The Alewife

Bobo's Take by Bao Jian Yao

Chinatown's Kaza

Shabu-Shabu, is a neat concept, where all friends and family crowd around a pot of bubbly hot broth and boil anything that cooks. Shabu-shabu is a Japanese term, however, this custom of communal cooking and sharing has been in the Asian cultures for a long time. You know this because every family has its own recipe for soup and ingredient list.  There are a few places to experience this craze around Boston, one of my favorite is Kaze.  Walking into this neo-lighted spot, you’ll find a clean, aesthetically pleasing sitting area.  Now, you may be startled by the menu, because as you can see in the picture, it’s all raw food.  No worries, the patient, acknowledgeable staffs are trained to answer all your questions.

They’ll recommend proper portions and items for your parties.   I know the idea seems crazy, but a little soup is good for the heart and a little love is good for the soul, especially in this chilling winter season.

Kaza is at 1 Harrison Ave. When you call (617) 338-8283 ask for Mary Xu and she will take care of you.

Bobo's Take

SaWa's Pho Republique

Pho Republique is located in the up and coming South Washington Area.

In this trendy, off-beat decorated restaurant, you’ll find some uber-delicious drinks, yummy appetizers, and one very expensive bowl of Pho!

While Pho is a Vietnamese specialty, Pho Requlique offers a selection of other Asian cuisine, such as Tuna Tartar (Japanese) and Candied Garlic Spare Rib (Chinese). 

The latter is a delectable must try.  You may also be tempted to venture the sake-infused martinis, they are a refreshing surprise.

With the look, the food and the price, this is a place to go if you want to impress somebody, swing by on the weekend if you are in the mood to just meet and greet. 

Tip? Skip the Pho and try a appz and a drink.

Find it at: 1415 Washington St. Boston, MA 02116

Ask for Leah at (617) 262-0005

Alewife Photos by Neil W. McCabe

Bobo's Take by Bao Jian Yu

Beacon Hill's Zen

Zen Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar is one of my all time favorite spot. In the summer-deprived New England, Zen offers its patrons the best summer combo - an outdoor patio, where you can maximize your summer experience while enjoying the perfect summer food - sushi.

Bao Jian Yu

Aside from catch of the day sushi, Zen offer a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, for those who are ‘allergic’ to raw food and seaweed, you’ll find something you like here.

Good news for the Sake connoisseurs, Zen carries an extensive list of Sake, and imported beer that are not offered elsewhere. If you are to have one thing, make it the Volcano or the Tuna Torch Maki, they are both superb.

Call David at (617) 371-1230 to get a table.  The restaurant is at  21A Beacon St. in Boston--right off Park Street T-Stop next to the State House.

Alewife Photos by Neil W. McCabe

Bobo's Take by Bao Jian Yu

J.P.'s Ten Tables

Ten Tables, true to its name, have only ten tables. This tiny space in Jamiaca Plain offers an intimate dinning experience.

The atmosphere is inviting. Ten two-person tables line up neatly next to each other. The chef table oversees the kitchen, where you can witness all the actions.

Each table is dressed with white cloth, candle light and fresh flower of the day. The dishes are changed seasonally. My party ordered the Mussels in Saffron Cream, Portuguese Fish Stew and Coulotte Steak. They were all full of unique flavors can be hard to find elsewhere.

Ten Tables offers great deals on thought out the week, you can get a full course dinner with wine for a fixed price of $25-$40.

Don’t forget to make a reservation, as the name indicated, seating is very limited.

Dok Bua

by Bao Jian Yu

For all my friends who love Thai cuisine, and want to venture outside the norm, but are always skeptic on the funky names, meet Dok Bua.

Dok Bua features a wide variety of local Thai flavor.

You can find Chicken Satay, Beef Curry, or something different like Pad Se Ew.  The best part of this place is all items come in a picture menu.  Now you will never be surprise when you get what you ordered.

Dok Bua also offers a list of exotic Asian fruit drink that is worth trying.  Dok Bua is model after the Thai street kitchen.

You will find some very unique decoration in this restaurant. After dinning, there’s a small Thai snack shop, you can take home a souvenir snack.

Dok Bua Thai Kitchen is open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight and is located on 411 Harvard Ave in Brookline. For more information call: (617) 277-7087