwich.

Holiday Certificate Deals plus 2014

Applebee's

Get a FREE* $10 Bonus Gift Card when you buy $50 in Gift Cards.

*Available for online purchases and at participating Applebee’s restaurants only. Offer valid for a limited time.  Bonus card expires 2/28/15, valid for one-time use only and redeemable only at participating locations.  Additional restrictions apply to gift card and bonus card.  See card for details.

http://www.applebees.com/gift-cards

Au Bon Pain

Get $5 for every $25 you buy in Au Bon Pain Gift Cards

* Offer valid through 1/4/15.  $5 coupons valid until 2/8/15.

Boston Market

Buy a $25 gift card, Get a $5 bonus card, valid December 1 – January 31, 2015.

* Bonus card valid 12/1/14 – 1/31/15, but not valid on Holiday Heat & Serve meals, a la carte items, or catering orders.

http://www.bostonmarket.com/card

Buca di Beppo

For every $50 spent on Buca di Beppo gift card purchases, Buca will provide shoppers with a $10 Reward Card.*

To qualify for the Holiday Reward Card, purchaser may not buy and redeem any qualifying gift card(s) on the same day.  Reward card valid 1/1/15-2/12/15.  Valid for purchases made in restaurant or online only.

http://www.bucadibeppo.com/gift-cards/

California Pizza Kitchen

Spread the joy of pizza.  Give $100, and get $20.  When you purchase $100 in gift cards receive a $20 promotional card.

*Purchase gift cards now through 12/28/14.  Promotional gift cards are valid between 1/12/15 and 3/1/15.

*Gift Cards cannot be used at international or airport locations, stadiums and the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. Please refer to Gift Card FAQ for full terms and conditions.

https://cpkstore.wgiftcard.com/chrome/cpk/

CBS Scene

Buy $100 in CBS Scene gift cards and receive a free $20 gift card!

Offer valid from now - December 24th

*$20 gift card valid on a future visit. Not valid on same day as purchase

http://cbsscene.com/2014giftcard.php

The Cheesecake Factory

Receive a complimentary slice of cheesecake* with every $25 gift card purchased online or in restaurants.

* Redeemable on a future visit 1/1/15 - 3/29/15.  Not valid on corporate gift card orders placed online.

https://shop.thecheesecakefactory.com/

Chili’s

Free $10 eBonus Card with $50 gift card purchase.

* Holiday Bonus Card valid Jan 1 – Feb 10

https://chilisstore.wgiftcard.com/chrome/chilis

Denny's

Give $25 in gift cards and receive a $5 Denny’s card in return.

*$10.00 minimum purchase. A $1.95 shipping and handling fee is applied to each order. Please call 800-733-6697 and ask for the Gift Card Administrator. We offer a discount on gift card orders of $1000 or more. Contact us for more information.

http://dennys.com/#/specials

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse

Receive a $20 Bonus Card for every $100 you spend on Gift Cards.

*Offer valid through 12/31/2014. Bonus Cards valid 1/1/2015–2/10/2015. Bonus Cards are accepted at participating Bloomin’ Brands restaurant locations in the United States. Gratuity, taxes and alcoholic beverages not included. Limit one card per visit, per table. No cash value. No replacement value if lost or stolen. No reproductions will be accepted. Not valid with any other discount offers. Will not carry an unused balance. Maximum 10 Bonus Cards per order.

https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/landing-pages/holiday-gift-cards/

J.P. Licks

For a limited time only, get a FREE $5 Bonus Card with each $25 Cow Card you purchase!

($5 Bonus Card is redeemable only from 1/1/2015 to 3/31/2015)

$5 Bonus Card is redeemable at any J.P. Licks retail location between 1/1/2015 to 3/31/2015. It is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash. It can be used only once, no change will be given, and photocopies will not be accepted.

For in-store purchases, your Bonus Card will be given at time of purchase. For online purchases and recharges, your Bonus Card will be mailed to you.

For eGift purchases, your bonus eGift will be emailed immediately!

http://www.jplicks.com/cow_card.html

Joe’s Crab Shack

Receive $30 in coupons when you buy a $25 giftcard

*Redeemable 1/1/15 – 3/31/15.  Excludes instant gift cards.

http://www.joescrabshack.com/holiday-gift-card

Legal Seafoods

Give the gift of fish this holiday, and when you purchase $200 worth of gift cards from our restaurants from November 1 - December 31, enjoy a lobster dinner on us.  Our ‘Lobster Dinner Reward’ vouchers for a 1 - 1.25lb steamed lobster with a choice of two sides are redeemable in the New Year, January 2 -  March 31, 2015.

https://www.legalseafoods.com/index.cfm/page/Holiday-Fishes!-November-1-December-31/cdid/45277/pid/43564

Longhorn Steakhouse

Enjoy a $5 bonus card when you purchase $25 in gift cards.

* With purchase of 2 adult dinner entrees.  Online gift card purchases only.  Valid 1/1/15 – 2/9/15.

http://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/gift-cards

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Purchase $100 or more in Maggiano's Online Gift Cards, and receive a $20 Bonus Card

AND a 1 year subscription to Food & Wine® Magazine!*

* $20 off $50 Bonus Card valid with redemption 1/1/15 – 2/28/15.

https://maggianosstore.wgiftcard.com/chrome/maggianos

McCormick & Schmick's

Purchase a $100 Gift Card and Receive a $20 reward card to use thru May 2015!

* Gift Cards must be purchased November 10 – December 24, 2014 to qualify.  Reward Cards are valid January 2 – May 31, 2015.  Reward cannot be redeemed Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.  Promotion is not valid on Gift Card purchases $500 or more.  Other Restrictions apply.

http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/giftcards.aspx

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Purchase a $250 Gift Card and receive a $50 Reward Card to use thru May 2015.

* Gift Cards must be purchased October 1 – December 24, 2014 to qualify.  Reward Cards are valid January 2 – May 31, 2015 and are used only towards a minimum $100 food and/or non-alcoholic beverage purchase at any Morton’s restaurant only, dine-in only.  Reward cannot be redeemed Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.  Promotion in not valid on Gift Card purchases $500 or more.  Other Restrictions apply.

http://www.mortons.com/gift-cards/

Not Your Average Joe's

Now through December 31st

FREE $10 appreciation card* with every $50 worth of gift cards purchased.

BIG SPENDER OFFER

Get an appreciation card worth 25%* of every gift card purchase over $500.

*Appreciation cards expire 90 days from date of issue

http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/gift-cards/

Olive Garden

Get a $10 Bonus for every $50 spent in gift cards.

* Bonus offer is valid 1/2/15 – 1/31/15 for $10 off the purchase of two adult entrees.  Free shipping on gift cards.

http://www.olivegarden.com/gift-cards

Outback Steakhouse

Free Money & Free Shipping

Free $20 bonus card when you buy $100 in gift cards.*

Free standard shipping on gift cards when ordered from 11/3 to 12/31.

* Bonus Card Details – This is not a gift card.  Card is valid for redemption on the following visit.  Gratuity, taxes and alcoholic beverages not included.  Limit one card per visit, per table.  Not valid with any other discount offers.  Bonus card valid 1/1/15 – 2/10/15.

http://www.outback.com/gift-cards

P.F. Chang’s

Receive a $20 bonus card when you purchase $100 in gift cards through 12/31/14 or while supplies last.

* This complimentary card is valid for the purchase of food or beverages only for up to $20 USD value between 1/1/15 – 3/31/15 only at participating P.F. Chang’s restaurants located in the contiguous United States (excluding airport locations).

http://www.pfchangs.com/giftcards/

Palm Restaurant

Now through January 15, 2015, you'll receive a $25 Thank You card for every $250 you spend on gift cards.

* Holiday Gift Card offer valid through January 15, 2015. Gift cards can not be purchased and redeemed on the same day. The Thank You Card is valid for purchases of food and beverages at any U.S. Palm Restaurant from January 1 - December 30, 2015, Sunday - Thursday only. Thank You cards are not valid in Mexico City-Polanco, Mexico City - Santa Fe or The Palm Bar & Grille at JFK Airport, can not be used with any other certificate, promotion or prix fixe menu including 837 Club promotional certificates or cards Dine in only. No cash Value. Not redeemable for tax or gratuity and can not be replaced if lost or stolen. .837 Club members will earn one point for each dollar spent on gift cards. 837 Club points are not issued on the $25 Thank You cards. $25 Thank You cards are valid only on gift cards purchased at www.thepalm.com or in one of our restaurants. Offer not valid on Palm Gift Cards purchased at giftcertificates.com.

http://www.thepalm.com/giftcards

Papa Razzi

Holiday Speciale: Buy $100, Get $20

It's never too soon to start prepping for the holidays. Starting November 15th, receive a complimentary $20 gift card with every $100 gift card purchase.

http://www.paparazzitrattoria.com/papa-razzi-story/gift-cards-papa-razzi/

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

For every $25 gift card purchase, you’ll receive a free sandwich card.

This offer is available for gift cards purchased in shop and online. For online purchases, sandwich tickets will be mailed to the billing address provided within 2-3 weeks from purchase date. Offer valid now through December 31, 2014.

http://www.potbelly.com/Food/GiftCard.aspx

Romano's Macaroni Grill

Get a $5 Bonus Card with every $25 gift card purchased in-restaurant & online from November 17 – December 31.

* Grazie Gift Bonus Coupons are valid 1/1/15 – 2/11/15 at participating locations only./  Coupon valid for $5 off $25 purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages.  Up to five Grazie Gift coupons may be used on one check.  Taxes and gratuity not included.  Dinie-in only.

http://www.macaronigrill.com/grazie-gift

Ruby Tuesday

Get a free $15 bonus gift for every $50 in gift cards you buy.

Get a free $5 bonus gift for every $25 in gift cards you buy.

* Bonus gift coupons available online and in-restaurant (while supplies last).  Coupons valid Jan 2 to Feb 28, 2015.  Single use promotional coupon.  One per visit.

http://www.rubytuesday.com/gift-cards

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Receive a 10% bonus card on purchases of $250 or more.*

*Offer available for a limited time only.  Holiday bonus cards valid 1/1/2015 – 3/31/2015.  This offer not valid on prior purchases.  To receive holiday bonus card all $250 must be purchased in a single transaction.

https://giftcards.ruthschris.com/

Smash Burger

Receive $5 in Smash Cash for every $25 gift card purchased through December 31, 2014.

* Smash Cash valid 1/1/15 – 1/31/15.  In-restaurant purchase only.

http://smashburger.com/

Smith & Wollensky

Receive a $25 Holiday Bonus Card for every $100 Gift Card purchase.

* Gift Cards and Bonus Cards issued and sold by Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group are valid at any Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group location. This does NOT include the New York City location. New York City location is owned and operated by Fourth Wall Restaurants and will not accept these cards. Gift Cards purchased from this website cannot be refunded or replaced.

https://www.smithandwollensky.com/our-shop/

Texas Roadhouse

Earn $5 in the form of a bonus egift card for every $30 you spend on Texas Roadhouse gift cards.

* Delivered via email to purchaser within 48 hours of purchase.

http://www.texasroadhouse.com/gift-cards

TGIFriday’s

Get a bonus bites card for every $25 you spend on gift cards.

https://www.tgifridays.com/giftcards

Woodman’s of Essex

Buy $100 in Gift Cards and Get a $10 Gift Card FREE!

http://www.woodmans.com/shop/category/gift-certificates/

Yard House

For every $50 gift card you give, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card.

* $10 bonus card valid through 2/26/15. One card per visit. Redeemable on your next visit. This is a single-use promotional Card, not a gift card, and will not carry a future balance. One Card per person, per visit. Valid for $10 off any purchase, excluding alcohol, tax, gratuity, merchandise or gift card purchases, or to-go purchases. Valid through 2/26/15.

http://www.yardhouse.com/store/gift-cards.aspx

The Aquitaine Group

Aquitaine, Cinquecento, Gaslight, Greenlight & Metropolis.

Free $20 Meal Certificate for every $100 in Gift Cards you buy before 12.31.14.

* Meal Certificates valid after 1.1.15 are one time use, have no cash value, are good at any of our 7 restaurants & will be mailed to same address as gift card unless specified otherwise.

http://www.aquitainegroup.com/giftcard/

CHG Columbus Hospitality Group

Mistral, Teatro, Sorellina, Mooo, L’Andana, Ostra

This Holiday Season, when you purchase $500 worth of CHG Gift Cards, receive a $100 Bonus Card to treat yourself!

*This offer is not available online, please call or visit one of our locations to enjoy this offer.  Offer only valid 12/1/2014 – 1/15/2015.

The Glynn Hospitality Group

The Black Rose, Brownstone, Central Wharf Co., Clery’s, Coogan’s, Dillon’s, Hurricane O’Reilly’s, Granary Tavern, Sterling’s

20% off online gift card purchases until December 15^th!  ($50 or higher)  Use Discount Code:  GLYNNGIFT

http://www.glynnhospitalitygroup.com/


Tavistock Restaurant Collection
Local concepts include: Abe & Louie’s, Atlantic Fish Co., Joe’s American Bar & Grill

For every $150 spent on Tavistock Restaurant Collection Gift Cards, earn an additional $25 Bonus Card.

* Promotional Bonus Card is valid January 1, 2015 - March 31, 2015 for purchase of meals at participating Tavistock Restaurant Collection locations (does not include Freebirds restaurants).  ($1.99 shipping/handling)

http://tavistockrestaurantcollection.com/giftcards/shop/

Parents should be Parents

Eating out is a treat, and we tend to expect it to be an enjoyable experience. After all, here I am spending my hard earned money, which these days (given the recession and 9.1% unemployment rate) could be considered to be quite an extravagance.

This year, however, I had the unfortunate opportunity of running into two instances of irresponsible parenting.

The first was earlier in the year at Wagamama in Faneuil Hall. If you've ever been there, then you know that the dining room consists of long tables and bench seats, both of which are meant to be shared by neighboring parties. So it was no surprise that I ended up breaking bread (or at least sucking down noodles) beside a man with two young girls. Pre-schoolers, I imagine, since it was lunch time on a school day. Initially I thought, cool, a father taking time out to hang out with his daughters! But the girls got loud. Additionally, one took to standing on the bench, while the other began kicking at the metal leg of the table with gusto. The noise and vibrations began causing me a headache. She kept it up for a significant amount of time with nary a glance from the father whose full attention was on the plate before him. After waiting a reasonable amount of time for this to stop, I got annoyed, finally stopped eating, and began glaring at the father. It wasn't until he spotted me that he finally said anything to his girls!

And then tonight, there were a group of children roaming wild at Apgujung in Newton. That was annoying enough. The manager didn't go have a chat with the parents responsible for them till the kids nearly caused an accident with a waitress bearing a tray. To finish off their mayhem, they knocked over the water at our table as they made their way towards the exit. No sorry, no nothing, from either child or parent. They're lucky they didn't get scalded by the hot water they had spilt!

Please, do not be like these parents! Not only does it annoys those around you, it may actually put your child in danger. Yes, you are out for a good time, but that does not mean that you relinquish your responsibilities as a parent.

Dining on the Cheap: Tapeo $5 Tapas

On Newbury Street between Fairfield and Glouscester lies a tapas bar named Tapeo. With entrees in the mid-twenties and tapas ranging from $5-$16, this is normally not the sort of place you would head over for an inexpensive meal. That is, unless you know about their tapas special at the bar.

With the exception of Saturdays, if you dine at the bar, you can enjoy tapas for $5 or $7.50 apiece. $5 for those under $10, and $7.50 for those above.

During our most recent visit, the two of us shared the following 4 tapas:

. Bunuelos de Verdura (Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cheese Puffs) $7

. Cintas con Esparragos (Lemon Pasta w/Basil Pesto & Asparagus) $8.50

. Queso Con Miel (Goat Cheese w/Honey & Sweet Onion) $9.50

. Vieiras al Azafran (Scallops in Saffron Cream) $9.50

Of those, the Queso Con Miel was the favorite, and a plausible substitute for a dessert course. It was yummy both on its own and when slathered on the gratis bread served by the basket.

The other repeat was the tasty, but oily, lemon pasta.

The other two I could do without in name of exploring the tapas menu further...

Horseshoe Grille Small Plates Wine Dinner

I had the pleasure of attending the Horseshoe Grille Small Plates Wine Dinner on January 31, 2011 as a guest of the owner of the establishment – Mr. Pat Lee. He was a gracious and thoughtful host, having instructed his crew to provide the Wine Dinner attendees with a free drink at the bar while we waited for the beginning of our event, then taking it upon himself to personally escort us to our table!

At our booth, we were greeted by a basket filled with a variety of crusty rolls, served with a wonderful olive oil punched up with grated cheese and some fresh rosemary, and glasses of cool water with which to cleanse our palate between courses.

Our meal, which lasted about 2 ½ hours, consisted of 6 courses, each paired with a glass of wine from the Horseshoe Grille’s own stock, which meant that if we discovered a new favorite, we’d be able to easily return for a encore! Between courses, a representative of United Liquors introduced us to the next selection. Words were thrown around such as “unfiltered” and “wild yeast,” while I learned that old vines produced smaller grapes. My favorite quotes that night, however, came from the appreciative crowd: “Break out the credit cards!” and “Won’t last that long at my house!”

The first course was the fresh and fruity Caramelized Apple Salad mixed greens, blue cheese crumbles and an apple cider vinaigrette with Estancia Riesling, Monterey County (2008, $7 glass/$26). The Riesling went very well with this course, and tasted quite different when we sipped at it in comparison with the other white wine we later sampled.

The Macadamia Nut Crusted Tuna with baby bok choy & drizzled with wasabi citrus soy was served with Gary Farrell Pinot Noir, Russian River (2007, $60). The wasabi was mild and hardly evident; the bok choy was crisp with wilted edges belying the fact that they had been steamed. The nutty crusting did not add much to the experience, but the ingredients were of good quality.

We were warned of hot plates upon the arrival of the Lobster Mac and Cheese Sherry cream sauce and Fontina cheese with Ramey Chardonnay, Russian River (2007, $58). I have a thing for sherry, and the meaty lobster claw pieces were evident among the curly tubes of creamy pasta.

Unfortunately, the Beef Wellington with blue cheese smashed potatoes paired with Sterling Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (2005, $60) arrived just warm, which meant that the blue cheese hidden within the scoop of mashed potatoes was chunky, and the pastry had begun to get a bit soggy on the bottom. Otherwise, the pastry was well made, and the meat inside tender and well dressed with a mushroom sauce.

Finding room in my tummy for the Braised Lamb Cannelloni with a Malbec demi glace with Ruta 22 Malbec, Patagonia, Argentina (2009, $7/$26) was a bit of a challenge. The cannelloni was a bit thick, but the small pile of cubed vegetables added some nice acid to the tender strands of lamb. This was the first and only plate that I did not clean, after all, as it is well known, there is entirely a different stomach for dessert!

From the sound of the crowd, the Apple Tart with cinnamon gelato with Sandeman Tawny Port ($9) may have found a place in the next incarnation of the Horseshoe Grille’s menu. Thin slices of apple topped an almond filling within the crust. The port went really well with the tart, and I found myself wishing it hadn’t been the final drink of the night, as I was feeling the affects of the alcohol I had already ingested, and could not allow myself the pleasure of emptying the glass.

At $75 (tax & tip included) for 6 courses, the Small Plates Wine Dinner was actually a really good deal. They have these annually during the winter, while throwing other events throughout the year. It was well worth the trip up north!

Horseshoe Grille

226 Main St.

North Reading, MA 01864

(978) 664-3591

http://www.horseshoegrille.com/horseshoeGrille/

Boston Chowda Scores!

Through a contest sponsored by our local Oldies radio station, WODS, I won a free lunch for my entire office, catered by the Boston Chowda Co., which is located at Faneuil Hall - yep, that spot in the Market Place food court that offers samples of their various soups, and has a glass counter laid out with with yummy looking pie plates filled with a variety of pot pies.

The radio station duo arrived laden with a nice stash of prizes emblazoned with their employer's logo. Yep, a nice fluffy pair of purple socks dotted with anti-slip dots for me! The Boston Chowda folks arrived with one of those rolling carts stuffed full of lobster sliders (yum!), trays of sandwiches and wraps, three types of soups (clam chowder, lobster bisque, and corn chowder [my personal fav of the 3]), soup cups, covers to go with the cups, soup spoons, plates, and tons of napkins, oyster crackers, and styrofoam clamshells filled with salt and pepper galore! Yes, they were very generous to us...

And based on the talk around the office, I do believe they've won a spot in the rotation for our company's catering needs. :)

Holiday Certificate Deals plus

Applebee's

For a limited time only, come into any participating Applebee's and get a FREE $10 Bonus Gift Card when you buy $50 in Gift Cards.

*Participating locations only. Not available on applebees.com. Limited-time only offer. Restrictions apply to the Bonus Card & Gift Card. Valid through 2/28/11. See card for details.

Bar Louie

Now – December 31st

Giving just got more rewarding! This holiday season Louie is giving $50 back for every $100 you spend on gift cards. You will receive a $25 gift card for yourself AND an offer for $25 off your next visit with a purchase of $50 or more.

Buca di Beppo

Get a $10 bonus card with each purchase of a $50 or more Buca gift card. *

* All purchases placed now through December 31, 2010 are eligible for one $10 Reward Card for every $50 of gift cards purchased. Reward Cards are valid from 1/1/11 – 1/31/11, and will be mailed to the billing address prior to the promotion start date of January 1, 2011 for orders placed by 12/22/10. Reward cards for all orders placed between 12/23/10 and 12/31/10 will be mailed by January 4, 2011.

California Pizza Kitchen

Purchase $100 in CPK Gift Cards and receive a $20 Rewards Card. Rewards cards can be redeemed any time between January 10, 2011 and March 25, 2011.

CBS Scene

Now - December 24th

For every $100 spent on gift cards, receive a complimentary $20 gift card!

The Cheesecake Factory

Now through December 24, for every $25 Gift Card - or new eGift Card - you purchase, you'll receive a FREE Slice of Cheesecake to come back on a future visit.

Denny's

FREE $5 Denny's Card when you buy a $25 Gift Card in participating restaurants and online.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse

Reserve online to activate your $25 Gift for any date before December 30th.

The Four's

Located in Boston, Norwell, Quincy

Come in from now until Christmas and receive a $20 gift certificate for every $100 you purchase!!

Friendly's

Get a free $5 bonus card for every $25 in gift card purchases.

(no online purchase option)

Hilltop Steakhouse

10% discount on online gift card order through Christmas Eve.

J.P. Licks

For a limited time only, get a FREE $5 Bonus Card with each $25 Cow Card you purchase!

($5 Bonus Card is redeemable only from 1/1/2011 to 3/31/2011)

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Receive a $20 bonus card for every $100 spent in holiday gift card purchases.*

* Offer valid through 12/31/2010. Bonus cards can be redeemed at Maggiano's from 1/1/2011-2/28/2011.

McCormick & Schmick's

Buy $50 in gift cards and receive a $10 dining certificate.

Buy $100 in gift cards and receive a $25 dining certificate.*

*Dining Certificate Valid 1/1/11-3-31/11 (excluding 2/14/11). Not valid for alcohol or gratuity.

The Melting Pot (MA or RI only)

Friday, November 26th - Friday, December 31st

Purchase $100 worth of gift cards and receive $100 in bonus certificates to be used at any RI or MA Melting Pots next year.*

Gift Card Sales are available daily at the Restaurant after 10am.

Can't make it to our location? Order over the phone and we'll mail your gift card purchase (additional mailing costs apply).

* Usage and purchase restrictions apply. Offer is NOT valid online at meltingpot.com. Certificates NOT valid for purchases made online.

Morton's The Steakhouse

Buy $500 worth of Morton's gift cards, get an extra $100 Morton's Reward Card*

Buy $300 worth of Morton's gift cards, get an extra $50 Morton's Reward Card*

Three Ways to purchase:

Online

At a Morton's location near you

Contact us directly at 866-662-2677 ext. 664

* Reward Card valid January - March 31, 2011

Not Your Average Joe's

With every $50 worth of gift cards, Joe throws in a $10 appreciation card* for you. Pick them up at your favorite Not Your Average Joe’s location (and stay to eat, of course) or order online.

Savvy businesses get 25% back on every $500 worth of gift cards. That’s $125 you can use to treat yourself or put toward a company party at Not Your Average Joe’s. You’ll also be invited to dine with our Founder and CEO, Steve Silverstein. (Offer's good no matter how you define "business.")

*Appreciation cards expire 90 days from date of issue. Gift cards have no expiration.

Outback Steakhouse

For each $100 in gift cards purchased receive a $20 Bonus Card

(Bonus Card valid 1/1/2011-2/10/2011)

Qdoba

Purchase a $25 Q-cash gift card in restaurant or online and receive a $5 voucher*

* $5 voucher only valid January and February 2011

Romano's Macaroni Grill

Get a $5 Bonus Card with every $25 gift card purchase.*

* Bonus Card valid between January 1 - February 28, 2011

In-restaurant purchase only

Ruth's Chris Steak House

For every gift card purchase of $250 or more, you'll receive 10% back in bonus cards. *

*Offer available through December 31, 2010. Holiday Bonus Gift Cards valid from January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011. Holiday Bonus Cards cannot be redeemed on the same day of purchase. Not valid on prior purchases. To receive Holiday Bonus Gift Cards, all $250 must be purchased in a single transaction. Offer valid only at participating locations.

Skipjack's

COUNTDOWN TO HOLIDAY GIFT CARD PROMO BEGINS MONDAY, DECEMBER 6th!!!

This Monday, December 6th, Skipjack's gift cards will be sold at 20% less face value. Each day thereafter the discount goes down 1%. December 21st is the last day of this promotion with cards discounted at 5%. December 22nd all gift cards will be sold at full price.

SHOP EARLY AND SAVE MORE!

IN HOUSE PROMOTION ONLY!

Holiday Gift Cards will be active starting January 1, 2011

No online or phone orders.

Loyalty points may not be redeemed or issued.

Smith & Wollensky

Now through December 31, you'll receive a $25 Bonus Card for every $100 in Gift Cards you purchase at participating Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group locations.

Uno Chicago Grille

Get a $5 Bonus Voucher when you give $25*

* Bonus Voucher redemption valid from 1/1/2011 thru 3/31/2011.

Upper Crust Pizzeria

From December 12-19, donate an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and receive a free slice of pizza. Limit one per person.

Yard House

With every $50 purchased in Yard House gift cards you will receive a $10 bonus card to use on your next visit. (expiration of bonus card not mentioned on their website)

The Aquitaine Group

Aquitaine Boston, Aquitaine Chestnut Hill, Aquitaine Dedham, Gaslight Brasserie, Metropolis Cafe, Union Bar and Grill

Now through December 31st, $20 Complimentary Meal certificate with every $100 gift card purchase. Meal certificates valid for redemption after 1-1-10

The Briar Group

City Table, The Green Briar, Solas, Ned Devine's, anthem, O'Connor's, The Harp, City Bar

Give a Gift - Get a Gift - for a limited time:

Receive a complimentary $10 card with the purchase of a $50 card and a complimentary $20 card with the purchase of a $100 gift card. Complimentary cards will be mailed with purchase and are valid after 1/1/11.

Columbus Hospitality Group

Mistral, Sorellina, Teatro, Mooo, L'Andana

If you pick up $500 worth of gift certificates (which can be used at any of the restaurants in the group - that's Mistral, Sorellina, Teatro, Mooo.... and L'Andana) you'll get a $100 bonus card of your very own. We know, we know - the holidays are about giving not receiving but with this little arrangement you'll be doing both. Both! The only hitch is that you have to buy the certificates at one of the restaurant (online purchases aren't eligible) so swing by any of the restaurants (whichever's most convenient or whichever menu you're in the mood for) to make your purchase asap.

Davio's and Avila

Davio's has a deal for shoppers this season, they'll be giving away a free $50 gift card with every purchase of $500 worth of gift cards made between now and December 31st. Plan accordingly and stock up on gift certificates for both Davio's and Davio's Foxborough. Order online through the Davio's website or drop by any of their locations, including sister restaurant Avila.

Grotto and Marliave

With the purchase of a hundred dollar gift card you will receive an additional twenty five dollar gift card to that same restaurant. The hundred and twenty five dollars is redeemable for product only, excluding gratuity. Gift cards make an ideal gift, and you have the option of putting the additional twenty five dollars on the gift card or you can put it on a separate card for yourself. The special offer is only available for purchase December 17-19, but there is no limit on the amount of gift cards you can purchase.

Non-Chain

Cafe Paprika

734 Washington

Norwood, MA 02062

(781) 440-0060

paprika-online.webs.com/

Get 1 Free $20 GIFT CARD with every $100 gift cards purchase.

Non-Chain

Fiorella's

187 North Street

Newtonville, MA 02460

(617) 969-9990

www.fiorellasnewton.com/

Receive a complimentary $20 Gift Card for every $100 Gift Card purchased.

Fiorella's Offer expires Sunday December 12, 2010.

Non-Chain

Parker's Maple Barn

1316 Brookline Rd

Mason, NH 03048

(603) 878-2308

www.parkersmaplebarn.com/

10% off Gift Cards to be used in 2011

Non-Chain

Picco

513 Tremont Street

Boston, MA 02116

(617) 927-0066

www.piccorestaurant.com/

In December Picco will be hosting a month long food drive for the Greater Boston Food Bank. We will be accepting donations all day, every day during our normal business hours. Each donor will receive a $5 Picco gift card and Picco will match each donation made.

Non-Chain

Tremont 647

647 Tremont Street

Boston, MA 02118

(617) 266-4600

www.tremont647.com

For every $40.00 you spend on gift cards, we'll send you an additional $20.00 card as our gift to you!

Click here to take advantage of this amazing offer! Offer is valid until Friday, December 17th, 2010

*** I have not necessarily personally patronized the above listed businesses.

Kaddo!

When you think of pumpkin, maybe you think of pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cheesecake, or pumpkin pancakes... but me, first thing to come to mind is kaddo - a yummy Afgahni appetizer made of a sweetened baked pumpkin, a tomato based ground meat sauce, and a cool creamy yogurt sauce. Mmmmmm....

Recently, I had the pleasure of enjoying kaddo at two different local restaurants: Helmand of Cambridge, MA fame ($7.50), and the newbie Ariana of Allston, MA ($5.95). Feel free to guess which one's which!



Both were tasty, but Helmand's version was sweeter.

Also, earlier this month, a Facebook buddy of mine posted in her status her adventures in making kaddo (she used the recipe found here) for the first time, which resulted in a late night dinner for her and her man. This brought back to mind my own personal experience with the dish.

A few years ago, I took on the challenge of making kaddo myself after I ran across a recipe on Chowhound as posted by Allstonian - this sometime after having tasted kaddo at Helmand for the first time. I picked up a nice fresh sugar pumpkin from a local farmer's market, stopped by the market for some plain yogurt, and selected a Saturday for my culinary goal.

Making the sauces, both the yogurt and the meat, were simple enough. The tough part, both literally and figuratively, was the pumpkin with its super hard shell. I didn't have one of those Y-style peelers as recommended by Allstonian, so I had to go at it with my hearty chopping knife. The results, however, were worth it in my opinion and that of my lucky guests of the evening.

Kaddo bowrani (Afghani pumpkin)

This dish came up on the Boston board - it's one of the standouts on the menu at the Helmand. I adapted my recipe from one I found on boston.com - don't know if it came from an article about the restaurant or not, but that's where I found it.

We eat it a lot in the fall and early winter when sugar pumpkins are available. I've done it with other winter squashes such as acorn or butternut - it works, but it's best with pumpkin. Butternut, especially, makes for a notably wimpier dish. (Nonetheless, we've been known to do it with butternut squash after the fresh pumpkins disappear from shops.)

One 2 to 2.5 pound sugar pumpkin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup plain yogurt
1 clove garlic, crushed
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup water

Set the oven at 350.

Cut the pumpkin into quarters. Remove seeds and strings, peel the skin with a vegetable peeler, and cut down into about 2-inch chunks. [DH, who usually gets this job, points out that a harp-style (or "Y-style") peeler works best on the hard pumpkin - the straight vegetable peeler is much more difficult to use.]

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet [I actually use a cast iron dutch oven, which saves transferring to a different pan later on.] Brown the pumpkin pieces, turning frequently, until golden brown (about 5 minutes.) [I brown the pumpkin pretty aggressively in this step, while taking care not to scorch it.]

Transfer pumpkin to a roasting pan. [Since I use the dutch oven, I don't do this!] Mix sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over pumpkin. Cover [with foil if using a roasting pan] and bake for 30 minutes, or until tender.

[This seems like an awful lot of sugar, but go with it - the dish doesn't really come out sweet in the end, and it just isn't as tasty if you cut down on the sugar.]

While the pumpkin is baking, make the yogurt sauce and the meat sauce.

Yogurt sauce: mix together yogurt with one clove of crushed garlic in a bowl; season to taste with salt & pepper.

Meat sauce: in a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and cook the onions until lightly browned. Add ground beef, the second clove of crushed garlic, and salt & pepper. Mix well and cook until beef is browned. Add tomato sauce and water, mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer, lower heat, and cook about 20 minutes until it cooks down to a thick sauce.

To serve: spoon yogurt sauce onto dinner plates, add a portion of the cooked pumpkin, and top with meat sauce. Serves 4. I usually make a bulgur pilaf to go with.

This is so tasty, and really easy. It's one of those meals where the different steps fit together really well - knocking out the yogurt sauce and the meat sauce fits just perfectly into the time that the pumpkin takes to cook in the oven.

Allstonian, Aug 2006:
Most of my changes are noted in my bracketed comments above, and have to do with technique. There is one ingredient change - the original recipe specified browning the pumpkin in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and the onions and ground beef for the meat sauce in 1/4 cup canola oil. I couldn't see any reason for specifying two different neutral cooking oils for the two items, and 1/4 cup of oil to brown 2 onions and a pound of ground beef seemed like WAY more cooking fat than was actually needed.

Vivian's Notes:
1) Give yourself a LOT of time to deal with the pumpkin
2) I lessened the amount of sugar used to sprinkle on the pumpkin, but it was still good.

Chef's Table @ Craigie On Main

When the lady on the phone calling to confirm my reservation asked me if I was interested in sitting at the Chef's Table, I jumped on it. At Craigie On Main, the Chef's Table is a set of four tall bar stools set before a cool marble topped counter overlooking the busy kitchen.

Basically, we ended up having front row seats at our very own "Kitchen Stadium", and the opportunity to witness the garnishing of desserts, the placement of various tastings, the opening and closing of a variety of well labeled plastic tubs and numerous refrigerated drawers filled with portioned proteins, kitchen staff weaving back and forth with verbal warnings so as to avoid collisions, the toasting of breads and buns, the careful de-skinning of half a pig's grinning face, the portioning of vegetables for a table's tasting, the wiping of plate edges - veritably a symphony of white clad folk working together at full speed to send out well prepared and visually pleasing dishes.

With its six course "Craigie Experience" for $90 and ten course "Ultimate Craigie Experience" for $115 and entrees ranging from $21 for the vegetable option to $36, Craigie on Main tends to be considered a special occasion restaurant by the general population, of which I am one.

While I was not fortunate enough to experience one of their grand tastings during this, my first visit at this fine establishment, we did happen to vicariously experience it through our friendly pair of tablemates at the Chef's Table, while we ourselves enjoyed a non-Restaurant Week special "Neighborhood Menu" of three courses (with choices!) for $39.95.

For a restaurant of Craigie's size, I was impressed with the number of staff members hard at work serving the guests. At the hostess stand alone, there were two lovely ladies - we didn't even touch a door as we arrived early for our reservation, with the valet opening the exterior door and one of the hostesses rushing to open the inner door as we made our way in.

By the end of our dinner, we were served by no less than 5 members of the Craigie staff no fewer than 8 courses (inclusive of the variety of little tastes sent courtesy of the kitchen). I cleaned my bowl of every last bit of corn potage (soup), I tried my first blood sausage in the form of a crostini spread, I got my friend to try bone marrow for the first time, I had moist chicken with yummy onions, and I experienced a wonderful example of a panna cotta that did not disappoint as many had since my final melty good Icarus panna cotta in 2009.

Gaslight Brasserie du Coin - Patio Opening!

Gaslight celebrated the opening of their heated patio on June 2nd with a by invite-only evening gathering filled with live music and finger foods, fresh oysters, beer and Svedka vodka. The wait staff did a bang up job attempting to spread the wealth (aka asparagus wrapped with super salty prosciutto, mini Cuban sandwiches, a pleasantly cheesy ham sandwich held together by a toothpick, beef tartar on crostini, cheese puffs, and the cutest cones of tasty fries) among the guests by varying their points of entrance.




I kind of felt bad for the folks attempting to exercise in the neighboring Boston Sports Club while we were munching and drinking away just on the other side of the glass window.

The Big Night @ Grotto

Curious was how I felt as I descended into the Beacon Hill basement that houses Grotto. I have previously visited this establishment once a number of years ago, so I was aware of its petite size and tasty cuisine. However, I had recently attended my first Big Night feast at La Morra and so I wondered how Grotto's would compare.

Right away, we were offered our choice of the red or white wines of the day. For $70, your meal included all the wine you could wish. However, being the lightweight that I am, I opted for the $50 (post-tax!) wineless option.

A pleasant selection of appetizers were displayed on a table along the wall - Caprese salad, goat cheese crostini, cured meats. It was a nice variety, and tasty to boot! Self-serve, I began with a small portion of each, and enjoyed them along with the lovely bread I found once we settled ourselves at our choice of seats at one of the two long communal tables. It was a savory sort of bread with a pleasantly crisp and salty crust.

I recognized the chef owner, despite his distinct lack of kitchen wear, when he greeted us and suggested that we treat this meal more like a marathon than a sprint. This was then followed by the quick eye catching presentation of the unsliced timpano and a whole roasted pig.

The servers brought out these huge white bowls, which initially caused some trepidation... but no, it turned out they were not overly-whelmingly filled with chicken consomme with carrots and extruded ziti rather than handrolled. Unfortunately, I did not care for this course as the stock was not very fowl flavored despite being strong flavored, the carrots retained a raw taste and texture, and the ziti was on the undercooked side of al dente.

Next were the risottos, served individually from serving platters - shortrib and wild mushroom, seafood (with whole shrimp and lobster chunks, unlike the movie's version with no visible bits), pesto (creamy green). My personal preference were seafood, followed closely by the shortrib, then finally the pesto.

Plates of timpano were served in these huge slices that I declined to finish in order to save room for the remaining courses. The version here was pretty basic, with the pastry shell being filled with tube pasta mixed with a ground meat sauce.

A platter of well-prepared, tasty vegetables were set out one platter per four diners - asparagus, a variety of mushrooms, brussel sprouts, mashed potato, spinach. Then the servers wandered around serving a variety of meats from their full platters: beef tenderloin prepared medium (tender!), prosciutto wrapped duck breast stuffed with apple, salmon, scallop with mushroom, chicken parmesan (thick and tender), and finally the missing pork! Most of the proteins were tender and tasty, but unfortunately, the intended star (in my opinion, the pig) was covered with a rather tough and chewy skin.

Dessert was simple yet tasty and the perfect end to a full and very good meal - whipped cream with berries.

Prime Service!

I just wanted to give props to two wonderful waiters that I had the pleasure of being served by recently.

The first was at Sensing at 3 Battery Street in Boston in November 2009 - a special occassion restaurant located in a hotel, where entrees range from $26-36, where fresh utensils are provided with every course, where I was personally guided to the restroom (and what a restroom it was!). The highlight of the meal (outside of the swoon inducing pecan financiers, that is...) was the outstanding service provided by Isa, who treats all his customers as friends.

The second was at Not Your Average Joe's in Watertown in March 2010 - a creative casual restaurant located in the town center, where entrees are mainly American or Italian, but hint at Asian influences, where there's a kids menu, as well as a half-price happy hour in the bar area. There, we enjoyed the recommended tomato basil soup, and were provided with super attentive service by Anthony with the dark curly beard.

Two totally different dining experiences, yet each lifted up by outstanding service.

*** 6/2010 addition ***

At Aegean Restaurant in Framingham, we were waited on by the unfailingly patient, pleasant, and polite Marcie, who was responsive to the needs of our multi-aged party, and super-helpful in her recommendations at our request.