Eat With Jack O'Neill, West Roxbury

How's it going PEOPLE?

Yeah, it's been quite a long time since my last entry so fingers crossed I still know how to express my food thoughts!  No sah!!
 It's all good in my hood and I hope in yours, too.

Last Sunday, the hubs and I headed out on a date night to the old West Roxbury Pub which is now totally reconstructed and called Eat With Jack O'Neill.  eatwithjack.com

The Pub side was jamming with young (like babies) to old (like old) and all ages in between.  A group of volunteers musicians sat in the corner by the entrance. The traditional Irish seisiún was in full swing.  Fiddles, guitars, accordions, tin whistles, and banjos played good old Irish tunes.  Players came and went and the music went on for hours.  The crowd tapped, clapped, sang, and danced along.  It was the best way to get geared up for the best holiday EVER...Saint Patrick's Day!!

We were psyched when we spied a huge booth when we first walked in but we quickly learned it was being held.  No worries.  We ended up sitting at the very end of the long, shared dining table in the middle of the joint.  Usually this seating arrangement would really annoy me but since there was adequate space between parties, I agreed.  Also, the session was legit right in front of us which made me one happy camper.

There are huge booths lining the wall and a corner one towards the end, couple of smaller tables, the large dining table, and a pretty good sized bar.  The light fixtures are really funky.  They reminded me of an old time pub like in Pirate times.  :)

Our waitress was from Germany and super friendly, informative, efficient, and funny.  As you know, I am a beer drinking kinda girl but this evening I decided to go with the Jack’s Rose-- Georgi Apple Cider Vodka, lemon juice, pomegranate.  YUMMY!!  The hubs went with a nice, cold Allagash White.  After cheersing it up, we put our order in for wings.  Buffalo, glazed, perfectly cooked, and crispy, amazing wings with blue cheese dressing and carrots.  I devoured four of them in minutes.  Best wings I've had in a long time fo sho.  Other items the Pub menu offers--small plates-devilled eggs and Scotch egg, salads-kale, greens, and, pies-chicken, meat, , burgers, sandwiches, etc.  Lots of choices.  I noted they serve brunch on the weekends.  Irish breakfast, pancakes, fried chicken and more.  I will be returning swiftly.

For supper, the hubs went with his usual, fish and chips.  Very lightly battered, big pieces of fish and tartar sauce with handmade fries drizzled with vinegar!  YESSSS!  He thoroughly enjoyed his choice.  Yours truly went with the Steak and Guinness Pie with a beyond flaky pie crust.  The meat was tender, the thick, brown gravy tasted fantastic, and the veggies were just right.  It came with a simple green salad with goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar.  Perfect accompaniment but you could choose the fries if you preferred.

Before ordering dessert, I ventured over to the restaurant side.  Whoah!!  Whole other world up in that piece.  Smaller bar area,several white clothed tables and the atmosphere was chill, quiet, and a bit more fancy.  The menu is more extensive.  It features Irish and American Cuisine with delish choices including cheese boards, healthy salads, favorites from the grill, and mouthwatering sides like ham hock greens.  They also have a Rotisserie with fish and meats like chicken, pork, and more.  Good stuff.    I swear there was a bakery counter type area but was not very clear on that sitch.  I will have to investigate more in depth.  Which leads me to our choices for dessert.  They did not have the Bailey's cheesecake or much of anything else it seemed.  We went with our server's recommendation of the berry like ambrosia.  Didn't love or hate it.  Hubs seemed to enjoy it.  Chocolate is what I desire after a fabulous supper and Jack let me down big time.  But don't fret, I have high hopes that the bakery area I nosed around will grow into something I can really dig.  They do make their own selection of Irish breads so I am confident there is decadent dessert in my near future.

After finishing up, we ordered another round and headed over to sit at the bar to continue our wonderful evening of tasty food and music.  Can't wait to return for more delicious food, fun, and fiddles.

Redd's in Rozzie! First Sunday of the Month!

FRIED CHICKEN is all I had to see on Redd's Facebook status regarding their special for the first Sunday of the month.  Sold!

To be fair the hubs had mentioned going to Redd's earlier in the day which I had agreed to but you know me,  I'm always changing my mind so thank you God for the update via the interwebs about one of my fave foods ever to be created!

Per usual, I could barely make it to 5pm before dying of starvation so we got there super early as in pick of choice of where to sit and indulge.  In for the a/c or out for the fresh air?
Nice little table for two in the shade on the patio is what we (I) chose.  I quickly put my pocketbook down and walked over to peruse the new beer/movie/herb/chilling out garden that Redd's recently built.  Best idea ever in my opinion, because on Brunch days it can get downright BUSY up in that piece.  Can't wait to leisurely enjoy a mimosa and/or beer while waiting for our next delish meal at Redd's.

And F to the Y to the I-- during the summah they show movies on certain nights of the week so check their FB page/website.  I know he already played the "The Big Lebowski" so you can get an idea of the quality films that shall be featured.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Redds-in-Rozzie

Our server, Cristian was on point throughout our whole delicious supper, super friendly, informative, and he detailed the specials and the wine/beer accompaniments.   Since the Fried Chicken was the special of the evening, it was served as three courses which included the Summer lettuce salad-
local lettuce, cherry tomatoes, creamy blue cheese sherry vinaigrette, croutons, radishes, cucumbers, fried chicken with buttermilk mashed, a biscuit, and slaw, then a piece of buttermilk pie for dessert.

 Drop the mic is all I have to say!  Freaking delectable!

And now while writing this entry, I referred to the on-line menu and came across the side of Swiss chard.  Damn!  That would have been perfect with my dinner.  Well beggars can't be choosers.  I just LOVE food so MUCH!

Of course we ordered some oysters as an appetizer with a Mignonette sauce and a ginger dressing to top the little buggers.  Six in total and I dogged my two.  Can't recall where they were raised but I can say they were fresh as hell.

Because the salad special of tomato, basil with house made mozzarella sounded so awesome, the hubs decided on that to start with his oysters.  The Roslindale red and green tomatoes which I grow and know for a fact are bombastic were so tasty mixed with the vinaigrette and fresh basil.  The mozzarella was creamy and scrumptious.

After looking over the menu
http://www.reddsinrozzie.com/content/rations-n-refreshments
and to my surprise because I was sure he was going with the Paella for his main entree,  the hubs decided on the Wood-Grilled Pork Chop.   The chop was slow-cooked with sea peas, diced carrots, watermelon, and a SC-style mustard BBQ sauce.  In addition, he ordered a side of buttermilk mashed.  The piece of meat grilled to perfections was legit bigger than my head and the hubs devoured that mofo down to gnawing on the bone!  You know I shared my chicken and he loved that, too.  

Dessert for me was not a choice as buttermilk pie is not at the top of my list.  First, it's not chocolate and last it's not chocolate.  It was a sliver of a custard/flan like dessert.  I chose the hubs dessert as he instructed me to do and ordered up a big old piece of S'mores pie.  One of the servers even fired up the blowtorch which toasted up the marshmallow nicely.  My last course became my hubs' and his mine.  The three bites that I took were beyond chocolaty and rich and just what the doctor ordered.

 At that point of our lovely evening I was oh so full and could honestly not really move with ease.  It was fantastic.

You may be wondering what we washed our grub down with and  you guessed it!  Brother Shandys all day long.  So, so good that they are dangerous!

Yeah, yeah I know I have not taken time to write about my love of food for you or me for a very long time.  Well, I'm back in action and tipping my hat again to Chef Delicious of Redd's in Rozzie.  As I mentioned on my Rozziefoodie FB page,
https://www.facebook.com/Rozziefoodie

"Redd's in Rozzie rocked the party that rocked the party tonight for supper! And I even heard 'shake, shake, shake, Shenora' while dogging my fried chicken, mashed and biscuit. I would call that a win-win situation!"

photo cred to Redd's FB page

Garden 2015!

Fresh, ripe tomatoes, 

plump zucchini, yellow squash, 

green beans on the vine.  

Lunch, Friendly's and LIFE!

Sitting here waiting for my fave pair of Yoga pants (my uniform) to dry, I am thinking about lunch.  Lunch, food, and all the joints I have not enjoyed to date.  I have a written running list on a tiny post-it stuck to my counter.  Suggestions are very welcome!

Sam LaGrassa's, Brewer's Fork, Sully's at Castle Island, Tuto's for of course an Italian with everything, and the list keeps growing.  Beginning next week, I'm aiming for one lunch spot per week.  Word.

So much time has passed since my last entry and wisdom I have been granted.  Turning the big 40 wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined.  Although when I was eighteen, 30 was wicked old to me.  OMG and seriously!  With racking up another year, I have come to realize it's time to make ME happy and worry about yours truly and what I want in life.  I'm done with trying to please others who have no clue about being kind and considerate.  I will surround myself with loved ones who are supportive of me and want to have a chill time.  Number one on that list is my main squeeze, THE HUBS!  And to be honest, I am blessed with a wonderful and loving family.  My friend family is the bomb, as well.  We have been friends for almost 20 years plus.  It's an amazing feeling when you have that kind of trust in others and vice versa.  Food is what brings us together.  We all love eating, drinks, laughing, and having a good time!

Onto Friendly's last night with my  sweet Godchild.  She is almost 4 and the most adorable, little girl you could meet.  The hubs, Godchild, and myself shared the clam strip with fries entree as our appetizer.  Pretty much gone in 60 seconds.  SO good!!  Even the little one was dogging the strips and fries while dunking them in tartar sauce!  The hubs and I ordered bacon cheeseburgers with onion rings and our smaller companion went for the grilled cheese with fries which she did eat at least half of.  Hubs dogged his and half of mine then we of course all ordered ICE CREAM!

Three scoop Sundae for the hubs, kids birthday cake ice cream cup for the little one, and a waffle cone with chocolate ice cream and extra jimmies for yours truly.  So yummy!

It's the little things in life that are the most precious.  That's what I have come to realize.  Don't rush that last bite.  Take time to enjoy every little flavor.  Get dessert and the Bailey's in your coffee and savor every last second of deliciousness.  :)

Waterford's Restaurant and Pub 02026 (my hometown)

On this snowy New England day, I am psyched to sit down, relax with a cup of Lyons and return to blogging about the love of my life...FOOD!

It has been WAY too long since I enjoyed sharing my tales of appetizers, entrees, and desserts with all y'all.  I have traveled near and far since my last entry tasting new cuisines and living the life of Riley.  Spain, Ireland, and New Orleans to name a few and OMG the food in every country...to die for.  Blessed is what I am!

Now onto the subject at hand.  Last night the hubs and I went on a little date to Waterford's (www.waterfordsdedham.com) in Dedham before hitting our friend's 40th surprise birthday bash.  Yes, I said 40!  2015 is the year that yours truly is going to be the big 4...0!!  Well, they are saying that 40 is the new 30 right?!

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."  C.S. Lewis.  Words I am striving to live by.

To start the evening off, we scored an awesome parking spot in the lot so you know my dinner was going to be good.  The main reason I wanted to hit Waterford's before the party is because of their corned beef melt served with extra crispy fries.  Tender corned beef with lettuce, tomato, purple onion, and cheddar cheese on a bulkie with yellow mustard, of course.  Hate the spicy crap.  Super basic and deliciously fantastic!!  Funny thing is that I don't even usually like corned beef but this sandwich would change even a Vegan's mind.  :)

From the first time, at a St Patrick's Day celebration  a couple of years ago, a good buddy of mine turned me onto the best corned beef sangie ever!  Every time I go to Waterford's the melt is what I desire.  During previous visits, I have obviously tried other food items on their menu.
To list a few, the chicken nachos smothered with cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes, onions, scallions, guacamole, and sour cream (hold the olives because yuck) are yummo.  The salads are fresh and crispy.  I especially like the wedge salad with onions, Great Hill Blue cheese, tomatoes, and bacon Ranch dressing.  MMM!

For some unexplained reason my man and I exhibited self control and did not order an appetizer.  WHAT?  Yeah only because we knew food (from Salem Food Market-(salemfoodmarket.com) was in our immediate future at the 40th fiesta, as well as cake, cupcakes, and brownies.

Smithwick's was my drink of choice and Sam Adams for the hubs.  For his main dish, he ordered and  enjoyed the prime rib served with a baked potato and mixed veggies.  It was good but had a bit of a spice he didn't care for and I thought more of pot roast kind of taste.  You win some, you lose some.

The former Olde Irish Alehouse's serves brunch, lunch, dinner and hosts many special occasions in their upstairs function room.  There are several Irish themed dishes to choose from including shepherd's pie, an Irish breakfast burger, beer battered fish and chips, and don't forget the bangers and mashed.  The remodel is cool.  The dining room is enclosed and quiet while the remaining bar and area around is louder and open.  Prices are reasonable for the portion size, quality, and service.

Back in the day some very good times with lifetime friends were had at the 'Alehouse.'  A smile comes to my face when I remember the karaoke songs we belted out and the many beers we shared over the years.

Rustica Pizza, Roslindale

My tiny review of Rustica posted to their FB page:

★★★★☆ My third time ordering Rustica Pizza tonight. Each time I called the staff was friendly and precise. The Greek salad with house dressing is awesome. But my very faves are the fried dough and cinnabites. OMG!! Fantastic! The prices are super low and the delivery is on time.
Planning to try the steak and cheese sub next and maybe a calzone! Very happy with Rustica!

I would like to add their BLT subs are so fresh and delish.  


http://myrusticapizza.com/

Dinner, Drinks, and Dessert!

WHAT UPPPPP PEOPLE!!!

Long time, no written word.  With work and life, well you know how it go.

As many of you may know by now:
Food has always been a HUGE part of my life.  Something I look forward to on a regular.  Something that has never let me down.  Something I can rely on.  Of course, there's been many a time when the quality or quantity was not up to par in conjunction with my standards.  I surely don't live in a fantasy world that rains down tasty stuffed mushrooms on a daily.  Though, in general, food has been a constant.

Cooking and recently, baking, has been a great way for me to be creative...risky.  An escape!  Something that matters to me and makes ME happy.
I've never cooked or baked the same exact recipe twice.  It's just not how I roll.  Never do I write a recipe down, I just sprinkle, add, mix, and match whichever ingredients that I feel will work well together.  It's a talent that I have been blessed with.  It doesn't freak me out to venture off a written recipe or to add a little more of one spice than another.
This little knack of mine is good and bad.  According to the hubs, I have never been able to recreate a small batch of lemon/pepper wings I made several years ago because I do what I do.  And as time goes by, the memory has failed me!

Speaking of the hubs, this past weekend, we went out for a super overdue date night.  "Porter Cafe for Burgers!"  in West Roxbury on Centre Street, is what I declared as I walked through the backdoor after work last Friday!  At the time, only thinking of what I yearned for:  Pinot Noir of some sort and a nice, juicy cheeseburger on a big old bun with onion relish, a wee bit of ketchup, and crispy fries!  Oh, and of course an appetizer!

The hubs agreed and did not offer other suggestions, as not to piss me off.  Sometimes they just get it!  Sometimes...  :)

After a quick nagging session for him to hurry up and shower/shave because I was STARVING, we arrived at the restaurant and were seated right away.  We quickly decided on the fantastically awesome steamed mussels in coconut curry broth with crusty bread.  Huge portion, delish, and devoured.
Beer battered fish and chip with tartar sauce is what my other half went with.  He thoroughly enjoyed his Irish fare and even sprinkled his chips with vinegar!  YUM!
Of course, I shared a bite of my burger with my man.  He was just as impressed with how freaking tasty those damn patties are!  Totally recommend.

Because I have blogged about this joint before, I won't go into specific detail about every little thang.  But, I surely will complain again about the fact that they still do not offer dessert!  You know I need/love my sugary treat after a fulfilling supper.

Because for me it is necessary to indulge in dessert, we ended up at one of our fave spots.  Masona Grill which is a short drive away for more Pinot for me and a creamy slice of heaven--coconut layer cake drizzled with caramel sauce.  The hubs went with an Irish coffee and apple bread pudding.  Totally not a big fan of bread pudding but the apples were nice.  My selection was the bomb!  We sat at the bar.  The place was pretty dead so we didn't feel so bad just getting a decadent treat/drinks and the staff is welcoming and chill.  Good times!