The English Beat

 

English Beat photos by Mario Buttali

(readers, cue English Beat - Rough Rider) (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 finally works again)

(Above link is the English Beat playing earlier on the same tour in White River Junction VT on December 16, 2010 despite what YouTube poster typed)

The YouTube link is a pretty good approximation of the show that FreeEye2 and I went to see at Johnny D's in Somerville. J-Mar was missing in action getting a haircut or something. I got the picture above of Dave Wakeling as he was harassing one of the guys a couple of rows back for not dancing or moving.

The show was very good. What else can I tell you? The show sold out. Being right up front, the sight lines were great and volume was not too bad, though the sound guy was not too attentive to the requests of the band. The crowd was what you would expect, people (more women than gentlemen) wistfully reliving concerts from the prime of their lives.  The skanking was not too crazy.  Extra points to Dave for namechecking The Channel. It was great seeing them in such a small venue, as last several halls played around Boston have been Middle East Downstairs, Somerville Theater and the Paradise.  Tickets were $30, but, in full disclosure, I was on the guess list thanks to FreeEye2 and Rhythmm (EB's drummer). The whole band was very approachable after the show and talked to all who dared.

Oh yeah, thanks to HeiDep for not stepping on my feet too much.


Real concert review from the Phoenix here.

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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