KO Prime Review

Dining room at KO Prime.

This is a continuation of our carnivorous night at KO Prime. We began the evening with an amuse bouche and a glass of fine wine. Then it was right onto our first course: cola-marinated skirt steak tacos with avocado and salsa. The mini tacos were artfully presented and more than satisfying. In fact, we liked the presentation so much that we just may be serving these as tapas at one of our own dinners soon.


Dining room at KO Prime.

Our second course was a ragu of morels and asparagus with crispy tripe. The mushrooms were really flavorful and set off by green and white asparagus tips perfectly done. We were all anxiously awaiting the "crispy tripe" and with good cause. Rare is the true fan of tripe but this was an inventive use that fit this perfectly seasoned dish well. Great combination.


Bar at KO Prime.

The main course was an assiette de boeuf. The assortment was also a spot-on hit and included: Dashi-Braised Short Rib, Red Kobe Bavette, Roasted Bone Marrow, Pea Greens and and Beef Tongue Marmalade. Again, inventive and flavorful. The marmalade was particularly impressive. As a big fan of savory jams and chutneys, I found this to be a highlight taste. The meats were, of course, perfectly rare and the marrow like butter.


Flank steak at KO Prime.

Dessert was Whole Milk Vanilla Ice Cream with Braised Rhubarb, Chef Oringer's surprise premiere dessert for the event. The whole milk is sourced locally and the dish tasted surprisingly light, not unlike a frozen puff of whipped cream. We could tell it was rich, though, when Andrew's plate sat alone for a while as he signed books. There was absolutely no sign of the ice cream melting, not unlike a stick of butter.


Bone marrow at KO Prime.

There is no doubt that beef is in good hands with the James Beard Award-winning Chef Oringer. KO Prime brings the concept of a steak house to a whole new level. And for a weeknight during these trying economic times his nearly full house was testament enough.


Short ribs at KO Prime.

Dinner With Ken Oringer

TBF and celebrity chef Ken Oringer

There is nothing that I like more than a dinner party with great food, wine and really interesting, fun dinner companions filled with fantastic conversation. That's what was had recently at Ken Oringer's KO Prime restaurant on Tremont Street in Boston when we dined on a special four course beef dinner.



On my right sat the Guest of Honor, Andrew Rimas, Managing Editor of The Improper Bostonian and author of the book BEEF: THE UNTOLD STORY OF HOW MILK, MEAT AND MUSCLE SHAPED THE WORLD. To my left was restaurant PR counsel Chris Lyons. Adam Tiberio, Master Butcher, Concord Fish & Prime, radio personality Dean Johnson and his wife Diane, Boston Globe Editor Alexandra Hall and food jornalist Clare Leschin-Hoar turned the night from just another event into one of my most memorable dinners. What could be cooler than an evening with Ken Oringer, his wife and baby daughter and some great foodie discussion, finding amazing sources and the premiere of a new ice cream dessert that was beyond great (more on that later)?

Chris will be announcing a new Vineyard dining spot soon, very exciting, but I promised to hold my tongue. Dean regaled us with rock star stories (as we compared notes on southern Maine Coast restaurants), Andrew read passages from his book but the one who had us all at rapt attention was Adam with his insight into the very best cuts of meat and local sustainability. This was one damn interesting table!

The full review of the restaurant and the dinner will be coming soon but I can tell you now...it's going to be good.

Visiting Boston II

The view of budding trees along Tremont Street at the historic Granary Burying Ground, resting place of Paul Revere.

We're having a taste of Summer in Boston this weekend. It seems the trees have all sprouted their buds overnight, the outside tables for alfresco dining have been set and everyone seems to be out and about enjoying the fine weather, dining and events.


The Quincy Market outpost of Puma City.

Puma City has been constructed at Fan Pier, a temporary store, restaurant, bar and nightclub put in place to celebrate the Volvo Ocean Race and their visit to Boston, the only U.S. location on the itinerary before leaving port to sail on to Galway. For the complete schedule of fun, cool events visit here: Puma City Events.

One of the questions we often get via email here at TBF is: where can I take a cooking class while I am visiting Boston on my trip? It just so happens that we have some great ideas for you.

We'd highly Recommend the Boston Center for Adult Education. With it's brand, spanking new state-of-the-art kitchens outfitted by Yale Appliance and local chefs to guide you how could you go wrong?


The new kitchens at BCAE.

If you want to spend some time in the kitchen with a celebrity chef, take a weekend course on budget meal preparation or indulge in locally sourced finds or wine appreciation, they have it all. Here's an example of a Saturday class that's one of the most popular:

Gourmet at Home

Ever wanted to make that perfect gourmet meal or impress your significant other with a five-star meal? Learn techniques and prepare a gourmet feast easily duplicated at home. Roasted garlic crostini with prosciutto; baby greens with pecan-crusted goat cheese and maple fig vinaigrette; wine-braised brisket with caramelized pearl onions and dried apricots; and Cappuccino Crøme Brulee. The tuition includes a materials fee for food.

Meets on: Saturday
Member: $65.00 Non-member: $70.00
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Begins: 05/09/2009
Session(s): 1 Ends: 05/09/2009
Meets at: 122 Arlington Street
Instructor: Leslee Barbosa

The new location isn't far from the Theater District or the Boston Common, perfect if you want to catch a show or enjoy a picnic as you enjoy the City. As always, if you're visting Boston from anywhere feel free to contact us at TBF for some great foodie ideas and events.

For those who need a bit more excitement in their lives, here is a little snippet of the Puma Racing Team.

My New Fave Thing

Locally sourced mozzarella, teardrop tomato and splashes of balsamic vinaigrette.

I just found a great source for a fantastic handmade mozzarella: Maplebrook Farm in Bennington, Vermont.

I tried the Cherrywood Smoked variety this weekend with tomato and a balsamic dressing and it was absolutely fantastic. The cheese is available at Shaw's Markets.

Here is the link for more information: Maplebrook Farm.

TBF On Display

I happened to be strolling from Porter Square to Davis Square this week after a bit of shopping and passed the restaurant Green Tomato II where I noticed some photos in the window that looked rather familiar, then a few paragraphs from a review that looked even more familiar. All with good reason: it was my review!!!



They actually had it blown up and printed and it is hanging in the large street side window of their restaurant. Congratulations Green Tomato II on not only having a great restaurant but good taste, too!

Reviewing The Reviewers

The Andelman brothers of PHANTOM GOURMET.

Like others I enjoy watching the Boston TV food shows, of which there are only two. The first is so roundly criticised that it is difficult to find any redeeming quality. I have to agree. I have watched the show, attended their events and even met the Andelman brothers but the PHANTOM GOURMET and all of it's crap is nothing but disappointing. I mean, come on. Do you really think heaping plates of cold onion rings on your cheap set and your phony broadcasting voices make anyone want to watch? I sincerely apologize to any of the lowest common denominators who watch but it is what it is.


Billy Costa of TV DINER

TV DINER, on the other hand, at least does real reviews, has some great chefs on and visits actual restaurants. I have to admit I click the remote when they do segments on eyeglass shops and gym visits (this is a food show-stay focused) but overall the show is WAY more foodie centric.


Billy Costa of NECN's TV DINER on location.

When you realize that Julia Child, the original master of food TV did all of her work right here it is really a shame that we are accepting anything less. When will Boston do another really informative and interesting show of quality that can appeal to everyone?

VISITING BOSTON Part I

This weekend hundreds of thousands of visitors pour into town for the prestigious Boston Marathon. Meanwhile, locals will celebrate Patriot's Day, which marks "the shot heard 'round the world". I am usually there early in the morning as the streets are shut down and a lone rider gallops the pavement (watch those potholes) to reenact the ride of Paul Revere including his stop at a local tavern once located practically right by my front door.

Now that I'm working with nextstop.com on my guide to dining out and foodie things to do in Boston I thought I really should be writing about it in my very own blog. I always know when it is Spring here as my emails increase drastically, pretty much all from readers visiting Boston looking for great places to dine and other foodie must-dos while here. I usually respond individually (which I am always up for) but decided to begin another series of posts on VISITING BOSTON. Add this to the SIMPLE INTERVIEW series (more of which are coming, including a nice celebrity chef interview we snagged exclusively) and the AMUSE BOUCHE series, which is a continual work in progress.


One direction you could take from Panera - Boston Harbor.

The first place most travellers will look for to start the day is a breakfast spot with fresh, affordable choices. While usually not one to recommend a chain restaurant I can heartily do so with Panera Bread. All of the breads, rolls and pastries are made fresh locally and the coffee is great. The location of this one I've found for you is perfect and the price is right, far below the outrageous hotel coffee shops. And for the techies it also offers free wifi! Extremely popular with business persons during the week, it is almost empty on weekends, tucked in on a side street off the touristic path. A window seat will give you a view of Boston Harbor or the Rose Kennedy Greenway and it is within walking distance of some of the best parts of the city: Harbor Walk and the Ft. Point Channel area (teeming with the city's newest restaurants), the impressive Institute of Contemporary Art, opened just a few years back, the North End (think hipster meets old school Italiano), Quincy Market (good food options despite the touristy prices) Boston Common and The Freedom Trail (where it all began).


Out the front door puts you directly on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

This is really an ideal place to begin your weekend in Boston and the kind of hidden gem you would never find on your own. Locals may not realize that Panera Bread is a popular offshoot of Au Bon Pain, long famous for their locally baked goods and quality foods for breakfast and lunch. The TBF fave: asiago cheese bagel.

Panera Bread
200 High Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(617) 951-1330 | phone
(617) 951-1338 | fax

Dearest Maggie

Disclaimer: Do not watch this video on a full stomach.

Anyone who is a fan of British humor is well aware of the BBC series LITTLE BRITAIN. Our favorite character is Maggie, who, after snacking on a delicious sweet must always find out who made it so she can be repulsed and then ... well, you know the rest of the gag (literally). Of course it's just schoolboy stuff and you already expect the joke going in but it still doubles us up in hysterics every time.



We all need a little laugh once in a while and this being tax day ... even more so.

Let's Go To Stockholm

The Jumbo Hostel in Stockholm, Sweden

If you think that all hostels are just boring, loud, cramped bunkers filled with rowdy college students think again. This place has to be just about the coolest hostel in the world. The Jumbo Hostel is housed within a retrofitted 747-200 situated in the Stockholm-Arlanda airport. The jet actually has a long history of service, originally built for Singapore Airlines and at one time in the Pan Am fleet. It was last operated by Transjet, a now bankrupt Swedish airline. The Jumbo Hostel has 25 rooms with three bunk beds each. Each room is around 6 square meters, and with any luck you'll get the chance to sleep in the cockpit.



Many original parts of the plane still remain - the lounge bar and first class seats are still there, as well as the oxygen masks. New rooms are expected to be built in the engine compartments, where the original rotor blades will be used as venetian blinds. The whole concept of this makes me feel like a kid playing fighter pilot again.


The uber cool lounge at the hostel.

Comfort in an airplane is something I rarely get to experience. It would be nice to do it at least once and I've never been to Sweden. It should also reduce my oh so politically incorrect carbon footprint by helping to save a plane from being sent to landfill. The hostel is now open to visitors and, aside from the fun factor, gets surprisingly good reviews. For information on booking click here: Jumbo Hostel.


The cockpit accommodations at the Jumbo Hostel.

Easters, Cheaters and Maltesers

Two points to consider: we love Maltesers and we are cheating this week. On a family trip to Ireland a few years back we all, young and old alike, fell in love with the chocolate covered malt balls similar to what we have here. The brand name is Maltesers and the quality of the chocolate was so much better than the waxy crap you get here in the USA that we started ordering them imported. The good news is that they are now available here. Just look in the international foods aisle at your supermarket and find them near the digestive biscuits. The quality makes a world of difference. We are also cheating here because we are using a cake mix (oh my) in the interest of convenience.

Malteser Cupcakes

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup Maltesers malted milk balls, coarsely crushed
1/4 cup natural-flavor malted milk powder
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box

Malted Milk Frosting
1/4 cup butter softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons natural-flavor malted milk powder
1 tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa
2 tablespoons milk

Garnish
1 2/3 cups malted milk balls, coarsely crushed or a few whole malted balls.

Directions
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
2. In large bowl, stir together dry cake mix, 1 cup malted milk balls and 1/4 cup malted milk powder. Add water, oil and eggs. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
3. Bake 21 to 26 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
4. In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients on medium speed until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with 1 2/3 cups malted milk balls. Store loosely covered.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to dry cake mix. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 30 cupcakes.

Tips
The malted milk balls will be easier to crush if they are frozen. Freeze them in a food-storage plastic bag for about 30 minutes. Then tap the bag with a rolling pin or meat mallet until the balls are coarsely crushed.

The malted milk powder can be found in your grocery store in the cocoa and hot chocolate aisle.

We are heading north to the country house for the Easter holiday and a few days out of town. We'll be back next week with some great ideas on foodie things to do in Boston on weekends for visitors and locals alike. Happy Easter everybody!

Waiting......and waiting....and waiting.

This new economy is really cramping my lifestyle. In one way it's been fantastic because if you've got any spare change, basically, you can dine at the very best restaurants in Boston. All of the places that were just out of the price range are suddenly within reach. Deals are all over town, spontaneous and otherwise, and if you just look you will certainly be able to find an affordable option at that one place you've wanted to visit for years.


Yet another ubiquitous special or free offer sign seen all over town.

On the other hand, we here at TBF crave the new. Some of the places we have been really looking forward to visiting have still not opened. Tory Row in Harvard Square was all set for February, then we were promised March and now it's April and still nothing. Same with 55 High in Medford, really just around the corner from us. We're hoping you didn't mean December 2009! It is scary opening a new place in this economy, we understand, but the longer the delays the more we fear there may actually be no openings at all.


Tory Row's "imminent" opening has been dragging on for months now.



The upscale Steakhouse opening at 55 High Street is reportedly being planned by the same family who brought us the very popular Carol's Diner of Medford.

London: South Bank Itinerary

The Boston Foodie crossing Millennium Bridge, St. Paul's in background.

The last time we visited London we really saw and did a lot because we really planned out our daily itineraries. One of our most productive days was spent along the South Bank where there is plenty to do and see while still maintaining a a relaxed pace. The South Bank is a vibrant arts community, perfect for walking and has plenty of food along the way.

Start your day by riding the tube to Blackfriars. Here you will see St. Paul's Cathedral, the spectacular Christopher Wren designed cathedral and location of famous royal weddings (Princess Diana and Charles). Kids and teens will enjoy climbing to the top (although daunting) for a spectacular view of Tower Bridge and all of London. Walk outside and just a few steps away is the sleek, steel Millennium Bridge. Cross the Thames and arrive at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a reliably authentic recreation of the original. Any fan of The Bard (and who isn't?) will ove the tour. A video snippet of ours is below.



Right next store is the Tate Modern, a former power plant transformed to house the cutting edge of art in London. Don't miss the giant Warhol portraits. If it's a weekend and the weather is good lots of people will be strolling the pedestrian walkway along the South Bank. Mingle with the crowds and enjoy the other international visitors. By now you'll be hungry. Stop at Gourmet Pizza Company for lunch and snack on pizza, soup or salad while enjoying a view of the Thames. We recommend the duck pizza.


Gourmet Pizza on the South Bank.
Gourmet Pizza Company
Gabriel's Wharf
56 Upper Ground
London SE1 9PQ
+44.207.928.3188

Continuing your walk toward Parliament you'll pass the OXO Tower, a London landmark which houses galleries, craft shops and artist residences. The Royal National Theatre is here as well. There's also a very popular skate board park with talented boarders so bring your cameras for the local flavor. You'll next move on to a section where street performers entertain. We spent time here just watching how people from other countries react to the performers. The USA has, apparently, not cornered the market on individuals who like to ham it up.


A street performer along the South Bank. Can you imagine saying: "OK, honey, I'm off to work!"

Another short stroll and you will be at The London Eye, a famous fixture on the skyline. If you are not afraid of heights you can take a spin lasting about thirty minutes, resting your legs from walking (you'll stand though)and enjoying the amazing view from the other end of the Thames. For photographers, keep in mind you will want to plan this for when the sun is not directly shining in your lens. The views of Parliament are fantastic.


The Foodie on Westminster Bridge. London Eye in background.

From here you are just steps away from Westminster Bridge, Parliament and Big Ben, all great photo ops. Across the bridge you can jump on the tube at Westminster and head off after a full day.

Design: MKS

Perfect design, for me, is when function meets art. Just look at these babies and you know. What is better than fine knives embedded in bicycle grips? Ergonomically correct, simple, shined and sharpened perfection.

Check it out: MKS