Olé Mexican Grill - Marvelously Mexican
By Mary Tamer
I'll admit it, Olé had me at hello.
From the warm greeting at the door to the cozy corner table in this pleasantly appointed and romantically darkened space, I knew this was a restaurant I could grow to love. Once I perused the menu, my instincts were all but confirmed when I saw the eclectic offerings - Tacos de Atún Asado, grilled marinated rare tuna steak in handmade corn tortillas ($19.90), Carne Asada a la Olé, a 10-ounce sirloin steak with grilled peppers, frijoles charros, salsa fresca and guacamole ($21), and Pato con Mole Poblano, a roasted half duck with classic mole poblano sauce, organic baby spinach and cilantro rice ($21.90).
Olé Mexican Grill
11 Springfield Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 492-4495
www.olegrill.com
The love only grew deeper when my dining companion and I ordered the evening's special drinks: a passion fruit martini and a spicy mango margarita, both innovative and creative cocktails that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Both served as perfect accompaniments to our first course, Olé's award-winning Guacamole en Molcajete ($9) which was prepared directly at our table. As one who struggled for years to perfect the preparation of a good guacamole, it was a treat to witness our server's swift and seemingly effortless work in creating the ideal balance of avocado, onion, scallion and fresh lime juice. We were left with a heaping portion to share as well as plenty of warm and crispy tortilla chips.
The high quality of the guacamole served as a foreshadowing for the main events, namely our entrees.
After much debate and consultation with our knowledgeable server, I ordered one of the house specialties, Róbalo Asado, a pan-seared wild Sea Bass with grilled corn polenta and sautéed organic baby spinach ($22.70). Words cannot begin to express how perfectly this fish was seasoned and cooked, with a crispy, thin outer shell and a moist interior. The presentation was also flawless, with the fish atop the spinach atop the polenta, which was surrounded by a flavorful and colorful red pepper chipotle sauce.
Firefly's Bodacious Bar-B-Que
Firefly's Bodacious Bar-B-Que
235 Old Connecticut Path
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-3333
By Mary Tamer
It is safe to say that you will not starve at Firefly's, but this may be a tidbit you don't want to share with your cardiologist.
With a menu packed with ribs of all varieties, pulled pork, beef brisket, fried chicken, and a sausage sampler, to name just a few, this is not a dining spot for the faint of heart or for those who fear seriously hearty side dishes or 27 kinds of hot sauce.
A Tapas Trip Worth Taking
By Mary Tamer
Once you have that first Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil, the mind may begin to wander to thoughts of South America. More specifically, how do I get there, and how much will it cost me?
Better yet, how can I do this on a budget without leaving home?
For those wanting to remain within their financial means, a trip to Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Waltham - where the above-mentioned Caipirinha was served - can tastefully quench one's thirst for international drinking and dining adventure.
Operated under the caring eyes of owner Fernando L. Leon, Solea serves a wide range of smaller-plate tapas items as well as full-plated traditional entrees prepared with recipes rooted in Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Argentina, home of Leon's grandmother.
The drink and wine list is equally as eclectic and international, with a host of wines from the aforementioned countries, as well as sangria, margaritas, mojitos, and more.
Our attentive waiter immediately took our drink order and told us that the traditional paella dish ($24) is cooked to order, so a 25-30 minute wait for this entree is customary on a busy Saturday night. Should we go the tapas route, as we planned, he said three to four dishes per person is a good rule of thumb to follow, so follow we did.
Haveli's Restaurant in Cambridge: Great Food! Great Prices!
By Eli Lyons Seiser
I recently went to Haveli, an Indian restaurant located in Cambridge, MA. Unlike some restaurants they didn't over do it. When you come in they greet you warmly and escort you to your table. When you sit down and look at their menu you can tell the food is good. (tip: unless you want to get dirty, don't wear white).
When it comes to eating only one person can eat more than me, and that's my dad. When we left, between three people, we still had to bring some food home! All the food has different levels of spiciness - so if you can order what you like to make it good for you! Just tell your waitperson, or, If you're lucky like us you can talk to the owner Singh, and tell him how spicy you like your chicken, fish, lamb or vegetables. Also, you will like the prices for all seventy-eight choices of items on the menu.
