"Best thing to happen to Newtonville in five years"

Julia Tatum, writing the board at Taste

No secret how much I like Taste Coffee House in Newtonville - and I like to patronize the establishments of friends. When I'm not twisting people's arms to go to Shogun in West Newton, MA, which truly deserves a post of its own (it's coming, it's coming), I'm forcing them to meet me at Taste.

Nik, the owner, greets me yesterday when I arrive for two back-to-back meetings. Well, commiserates with me might be a better way to put it. Or blames me. "You're responsible for this," he says, as I stand forlorn at the counter, wishing for a seat for me and my two companions. The place is packed at 10 AM (and they don't even all seem to be people working on their resumes).

Then a man, sitting at a table by himself, offers me the chair across from him. I explain that there are two more coming. At which point, Nik repeats his view of me as the cause of the standing-room-only. And explains that I've blogged about Taste. At which point the man pipes up: "Here's a quote for your blog: 'Taste is the best thing to happen to Newtonville in five years.'"

Asking for a name to hang that quote on, he obliges: "Les," he says. I press on. What does he do? Turns out he's Pres and CEO of The Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, a most worthy organization. I should have been offering him a seat.

Comments

[Kristine]

I still haven't been to Taste. I don't drink coffee, so I still haven't made it there...but I think that Shogun is such a little gem!! One of my favorite restaurants around.

[jessica lipnack]

You must make it to Taste, Kristine - and you're encouraging me to write up Shogun. I go there so often that I have my own table (or at least I like to think so). Go, Ito-san! (Are you regular enough to know him by name?)

[Kristine]

I'm not really a regular, but I do know his name! I haven't been to Shogun in a few months, though. Maybe this weekend...I have a yen for Ito's Charles River Roll with the octopus. Such deliciousness!!

I'll have to try Taste soon, maybe this weekend!

[jessica lipnack]

Ask him for the "Jessica Special," spicy scallop and avocado salad. And when you go to Taste, please tell Nik that Endless Knots sent you. :)

[Lisa Claudia Briggs]

grew up on Otis street, now live way out in country. But- ate at Shogun at least 2x/week when I was in grad school. was totally addicted to their sushi. W.Newton is the best. still go to the movies there (don't start me on the popcorn). When we were young, we could walk there, and there was an amazing candy store called Barbara Jean's next door, run by truly the most dour and unhappy brother and sister ever. My brothers and I still speak of them with amazement that they could have this CANDY STORE (yes, we are all sugar addicts) and not smile at the kids that came in.

Ok, totally rambling about food for a change!

peace-
Lisa
IntuitiveBody.com

[jessica lipnack]

Lisa, we must have crossed the Shogun threshold together many times, given that I sometimes refer to it as my dining room (if only). And do I remember Barbara Jean's and the proprietors who hated kids! What about the divine Sweet Sis, with the best chocolate cupcakes ever? Ah, West Newton Square of old...and it's still great.