Christopher "Cake or Death" S.'s Profile

It's very difficult to separate one corn maze from the another when most are all the same.  For the most part all include a semi-long drive to the rural areas of New England and are often accompanied by a farm right next door.  Groups of families, loud teenagers and various couples pay a fee, enter, get lost for a few hours then come out.  Every now and then there will be the group of people who manage to make it out in less than an hour while you're stuck in the middle of the maze shouting at your husband, wife, girlfriend or what have you on which way to get out...fast!  I think most people find it less and less fun the longer they are in the maze.  But before the kids start crying, whining and asking when they'll be out remember that you entered a corn MAZE!

Marini's Farm in Ipswich is located a few minutes off of Route 1.  A big farm stand with lots of seasonal produce, items and other stuff for sale.  But most people I believe come for the maze.  Last night along with some friend we came here to try our luck and beat the big bad maze.  However, unlike most places Marini's is open until 10 PM (select nights)!  You thought going through a maze in the day was hard?!  Try it at night!  I would say this is better for older visitors like teenagers, couples and families with children no younger than 16.  Unlike in the day here at night the maze takes on a new form that closely resembles CHILDREN OF THE CORN.  The moon was full and the light shined down on the high stalks bathed customers in an erie glow.

At the beginning everyone is given a worksheet, crayon and flag to raise incase you need help (emergency or hints to get out).  You are then instructed to continue towards the entrance where you'll be given further instructions.  Then you are on your own as you enter a labyrinth of twists and turns.  Don't worry you won't run into David Bowie anywhere but you'll encounter hints, clues and even boards that can send a text message to for help.  Naturally someone always wants to be the leader and take charge but remember to work together.  Or at least try to.  

Marnini's Maze is a lot of fun, if you get the chance to go at night I highly recommend it.  But you must bring your own flashlights and be cautions.  Last night I didn't even think the terrain would be muddy and got my Chuck Taylor's all dirty.  Definitely bring a good pair of hiking books rain boots or something you don't mind getting messy.  Try to beat the best time and have fun!

Off the Vine Tuscan Grille is a small Italian restaurant located just off of Route 1 in Rowley located directly next to a small plaza.  The restaurant isn't very spacious and tables are awfully placed close together.  Due to the interior layout most waitstaff and customers are constantly dodging each other on a busy night.  Instead of waiters moving out of your way you have to move out of theirs.

Last night my girlfriend and I joined my best friend and his wife for dinner.  The waitress had already taken their drink order by the time we arrived and we patiently...very patiently, waiting for the waitress to return to take our orders.  Granted it was a busy Friday night but the waitress had obviously had forgotten about our table after 15 minutes.  It wasn't until she looked over and gave us one of those "oh, crap!" looks she realized we were still waiting.  Practically running to the table eager to try to redeem herself she took our appetizer, drink and entree order.  

-Vegetable and Tuscan Hummus Plate
-"Off the Vine" Flatbread Pizza
-Cobb Salad
-Butternut Squash Ravioli
-

Our appetizer of hummus took way too long considering it only a medium sized ramekin of hummus alongside another full of weak tasting ranch dressing surrounded by vegetables (celery, broccoli, cucumbers, red peppers, carrots and pita bread).  After waiting another 10 minutes or more our orders began to arrive at our table.  One by one our dishes were placed in front of each other and the waitress said to me, "...and here's your Mandarin Salad."  I reply, "Um, I didn't order a salad.  I had Butternut Ravioli."  Thankfully, she only grabbed the wrong plate from the kitchen and didn't mess up my order completely.  

The food was sub-par, OVERLY PRICED and portions unreasonably small.  My friend's pizza was the only dish that looked worth the price he paid and he throughly seemed to enjoy it.  However, my girlfriend found her Cobb Salad to be one of the worst she's ever!  No eggs, no bacon and lacking any of the traditional ingredients that make the Cobb Salad, well, A COBB SALAD.  I asked her if she was sure she go the right order from the waitress and we did.  My Butternut Squash Ravioli was good but drenched in too much oil and the portion was so small that I was done in a matter of 3-4 minutes.  $13.95 for that?!  It was easily a $8.99 meal.  

When it came time to pay the bill, much like our whole dinner experience, the waiters was once again impossible to find.  My friend paid the bill and we all left making no haste.  I'm curious to know what kind of a tip he left but judging from comments we made early in the meal I doubt it was reasonable.  Haha, way to go!

Next time I'm in the area I'll surely just continue driving past Over the Vine Tuscan Grille.

For Harry Potter: The Exhibition

I must say that coming to the MOS for this particular event was a very pleasant experience Sunday afternoon.  Months ago I purchased tickets and waited almost two months for this day to come.  My girlfriend is a Harry Potter fan and I though this would be a great surprise for our 1 year anniversary.

We live in West Newton and love that we can take the green line all the way to Science Park, save money on parking and just have to deal with waiting a while for a D-line train to take us home later.  Arriving at the MOS couldn't be easier, purchasing/picking up tickets was a breeze.  Though I still consider everything to be overpriced like most museums I was proud I didn't buy anything.

When it came time to make our way to the exhibit we both started to get excited.  I've never been to an exhibit where I could see movie props, costumes and other items that were actually used in a movie.  Our time was set for 2:00 PM and after a short wait in a smaller line, watched two volunteers use the "sorting hat," we were brought into a room with brightly lit movie poster from all the current films.  The pictures faded revealing a montage of clips from the movies ending with the image of a passing train.  A large black curtain slowly rose behind us revealing the train that take all the kids away from platform 9 3/4 to Hogwarts.  An employee carrying a lantern welcomes us saying, "Welcome to Hogwarts!"  

Everyone slowly makes their way into the exhibit that begins with painting that can be seen all around the iconic school.  Some are still portraits others are in motion.  My favorite was the one of Dawn French singing at a high pinch trying to shatter a drinking glass.  I won't spill the detail on all the exhibits but will say it's definitely work that money.  And I would suggest you spend the extra $5/person for the audio tour too.  This will give visitors inside information about particular items that you cannot read about from signs or descriptions.  Like, did you know Daniel Radcliffe's "Harry Potter" glasses actually gave him an allergic reaction?  As you move from room to room each exhibit get more elaborate.  It really is amazing how much detail went into everything you see.  Plus,  it gives viewers a real appreciation into what goes into making a blockbuster film series.    

Now as far as crowds go it was okay.  Groups are allowed in by time slots and if you take the audio tour you're in the exhibit for an hour.  When I bought the tickets I didn't realize it was opening day; so, groups of small children were everywhere.  My girlfriend and I wished that there were "adult hours" for things like this because at times it's hard listening, reading or trying to look up close at something and suddenly a small child yells, cuts in front of you or starts throwing a fit.  But at times even parents were just as bad as the children.  One woman in particular who was always near us just had to read every item description out-loud then make an obvious comment, "Oh, THAT was in the "Sorcerer's Stone, remember!"

When the tour concludes you are in a very well designed store with many, many various items from Harry Potter.  You can buy a wand replica ($70), a fridge magnet ($10) or even a Nimbus 2000 replica ($400.00).  Most of these items I've seen online, in magazines and in toy stores.  So, I would say unless you want something that says, "Harry Potter the Exhibition" on it go for it.  Otherwise just move along and try to save a few bucks.  

Overall it was one of the best shows I've ever seen.  Worth the money and great for any Harry Potter fan.  Enjoy, it runs until mid-February 2010.

Now called Lee's Burgers!

I've passed this place so many times on my way to Cold Stone Creamy and I didn't even notice it existed until just a couple weeks ago.  Anyone who follows my reviews knows I like my food simple and uncomplicated.  Too many times restaurants have lost stars with me because their chefs over think the simplest of dishes.  

You can't get more American than the hamburgers and french fries.  Personally, I've always believed that the best burgers can be found in small restaurants along busy travel routes or that hole in the wall place only a few people know about.  When I came to Lee's Burgers today I knew I was going to encounter a simple place with a simple menu.  Just the way I like my food!  

With my girlfriend I walked into the restaurant and immediately saw that it doesn't sit more than 14 people (no lie).  This made me think of Lee's being the modern day equivalent of a 1930's hamburger stand; just a few cooks at the grill serving up quick eats within minutes.      

If you come to here and take more than 5 minutes to study the menu you should have your head examined.  The choices are limited but in a good way because instead of having to choose from various items and struggling what you'll be having that day your options are burgers, subs, salads, hot dog(s) or sides.  THAT'S IT!  

So, I ordered up a Hamburger, Cheeseburger (both with fries) and an order of Onion Rings.  Everything was ready within about 5-7 minutes arriving on a neat little tray resting in plastic baskets.  The hamburgers were wrapped in foil off the grill and fries sat in a paper tray with a starling filling amount of spuds.  I didn't specify how I'd like the burgers cooked and they came out great!  Not too dry or too juicy; one of my biggest pet peeves is when you get a burger that is so juicy that it makes the bun all soggy.  Lee's stacked up well even with lettuce and tomatoes.  The french fries were piping hot along with the onion rings.  Golden, crispy and only required a bit of ketchup.  

There is really not a whole lot to say about Lee's Burgers other than it would make "Wimpy" from Popeye happy.  I can assure you if he lived in West Newton he'd be coming here every day.

Located just off of Tremont Street and a few minutes walk from the Boylston Street Green Line stop this is a great theater to come to for any show.  Nice, clean and beautifully decorated.  

The waiting area before show time isn't that big and you might find yourself standing outdoors if you arrive close to show time.  I'm not sure if it was for the performance I went to (STOMP) or if it goes for every show but there is a 10-minute hold if you arrive after the start of a performance.  Meaning that I believe you will have to wait in the lobby until they can seat you; so, try not to be late!  

The layout of the theater is simple and uncomplicated.  Theater staff will clearly explain which stairs to take and show you to your seats.  Clearly labeled there is a NO PHOTOGRAPHY policy which is strongly enforced.  A few times before the performance for STOMP even began photos that were taken were quickly addressed; so, don't even try it.  

The bathroom is a bit tricky to find for a first timer.  The signs are not that clearly labeled and misleading.  When I did follow the arrows it lead me to a small hallway with ended with an elevator.  I actually had to go past the signs down a hallway in the opposite direction from where the arrows were pointing to find the bathroom(s) and concession stand.  I think it's a bit odd that there is a concession stand serving candy, snack and drinks even though you cannot enter the theater with them.  I'm assuming is for intermission purposes but the standing area could be a bit larger.  

Overall this is a great place to see a show, it's got easy access via MBTA, plenty of food, bars in the area for afterwards and actually have some very comfortable seats (very well cushioned).  I'm not sure if there is a dress code but I always like to think the more sophisticated the performance the nicer you should be dressed.

A truly fantastic show!  Who know that the every day item that can be found in our own homes can produce something amazing.  This was my first time seeing STOMP and when it come to Boston again I'll be sure to see it again.  

STOMP is made up for 7-8 performers who never speak a word of dialogue using only facial expressions and body movements to express their personalities.  The show begins with a single cast member pushing a broom then one by one the remaining cast emerges with brooms breaking out into fabulous percussion.  I won't spoil the entire show for you but what you have to know is that there is NO INTERMISSION, it's non-stop, rhyme pumping, comedic 90+ minutes of fun!  

At times cast members will interaction with the entire audience.  So be ready to clap along and listen carefully.  It goes without saying that this show was loud and the acoustics were perfect!  The only trouble with the show is that you want to keep an eye on every cast member but find it impossible because they all spread out.  Scene changes are quick and you'll never know what to expect next.

This is a great show to see with a group of friends, date or take the family to.  Prices are affordable but I suggest trying to get seats for the Mezzanine section of the theater.  The advantage to that is that you'll get a great, slightly over the head view of the performance and not miss a beat.  

STOMP ROCKS!

My reviews is based on three visits I've had at No. 1 Noodle in the last few months.  Each visit had a degree of satisfaction but also contained disappointment.  

This place is located directly next to Sweet Tomatoes Pizza at Newton Center's busy intersection of Beacon Street and Langley Road.  It's a small restaurant with about 6 to 7 tables.  Most people I think come here to take the food home but the ones who stay usually are young couples or small families of four.

The menu of options are posted on the wall in various squares listing order number, name and picture.  I could tell almost immediately I've seen similar signs in other Chinese/Japanese restaurants throughout Boston.  Take your time studying the menu and I would suggest if this is your first time get only one bowl of soup because they are enough for two people.  After ordering you can gather napkins, soy sauce, chopsticks, forks, knifes and little packets of duck sauce then make your way to the table.  Service is very quick and ALWAYS delievered with a friendly smile.

I'm not sure why but when I think of Chinese/Japanese noodles I think of Italian spagetti/Lo Mein style in a soup broth.  I will admit there are times I keep forgetting the differences in Chinese/Japanese cuisine and blame my own ignorance.  Here the noodles are sized somewhere between angel hair and spagetti pasta which comes swimming in a hot, steaming bowl of plain broth.  You won't hear customers slupping their noodles like traditionally seen on the Travel Channel but quietly shoveling them into their mouths.  It takes a degee of talent to master eating soup noodles with chopsticks; so, if you don't want to look foolish make sure you can catch a fly before coming here.  Haha, only kidding!  

The first time I came here I had the noodle soup with duck.  It was good, a bit too much, and I found the duck to be more bone knuckle and fatty than meaty.  I didn't enjoy having to chew through flappy skin to get to the tasty dark meat.  In addition to the noodles I ordered a side of lemon chicken which was battered chicken, overly deep fried and covered in a sauce that resemled duck sauce.  The appetizer was especially good but I felt I was eating more fried batter than chicken.  On my other visits I had the basic Wonton noodles with BBQ Pork Strips which were so bland they had to be kicked up with soy sauce and duck sauce.  They looked better on the menu picture.  

In my opinion this place is about 2.5 to 3 stars.  At first it had great appeal but in recent visits it's quickly fallen.  It's a real shame because everyone who works there is so friendly.  After dinner I wish I had gone with pizza next door.

Just the other night I had my first Friday off from work in weeks.  I wanted to take my girlfriend out to dinner and make the most of my night off.  So, I thought we'd come here for a nice evening out to a place we don't go to that often.  

Being a Friday night I knew that by 6pm there would be a wait; So, I called ahead only to find out that Joe's just makes reservations not "call ahead" seating.  The woman on the phone told me (at 5:45 PM) that a few tables were still available but could put my name in for 6:45 PM to be safe.  Now, coming to this location is anything but enjoyable because driving through the crazy Main Street intersection is a nightmare.  When you do eventually make it through you are struggling to find a parking spot while dodging pedestrians.  Not fun.

We arrived just after 6pm, went to the hostess table and got our buzzer that resembled a taser.  The wait would be 10-25 minutes which was an acceptable wait time.  But the buzzer went off in about 5 minutes and we were showed to our booth.  The waitress was friendly, bubbly and a bit ditsy.  She explained the specials and checked to see if they had my favorite seasonal beer on tap.  

Hours earlier we looked at the online menu and knew immediately what we wanted to have for dinner: Cobb Salad, Cobb Burger, Strawberry Shortcake and the Peanut Butter Thing.  Holy Mary Mother of God!  Talk about portions!  Joe's definitely does not hesitate to pile on portions.  The Cobb Salad was well stuffed with greens, veggies, tomatoes, bacon and all the other things that make it up.  The raspberry dressing that came with it was so tangy and sweet.  My burger was a delightful change from the standard one I get everywhere.  Normally, I am not a big fan of blue cheese but thought why not be bold tonight and give it a shot.  Whoa!  The combination of blue cheese and avocado was surprisingly awesome!  A creamy almost sweet & sour taste but it did leave my breath kinda smelly from what my girlfriend to me...maybe it was just the onions.  

As our bellies grew full we still pressed on to dessert.  If I had know that these were going to be giant sized I would have chosen a lighter fare.  The Peanut Butter Thing was a big piece of cold cake that took a bit of strength to cut into with the side of your spoon.  The caramel and chocolate sauce that came on the side was thick and smooth.  As I took a bit of the cake I was reminded of a cold reece's peanut butter cup.  My strawberry shortcake was unlike anything I've ever had in my life.  Picture a hamburger bun but in a biscuit form, slice it just as you would a burger but place a bit of sugar on top.  To the side a mound of vanilla ice cream and a puff of whipped cream.  All floating on top of a sea of fresh cut strawberries and puree.  I was able to eat it all but one half of the biscuit (a bit too large for me).

I would say come here hungry.  Everyone here fills up on bread so try to do your best to resist a refill on the basket.  A great place to come!

I'm picky when it comes to Chinese food and I don't share the feeling that all restaurants are the same.  When I lived in Framingham I tried a good assortment of the MetroWest's Chinese cuisine: Sabrina Wong, Taste of China, Zheng Garden, Cherry Blossom, Lotus Flower, Chef Orient and Lotus Blossom.  Phew, my MSG intake must be huge!  

So how does someone choose which is the best of the bunch?  Stick to your favorites and you judge who does it best.  Simple!  I found that eating at all these locations it is hit or miss with appetizers.  You might like it how boneless spare ribs taste at one location but find they are too tough at another.  Another might have better scallion pancakes that consist of a better texture.  Rice selections may be great but could be missing the bits of scrambled egg that you enjoy.  Nobody is ever going to find the one Chinese restaurant that serves everything perfect.  

Yesterday for lunch coworkers and I had take-out from Imperial China to celebrate another coworker's birthday.  I rarely ate take out from Imperial even when I was a resident of Framingham.  The location isn't the best in the world and parking is extremely tricky because it feels like you are taking a driver's test just to get the car between the lines.  I will not argue that staff is very friendly, accurate and kind.  

However, the food here is something I can't rave about.  I decided to have a L1 lunch special: Sweet & Sour Chicken, Vegetable Fried Rice and an Egg Roll.  I don't know why but when I think of sweet and sour chicken chicken fingers covered in a red sauce with chunks of pineapple this is NOT what I have in mind.  It wasn't sweet or sour...just sticky.  The rice was blah with no real taste even though it was fried and had a very dry texture to it.  Finally the egg roll was a huge disappointment.  At first I thought we had a winner in the little tray with the thick crunchy wrap but my expectations fell short when the inside revealed minimal cabbage and barely any meat.  Sorry, Imperial China but Sabrina Wong's still has the best egg rolls I've ever had.

My coworkers selections enjoyed their selections so it cannot be all that bad.  One had a Beef and Broccoli meal that came with huge florets, Peking Ravioli was one of the largest I've seen and the chicken fingers were perfectly cooked (not over fried).  So, you see how places can fail in one spot but excel in others.

This is by far one of the more well known restaurants for Framingham townies.  Many long-term residents from all over "the ham" come here weekly for dinner.  Monday nights are the more popular evenings because this is when you can get a hamburger for under $3.50!  In the past my boss talks about how she'll be going to meet her family at Nobscot's for burgers because the price is so cheap.  Then upon arrival she discovers her grown children's friends also have come for the incredible dinner deal.  In a way you can think of Nobscot's like a northside "The Eagles" restaurant.

You'll find Nobscot's located right off of Edgell Road close where it intersects with Water Street and Edmands Road.  Parking at times can be tricky but most visits I've never had a problem finding a spot.  You do not have to wait to be seated here; diners are welcome to seat themselves and within minutes waitstaff will be taking your drink orders.  

Whenever my family can get together for a night out and we don't want to travel far we come here.  Like most meals out my father has to spend an insane amount of time pondering, out loud, what his choice will be knowing far in advance what the menu contains.  It can drive us a little crazy but that's part of the charm about eating out with the guy.      

When it comes to food and service Nobscot Cafe is good.  Menus are always full of choices ranging from beef, poultry, seafood to a few healthy options.  All the variety will often leave people debating up to the last minute on their final decision.  Before dinner is brought out my family is enjoying a round of sodas, small salads, bread & butter and without fail: piping hot onion rings.  

I enjoy the food here because it's got that local restaurant taste.  If you have eaten at places like Carbone's (Hopkinton), J.J. McKay's (Wayland), The Villa (Wayland), The Eagles (South Framingham) or the long gone White's Corner (Southborough) you know exactly what I'm talking about.  This is where food was prepared in a good, honest kitchen without all the fancy hype.  Steaks are burgers are not given flashy names with overloaded spices.  Sandwiches don't leave diners trying to cram four inches of food into their mouth to take a single bite.  And the seafood doesn't cost an arm and leg.  

I think what most people forget is that places like these get back to the basics of the REAL family dining experience.  You don't have to have a fancy place, over priced meals and elaborate food presentation to sell your restaurant.  Personally, I always believed that if you have a good place, serve good food and make people feel welcome that will keep bringing them back.