Dave's Fresh Pasta

We had a freak warm spell a couple weeks ago.  It was seventy degrees in Boston and it really felt like the entire city was outside soaking in the sun.  Especially after we had all been literally soaked by inches and inches of rain just a few days before.

On days like that I love love love sitting outside and enjoying a relaxing meal.

Two Saturdays ago, I was able to do just that.  I sat outside my favorite lunch spot in Davis Square, soaking up the sun, and enjoying great conversation.

So what exactly makes Dave's Fresh Pasta so cool?

First of all, they make good sandwiches. They have a lot of different fresh baked breads and a nice variety of ingredients.  I probably still like the sandwiches at Hi Rise Bakery better, but these are cheaper, bigger in size, and still very good.

Check out some of the pre-made sandwiches in their counter!

The sandwich menu is huge, and frankly, a bit overwhelming if it's your first time there.  I was surprised at the variety of vegetarian options.  I chose a portabella, mozarella, and arugula sandwich, which I asked them to grill for me.

My friend got this beautiful sandwich filled with spinach, grilled onions, and turkey.

My other friend got the muffuletta.  I had never heard of this type of sandwich, so I decided to do a bit of internet research.  Apparently, muffuletta is actually a type of Sicilian bread, characterized by its large, round shape.  A classic muffuletta sandwich is made with an entire muffuletta loaf sliced in half.  It's filled with olive salad, cheese (such as provolone and emmentaler), and a variety of cured meats such as capicola (cured pork shoulder or neck), salami (cured sausage), and mortadella (bologna with cubes of pork fat added).  Usually they are quite large and sandwich shops will sell slices of them.  This one was HUGE!

What's cool about Dave's Fresh Pasta is that it's not only a sandwich shop, it's also a little neighborhood market that carries a lot of fresh produce, wine, cheese, and, of course, fresh homemade pasta!

It was here that I found the delicious, local burrata made by Fiore di Nonno.  They have a bunch of other great cheeses as well.

They also sell a really unique assortment of local produce. Check out these lobster mushrooms from Maine!

Of course, I always getting fresh pasta when I come here.  If you've been reading this blog even for a short while, you'd know that Bryan loves fresh homemade pasta.  They have many different types here, and they are all very good.

Plus, they have a lot of cool community events, such as pasta making classes, cooking classes, and wine tastings.

If you're in Davis Square, you should definitely check this place out.  The sandwiches are good, and the shop is super fun to explore!

Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St
Somerville, MA 02144

Dave's Fresh Pasta

We had a freak warm spell a couple weeks ago.  It was seventy degrees in Boston and it really felt like the entire city was outside soaking in the sun.  Especially after we had all been literally soaked by inches and inches of rain just a few days before.

On days like that I love love love sitting outside and enjoying a relaxing meal.

Two Saturdays ago, I was able to do just that.  I sat outside my favorite lunch spot in Davis Square, soaking up the sun, and enjoying great conversation.

So what exactly makes Dave's Fresh Pasta so cool?

First of all, they make good sandwiches. They have a lot of different fresh baked breads and a nice variety of ingredients.  I probably still like the sandwiches at Hi Rise Bakery better, but these are cheaper, bigger in size, and still very good.

Check out some of the pre-made sandwiches in their counter!

The sandwich menu is huge, and frankly, a bit overwhelming if it's your first time there.  I was surprised at the variety of vegetarian options.  I chose a portabella, mozarella, and arugula sandwich, which I asked them to grill for me.

My friend got this beautiful sandwich filled with spinach, grilled onions, and turkey.

My other friend got the muffuletta.  I had never heard of this type of sandwich, so I decided to do a bit of internet research.  Apparently, muffuletta is actually a type of Sicilian bread, characterized by its large, round shape.  A classic muffuletta sandwich is made with an entire muffuletta loaf sliced in half.  It's filled with olive salad, cheese (such as provolone and emmentaler), and a variety of cured meats such as capicola (cured pork shoulder or neck), salami (cured sausage), and mortadella (bologna with cubes of pork fat added).  Usually they are quite large and sandwich shops will sell slices of them.  This one was HUGE!

What's cool about Dave's Fresh Pasta is that it's not only a sandwich shop, it's also a little neighborhood market that carries a lot of fresh produce, wine, cheese, and, of course, fresh homemade pasta!

It was here that I found the delicious, local burrata made by Fiore di Nonno.  They have a bunch of other great cheeses as well.

They also sell a really unique assortment of local produce. Check out these lobster mushrooms from Maine!

Of course, I always getting fresh pasta when I come here.  If you've been reading this blog even for a short while, you'd know that Bryan loves fresh homemade pasta.  They have many different types here, and they are all very good.

Plus, they have a lot of cool community events, such as pasta making classes, cooking classes, and wine tastings.

If you're in Davis Square, you should definitely check this place out.  The sandwiches are good, and the shop is super fun to explore!

Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St
Somerville, MA 02144

Dragon Fruit (pitaya)

Have you ever seen a dragon fruit?  This exotic, beautiful fruit, also known as the pitaya, actually comes from a cactus plant.  I saw this on the streets of Chinatown in New York this past weekend.  Even though I had no idea what it was, I was drawn to its exotic and beautiful color.

I had to buy one.

After doing some research, I realized that this stuff is truly a superfood.  Not only is it low in calories and high in fiber, it's packed with vitamins and antioxidants.  Studies have confirmed the idea that has been floating around for awhile, that dragon fruit actually helps lower blood glucose levels in those with hyperglycemia (elevated glucose levels).  Furthermore, Anand-Swarup et al demonstrated in rats that dragon fruit "increased the oxidative defense and protected aorta from hyperglycemic damage in rats in whom diabetes was induced."

Because it's a tropical fruit (native to Central America but widely grown in Southeast Asia), dragon fruit is relatively rare in the East Coast.  Even in Chinatown, I paid $7 for the one fruit!

How to Eat a Dragon Fruit
A dragon fruit is ready to eat when the skin yields slightly when pressed, similar to a mango.  It tastes better when chilled, so I put mine in the refrigerator overnight.

First, cut the dragon fruit in half.  So pretty!  Looks like cookies & cream ice cream inside!

Slice it up, and you can eat it plain if you want. The flavor is rather light and a bit bland.  It's mostly water inside (after all, it is a cactus fruit!).  You can eat the seeds.  It's similar to a kiwi in some ways, but much less tart, much less sweet, and much less flavorful over all.  The flesh is pretty soft, soft enough to scoop with a spoon.

I found that it tasted much better if I just tossed the cubes with a bit of lemon juice. I squeezed half a lemon over the entire bunch.  I also added just a tiny bit of sea salt to bring out the flavor (don't add too much or else it begins to taste kinda salty!).  I actually bet it would taste fantastic if mixed with other fruits in a fruit salad.  It would present beautifully as well.

It's refreshing, light, and for some reason, I feel really good after eating it.  Maybe it's part-psychological, but I feel really healthy - well hydrated, full, and satisfied.

It's not the most flavorful of fruits, but it's super healthy, fights a myriad of diseases, and is just so pretty to look at!

Dragon Fruit (pitaya)

Have you ever seen a dragon fruit?  This exotic, beautiful fruit, also known as the pitaya, actually comes from a cactus plant.  I saw this on the streets of Chinatown in New York this past weekend.  Even though I had no idea what it was, I was drawn to its exotic and beautiful color.

I had to buy one.

After doing some research, I realized that this stuff is truly a superfood.  Not only is it low in calories and high in fiber, it's packed with vitamins and antioxidants.  Studies have confirmed the idea that has been floating around for awhile, that dragon fruit actually helps lower blood glucose levels in those with hyperglycemia (elevated glucose levels).  Furthermore, Anand-Swarup et al demonstrated in rats that dragon fruit "increased the oxidative defense and protected aorta from hyperglycemic damage in rats in whom diabetes was induced."

Because it's a tropical fruit (native to Central America but widely grown in Southeast Asia), dragon fruit is relatively rare in the East Coast.  Even in Chinatown, I paid $7 for the one fruit!

How to Eat a Dragon Fruit
A dragon fruit is ready to eat when the skin yields slightly when pressed, similar to a mango.  It tastes better when chilled, so I put mine in the refrigerator overnight.

First, cut the dragon fruit in half.  So pretty!  Looks like cookies & cream ice cream inside!

Slice it up, and you can eat it plain if you want. The flavor is rather light and a bit bland.  It's mostly water inside (after all, it is a cactus fruit!).  You can eat the seeds.  It's similar to a kiwi in some ways, but much less tart, much less sweet, and much less flavorful over all.  The flesh is pretty soft, soft enough to scoop with a spoon.

I found that it tasted much better if I just tossed the cubes with a bit of lemon juice. I squeezed half a lemon over the entire bunch.  I also added just a tiny bit of sea salt to bring out the flavor (don't add too much or else it begins to taste kinda salty!).  I actually bet it would taste fantastic if mixed with other fruits in a fruit salad.  It would present beautifully as well.

It's refreshing, light, and for some reason, I feel really good after eating it.  Maybe it's part-psychological, but I feel really healthy - well hydrated, full, and satisfied.

It's not the most flavorful of fruits, but it's super healthy, fights a myriad of diseases, and is just so pretty to look at!

Unique Dumpling

Ever since Noodle Alcove closed in Chinatown, we have been lamenting the loss of fresh, handmade noodles in Boston. More recently, we discovered that Beijing Star in Waltham makes their own "dao xiao mian," or knife-cut noodles.  Though pretty solid, it was a bit far to drive for a weeknight meal.  We had high hopes for East by Northeast as well.  Unfortunately, that place was quite expensive and had unconventional flavors, which again left us with no comforting, authentic fresh noodle soup restaurants nearby.

Imagine our delight when we received a phone call from our good friend Peter.

"Hey guys - guess what took over the old Wisteria location?  A Taiwanese/Northern Chinese place that  makes fresh noodles."

We had been circling around Union Square looking for parking to try out a new Mexican restaurant. Moments after he called, we immediately stopped looking and headed straight to East Cambridge to try this place out.

Unique Dumpling has two menus - an American one (which has all your "classics" such as Crab rangoons, General Gau's chicken, and egg rolls) and a gloriously authentic one with items such as shredded pig tripe in chili sauce, pork feet braised in soy sauce, and tea flavored eggs, not to mention the fresh homemade dumplings and noodle soups!

Pork and Leek Dumplings ($5.95)
You can order a set of 12 dumplings for around $6, or take home a frozen pack of 50 for around $15.  We thought the dumplings were OK.  For Boston, it's not bad.  Of course, it's nothing close to my favorite dumpling place in America, or even my favorite dumplings in Boston, but it's decent, and they are definitely homemade.

Steamed Juicy Pork Buns ($5.95)
Similarly, their soup dumplings are also only OK - authentic, but not particularly exciting.  The skin is thicker than what I prefer, and the flavors are average.  Nevertheless, it's nice to have access to these types of authentic dishes so close to home, and the prices are not bad at all.

Shredded Pig Tripe with Chili Sauce ($3)
This was one of the most flavorful dishes, and they are not shy with the chilis! It was borderline too hot for me, but Bryan loved it.  Nice flavors, and they recommend it as one of their best dishes.

Pork and Mustard Greens Noodle Soup ($6.95)
We ordered this noodle soup after coming back to Boston from a late flight. It really hit the spot. In general, their soups are relatively light, not too oily, and pretty healthy.  Of course, this dish has the wonderful fresh chewy handmade noodles that Bryan loves.  The texture of the noodles was quite "Q" (al dente in Taiwanese) and had a good bounce to them.  The soup was pretty light, to the point that some might find it not salty enough. I am generally sensitive to salt, so this worked perfectly for me.  Plus you can always add more salt if you think there's not enough in there.

Beef Tendon Noodle Soup ($6.95)
This is supposedly one of their signature dishes, and it's pretty good.  The beef and tendon pieces have been stewed for a long time, and thus are quite flavorful and soft. I love beef tendon, so I really enjoyed the meat in this dish. The soup is a bit lighter and has less depth than other good beef noodle soups I've tried. Perhaps this goes along with their whole theme of healthier, less salty dishes. Of course, the fresh chewy noodles make this dish pretty enjoyable, though be prepared for a sizeable soup-to-food ratio (i.e. the bowl is huge but a big portion of that is just broth).

Stir Fried Spinach with Garlic ($8.95)
A lot of restaurants cook their green vegetables in a ton of oil.  I really like how the stir fried spinach here was pretty light and healthy. It still had a nice garlic flavor infused throughout, but the dish tasted more like home-cooked stir fried spinach (cooked in juices) rather than restaurant shiny-oily spinach (cooked in oil).  Portions were super generous.

Da Lu Mian ($6.95)
The authentic version of this dish is not soupy, but saucy.  This version of Da Lu Noodle Soup was definitely saucy, poured over the fresh, chewy homemade noodles.  I thought it was funny how they crossed out the word "soup" on the menu, since I'm sure more than one person expected a big bowl of broth and was disappointed.  This dish was fine, though not as good as some that we've had in California.

Beef Pancake
This beef pastry was OK- I didn't love it.  It was a bit greasy and didn't have particularly exciting flavors, but it was alright.  It was decently crispy and flaky, and the filling was nice and hot.

Sweet Red Bean Paste Cake
This dessert was awesome!  Imagine a red bean mochi cake pan fried so that the edges are nicely golden brown and crunchy while the insides are gooey and hot.  I loved this dessert.

Overall Thoughts
The menu here is pretty authentic. I don't think any of the dishes are earth-shatteringly amazing (I still like Shangri La and Gourmet Dumpling House more), but for Cambridge, they are pretty good.  I especially like how they don't over-salt their dishes, and I like how there are several relatively healthy and tasty options on the menu.  The owners are really nice, and the lady actually told me we could try ordering anything we wanted, since the chef actually knows how to make many dishes.  One example we thought of was "three-cup chicken," which she confirmed they could definitely make.

So finally, finally we have an affordable and tasty option for fresh handmade noodles in Cambridge.  Best yet, it's open late and they deliver.  Definitely check this place out if you're in the neighborhood and looking for a good, inexpensive, and authentic bite to eat.

Unique Dumpling
569 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02141