Restaurant Review
The Squealing Pig is located at 134 Smith Street in Boston, MA. Jim and I drove down to visit and meet our nephew’s beautiful son, Kason and Mom, Anyssa. We also visited Bri and a super cute three year old, Bryson. Both were at Boston’s Children’s Hospital at the same time and both doing fabulous! Jim and I thought it would be nice to take these two wonderful Mom’s out for a quick lunch and give them some time away from the hospital. So that’s exactly what we did! I let my fingers do the walking and found this fabulous restaurant within walking distance from the hospital…so off we went! I should also mention when some of the nurses asked where we were going they all had the same reaction when we told them the Squealing Pig. “I love that place”! I knew I found the perfect place!
We were quickly greeted, seated and had menus in hand. I love that kind of service so I was already pleased. This restaurant is very comfortable with a rustic decor. I also really liked the menu, not a big menu but very well thought out with flavors everyone will like. We all ordered something different so it was nice to see the variety and hear how everyone enjoyed their dish!
I’ll start with Anyssa. She ordered the Mission Burger ($10.99) with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato.
Anyssa really enjoyed her burger. It was certainly big and cooked as she asked, so far so good right?!
Next up was Bri. She ordered the ham, pineapple and cheddar sandwich! ($10.99) Bri really liked her dish as well. Bri and I both felt the same way about our sandwich’s, lots of bread! Although the bread was delicious there was a lot of it. Both Bri and I loved our sandwiches so much so that when we started getting full we still wanted a couple more bites so we ate the inside of our sandwiches! Yup, that good!
Jim had one of his favorite sandwiches the Pig Cubano ($12.99). This had roasted pork, ham, Swiss, jalapeño relish and a sweet garlic mayo…sounds good, right? Well, it’s a good thing I took the picture of his food as fast as I did because that sandwich was gone in no time! Excellent!
Last, but not least, was my lunch. I had the Pig’s BLT with bacon, arugula, roasted tomatoes and mayo. I love a good BLT and going to a place that loves pork enough to have the restaurant named the Squealing Pig, how could I not order this classic sandwich?! I already mentioned the bread was a bit much for my taste, but the bacon and roasted tomato, EXCELLENT! I also liked the twist with adding arugula that added a nice peppery flavor. All of our sandwiches came with golden, crispy French fries, those too were perfectly cooked!
One of the things we all noticed and mentioned was how warm their menus were. That says a lot in a city like Boston where so are so many fabulous places to eat! Let’s chat a little more about that menu! They have a number of great sounding starters. A couple of the ones that stuck out was the smoked salmon bruschetta, Tuscan fries with Parmesan, and white truffle oil or how about mussels steamed in Chardonnay. Those all sound great, but I also loved some of the soup choices. Smoked seafood chowder, roasted chicken soup and caramelized onion and potato with crispy bacon to just name a couple! Can’t have soup without thinking of salad, right? They have some tasty choices there too! Their pub salad has kale, shaved Parmesan, sun dried tomato and toasted pine nuts. The salad that I would order the next time we are in the area is the grilled romaine salad with roasted tomatoes and Parmesan with a sweet garlic dressing! I live grilled romaine salads, so that’s the one for me. You can also add chicken and shrimp to your salad to make a full lunch. Yup, I’m in on that for sure!
They have lots of other choices and definitely something for everyone! Visit their website http://squealingpigboston.com/ for more information and of course if you are in that area of Boston, this is a fabulous tasty choice!
Enjoy!
I have so much to tell you about British Beer Company! We went to their Manchester location at 1071 South Willow Street. They have a number of locations in Massachusetts and NH including one in Portsmouth NH. They are open daily at 11:00 am. Jim and I have both heard great things about this restaurant and everything we heard was exactly right!
We were promptly greeted and seated with our menu and water in no time! We decided quickly on an appetizer and ordered the Sausage Rolls at $8.99. The sausage rolls are British Bangers wrapped in a puff pastry and baked until golden brown. These are served with English beer mustard for dipping. Both Jim and I really liked this dish. The puff pastry was crispy, the sausage had a great flavor, but not overpowering and the mustard was perfect. It added that little bit of tang to the dish! We would definitely order that again!
There was really so much to choose from on their menu and not just the bangers and mash or the fish and chips which you might expect. I had the Buffalo Chicken Ranchero Salad. ($11.99) This had crispy chicken pieces tossed in their house made buffalo sauce with field greens (you choose your salad greens) tomato, cucumbers, red onion, celery, and crispy strings of onion. This is served with blue cheese dressing. This salad was huge and had tons of flavor with their buffalo sauce. Let me tell you this has some good heat to it but combined with all of the other ingredients, it is perfect. Spice from the sauce, crunchy from the crispy onion strings and greens and creamy with the blue cheese dressing! Excellent! Even Jim was stealing bites from my plate! I almost forgot, it also came with warm pita triangles and those were a nice addition!
Jim had the Signature Burger ($12.99) an Angus patty grilled, topped with bacon, melted smoked Gouda cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, ketchup, and mustard on a grilled brioche roll. Jim ordered his burger medium and it was absolutely cooked to perfection. This burger was so juicy…we are talking crazy juicy at every bite! Jim is the burger guy in the family and he loved this burger. Not only was the meat tender and juicy, the toppings were crisp and fresh. This is exactly what a burger should be! Jim also had the house made Cajun chips. He did like them but it was not his favorite. It seemed the seasoning was not really to his liking. Although I should mention they were eaten!
So let’s talk more about that menu! There is a lot to choose from. Some items on the menu are expected but some are not. Their appetizers have some great choices and not just the sausage rolls! How about soft baked pretzels? Or chicken wings with your choice of sauce including bourbon, buffalo, BBQ or Thai sauces! One of my favorite items I sometimes order out is coconut shrimp and they have those too. I have to mention their Stout Macho Nacho’s! Fresh tortilla chips with new castle chili, melted cheddar, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, jalapeño’s and black olives served with sour cream and salsa. I don’t know about you, but that would be tasty on a cold fall or wintry night!
I told you about my salad but they have many other salads to choose from. Like Cobb, Tavern, Caesar and a Bourbon steak tip salad. They also have slider toppers, tiger shrimp, salmon, grilled or blackened chicken and steak tips to name a few! I also love that you pick your greens for the salad…romaine, field greens and spinach! I told you about Jim’s burger but there are so many more burgers to talk about! You can build your own burger, or maybe a grilled bourbon turkey burger with bacon, caramelized onion with a bourbon sauce is up your ally. If that is not enough to they also have a veggie burger along with numerous melts and sandwiches. Maybe a fish sandwich or a Reuben, or if you don’t want those, I bet the steak bomb would fill your belly!
Let’s talk pizza, well they have that too! I was very impressed with the pizza crust options not only do they have the traditional crust but they have a multi-grain crust as well as a gluten free crust. They have a full gluten free menu! Lots of great pizza options as you might guess, but I liked the looks of the Fenway pizza with their own sauce, peppers, onions and sausage!
The pies and pastries section is where you will find more of the traditional British food and they have a number of selections here too. Steak and ale pie and chicken and ale pie. If you want to combine the British flare with a typical thanksgiving dinner in a pasty, the New England Pasty with turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, cheddar mashed potatoes, all stuffed in a pastry crust served over mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and of course turkey gravy!
I gave you the run down on the food but they have a full bar service with a huge array of bottle beers and a significant number on tap! After all it is called British BEER company for a reason. If you are looking for a beer that is a little different, I think they can help you find something very tasty!
This is just a glimpse at the British Beer Company. Check out their website for information and locations. You won’t be disappointed with anything here! https://britishbeer.com/
Enjoy!
I don’t even know where to begin with this review! Robert’s Maine Grill and Market is located at 326 Route 1 in Kittery, Maine. 
They are open daily at 11:30 am and do take reservations. I would highly recommend reservations during the summer months. This restaurant has it all and hits every mark for me when I think about what makes a good restaurant. It is an amazing place for lunch or dinner. The location could not be more beautiful, the decor is rustic, but elegant at the same time, the service was top notch from the moment we walked in, with friendly prompt service through the entire meal.
When you walk through the door, the first thing you see is a little market area where you can take home some Maine made products…T- shirt or hats, to just name a few. We did not stop there for long, as we wanted to get to the food! We arrived right at 11:30 and I am so glad we did! I was able to snap a quick picture of the dining area but it filled up in no time!
And check out that view from our window, beautiful right?! As soon as we were seated we were given a plate of crackers with a horseradish spread. I was 
not too sure about the spread as horseradish can be overpowering, but this was not the case. It was a very mild spread and went perfectly with the variety of crackers that it came with. We did not order anything from the bar, but we did enjoy a soft drink and ice tea.
Jim ordered one of the specials for the day, the fish tacos (2) that came with a fresh corn 
vegetable salsa. This was made with a firm white fish and Jim devoured them in no time. Both of our dishes came with french fries that were perfectly cooked and served with malt vinegar or ketchup.
I had the Haddock Reuben sandwich that had ale braised cabbage, Swiss cheese and
spicy tartar sauce on toasted rye bread. This sandwich was so good and big! The fish was lightly battered with just enough cheese and cabbage to compliment that sandwich… absolutely perfect! 
I would order that sandwich any time!
Robert’s has a great menu and they believe in the “NOW” experience – being the best of Maine food in the mid coast region with the farm to table concept. Not only have they won a number of awards but they also believe in giving back to the community through “community suppers” (not served during summer months). On Tuesdays and Wednesday’s you can get a three course dinner for $14.00 dollars with the proceeds of Tuesday’s dinner going to local non-profit organizations.
Let’s get to that menu. They have an amazing raw bar with a large variety of oysters with at least 6-8 varieties offered daily. They also offer raw bar towers that include oysters, little neck clams, shrimp and lobster. And also offer a larger size as well! Other appetizers include lobster sliders that you can order (one for $7.00 or three for $19.00). They also offer pulled pork poutine, fried calamari, lobster pizza with a balsamic glaze. I think that lobster pizza will be on my plate next time! Soups and salads, lots of those too! New England clam chowder (that I hear is the best around) or how about a kale soup? Maybe a lobster cobb salad or house salad. But, the salad that stands out to me is their grilled romaine salad with roasted tomatoes, bacon and a sweet garlic vinegarette. We make grilled romaine salad at home and love it!
Their main course options really shine when it comes to Maine seafood, so many amazing choices! The lobster stew with a buttermilk biscuit sounds amazing. Other choices like the lobster roll and clam chowder combo or baked cod sound yum. Let’s not forget all the lobster choices… steamed lobster, baked stuffed lobster or a table side clam bake for two that includes lobster, muscles, clams and kielbasa! Tough choices!!
They also have many of everyone’s favorite fried dishes including fish and chips, fried clam roll, fried oyster roll and of course the fried scallop roll! If that doesn’t do it for you, Robert’s has a fried seafood charger with fried, clams, haddock, shrimp and onion rings!
I have not even mentioned the side dishes! I can’t leave you wondering about those tasty dishes! I already mentioned the french fries that were terrific but they have onion rings and mac and cheese. I have to say the grilled chili lime corn on the cob sounds terrific!
They have a number of daily specials, along with a children’s menu. I should mention the dinner menu includes other great items not on the lunch menu that includes a East Coast jambalaya, pulled pork, buttermilk fried chicken, grilled sirloin steak to just name a few, not to mention their house burger with cheddar, carmelized onion and heirloom tomatoes.
Although we did not order dessert, I know Robert’s Maine Grill and Market is known for their blueberry crumble a la mode. This comes in two sizes and if you don’t want that there are plenty of others to choose from including whoopie pies, brownie sundaes and cheesecake.
Anything you order at Robert’s Maine Grill and Market, I have no doubt will be delicious. I am ready to go back!
They have a full website http://robertsmainegrill.com/ with more information, so take some time out and visit Robert’s Maine Grill and Market. You will love it as much as we do!
Enjoy!
Where did the summer go? Kids are back in school and finding a new routine with school, sports, homework and family time. I have the perfect dinner solution for you on those nights that a home cooked meal is just not in the cards. Katz’s Deli & Market at 23 Ham street in Dover NH is your answer! Are you wondering why I am sending you to a neighborhood market? Well, not only do they have all the typical things your local convenience store does, they have lots of great foods that you can eat in or take out on your way to or from all of the kids activities!
There is alot to love about Katz’s Market & Deli. First, they are owned by a local family. They also have a pay it forward board where you can purchase an item in the store for someone else who might be in need and they can take that item with them! How great is that?! They also keep changing and coming up with new sub and pizza creations! Pretty good, right? That’s not all They also sharpen your knives! I LOVE that this service is offered. I know for as much cooking as I do I don’t sharpen my knives as often as I should, so this is a great local service that I know I will be using before the holidays!
Are you wondering how good the food really is? Well, Jim and I bought the meat lovers pizza and let me tell you there was no skimping on the toppings! This pizza was loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon and hamburger! Jim and I both differ on how we like our crust but this crust is a perfect middle ground for us. I like thin and crispy but Jim likes a thicker, doughy crust. The crust here is not too thick, but the edge of the dough is a little on the doughy side! Perfect for us!
They have lots of pizza and calzone choices. Not just your average pepperoni or cheese… they have a white pizza that is also a favorite of mine with garlic, mozzarella and ricotta. Maybe you would like a Big Mac pizza or a General T’so pizza. I can’t forget to mention the chicken cordon bleu pizza How good do those all sound?! If you don’t like those you can always choose your own toppings too!
It’s not just about the pizza at Katz’s they have chili, hot and cold subs and just like the pizza selection, the subs can hold their own in size and flavor! They have everything you would expect like steak and cheese, grilled chicken, buffalo chicken, Italian and BLT. But if you are really feeling hungry, the Belly Buster might be your choice! The Belly Buster is filled with roast beef, turkey, ham, Swiss and provolone! Oh yes, they have salads and chicken fingers too! Or maybe you want a hamburger. They have all of that too and not your average burgers or cheeseburgers, maybe you would like the Rodeo Burger with BBQ sauce, onion rings, bacon and swiss. Now that will surely cure your hunger!
You don’t think that’s all, do you? No way, this little market packs a punch! They serve breakfast sandwiches too so if your kids are hungry and you don’t want to sit in the drive through at a local big business get to Katz’s and get a breakfast sandwich to go with egg, cheese and your choice of sausage, ham or bacon on an English muffin or a bagel! But don’t forget the hash browns, they have those too, along with a great coffee bar!
So many great choices all at great prices, you will not be breaking the bank here, but you will be supporting a local small business that supports it’s community and for us that is an important factor in how and where we shop. Give Katz’s Deli and Market a try. You and your family will be happy you did! https://www.facebook.com/katzsdeliandmarketdovernh/
Enjoy!
Jim and I were on our way home from a quick trip from Hudson, N.H. after visiting friends. We were both hungry and planned to stop at a different restaurant but THAT restaurant had an hour wait time and we were hungry on the verge of “HANGRY”! We drove a little further and that brought us to 900 Degree Pizzeria in Epping NH! 900 Degree pizzeria has two locations, the one in Epping as well as one in Manchester.
With “hangry “starting to step in (hangry is a combination of hungry and angry! Never good!) We ordered drinks and an appetizers within just a couple minutes of walking through the door. We had the rustic garlic bread. Their garlic bread is loaded with fresh garlic, oregano, Grana Padano and mozzarella and this is served with their red sauce. No sooner did this hit the table, we were diving right into it! This was crispy, cheesy, herby and delicious dipped in the red sauce! The “hangry” feeling quickly left as we enjoyed our garlic bread!
We also ordered one of the drink specials of the day. It was a strawberry basil margarita and it was the best margarita Jim and I have ever had! Sweet, tangy and refreshing on a hot summer day!
Deciding on a pizza was a tough choice! They have lots of amazing choices, but we decided to go with their most popular pizza the Bella Cosa! The Bella Cosa has a roasted garlic cream sauce, Grana Padano, mozzarella, baby spinach, carmelized red onion, rosemary, ham, prosciutto and a drizzle of EVOO! We ordered a large pizza for $16.50.
I can completely understand why this pizza is their top seller. This is sweet with the garlic cream sauce and caramelized onions but also savory and salty with the ham and prosciutto. Great combination of flavors and one we would order again!
When we arrived we did not spend much time looking at the appetizers but they have plenty of great choices with some that you would expect and maybe some you might not! Chicken wings, their signature meatballs, a cheese board or how about a hummus plate? All sound delicious to me!
Choosing a pizza is going to be the most difficult part! Lots of great choices. But you can also make your own! Some of their signature pizzas include a mac and cheese pizza with bacon and bread crumbs or how about Newton’s Revenge with red pepper pesto, mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, caramelized onions, roasted chicken, figs, finished with basil and balsamic reduction! How delicious does that sound? YUM
Soups and salad too, just in case you want something a little lighter. They have a soup of the day and lots of great salads. The signature 900 salad has organic greens, balsamic vinaigrette, dried cranberries, honey roasted walnuts and caramelized red onion. Something new to their salad menu is the chicken walnut cranberry salad! Not in the mood for any of that? How about a sandwich or panini? They have lots of great choices for those too! Maybe a meatball sub with their signature meatballs? How about a chicken caprese panini? Or a classic Italian sub? Lots to pick from…this menu does not miss anything!
Are you wondering about dessert? Amazing choices here too! If cannoli’s or tiramisu are not what you are looking for maybe a molten lava cake or their famous dessert pizza with a cinnamon sugar crust topped with chunks of white and dark chocolate, macadamia nuts, whipped cream and topped with kiwi’s and strawberries! I’m pretty sure that dessert pizza is in my future!
Check out their website for hours and a complete menu!you will not be disappointed! http://www.900degrees.com/
Enjoy!
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