Tag Archives: Cambridge

Tatte Fine Cookies and Cakes, Cambridge

Posted on by
Reply

We have heard several positive reviews about Tatte Fine Cookies and Cakes for some time now and were thrilled that a dear friend wanted to meet up at Tatte to do a proper catch up. Our experience was delicious and the treats we saved for later were equally memorable.

_MG_4782

Tatte sells select product and its delectable tarts through Williams Sonoma including the mixed nut, pecan, pistachio, pear plum and Belgian chocolate tarts (BMH’s Memories of Brussels, Pierre Marcolini, and Mary Chocolatier).

_MG_4783

We loved the dainty cookie assortment tray and would be perfect for a dinner party or hosting a cocktail reception. Our friend purchase a single nutella cookie and seemed quite  happy with the treat. (BMH’s Nutella filled chocolate chip cookies).

_MG_4784

Tatte’s bakery display reminded us of the boulangeries (bakery shops) in Le Marais in Paris.
_MG_4785 _MG_4786 _MG_4787

Our favorite element of the shop was the whimsical and delightful chandelier. _MG_4788

We decided on the Crunchy Halloumi salad for $13, but reserved the crispy and tangy halloumi on the side because our friend was eliminating dairy. To our pleasure, more halloumi for us! _MG_4789

The mix of toasted carrots, radish, apples, white raisins, parsley and mint topped with sliced toasted almonds  in a red wine vinegar dressing was perfectly sweet, tangy and refreshing. We devoured the salad. Besides the Zuni Caesar from Zuni Cafe, this is one of the best salads we have ever eaten._MG_4790The Shakshuka, traditional North African dish with poached eggs, pepper and tomatoes, served with bread for $10 was perfect. The acidity of the tomato sauce went ell with the smooth goat cheese, brightness of the basil and creamy eggs.  We have the Saveur recipe just waiting to be recreated._MG_4791

After a glass of the refreshing mint lemonade (not pictured) we couldn’t leave Tatte without a few treats for the road. Be sure to request a box and bow to impress a loved one._MG_4795

The rustic apple tart was gorgeous and had sugar granules on the edges of the flakey pie crust. The slices of apple were nicely spiced and we just wish there were more sugar granules on the apples._MG_4794The pecan tart with caramel throughout and buttery shortbread crust was unreal. This is a must have and for $4.00 for an individual tart, you must get it. The mixed nuts and pistachio tart are in the queue to sample next.
_MG_4799Although considered expensive to some, Tatte is worth it as a treat. The experience and pastries are of the highest quality and care.  Next time, we would like to try the Shiitake mushroom and tomato confit sandwich for $8.50 and Poached eggs with grilled marinated tomato and halloumi cheese served over sourdough bread for $9. Tatte Fine Cookies & Cakes on Urbanspoon

Sofra Bakery, West Cambridge

Posted on by
Reply

We are obsessed with the Molasses cookies from Sofra. Almost every other farmer’s Copley farmer’s market, we would stop by Siena Farms stand and get the molasses cookies. We even have tried making them ourselves at home (BMH interpretation of Molasses Cookies) and they come close, but not the same. We were missing the cookies and decided it was time to make the scenic drive over to Mount Auburn and to Sofra.

Ana Sortun’s Sofra Bakery is solid. Great baked goodies, shwarmas and mezze all delicious. The restaurant was fully packed inside, there was a line of 7-10 people consistently waiting to order and the seating outside also had a queue.

While waiting in line, we considered the cheese borek, but decided against it would be to heavy.On weekdays, breakfast is served until 11am (3pm on weekends) and we just missed it. In line we decided on the breakfast sandwich with fried egg, bacon, haloumi (soft goats milk cheese) and feta butter. Damn. We also wanted the Shakshuka, eggs poached in tomato broth with curry, zhoug and pita crumbs $7. Another damn.
Sofra sells Middle Eastern products, spices, containers of hummus, mezze and more.
We really loved the wood ceilings, lighting and inviting and colorful fabrics on the benches.

We ordered a Red Dragon Green Tea (sour cherry juice and green tea) and it was lightly tart and very satisfying. Must get.

The shredded lamb shawarma with pickled cabbage, tahini and yogurt for $9 was unbelievably tasty. We figured out exactly why the texture was so crisp, a concerning eye, skill and a great grill top.

The shredded lamb was moist, very flavorful and had a nice balance of tangy and creamy.

The mezze was really special. You can choose one scoop (with crackers) for $3 or five (with bread) for $9. Definitely order extra bread! We chose the whipped feta with sweet & hot peppers, beet tzatziki and let the staff choose the remainder. We considered the celeriac & apple tabouleh, Moroccan style carrot salad, Parsnip skordalia and Pitryot (marinated vegetable salad with amba).

The whipped feta is very salty, creamy and great mixed with other mezze to counteract the feta’s saltiness. Our other favorites was the hummus which was very smooth and the beet tzatsiki which was finely shredded, sweet and creamy.

We also had to order a few of the falafel balls. The freshly fried, crunchy on the outside, tender and slightly herbal on the inside. These would have been awesome with the mezze.

We couldn’t help ourselves. Besides a package of the molasses cookies to go with afternoon tea time, we had to try the pistachio pop tart $3.50, Syrian shortbread $1.25 and Persian spice graham $.75.

Of the three, the pop tart and Syrian shortbread are must get again. The rose scented center was sandwiched by the thick spiced graham cracker. The pop tart had a nice glaze and a nice pistachio baklava like center. The shortbread was nicely sweet, flakey and buttery. Luscious. Try the shortbread at home. BMH’s interpretation of Sofra’s Syrian Shortbread.

We will have to return to Sofra for the rest of the menu, but more specifically the break items including the the tomato sauce and eggs, breakfast sandwich and other baked goodies.

Sofra Bakery and Cafe on Urbanspoon

Pepper Sky’s, Central Square, Cambridge

Posted on by
Reply

In search for some Thai cusine, one of my dear friends and I decided to catch up at Pepper Sky’s on Pearl Street, in Central Square. This was a first time visit to the Cambridge restaurant revered by its loyal customers for dining in, delivery and take out. After taking cooking classes in Chiang Mai, we wanted to see the difference between American vs authentic Thai (BMH’s visit to Smart Cook, Thai Cookery School, Chiang Mai).

Pepper Sky’s Thai Sensation holds a special place in my dining companion’s heart, because Pepper Sky’s was where she had her first date with her fiance. Over multiple Pepper Sky’s dishes and an exchange of travel stories they are now engaged. Adorable.

Before entering Pepper Sky’s, I could not help but admire the pop of color in a neighboring cement building.

Upon entrance, we noticed the stereotypical Asian fish tank. Good feng shui. The restaurant was very busy and the ambiance cozy and casual.

Pepper Sky’s dinner menu includes salads and appetizers such as fresh rolls and papaya salad, soups including my favorite tom yum soup, as well as curries and fried rice. Their Specials Menu has more Pan-Asian dishes such edamame, scallion pancakes and chicken wings.

My friend had I both had a refreshing homemade limeade. There was a nice balance between citrus flavor and sweetness. In fact, the limeade was a bit tangy, which was exactly what I wanted.

I greatly enjoyed an order of the Vegetable Pad Thai ($9.95) with a side of fried tofu. The harmonious blend of egg, broccoli, blanched string bean, fresh bell pepper with crushed peanut and bean sprouts was crunchy, lightly sweet and delicious. I would definitely order this again or try the Spicy Pad Thai next time.

I sampled my friend’s Drunken Noodle ($9.95) and I wish I ordered that dish! The spicy wide noodle was stir-fried with onion, basil, bell pepper, chili, bamboo, tomato and string bean. The combination was a perfect combo of hot, sweet, salty, savory and umami.

According to the menu, Drunken noodles were originally stir-fried by a singing drunkard to starve off midnight hunger.Ingredients previously thought to be incompatible were tossed into the wok, and voila Drunken noodle.

Whenever we are in Central Square next, can not wait to sample more of Pepper Sky’s menu.

Pepper Sky's on Urbanspoon

1369 Coffee House, Inman Square, Cambridge

Posted on by
Reply

1369 Coffee House is a cozy coffee shop in Inman Square. The menu had two hot drinks we will definitely have to try Mexican Hot Chocolate, house-made cocoa spiced with chipotle and cinnamon and the Almond Joy, house made hot chocolate with almond and coconut.

Seating was tough to attain, but once we staked a claim in the front, we enjoyed our beverages and the chill ambiance.

The dark roast was layered and velvety. Fantastic.

Our iced Vietnamese Coffee  was the perfect combination of dark roast and sweetened condensed milk The Cranberry Cooler had a refreshing 7-herb hibiscus tea and cranberry juice.

1369 Coffee House on Urbanspoon

East Coast Grill, Inman Square, Cambridge (Brunch)

Posted on by
Reply

East Coast Grill is a haven for seafood, Latin inspired brunch items, a Bloody Mary Bar and Hell Night (June 11, 12 and 13 is already sold out).

Sriracha, steak sauce and  hot sauces.

East Coast Grill self proclaims that they have the World’s Largest Bloody Mary Bar. My friend enjoyed the Make Your Own Bloody Mary. The House made Tomato Juice with Vodka ($8.50)looked fresh and fun to add other accoutrements, for layers of horseradish, vegetables and hot sauce.

We enjoyed the Liquado filled with refreshing Mango, Banana, Strawberry, Lime and Guava Juice ($4.50).

Matt Matt’s Smoked Pork Nachos with Jack Cheese, fresh tomato salsa, Acar’s guacamole and green sour cream ($9.75) had layers of flavorful pork, refreshing salsa and tangy and creamy toppings.

We loved the Fried Sweet Plantains with queso fresco and guava ketchup ($4.00). The plantains were super sweet and was nicely balanced with the crumbled white cheese and guava ketchup.

Amilcar’s Guacamole with Fresh Corn Tortilla Chips and Tomato Salsa was unbelievable. The guacamole was rich, super fresh and one of the best guacamole ever ($6.00). The chips were super fresh as well.

The Breakfast platter, Yucatan style came with 3 eggs, black beans,sweet mango salsa, plantains and flour tortillas looked awesome ($9.75).

Amilcar’s omelette with Avocado, Black Beans, Jack Cheese over Salsa Verde and Salsa Roja, Queso Fresco and Guava Paste looked delicious ($8.75). Everyone cleaned their plate clean.

The Chile Crusted Black and with fresh Blue Tuna Taco with Arugula, Avocado, Lime Pickled Jicama and Orange Chipotle Glaze ($10.75).

The Ancho Molasses Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimmichuri was super tender and perfectly medium rare, the cheesy scrambled eggs were fluffy. We loved the Potato-poblano hash, tender, lightly crisp and full of flavor. The Griddled Corn Bread with grill marks was another nice touch and amazingly buttery ($15.75). We would get this again. Steak and eggs done in the best way.

East Coast Grill is so solid, cocktails, food and ambiance. One of the best brunches out there. The fun diner vibe was comfortable and festive. We can not wait for the next time to return for brunch or dinner.

East Coast Grill on Urbanspoon