Eat and Destroy

The other night after going to Winter Brew at Urbano’s new space in JP, PK and I were craving some sushi, but we didn’t want to spend much.

We headed to Sushi Express. The plan was to get sashimi, but for some reason we abandoned that plan when we got there and went for sushi and a couple of their fancy rolls. While many complain that their sushi isn’t great, I feel that you get what you pay for, and when you don’t want to spend much, Sushi Express hits the spot. While their fancy rolls are okay if that’s your thing, I recommend sticking with the sashimi and sushi.

Brookline, Cheap, Sushi Brookline, Cheap, Sushi

Before meeting up with some friends to see Drag Me to Hell, PK and I decided to get some Vietnamese food at Xinh Xinh. The plan was that we were going to get a vermicelli and a seafood dish. However, when we walked in, PK couldn’t take her eye off the Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe) that the person next to us was eating.

So, we decided to get the crepe. It is listed as an appetizer, but it is more than enough for a meal. It was good, and was packed full of bean sprouts with a bit of shrimp and chicken. We also got the Mucrang Muoi (Spicy Fried Calamari).

As usual, we had a great meal at Xinh Xinh.

Verdict: Delicious as always!

Cheap, Chinatown, Vietnamese Boston, Cheap, Chinatown, Vietnamese

I’ve been hearing about Wang’s Fast Food for years. And, as a dumpling addict, I have no excuse for not going sooner (besides the fact that I rarely go to Somerville).  Since I couldn’t remember which type of dumpling were supposed to be the best, we got an order of the Shrimp & Pork ($5.50) and the Pork & Leek ($5.25). There are 12 dumplings  in an order so it is a pretty good deal.  However, the best deal is to get an order of 50 frozen dumplings ($11-$13) to cook at home.   (There are many ways to cook the dumplings. I usually boil them for about 5 minutes and than pan fry them until the bottoms are nice and a little bit brown.)

Verdict: Delicious dumplings!

Cheap, Chinese, Somerville Cheap, Chinese, dumplings, pot stickers, Somerville

On Saturday, PK & I went to Royal Fried Chicken.  At about $6 for 2 meaty breasts, 1 thigh, 1 leg, tons of fries, and a soda, it was a delicious bargain.  The chicken was very crispy and tender. We also got a small order of buffalo wings for about $4 that also came with fries and a soda. These were also pretty good, but I’d stick with the fried chicken.

My only warning is that on hot summer days, you should get your food to go since the place gets way too hot for comfort.

Verdict: Tasty and cheap!

Burgers/Fried Food, Cheap, Jamaica Plain Cheap, fried chicken, Jamaica Plain

I’ve been hearing about Fordee’s falafels for years. Since I don’t really care for falafel, I never thought of stopping there.  However, earlier today, while I was picking up some homemade taramasalata at Sevan’s, I decided to check it out.

I was hoping to get a Lamb Kebob, but I had no luck since they were out of lamb.  I ended up getting a Losh Kabob (Kofta; about $8).  This kabob was very good. The flavor was great, it was packed with kofta, and it left me more than stuffed.

Verdict: I recommend Fordee’s, but my final opinion will have to wait until I try one of their lamb kebobs.

Armenian, Cheap, Watertown Cheap, kebob, lunch, Watertown

I thought that I posted about Guru ages ago, but after looking through my archive, I see that I didn’t.  So, this post is based on a meal that I had many months ago.

Guru is a catering business that opens their doors to the public for a few hours everyday. They also offer a lunch delivery service (see their website for more information).

Their menu is pretty small since it consists of a few daily selections along with a handful of specials.  We decided to split a Lamb Biryani ($9) which was delicious.  It is the second best biryani that I have ever had (the best is at Kabab & Tandoor in Waltham).  Guru’s raita (yogurt sauce) really enhances the taste of their biryani so you might want to ask for a little extra.

Verdict: Quite tasty! I need to try their other dishes.

Cheap, Indian, Somerville Cheap, Indian, Somerville

Thanks to this Chowhound post, I found out that Tapatio has re-opened after last year’s fire. I was tempted to try one of their larger plates of either fried chicken or beef, but PK and I decided to go with variety so we could sample many things.

We had three tacos ($1.75/each), a papusa ($1.75/each), an enchilada, plantains, and a sweet corn soup.  I don’t remember how much the last three items cost, but our bill was about $12.

Everything was delicious.  I think the steak taco was the highlight. While getting to Somerville from JP can be a pain, this meal was worth it.  They definitely have the best tacos in town.  (My second favorite is Taqueria El Amigo in Waltham.)

Vedict: Go there now!

Cheap, Somerville Cheap, Somerville

Alright, this is a short post with no pictures… The other night, some friends and I got some food from El Oriental de Cuba. I haven’t been there for a while, but everyone raves about their cubano sandwiches.

Over the last 10 years that I’ve lived in JP, I’ve only heard a handful of people praise the cubano on the other side of the road at Miami Restaurant.

I think that the food at both restaurants is great, but if I was to judge them solely based on the quality of the cubano, Miami Restaurant wins.

Cheap, Cuban, Jamaica Plain Cheap, Cuban, cubano, Jamaica Plain

On Darius’s recommendation, I checked out Carl’s Steak Subs in Waltham a few weeks ago .  They had several versions of the steak & cheese, but since it was my first time there, I decided to get the basic one.

I ordered the small ($6.99). It was huge, and packed full of steak. It’s probably the best steak & cheese that I have had outside of Philly. Next time I get the basic, I’m going to get it with extra cheese since there wasn’t enough for the amount of steak.

Then, the other day, at a moment of weakness (and hunger), I decided to go back to Carl’s. This time, I went for the Cherry Bomb (steak, provolone, peperoni, bbq sauce, hot peppers, & tomato sauce).  Since the large is only a dollar more than the small, I went for the big one ($8.25).

All I can say is damn this thing was big.  When I got to work, I opened it up, and went to work on it.  I barely made it halfway before I realized that I had to stop.  The Cherry Bomb was really good, but it reminded me a little bit too much of a sloppy joe due to the combination of sauces.

Verdict: If you think that your neighborhood pizza place makes a good steak & cheese, you are wrong…Go to Carl’s Steak Subs!

Cheap, sandwich, waltham carl's, Cheap, steak sub, waltham

Serino’s aisles are packed full of Italian goods and wines, and their deli counter has tons of ready to heat (and then eat) meals that were prepared in the back of the store.

I almost walked out with a bunch of stuff to try, but PK reminded me that we already had dinner plans so all I picked up was an Italian Sub. (If you can’t tell, I’ve been on an Italian Sub kick lately.)

This one was really good.  The meat and cheese were on par with Salem, but I was not a fan of the bread.  So, of the three Italian subs I’ve had recently, this ranks #2.

Verdict: Tasty! I’m looking forward to trying some of their prepared food.

Cheap, HydePark, Italian Cheap, HydePark, Italian