Au Revoir and Bon Appetit, Boston

With my departure quickly approaching, I know I will be nostalgic for various gastronomical indulgences that only Boston can provide. Therefore, I want to share some of my favorite restaurants in Boston that I have worked so hard to find. I love little out of the way hole-in-the-walls and I hope you give them a try and enjoy them as much as we have.

Neptune Oyster - Quite possibly my most favorite restaurant EVER. I have been accused of being a California food snob but this little restaurant in the North End might halt my gloating of California's culinary superiority forever (well at least for a few days after a meal here). This small restaurant does not take reservations and has an extensive and impressive oyster bar. The oysters are generally from the East Coast and have great descriptions to help you decide what you would like to try, there is even one that tastes like popcorn! The lobster roll is AMAZING and will haunt my dreams for years to come.

Fuji 1546 - I think this Sushi restaurant was the dining establishment I frequented most often. Located on the South Shore, I have spent many evenings after work at this restaurant. The food is wonderful, one cannot go wrong with any of the choices. My personal favorites are the Avocado Salad, the Spicy Tuna Roll, and the Tempura Udon soup. The restaurant has an oddly hip vibe with karaoke at night, and be sure to look for the TV that is in the bathroom mirror (I swear, it's really there!)The availability of a Scorpion Bowl is just an added plus.

Ten Tables - A European inspired restaurant in Jamaica Plain offers a fantastic wine and food testing menu. A four course meal is $39/person and has different themes featuring wine from various regions. The food is locally grown and produced and the flavors are simple yet sophisticated. The small restaurant has an open kitchen so if you are as enamoured with cooking as I am, you will enjoy watching the chefs as they prepare your amazing meal. A great place for a romantic date night.

El Oriental de Cuba - Cuban food in a restaurant that will make you feel like you are in another country due to the laid back atmosphere. People come here for the Cuban Sandwich but the entrees are authentic (so I'm told) and superb as well. This place is also easy on the wallet.

El Pelon Taqueria - It takes a lot for this California girl to appreciate a burrito outside of the Golden State but this place puts out a respectable burrito. The El Guapo Burritto includes steak and plantains which is a great combo. My personal favorite is the Pescado Burrito. Big chunks of fish with breading perfectly seasoned for the burrito. Watch out for their extreme hot sauce!

Jim's Deli - I can't help it if this little hole in the wall makes me feel right at home with it's crowd of blue collar workers and hung over college students looking for a little greasy cure all. While not vegetarian friendly, this hidden jewel was suggested by my mechanic with the promise that "Everything is good at Jim's". Right he was indeed. The place has no nonsense burgers, wraps, salads, entrees, and breakfast that are simply GOOD. Take your friend and suggest the Fat Boy burger, watch him eat it, and continue to make fun of him the rest of the day.

3 Scoops - It doesn't quite have the buzz of JP Licks or Emack and Bolios but this small unassuming little place makes the best milkshakes/frappes! There is always the same guy working the counter, he's quiet, always reading a book, but very polite and obviously qualified to make an awesome shake. The milkshakes are thick and creamy and they offer really interesting flavors. Personal fave is the Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Shabu Zen - A little hot pot will always warm the heart on a cold day. Or hot day too if you are as addicted as I am. If you're not familiar with hot pot, you order your own meat and it comes with a plate of assorted veggies and noodles. On your table you have a pot of boiling hot broth than is flavored to your liking (either Kim Chee or Tom Yum, spicy or extreme) and you dip your meat and veggies in the broth to cook it, then dip in a dipping sauce and enjoy! It's a great place for groups, beginners get the hang of it pretty early on, and their fruit shakes are also wonderful. Try this place if you're looking for something a little different.

Suvarnabhumi Kiri - Generally I am weary of places that claim to have multiple Asian cuisines (e.g. Thai, Japanese, Korean etc) and even more weary of restaurants with names I cannot pronounce. However, Kiri exceeded all my expectations and is a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and great Thai, Cambodian, and Japanese fare. This place never disappoints! The Crispy Duck or Chili Duck is delicious. Wash it all down with a Sake Bomb!

These places are great, but what made them so good is the wonderful time I had breaking bread with my friends. Thanks for everything guys, you're the best.