OM - Ambiance, Asian Fusion, and more!

Looking for something different in Harvard Square? Look no further than Om. Featuring authentic artwork and artifacts from Nepal, Tibet and Thailand, Om is worth a visit for the magnificent decor alone. However, that didn't stop us from ordering our fair share from the enticing Asian fusion inspired menu. We started with the warm roasted locally grown pear salad complimented perfectly with spiced pumpkin seeds and a delicious sweet ginger vinaigrette dressing. Be sure not to miss their signature app which is an order of Momos, or Tibetan style steamed dumplings. We tried all three flavors, beef, pork and vegetable which are served with soy sake and sweet chili sauces.

We also loved the Chinese BBQ Tofu, served crispy with Chinese broccoli and Himalayan red rice; and the Lamb Ribs which are sweet and spicy, served with crumbled cashews and a cool cucumber salad.

HINT: Try one of Om's "aromatherapy" cocktails, a hot new trend in mixology, which are infused with lavender, jasmine, lemongrass and rose. We had the Purple Rain, essentially a mojito with fresh lime, mint, blackberries and a hint of lavender. Yes, it is as good as it sounds.

Phone: 617.576.2800
92 Winthrop Street
Cambridge, MA 02183

Written by Guest Blogger: Kurt Stiegel

Get at him: kstieg1@gmail.com

Hungry Mother - The Ultimate Neighborhood Restaurant!

It took us a while, but we finally tried Hungry Mother in Cambridge. The reason for the buzz around the streets would be: Chef Barry Maiden. Maiden was named Best New Chef of Food & Wine Magazine in 2009 and has continued to create new and original items for the HM menu.

Our favorites included The Salmon Croquettes and French Gnocchi. The atmosphere is very cozy, simple, chic with vintage accents throughout. They also offer a extensive cocktail and whiskey list. Some liquors will not be arriving until Winter and are guaranteed to be rarities that you will not find in many parts of the U.S.

HINT: Although a great place for dinner, the late night bar scene is just perfect. Fabulous drinks, great bar menu, and friendly neighbors!

Phone: 617-499-0090

233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02141

Athan's Bakery - The best Frappe in town!

Athans Bakery has been a Boston staple for years. Coffee snobs like us appreciate their long list of European coffees and teas. Athan's also offers great Panini's, Salads and more. With large table space and free WiFi at both locations, Athan's is the perfect place for an afternoon escape! Maybe someday, you can escape to their third location in Kalamata, Greece.

They have so much to offer, yet we have not mentioned their daily homemade Cookies, Cakes, Gelato and more baked goods then you can ever imagine! If you have yet to visit the bakery, their famous Baklava is waiting for you and your afternoon craving.

HINT: Athan's is the only place in Boston to find a Nes Cafe Frappe. A popular European Iced-Coffee drink. Trust us, you will never order a regular coffee again. (Pictured Above)

Brookline
Phone: 617-734-7028
1621 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446

Brighton
Phone: 617-783-0313
407 Washington Street
Brighton, MA 02135

Rino's in East Boston - Italian Perfection!

We went to East Boston and came home with a piece of heaven. A little hole in the wall joint called Rino's is by far the best Italian in the city. With helpings that your Italian Grandmother would approve of, Rino's takes care of your cravings from start to finish.

Their appetizer Bruschetta is only $6.00 and can easily feed a family of four. With endless homemade options from the Gnocchi to the Veal Scallopini, everyone is guaranteed to leave happy.

HINT: The Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives also picked up on this hidden gem!

Phone: 617-567-7412

258 Saratoga Street
East Boston, MA 02128-1616

Atlantic Beer Garden - Fun on the Waterfront!

Sick of the same old scene at Tia's on a warm summer night? We are too! That is why we finally ventured out to The Atlantic Beer Garden. Here you can expect to find a fab menu, great music, cheaper and larger beer selections, and a loud and lively crowd almost every night of the week!

HINT: Enjoy dinner on the waterfront paired with a killer live reggae band every Sunday from 5:30pm-9:30pm.

Phone: 617-357-8000

146 Seaport Blvd

Boston, MA 02210

Bistro Du Midi - Croque Monsieur anyone?!

Bistro Du Midi sits on the corner of Boylston and Arlington Streets across from the Boston Common.The two floor restaurant brings in a modern French inspired menu and aesthetic. In the Spring and Summer seasons, the entire front of the restaurant opens to an outdoor eatery, making for a sweet and romantic experience. From the menu, we can't get over the Lobster Macaroni Gratin $23 and the Croque Monsieur $12.

HINT: The wine list features a few from The South of France that are a rare find in Boston!

Phone: 617-426-7878
272 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116

Devlin's - Simply Perfect.

Devlin's is a favorite spot to warm up on winter nights, however we look forward to the opening of their outdoor patio and bar every year! From the Mussels to the Lobster with Penne, your palate will be pleasantly surprised by Devlin's perfected menu. Meet for dinner and then head over to the other side for a great selection of beers on tap and DJ every Thursday-Saturday, or enjoy a warm summer night out on the secluded back patio and bar!

HINT: They make one of the best pomegranate martinis in the city.

Phone: 617-779-8822
332 Washington Street
Brighton, MA 02135

Woodward and The Ames - Ooh la la!

The Ames Hotel is an absolute beauty! The ambiance is breathtaking, the nightlife vibrant, and the family style menu at Woodward is perfect for group dining. The chic eatery turns into a happening two floor bar scene past 11pm. Think NYC Meatpacking meets Classic Boston. This hot spot is definitely buzzing around town, and we can see why!

HINT: Their weekend Brunch is also FAB and is served until 3pm!

Phone: 617-979-8100
1 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO - Celebrate at MASA!

Live Salsa on Thursdays, a happening bar scene, killer Tapas and patio seating...need we say more? Masa restaurant has an extensive Tapas and dinner menu and a FAB selection of flavored Margaritas. (Try the Habanero Watermelon Margarita)

Off the Tapas menu, we are still talking about the Masa style BBQ Mac & Cheese with Smoked Gouda, Roasted Peppers, Chorizo, Onions and Garlic. 5.95 We vote MASA for the best Cinco De Mayo party in Boston tonight!

HINT: In honor of Cinco De Mayo, they are offering $5 Margaritas for the entire month of May!

Phone: 617-338-8884
439 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116-6304

Upstairs on the Square - Live Jazz, Afternoon tea and more!

Mary Catherine and Deborah, the owners of Upstairs on the Square have been friends for over 35 years and still enjoy greeting their guests every evening for dinner. Upstairs on the Square makes for a perfect date night, or for a night out on the town with the girls! (Try one of their signature pink cocktails) One of our favorite Spring menu additions include: Early Spring Vegetables & Tiny Ricotta Gnocchi Cardamom Wine Broth, Shiitake Mushrooms & Mint. $23

With two dining rooms, afternoon tea, event happenings and more, there is always something new to experience at this cozy, unique and historic Boston gem! (Obama often pays a visit when he is in town).

HINT: Every third Thursday of the month, dine and dance to live Jazz music from the famous Winiker band.

Phone: 617-864-1933
91 Winthrop Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

The Golden Temple - Watch the E Room come to life!

The Golden Temple prides itself on fresh, healthy and local ingredients. This is a favorite hidden gem of ours, not only because of their great food, but also for the unbelievably awesome night life that their E room or we like to call (The Spaceship) brings to life after 11:00pm. A house DJ rocks out every Friday and Saturday evening for a great dance party. Any other night of the week? Create your own party and ask them to throw on your ipod. They are usually happy to accept!

HINT: Try the Shao-Mai (Shrimp/Pork) Lightly steamed, open-faced dumplings, stuffed with finely chopped shrimp, pork, water chestnuts, scallions, Chinese seasonings 6.95

Phone: 617-277-9722
1651 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02445

Tapas, Belly Dancing, Hookah and more - Tangierino's!

Tangierino, a Moroccan restaurant sits on a adorable street in Charlestown. Everything we ordered off the menu was a delight. Try the grilled skewers of chicken, tagine of Moroccan style risotto with summer squash, baby green peas, caramelized onions, coconut milk-curry sauce, and parmesan $23. Or order off their full Tapas menu for a lighter fare served from 5pm-Midnight daily.

If you are yet to be sold, after 10pm, the lights dim, the candles are lit, the belly dancers arrive, the music turns up and you and your party can move downstairs to enjoy hookah, drinks, cigars, dancing on tables and more in little alcoves and cozy lounges. This is a true hidden gem in Boston!

HINT: Try our favorite cocktail, The Drunken Camel: Woodford Reserve, peach purée, peach bitters, fresh sour, fresh lemon.

Phone: 617-242-6009
73 Main Street
Charlestown, MA 02129-3780

Sophisticated comfort food - Sorellina

My mouth starts to water just thinking about the Kobe beef meatballs and Truffled fries topped with Parmagiano at Sorellina. The ambiance is described as "sophisticated comfort" and that is exactly what the menu, extensive wine list and service brings to your experience. If you have yet to try it, you have not fully enjoyed Boston dining at its best. Trust us.

HINT: Don't have time for a sit down dinner? The bar bites menu and martini list is a fun and elegant option before hitting the town!

Phone: 617-412-4600
1 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116

Best Sangria in town! - Sol Azteca

Spring weather has arrived, just in time for April Fools! (Hope you didn't fall for one today) I don't know about you, but this weather is making us crave Sangria and fresh guacamole! That's when our team plans to head to Sol Azteca, by far the best Mexican food in town. Their guacamole is made fresh to order and the chicken enchiladas are killer. Rather than mainstream Mexican joints, there is really a old Mexico feel to the taste and style of Sol Azteca.

HINT: Their Sangria won numerous Best of Boston awards! See for yourself:)

Boston
Phone: 617-262-0909
914 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02215

Newton
Phone: 617-964-0920
75 Union Street
Newton, MA 02459

The Miracle of Science Bar + Grill - You never know who you may run into...

The Miracle of Science bar + grill always offers a fresh menu right off of their full-size chalk board wall. It is a perfect meet-up spot for drinks or a quick bite to eat before heading to one of the neighborhood hot spots, such as Middlesex Lounge (located right next door.) Spotted at Miracle of Science during my dinner last month? Miss. Bjork herself...and we all know that she only hits up the coolest spots in town!

HINT: Try the chicken skewers, always cooked to perfection and paired with their house salsa and salad.

Phone: 617-868-2866

321 Mass. Ave

Cambridge, MA 02139