The Hub in North Adams

The Hub

55 Main St.

North Adams, MA 01247

(413) 662-2500

We took a trip to North Adams recently, and I wanted hot dogs for lunch, but the wife wanted a little bit more. So we went to The Hub on Main Street. This is a small restaurant that looks like it could be a nice local hang out. The wait staff was friendly and helpful; a little slow, but nice enough.

I started with the homemade soup of the day, which was Lobster Bisque. The only thing I can say about this is that it was one step up from the hot soup you can get at the local supermarkets.

Next, I had the Harvest Turkey Ciabatta Sandwich: turkey with sliced apples, smoked gouda, and maple cranberry mayo on a grilled wheat ciabatta roll. 

This could have been so much better if they just used fresh thick sliced turkey breast. Instead, they used the standard shaved turkey from the deli. Why? 

I will say that the sweet potato tater tots that came with it were a nice little surprise.

Alex started out with the Lobster Bisque, also. I believe she indicated that she thought that the soup was just ok.

For a sandwich, she had the Grownup Grilled Cheese: Grilled artisan bread with creamy muenster cheese, shaved ham, & tomato.

She liked this but thought it was a little greasy. Alex knows her grilled cheese, so I will take her word on it.

The wife did not have any soup, but for a sandwich, she went right for her favorite. And, if you have read any of my other reviews, you would know that is a Ruben.  As far as a Ruben goes, she said that this one was pretty good, and she would have no problem ordering it again.

Now, my whole take on this restaurant is this: North Adams is in the middle of nowhere, it is a college town, and that is probably why they are still in business. I think if they were located in a city with more competition, they would not survive very long.

With some small changes like fresh ingredients and larger portions, it would probably get a better review.

Just because there is little else around, doesn’t mean mediocre is okay.  I don’t think I will be back. I will try the hot dog place down the street next time.

Casa Vallarta Mexican Restaurant

Casa Vallarta Mexican Restaurant

114 Broadway
Saugus, MA 01906

(781) 813-3980
 casavallarta.org

So, our friend Steve suggested this Mexican restaurant. Steve loves to eat, so we are always up for trying his recommendations.  Keep in mind, we were in search  of a new Mexican restaurant, since two of our favorites recently closed. Papagayo in Saugus and La Casa de Luis Mexican Restaurant in Manchester, MA.

My daughter, Alex and I arrive at the restaurant and, of course, she is talking to them in Spanish and I am just wondering what the hell they are talking about, but I see a couple of seat's at the bar, so I am happy.

The wait staff and bar tenders could not be any better. They get us some fresh chips, salsa and this nice bean dip. And the bar tender got my tequila right away.

I would not call this bar a tequila bar, by any means, but they did have a few good options. They also had a nice drink menu with plenty options.

The food menu was a standard Mexican food, like chimichangac, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, etc.. The food was very fresh and exactly what we were looking for. It is nice to go out and try new things, but it is also nice to just go out and have some good old fashion Mexican food.  It is even better when it tastes this good and you don't have  to stop at a bank for a loan to pay the bill.

I will be going back real soon.

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

1250 Market Street

Lynnfield MA 01940

781.944.4810

Center Cut Filet Mignon

http://davios.com

This weekend we were treated to a nice dinner at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Lynnfield Ma.

We went there for my wife’s office Christmas party.

Some people have a problem with Christmas parties in January, but I like them. They give you something to look forward to after all craziness of the holidays is over.

Now I have never been to Davio’s before and I was looking forward to it. 

We start out the meal by ordering some appetizers for the table.

First we ordered the spring roll sampler. One of each the following:

-Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls®, Spicy Homemade Ketchup, Spicy Mayo

-Chicken Parm Spring Rolls®, Marinara

-Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls®, Blue Cheese

-Shrimp Cotija Spring Rolls™, Citrus Aioli

-Reuben Spring Rolls™, Thousand Island

Now these tasted fantastic but they were not very large. More like spring roll bites,

which was a bit disappointing.

We also had Davio's Meatballs.  These were two big meatballs, which the waitress raved about, and we all felt were good.  My wife and I are Italian, so to us, they did not stand up to the hype.

The next appetizer made up for it. We had the Tuna Tartare, with Avocado, Chili Aioli and the Herb Pasta Chips. This was one the best Tuna Tartare I have ever had and based on the conversation with everyone else at the table, I was not alone.

The next course was a good Caesar salad.

This was very good.  Plenty of dressing and big enough to share, which my wife and I did.

Note: The salad's creation is generally attributed to restaurateur Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who operated restaurants in Mexico and the United States. He invented the dish when a Fourth of July 1924 rush depleted the kitchen's supplies. Cardini made do with what he had, adding the dramatic flair of the table-side tossing "by the chef. he

The main course included a 10 oz. Center Cut Filet Mignon for the wife, that at first came out over done. But the waitress (who was outstanding) quickly came back with a perfectly cooked steak that was as good as a Filet can be.
For her side, she ordered the a-la-cart Baked Eggplant with Mozzarella. This was also very good, and large enough for two to share.

I on the other hand went for the Grilled Center Cut Veal Rib Chop with Creamy Potatoes and Asparagus.

I can tell you I cleaned my plate. This was delicious, cooked just the way I wanted (medium rare) and was as tender as could be.

Baked Eggplant with Mozzarell

Grilled Center Cut Veal Rib Chop with Creamy Potatoes and Asparagus

I would recommend Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. The food was very good and the staff was excellent. But this is not a cheap place to eat so keep that in mind when you do go.