Good Food For Cheap: Gourmet Dumpling House

Last Saturday night, a group of us friends decided to get together to have dinner in Chinatown. Where did we go? Gourmet Dumpling House, of course! Located in the heart of Chinatown, GDH is the mecca of traditional Taiwanese/Chinese cuisine at affordable prices.

Just from it's name, you already know what GDH is famous for. It's superstar? The Mini Steamed Buns with Pork (8 for $6.95). Called "Xiao Long Bao" (小笼包) in Chinese, it literally means "Little Basket Buns" because it is traditionally steamed in bamboo baskets. It is made with unraised flour which gives it a dumpling-like skin--smooth and somewhat translucent--instead of the white, fluffy skins, made from raised flour, most Chinese people associate with the term "baozi" (包子). What sets it apart from normal dumplings is the explosion of hot soup in your mouth as you take your first bite--hence its other name, the "soup dumpling." I had always wondered how the soup got into the bun and thanks to Wikipedia, now I know. Turns out, a solid meat gelatin is wrapped along with the traditional pork filling inside the skin. The heat from the steaming melts the gelatin into a hot broth. Yum!

GDH's buns aren't the best I've EVER had--that designation goes to the street vendor my mother goes to whenever we go back to China--but it definitely takes top spot for this side of the Pacific. About two and a half inches in diameter, the buns can fill you up pretty quickly. You must be careful when picking up the bun from the steam pan--with one little rip, the soup quickly drains out, and you're left with a plain, over-sized dumpling. The first bite is the best. Your teeth breaks the skin and the savory warmth of the broth rushes into your mouth. It can be hot, so take care not to burn your tongue, but, in my opinion, it's the best part. GDH doesn't scrimp on the meat filling either--there's a good hunk of meat in the bun. I would like a bit more complexity in the taste, perhaps some more spices or a variance in texture by adding some kind of vegetable, but overall, it hits all the right spots.

Don't let the name "Gourmet Dumpling House" fool you, though. Just because it has the word "dumpling" in it, it doesn't mean it's all they offer. They have quite a selection of other traditional Chinese dishes, as well as your typical Chinese-American take out fares. However, I'd stay away from the latter as the authentic dishes are so much better. And if you're going to go through the trouble of eating out at GDH, why bother with the stuff you can get at Panda Palace? We ended up ordering some Scallion Pancakes ($3.95) to start, the Sauteed Chinese Watercress with Garlic ($9.95), the Homestyle Braised Eggplant with Basil ($8.95), Pork and Leek Dumplings ($6.95), and an order of the Xiao Long Bao.

The scallion pancakes were thick but crunchy, definitely a good way to start off the meal. The watercress, buns, and dumplings stood their ground as always but were overshadowed by the eggplant dish, by far my favorite of the night. Now, I love eggplant and I love fresh basil, but I wasn't expecting much with this dish. I had assumed it was going to be a simple stir-fry drenched in some kind of mixture of soy sauce and other Chinese dressings. Boy, was I wrong! The eggplant was soft, but not too mushy, soaking up the sweet chili sauce it was covered in. While stronger in flavor, the sauce did not mask the subtle eggplant taste that I love, and its heat was not overpowering. In addition, the sweetness of the sauce paralleled the initial sweetness of the fresh basil which soon gave-way to its signature earthy and musky, almost menthol, flavor. Pure deliciousness in each bite. I will definitely be ordering this dish again.

One thing to heed however, when coming to GDH--it is a popular place and there is almost always a wait. How long that wait is depends on the day and time, but you can shorten it by making reservations ahead of time. When you get there, you will see that while the size of the dining area is typical of a small-to-medium sized restaurant, they have managed to squeeze as many tables and chairs as possible without compromising fire safety guidelines into the area. Hence, you sometimes feel as though you're eating on top of the stranger at the table next to yours. But don't let that frighten you away--the food is definitely worth the discomfort. Besides, the guy could be cute. ^_~

Service is adequate, nothing special. You ask for something, they'll give it to you without much hassle. In my opinion, there might be one or two servers more than necessary, which might add to the feeling of being trapped like a sardine, but on the other hand, there's always someone around to get you what you want. The owner and his wife who work at the front desk are easy-going and personable. While we were in line, I gave a box of my homemade truffles to one friend who I hadn't seen in a long time, and the owner started joking with us about using the chocolates as a bribe. Btw, hazelnut is his favorite flavor, just in case the line's too long.

Overall, GDH is quite a good find in Chinatown. As a Chinese person who prefers authentic food, I definitely recommend it. Great food, great company, a full belly, and money still left in my wallet? That's a successful night in my book!

Gourmet Dumpling House
52 Beach St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 338-6223
Orange Line: Chinatown, Downtown Crossing
Red Line: Downtown Crossing, South Station
Green Line: Boylston Street

-Originally Posted: 3/2/2010-

Good Food For Cheap: Cafe Mami

On Friday, I met up with my cousin Dennis who was going home for spring break. I wanted him to bring some stuff home for me (his parents oh-so-conveniently live right around the corner from my parents) so we decided to meet up and grab some lunch together before he left. He goes to Northeastern so he rarely gets a chance to stop by my old Tufts/Cambridge neighborhood, and when we get together, we usual stick to Chinatown. In an effort to broaden his mind, I took him to my old favorite, Cafe Mami. Now, I do have to admit, I have a bias in favor of Cafe Mami because I used to work there. But, I can honestly tell you that the food is extremely well done and tasty. Otherwise, why would I have stuck around for 2 years?

It's a small operation, lunches consisting of a cook, kitchen helper, dishwasher, and one waitress with an added waitress for the dinner and weekend shifts. It's popular among college students (easy access from Tufts, Harvard, and MIT) as well as young professionals because of the quick service, great food, and big portions. However, there are a total of 16 seats so during peak dinner times, there is a line, but the waitress can take your order while you wait so by the time you sit down, your meal comes right out, making for a very quick turnover rate. Luckily for us, Dennis and I came for lunch and didn't have to wait at all for a table.

One of the perks of knowing the menu inside and out is knowing what's good; unfortunately, almost everything there is amazing. Why unfortunately? Because it always takes me forever to decide on my order. We finally settle on the Teriyaki-Style Hamburg ($8.99) and the Tatsuta Curry with Cheese ($8.99 + $1.00 for cheese) with complimentary miso soup and rice. I've had both many times, and I've never been disappointed; this time was no different.

A Japanese-style hamburg is similar to the Western hamburger patty except instead of the tougher and chewier Western version, the Japanese hamburg literally melts in your mouth. While the patty is usually made of just ground beef, the hamburg is made with a mix of beef and panko--Japanese-style bread crumbs--similar to the way you make meatloaf. The result is a soft, lighter patty that doesn't scrimp on the meaty taste. The homemade teriyaki sauce is the right balance between sweet and sour and is the perfect compliment to the savory hamburg. The hamburg can also come in three other styles: Tokyo-style--a simple tomato sauce, similar to the Italian Marinara but still retaining an Asian flair; Chili-Tomato--a spicy version of the Tokyo-style; and the Wafu--a classical Asian-style hamburg with a freshly grated daikon radish topping, drizzled with a homemade ginger sauce (all $8.99).

Curry was first introduced in Japan in the Meiji era (1869-1913) when India was still under British rule. Since then, it has adapted to become a national dish and is now one of the most popular dishes in Japan. It differs from the Indian-style curry in that Japanese curry is 1) sweeter, due to the addition of fruits, and 2) thickened by roux--a mixture of flour and fat, also used to thickened the traditional French bechamel sauce, as well as gravies and stews. Cafe Mami's curry sauce contains carrots and potatoes as well as chunks of tender chicken and beef. In the tatsuta curry, the curry is poured over three large tatsuta pieces--chicken tenders marinated in a ginger sauce and deep-fried to a golden brown.

Dennis was a bit skeptical about adding the cheese, but I assured him it was delicious, and soon enough, he agreed. A generous mound of shredded mozzarella is placed atop of the rice and covered with the chicken and curry. The heat of the curry melts the mozzarella onto the rice, making for a fun stringy mess (think of the strands of cheese coming off of hot pizza after you bite into it). As soon as it's in your mouth, you can see how the creaminess of the cheese softens the sharp spiciness of the curry. For "dessert," we each order a Green Tea Milk Shake ($3.50)--a cool delicious treat that tastes just like my favorite green tea ice cream. I am stuffed to the brim and loving every minute of it.

When I go to Cafe Mami, I usually like to bring a group of people, despite the difficulty in seating, so that I can order more of my favorites to eat family style. The Pork Katsu Set and the Yaki Beef Tofu Set (both $8.99) are two of them. With a choice of chicken or pork, the Katsu--or deep-fried cutlet--is served with the traditional sweet Tonkatsu sauce and mustard. The Katsu has a delightfully crispy coating surrounding a tender, juicy meat filet, so it's no surprise that it's a popular favorite. The Yaki Beef Tofu Set consists of thinly sliced beef pan-fried with fresh onions, tofu, and beansprouts in a light, spicy Yaki sauce, served on a sizzling plate. The big taste of the savory beef and onions are balanced well with the fresh clean taste of the tofu and beansprouts, and the hint of spiciness in the undertones of the flavors bring the dish to the next level. If you're in a rush, you can get the same flavors--without the tofu--in the Yaki Don ($5.00 with the lunch special, $7.00 regular), or you can try any of the other Donburi, rice bowls served with your choice of meat, sauce, and various veggies. No matter what you get, you won't be disappointed.

Cafe Mami
1815 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 547-9130
(Red Line: Porter Square)

-Originally Posted: 3/1/2010-

Gourmet Mac 'n' Cheese

When my date wanted to go to a place for their mac 'n' cheese, I was confused. Mac 'n' cheese? Like, that stuff from Krafts? Oh boy...

Little did I know what Publick House mac 'n' cheese was like. I'm not quite sure if it even fits the definition of mac 'n' cheese anymore. For starters, they used orecchiette pasta instead of macaroni. And instead of cheddar, they used 5 different gourmet cheeses. Add to that some sausage, onion, and tomatoes and you have a decadent, rich, and savory pasta dish. All washed down with a fine Belgium brew that prevented the richness from being too overwhelming.

Picture taken with my cell phone

We all scream for LOBSTER

Saturday was one longgg food adventure.. one of those awesome days! It started out at a neighborhood gem called Pasta Market. They serve delicious homemade Italian food with fresh, al dente, pasta! It's not the first time I've been there but each and every time has been absolutely delicious and this time was no exception. We started with their fried calamari which was extra crispy without being weighed down by too much batter (yum!). There was a honey-like sweet sauce drizzled on top that reminded me of duck sauce that I wasn't a fan of but their delicious marinara sauce covered up the taste nicely. Next time, we'll be requesting it without the extra sweetness. For the main course, I had their mushroom ravioli in alfredo sauce. So delicious! My friend had some extra spicy sandwich that I didn't sample... spicy food is my only weakness. But he said it was delicious so I'll take his word for it. Pasta Market, you've got my love. 5 stars!

Our next stop was Crane beach. As we meandered our way up, I had a sudden craving for delicious soft serve ice cream... so we had to search for a Dairy Queen (DQ). Thank goodness there was one (sort of) on the way in Ipswich. The creamy deliciousness was every bit as good as I remembered it to be. With my sweet tooth satisfied, we finally made our way to the beach.

After a lovely time at the beach where we frolicked in the ice cold ocean and baked in the sun, we were of course hungry and craving some seafood. On the way up we passed by a good number of seafood shacks but one in particular, Woodman's, stood out because of the crowd. So we went back there to check out what the hubbub was all about.

When we got there, a huge line awaited us. Luckily we bumped into Pubear and a few other friends who had the same idea to order up some fried seafood.

To fully sample their offerings, we ordered a combo plate with everything (shrimp, scallop, clams, fish) plus two steamed lobsters about 1.5lbs each.

This is where we got to choose the lobsters we were about to demolish.

Lobster? check. Butter? check. Bib? check. Preparations for demolition are complete!

The seafood was fresh and well fried. The lobster was delicious. There's really not much to say except dig in and enjoy! If you're ever in the area and looking for seafood, I would definitely recommend checking this place out. Waiting on the line out the door is worth it. 5 stars!

Of course, on our way out, we started craving ice cream again after all the fried food consumed but unfortunately DQ closes at 10PM and it was 10:10PM. Sigh. We had to settle for a neighborhood ice cream place where we got vanilla in a waffle cone.

On a side note, a scene from the movie Grownups (currently in theater) was shot here. As a tribute to the restaurant, we went to watch it that night. Expect a good workout for your abs because we were laughing non-stop for the whole movie with some breaks for the touching moments. It's a movie about best friends reconnecting after long years apart due to the natural course of life. I personally love this movie dearly and would watch it again and again for a good laugh and a reminder of how precious real friendship is. There is nothing I treasure more than my dear friends<3

All in all, a great day. Lobster and DQ in one day. What more could a foodie ask for =)

Double Dinner

Today was a rare day. One of those OMG I'm hungry I'm gonna eat everything in sight - days. And no, it's not that time of month, hah.

So to soothe the blackhole called my stomach, I called up my dearest friend David to grab dinner. Little did he know what was about to ensue... actually, I lie. I called him up because everytime we hang out, we manage to demolish about 10 people's worth of food. It's very consistent and amazing to watch.

We started out at a lovely Venezuelan restaurant called Orinoco in Brookline. It brought back memories of my 18th birthday at a delicious Spanish tapas place so I was automatically in love with this place. The wait staff was wonderful and the decor was warm and charming. The food was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. We started with their Maracuchitos to share, sweet plantains stuffed with paisa cheese that was absolutely heavenly (or we were just that hungry? just kidding). For the main course, I had Cordero Tradicional which was pistachio-panela-plantain crusted lamb chops that tasted wonderful. The pistachio was a unique touch that combined well with the strong lamb taste. My friend had a bbq ribs in a sweet tangy sauce that was part of their special menu. The ribs were cooked to perfection, falling off the bone easily while still retaining its juice and flavor. However the sauce was overpowering in its tanginess and left me reaching for my water glass. Dessert was flan and molton chocolate cake that was average and ended the meal on a less than spectacular note. Overall, I enjoyed the food and atmosphere of this place. It's perfect for friends or a date and I would come back just to sample their cocktail menu and imported Venezuelan cheese if nothing else. I would suggest satisfying your sweet tooth at other lovely dessert places in the area. 3.5 stars!

After dinner #1, we were pretty content.. but not satisfied! We speculated that we could fit another meal in our bellies so we headed over to the Super 88 in Brookline to sample the famous foodcourt. First stop? The korean shop for the bimbimbap. YUM. We've got a winner folks. A hole in the wall shop that offers food at low, low prices. How does it taste? Considering the amount of varied ingredients found in the sizzling stone pot and seasoned to fit your personal taste with their homemade hot sauce, I can't imagine how it can get much better. From the first bite to the last kernel of rice we pried from the bottom of the bowl it was delicious.

Next stop was duck buns. No, that's not a typo. Although it's more widely known as Peking duck wraps, a corner stall at the food court served duck buns amongst 100s of other dishes they offered. Verdict? Meh. My friend liked it well enough but it is a far cry from the real thing. For the price though, you can't really complain. And it's tasty!

Last stop was Lollicup for bubble tea but unfortunately, at that time of the night, they were out of bubbles. Oh well, next time! Instead, I'll be rolling off to bed dreaming of the next food adventure. Good night!

A Gentle Sting

Fat Udon, you would love this place. Everything from the live jazz band to the "classy hat" theme party that night just screamed your name. Miss you~

The Beehive (5 stars)

No pictures unfortunately, only tantalizing descriptions. The funky decor and mood lighting spoke of a hipster scene but the friendly staff, delicious food, and extensive wine list made us feel right at home. We started with truffled potato and cheese pierogies with caramelized onions and sour cream that literally melted in your mouth. The amount of potato and cheese in each bite was just enough to have you salivating for more without overpowering your senses and sending you to an early food coma.

For the main course, I had a Moroccan couscous with chicken and lamb. The couscous was perfectly seasoned with a depth of flavor that spoke of unknown amounts of careful preparation. The chicken and lamb were also delicious and cooked well without being dry. The one oddity of the dish was, I think, a lamb liver sausage but don't take my word for it. The combination of too much salt and a very strong lamb taste made it the only thing left on my plate at the end of the course. My date had the grilled Zatar-spiced tuna with couscous, candied carrots, and harrisa aioli. I only had a taste but it was delicious with the tuna perfectly cooked and the flavors well-balanced.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable meal. Unfortunately we were too full to round out the meal and sample their desserts. It will have to be saved for another time. Beehive also receives extra points for the excellent live music, although the chatter was a bit loud and drowned out the music (it's a delicate balance, I'll give them that), and for not rushing us out on a busy Saturday night as we enjoyed our wine and listened to the music after our meal.

- Fizzy

Basement Hideouts - Shiki

Coolidge Corner is definitely one of my favorite neighborhoods in Boston. While roaming around on Yelp, my friend and I found this little basement Japanese restaurant in that area and we decided to give it try. Wow, were we in for a surprise!

Shiki (5 stars)

The moment we stepped foot into the door, we were transported to a tranquil nirvana hidden from sight by the flight of stairs leading down to its entrance. The simple classy decor and attentive wait staff enhanced our whole experience and matched perfectly with the light elegance of the food. The food came in small plates similar to tapas style and perfect for sharing and sampling multiple dishes.

Squid stuffed with sweet rice and shiitake mushroom

The combination of shiitake and squid makes for a surprisingly tasty and fragrant combination that is perfectly balanced by the light sweetness in the sticky rice. The only complaint is that the squid had a slight rubbery texture to it from the way it was cooked.

Futo (large) roll with eel, egg, cucumber, black mushroom, snow crab, flyingfish roe, pickle, sesame

The sheer number of ingredients used in this roll makes it hard to balance the taste while trying (unsuccessfully) to eat it all in one bite. The result? I had no idea what I ate until I looked at the menu again. Tasty, but could be executed better.

Halibut Carpaccio with yuzu and olive sauce topped with shiso

Definitely my least favorite dish of the night. The sweetness of the fish was completely lost to the overpowering taste of olives. Presentation receives full points, taste receives zero.

Clams steamed in sake miso sauce

One of our favorite dishes of the night! The fresh sweetness of the clams was enhanced by the delicate sauce it was poached in. The taste of sake was not evident but it did its work in the background to enhance the sweetness of the clams. Delicious!

Broiled Yellowtail Kama (collar)

Delicious, beautiful, and simple. The best part of the fish was cooked perfectly in this dish, with a lightly salted crispy exterior that protects the white soft flesh underneath that, together, creates the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Sake tasting

We also tried a sake tasting. For $15 we were able to sample 4 different sake!

Detailed description of the four sakes

Expect an absolutely wonderful experience when you dine at Shiki. It offers much more than the typical sushi/sashimi and redefines what you can expect at a Japanese restaurant. The different elements of food, service, and ambiance all combined to create a wonderful meal. 5 stars!

- Fizzy

Caked at Cheesecake Factory

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Happy birthday Glenn =]

Mango Key Lime Cheesecake. Not recommended for eating.. instead use it for...

Face+cake = excellent memories

- Fizzy

Nachos anyone?

After our watching first Red Sox game at Fenway EVER, what better way is there to celebrate than going to the neighborhood Boston Beer Works and ordering the worlds largest plate of nachos?

Yummy, delicious, cheesy, chili, jalapeno goodness!

Boston Beer Works (4 stars)

A solid establishment with good food, good beer, good company. Everything you would expect from a bar/restaurant. What more can you ask for.

-Fizzy

The Daily Catch

The Daily Catch has been a place that the four of us have always wanted to try but it has never worked its way into our busy schedules. Finally, I had the chance to sample its fresh cuisine a few months ago.

The Daily Catch (4 stars)

The dinghy interior and exterior of this little restaurant located in the heart of the North End hides its long history well. Its branch locations have more seating and better ambiance, but we wanted to experience it from the cozy location it all started from. In my experience, it's the hole-in-the-wall joints that can deliver the original experience usually lost at the larger expansions.

Hailing itself as having the best Sicilian-style seafood and pasta in Boston, we arrived with growling stomachs and eager eyes. The menu is written in colorful chalk on a large blackboard mounted on the wall that can be easily changed from day to day. The cramped seating, lack of decor, and brusque service was all forgiven with the arrival of the food. The chef cooks in an open kitchen right before your eyes and we are served the piping hot food straight from the stove tops to our table, still in the cast iron frying pan! I ordered a special of the day, with spinach pasta and bits of fresh scallops, lobster, and shrimp that had just the right amount of creaminess in its heavenly sauce to not overpower the other components. The seafood was also incredibly fresh and, with this one dish, I believe the restaurant lives up to its claim!

However, the squid ink pasta ordered by my companions fell below expectations. Besides the novelty of eating black pasta, the squid ink did not add anything to the dish. The garlic sauce completely overpowered any flavor that may have come from the addition of squid ink and thus it became eating a plate of normal overpriced linguini. Still, I believe the Daily Catch has a lot to offer as proven by the spinach pasta and I would highly recommend coming here with a friend (not for a first date though!)

- Fizzy

Squid Ink pasta

Special of the day with spinach pasta

Boston Restaurant Week Winter 2010

The idea of the joint food blog emerged many months ago but hasn't been fully formed until, well, now. As a result, I have a mountain of material piled up! Get ready to be reallyyyy hungry (I have a midnight snack of corn kernels in warm coconut milk sitting next to me just in case ~_^ )

To kick off the blog, I plan to review the restaurants I tried during Boston's Restaurant week this past winter. Keep in mind that these reviews may not apply to how the food/service may normally be at the restaurants during non-restaurant week days. Also, all the pictures of the food were lost during a virus attack on my computer so the reviews will be brief and with limited pictures =(

Pigalle (3 stars out of 5)

The reason we chose to try this restaurant was due to the number of James Beard awards its head chef has won over the years. When we first stepped foot into this place, we were warmly greeted by the owner/hostess and seated after a short 10 minute wait. The service and ambiance of the restaurant was simply impeccable. However, despite the great first impression, a very unspectacular meal awaited us. The menu overall lacked inspiration which was surprising considering the prestige of the chef. We also ordered a few cocktails that were definitely overly *strong* and barely drinkable. While the food for the most part was seasoned well, the dishes were not particularly interesting and different. Considering the many other fine dining options available in the Boston area, I would not recommend this place to a friend.

Pigalle interior

Wellspring Oysters I believe

Steak Tartare

Duck Cassoulet

Duck, forgot how it's cooked but it's (too) sweet

Beef Brisket

Mixed berry sorbet

Vanilla Creme Brulee