Exotic Encounter at Floating Rock

The last time I've had Cambodian food was about 10-12 years ago, somewhere in Lowell. Since there was a coupon on Scoutmob for the Floating Rock in Cambridge, I decided to give this restaurant a try.

The location was great, the decor was nice, and the waitress was quite attentive. They offer Happy Hour from 5-7pm (Monday-Friday) at the bar.

The food could be better, but I shouldn't be complaining since this is the closest Cambodian restaurant in town besides my favorite, The Elephant Walk. Until next time, hope everyone have a yummy meal tonight.

Mango Salad
This was so good, I ordered a take-out after dinner.

Steak Loc Lac - Sautéed, cubed beef tenderloin in hoisin, garlic pepper sauce served with lime sauce on the side for dipping.
The meat was tender and moist, pretty good after dipping into the lime sauce on the side.

Cha Ugg - Ground beef stir fried with basil and chili peppers
The meat was too dry, and this wasn't spicy at all.

RESTAURANT ADDRESS
485 Mass Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 455-4009
www.FloatingRockCambridge.com

PRICE
$$

STAR RATING
**

Cloud 9 @ M Bar & Lounge, Mandarin Oriental

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.
~Donna Roberts

What is a fun-filled Friday night without good drinks with good friends? After dinner, we decided to head to our favorite bar in town. M bar is not only good for their great drinks, but their endless almonds and olives.

I love their Espresso Martini, they are definitely not cheap on the liquor.

Strawberry Shortcake - to DIE for!

Lemon Meringue Parfait - light and fluffy with a perfect scent of lemon.

I forgot the name of this, but it had coffee and hazelnut in it... I would go for seconds if I wasn't too full.

M bar is equally as good as Finale, but Finale still rules with the best desserts in town. Until then... have a sweet, sweet day dreaming of sweet, sweet desserts! MmMmMmmmm! :)

RESTAURANT ADDRESS
776 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 535-8800
www.mandarinoriental.com/boston/dining/m_bar/

PRICE
$$$

STAR RATING
****

A Dinner Affair at Market, W Hotel Boston

I've heard great reviews of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Market Restaurant at the W Hotel in Boston when it first opened. I was excited that I finally had the chance to give this restaurant a tasty try.

lychee raspberry bellini
this cocktail was refreshing, but where was the alcohol?

whiskey passion fizz
this cocktail was only ok, nothing too special

rice cracker crusted tuna citrus-chili emulsion
this was beyond yummy-licious, I want to order seconds all for myself

black truffle pizza, fontina cheese
the truffles had a strong flavor, delicious

soy glazed short ribs - apple-jalapeno puree, rosemary crumbs
this was soft and tender, this was goooooood

striped bass with nut and seed crust - sweet and sour broth
the fish was not moist, unfortunately - and it was too crusty

warm chocolate cake - vanilla ice cream
mmmmm mmmmmm gooooooood

creme fraiche cheesecake - cherry compote, sour cherry sorbet
this wasn't as good as it looked...

I will definitely go back to Market for the tuna and the short ribs. Until then... have a nice and sweet chocolate dream!

RESTAURANT ADDRESS
100 Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116-4715
(617) 310-6790
www.marketbyjgboston.com

PRICE
$$$

STAR RATING
***

Meal @ The Butcher Shop in the South End

Love steak? Want good steak? You have to try The Butcher Shop in the South End. I've heard of this place awhile back on Boston.com - it is Tom & Giselle's usual dining place in the South End. Definitely worth a try, if you haven't... yet!

bread with homemade sea salt whipped butter
the homemade sea salt whipped butter is to die for...

champlain valley apiaries honey from vermont
this was so good, I ended up buying a jar for myself to take home

steak tartare: pickled onions, toast points
I was never a fan of steak tartare until I tried this...

antipasti della casa: prosciutto, mortadella, sopressata, rosette de lyon, finnochiono, petit jesus
not quite a fan of antipasti, but I heard it was good

18oz prime ribeye
yummy and delicious - I'm going back for another!

prime beef tenderloin
this was so small, but my friend said it was one of the best she has ever had

veggies, potato with rosemary and grits
you can never have enough veggies!

chocolate mousse: creme Chantilly
I only took 2 spoonful of this chocolate mousse and I was satisfied! I LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE!!!

My taste buds are getting a little snobby lately, but what is life if you don't get to experience great food? :)

RESTAURANT ADDRESS
552 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02118-3717
(617) 423-4800
www.thebutchershopboston.com

PRICE
$$$

STAR RATING
****

Dinner in Boston @ Bistro du Midi

I haven't seen my middle school friend for more than a decade, and finally - a chance to meet up. We ended up going to bistro du midi, it was my first time, and the experience was great. The cocktail I ordered did not taste anything like alcohol, which made this drink really delicious. I read great reviews about this restaurant, and it did not disappoint.

Yummy Cocktail

Tuna Tartare Tartine
Tuna was fresh, it melted in my mouth.

Barbajuans
First time having these, I actually really liked it - I was hesitant when we were ordering this. Hahaha!

Steak au Poivre
I finished the entire entree, the steak was cooked medium rare - Perfecto!

Saffron Chitarra & Seafood
J said this was really good, especially how this entree has saffron in it.

I would highly recommend if you haven't tried yet. Definitely worth a try, especially - the location of this restaurant, which I love. It's right across the Boston Commons.

RESTAURANT ADDRESS
272 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 426-7878
www.bistrodumidi.com

PRICE
$$$

STAR RATING
***