Tarah "with an" H.'s Profile

Soft candle light dances across clean white walls and simple, elegant tablescapes. The walls and linens are contrasted nicely by dark chairs and bar. The music changes between crooning jazz, 70's punk and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." The artwork seems to run the same gamut from

The food is pure pleasure from one course to the next. Fresh seasonal vegetables at every turn. Rich flavor that builds on and folds back into itself creating truly interesting dishes. The fettuccine was like ribbons of silk that I didn't want to stop eating. The question as to how he prefers his steak was never asked - we assumed that this was because chef knows best and couldn't agree more. For dessert we had a decadent orange blossom infused chocolate tart. Thankfully we shared - it would have been too rich to eat the entire thing myself.

Almost the entire experience was soft, subtle and at least a wee bit sensual in every way you would want a meal experience to be.

The only slight misstep was in the service area, which, reading, seems to be somewhat common. We were greeted warmly upon entering and seated quickly. They even asked if we had theater tickets before we had a chance to speak up.

Our waiter listed the specials and left us to decide. I liked that I wasn't asked to make a wine selection before I knew what I would eat. He came back quickly to take our orders, but had to reference the wine menu when we inquired about pairings. To that end, he recommended the same (on the expensive end of their offering) red for the fettuccine and the beef. Unfortunately, my pairing fell flat and I needed to take a sip of water between food and wine. We didn't see him much for the rest of the night and almost didn't have time to order dessert. The woman working the front of the house, mostly moving between the host station and bar didn't miss a beat. She made sure we had dessert menus, were able to place our order and pay the bill without running to the theater. Or server, though very nice, may not have been the best, but she certainly was.

Sure service isn't perfection, but with food this sublime, I'll definitely be back.

I've had nothing but fantastic, friendly service and consistently decent food from Emilio's.

The pizza is still in the ever present Greek style with a thick, doughy crust, marinara for sauce and plenty of cheese. Unlike other places, the pizza by the slice never seems to have been sitting for hours and is rarely under or over cooked. The salads are fresh and generous. The subs are precisely what you'd expect and chicken fingers surprisingly addictive, but then, they are chicken fingers.

I've been in both before and after nights out as well as after (a lot of) day drinking. I've been in by myself, with girl friends, the boyfriend, and a gaggle of gays. (This place gets crowwwwDed! after the Pride Parade Block Party outside Fritz. And while the staff is nice, the lady your friend was just dancing on top of a speaker with might call you hobos while you sit on the curb and enjoy your slice since all the other seats are taken.) I've never once had anything but friendly service. They've even thrown an extra slice my way from time to time.

New location, same great menu, friendly staff and fast, reliable service.

On a long, hot day full of exhausting packing, they were the sustenance I craved to help me get through. My biggest dilemma was deciding on what to order.

It's official. Pho at Xinh Xinh will cure you, no matter what is ailing you or what month. Bone-chilling Monday mornings in March spent waiting for the BPD, or at least a meter maid to avoid ticketing, to show up after a break in melt (literally) away once that first bit of steam wafting up hits your face. The hot, sticky, thick hours spent cleaning and moving are quickly relieved in the first bite of fresh roll and forgotten with the first of pho.

Wonderfully aromatic and fantastic depth of flavor are what made this place quickly become one of my favorite spots in Chinatown. The quick, friendly staff is what keeps it there. The pho is here is a big bowl of magic, nothing short.

I avoid Rome whenever possible, but sometimes, it's just too convenient to skip. When walking and I have the time, I go the extra block or two to its competition down the street. When ordering delivery, I have far to many options to let this menu crowd my drawer.

Maybe the other reviewers are right, and the sandwiches are better than the pizza. I certainly hope so. The crust is akin to cardboard and pie as a whole only okay only when fresh out of the oven.

Couple mediocre at best food with the following experience, and maybe you'll understand my distaste for Rome a little more.

On one visit, I was in the midst of many errands, frazzled, hungry and in a rush. I stopped in for sustenance and decided on one of the pasta options amongst a few I was considering. When payment was requested, I was confused by the total because I forgot what I had decided. After the fog (in my head) cleared, I laughed and turned over payment in full, needing only some change back. This was never offered. Now, it's only a few cents, which I usually leave in the tip jar. But the fact that this person, behind the counter - not a delivery person - did not give me my change left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Sooooooooooo entirely underwhelmed with this place. I was excited when I saw that gelato had moved closer than the North End. Unfortunately, I doubt I'll return.

The gelato was hard. HARD!! Gelato is supposed to be softer somewhere between soft serve and hand scooped ice cream...though probably closer to hand scooped. The disappointment didn't end there. The strawberry was enjoyable during consumption but left a not so fun after taste. From my understanding the white chocolate was worse...but I'm biased against white chocolate to begin with. In my eyes, not only is the gelato poor, but expensive too.

Perhaps we were harsh critics, with a combined first gelato experience in Firenze and a 10 month stint in Germany. But even without that, I feel like if it were this or no gelato, I'd go without. Which would be a sad state indeed.

I have a new love. Her name is Christina. It was the green tea ice cream that finally won my heart.

Earthy, light, just the right amount of sweetness and perhaps a hint of honey, what's not to love? I've never had a bad flavor. Black raspberry's a dream. I love the fresh mint or peppermint stick when available.

The prices are less astonishing than JP Licks, and staff not always perfect. But who cares? It's ice cream that inspires love.

I've sort of deemed this place the Club Cafe of the straight world, just a little more elitist. The space is dark, the people glamorous, the music fantastic and no one is dancing.

The drinks are costly, but strong. I wouldn't say they're the best mixed in the city, but certainly better than some places trying to pass themselves off as martini/cocktail lounges. I don't fully understand the cover, especially not one of $10-15.

Not typically my taste, but so long as they keep the music flowing, this may be an occasional spot to stop in and feel mysteriously fabulous...well, for one drink anyway.

I know, I know. I'm committing some sort of Yelp sin by not giving this place one or two stars. But hear me out.

No, it's not really my favorite crowd Thursday-Sat night. But just because it's not my ideal doesn't make it bad. The staff is friendly and tries to be as helpful as can be. The bartenders are pretty good and wait staff ranges from good to the sometimes awesome.

It's not fine dining, but the food's decent. They make their own cole slaw and  BBQ sauce, that I happen to like a lot. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are good. The Turkey Reuben is worth a try and Gator Eggs not to be missed. The Kahlua Brownie Sundae is sinfully good. Also, their wings are some of the best I've had in town.

Tuesday night trivia adds to the appeal. So no, Whiskey's may not be the best in town, but it's a pretty reliable meal and a decent spot to chill after work or watch the game.

With 40s and Arrogant Bastard a stone's throw from Fenway, the birthday tradition of a very dear friend may be forever changed and a sober game at Fenway never seen again. (okay okay, so maybe that hasn't changed)

Beyond that, the food's okay, the staff's okay, the selection's okay and the prices are okay. Really pretty much everything about this bar falls into the okay range. Nothing too memorable and maybe trying to be something it's not quite.

I enjoy my visits, but probably won't often make a special trip. On my way to Fenway, however, definitely.