Banh Mi Battel-Dorchester MA#1

  

  

What: #7 Beef Grill BBQ Banh Mi

Where: La Baguette Restaurant (aka King Do)

1229 Dorchester Avenue

Dorchester MA 02125

How Much: $3.50

Banh Mi. The words give me pause and cause me to wonder just what and where is the perfect Banh Mi sandwich shop.  Thanks for some posts on Chowhound and Yelp, I found a place to try that I have not been to yet.

(readers, cue Street Dogs - In Defense of Dorchester though I'm not sure these two should even be on the same page) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

This day's travels took me to Dorchester MA for work. Well, I was in Milton and this was close enough.

Lots of similarities to the Kent WA post...

Banh Mi University graduate?  Yeah, I guess. Note the white deli wrap (though way bigger than I am used to) and elastic as one would expect.  The bread was the big downfall.  For me, the most important part of a sandwich is the bread. It was a fresh and chewy inside, but the crust was barely crisp. Maybe due to all the snow we just got the day before I visited, the bread baking/delivery didn't happen and they had to use some frozen stuff.  The skin inside my mouth was safe, but I just could not get past the lack of crunchy bread shards. The meat was there in quantity and tasty, not at all fatty. The size of the beef pieces were above average, similar to Nhu Y in Lowell.  The beef was thin and wide with consistent quarter-sized pieces. The beef tasted ...well...not marinated and certainly not caramelized nor spicy.  Plant material quality was very good esp. considering the weather.  Cilantro was crisp, but very sparse. There was no hint of darkness on the leaves.  Carrots and daikon were somewhat crisp, though also not generous.  The cucumber was fresh, but thin.  A few scallions were visible. The Banh Mi did drip a very little bit, but not seem to have much fish/soy sauce on it. There was no sign/taste of mayo.  Jalapenos were very large and plentiful, but they did not seem too hot. The sandwich had a no afterburn.  Size was comparable to most.  The counter help was very friendly, spoke English and asked if I wanted hot peppers.  I asked for "very spicy", which it did not turn out to be.


As you can see in the first picture, the name is now La Baguette at least on the outside of the storefront.  The takeout bag was King Do. I asked for a menu. the woman handling the cash register said that they did not have one, but handed me a business card (that was printed as King Do Baguette & Pastry).  The second picture will have to do as a menu.  They also serve bubble teas.  There are tables to sit and eat.  I was focus on the Banh Mi and did not check out the pastry collection.  Everything looked very clean and the television screen menu is pretty good looking.

I'd give it 3B/6

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An ok banh mi, worth a trip if you are near Dot Ave.  In the coming months, I'll try to get to Banh Mi Ba Le, Hau Giang, Chau Bakery and Lee's Store down the street soon to compare.

Sandwich Slam-Bristol CT

What: #5 Special Grinder

Where: Broaster House Deli

223 Farmington Avenue

Bristol  CT 06010

How much: $8.75

(readers, cue The Capicola Brothers - Come to Me)  (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)
 

This day's travels took me to Bristol CT.  I have been eating here since I was a kid.  I can still remember my mom and my aunt getting a couple of sandwiches from the Broaster House (probably #10 ham and cheese) and taking us kids to Page Park for a picnic. My cousin, MarathonMan, lost one of his loose baby teeth biting into on of these oversized sandwiches.

I'll not get into the regional variations of sandwich names and how or if they differ at all.  For whatever reason, long sandwiches are called grinders in many areas of Connecticut.

The #5 is the Special. The bread has a very soft, yet chewy inside with a slight crust outside. The bread is cut fully in half, then built atop the bottom half  (unlike impatient chains that cut the bread open, leaving one side connected and build across the "hinge" and fold over, compressing the meat around the veggies, or worse, meat/cheese on one side and veggies spilling out the open side.  Sorry about the rant, back to the subject matter at hand...

All cheeses and meats are cut fresh for each sandwich.  No items are pre-sliced.  The American cheese (provolone is optional and more expensive) is first layered slightly overlapping.  Then high quality boiled ham is draped over the cheese.  I say draped as it is not laid flat,  this is critical to keeping some air in between layers and helps define the individual tastes of the meats.  Prosciuttini (not Prosciutto), a ham with black pepper encrusting the outside is draped on next.  This is then topped by Hot Capicola. In a standard sandwich, this is then topped with onions (cut as rings), shredded iceberg lettuce and tomatoes slices (NEVER chopped).  Salt, black pepper and oregano is liberally sprinkled atop the veggie layer. The top is then doused with red wine vinegar, then olive oil.


The sandwich is then placed om waxed deli paper and cut in half and rolled up in the deli paper.


Half sandwiches are available.

Considering the effort and ingredients, a great value for the money.

A broaster is a pressurized deep fryer, usually used to fry chicken.  Back in the day, Broaster House Deli used to be known as "The Broaster House" and featured broasted chicken. Alas, no longer. times change, people get health conscious and names change, like Kentucky Fried Chicken becoming KFC. 

The place is always very clean. Service was not ultra fast, but food like this takes time and love.

I'd give it 6B/6. Buttalicious!  This is my gold standard for an Italian cold cut sangwich.

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Concert Alert-Gang of Four

Sorry about the vintage video, but I figured you needed to get a bit of a history lesson...
And later...



I saw them for the first time with FreeEye2 (I didn't know J-Mar then and she has already said no to this show?!? "Gang of Who?") at what is now the House of Blues in Boston a couple of years back.  I believe it was their first reunion tour (drums still played by Hugo Burnham).  My most fond memory  of the show is them utterly destroying a  microwave oven with a wiffleball bat.  The show was one of my top ten ever.

This tour is supporting their new material (artwork above).  I heard a new track "Never Pay for the Farm" over at NPR's Son of the Day of all places and GoF sounds as great as ever.
Date is February 7, 2011
Venue is The Paradise in Boston.

Taco Takedown-Somerville MA

 

What: Tacos Al Pastor

Where: Tacos Lupita

13 Elm Street

Somerville  MA 02143

How much: $2.50 ea

(readers, cue South Park - Taco Flavored Kisses (and other South Park taco songs))  (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

This day's travels took me to Somerville MA.  I have eaten here a bunch of times and I finally got around to taking pictures and later, posting. This place was first brought to my attention by a Boston Globe review.  When I asked around, I heard nothing but great things about it.

The tacos are freshly made by two very nice women who are always there.  I mean always.  In the several years that I have been stopping by, the same two are always at the window regardless of day or time.  You order and pay at the window and have a seat.  Sometimes they bring it out to you, sometimes not.  The place is always very clean.  I usually do take out, to enjoy the peace and quiet of the chariot (and to reinforce my liberal leanings and listen to NPR).

Al Pastor is roasted pork.  It has never been too fatty or ligamentous.  The pork is sweet glazed and well cooked.  I have tried most of the others (Carne asada de res ((grilled steak)), Lenngua de res ((tongue)), Pollo (chicken)) and Chorizo ((sausage-my number two favorite)). These appear to be soft masa tacos.  There are always two shells for each taco.  Each always has plenty of fresh tomatoes, onions and cilantro.

The green salsa served with Al Pastor is unbelievable.  It is very spicy hot, in the best possible way.  There is plenty to dress the two tacos that I usually get and have a bit more to drink if you want.

Exceptional value for the money. 

The menu is an interesting mix of Mexican and other Central American food (Cave Cibum says Salvadoran).  Other options include papusas, huaraches, mulitas, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, gorditas and sopas. The beverage options are very interesting if you want to experiment, but they have the standard stuff too.  The only time I was ever disappointed here was over Christmas vacation a couple of years ago when I tried to go with the family and they were closed (I think the staff went back to their homeland).


Don't bother to any of the chain Mexican if you are anywhere near Somerville (Urbanspoon says there are also locations of Tacos Lupitas in Lynn, Revere, Lawrence and Haverhill). Go to Tacos Lupita!

A great taco!.

I'd give it 5.5B/6. (Well, a 6B/6 for Boston)

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Banh Mi Battel-Kent WA

What: #4 Grilled Pork Banh Mi

Where: Pho Saigon Restaurant

25632 Pacific Highway South

Kent WA 98032

How Much: $?

Banh Mi. The words give me pause and cause me to wonder just what and where is the perfect Banh Mi sandwich shop.  I realize I have just scratched the surface, so it is time to widen the search.

(readers, cue The Clash - Washington Bullets) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

This day's travels took me to Kent WA for work. We were able to send out for lunch.  Panera was the option, but I asked Tabanhmi to do me the big favor and get me a fix. She had surprised me the day before and had Five Guys Burger and Fries waiting for me when I arrived from the airport.  I was able to convince three other co-workers to make the leap beyond the ordinary. No one I work with knows about my alter ego, so it was a bit hard to explain why I was taking pictures of my food.  I did mumble something about blogging about food to one co-worker, but I think he thinks I was kidding and was testing out my new phone or going to pic text a mutual co-worker. I do have a bit of a reputation as a Luddite (go ahead, laugh away POTN) or at least anti-social networking.  After all, I have just started to text in the last two months. I really think that phones are made to talk into, not to use as an appliance to segregate and prioritize communications to and from your family, friends and business partners.

Banh Mi University graduate?  Yeah, I guess. Note the white deli wrap (though way bigger than I am used to) and elastic as one would expect.  The bread was the big downfall.  For me, the most important part of a sandwich is the bread. It was a fresh and chewy inside, but maybe due to the rainy Pacific Northwest weather, the crust was barely crisp.  The skin inside my mouth was safe, but I just could not get past the lack of crunchy bread shards. The meat was there in quantity and tasty, not at all fatty. The size of the pork pieces were average.  The pork was thin and long and apparently marinated in a somewhat hot sauce.  Plant material quality was very good.  Cilantro was crisp, but not exactly generous. there was no hint of darkness on the leaves.  Carrots and daikon also very crisp and tasty, though also not generous and there was no onion.  The cucumber was fresh, but thin.  The smear of mayo was a little light.  There were jalapenos, but they did not seem too hot.  Sandwich had a relatively weak afterburn.  Sandwich size was comparable to most.  Since work picked it up, I did not see how much.

Check the title link for info on Pho Saigon Restaurant.

I'd give it 3.5B/6

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A decent banh mi.  Tabanhmi, thanks for indulging me and allowing me to expand my search out,  but somehow with a larger Asian community out west, I had higher hopes.

 

Frank Fracas-Hallowell ME

What: Bolley's Famous Hot Dog Basket

Where: Bolley's Famous Franks

38 Water Street
Hallowell, ME

207.622.2951

How Much: $5.00 (taken to go, I brought my own drink)

 
(readers, cue Richard Thompson - Al Bowlly's In Heaven) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return).  ((Yes, I know the spelling is different, but it was close enough.))

This day's travels took me to Hallowell ME.

I have driven past Bolley's Famous Franks a number of times. The sign claimed "Famous" and I've been intrigued, but had not found myself in the area during meal time.  That was until recently.  My lunch time alarm was going off in my head with no Banh Mi for miles during a recent trip to the area near Bolley's.  Ok, I think to myself, time to check it out.

It is DEFINITELY worth it.

The frank seemed to 100% beef with a casing and had a very nice snap to it.  The New England style bun was steamed.  I took three of the four normal condiments: sauteed onions, ketchup and mustard.  I skipped the relish.  The onions were really sweet and separated it from your average road side hot dog stop.  The menu did refer to the franks as hot dogs.  In fact, the only thing that identified them franks in the name on the signs.
 

The french fries? Oh, the french fries.....they seemed to be fresh cut and double fried.  The fries alone were worth the visit.

It did come with cole slaw.  It was OK, NOT heavy on the mayo, likely homemade, but overshadowed by the frank and fries.

The baked goods were obviously homemade and looked delicious, but I was thinking about more french fries...


This Frank Fracas should not be confused with the Hot Wiener Battle as this was not a Coney type hot dog.

 
  5.5B/6

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Do not miss Bolley's Famous Franks.  If you find yourself in this area of Maine, it is quite a treat..

Falafel Feud- Saxonville MA

What: Falafel Wrap Sandwich

Where: Subs and More

1609 Concord Street

Framingham  MA 01701

How much: $6.90

 

(readers, cue They Mighty Be Giants - Istanbul (Not Constantinople))  (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)
 

This days travels took me to Saxonville MA, an area in northeastern Framingham.  YM knows my falafel fetish.  I have driven by this place hundreds of times. The sign in the window that says "Best Falafel Gyro" has been beckoning to me for a long time.  The menu and another sign outside proclaim fine Mediterrean food.

 

This spot has been a seafood store and most recently a Mexican restaurant that Eatawholecake loved.  I'm sure he can provide the history of businesses in this location.  Eatawholecake, we will be looking for your history lesson in the comments below.

The falafel sandwich was freshly made by a father and daughter team by the looks of it.  There was chopped iceberg lettuce.  The pinkish tomatoes were diced and not ungenerous.  Onions were medium diced and did not overwhelm the other flavors.  There were no pickled somethings.  The pita was fresh and large.  The three falafel was golfball sized were very good quality and freshly fried.  The texture was coarser than breadcrumb, almost to rough beachsand (and that is the way I like it).  I was asked if I wanted hot sauce, which I opted for, but was not so hot nor spicy.  Overall sandwich size was large as seen in photo above.  In addition to hummus and tahini, there was some Havuc Kavurmasi, which apparently is cooked finely grated carrots mixed with garlic yogurt.  Fair value for the money.  It did have the best graphics on sandwich wrapping I've seen in a while.

The place was very clean and interestingly (not in a bad way) decorated. Service was decent with the young lady quite friendly when she pulled her earbuds out.  There were some younger kids around too.  You got to love family businesses.  I asked about the sign declaring the best falafel and she pointed to the man and said that "He thinks it is." to which the man added "It is the best.  I hope you like it".

The menu is an interesting mix of Turkish and other.  There are "Mediterranean Style" subs and wraps, a few not-Mediterrean subs and wraps, kebabs, salads, pasta and paninis.  There are even a few quesadillas (with a subtitle of Gozleme) listed.

Alas, it is not the Falafel King.

I'd give it 3B/6. 

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Donut Debauchery-The Zachary

What: The Zachary Donut (ok, I got a dozen).

Where: Honey Dew Donuts

99 Copeland Drive
Mansfield, MA02048

How Much: $7.50 +tip


(readers, cue  The Jesus and Mary Chain - Just Like Honey) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

This day's travels took me to Mansfield MA.
 

Honey Dew Donuts is a New England doughnut chain.  Most of the locations seem to be in MA and RI.  They are a great option to Dunkin'.  The waitstaff is super friendly and has been the same for years.  They seem to be open regular doughnut shop hours.  They do have a drive through window.

Back in the day, I used to work in Mansfield.  We used to get doughnuts some mornings and one day my co-worker Don came back with a few of a doughnut called a "Zachary".  I have gone to other Honey Dew locations and asked for "Zacharies" and got some seriously weird stares back. Apparently, this is THE ONLY location that makes this particular doughnut.  It looks like there are some other location specific donuts, a "Blake" and another whose name I forget.  Looking around the Honey Dew website, I noticed that Mansfield is their original location.  They do have a bakery in the back of this location.  I have been told that the donut maker named these special doughnuts after his kids.

Kids, your father is a donut genius.  Trans-fat free I may add.

The Zachary-  Make the softest honey-dipped doughnut you can. While the donut is still glistening in the honey-dipping nectar, take said don't and put it into a tub of cocoa powder (or something like that along with magical pixie dust).  Immediately serve.  Cocoa powder type stuff should be damp and adhered to every single crevice of said donut.  The donut becomes so large having soaked up magical honey-dipping nectar that it is not possible to fit a dozen in a dozen sized box.  See the heavenly light emitted by the donuts in the first picture.

I have been disappointed on one visit.  This disappointment stemmed from the fact that these sell very quickly and getting there after 10AM quickly decreases your chances  more than one or two (or in my case a dozen).

I have been very happy most every other time as I got there early and was able to get what I wanted in the quantity that I wanted.

Other times, I have been blessed by an angel. Sue is her name.  I had got there late and the Zachary count was low.  I took what she had and was trying to figure out what other donuts I would have to settle for.  I mentioned that I traveled over 45 minutes to get Zacharies.  She offered to make them fresh out of the honey-dipped that she had, if I was willing to wait.

I was traveling out of my way every two weeks there for a while, to the point that they knew what I wanted as soon as I came through the door.  I have cut back a bunch, especially as my travels have not taken me to Mansfield as much lately.  I went recently for the first time this summer with YM, K and Taters.

They only had 4.  My donut angel came out of the back and created a bit of heaven on Earth for me.

I waked out with a dozen.  They did not last a day.

Go to Mansfield. Eat a Zachary. Become a believer.

  6B/6

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Not you average PBJ...

What: Strawberried Peanut Butter M&M's
Where: Shop & Shop
How much: gift

(readers, cue  Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy (Kevin Shields remix)) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

Another in the line of M&M options.

So my moral compass, gambling adviser and consiglieri, Edzo and his own moral compass, Bakin' were looking out for me and brought this back from the local Stop and Shop.

Edzo says "good", but they would be better if they were graped, not strawberried.

Thumbs up from Cesius (who also gave big ups to the coconut and pretzel versions previously reviewed here and here that were offered up for Edzo's consideration), Ocho, YM, Taters and K, but not big ups.

Colors were yellow,red and brown.  Note that the inside was peanut butter coated by chocolate then coated with the traditional candy shell.

Price was right, a gift from Edzo and Bakin' to give me something to do and keep me out of trouble.

Texture was exactly what you would expect.  Taste did have a bit of salty peanut butter contrast to the slightly cloying sweetness of the strawberry.


I'm not sure just what the deal is, but as you see in the picture there is a tie-in with The Transformers movie.


I guess it comes down to what you make your peanut butter sandwiches with.  I'm a Welch's Concord Grape Jelly guy.  I agree 100% with Edzo.  I suppose it you liked your PB with strawberry jam, you may give this a higher score.

On the good news front. it turns out that the pretzel M&Ms that were blogged about here do come in larger bags as discovered by my vicarious life living avatar Eatawholecake.  K says that he ate a whole family bag in one sitting.  Best part is he bought two, so he would have one for the next time he sat down.
 

I'd give it 4.5B/6.

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I'll stay with the pretzel M&M's.

Pizzapalooza-Paul's Pizza Falmouth MA

What: Paul's Special Pizza, no anchovies, taken to go.

Where: Paul's Pizza & Seafood

14 Benham Road

(Off Falmouth Heights Road, opposite Red Horse Inn, behind Dr. Fitch's office)
Falmouth, MA 02540

508.548.5838

How Much: $10.95

 
(readers, cue Les Savy Fav - The Sweat Descends) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

This day's travels took me to Falmouth MA as it often does.

Paul's is a local institution in Falmouth.  It has great pizza and seafood.  The menu is kid friendly (though the wait may not be-if so, call in a to go order).  The waitstaff is super friendly and has been the same for years.  Their ads in the local newspaper The Falmouth Enterprise often features the birthdays of their waitstaff.  You have to know their location as there is no sign for Paul's on Falmouth Heights Road.   They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays and open at 4PM the rest of the week.  Paul's can fill up fast on summer weekends.  The wait for takeout on a recent Friday night at 8PM was an hour and a half.  Wait, it is DEFINITELY worth it.

They serve beer and wine, but don't expect too much variety, though I did notice an ad for Cape Cod Beer on the tables and booths when I dropped by to pick up some takeout.  There was no mention of Cape Cod Beer options on the take out menu.

The Paul's Special is onion, hot Greek peppers (pepperoncini), linguica, sausage, mushroom, with or without anchovies.  I always go without anchovies.  Red Bullmoose goes with anchovies.  I love hot and spicy, but even I can't take a whole Paul's Special pizza's worth of the pepperocinis.  I usually get half way through and peel the rest off.  When I am not feeling so adventurous, I order the meatball and onion.  They also have some interesting toppings such as Paul's own Meatsauce, Apple (no tomato sauce), shrimp, scallop or Chourico in addition to the standards.

Paul's pizza is different than most other pizzas.  It is 10" diameter cut into eight slices. A single pizza will more than fill you up.  The only pizza that I've had like it is from Town Spa in Stoughton MA.  I have seen it described as bar style pizza.  It is pretty thin, but not thin like Regina's/Papa Gino's style (not that those deserved to be lumped together) and not Fig's gourmet style.  As you can see, there is not much crust either.  Paul's cheese pizza is available frozen too.  I guess you just have to try it (though most of you reading this have already been forced by me to try it) as it escapes an coherent description.by me.

Almost everything on the menu is great, even the chicken strips.  The fries are batter coated and onion rings are thin and very crispy.  The scallop plate is excellent, as is the clam plate which is served with bellies.  You can even get fried smelts.  The only thing strange is that they serve their subs with bags of potato chips.

If you are in the Falmouth area or on the way back from Martha's Vineyard (especially if you just got off the Island Queen, it is most definitely worth it to grab dinner here.
 
  5.5B/6

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Do not miss Paul's Pizza.  It is a destination unto itself, as appealing as Falmouth's beaches are (well, maybe not Chappy).

Trail Mix

What: Pretzel M&M's
Where: Shop & Shop
How much: $.99

(readers, cue Eminem - My Name Is) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)  ((musical selection suggestion by K))

Another in the line of M&M options.

So my moral compass, gambling adviser and consiglieri, Edzo was in celebration mode back a bit as was his "family" (and I say "family" in a manner that would not indicate any activities that involve a conspiracy or illegal activities).  Many of the crew were present and representin'.

YM found these and know that they would be right up Edzo's alley.

Big thumbs up from Cesius (who also gave big ups to the coconut version previously reviewed here that were also offered up for Edzo's consideration), Ocho, YM, Taters, Red Bullmoose, Sunshine, Tyre, Ravine Man and HockeyCru.  That one bag went a long way.

Bakin' took a pass but liked the coconut.

Colors were the rainbow of typical M&M colors.

Price was right.

Texture was exactly what you would expect.  Taste did have a bit of salty contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.  Just like Trail Mix without the distracting raisins and nuts.

Pretzel nuggets dipped in chocolate and covered in a candy shell.  What is not to love?

Too bad they are not available in bigger bags.

I'd give it 5.5B/6.

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Falafel Feud-Natick MA

What: Large Falafel Sandwich

Where: Victor's Falafel Wraps

223 Worcester Street (Route 9)

Natick  MA 01760

How much: $5.99

 

(readers, cue Human League - The Lebanon)  (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)
 

This days travels took me to Natick MA/Route 9 - the mighty commercial Mecca west of Boston.  YM knows my falafel fetish.  She was driving by a couple weeks earlier and the "falafel" sign jumped right out at her.  The clerk said that he have been open for seven months.

The falafel sandwich was freshly made by a man who I can only assume to be Victor.  There was fresh chopped romaine lettuce.  The tomatoes were diced and not too generous, but ripe.  The pickled somethings were good.  The pita was fresh and large, but then again, I did pay for a large and not a small which was a smaller sized pita, not a large pita cut in half.  The falafel was superball sized with the consistency of a matzo ball (soft and breadcrumb-like) and not generous in quantity.  I was asked if I wanted hot sauce, which I opted for and was more hot than spicy, but still very good.  Overall sandwich length was large, but may be an optical illusion as the ends were not wrapped over to seal anything in.  The sandwich was on the thin size increasing the bread to contents ratio (or should I just say skimpy). Yes, there was tahini drip out of the bottom.  Fair value for the money.

The place was very clean. Service was slow, even just making two falafel sandwiches.  This guy was VERY focused on prep.

A customer came in the door just after I did.  He ordered a small falafel sandwich right after I did.  The clerk made both sandwiches at the same time.  After laying out the pitas and lathering on the tahini on each, he put down onions in addition to the romaine.  The customer was reviewing the menu and looked up at that point and saw that there was onions and apologized that he forgot to ask for no onions,  The clerk started berating him for not asking earlier and beat the point to death.  It was almost as if he did not want to take them off.  The customer offered that he worked in an office and that he did not want bad breath.  After much heavy sighing and one more admonishment to tell him next time before he made the falafel. During different points in this "discussion", both "victor" and the customer caught my eye and gave me that "Can you believe this guy?" eyeball roll.

Website address from the menu does not work.  The place is supposed to be open until 10PM Monday through Saturday.

I'd give it 3B/6. 

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Beer Bar Burger Brawl-Lovell ME

What: Stone Double Dry Hopped IPA, Ruger Burger, Boston Creme Pie

Where: Ebenezer's Pub

44 Allen Rd
Lovell, ME 04051

How Much: $30.00 with tip

(readers, cue The Shamen - Ebenezer Goode) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

This day's travels took me to Lovell ME (just east of Conway NH).  I had been there before and it was great.  I had to go back to see if it was as great as I remember.  It was.

Sorry about the photo quality.  I was trying to be a bit unobtrusive.

Beer menu is superb, especially if your taste runs to Belgians. My IPA obsession was not disappointed by the few, but outstanding IPA options.  The beer menu changes very frequntlys, so don't count on what you see above, but something will be there for you (except the guys who visited while I was there and asked for a blueberry beer).  They do have some watery domestics.

They had just started summer hours.  I has made the mistake earlier this year in not checking hours first and pulled in mid-week and they were not open full time yet.

There are a couple of picnic tables outside with service as well as an enclosed porch with tables and a propane heater.  I ate at the bar gazing longingly at their huge bottle selection.

Service has friendly, knowlegable and attentive.  Thanks Hannah!

Stone Double Dry Hopped IPA was everything you'd expect from an great IPA.  Sorry, taste buds have been off line for a bit that last few weeks, so no OCD taste description.  I had Rogue Dead guy last visit and it did not disappoint.

The Ruger burger (Angus Sirloin, Cheddar Cheese, with mushrooms and onions sauteed in Worcestershire  Sauce and butter) was served with best Frites I've had in New England.  Burger has medium and with provlone as requested.  Pickle was half sour and perfect. Tomato was thick and juicy and tasty considering time of year.  Romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh.  The bread was a homemade bulkie type that absorbed up all the juicy goodness without immediately falling apart.

Desert was a Boston Creme Pie that was yellow cake with a great creme filling and the entire works was dipped in chocolate and served with homemade whipped creme.

If you are in the North Conway area, it is most definitely worth the 20 minute drive to Lovell ME to eat or drink here. 

6 B/6-PERFECTION!

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Do not miss Ebenezer's.  It is a destination unto itself.

Dogfish Head Squall I.P.A.

(readers, cue Rev. Horton Heat - Beer) (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)

I picked this up out in Chatham MA based on the fact that I love Dogfish Head products.

Taste: Great. On par with very hoppy beers that I love including Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.

Packaging: Great.  Black and white label with a sailing vessel (I'm sure the update from Fez with correct terminology will come).

Bottle volume can be a bit much to commit to on a casual night, but in that case just go to a regular 12 oz. bottle of  Dogfish Head 90 Minute I.P.A. as this is an unfiltered, 100% bottle-conditioned version of same.

See title link for more info.

Price:  $10.99 for 750ml. Just like a bottle of fine wine, only better.

  5.5B/6

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It seemed a bit less hoppy than the Red Racer I.P.A. but was great.  the big bottle was finished in one sitting.  It was bit too hoppy for Surge and SurGGGe who hosted dinner, poker and trash talk for the evening.

Keepin' it Real

SurGGGe turned me onto this.

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Related and also well worth watching.






No wonder why the kids love rap so much these days.

Falafel Feud-Gas Station Falafel

What: Falafel Sandwich

Where: Rockingham Gas

35 North Main Street

Newmarket  NH 03857

How much: $3.99

 

Bargain gas!  At $2.49!  What a deal! And Marlboros at $5.99.  And falafel?  You think that you would have to stop in to get at least one of these great deals.

(readers, cue That Petrol Emotion - Creeping to the Cross)  (clicking on link should open YouTube in a new browser tab so you can hear my selected audio track playing, but you will have to click back on this tab to return)
 
You may know of the establishment of my ongoing Falafel Feud and my visit to Falafel King (see Falafelicious! below).  A couple of months ago (pre-blog), my travels took me through seacoast New Hamsphire.  I drove by this gas station and before my tiny brain could react to what I thought I saw on the sign, I drove right past.  I continued driving for another mile, asking myself if I saw it correctly and if my vision was correct, wondering just how good a falafel sandwich be from a gas station could be.  I did turn around, figuring it would be at best fair, but having the potential for being great or at least a great story.  It was fair back then and I thought, being in the area, that I should give it another try.

The answer is still, at best, fair.  The sandwich was not freshly made, but came out of a beverage cooler.  The sign three feet above and to the left the cooler said $3.49, but I was charged $3.99.  As I looked up and stared hard at the sign for fifteen seconds or so, the cashier finally offered that he had planned on making his own falafel at the counter below the sign a while ago and never got around to either making falafel or changing the sign.  He sells them pre-made as you can see from the picture.

There was no lettuce.  The tomatoes were diced and not too generous, but ripe.  The pickled somethings were good, if not a little soggy.  The pita was fair and exactly what you'd expect from sitting in the fridge.  The falafel (fried ground chick peas with spices) was superball sized with a granule size of coarse beach sand and not generous in quantity.  overall sandwich size was small compared to what I am used to at Falafel King.  Since the sandwich was cold, I did throw it into the crease where the windshield meets the dashboard and drove for ten minutes to let it warm up.  Fair value at best for the money.

Points for the something out of the ordinary for gas station food.

I'd give it 2B/6. 

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Just what you should expect for a sandwich from a gas station!  I didn't even have the heart to give it a link to my favorite disappointment song Disappointed by P.I.L.