More Than Words
376 Moody St.
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 788-0035
www.mtwyouth.org
Used bookstores rock. Even better are the inexpensive used bookstores. Let's go so far as to one-up that with a used bookstore that has coffee (which you can sip while perusing books) and wireless internet. All that is wonderful. Now, using an imaginary, figurative, yet highly effective calculator, calculate the sum of everything listed PLUS the fact that the employees are teens with backgrounds such as "the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or have dropped out of school" working here for the purposes of receiving employment and entrepreneurship training. This is a winning equation.
The coffee is Starbucks (which has donated equipment and training), the books are great, there are CDs and DVDs, and there are open-mic nights and other community activities on a regular basis.
When I go here, I find myself buying more than I usually would, just to support the great cause. I suggest you do the same.
Why it's a gem:
Seriously? It's a great cause, inexpensive books, CDs, and DVDs. And there's coffee involved.
Tips:
Go there. Now.
Showing posts with label inexpensive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inexpensive. Show all posts
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Taco Loco - Somerville
Taco Loco - Somerville
44 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02145-3331
(617) 625-3830
Sometimes, I'm in the mood for a quick, tasty snack. Actually, that sounds like a good idea most of the time. In fact, I'm going to get one. Be right back.
Okay, so since that's done -- Taco Loco serves a fantastic taco, and food in general, for ridiculously little money. Upon walking in, I was greeted by an American television showed dubbed over in Spanish and a long counter where all food is visible. And I liked that. The food, and especially the chicken, looked wonderful and fresh. Behind the counter is a clear view of the pupusas and tortillas being made. Different. And fantastic.
I ordered 1, carnitas taco, and it was $2. This price appears to be the standard single taco price around Boston. Great. What I didn't expect was a freshly made tortilla packed with meat, salsa,
cilantro, guacamole, and cheese, with a radish and lime garnish. I'll take it. And 14 to go.The chicken looked so good behind the counter that I came back for a piece and added guacamole to the order. I believe it cost barely more than the taco. If you're reading this and familiar with this venue, you're probably wondering why I haven't mentioned the burritos. People seem to love these burritos, large and supposedly delicious. I did not try one. YET. But I do believe that if the other, standard fare, is fantastic, then those burritos will be too.
Why it's a gem:
Excellent, fresh Mexican food for little money
Take-out central
Tips:
Although it's great for take-out, they have a downstairs, cellar-like area that is insanely charming, with little TVs playing the same, dubbed over shows. I ate there. And liked it.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Bazaar - Allston
Bazaar on Cambridge
424 Cambridge St
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 787-1511
www.bazaarboston.com
I'm really not sure why a lot of the great grocery stores around this city fall under the radar. Despite the fact that I can read very few of the labels or ingredients on the, oftentimes, Russian products, Bazaar is a true gem.
Gazing at the surprisingly large assortment of smoked meats, smoked fish, caviar, and frozen meats, most of which I didn't even realize were even available, I feel as though I'm in a different world -- one with amazing and unusual foods. It has taken me countless visits to begin to take in the things are here. I recommend you do the same. It's worth it.
Where to begin? Really not sure. Okay, so the raw meats are decent and inexpensive (veal chops, chicken thighs and breasts, chopped beef, and random other things). According to the website, there are about 80 types of smoked fish. I've seen several types of caviar there ranging from about $8 to, well, what you'd imagine the price of good caviar to be. I've never seen so many smoked meats, including smoked chicken (which is an excellent addition to dishes such as paella and casoulet). The frozen section is unbelievable, with so many pierogis with different fillings that I probably couldn't carry one of each without a backpack. There are also frozen shrimp, calamari rings, whole fish, quail, duck, and much, much more.
Produce is plentiful, as well as dried nuts and fruits. There are European chocolates galore. Farmer's cheese, which is not too easy to find and MUCH healthier than cream cheese and nearly every other spreadable product, comes in several varieties.
Just as I know I miss something wonderful every time I'm there, I'm sure I'm forgetting to write about certain things now. Many apologies. I guess you just have to go there.
Why it's a gem:
Smoked meats and fish that are difficult to find elsewhere
Unusual beer and wine for good prices
Inexpensive
Tips:
Check out the wine and beer, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Monini is a popular company for flavored olive oils. This is one of the only places I've seen their Porcini oil. And all the oils, I believe, are $7.99, including the white truffle -- cheapest I've seen.
424 Cambridge St
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 787-1511
www.bazaarboston.com
I'm really not sure why a lot of the great grocery stores around this city fall under the radar. Despite the fact that I can read very few of the labels or ingredients on the, oftentimes, Russian products, Bazaar is a true gem.
Gazing at the surprisingly large assortment of smoked meats, smoked fish, caviar, and frozen meats, most of which I didn't even realize were even available, I feel as though I'm in a different world -- one with amazing and unusual foods. It has taken me countless visits to begin to take in the things are here. I recommend you do the same. It's worth it.
Where to begin? Really not sure. Okay, so the raw meats are decent and inexpensive (veal chops, chicken thighs and breasts, chopped beef, and random other things). According to the website, there are about 80 types of smoked fish. I've seen several types of caviar there ranging from about $8 to, well, what you'd imagine the price of good caviar to be. I've never seen so many smoked meats, including smoked chicken (which is an excellent addition to dishes such as paella and casoulet). The frozen section is unbelievable, with so many pierogis with different fillings that I probably couldn't carry one of each without a backpack. There are also frozen shrimp, calamari rings, whole fish, quail, duck, and much, much more.
Produce is plentiful, as well as dried nuts and fruits. There are European chocolates galore. Farmer's cheese, which is not too easy to find and MUCH healthier than cream cheese and nearly every other spreadable product, comes in several varieties.
Just as I know I miss something wonderful every time I'm there, I'm sure I'm forgetting to write about certain things now. Many apologies. I guess you just have to go there.
Why it's a gem:
Smoked meats and fish that are difficult to find elsewhere
Unusual beer and wine for good prices
Inexpensive
Tips:
Check out the wine and beer, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Monini is a popular company for flavored olive oils. This is one of the only places I've seen their Porcini oil. And all the oils, I believe, are $7.99, including the white truffle -- cheapest I've seen.
Russo's - Watertown
A Russo & Sons, Inc.
560 Pleasant Street
Watertown, MA 02472-2408
(617) 923-1500
www.russos.com
Have you ever read a recipe and come across ingredients you a) had never heard of, and b) had no clue where to get them? To solve the first predicament, look the ingredient up on the internet. To solve the second, go to Russo's. Not only do they have the most ridiculously diverse assortment of fresh (and often local) produce, but it frequently costs a fraction of the price compared to major grocery stores.
There are huge packages of fresh herbs, many herbs, vegetables, roots, and more used by other cultures, and nearly everything is available individually, as opposed to forcing you to buy way too much of something you'll never finish. The bakery is sinful, including both breads and sweets, and the cheese selection is absolutely incredible. Their pasta is made fresh each day and costs less than pre-packaged imported pasta from the supermarket. These markets are no longer "super" to me.
And this is all inside. The outside boasts an amazing selection of plants and flowers. During the fall, this is your pumpkin resource.
Every time I mention Russo's to anyone, I always hear the reply, "I love that place!" And how couldn't you? Many, many products are from New England and everything else is as fresh as it can be. Kinda strange, but this place gives me a reason to call "gourmet" inexpensive. And please ignore me if you see me frolicking in the flowers.
Why it's a gem:
Fresh, often local produce
Great cheese selection
CHEAP, compared to major grocery stores
Pretty, very pretty
Tips:
A great place for fresh pasta. In the section with ingredients for many Asian foods, there is freshly made lo mein for $1 per pound; each bag is about a pound. So yeah.
The website tells you the best foods for the month.
560 Pleasant Street
Watertown, MA 02472-2408
(617) 923-1500
www.russos.com
Have you ever read a recipe and come across ingredients you a) had never heard of, and b) had no clue where to get them? To solve the first predicament, look the ingredient up on the internet. To solve the second, go to Russo's. Not only do they have the most ridiculously diverse assortment of fresh (and often local) produce, but it frequently costs a fraction of the price compared to major grocery stores.
There are huge packages of fresh herbs, many herbs, vegetables, roots, and more used by other cultures, and nearly everything is available individually, as opposed to forcing you to buy way too much of something you'll never finish. The bakery is sinful, including both breads and sweets, and the cheese selection is absolutely incredible. Their pasta is made fresh each day and costs less than pre-packaged imported pasta from the supermarket. These markets are no longer "super" to me.
And this is all inside. The outside boasts an amazing selection of plants and flowers. During the fall, this is your pumpkin resource.
Every time I mention Russo's to anyone, I always hear the reply, "I love that place!" And how couldn't you? Many, many products are from New England and everything else is as fresh as it can be. Kinda strange, but this place gives me a reason to call "gourmet" inexpensive. And please ignore me if you see me frolicking in the flowers.
Why it's a gem:
Fresh, often local produce
Great cheese selection
CHEAP, compared to major grocery stores
Pretty, very pretty
Tips:
A great place for fresh pasta. In the section with ingredients for many Asian foods, there is freshly made lo mein for $1 per pound; each bag is about a pound. So yeah.
The website tells you the best foods for the month.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Taqueria Mexico - Waltham
Taqueria Mexico
24 Charles Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 893-2205
www.taqueriamexico.com
Greater Boston offers up some tasty Mexican food, but it's hard to find the authentic variety in these parts. Look no further -- I offer you Taqueria Mexico, sandwiched between two houses on a residential, one-way street in Waltham. This simple establishment of deliciousness serves up affordable, authentic cuisine. And the waiter refers to me as "amigo." I like being "amigo."
Chile rellenos, $5 burritos, and whole, pan fried fish, oh my! I have yet to have something here that is bad. Even the very simple, such as the carnitas tacos ($2 each, by the way) are fantastic simply because of the basic flavors and the taste of fresh cilantro. And there are many, many special and combination platters to choose from. Honestly, I say try them all. I dare you.
A note to the spice-fearing soul: many dishes pack a punch in the heat department, so choose wisely. This includes the salsa served with the delicious chips as you sit down. But fear not, you'll still have many choices. And I won't judge you. At least not too much.
Unfortunately, I have yet to detect a margarita (and I'll keep looking -- maybe they're hidden under the tables), but feel free to enjoy a cerveza. I look forward to the summer, sitting on their front patio, cerveza in hand, indulging in the wonderfulness.
When I first went here, on a day off, for lunch, I asked the waiter how long this fine eatery had been around. I was told 22 years. I also noticed a Zagat rating of 22 for food. Not too shabby for a casual, inexpensive restaurant on a side street. I can see why it's been around so long.
Why it's a gem:
Authentic
Spicy when it should be
VERY affordable - $5 burritos (many varieties), $2 tacos (many varieties)
Outdoor patio
Tips:
Don't forget to look at the specials board. The whole, pan fried fish is often up there. And it's awesome, if of course you don't mind your food looking at you.
24 Charles Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 893-2205
www.taqueriamexico.com
Greater Boston offers up some tasty Mexican food, but it's hard to find the authentic variety in these parts. Look no further -- I offer you Taqueria Mexico, sandwiched between two houses on a residential, one-way street in Waltham. This simple establishment of deliciousness serves up affordable, authentic cuisine. And the waiter refers to me as "amigo." I like being "amigo."
Chile rellenos, $5 burritos, and whole, pan fried fish, oh my! I have yet to have something here that is bad. Even the very simple, such as the carnitas tacos ($2 each, by the way) are fantastic simply because of the basic flavors and the taste of fresh cilantro. And there are many, many special and combination platters to choose from. Honestly, I say try them all. I dare you.
A note to the spice-fearing soul: many dishes pack a punch in the heat department, so choose wisely. This includes the salsa served with the delicious chips as you sit down. But fear not, you'll still have many choices. And I won't judge you. At least not too much.
Unfortunately, I have yet to detect a margarita (and I'll keep looking -- maybe they're hidden under the tables), but feel free to enjoy a cerveza. I look forward to the summer, sitting on their front patio, cerveza in hand, indulging in the wonderfulness.
When I first went here, on a day off, for lunch, I asked the waiter how long this fine eatery had been around. I was told 22 years. I also noticed a Zagat rating of 22 for food. Not too shabby for a casual, inexpensive restaurant on a side street. I can see why it's been around so long.
Why it's a gem:
Authentic
Spicy when it should be
VERY affordable - $5 burritos (many varieties), $2 tacos (many varieties)
Outdoor patio
Tips:
Don't forget to look at the specials board. The whole, pan fried fish is often up there. And it's awesome, if of course you don't mind your food looking at you.
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