Category Archives: Boston

Adventures of the Kitchen Warrior: Part 1

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

As the second semester settles into a familiar groove, many college underclassmen find themselves facing the daunting task of deciding where they want to live next year. Most schools require at least one year of on-campus housing, and the dorms excel at fully immersing freshmen in the culture of the school. At New England Conservatory, undergraduates are only required to spend one year in the dorms, and after crunching some numbers last year, I realized I could save a lot of money living off campus. While dorm meal plans can be expensive, simply moving into an apartment and eating out every meal saves little to no money in comparison. I’m paying rent for the kitchen, so I might as well use it. Cooking while in college poses unique challenges to the novice chef, and hopefully the handful of strategies and recipes that I’ve picked up so far will shed some light for those considering cooking in an apartment or even in their dorm. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., College Life, New England Conservatory

Boston: Anthony’s Pier 4

Sajan B., Boston University

Right on the Boston Harbor in the South End, near the Boston World Trade Center, Anthony’s Pier 4 has a great location. The outside of the building itself has a homey feeling and showcases the restaurant’s historical significance, since it has been around for almost 50 years. When you walk into the restaurant, the atmosphere changes. It’s obvious once you step into the building that the restaurant is upscale and elegant. The waiters dressed as sailors also intensify the fact that you are right on the harbor, looking out onto the ocean.

As most of the menu was seafood, which I happen to be allergic to, I ordered a simple Iceberg Wedge Salad. The salad was pretty great compared to the regular dining food that I eat, but the best part of it was definitely the ancho pepper dressing. My friends with me had the smoked salmon, fried calamari, and steamed clams. For dessert we ordered the strawberry cheesecake and the chocolate espresso cake. While the strawberry cheesecake was magnificent, the chocolate espresso cake was a little too rich. Just as the food was great, so was the service. Overall, compared to a typical college student meal, lunch at Anthony’s Pier 4 was a good time.

Anthony’s Pier 4
140 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210

Leave a comment

Filed under Boston, Boston University, Food, Restaurants, Reviews, Sajan B.

A Soup of Superiority: Le’s in Boston

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

As authentic Asian foods go in Boston, most purists would probably skip over the long list of greasy takeout joints and stir-fry deliveries catering to students looking for a quick fix. Even among the many sit-down Asian restaurants surrounding the campuses of BU and MIT, a plethora of options end up making the decision of where to eat harder, not easier. For an impressive performance in serving Vietnamese food, however, Le’s Vietnamese Cuisine in Allston serves an a satisfying and stomach-warming bowl of pho noodles for more than reasonable prices. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, New England Conservatory, Restaurants, Reviews

Chocolate: Breaking the Bank for a Good Cause

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

 

In previous posts, this blog has mentioned many excellent restaurants that deliver satisfying food while still keeping prices low. In today’s economy, students should be prudent and save money wherever they can—except, that is, when a certain restaurant serves food so exceptional, so well-presented, and so mind-engaging that to not experience it once would be a truly poor use of funds. L.A. Burdick, a chocolate boutique in Harvard Square, is such an example. Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, Drinks, New England Conservatory

Crude Pizza: A Different Type of Oil Dependency

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

To a cash-strapped student in the Northeast, making each dollar stretch as far as possible evolves from a budgeting strategy into a daily bargain-hunting experience. In Boston, Cappy’s Pizza’s and Subs near the Back Bay Fens serves a competitive bargain to all students looking for a filling meal at a low price. With single slices of pizza larger than the size of one’s face, Cappy’s, as locals call it, definitely delivers the illusion of value, regardless of one’s lunch budget. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, New England Conservatory, Restaurants

Not Just Another Orange Chicken

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

Nestled in a crowded strip of restaurants on Boylston Street right off of Massachusetts Avenue lies a gem of Asian cuisine for college students, both in quality of food and speedy delivery. Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, New England Conservatory, Restaurants, Reviews