Sick Meals in 2008
Saturday, January 10, 2009
As you may have observed, The King of Sick Meals has been on a one year hiatus. Somewhere along the line, I realized that paying too close attention to the details of my dining proved to be a buzzkill. So, I'm back, I'm going to be more brief, but I'm going to be no less reverent (relevant?). Here's a quick look at a few of the highs and lows of the past year...
Favorite - Rocca (South End)
Friendly service, homemade pastas, and fresh, delicious entrees make Rocca my current obsession. It's almost impossible to pass up Rocca's Rigatoni Baked in a Pot, with veal, tomatoes, and Parmigiano. The portion is hearty and it tastes just as good the next day. And make no mistake: Rocca's Inferno, an intoxicating mix of Patron Silver, Thyme, Jalapeno, and Lime, is the sickest drink in Boston. Read our August 2007 Review of Rocca
Runner-Up - Metropolis Cafe (South End)
Metropolis is a cute little bistro tucked along Tremont Street in the South End. A lot of the time, ordering risotto means getting a bowl of watery rice with some scattered meat, fish, or vegetables. Not at Metropolis, where the creamy Risotto of the Day is the real deal. Come here for a cozy dining experience, a nice bottle of wine, and the best risotto in Boston.
Favorite Out Of Town - Vivoli Cafe & Trattoria (West Hollywood, CA)
One would not normally expect to find a gem in a strip mall, so I was admittedly a little skeptical. But this place is sick. The pricing and cuisine are right on the money, the atmosphere is lively, and the staff makes you feel as though you are a regular. Food is prepared in an open kitchen that centers this small Italian restaurant. Located in the heart of the Sunset Strip.
Restaurant That Owes Me a Refund - Artu (North End)
After a fun night at the New England Aquarium, we sauntered over to the North End for a sick meal, and we decided to try something new - always a dangerous proposition in this mediocre sea of red sauce. We placed an order and received lukewarm dishes in what seemed like 90 seconds. The entrees tasted like they were lying around for hours. Our waitress acted as though we were intruding on her social time at the bar. And, typical of many North End dumps, the prices were not commensurate with the quality.
Where I'm Not Going Next Thanksgiving - The Fireplace (Brookline)
What would have otherwise been a satisfying even atmospheric Thanksgiving dinner was ruined by The Fireplace's rush for you to give thanks and enjoy turkey with all the fixings in less than the time it takes to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is no time to accelerate your pacing and get customers in and out of the door in record time.
Labels: Artu, Metropolis, Rocca-Boston, The-Fireplace, Vivoli-Cafe
