In an effort to stop spending an outrageous amount of money on lunch at work everyday, to eat a little healthier, and because I noticed that I've been going out to dinner waaay too frequently, I decided to try a little frozen food action.
I bought some Lean Cuisines. You know the ones, where the really annoying single mid-thirties women talk about how they all had ridiculous dinners, until the one smug woman raves about the gourmet meal she had. Well, they were on sale at the local Hannaford (love that grocery store. it's really clean and the people are nice. and the bakery looks really yummy. but back to the healthy part.) so I picked up a week's worth on the way to work. I also had some apples and a yogurt to supplement.
Well. I ate the itsy bitsy bowl of pasta (about 10 noodles in all), chicken and broccoli and while it was actually pretty good, I was starving about an hour later. Good thing I had that apple.
The next day, I tried again. Again, starving within minutes. But this time, instead of going for the healthy afternoon snack, like the yogurt that was sitting in the fridge, I bought a bag of Cheetos from the cafeteria. Ate the whole bag. 3 servings, 10 grams of fat each. Yahoo. Not only did I feel gross, but strangely satisfied, the excess salt gave me a canker sore.
This week. I'm still on the Lean Cuisine train, since I have 5 more in the freezer, but I'm sticking to the healthy snacks and eating oatmeal for breakfast.
Lean Cuisines I'd recommend:
Creamy Basil Chicken
Garlic Beef and Broccoli
Manicotti with red sauce. I wasn't hungry for about 3 hours. Not bad.
A nasty one: Chicken Portabello
The wild rice was hard, and the dessert was basically cherry pie filling with some melted chocolate in it. Gross and not worth the calories. Unfortunately, I have another one of these in my freezer. I might have to give it away.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Mezes
Best Greek appetizers by far:
Bay State Bakery pita, Tzatziki, Hummus, Kalamata Olives, Domestic Feta, and Tabouli
Purchased at Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace, Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA.
Bay State Bakery pita, Tzatziki, Hummus, Kalamata Olives, Domestic Feta, and Tabouli
Purchased at Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace, Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
New York
Want a slice of hot pizza for a dollar? Try Broadway Bakery in Brooklyn. It's reminiscent of Papa Gino's, but the sauce is not as spicy.
Bagels from Bergen Bagels are great. I had the pumpernickel with jalapeno cream cheese. These bagels are solid, and heavy.
Brunch at Sotto Voce left a little to be desired. Here's what was good: unlimited mimosas, coffee, bread, and pound cake, the spinach/egg/hollandaise portion of the eggs florentine, and the frittata. Here's was was less than good: the rock hard english muffins that the eggs florentine were on, the fruit salad that had only bananas, tasteless honeydew, something that might have been a pear, and green apple. It was very light on the granola and where were the berries, people!? Also, the smoked salmon plate tasted good but there was about 3 times as much salmon as there was bread to eat it with.
Service was great, so that was a blessing.
Late night snacks at Caliente Cab (tip: not many places in the village are open past midnight for dinner). They make the guacamole fresh tableside. It was delicious! We also liked the flautitas. The vegetable quesadillas were boring but they made me feel like I was attempting health.
Bagels from Bergen Bagels are great. I had the pumpernickel with jalapeno cream cheese. These bagels are solid, and heavy.
Brunch at Sotto Voce left a little to be desired. Here's what was good: unlimited mimosas, coffee, bread, and pound cake, the spinach/egg/hollandaise portion of the eggs florentine, and the frittata. Here's was was less than good: the rock hard english muffins that the eggs florentine were on, the fruit salad that had only bananas, tasteless honeydew, something that might have been a pear, and green apple. It was very light on the granola and where were the berries, people!? Also, the smoked salmon plate tasted good but there was about 3 times as much salmon as there was bread to eat it with.
Service was great, so that was a blessing.
Late night snacks at Caliente Cab (tip: not many places in the village are open past midnight for dinner). They make the guacamole fresh tableside. It was delicious! We also liked the flautitas. The vegetable quesadillas were boring but they made me feel like I was attempting health.
Mac's Diner
Restaurant: Mac's Diner
Location: Shrewsbury Street, Worcester
Meal: Dinner (though good lunch deals to be had there)
It was a night out with the girls. We all got the salad - most liked it - I thought the dressing was a little too sweet, but the greens and veggies were very fresh.
Best meal ever: Chicken Gabriella. It was tortellini with a roasted red pepper sauch, pepperoni, grilled chicken, and I believe caramelized onions. It was delicious, and there was plenty for lunch the next day! I've heard that if they run out of pepperoni, they replace it with chorizo, which sounds yummy too.
It's BYOB/Wine at Mac's. I drank the Big House Red and loved it, even though I was drinking it out of a dessert cup. It must have been a busy night - they ran out of clean wine glasses.
Embarrassing moment of the night: being unable to open the wine bottle w/the corkscrew provided. Another diner had to help.
The girls all liked their meals: Eggplant parm, sliced very thin; Haddock, best piece of fish recently, and a third meal I can't recall right now (this meal was a few weeks ago!).
Prices are so reasonable - entrees are mainly $10 or less and salads are included. They don't have dessert but the meals are so filling you don't need it!
Location: Shrewsbury Street, Worcester
Meal: Dinner (though good lunch deals to be had there)
It was a night out with the girls. We all got the salad - most liked it - I thought the dressing was a little too sweet, but the greens and veggies were very fresh.
Best meal ever: Chicken Gabriella. It was tortellini with a roasted red pepper sauch, pepperoni, grilled chicken, and I believe caramelized onions. It was delicious, and there was plenty for lunch the next day! I've heard that if they run out of pepperoni, they replace it with chorizo, which sounds yummy too.
It's BYOB/Wine at Mac's. I drank the Big House Red and loved it, even though I was drinking it out of a dessert cup. It must have been a busy night - they ran out of clean wine glasses.
Embarrassing moment of the night: being unable to open the wine bottle w/the corkscrew provided. Another diner had to help.
The girls all liked their meals: Eggplant parm, sliced very thin; Haddock, best piece of fish recently, and a third meal I can't recall right now (this meal was a few weeks ago!).
Prices are so reasonable - entrees are mainly $10 or less and salads are included. They don't have dessert but the meals are so filling you don't need it!
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Oldtimer, Clinton, Massachusetts
Columbus Day night, October 9, 2006.
It's been there over fifty years and the photos inside prove it. A well known Irish bar and restaurant that is has been frequented by politicians for a long time. Its was visited by Presidents Carter and Clinton.
It was a slow night for some reason so we had the full attention of the staff. We started off with the local brew . . . Wachusett Ale. They have a Wachusett Blueberry on tap at this time of year.
Food was above average. Among the entres, prime rib, baked haddock, grilled haddock and alfredo fettucini. Everything was done to perfection. We averaged $24 each including the tip.
It's been there over fifty years and the photos inside prove it. A well known Irish bar and restaurant that is has been frequented by politicians for a long time. Its was visited by Presidents Carter and Clinton.
It was a slow night for some reason so we had the full attention of the staff. We started off with the local brew . . . Wachusett Ale. They have a Wachusett Blueberry on tap at this time of year.
Food was above average. Among the entres, prime rib, baked haddock, grilled haddock and alfredo fettucini. Everything was done to perfection. We averaged $24 each including the tip.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Finder's Pub
Restaurant: Finder's Pub
Location: Route 12, West Boylston, MA
Meal: Dinner, after a hike
There were three of us for dinner at Finder's. We got a good tall table in the back bar, even though the place was packed. After much debate, we decided on the basket of onion rings as an appetizer. (you'll also find the rings on the sides menu - a much smaller portion.)
Beer: Cold, Bud Light draft, a bargain at $1.90/pint
Other: Tomato juice for the guy on the wagon. It was pretty good. $1.25
Entrees: Lobster Roll - we can't say enough about the lobster roll. it's chock full of big chunks of lobster meat; none of that shredded up lobster salad that you pay $16 for on the Cape. It's $10 and comes with a cup of clam chowder. Tips Carbonara and Garden Salad - delicious, cooked perfectly, plenty for 2 meals. salad was huge and fresh. iceberg lettuce, canned olives (I never eat them), cherry tomatoes, cukes, red onions, and good italian dressing.
Buffalo Girl really wanted to get the Saturday special: $9.95 for Prime Rib, potato and veg. It was not even 6 pm and they were out!! So, she got the London Broil, medium, with the same sides. It was pretty good, pretty tender. But, she was sort of full from the apps. Did I mention we also got a basket of french fries? mmmm delicious. The plan is to make steak and eggs on Sunday morning with the lefties.
Total cost for 3: $41.something plus tip.
Service was really good.
Location: Route 12, West Boylston, MA
Meal: Dinner, after a hike
There were three of us for dinner at Finder's. We got a good tall table in the back bar, even though the place was packed. After much debate, we decided on the basket of onion rings as an appetizer. (you'll also find the rings on the sides menu - a much smaller portion.)
Beer: Cold, Bud Light draft, a bargain at $1.90/pint
Other: Tomato juice for the guy on the wagon. It was pretty good. $1.25
Entrees: Lobster Roll - we can't say enough about the lobster roll. it's chock full of big chunks of lobster meat; none of that shredded up lobster salad that you pay $16 for on the Cape. It's $10 and comes with a cup of clam chowder. Tips Carbonara and Garden Salad - delicious, cooked perfectly, plenty for 2 meals. salad was huge and fresh. iceberg lettuce, canned olives (I never eat them), cherry tomatoes, cukes, red onions, and good italian dressing.
Buffalo Girl really wanted to get the Saturday special: $9.95 for Prime Rib, potato and veg. It was not even 6 pm and they were out!! So, she got the London Broil, medium, with the same sides. It was pretty good, pretty tender. But, she was sort of full from the apps. Did I mention we also got a basket of french fries? mmmm delicious. The plan is to make steak and eggs on Sunday morning with the lefties.
Total cost for 3: $41.something plus tip.
Service was really good.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Linguine's
Restaurant: Linguine's
Location: Route 20, Marlboro, MA
Meal: Lunch
I had the mozzarella, tomato, and basil sub. it's delicious and cheap: $4.95. be sure to add some salt and pepper.
Get there early if you're going to lunch, to beat the rush. The specials run out fast too.
Location: Route 20, Marlboro, MA
Meal: Lunch
I had the mozzarella, tomato, and basil sub. it's delicious and cheap: $4.95. be sure to add some salt and pepper.
Get there early if you're going to lunch, to beat the rush. The specials run out fast too.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Bertucci's
Restaurant: Bertucci's
Location: Marlboro, MA, Solomon Pond Mall
Meal: Dinner, weeknight
Chicken Pesto Primavera: It was good, but I really don't think the sauce was pesto cream sauce, like the menu says.
Salad was good. Fresh, and good dressing.
Rolls were piping hot and awesome with the olive oil dipping sauce.
I'd go back. But I'd get the pizza.
Location: Marlboro, MA, Solomon Pond Mall
Meal: Dinner, weeknight
Chicken Pesto Primavera: It was good, but I really don't think the sauce was pesto cream sauce, like the menu says.
Salad was good. Fresh, and good dressing.
Rolls were piping hot and awesome with the olive oil dipping sauce.
I'd go back. But I'd get the pizza.
Wendy's
Restaurant: Wendy's
Location: Route 20, Marlboro
Meal: Weekday lunch
Ok, not the healthiest of meals, but a coworker and I had to get out of the office for a while. I got the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, small lemonade, and small fries. All off the dollar menu, so frugal. Total cost: $3.12. Nutrition info: 820 calories, 35 grams of fat.
It was okay. I've had better burgers but I liked that there was lettuce and a slice of tomato. The funniest part was actually dining in. The 2 person tables are really small - it almost feels like being in a miniature restaurant.
Location: Route 20, Marlboro
Meal: Weekday lunch
Ok, not the healthiest of meals, but a coworker and I had to get out of the office for a while. I got the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, small lemonade, and small fries. All off the dollar menu, so frugal. Total cost: $3.12. Nutrition info: 820 calories, 35 grams of fat.
It was okay. I've had better burgers but I liked that there was lettuce and a slice of tomato. The funniest part was actually dining in. The 2 person tables are really small - it almost feels like being in a miniature restaurant.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
1790 Restaurant
Restaurant: 1790 Restaurant
Location: Route 9, Westboro
Meal: Dinner
Day of week: Tuesday
The event was a work dinner. We were a group of 11, and we had a private room. The tables were set up in a U-shape, which was nice, and allowed the whole group to talk together, and for smaller group conversations. The waitress was very nice, and attentive.
What I liked
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Great blue cheese/walnut/cranberry salad with balsamic dressing. The lettuce was really fresh, and there was an abundance of blue cheese. The blue cheese was really mild, so it wasn't overwhelming. The walnuts and cranberries were a nice touch. I ate the whole thing.
Green beans as a vegetable side were good - bright green, fresh.
What I didn't like
They were out of the filet, and nothing else on the menu was appealing, so I ordered the surf and turf with the pepper-encrusted sirloin substituted for the petit filet. There is no substitution for petit filet, at least not last Tuesday. The sirloin was fatty, tough, and cooked much more than medium, which was my request. The stuffed jumbo shrimp were pretty stuffed, but it wasn't very flavorful.
The music was awful. I would have expected some classical, or jazz, but instead, there was a poor substitute for WSRS meets MIKE FM. There were some awkward silences where the music was just completely offensive.
I'd go back but I'd probably get the pork. Another one in the group got it and loved it. The lamb also got rave reviews.
Prices are really high, but since work was paying for it, it didn't matter. Check the menu online before you go so you're not surprised.
Location: Route 9, Westboro
Meal: Dinner
Day of week: Tuesday
The event was a work dinner. We were a group of 11, and we had a private room. The tables were set up in a U-shape, which was nice, and allowed the whole group to talk together, and for smaller group conversations. The waitress was very nice, and attentive.
What I liked
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Great blue cheese/walnut/cranberry salad with balsamic dressing. The lettuce was really fresh, and there was an abundance of blue cheese. The blue cheese was really mild, so it wasn't overwhelming. The walnuts and cranberries were a nice touch. I ate the whole thing.
Green beans as a vegetable side were good - bright green, fresh.
What I didn't like
They were out of the filet, and nothing else on the menu was appealing, so I ordered the surf and turf with the pepper-encrusted sirloin substituted for the petit filet. There is no substitution for petit filet, at least not last Tuesday. The sirloin was fatty, tough, and cooked much more than medium, which was my request. The stuffed jumbo shrimp were pretty stuffed, but it wasn't very flavorful.
The music was awful. I would have expected some classical, or jazz, but instead, there was a poor substitute for WSRS meets MIKE FM. There were some awkward silences where the music was just completely offensive.
I'd go back but I'd probably get the pork. Another one in the group got it and loved it. The lamb also got rave reviews.
Prices are really high, but since work was paying for it, it didn't matter. Check the menu online before you go so you're not surprised.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Junior's Pizza Grille
Restaurant: Junior's Pizza Grille
Location: Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA
Meal: Dinner
Day of week: Sunday night
After a long day of church (!), fun family lunch, and a great time at the Start of the Street festival, we were hungry, and really didn't feel like cooking. Sunday nights in Worcester are sort of a dead zone when it comes to dining out, unless you want fast food, chain food, or bad food. It was a beautiful night and we really wanted to spend some time outside, so we decided to go to Junior's. They had plenty of tables outside, and even though it was a little cool, we decided to go for it.
"Please seat yourself," the sign said by the door. Past experience taught us that this often means a lengthy wait for service. We weren't wrong this time, but once we were able to get some table service (about 10 minutes), everything was prompt and pleasant.
We started with 2 beers: I can't remember what kind at this point, but what I do remember is that it was ice cold. There's not much better than an ice cold beer.
We shared the the antipasto and delicious chicken pesto pizza.
Antipasto: romaine, olives, red peppers, rolled up cheese and italian meats, marinated mushrooms, and italian dressing. I would not get it again. The cheese in the meat rolls was kind of dry, there wasn't enough of topping, and too much lettuce.
The pizza was delicious. Only problem: so much garlic and pesto, it made me bloated for days. Leftovers are great with red sauce, though.
Would I go again? Yes, but I wouldn't get the antipasto.
One last thing: It was a cool night after a while and they have these awesome heaters that make the patio a great place to sit.
Location: Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA
Meal: Dinner
Day of week: Sunday night
After a long day of church (!), fun family lunch, and a great time at the Start of the Street festival, we were hungry, and really didn't feel like cooking. Sunday nights in Worcester are sort of a dead zone when it comes to dining out, unless you want fast food, chain food, or bad food. It was a beautiful night and we really wanted to spend some time outside, so we decided to go to Junior's. They had plenty of tables outside, and even though it was a little cool, we decided to go for it.
"Please seat yourself," the sign said by the door. Past experience taught us that this often means a lengthy wait for service. We weren't wrong this time, but once we were able to get some table service (about 10 minutes), everything was prompt and pleasant.
We started with 2 beers: I can't remember what kind at this point, but what I do remember is that it was ice cold. There's not much better than an ice cold beer.
We shared the the antipasto and delicious chicken pesto pizza.
Antipasto: romaine, olives, red peppers, rolled up cheese and italian meats, marinated mushrooms, and italian dressing. I would not get it again. The cheese in the meat rolls was kind of dry, there wasn't enough of topping, and too much lettuce.
The pizza was delicious. Only problem: so much garlic and pesto, it made me bloated for days. Leftovers are great with red sauce, though.
Would I go again? Yes, but I wouldn't get the antipasto.
One last thing: It was a cool night after a while and they have these awesome heaters that make the patio a great place to sit.
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