[Boston] Mr. Bartley's

Location Review
1246 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138





Being a big fan of the show Diner's Drive inns and Dives, I was ecstatic to know that my vacation schedule in Boston permitted a meal at Mr. Bartley's Gourmet Burgers, a famous Burger joint located next to Harvard University which was featured on the show.

Hosted by the one and only Guy Fieri, the episode highlights the best that Mr Bartley's has to offer: burgers and onion rings. Billy Bartley (son of the founder, Joe Bartley) has been learning the craft of burger making since he was 13, and ensures each burger uses only the freshest ingredients and minimal preservatives. Just a pinch of kosher salt on each! Guy Fieri ended up leaving very satisfied, and so I was definitely looking forward to having the same experience!

Mr. Bartley's

[Boston] Atlantic Fish Company

Location Review
761 Boylston Street
Boston, MA, United States



Coming to boston for the first time, I had a couple of items on my bucketlist I wanted to accomplish. They're not all related to food of course (I'm not always a fatass!). But conveniently the one crossed off while I was at Atlantic Fish Company, is. More on that later.

This restaurant was recommended by my coworker, and I was lucky enough to get the very last 6 person table for the next 3 weeks (which resulted from a last minute cancellation). Yes you got that right THREE WEEKS! I think that is a testament to how great the food is. If you plan on visiting this restaurant make sure you book well in advance!

Atlantic Fish Company

[Boston] Miracle of Science Bar

Location Review
321 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA



When I think Boston, I think of a city with lots of water, beans (it must be called Beantown for something!) and colleges. If I was right about one thing, it's the college presence! The MIT and Harvard campuses were absolutely beautiful. So it wasn't a surprise that one of the meals we had in Boston ended up being at a student hangout spot, next to MIT: Miracle of Science Bar (@MiracleScience).

Known for having one of the first open concept restaurants in Boston, they embrace the geek-chic science theme into their decor. As noted on their website, "This place is always packed with artists, musicians, geo physicists and computer gurus who know they don't have to go anywhere else looking for a good time."

Miracle of Science

[Vancouver] Vij's

Location Review
1480 W 11th Ave
Vancouver, BC
(604)736-6664



When it comes to the city of Vancouver, what type of cuisine stands out as the best the city has to offer? My answer to that question has always been "Seafood" or "Japanese" due to it's close proximity to the coastline. Never in a million years would I imagine myself changing my answer to "Indian", but after a visit to Vij's (@Vijs_restaurant) for some modern Indian cuisine, I am a believer.

[Vancouver] Shady Island Bar and Grill

Location Review
3800 Bayview Street
Richmond, British Columbia



Today's restaurant review is located in the historical village of Stevenston nearby Vancouver. The area has lots of little shops, and a boardwalk guiding you along the scenic fisherman's wharf. I was told if you wanted to get fish and chips in the greater vancouver area, Stevenston was the place to do it. Shady Island Bar and Grill, claims that they have "The Best Fish and Chips on the Boardwalk". Those were some powerful words that warranted a try. Taste test time!

Shady Island Bar and Grill

[Vancouver] Sushi Garden

Location Review
4635 Kingsway
Burnaby, British Columbia

Located across from the large shopping complex that is Metrotown, is a strip plaza where today's restaurant review is located. Sushi Garden has two locations in the Greater Vancouver area, and is the restaurant that I've come back to each time I visit B.C. In a nutshell, it's really just too good to pass up!

Optical illusion

Let me clear up any misconceptions this deceiving picture may bring about. You may be thinking "Mary, this restaurant looks pretty empty, must not be very good". Well my friends, it didn't take 2 seconds after I snapped this picture, that people started flooding in. Sushi Garden was open for business in the books at 11am that day, but to our surprise we were able to be seated at 10:50am when we arrived. Felt pretty good to be the first customers in the restaurant!

[Vancouver] Kiriri Japanese Cuisine

Location Review
8780 Blundell Rd
Richmond, British Columbia



One of the many days during my Vancouver trip, my cousin Fiona took us all out to lunch near by her house at Kiriri Japanese Cuisine. From what I gather it's not a very well-known spot, but she loves it for it's authentic Japanese fare and fresh fish. But on top of that, she praised about a cute Kaiseki Set that is served there. At the time I had never had a Kaiseki before, so it was definitely a treat for me! :)

Kiriri Japanese Cuisine