While running some errands, Kaitlynn pointed out D'Guru Restaurant, an Indian restaurant and caterer she used to frequent when she lived on that side of town. She loved their kheer (something I love) and said how often she used to get it.

I imagine what followed went something like:

Me: *looks at Kaitlynn*
Kaitlynn: *continues driving, looks at me*
Me: "We should try it!"
Kaitlynn: "Really? We are supposed to get dinner soon."
Me: "But I'm really hungry now. We can just get a snack?"
Kaitlynn: "OK!"

So, we walked in and looked over the menu briefly. There isn't really much of a dining space - I think one or two tables available. I think the main focus is on the catering, but they do have a full menu of options to purchase - chicken tikka masala, goat curry, paneer, samosa, pakora.

I ordered a thing of the kheer, gulab jamun and veggie pakora - which really, is what I would order at every place if I wouldn't get ridiculous looks. Kheer, which had saffron and raisins, was delicious. It had a hint of different herb I wasn't familiar with. It was delicious. Gulab jamun was also very good. It was cold, so it was pretty firm. A little warmth would've helped loosen up the syrup and spongey cheese ball. Who knew fried cheese balls covered in a sugar syrup could be so delicious? Actually, that's a dumb question, of course that would be delicious.

Kaitlynn got some samosas, while I devoured my veggie pakoras. It was five pieces of fried spinach, onion, potato fritters served with chutney. They were so delicious and huge. A more manageable piece would've been welcome (and a little less grease), but still, good.

Grade: B

Boston has a "Little Italy" section of the city, known as The North End. Galleria Umberto, a cash-only counter that dishes out Sicilian-style pizza until it runs out, is one often overlooked.

The front is fairly nondescript, but inside, there is a large dining space with a mural of Italy on the wall. There was already a line waiting to reach the counter during early lunch hours. It is open Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until the dough runs out - usually before mid-afternoon; early on the weekends.

I only waited a few minutes, really, before reaching the counter. The menu is simple - plain Sicilian slices, arancini (large, fried balls of risotto baked until golden brown with sharp cheese and ground beef), panzarotti (large tater tots with a mozzarella center), panini and calzones.

I ordered two Sicilian slices and a water. Folks behind the counter engaged in a sort of seamless dance where they weaved in and out of each others' way to plate pieces and scoop arancini. Some customers received a bit lengthier conversation, but mine was short and sweet, and I found a seat along the wall to dive into these hefty square slices.

The crust is thick, completely crisp and provides a cushiony bed for a hearty red sauce to sink in. Mozzarella cheese blanketed and bubbled up into golden brown pockets. The combination made for a very delicious slice. And I know most people think they only like thin slice pizza, but until you've had something this tasty, don't knock it.

Grade: A

What's better after a sushi dinner than ice cream? Correction: What's better after ANY dinner than ice cream? Answer: Nothing.

J.P. Licks is an eclectic ice cream & frozen yogurt shop found in 13 stores - all within 15 miles of the "Jamaica Plain" neighborhood homebase. I love that the owner, when just getting into the business, said "I knew what I was really serving wasn’t just a treat, it was love in a cone."

They do a fresh peach ice cream in the summer and a Wild Turkey Bourbon ice cream in November to a tomato basil flavor. Pumpkin custard, caramel apple, extreme chocolate, carrot cake, apple cider sorbet, pistachio - and many more. They have a lot of creative flavors, in a number of treats (sundaes, splits and more), with lots of toppings.

I ordered a salted caramel cone, but they said they it was too soft to be a cone. That's odd - I've never heard that before. But, OK, give me a cup instead. Once I got it, I realized what they were talking about. There were so many ribbons of caramel throughout, that it turned it almost gloopy. A little bit more firm ice cream would've made the texture more palatable. Having it be a little too runny was odd. Luckily, it's super sweet and delicious. I just wish it had been a litttttle more firm.

Cafe Sushi is the most unique sushi place I've ever been to. Not only is it fresh with a menu changing daily to reflect a selection of seasonal fish, but it has an artistic take on classic sushi plates. It's truly a fun experience.



I actually ate here with Josh, because Kaitlynn had prior commitments. So, we took the T to Cambridge and luckily were seated without any wait at all.




The menu features signature maki, entrees, makimono and signature creations. The signature creations along the right side of the menu are single pieces of sushi or sashimi. There are items like "Salmon Aburi," which is seared salmon belly / aburi ponzu / negi. There's also "Maguro Tataki," which is seared tuna / truffle oil / lemon juice / kizami wasabli / black salt. So, there are some really interesting, unique flavor combinations here.


I started with a piece of the Hamachi Crudo: yellowtail / aged balsamic / basil oil / grape tomato. One piece of sushi was $3, but wow, was it worth it! That one small bite had so much flavor. The freshness is unrivaled - no gumminess or fleshiness. It was supple, the right balance of firm and soft. And, the taste was great - the balsamic really complemented the gentle flavor of the fish. Seriously good.



I also ordered the Crispy Toban Jan Roll, which is tempura shrimp and avocado, topped with a spicy mix of tuna with cilantro and lime. I also liked this a lot, though it was more on the traditional side of what I'd expect, and after having that one bite, I was wanting more of the unique rolls. It was quite delicious, and the cilantro added a uniqueness.

Josh ordered a Crunch Roll, which had eel, avocado, topped with spicy snow crab, tobiko, tempura flakes and eel sauce. I stole one of his rolls, which was very, very good.

Grade: A

While I took two weeks off (for the first time ever!) to visit Boston, my friend Kaitlynn still had to work for a portion of my visit. So, while I went to all ends of the city exploring, I made time to come back and join her for lunch near her workplace. For our Monday lunch, we headed to Boston Beer Works.

It was pretty empty when we arrived, which was nice. I first looked over the beer menu, which is large. They had a few seasonals, in addition to their "trademarks" and specialty beers. I had a hard time deciding. Pumpkin works? Boston Red ale? Oh, Bunker Hill Blueberry - that's the one!

Something light with fruity notes was so perfect for lunch. For my meal, I figured a burger would be a smart way to go. Beer and burgers = heaven. I went with the Beer Works Classic Burger, which came with lettuce, tomato, and I added cheddar cheese.

This was a solid burger - not the best burger (there's a lot of competition in that arena). But, it was a solid, flavorful burger. The bread could have been a touch fluffier - I felt like it may have been going stale, and the meat could have used a bit more herbs/spices. But I'm truly splitting hairs here. It was better than average - but not the best ever. Solid B territory.




Grade: B