Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:
1 box jumbo shells pasta
1 box of frozen creamed spinach
1 medium onion
1 medium sized container of ricotta cheese
1 jar of pasta sauce
1 packet of shredded mozzarella cheese
oregano
basil
salt
pepper
garlic
rosemary
olive oil

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Fill 3/4 of a large pot with water and set over medium-high heat to boil.

2. Add the jumbo pasta shells, about 3 tablespoons of olive oil and salt to liking.
3. Finely chop the onion and heat up the frozen spinach in the microwave.
4. Place a pan over medium heat and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the onion.
5. Cook the onion until tender. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary to liking.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the creamed spinach. Also add 3/4 of the ricotta cheese. Season again to liking.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and remove from heat. Let cool.
8. Fill shells with the onion, spinach and cheese mixture, and place in oven-safe baking pan.
9. Cover shells with pasta sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top until shells are covered.
10. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cheese has melted.

Finale

I can't believe it's taken me a whole semester to make a trip to Finale, an awesome dessert place located in Coolidge Corner (and other parts of Boston).

The restaurant has a very sophisticated feel about it. There are tables with white tableclothes and dim yellow lighting and soft music playing in the background. The waitstaff wear sleek black clothing with black aprons to complete the professional look.

Finale has a great dessert and wine selection. You can expect Cheesecake and Creme Brulee, but there's also Peanut Butter Pie and Bourbon Pecan Tart. My favorite is their Molten Chocolate cake. It's a chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate center, served with ice cream and and toasted almonds. If you're looking to share and want a bigger portion, order the Magnanimous Molten. It comes with a bigger cake and more ice cream, yum!

Finale also has dessert sampler plates. You can choose from nine different selected desserts, and create a sampler of 6 or 9 desserts. This is a great option if you can't decide on one thing or if you want a mix of creamy and fruity. It's also a great way to share a little bit of everything if you choose to go with someone. I definitely recommend trying the Manjari Mousse!

The restaurant doesn't only serve dessert (although that's the best part). There's also a full lunch a dinner menu.

I think Finale is a great place to complete your meal or just visit on those week nights when you're really craving something sweet. Check it out!

Finale
1306 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 232-3233

Sunset Cantina

Sunset Cantina has always been a great restaurant for those nights when I want to go out for dinner but don't want anything too fancy. It's not very far, always has good food and an amazing energizing atmosphere.

The restaurant has outdoor seating and heating lamps which are convenient given the Boston weather. It's really known for its bar and you can tell that right away from the outside of the restaurant. The windows are decorated with bright neon signs, showcasing their beers, tequila selection and margaritas. There's usually a line if you go around dinner time, depending on how large your group is, so plan to get there a few minutes early.

The staff is always nice and friendly. They don't hover around making the dining experience uncomfortable but you never have to wait too long for your food or ask them to refill your water glass.

The menu has a great selection for both vegetarians and meat lovers. The enchiladas are always a safe bet. They come with lettuce, sour cream, cheese, salsa and rice and beans. It's a good option if you want food leftover for the next day (or later that night). Sunset Cantina also has delicious sandwiches. Their avocado chicken melt is one of my favorites. For spicy food lovers, ask for the cajun seasoning on your curly fries. The restaurant also has great burgers. You can choose from the signature combination toppings to go on your burger or create your own. Two of my favorite are the Sante Fe and the Baja Burger. They both add just enough zest to your burger to bring that extra flavor. Obviously, you have to order a margarita with your meal. Sunset Cantina has a selection of classic and flavored margaritas. You can get them on the rocks or frozen. For berry lovers, the Very Berry Margarita is amazing!

Sunset Cantina is a great place for that middle of the week day when you just need to go out and relax. It has delicious food and an amazing atmosphere!

Sunset Cantina
916 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
617-731-8646

Cornwall's Pub

Surprisingly, Cornwall's Pub reminded me a lot of the pubs in Britain. It looks very small from the outside, Cornwall's is written in big golden letters, and the inside is very very dimly lit with wooden tables. There were a lot of men, pink in the face from too many drinks, sitting at the bar and younger people enjoying a drink after a day of work. Yea, pretty much the same as London.

The food isn't spectacular, at least the appetizers aren't. They serve your average loaded nachos with cheese, salsa and jalapenos. An interesting option is the spinach and artichoke stuffed dumplings. They are fried and served with sweet and sour sauce. Mine were a little on the burnt side but they still tasted great. The rest of the dinner menu has your usual bar food, such as salads and burgers. To keep with the British theme, you'll also find shepherd's pie and London style fish and chips. It's all priced around $8-14 a plate.



The best part of Cornwall's Pub is the drinks menu. They have some of the most interesting beer cocktails I have ever heard of. For those of you who have traveled to Europe and absolutely miss cider on draft, this is the place to be! Cornwall's has Strongbow and Magners cider. For the people that miss Guinness as well, Cornwall's has the perfect drink for you. Called the Black Velvet, this beer cocktail has a layer of Strongbow cider and Guinness beer, and it's absolutely delicious!


If you're looking for that British experience or just want to get a drink with a friend, I'd definitely recommend going to Cornwall's Pub. Get some greasy pub food and enjoy a beer you won't find anywhere else!

Cornwall's Pub
654 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-262-3749

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse

Coolidge Corner has so many different cozy little restaurants, I'm sure it has a perfect place for everyone.

This past Sunday, I decided I wanted to venture out for lunch and ended up in Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, a sports bar in the area, that has the best brunch menu! Check it out!

The place is a typical bar with like 10 flat screen tvs up on the walls. There's an actual bar area where you can enjoy a beer and there's also seating for people who want food. The menu is decently priced and you get a lot of food for your money. The brunch menu has the typical different types of eggs, steak and eggs, pancakes, French toast, and the best, Belgian waffles with ice cream! The food is delicious, I'd recommend trying their chocolate chip pancakes. There isn't too much chocolate to make everything overly sweet, but there's just enough to make you cherish every bit of chocolate you get in a bite. They serve bottomless coffee in this fancy clear glass and you think it's iced coffee but don't be fooled, it's still hot coffee. The only complaint I have about the food is that they're home fries are delicious but I wish they gave more of them with your meal.

The service is okay. My waitress started off being really friendly but then became more and more reserved. It may have been because the place was packed with people and she was a little overwhelmed, which is fine. But she also never offered to refill the water glasses and never asked me if I wanted another cup of coffee. It's bottomless coffee, I shouldn't have to ask for another glass myself.


In short, I really liked this place. The food is great and so is the atmosphere. You can have your private conversation but still be sucked into the energy of a sports bar. The service wasn't great but every waiter/waitress is different and I'd definitely wouldn't rule this place out just because of one experience.

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse
309 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA

Kayuga

After 2 years of living just a couple blocks away, I finally tried Kayuga, a Japanese restaurant in Allston. I had been there once before but had yet to try its sushi.

The restaurant isn't very exciting looking from the outside, and it's not very exciting on the inside. It has plain black tables with yellow lighting and lacks any sort of personality I expect from a sushi restaurant. Even the bar is dull and uninviting for people who are looking to have a drink.

Kayuga does have an extensive sushi and Japanese entree menu with options to please everyone. There is personalized maki, such as the BU Maki, MIT Maki, and the Red Sox Maki. It also has the standard Dragon Maki, Caterpillar Maki and Shrimp Tempura Maki. I had the Scorpion Maki, which was amazing. All of the sushi is fresh and delicious and holds shape. However, the sushi here is a bit overpriced. The average roll has 6 small pieces for at least $10 a roll. You have to order at least two rolls to be full and by that time you're heavily invested in your meal. I've had sushi of the same quality in many other restaurants which isn't nearly as expensive.

The restaurant also has a beer and wine menu. There is a cocktail menu but you may have to ask for it.

The waitstaff is nice but not very friendly and a little slow. The waiters don't make any effort to seem welcoming or hold conversation. You should order all of the food you want at the beginning because the waiters will take a while to serve you if you order twice. I went with three friends and one of the waitresses was nice enough to create separate bills for us, which I appreciated.

Overall, I didn't find Kayuga to leave a lasting impression in my mind. I may go there again because it's convenient in terms of distance, but it's not a restaurant I would recommend to anyone for their special night out.

Kayuga
1030 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
617-566-8888

Punjab Palace

I haven't posted in a while, I should definitely eat out more in Boston.....

But yesterday I went out for Indian food at Punjab Palace in Allston. The neighborhood can seem a little sketchy  at night but it's full of amazing ethnic restaurants everyone should try.

This place has delicious Indian food! I've been here a few times before and I keep going back because the food is great, average priced for an Indian restaurant, and it's only a 10 minute walk from where I live. It's a small place that always plays Indian movie songs on TV, which can sometimes be distracting if you're trying to have an intimate conversation but also really amusing for people who have never seen one before.

The menu has your typical Indian food: appetizers, vegetarian, chicken, lamb, goat and seafood entrées, naan, rice and dessert. There's also an extensive wine and beer list to go with your meal. I'd suggest having a glass of red wine such as Shiraz or Pinot Noir which pairs nicely with the spicy food. Entrées come on a spice scale of mild, medium or hot, which is great because no one has to limit their options due to the spiciness of the food. The mixed appetizer platter is great to share of you go with a group of people, it let's you try a little bit of everything. As for entrées, the chicken tikka masala is always a favorite. If you're looking to try something new, try the chilli chicken, a blend of Chinese and Indian cuisine best tried a little spicier than you're used to. For vegetarians, there is also the paneer chili, the same concept but instead of chicken they sure paneer. My favorite vegetarian option is malai kofta. I have never tried any other type of entrée because I don't really like lamb or goat meat but I have heard people ordering it so must be good.

The only problem with this restaurant is that the waitstaff is always a hit or miss. Sometimes they are really nice and come fill my water glass often but don't hover so I feel comfortable while eating my food. But yesterday, they kept walking by to see how much food was left in place. They even asked at one point if I was finished when I clearly wasn't. And no one offered me a dessert/coffee menu at the end. Needless to say, that affected the tip I left but I really wish they had been nicer because I do love their food.

Regardless, it is a definitely a place to try for its delicious food. And if you're worried you'll go there on a day when the waiters are being rude, you can always order take out!

Punjab Palace
109 Brighton Ave.
Allson, MA 02134
617-254-1500

Maluken Karaoke Sushi

I discovered Maluken last year while searching for a place to eat late at night. It's a small restaurant located in Kenmore Square and has karaoke every night.

Maluken has some of the freshest sushi I've ever had. The fish has great texture and the sushi keeps shape and doesn't fall apart in your hands. The menu has the expected items, such as California and Philadelphia rolls and Rainbow maki, and special rolls I've never seen before, such as the Red Sox maki which has yellowtail, avocado, scallion tobiko with tuna on top. One of my favorite rolls is the Crazy maki which has shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, cucumber and spicy mayo. The spicy mayo brings so much great flavor that soy sauce is unnecessary. For those of you who like eel, try the Caterpilla maki with eel, cucumber and avocado on top, actually shaped in the form of a caterpillar. For people hoping to be more adventurous with their meal, Maluken also has a Honey roll with sweet potato, banana and honey. This might actually be the perfect dessert to end your meal.

Maluken is also part of campusfood.com, an online food ordering service for university students. The service is quick and the food is reasonably priced, making Maluken a great restaurant to satisfy those late night cravings.

Maluken
645 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02215

Blue Chili/Siam Inn

I feel like everyone I talk to loves Thai food but every time I try it, I tell myself never again. But recently, I discovered a Thai restaurant in New York City that I absolutely love. It's called Blue Chili and located on 51st Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.

There seems to be some confusion about the name of the restaurant. It's sometimes called Blue Chili/Siam Inn Restaurant and sometimes just Blue Chili, but the Siam Inn sign is the most prominent when you reach the restaurant. It may not look very nice on the outside, some of the signs even leave you wondering if you're actually looking for the fast food Thai place next door, but don't hesitate and walk right in to the dimly lit cosy little restaurant. If you go around 7pm for dinner, expect it to be full and wait a little for dinner.                                             

The restaurant has a bar area that serves happy hour drinks such as fruity cocktails, beer and wine from 4pm to closing. The lychee Martini and pomegranate Cosmo are delicious!

The food is the best Thai food I've ever tasted. There are options for meats, rice, noodles and even a few vegetarian entrées. For starters, try the chicken skewers. There's four per order and they come with a cucumber relish and amazing peanut sauce. For the main course, try the chicken satueed with mushrooms and bird's eye chili served with jasmine rice is one of my favorites. Be careful of the spice meter, this dish only has a medium spice warning but can be quite spicy for those of you who aren't used to eating such food. The Thai fried rice with chicken is also yummy and once again a little spicy. The shrimp with peppercorn is perfect for people who don't like spicy food. The shrimp are fresh and the dish is flavorful but easy on the tastebuds. To end the meal, order the chocolate soufflé for dessert, a perfect light treat to share for two.

Blue Chili is definitely a restaurant I'll be visiting again! 

Umi Sushi

I love sushi and I can't believe it's been so long since I've had it!

I decided to try a new place yesterday, around the Korea Town and Herald Square area, called Umi Sushi. From the outside, it looks like a little whole in the wall and all the advertisements and papers in the window don't help. But once you walk inside, you realize it's a cute little place with soft lighting and bamboo decorations.

The waitress was really nice and brought hand towels for me to clean my hands at the beginning of the meal. The service was quick and she often came to refill the water glasses. I was sitting right next to the sushi bar, so I could practically watch the chefs making my food, which I don't really like. I'm not sure if there was a back area with additional seating (I would hope so or this place is actually as small as it looks) but I felt like I was being watched by the chefs while I ate my food.

The sushi itself was good. The menu has some choices that you wouldn't expect in sushi restaurants. I had the shrimp tempura and mango roll, which sounds really odd but the sweetness of the mango brings all of the flavors together. There's also an option of a banana tempura roll which might be interesting if you really like bananas. They have an extensive list of special maki rolls which takes up two pages on the menu and there's something on there to please everyone. There's also a wine and beer menu to go along with your email. The menu is very reasonably priced compared to the amount of food you get.

Was this the best sushi place I've tried? No. It smelled a little like cucumbers and as I said I didn't like the seating. But there are some different things on the menu for you to try and the service is good. It may be a good place to go if you're looking for a quick lunch.

Umi Sushi
118 E 31st St, New York 10016
Between Lexington & Park Aves.

Strawberry Shortcake

This is one of my favorite cake recipes. It's very simple and you can also use a boxed golden cake if you don't feel like making the cake from scratch. For those of you who prefer thicker cakes, I would double the batter and make two round cakes instead of making one and cutting it in half.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Strawberries and Cream:

• 2 pints strawberries
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch round cake pan or use non-stick spray.

Whisk the flour with the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Lightly whisk in the butter, egg, milk, and vanilla, just until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then turn it out of the pan, flip upright, and cool completely on the rack.

For the strawberries and cream: Set aside 1 pint of the best-looking whole berries for topping the cake. Hull and thinly slice the rest of the berries and toss with the granulated sugar. Set aside. Whip the cream with the confectioners' sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. This step generally takes a good 5-10 minutes depending on the speed of the blender. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To assemble the cake: Cut the cake in half horizontally with a serrated knife (skip this step if you're using two cakes). Place the bottom layer cut side up on a cake stand or serving plate. Drizzle the juices from the sliced berries over the cut sides of both halves. Fold a couple tablespoons of the whipped cream into the sliced berries and spread over the bottom layer. Top with the other piece of cake, cut side down. Spread the remaining whipped cream on the top of the cake and decorate with the remaining berries. For more color, add some blueberries on top.

Know-How: Cutting a cake into layers is easy as saw-spin-separate: Begin to saw the cake in half horizontally. Just before you reach the middle of the cake, give it a quarter turn. Continue to saw almost to the center, then give it another quarter turn and saw again until you reach your original point of entry. Saw completely through the cake's center and separate the layers.

Tip: For those of you making two cakes for the layers, the cakes may rise more in the middle than the sides. Layering these uneven cakes may result in the strawberries falling out of the center. To prevent this, cut the very top of the first cake with a serrated knife to even the surface. Then go ahead and follow the rest of the recipe.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Recipe courtesy of Food Network.

Terry's

When I went to Stuyvesant High School, my favorite place to eat was Terry's, a deli located between the school and Battery Park. It's a regular deli with salad options, freshly baked donuts and beverages but its sandwich options are what truly set this deli apart from the other options in the Battery Park area.

The deli has a variety of "combination sandwiches" that are served on a hero. My favorite is their grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, sun-dried tomatoes and honey mustard. The combination of ingredients may seem a little weird at first but I promise you'll love it when you take your first bite. Get an iced coffee with your sandwich for the perfect cold refreshment.

Terry's salads are also delicious and better priced than most of the other delis in the area. There are many fat-free dressing options for people concerned with their weight. The fat-free Caesar is one of my favorites. For those of you who aren't, I recommend you try the Asian Sesame dressing. It has the perfect combination of spices and sweetness to bring out the flavors of your salad.

For those of you who are just looking to add a twist to your lunch, Terry's also has options for you. Their breakfast special is served all day and enough food for two people. It has eggs anyway you want them, toast, hash-brown and your choice of meat. For a real change up, try a pizza bagel. It's marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese with or without chicken or pepperoni served on a bagel of your choice. It's a great way to treat yourself if you just need a break from class or work. But be careful, this sandwich is always really really hot!

For anyway of you who happen to be in the Tribeca area, I would definitely try this deli for a quick lunch. Take it to Battery Park and enjoy a great view of the river while you enjoy your food!

Terry's is located on Chambers Street between River Terrace and North End Avenue.

Heritage of India

I often go to Indian restaurants with my family and friends for special occasions. I think it's become more and more difficult to find restaurants that serve good Indian food without trying to "Amercanize" the cuisine. Last night I went to Heritage of India for a friend's birthday, and it was one of the best Indian restaurant I have ever been to.

One of the best things about the restaurant is that it has its own parking lot. Anyone whose tried to park on a busy NYC street, knows how difficult it can be to find parking! The restaurant's dim lighting and dark red decor provide a great intimate atmosphere that makes the largest of dinner parties feel very private. Be prepared to bring your table manners and hushed voices to this white tablecloth and red napkin restaurant!

The food of course is true to Indian cuisine and absolutely delicious. One of my personal favorites from the appetizer list is the stuffed mushrooms. I'm not sure what they're stuffed with, but they're crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and come with an amazing sauce! The dinner menu has the usual list of entrees to be expected at an Indian restaurant. The chicken tikka masala is always a good option but if you're in the mood for something spicier, try the chicken chilly. It's an Indian twist on Chinese chicken with garlic sauce. Another favorite is the biryani, a spicy rice dish. It takes a lot of effort to even make decent biryani but this restaurant's is the best. There are vegetarian and meat options to please all customers. For those of you who always order naan, try ordering the onion kulcha which has tons more flavor. The restaurant also has a great drinks selection. The mango lassi is good but can be quite filling. I'd go for a glass of spicy red wine like Chianti or Shiraz. I don't particularly like their kheer or ras malai, but the moong dal halwa is a perfect Indian dessert to end your meal!

The waiters at Heritage of India are very helpful. They have perfect timing in terms of bringing your next meal and refilling your water cup. If you call ahead of time and let them know of someone's birthday, they'll even bring out their Manhattan Truffle dessert with a candle!

Make sure you check out this Indian restaurant located on 2024 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park, NY.

Ann & Fran's Kitchen

This weekend I went to Cape Cod with my friends and I just had to try some of the local restaurants the beach town has to offer. My favorite place was Ann & Fran's Kitchen, a small restaurant that offers the most delicious breakfast.

At first glance, the Ann & Fran's Kitchen looks like a beaten up shack, too small to even seat a handful of customers. But the line outside of the restaurant is enough to convince you that the food must be fantastic if people are willing to wait up to an hour to eat there. Don't expect to find any tablecloths in this eatery! It's a cosy  little place where the specials are written on a chalkboard placed on the wall.

The staff is very friendly and greets everyone as "honey" or "sweetheart." They even apologize for making you wait outside as if it's their fault! The service is quick and efficient, and you should expect to meet all of the wait-staff by the end of your time there.

The food at this place is amazing. It's reasonably priced and you get a lot of food for the price that you pay. The menu ranges from omelets to pancakes to french toast to the famous lobster eggs benedict. Most meal options come with a side of toast and home fries that are to die for, and can easily feed two people. I recommend trying one of the specialized omelets or creating your own like I did. (Mushrooms, tomato, sausage and cheese, yum!!)

Ann & Fran's Kitchen has a very homey feeling that makes you feel welcome and not at all like an outsider in the touristy Cape Cod. It's a great place for breakfast or lunch, and definitely worth the wait!

Ann & Fran's Kitchen
471 Main St, West Yarmouth, MA 02673-4843
(508) 775-7771

Le Perigord

As most of you probably know, it's Restaurant Week in NYC. Last week I went to a French restaurant called Le Perigord, located on the corner of 52nd Street and 1st Avenue.

The restaurant can be a bit overwhelming at first. It's set up very different from any other French restuarant I've been too. The tables are placed very close together, so if you don't want the person next to you to hear your conversation, I would suggest you whisper. About half of the waitstaff speaks French and expects you to as well, but don't be disheartened. Many of the patrons who dine there don't speak a word of French.

The food itself is pretty good. They use delicious sauces to bring out the flavor in all of their meats. I had the salmon which came in a tangy yellow sauce with polenta which looked so pretty on the plate and tasted very fresh. For dessert, I would recomment the chocolate mousse with berries. It's great for chocolate lovers and light so you don't feel as guilty!

The waitstaff is very helpful. They're quite prompt in serving courses and making adjustments so you can enjoy a great meal. Although I was a little taken aback by the atmosphere of the restaurant, I think it's definitely worth trying!

Check out their Restaurant Week menu here!

Hello!

Hi all food lovers! 

For those of you who have read my other blog European Adventures, you have probably noticed all of my posts about food. I love trying new foods, new restaurants, and trying new recipes at home. Why do I like food so much? It's such a simple way to share with others and show them that you care. Food is something that goes beyond any language to help us connect with others.

So I'm starting this blog to share my experiences with yummy food. Expect to see reviews of restaurants, mostly in NYC, recipes I try with delicious results, and any cooking tips I pick up! 

I hope you're as excited as I am!