Back to Ball Square. Or is it Cubic Circle ? See online menu for prices; map is right here.
http://www.ballsquarecafe.com/contacts_directions.html. By 9am there is a line outside - but under the awning there are space heaters. If you are in line definitely go inside and get a mug of coffee while you wait; the coffee (and tea - some great choices) is self-service, get what you want the way you like it. Friendly staff, no pressure to move along even if the line outside is long (but I have not brought along a Sunday paper either). Also a great opportunity to get a cake or cookes at Lyndell's (one block away).
If you go late in the day, parking is always a challenge in the busy area. Right next door is Sound Bites, great food as well. Reminds me of the business case study of two ice cream vendors who both decide to set up shop in the middle of the beach because both want to reach the largest audience rather than set up at 1/3 points, which might make it more convenient for consumers.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Dear Starbucks
Date Transaction Amount
11/27/2011 In Store Purchase ($3.86)
My less-than-satisfying experience today at store #876 points out something I’d like to bring to your attention and seems to be already addressed in various “my starbucks idea” postings: Starbucks employees, in my own experience, are not trained regarding the Rewards program.
Examples:
1. When I buy a pound of coffee, most of the cashiers tell me I get a tall drip, that’s it, they can’t give me the tall drink of my choice. I have to tell them, just ring up the tall triple mocha, and some don’t even bother to look at whether the full drink was credited or not. It is particularly annoying when the cashier tells me with some impatience “you only get the tall drip, sir”.
2. Today, I presented one of my cards for a French press, and I’m told by the manager on duty (at least she was the one wearing the red apron, everyone else was wearing green), that the french press is “so much more coffee” than the other drinks that she could not use the code to credit that drink. What’s odd to me is I have ordered many french presses and used my “free drink card”, and have never had this problem, and many times it was at this very store #876. If cost is the issue, there are many drinks on the board showing at $4.75 (before tax), so what’s with prohibiting the use of the card toward the $3.60 french press ?!?
I sometimes feel that I am advertising the Starbucks rewards program more than yourselves, which I would love to continue to do, but given the current poor level of training among cashiers, I am reluctant to do so because I will be proven an idiot even if I'm right (I don't need help in that area, thanks).
Summary:
Starbucks is wasting great opportunities for long time supporters like myself, to point out benefits of buying Starbucks coffees and participating in the rewards program, because your own baristas and cashiers are poorly trained on the features of the rewards program and spout incorrect information. Your inconsistent handling of the “free drink” postcards (or was it that the manager didn’t have her facts straight? - I suspect it’s just lack of training) makes it hard for me to enjoy the benefits, not knowing what to expect. Poor handling of your loyal supporters, will simply make them not care if Starbucks does well or goes down the drain.
11/27/2011 In Store Purchase ($3.86)
My less-than-satisfying experience today at store #876 points out something I’d like to bring to your attention and seems to be already addressed in various “my starbucks idea” postings: Starbucks employees, in my own experience, are not trained regarding the Rewards program.
Examples:
1. When I buy a pound of coffee, most of the cashiers tell me I get a tall drip, that’s it, they can’t give me the tall drink of my choice. I have to tell them, just ring up the tall triple mocha, and some don’t even bother to look at whether the full drink was credited or not. It is particularly annoying when the cashier tells me with some impatience “you only get the tall drip, sir”.
2. Today, I presented one of my cards for a French press, and I’m told by the manager on duty (at least she was the one wearing the red apron, everyone else was wearing green), that the french press is “so much more coffee” than the other drinks that she could not use the code to credit that drink. What’s odd to me is I have ordered many french presses and used my “free drink card”, and have never had this problem, and many times it was at this very store #876. If cost is the issue, there are many drinks on the board showing at $4.75 (before tax), so what’s with prohibiting the use of the card toward the $3.60 french press ?!?
I sometimes feel that I am advertising the Starbucks rewards program more than yourselves, which I would love to continue to do, but given the current poor level of training among cashiers, I am reluctant to do so because I will be proven an idiot even if I'm right (I don't need help in that area, thanks).
Summary:
Starbucks is wasting great opportunities for long time supporters like myself, to point out benefits of buying Starbucks coffees and participating in the rewards program, because your own baristas and cashiers are poorly trained on the features of the rewards program and spout incorrect information. Your inconsistent handling of the “free drink” postcards (or was it that the manager didn’t have her facts straight? - I suspect it’s just lack of training) makes it hard for me to enjoy the benefits, not knowing what to expect. Poor handling of your loyal supporters, will simply make them not care if Starbucks does well or goes down the drain.
Angela's Cafe
Angela's Cafe, 131 Lexington Street, East Boston, MA
http://angelascaferestaurant.com/ (617) 567-4972 East Boston MA, 02128
open at 8am, even on Sunday - very pleasant environment inside once the metal shutters were raised, although parking could be an issue any time in East Boston. self-described as Mexican, although there is probably a variety of cultural representations in the area.
coffee:
mine: Chilaquiles (see menu below for details)
Richard, assembling his Central American with churiso instead of ham - yep that's a plaintain:
red and green sauce:
Menu:
http://angelascaferestaurant.com/ (617) 567-4972 East Boston MA, 02128
open at 8am, even on Sunday - very pleasant environment inside once the metal shutters were raised, although parking could be an issue any time in East Boston. self-described as Mexican, although there is probably a variety of cultural representations in the area.
coffee:
mine: Chilaquiles (see menu below for details)
Richard, assembling his Central American with churiso instead of ham - yep that's a plaintain:
red and green sauce:
Menu:
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Black Horse Tavern
Black Horse Tavern, Winchester MA http://www.blackhorsetavernwinchester.com/
Thanksgiving day (game against rival Woburn), special opening for breakfast. Normal hours are on the website.
Hash browns were nicely crisped on the edges, tasty omlettes, see for yourself.
Menu (see for prices)
Coffee
Fruit Plate
Omlette
Thanksgiving day (game against rival Woburn), special opening for breakfast. Normal hours are on the website.
Hash browns were nicely crisped on the edges, tasty omlettes, see for yourself.
Menu (see for prices)
Coffee
Fruit Plate
Omlette
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Friendly Toast, Kendall Square
The Friendly Toast - http://www.thefriendlytoast.
Service was friendly, fast enough, and although Urbanspoon does not show it if you lock in Cambridge and Breakfast, it is findable if you browse around - Urbanspoon rates a single $, but probably more like $$. Check out the menu at their web site for up to date pricing. Breakfast menu is here.
Special: along with the regular menu there is a "tea menu" - and the staff use a "tea station" where they scoop out your choice, put into a nice little teapot, and bring the brew to your table. I would certainly try a tea on the next visit, since the coffee is rather ordinary. Oddly enough, this nice feature seems to be missing from their online menus.
Final note: early crowd (right at 8am opening) is family friendly, high chairs and booster seats (that happen to look like telephone books) in wide use. You can find parking in front of the Kendall Theater, or on Cardinal Medeiros - early in the morning is your best option.
what's the word? "eclectic"?
another view:
fabulous melamine ware and .. 50's cups
mine: Sklarmageddon Omelette:
R's: morning scramble:
--more toast--Nov 13th-- Ol' Miss, Herb Omlet, and Huevos Rancheros --
Service was friendly, fast enough, and although Urbanspoon does not show it if you lock in Cambridge and Breakfast, it is findable if you browse around - Urbanspoon rates a single $, but probably more like $$. Check out the menu at their web site for up to date pricing. Breakfast menu is here.
Special: along with the regular menu there is a "tea menu" - and the staff use a "tea station" where they scoop out your choice, put into a nice little teapot, and bring the brew to your table. I would certainly try a tea on the next visit, since the coffee is rather ordinary. Oddly enough, this nice feature seems to be missing from their online menus.
Final note: early crowd (right at 8am opening) is family friendly, high chairs and booster seats (that happen to look like telephone books) in wide use. You can find parking in front of the Kendall Theater, or on Cardinal Medeiros - early in the morning is your best option.
what's the word? "eclectic"?
another view:
fabulous melamine ware and .. 50's cups
mine: Sklarmageddon Omelette:
R's: morning scramble:
--more toast--Nov 13th-- Ol' Miss, Herb Omlet, and Huevos Rancheros --
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Highland Kitchen brunch
http://highlandkitchen.com/
See brunch menu specifically
Brunch on Sunday opens at 11am, line goes the length of the block by 11.
First the coffee on table
<confession: the beignets and hush puppies came and went too soon, but certainly the beignets are worth ordering again>
Dirty chicken - see brunch menu for details
Side of bacon (applewood smoked?)
Joan's omlette - asparagus and mushroom, with goat cheese -
Tim's BLT (with egg - see the menu)
Brendan's pancakes, and ah yes, bourbon maple syrup in there too
Chris's huevos rancheros
Laura's fried green tomatos
deviled eggs
a bit o' cider to go with
alas, all good things come to an end, and the dishes are cleared away
Finally, Bri-cycle motor Triumph
Too much good food and company to think about origami this week.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Belle Isle Seafood
http://www.belleisleseafood.com/ Yes !
I confess I'm drifting a bit from the theme of breakfast, but it is fast, and it is food, and most of all it's fun.
Fast, well, yes we waited for the grilled swordfish, and the rice pilaf was nice and hot.
Before we get to the food: a lobster lesson: who knew there were NAMES for all the "rooms" in a lobster trap ?
Then to the good stuff -- a fist full of lobster roll (1/2 pound!) and a grilled swordfish dinner:
Finally, from the parking lot (behind the gas station just before you get to Belle Isle):
and a plane taking off from Logan - right to left, (it's tiny!)
Don't try to park on the road- half the bridge is blocked off for repair (July 2011) - but the parking lot behind the gas station has plenty of parking -- see the video above from the parking lot. Sadly, no new origami for a while now. Trying to figure out what to do next.
I confess I'm drifting a bit from the theme of breakfast, but it is fast, and it is food, and most of all it's fun.
Fast, well, yes we waited for the grilled swordfish, and the rice pilaf was nice and hot.
Before we get to the food: a lobster lesson: who knew there were NAMES for all the "rooms" in a lobster trap ?
Then to the good stuff -- a fist full of lobster roll (1/2 pound!) and a grilled swordfish dinner:
Finally, from the parking lot (behind the gas station just before you get to Belle Isle):
and a plane taking off from Logan - right to left, (it's tiny!)
Don't try to park on the road- half the bridge is blocked off for repair (July 2011) - but the parking lot behind the gas station has plenty of parking -- see the video above from the parking lot. Sadly, no new origami for a while now. Trying to figure out what to do next.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
renee's benedicts and pancakes
benedict, pancakes, latkes (ironically with bacon and cheez? [a potentially explosive mixture!] !!), then on the opposite end of the contradictory juxtapositions, veggie sausage (what IS that stuff?).
and "a mechanical construction" - make it into anything you want !
and "a mechanical construction" - make it into anything you want !
Friday, May 27, 2011
Castle Island - Sullivan's
Okay it's not breakfast (but they do serve breakfast 7 days starting 8:30am)
http://www.sullivanscastleisland.com/castle-island.php
see their URL for pictures of Old Ironsides, and howitzer salute from the fort to the water...
breakfast menu: http://www.sullivanscastleisland.com/menu.php#breakfast
Friday evening - lobster roll (ah!) (yum !)
maybe "fast food" counts at least in part ?
okay the fish was eaten before we got to the picture, but the chips were still hot..
clam chowdah
the real stuff, definitely not from a can
Boston skyline from South Boston
~~Castle Island 1
~~Castle Island 2
~~Boston skyline:
~~plane 1 -- can't have too many planes. and there are plenty roaring overhead --
~~Sugar Bowl
~~plane 2
~~plane 3
http://www.sullivanscastleisland.com/castle-island.php
see their URL for pictures of Old Ironsides, and howitzer salute from the fort to the water...
breakfast menu: http://www.sullivanscastleisland.com/menu.php#breakfast
maybe "fast food" counts at least in part ?
the real stuff, definitely not from a can
~~Castle Island 1
~~Castle Island 2
~~Boston skyline:
~~plane 1 -- can't have too many planes. and there are plenty roaring overhead --
~~Sugar Bowl
~~plane 2
~~plane 3
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Return to Pignone's
2011-05-22 return to:
http://fastbreakfud.blogspot.com/2011/05/2011-05-07-pignones-cafe.html
today included breakfast burrito, super breakfast sandwich, and eggs/bacon/french toast combo:
and the cube of Josh's invention: you saw it here first...
http://fastbreakfud.blogspot.com/2011/05/2011-05-07-pignones-cafe.html
today included breakfast burrito, super breakfast sandwich, and eggs/bacon/french toast combo:
and the cube of Josh's invention: you saw it here first...
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Danish, anyone ?
www.danishpastryhouse.com
Bakery & Cafe
330 Boston Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
tel. 781.396.8999
great selection of teas, had the "white peony" myself.
see the Danish Frogs - (and they have Kringle ! )
Bakery & Cafe
330 Boston Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
tel. 781.396.8999
great selection of teas, had the "white peony" myself.
see the Danish Frogs - (and they have Kringle ! )
Sunday, May 8, 2011
2011-05-0 S&S Cambridge at Inman Square
http://www.sandsrestaurant.com/
Inman Square, 1334 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone 617-354-0777
there is a small parking area , but you have to be there early, or be really lucky
early is best - there is almost always a line for seating, and it forms before the place actually opens at 8am.
Eggs Copenhagen, (look at the menu!)
Eggs Oscar - (crabmeat with poached eggs, asparagus, ..)
<sorry, got eaten before pictures were taken>
---
---
then a simple Sonobe cube, start with six squares, each will be one "face" of the cube.
---
Inman Square, 1334 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone 617-354-0777
there is a small parking area , but you have to be there early, or be really lucky
early is best - there is almost always a line for seating, and it forms before the place actually opens at 8am.
Eggs Copenhagen, (look at the menu!)
Eggs Oscar - (crabmeat with poached eggs, asparagus, ..)
<sorry, got eaten before pictures were taken>
---
---
then a simple Sonobe cube, start with six squares, each will be one "face" of the cube.
---
Saturday, May 7, 2011
2011-05-07 Pignone's Cafe
Pignone's on Main Street, Stoneham - open 7am Sundays:
Corned beef hash has a hint of rosemary (Dave says it's an Italian spice mix).
Omelette (plain, no cheese), wonderfully fluffy
---
--
alas, no origami at the moment :-(
maybe tomorrow ...
Corned beef hash has a hint of rosemary (Dave says it's an Italian spice mix).
Omelette (plain, no cheese), wonderfully fluffy
--
alas, no origami at the moment :-(
maybe tomorrow ...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
2011-05-01 Swanton Street
Swanton Street Diner, (781) 721-9666, 72 Swanton St, Winchester, MA 01890
info and map: http://local.yahoo.com/info-10111130-swanton-street-diner-winchester
the Sachem omlette, and the "Boston Gasser"
then a sailboat
the "winged keel" mentioned here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_keel
and a regatta
info and map: http://local.yahoo.com/info-10111130-swanton-street-diner-winchester
the Sachem omlette, and the "Boston Gasser"
then a sailboat
the "winged keel" mentioned here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_keel
and a regatta
Sunday, April 24, 2011
2011-04-24 Renee's Cafe Somerville
Renee's Cafe
198 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144(617) 623-2727
map <-- click here for map
see video for menu, hours, etc.
Origami of the day: boat
and a "fancy boat"
198 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144
map <-- click here for map
see video for menu, hours, etc.
Origami of the day: boat
and a "fancy boat"
Sunday, April 17, 2011
2011-04-17-BomCafe-Cambridge
Bom Cafe, Cambridge Street, Cambridge.
* address: in Inman Square, Bom Cafe, 1093 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.
* commentary: http://www.bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/2011/04/bom-cafe-opens-in-cambridges-inman.html
* map <-- click here for google map link
* what's special about it? it's a Brazilian breakfast cafe !
pluses: cheese bread, came out warm. yum. a second treat, freshly made: looked like chicen croquette but with cheese and nice crispy outside (sorry, it disappeared before we could capture it on video). Olive and cheese omlet, and two ham, pepper, onion, cheese omlets. Yucca home fries - (needs salt). maybe suggest that the edges be crisped up on the griddle ? yucca is an interesting and delicious variant on the old time potato based home fries.
Outside, and elsewhere in town, a display of birds. See http://www.cambridgeflocks.com/ for background on art representation of bird and human migration. Look! Up in the air! it's a bird! It's a plane!
---
---
Followed by a "hat trick" (extracted short definition from wikipedia: A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times.) of bird, crane, and peacock how-to videos:
---1) start with traditional flapping bird---
---2) classic "crane" (but it no longer flaps its wings)---
---3) advanced peacock--- the process of pushing the pyramid down into the center is often called creating the "sink", or "sinking the pyramid".
---
* address: in Inman Square, Bom Cafe, 1093 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.
* commentary: http://www.bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/2011/04/bom-cafe-opens-in-cambridges-inman.html
* map <-- click here for google map link
* what's special about it? it's a Brazilian breakfast cafe !
pluses: cheese bread, came out warm. yum. a second treat, freshly made: looked like chicen croquette but with cheese and nice crispy outside (sorry, it disappeared before we could capture it on video). Olive and cheese omlet, and two ham, pepper, onion, cheese omlets. Yucca home fries - (needs salt). maybe suggest that the edges be crisped up on the griddle ? yucca is an interesting and delicious variant on the old time potato based home fries.
Outside, and elsewhere in town, a display of birds. See http://www.cambridgeflocks.com/ for background on art representation of bird and human migration. Look! Up in the air! it's a bird! It's a plane!
---
---
Followed by a "hat trick" (extracted short definition from wikipedia: A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times.) of bird, crane, and peacock how-to videos:
---1) start with traditional flapping bird---
---2) classic "crane" (but it no longer flaps its wings)---
---3) advanced peacock--- the process of pushing the pyramid down into the center is often called creating the "sink", or "sinking the pyramid".
---
Sunday, April 10, 2011
2011-04-10-BickfordsBurlington
Bickfords family restaurant
(781) 272-2262
6 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA 01803
map <-- click here for map
Cornbeefhash and eggs,
Tristate
Meatloversomlet,
and making origami wabbits
yes we even have outtakes.
(781) 272-2262
6 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA 01803
map <-- click here for map
Cornbeefhash and eggs,
Tristate
Meatloversomlet,
and making origami wabbits
yes we even have outtakes.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
brunch at Ball Square Diner, Somerville
http://www.ballsquarecafe.com/
http://www.ballsquarecafe.com/contacts_directions.html <- directions and phone
Address: 708 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 Phone: (617) 623-CAFE
Not for people in a hurry - the line is seriously long.
Mike is out there, herding cats.
with Kevin, Elinor, Keith and Joan
Kevin says: it must be an oxymoron -- Ball Square...
--fruitbowl
--french toast and benedicts
--
Sure I was full but I can always eat...
http://www.ballsquarecafe.com/contacts_directions.html <- directions and phone
Address: 708 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 Phone: (617) 623-CAFE
Not for people in a hurry - the line is seriously long.
Mike is out there, herding cats.
with Kevin, Elinor, Keith and Joan
Kevin says: it must be an oxymoron -- Ball Square...
--fruitbowl
--french toast and benedicts
--
Sure I was full but I can always eat...
2011-04-03 Broadway Diner, Broadway Arlington
http://broadwaydiner-deli.com/ <-- see for menu and prices
117 Broadway, Arlington, MA
map <-- click here for map
let the pictures speak for themselves, plus a walrus
rating: return ? Yes, you bet !
--from the street--
-- Delivery
-- Huevos and Fiesta
--a slice of fiesta life--
--I am the walrus--
--
Next week? Bickfords on Cambridge St, Burlington.
117 Broadway, Arlington, MA
map <-- click here for map
let the pictures speak for themselves, plus a walrus
rating: return ? Yes, you bet !
--from the street--
-- Delivery
-- Huevos and Fiesta
--a slice of fiesta life--
--I am the walrus--
--
Next week? Bickfords on Cambridge St, Burlington.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
2011-03-27 Paramount Boston
Paramount
Charles Street, Boston.
http://paramountboston.com/
8am Sunday mornings, no problem parking on the street.
Related blog on "Korean BBQ night" http://eatdrinklaugh.com/stirrings/korean-bbq-night-friday-april-29th ??
-----
S, J: bacon, blue cheese, baby spinach omlette, sausage, comes with potato and toast
R: western omlette, bacon
S: great flavors, wide range of diners - families with kids, teens, older individuals.
no staking out tables before getting your food...
portions of the brick wall in the back I remember from decades ago and have survived modernization. used to have strings of colored holiday lights near the back.
do again? sure !
R:
J:
Next week: Broadway Diner, Arlington http://broadwaydiner-deli.com/
Charles Street, Boston.
http://paramountboston.com/
8am Sunday mornings, no problem parking on the street.
Related blog on "Korean BBQ night" http://eatdrinklaugh.com/stirrings/korean-bbq-night-friday-april-29th ??
-----
S, J: bacon, blue cheese, baby spinach omlette, sausage, comes with potato and toast
R: western omlette, bacon
S: great flavors, wide range of diners - families with kids, teens, older individuals.
no staking out tables before getting your food...
portions of the brick wall in the back I remember from decades ago and have survived modernization. used to have strings of colored holiday lights near the back.
do again? sure !
R:
J:
Next week: Broadway Diner, Arlington http://broadwaydiner-deli.com/
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