Eat and Destroy

Even after the horrible service we experienced at the Squealing Pig during our walk home, PK and I still wanted to try their Mar’s Bar Toastie. So after work last week, we gave them another shot. This time, they did not lie to us and we got the toastie. It was good, but not great. We both wanted more of the candy flavor to come through. The bananas and waffles ended up over powering the dish.

This time the service was not bad, but it was far from good. I don’t know what it is about this place,  but the service is always below average (and I am not asking for much).

Verdict: I have no plans to go back unless a friend is buying me drinks.

Boston, Dessert, Longwood

On Sunday, after PK got out of work, we went to the Other Side Cafe for a pint before heading to Match to try their Pan Seared Cookie Dough. As we were finishing our drinks, Nedward and Presley spotted us and joined us for a pitcher of PBR ($8). After that pitcher, they convinced us to stay for another. Since we are lushes, we did not argue. Once we finished that off, they went to Charlie’s and PK and I went to Match.

As soon as I walked in the door of Match, I was ready to turn around and leave since, after a 10 second scan of the place, I came to the conclusion that I hated everything about it, but I resisted leaving since PK really wanted to try the cookie dough.

Since it was around 6PM on a Sunday, the place was pretty empty. We sat at the bar and ordered a Mango Schizzle ($10) and a Pop Culture (which was rimmed with pop rocks; $10.50). Both martinis were good, but they were too sweet, making it difficult to taste the alcohol. Both were served with shakers so each drink totaled about a glass and a half of martini.

Before ordering the Pan Seared Cookie Dough, we shared a Spicy Lamb Mini-Burger ($5.75) and a side of Onion Rings ($3.50). The mini-burger was about half the size of a regular burger, which seemed like little for the price, but the lamb and the yogurt sauce were good, and we both liked the onion rings since they were made with vidalia onions.

It was finally time for the Pan Seared Cookie Dough ($6.25) and an Espresso martini ($10). This dessert was completely worth the trip to Match. We both imagined it being served in a small skillet. We were wrong, but were not disappointed. The cookie dough and the carmel ice cream were delicious.

Verdict: I really wanted to hate Match, but I liked it. It is worth going a little out of your way to try their Pan Seared Cookie Dough,and the drinks and food that we had were good, but not exceptional. I have no plans to go back when this place is packed, but for a quiet Sunday afternoon, it is worth the trip. Also, I want to mention that the bartender who served us was top notch.

Burgers/Fried Food, Dessert, Uncategorized, drinks

Earlier this week, after eating at Cambridge 1 (and having very similar feelings about their food as I did during my first visit), Tara wanted to go to Finale.  I had not been there since they opened their first restaurant in Boston so I thought it was a good idea.  Both PK and I had the Molten Chocolate Martini ($9.95) which was delicious. Tara had a Nino Franco NV Rustico Sherry ($9.95) and C had a Taylor Fladgate First Estate Port ($6.95). We all shared the Temptation for 2 ($26.95) which consisted of Molten Chocolate Cake, Dark Chocolate Decadence, Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, Nougat Mousse in a White Chocolate Cup, Valrhona chocolates, and a small assortment of tiny cookies.  The desserts were tasty, but we were not impressed. We all felt that we could have had better and cheaper at a number of other Boston restaurants that do not specialize in desserts. The Molten Chocolate Cake was just mediocre (and the center was not very gooey or warm as the menu suggested). The Chocolate Hazelnut Cake was my favorite on the plate, but everyone else seemed to prefer the tiny cookies.
Verdict: Only because of the martini will I find myself visiting Finale again.  For a place that specializes in desserts,  their deserts should have been better since, in our opinion, they were not worth the price.

Cambridge, Dessert