First Harvest and Delfino

Yesterday I decided to weed our jungle of a garden.  We have one good sized one with veggies and two other areas where we planted herbs, veggies, and flowers.  When I examined and evaluated the overgrowth of the weedage, I wanted to quit before starting.  It was not a pretty sight.  You couldn't even see the cucumber vines growing on the ground because of the grass like weeds that infiltrated our garden.   After working for three hours, I was covered in dirt from head to toe and sweating like...well you all know where I am going with that one.  I was hot and exhausted.  Gardening is seriously an actual workout and pretty much kicked my butt.  Unfortunately after all my hard work, I didn't love the end result, as there were still some areas with weeds.  At least it didn't still look like the forest it was a few hours prior.  Although I can identify every plant in my garden, there were a couple fatalities.  A flower plant in the front garden, a cuke vine, and some celery stocks lost their lives.  But the outcome of the harvest was well worth the blood, sweat, and tears.  I picked two kinds of peppers, a cuke, two zucchinis and some rhubarb (which I hate).   Yay summer!

Yesterday evening, the hubs and I enjoyed a date night at one of my favorite places to eat in the world...Delfino!!  It is a little slice of Heaven right in Rozzie Square.  In my opinion, Delfino is superior to many of the spots in the North End. It is a cute little restaurant that specializes in authentic Italian cuisine.  It has a cozy atmosphere and it is always busy but in a good way.  They don't take reservations but you can call ahead.  We went at 8:30 and we were seated immediately.  That never happens so I was psyched!  We usually have to put our name and cell phone number on the waiting list and head over to the Birch Street Bistro which is around the corner.  We can get a quick drink there and depending on how hungry we are, a snack, as well.  The quality and freshness of Delfino's food is remarkable.  The service from Michael, the accommodating host, to the bussers, to the waitstaff and servers, to the chefs is beyond incredible.  They are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, the specials, and most importantly the wine.  I usually get the house Chianti.  It is very tasty.  Felix, our waiter was great.  There were several parties still eating so he was a bit busy but it didn't affect his attentiveness to us.  He immediately came over with a bowl of their fresh and crusty bread to dip in olive oil and to let us know the specials.  The salad special was an arugula one with Gorgonzola, caramelized, spicy walnuts made with greens with a delish vinaigrette dressing.  We totally had to have that after the mouth watering description by Felix.  I ALWAYS get their Caesar salad which is the best around but we decided to get a little crazy and try a new option.  We were very glad we did because it was amazing.  Felix listed several other nightly specials including a tuna with mango salsa over greens as an appetizer.  The four entree specials were swordfish, salmon, gnocchi with sausage (gnocchi is at the bottom of my list), and smoked then pan seared pork loin which I ordered.  They were all served with awesomeness but I can't remember all the ingredients for each dish.  Mine included a savory sweet sauce served under the medium well cooked meat topped with the mango salsa perfection, served with carrots and grilled asparagus and Delfino's delectable mashed.  The dish was scrumptious and the hubs agreed.  He had his and many others' usual...the open faced lobster ravioli.  It is served piping hot with lasagna like pasta on the top and bottom filled with generous sized lobster pieces and scallops in a cream sauce.  As  you should know by now, (haha) I am not a seafood type of girl.  But everyone I know who has tasted the lobster ravioli absolutely loves it.  They usually end up ordering it every time they go to Delfino.    I have eaten several dishes on their diverse menu including various pasta dishes (the bolognese is incredible), chicken dishes (the chicken Parmesan is the bomb), the steamed mussels (weird I know but I love them), to the aged sirloin (phenomenal).   The portions are sizable and I always have some to take home.  You can not leave Delfino without having a fresh cannoli made with the most rich ricotta filling in a crusty, sweet shell topped with pistachios.  OMG!!!  Others love their homemade tiramisu and chocolate bread pudding.  There is not one horrible thing I can say about Delfino and if you haven't been already, you need to go asap.  I give Delfino in Roslindale on South Street, an A. 

Awesome and Easy Sangria

1.5 Liter of Carlo Rossi Sangria (I usually purchase the gigantic 3.0 liter.  The huge jug holds in the fridge forever.)
Quart of OJ
1 to 2 Cans of Ginger Ale or Sprite
Tablespoon of sugar
Imitation lemon and lime juice
2 oranges sliced
2 limes-1 sliced, 1 squeezed
2 lemons-1 sliced, 1 squeezed
2 apples cored and sliced

In a large pitcher combine the orange, apple, lemon and lime slices.  Squirt in the real and imitation lemon and lime juices.  Add the sugar, sodas, oj, and the wine.  Stir.  Refrigerate for 24 hours then stir well.  Enjoy in a cute glass poured over tons of ice.  The fruit will serve as the garnish and a delish snack.  Cheers!

PS-Many other fruits would be a great addition to this concoction and you can always add extra liquor.  One can get very creative with this recipe. 

Caesar Salad and Romano's Pizzeria and Taqueria

Last night, I hung out with some awesome, longtime buddies of mine.  The weather was fantastic so we sat out back catching up and laughing.  We downed some beers and enjoyed a couple of grilled cheeseburgers and the BEST homemade chicken Caesar salad that I've had in a very long time (besides the one at Delfino's and that raving and extended review will be at a later date).  My soon to be a chef friend totally hooked us up and cooked and served our entire dinner including mini chocolate covered ice cream treats for dessert.  The salad was made with marinated and grilled boneless chicken, crusty (in a good way) croutons, shredded Romano/Parmesan cheese, and the most fresh Romaine lettuce I have ever chomped on.  It was just so crispy and crunchy.  The dressing was really tasty, too.  I forgot to take note of the name on the bottle, though.   After dinner, we all headed out to the Moose for some gallivanting including music, beers, and pool.  Good times!!!!

Today, I was a bit, shall we say?  Tired!!  And I am sure it had nothing to do with partying into the wee hours of the night.  Anywho, I woke up starving and couldn't think of what I wanted to eat and we don't have much to pick from in our casa.  I went through the list of various delivery places in my head because I knew I was not going anywhere besides the couch.  I finally decided on Mexican food from Romano's.  To tell you the truth, I am getting bored with pizza, subs, Chinese, etc.  I yearned for something good and different from what I usually have delivered.  Romano's has everything from Sicilian pizza which I've had before and it is the bomb, to subs, wraps, tons of dinner plates, appetizers, etc.  Their turkey subs with American cheese and all the fixings, no mayo, are very nice.  Their Mexican menu is authentic and delicious.  I went with two steak tacos made in a corn tortilla with cilantro, tiny onions, and hot sauce served with a fresh lime to squeeze on the meat.  Fabulous!  In addition, I ordered a grilled chicken quesadilla served with the same ingredients as the tacos.  I added guacamole and sour cream, of course.  The small order of boneless buffalo fingers with bleu cheese dressing sounded awesome so I threw in some of those, as well.  I was pleased with all of my choices.  The friendly driver arrived in less than a half hour.  My food was still fairly hot and the portions are generous but not crazy big.  There is plenty left over for a hefty midnight snack.  I could have gone without the delivery charge of $2.50 that I did not see posted on the menu until after I investigated why my total seemed high.  I quickly got over the fee once I got a taste of my fantastic taco.  Romano's offers take-out, delivery, and has a medium sized dining area if you would prefer to eat there.  It is located in Roslindale Square on Washington Street on the same block as Redd's in Rozzie (formerly Geoffrey's).  My rating for Romano's is a B. 

Fenway and Fries with la Familia

Last night, the hubs and I met up with my brother and a bunch of my cousins for the Red Sox game.  My twenty-six year old cousin who is visiting from Florida and has been to Boston a gazillion times had never been to Fenway for a game.  WTH!  I couldn't believe it.  We started at Boston Beer Works, a good place to meet up.  Waiting in line in the sweltering heat to get in was awesome...NOT!  Although the line did move fast.  Before we knew it and a few drinks later, all the cousins had arrived.  Of course food was ordered but I am not at liberty to review the snacks, as I did not sample any of it.  The place was bustling and the atmosphere was cool. 
Our seats at the park were awesome.  We were in section 3, row 7 in the right field grand stand.   Perfect view of the field and the fans around us were pretty cool.  I am not a stationary type of chick so I got up several times and then ended up in the standing room only section right above from where were sitting.  There was a nice, little breeze up there.  Everyone else joined us in our new viewing area to watch the end of the game.  Sox won 3-2.  I know all of you are sitting there thinking, Kellyb didn't eat??  I can't believe it myself when there is so much to pick from at Fenway including hot dogs, cotton candy, peanuts, popcorn, chicken fingers, etc.  Truth be told, I was in more of a drinking beer kind of mood.  After the game, we regrouped at the end of Yawkey Way. 
Some cousins jetted and the rest of us headed over to the Lansdowne Pub.  I was ravenous at this point.  I wanted some fries and I wanted them NOW!  We decided to sit in a huge booth kind of set up, along the left wall.  The place was pretty happening.  Lots of youngsters getting their drink on and some were busting a move.  I, too, was feeling the tunes and dancing in my seat.  Everyone said they weren't hungry and didn't want anything when I asked.  But, I am no fool and wanted to make sure I would get my fair share.  I ordered two orders of large fries and two orders of chicken bites (just write nuggets).  The chicken was blah but I still ravaged almost a full order.  The fries were fantastic.  They were served on a plate with a  paper bag to absorb the excess oil and to reduce the moisture.  Genius!  And believe me, it makes a difference.  I am a fry connoisseur and I get so angry when you are served/delivered fries in a styrofoam container.  Hello!!!!  Not good.   Everyone had a couple of drinks and helped me eat the appetizers.  I tried a sip of my cousin's mojito, which I had never tasted before.  OMG!!!  Loved it.  I would describe it as an adult lime rickey without the raspberry.  Although the raspberry would be a nice touch.   Am I right?  Either way, why hasn't anyone introduced me to this scrumptiousness sooner?   The fam and I had a great time together.  We definitely should make it a tradition.

Fun, Family, and Friends on Fourth of July Weekend

Friday, before the hubs and I met up with some friends, I made the most amazing, tender pork chops with onions in peppers.  I sprinkled each piece of meat with a good amount of salt and pepper and sprayed the sizzling frying pan with Pam then seared each chop.  The veggies and pork were cooked to perfection on medium heat (flipping a couple of times) after about 20 minutes for the man and 25 for me.  Yes!  I am weird about pork, too.  We gobbled the pork with veggies and some pasta salad up and headed off to hang with some buddies.  A very easy and delicious dinner was served and eaten in 35-40 minutes. 

Sunday was the celebration with family and friends and food.  Lots and lots of awesome food.  It was like heaven on earth in Wakefield for a day.  My uncle and aunt have a huge yard with a good sized pool, the perfect set up for a sick backyard bash.  Everyone was either drinking, swimming, chatting, chilling, playing games, or eating.  First we had the never ending amount of appetizers.  Anything from kielbasa, to boneless ribs, to every kind of dip you can imagine with chips and veggies, etc.  I kind of took it easy on that course because I knew I wanted to destroy me some grilled awesomeness.   I started with a good old fave...a hot dog with mustard.  I usually do sweet relish, too, but I needed a bite fast and in the worst way.  So good!  Everyone started digging into the tower of festive cupcakes.  Not that there wasn't a million other options for desserts.  I didn't want to miss out.  So, I proceeded to inhale a yellow cupcake with chocolate frosting (the perfect combo) made by my godmother.  Then I had some perfectly marinated steak tips with some delicious chicken tips.  There were tons of sides which I usually devour.  But for some reason, yesterday I was prone to the meat.  They had green salad, potato salad, two or three kinds of pasta salad, macaroni salad, baked bean salad.  I know I am leaving some out but I can't remember them all.  Later on in the day/evening, after I kicked some major butt in Bocce, I was craving a snack.   Oh!  And when I say kicked butt I mean my teammate and I beat 13 teams to win the tournie.  It was beautiful!!!  The grill was fired up for the fourth or fifth time of the day.  I was psyched to be enjoying a perfectly grilled cheeseburger with ketchup.  All the while my family and my uncle's friends were congratulating us on our win.  I was loving my bragging rights and talking major smack to my cousin who we beat out in the very last game.  It was all in good fun.  If you can't take a joke in my family...you're screwed.  We love laughing with and at each other and just having a good time.  Desserts had been on display for a while but I wasn't feeling my sweet side.  I only had one brownie with nuts made by my madre and a couple of nibbles here and there of other things.  The fresh strawberries and whipped cream looked scrumptious.  There were cookies of all kinds, halfmoons, several different pastries, and a gorgeous truffle.  My family DOES NOT mess around when it comes to food and having a good time.  A great day was had by all!!!

Bay Sweets, 02132

Almost every time I go to get my hair did, I stop into Bay Sweets on Spring Street in Wrox.  It is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Apple Salon.  If anyone is looking for an awesome and talented hairdresser...Apple's your woman!  The store specializes in Middle Eastern food and they have a plethora of products from Europe.  The Lebanese family owned and run business has an addictive aroma of spices and herbs that entice you the second you walk through door.  The staff is very friendly and helpful.  They even sell those hookah thingies.  One of those would be a cool decoration for your home and definitely a conversation starter.  Second to Byblo's in Norwood, the Bay Sweet's hummus is the best I have ever tasted.  Just enough of each ingredient in every mouth watering bite.  They have two sizes but don't fool yourself by getting the smaller one.  I could kill that all by my onesies in a single sitting.  The bread (Syrian/pita) is so fresh and light.  They have a huge selection of olives (not one of my faves) and Middle Eastern cheeses.  The prepared dishes in their fridge change daily.  You can find anything from grape leaves (lamb or beef with various spices, etc. rolled in an actual grape leaf) to hushwee (rice/chicken/beef in awesome spices with pine nuts) to many other Lebanese favorites.  The tabouli is scrumptious and always available.  Yesterday, I ordered a couple spinach boats (lightly baked dough with spinach and cheese on top), meat kibee balls (ground beef or lamb and tiny chopped onions and spices rolled into a ball), and sfeeha spinach pies (seasoned spinach and onions in baked dough).  Oh!!  And the cheese bread is to die for.  My stomach is growling right now writing this.  The dessert counter is always fully stocked with many different sweet treats.  I can not vouch for the pastries and cookies but they totally look yummy.  I've heard the baklava which is not my choice of dessert, is great.  You can guarantee anything you get from Bay Sweets is fresh and homemade.  They also offer sandwiches and roll ups on their menu and catering for all occasions.  I really could go on and on about how good their food is but there are way too many choices to review.  And if you don't see something you want, just ask and the cute, older gentleman will do his best to make it happen.  If you have not already been to Bay Sweets, you are missing out on some appetizing Lebanese deliciousness!! 
ps-To all my Lebanese lovelies...I apologize if some of the Leb. lingo is spelled incorrectly but there seems to be several ways to spell the words!

Recipe Friday

Awesome and Easy Chicken Wings


2lbs of wingettes
Half of a 15 oz. bottle of soy sauce

Quarter of a 15 oz. bottle of teriyaki sauce

Whole can of a 20 oz. pineapple chunks (drained)

Pam Spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of pan with Pam then line it with tin foil for easy clean up. Put the wings in and douse them with the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple chunks. Cook for two hours. BASTING is the key to the awesomeness so do it every half hour. After two hours, take the wings out and drain the excess juice. You will LOVE the tasty outcome! If you want to get a little crazy...you can add your choice of hot sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, spices, etc. I add something different every time and I never measure anything. The wings are delish hot, cold or reheated. Enjoy!!!