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At the Think Alive Foundation my I developed, planned, organized and implemented a preliminary marketing strategy. I also oversaw infrastructure improvements and developments. Over the course of the placement there were no changes in the primary job responsibilities.
As a whole i would rate this placement as a very good place to intern for. I would recommend it to other students since it was a great ecperuence and i felt as thoughi made a difference in a small organization. If i could change one thing about this internship i would make the struckture of Think Alive's involvement a little smoother.
My advice for other students is to take risks, and do something you dont otherwise think you would do!
30 Eylül 2012 Pazar
MSBDC Western Digital Office; Springfield, MA
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My primary job responsibilities at the MSBDC were to;
- consult with business owners
-work on financial statements
-cash flows
-assesing business plans
This field placement was excellent all around and provided me with top-notch experiences. I recommend this placement to other students, the personal interest from suppervisors of the progress you make helps to polish your skills.
If I could change anything about this placement i would have changed its location.
My advice for other students is to pursue a job with a business you like.
- consult with business owners
-work on financial statements
-cash flows
-assesing business plans
This field placement was excellent all around and provided me with top-notch experiences. I recommend this placement to other students, the personal interest from suppervisors of the progress you make helps to polish your skills.
If I could change anything about this placement i would have changed its location.
My advice for other students is to pursue a job with a business you like.
Walt Disney World; Orlando, FL
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My Job responsibilitities at the front desk included
I would rate my placement as excellent and would recommend it to other students because I think everyone who wants to work with resorts should have some sort of front desk experience. It is the main hub of the establishment and demonstrats how the resort is run.
If I could change anything I would have liked to have more responsibility such as concierge training.
My advice to others is to have an open mind, every experience is a learning opportunity.
- Check in/ check out
- Dealing with all guest situations
- Runner shifts and room deliveries
I would rate my placement as excellent and would recommend it to other students because I think everyone who wants to work with resorts should have some sort of front desk experience. It is the main hub of the establishment and demonstrats how the resort is run.
If I could change anything I would have liked to have more responsibility such as concierge training.
My advice to others is to have an open mind, every experience is a learning opportunity.
Safety Net Outreach; Boston, MA
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My job role was to
The only thing I would change about this placement is my connection with my supervisor.
My advice to others seeking a field experience placement is to make sure that its something you truly want to do. You must be prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly at all times.
- Shadow caseworkers, take clients to appointments/shopping etc
- Call clients ans assist in providing emotional support for any stress they might have
- Doing light case management work with the clients
- Research different community resources available regarding health or financial information for clients
The only thing I would change about this placement is my connection with my supervisor.
My advice to others seeking a field experience placement is to make sure that its something you truly want to do. You must be prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly at all times.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; Hatfield, MA
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Job Role:
Advice I would give to students searching for a field experience is to apply to anything that interests them even if they do not have any experience. I went in for the interview with no previous experience and my manager hired me because I told her that I am eager and quick to learn, as well as enthusiastic about the causes we would be working towards.
- Executed special events
- Managed multiple databases
- Assisted in marketing/fundraising/social networks
- Helped to create and develop third-party events
- Performed general office work
- Researched as needed
Advice I would give to students searching for a field experience is to apply to anything that interests them even if they do not have any experience. I went in for the interview with no previous experience and my manager hired me because I told her that I am eager and quick to learn, as well as enthusiastic about the causes we would be working towards.
29 Eylül 2012 Cumartesi
Shadow Shot Sunday #189 ~ Phoenix ZooLights Shadows
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Last Tuesday evening we went to the Phoenix Zoo ZooLights with our daughter, SIL,David, and his two sister's families. David's eldest sister and her husband both work at the Zoo. In fact, David's brother in law is the designer for ZooLights. It was fabulous! If you look closely, you can spy some shadows there. For more Shadow Shots just click HERE. Gemma is our hostess once again this week.HAPPY NEW YEAR and BLESSINGS TO ALL MY BLOG BUDDIES!!love, Cassie
Last Tuesday evening we went to the Phoenix Zoo ZooLights with our daughter, SIL,David, and his two sister's families. David's eldest sister and her husband both work at the Zoo. In fact, David's brother in law is the designer for ZooLights. It was fabulous! If you look closely, you can spy some shadows there. For more Shadow Shots just click HERE. Gemma is our hostess once again this week.HAPPY NEW YEAR and BLESSINGS TO ALL MY BLOG BUDDIES!!love, Cassie
Shadow Shot Sunday #192 ~ Guest Photographer
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Patrick has had his eye on this saguaro cactus for a while now. He is fascinated at how it seems to be growing out of the rock outcropping. He got these shots when our daughter and SIL were here. I'm guessing the artist in Patrick and the ham in David helped concoct this middle photo.
For more Shadow Shots from around the world, you can just click HERE. Our hostess this week is Rose.
Blessings to all who pass this way.
love, Cassie
Patrick has had his eye on this saguaro cactus for a while now. He is fascinated at how it seems to be growing out of the rock outcropping. He got these shots when our daughter and SIL were here. I'm guessing the artist in Patrick and the ham in David helped concoct this middle photo.For more Shadow Shots from around the world, you can just click HERE. Our hostess this week is Rose.
Blessings to all who pass this way.
love, Cassie
Shadow Shot Sunday #193 ~ Seating Shadows
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It's time for our Shadow Shots once again. I decided to pick a theme this week, so delved into my photo archives for all the chair shadows I could find. Even the dullest appearing chair or seating arrangement can cast an interesting shadow it seems. The bottom photo was actually taken automatically by my husband's game-cam which I had placed on the floor at the cabin. I have several interesting shots that were taken that way...All of the dogs in various poses, initiating the automatic shutter. This week Miss Gemma is our hostess with the mostess. To get to the host blog, just click HERE. Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Blessings on your head!love,Cassie
It's time for our Shadow Shots once again. I decided to pick a theme this week, so delved into my photo archives for all the chair shadows I could find. Even the dullest appearing chair or seating arrangement can cast an interesting shadow it seems. The bottom photo was actually taken automatically by my husband's game-cam which I had placed on the floor at the cabin. I have several interesting shots that were taken that way...All of the dogs in various poses, initiating the automatic shutter. This week Miss Gemma is our hostess with the mostess. To get to the host blog, just click HERE. Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Blessings on your head!love,Cassie
Shadow Shot Sunday #195 ~ Happy Valentine's Day!!
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The Phoenix Zoo had a fundraiser several years ago and my sweetie bought this brick as a gift for me. There is an identical one on the walkway to the Phoenix Zoo, so if you ever go to the zoo, look around row 121 for our brick! The hand sculpture is my Valentine's gift to Patrick this year. It means "I love you" in American Sign Language (ASL). I think it's nice to have these little reminders around.
This weeks hostess for Shadow Shot Sunday is Toby in Israel. For shadow shots from around the world, just click HERE.
Here's hoping you all have a good weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!!
love,
Cassie
The Phoenix Zoo had a fundraiser several years ago and my sweetie bought this brick as a gift for me. There is an identical one on the walkway to the Phoenix Zoo, so if you ever go to the zoo, look around row 121 for our brick! The hand sculpture is my Valentine's gift to Patrick this year. It means "I love you" in American Sign Language (ASL). I think it's nice to have these little reminders around.
This weeks hostess for Shadow Shot Sunday is Toby in Israel. For shadow shots from around the world, just click HERE.
Here's hoping you all have a good weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!!
love,
Cassie
Pulled Squash BBQ From Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue in Cave Creek
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Several folks have asked, "What is a pulled squash barbecue sandwich?" Well, the top photo here is the pulled squash sandwich that I had at Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue 2 weeks ago when I went with our godson. It is made with spaghetti squash, which isn't like normal squash, as it is in long strands very much like spaghetti. I really have no idea how they get the pulled squash to be so delicious, but it is soaked in their signature sauce and for folks who don't eat meat, it is the best! The BBQ sauce at Bryan's is SO yummy and they have a BBQ bar where you can get yourself a little cup of extra sauce to dip your fries in too. HERE is a link I found online for how to barbecue spaghetti squash. I hope this has helped clear up what the pulled squash sandwich is. If you ever get to the Phoenix area, a ride out to Bryan's BBQ in Cave Creek is worth the drive!
Several folks have asked, "What is a pulled squash barbecue sandwich?" Well, the top photo here is the pulled squash sandwich that I had at Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue 2 weeks ago when I went with our godson. It is made with spaghetti squash, which isn't like normal squash, as it is in long strands very much like spaghetti. I really have no idea how they get the pulled squash to be so delicious, but it is soaked in their signature sauce and for folks who don't eat meat, it is the best! The BBQ sauce at Bryan's is SO yummy and they have a BBQ bar where you can get yourself a little cup of extra sauce to dip your fries in too. HERE is a link I found online for how to barbecue spaghetti squash. I hope this has helped clear up what the pulled squash sandwich is. If you ever get to the Phoenix area, a ride out to Bryan's BBQ in Cave Creek is worth the drive!
28 Eylül 2012 Cuma
Bird of the Week - XXX
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This week's "Bird of the Week" is the Ruby-throated hummingbird. This little, brilliant jewel has just started showing up here in Reading. These little birds zip into your yard, hover, feed, and zip off. Hummingbird feeders and flower gardens attract these beautiful birds. The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird that breeds in eastern United States. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are bright emerald or golden-green on the back and crown, with gray-white underparts. Males have a brilliant iridescent red throat that looks dark when it’s not in good light. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly straight and fast but can stop instantly, hover, and adjust their position up, down, or backwards with exquisite control. They often visit hummingbird feeders and tube-shaped flowers and defend these food sources against others. You may also see them plucking tiny insects from the air or from spider webs. The Ruby-throated hummingbird spends the winter in southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
When you click on the link to All About Birds, be sure to watch some of the videos of them.
Photos from All About Birds and National Geographic.
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| Add caption |
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Male Ruby-throated hummingbird.
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When you click on the link to All About Birds, be sure to watch some of the videos of them.
Photos from All About Birds and National Geographic.
Bird of the Week - XXXl
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This week's "Bird of the Week" is the Baltimore oriole. This is the time of the year that the Baltimore oriole returns to Reading from it's wintering grounds in Central and South America. The male Baltimore oriole has brilliant orange and black plumage. It's wings, throat, back, and tail are black while it's underparts, shoulders, rump, and the tip and edges of tail are orange.
The Baltimore oriole breeds along woodland edges and open areas with scattered trees, especially deciduous trees. They also frequent parks and wooded urban areas. There nest is gourd-shaped and woven from hair, plant fibers, and synthetic fibers. It is hung by the rim from thin branches or a fork in a tall tree.
The Baltimore oriole eats caterpillars, fruits, insects, spiders, and nectar. They can sometimes be attracted to your backyard by putting out halved of oranges or grape jelly!
It's song is a series of rich whistled notes interspersed with rattles. It's call is a chatter.
Photos from All About Birds
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| Male Baltimore oriole. |
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| Female Baltimore oriole. |
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Male Baltimore oriole at it's nest. |
The Baltimore oriole eats caterpillars, fruits, insects, spiders, and nectar. They can sometimes be attracted to your backyard by putting out halved of oranges or grape jelly!
It's song is a series of rich whistled notes interspersed with rattles. It's call is a chatter.
Photos from All About Birds
Bird of the Week - XXXll
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This weeks "Bird of the Week" is the Chimney swift. A "flying cigar," the Chimney Swift is rarely seen perched. Its high-pitched twittering is a familiar sound during summertime as it flies high above, catching small flying insects. The Chimney swift has a fast, erratic flight. They are among the most aerial of birds, flying almost constantly except when at the nest or roosting at night. The Chimney Swift bathes in flight, gliding down to water, smacking the surface with its breast, then bouncing up and shaking the water from its plumage as it flies away. Chimney swifts feed on flying insects by pursuing the flying insects and catches them in their bill. They feeds in flocks or alone. Chimney swifts can devour over 1,000 insects in a day!
It's nest is a half saucer of woven small twigs held together with saliva. It's glued with saliva to inside wall of chimney. Photos from All About Birds.
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| Chimney swift in flight. |
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| You will often see, and hear, several Chimney swifts in flight together. |
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| It is very rare to see a Chimney swift nest. |
It's nest is a half saucer of woven small twigs held together with saliva. It's glued with saliva to inside wall of chimney. Photos from All About Birds.
Bird of the Week - XXXlV
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The last "Bird of the Week" is the Eastern Bluebird. It is not a common bird in Reading. As a matter of fact, I saw my first Bluebird in Reading in April of 2008. We just don't have enough of the necessary habitat to attract a lot of Bluebirds. The Male Eastern Bluebirds are vivid, deep blue above and rusty or brick-red on the throat and breast. Blue in birds always depends on the light, and males often look plain gray-brown from a distance. Females are grayish above with bluish wings and tail, and a subdued orange-brown breast. Blue tinges in the wings and tail give the grayer females an elegant look. Eastern Bluebirds sing a fairly low-pitched, warbling song made up of several phrases.
You can find Eastern Bluebirds in open country with patchy vegetation and large trees or nest boxes. Meadows, old fields, and golf courses are good places. Bluebirds typically sit in the open on power lines or along fences, with an alert, vertical posture. When they drop to the ground after an insect, they make a show of it, with fluttering wings and a fairly slow approach, followed by a quick return to the perch. Eastern Bluebirds eat mostly insects, wild fruit and berries.
Eastern bluebirds nest in cavities (holes). These holes may be in old trees, old fence posts, etc. They take readily to nest boxes erected in the proper habitat. The male Eastern Bluebird displays at his nest cavity to attract a female. He brings nest material to the hole, goes in and out, and waves his wings while perched above it. That is pretty much his contribution to nest building; only the female Eastern Bluebird builds the nest and incubates the eggs.
Eastern Bluebirds typically have more than one successful brood per year. Young produced in early nests usually leave their parents in summer, but young from later nests frequently stay with their parents over the winter.
The best place to see Bluebirds in Reading is at the Bare Meadow Conservation land off of Pearl St. Two years ago, a pair raised 3 broods (families)! I observed 1 male bird there this spring.
Photos from All About Birds.
The last "Bird of the Week" is the Eastern Bluebird. It is not a common bird in Reading. As a matter of fact, I saw my first Bluebird in Reading in April of 2008. We just don't have enough of the necessary habitat to attract a lot of Bluebirds. The Male Eastern Bluebirds are vivid, deep blue above and rusty or brick-red on the throat and breast. Blue in birds always depends on the light, and males often look plain gray-brown from a distance. Females are grayish above with bluish wings and tail, and a subdued orange-brown breast. Blue tinges in the wings and tail give the grayer females an elegant look. Eastern Bluebirds sing a fairly low-pitched, warbling song made up of several phrases.You can find Eastern Bluebirds in open country with patchy vegetation and large trees or nest boxes. Meadows, old fields, and golf courses are good places. Bluebirds typically sit in the open on power lines or along fences, with an alert, vertical posture. When they drop to the ground after an insect, they make a show of it, with fluttering wings and a fairly slow approach, followed by a quick return to the perch. Eastern Bluebirds eat mostly insects, wild fruit and berries.
Eastern bluebirds nest in cavities (holes). These holes may be in old trees, old fence posts, etc. They take readily to nest boxes erected in the proper habitat. The male Eastern Bluebird displays at his nest cavity to attract a female. He brings nest material to the hole, goes in and out, and waves his wings while perched above it. That is pretty much his contribution to nest building; only the female Eastern Bluebird builds the nest and incubates the eggs.
Eastern Bluebirds typically have more than one successful brood per year. Young produced in early nests usually leave their parents in summer, but young from later nests frequently stay with their parents over the winter.
The best place to see Bluebirds in Reading is at the Bare Meadow Conservation land off of Pearl St. Two years ago, a pair raised 3 broods (families)! I observed 1 male bird there this spring.
Photos from All About Birds.
Field day 201!
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Today was the annual Parker Middle School Field Day. Our homeroom did really well in all of the events and had a great time! Our costume theme was, "Willie Williams's Candy Factory".
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| Getting the costumes ready for the parade. |
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| Cotton candy! |
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| A peppermint! |
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| Nerds! - The candies! |
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| Pixie sticks surrounded by Jolly Ranchers! |
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| Double Bubble gum, M7M, Jolly Rancher, and a Reese's cup! |
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| Wilky Way! |
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| York peppermint patty and a Butterfinger. |
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| Reese's Cups! |
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| A Hersheys bar and a Watermelon Jolly Rancher. |
27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe
Laughing Dog, Kripalu and Baptiste-A Few Other Places to Yoga it Out
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Each time I enter the Down Under Yoga studio in Newton, I begin to breathe more slowly. I leave inspired, stronger and calmer. But because I can't always swing a 20 minute drive to class nor fit the class times into my schedule, there are a few other studios that I enjoy. One of the best parts of yoga is that most studios encourage drop ins. Yup-yoga is both commitment free (and even requires few accessories!)
Laughing Dog Yoga in Wellesley-I have yet to figure out why there is such a gap in the types of yoga offered in the Wayland/Weston/Wellesley/ Natick/Framingham area. There are many, many studios offering hot yoga, as well as extremely mellow hatha yoga. But Laughing Dog is the only studio I have found that offers a range of vinyasa and anasura without having to trek into Newton or Cambridge. The Saturday morning class with Marissa is excellent for her attention to detail in the poses. Jennifer, the owner of the studio offers teaches a number of classes that challenge the mind and body. Laughing Dog also has a classes for teens.
Baron Baptiste Studio in Cambridge and Brookline-There are times I just need to SWEAT. And Baptiste does it. The studios are hot. And the whole concept is based on the same intensive, power yoga style set of core poses. I am not a fan of the commercial feeling that comes along with this well publicized studio. However, the best part is that the studios are so popular that they literally have classes throughout the day. I began my yoga journey at a Baptiste studio and still go every few months or so.
Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires-You can read about the peaceful and beautiful setting, as well as the delicious food and inspiring yoga classes here and here. If I could afford it, I would commit to the month long teacher training programs here. Someday...perhaps.
Each time I enter the Down Under Yoga studio in Newton, I begin to breathe more slowly. I leave inspired, stronger and calmer. But because I can't always swing a 20 minute drive to class nor fit the class times into my schedule, there are a few other studios that I enjoy. One of the best parts of yoga is that most studios encourage drop ins. Yup-yoga is both commitment free (and even requires few accessories!)Laughing Dog Yoga in Wellesley-I have yet to figure out why there is such a gap in the types of yoga offered in the Wayland/Weston/Wellesley/ Natick/Framingham area. There are many, many studios offering hot yoga, as well as extremely mellow hatha yoga. But Laughing Dog is the only studio I have found that offers a range of vinyasa and anasura without having to trek into Newton or Cambridge. The Saturday morning class with Marissa is excellent for her attention to detail in the poses. Jennifer, the owner of the studio offers teaches a number of classes that challenge the mind and body. Laughing Dog also has a classes for teens.
Baron Baptiste Studio in Cambridge and Brookline-There are times I just need to SWEAT. And Baptiste does it. The studios are hot. And the whole concept is based on the same intensive, power yoga style set of core poses. I am not a fan of the commercial feeling that comes along with this well publicized studio. However, the best part is that the studios are so popular that they literally have classes throughout the day. I began my yoga journey at a Baptiste studio and still go every few months or so.
Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires-You can read about the peaceful and beautiful setting, as well as the delicious food and inspiring yoga classes here and here. If I could afford it, I would commit to the month long teacher training programs here. Someday...perhaps.
Yoga at Home: Yoga On-Line, Podcasts and Video Casts
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I get that nothing can replace the joy of a fabulous yoga class at a studio. And, in fact, the more I take classes at Down Under, the more hesitant I become to practice at home. I love being among a community of learners. And, most of all, I love having the individual support and guidance of a stellar teacher.
But between the travel time, the cost and the challenge of being a single mom trying to go to a studio, it is often far easier to make space for my practice at home. I am still trying to find the best sites, podcasts, DVDs to do yoga at home, so feel free to comment and add yours.
Kripalu: Could I sing their praises any more? Why, yes, I can! You can stream videos directly from their website. While Kripalu only offers 7 videos, each one is a full yoga class with a talented teacher. They also cover a range of challenges, from restorative to vigorous. These are also a great way to learn more about the Kripalu yoga style.
Yoga Journal has a strong set of videos. Granted some are dated, and I have yet to see the list updated. However, the yoga classes range from 5 minutes to 60 minutes, making it easy to fit a home practice into any schedule. I am a big fan of Jason Crandall's classes. In fact, I have these videos on my I-Phone so I can practice anywhere.
I just discovered Do Yoga With Me which has a range of free videos to stream. Obviously free videos from a range of studios means not knowing about quality. But the price makes it easy to try! I have been impressed with the pilates offerings.
Often great yoga teachers have a video or two that you can stream. I have used John McConnell,
In theory, My Yoga On-Line is pretty compelling. For a set price, you get unlimited streaming of yoga classes. But I have yet to sign up, as I am already paying for a monthly Netflix streaming option, as well as for all my yoga classes at local studios...If anyone has tried it, please share.
Netflix streaming offers a few classes, but none of compelled me to do some Downward dog poses...
I have yet to find an App that impresses me enough that I do it regularly. Most apps only have enough space to be a series of static poses, rather than a flowing workout. Nor do I find podcasts useful without visuals to check my footing. But feel free to share any great ones, too.
But between the travel time, the cost and the challenge of being a single mom trying to go to a studio, it is often far easier to make space for my practice at home. I am still trying to find the best sites, podcasts, DVDs to do yoga at home, so feel free to comment and add yours.
Kripalu: Could I sing their praises any more? Why, yes, I can! You can stream videos directly from their website. While Kripalu only offers 7 videos, each one is a full yoga class with a talented teacher. They also cover a range of challenges, from restorative to vigorous. These are also a great way to learn more about the Kripalu yoga style.
Yoga Journal has a strong set of videos. Granted some are dated, and I have yet to see the list updated. However, the yoga classes range from 5 minutes to 60 minutes, making it easy to fit a home practice into any schedule. I am a big fan of Jason Crandall's classes. In fact, I have these videos on my I-Phone so I can practice anywhere.
I just discovered Do Yoga With Me which has a range of free videos to stream. Obviously free videos from a range of studios means not knowing about quality. But the price makes it easy to try! I have been impressed with the pilates offerings.
Often great yoga teachers have a video or two that you can stream. I have used John McConnell,
In theory, My Yoga On-Line is pretty compelling. For a set price, you get unlimited streaming of yoga classes. But I have yet to sign up, as I am already paying for a monthly Netflix streaming option, as well as for all my yoga classes at local studios...If anyone has tried it, please share.
Netflix streaming offers a few classes, but none of compelled me to do some Downward dog poses...
I have yet to find an App that impresses me enough that I do it regularly. Most apps only have enough space to be a series of static poses, rather than a flowing workout. Nor do I find podcasts useful without visuals to check my footing. But feel free to share any great ones, too.
Strip T's In Watertown-Watch Out NYC!
To contact us Click HERE
Remember when you used to have go to to NYC to get really original food that didn't break the bank? I am talking about dishes that reflect a chef's unwillingness to stick with one genre, but to mix up the best of Japanese-Thai-Korean-Chinese flavors with New England seasonality.
When you imagine Strip T's in Watertown, think Momofuku meets Craigie on Main...in a former diner of sorts. Yup-just sitting in Watertown is a gem that you may want to catch now before the lines make it too hard to get in. Strip T's, a restaurant since 1986, was taken over by son Tim Maslow last April. The fact that Chef Maslow trained at the French Culinary Institute and worked at Momofuku may be the keys to getting best of NYC in MA.
Chef Maslow is thinking fresh. As we drove up he was getting a shipment of bass and tautog caught two hours prior by Ann, harpooning off of a kayak. In fact, it was too fresh to be served moments later as the restaurant opened. The restaurant takes some reservations, but for those walking in, 5:00 may be it. In fact by the time we left, at 6:30, the wait was 1 1/2 hours.
I began with one of my hand's down, favorite, all time bites. It was an oyster from Wallace Bay, Nova Scotia. But wait. The oyster was topped with two seemingly contradictory tastes: pickled rhubarb and knotweed, a Japanese herb (and considered by some as a weed!) Just go there. Try it. Tell me what you think.
Our first salad of the night consisted of grilled romaine, piled with tender oxtail (similar to short rib), a poached egg hand-delivered from Cepage Farm by Jonathan the general manager. The grilled romaine was just smoky and crispy enough to scoop up the creaminess of the egg.
We would have returned to Strip T's for the cauliflower alone. It was dipped in hot oil making it crispy and brown and sat on a golden puree of spicy chorizo. It was topped with cotija cheese and sweet pickled onions.
The japanese eggplant banh mi could easily have been a main dish. It consisted of a chunk of french bread, filled with pillowy fried tofu, pickled daikon and carrots, fresh cilantro and tender eggplant. It was good, but it didn't knock us to the ground like the cauliflower.
The native squid salad was the unexpected star of the night. The tender grilled squid were topped with heavenly house cured, thick chunky bacon. Fresh mint, pine nuts and sweet gently pickled cherry peppers somehow created a dish that brought out the glory of each component. I would return for this dish and for that bacon alone!
I loved the idea of the grilled sweet peas. And in fact, they are the one dish that I may try (and be able) to replicate at home. They grilled the little guys until they were black and then topped with sea salt and the warm aleppo pepper. I suspect this would work just as well with edamame.
We struggled to choose between main dish. I had read about the buttermilk fried chicken that is served with waffle. A glimpse at the hamburgers that came with glorious skin-on the edges French fries were clearly the choice of the kids at adjoining tables. But our lovely server, Kerry, suggested we go for the seasonal speciality: fried soft-shell crab. She sold us on the curry broth that was poured at the table. The dish was good. It was. I loved the combination of the chunks of celery root and Japanese yam that nestled in the bottom. But the rest of the dishes had spoiled us, persuading us that EVERY. SINGLE. DISH would be awe-inspiring. We still scooped up the broth and nibbled at the crab. Next time I may actually stick with the appetizers or try another of the main dishes.
We were so full we had to pass on the desserts as well. That begin said both Jonathan and Kerry sung the praises of the pots o' cream. Typically my eyes glaze as I see chocolate pots o' cream (panna cotta, pudding, etc.) but they pointed out that this one was made with, get this: shitake mushrooms! Perhaps that isn't everyone's idea of dessert, but it is definitely tapped my curiosity factor. Just one more example of the playfulness at Strip T's.
Strip T's, 93 School Street, Watertown, MA
Remember when you used to have go to to NYC to get really original food that didn't break the bank? I am talking about dishes that reflect a chef's unwillingness to stick with one genre, but to mix up the best of Japanese-Thai-Korean-Chinese flavors with New England seasonality. When you imagine Strip T's in Watertown, think Momofuku meets Craigie on Main...in a former diner of sorts. Yup-just sitting in Watertown is a gem that you may want to catch now before the lines make it too hard to get in. Strip T's, a restaurant since 1986, was taken over by son Tim Maslow last April. The fact that Chef Maslow trained at the French Culinary Institute and worked at Momofuku may be the keys to getting best of NYC in MA.Chef Maslow is thinking fresh. As we drove up he was getting a shipment of bass and tautog caught two hours prior by Ann, harpooning off of a kayak. In fact, it was too fresh to be served moments later as the restaurant opened. The restaurant takes some reservations, but for those walking in, 5:00 may be it. In fact by the time we left, at 6:30, the wait was 1 1/2 hours. I began with one of my hand's down, favorite, all time bites. It was an oyster from Wallace Bay, Nova Scotia. But wait. The oyster was topped with two seemingly contradictory tastes: pickled rhubarb and knotweed, a Japanese herb (and considered by some as a weed!) Just go there. Try it. Tell me what you think.Our first salad of the night consisted of grilled romaine, piled with tender oxtail (similar to short rib), a poached egg hand-delivered from Cepage Farm by Jonathan the general manager. The grilled romaine was just smoky and crispy enough to scoop up the creaminess of the egg.We would have returned to Strip T's for the cauliflower alone. It was dipped in hot oil making it crispy and brown and sat on a golden puree of spicy chorizo. It was topped with cotija cheese and sweet pickled onions.The japanese eggplant banh mi could easily have been a main dish. It consisted of a chunk of french bread, filled with pillowy fried tofu, pickled daikon and carrots, fresh cilantro and tender eggplant. It was good, but it didn't knock us to the ground like the cauliflower.The native squid salad was the unexpected star of the night. The tender grilled squid were topped with heavenly house cured, thick chunky bacon. Fresh mint, pine nuts and sweet gently pickled cherry peppers somehow created a dish that brought out the glory of each component. I would return for this dish and for that bacon alone!I loved the idea of the grilled sweet peas. And in fact, they are the one dish that I may try (and be able) to replicate at home. They grilled the little guys until they were black and then topped with sea salt and the warm aleppo pepper. I suspect this would work just as well with edamame.We struggled to choose between main dish. I had read about the buttermilk fried chicken that is served with waffle. A glimpse at the hamburgers that came with glorious skin-on the edges French fries were clearly the choice of the kids at adjoining tables. But our lovely server, Kerry, suggested we go for the seasonal speciality: fried soft-shell crab. She sold us on the curry broth that was poured at the table. The dish was good. It was. I loved the combination of the chunks of celery root and Japanese yam that nestled in the bottom. But the rest of the dishes had spoiled us, persuading us that EVERY. SINGLE. DISH would be awe-inspiring. We still scooped up the broth and nibbled at the crab. Next time I may actually stick with the appetizers or try another of the main dishes.We were so full we had to pass on the desserts as well. That begin said both Jonathan and Kerry sung the praises of the pots o' cream. Typically my eyes glaze as I see chocolate pots o' cream (panna cotta, pudding, etc.) but they pointed out that this one was made with, get this: shitake mushrooms! Perhaps that isn't everyone's idea of dessert, but it is definitely tapped my curiosity factor. Just one more example of the playfulness at Strip T's.
Strip T's, 93 School Street, Watertown, MA
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