Freelance Consultant's Diary

It is kind of sad that there are no good, affordable coffeemakers out there.  Some of the good ones can cost hundreds of dollars and the cheaper ones don't make decent coffee for people like me who love their coffee more than their wine (I am told that middle aged men should not drink much alcohol any way if they want to keep their libido).  Plus, the appliance has to go with the decor.  Thankfully, Lorena found one at the Calphalon store at this outlet store (since we live so close to this mall, shopping at an outlet mall is not something special for us) and we bought it right away because it was also on sale. We loved it but just 5 weeks later, I saw an electrical spark and then foul, burning smell of a cable.  When I called the store, a pleasant lady immediately offered to replace it without arguing with me about anything (apparently it is covered under warranty for a year).  She promised to call me back with an update on how to get one for me because they di...

If you recall, previously I discussed that during our very first time at the Chestnut Hill Shake Shack trying their frozen custard , Lorena was not impressed (I eat anything as long as it is sweet), but turns out that the company is listening to what customers have to say.  I got a note from their staff that they were sorry that we were not impressed and pleading with us to give them another shot.  Hey, when a company has such nice employees who seem to care, they deserve a second chance, particularly because the next time we go there, it will be another flavor.  While this place is a good 25 miles for us, we wouldn't mind the drive on a beautiful summer evening.  Stay tuned!

While returning from our day trip to Mount Washington by car , we couldn't imagine eating junk food, but we had not done the research for a healthy place to eat.  We did recall going to downtown Concord many years ago and noticing the restaurants, so despite knowing that a lot must have changed, we still exited.  It is right off the highway I-93, parking was a breeze on the street, and when we ventured into a side street (Warren into the Bicentennial Square), we noticed this restaurant, and assuming what could go wrong with tacos and beer, we ventured inside.  Well, it is interesting, because this used to be the local police station and we actually ate inside what used to be holding cells at one time.  What was even more surprising was that the food was delicious, and that is because my Latina wife was impressed.  She thought the flavors were right and everything was freshly prepared.  I had shrimp quesadillas, an appetizer as the main dish, and she chose s...

To be honest, when I like my fix of English beer, I head to England.  What can compare to fish and chips downed with beer in an English pub!  But Lorena convinced me that we should give this restaurant a try (we have seen two in our area: Franklin and Framingham) and during this weekend we did.  I must say that the selection of beers is definitely huge, and while the decor is obviously contrived, they have done a good job.  Food?  Hmmm.....acceptable.  Think of it as a place to check out beers and food just good enough to go along with it.

We had checked out The Street Chestnut Hill last month but last night we got to actually plan dessert at the Shake Shack (unfortunately the menu is simply not for vegetarians or for anyone who seeks variety).  Lorena picked the flavor of the day for frozen custard and since she is the one who has opinions on desserts, let us just say that if you are a PinkBerry fan (and there is one right next door), you should stick to it.  I agreed with my wife that this thing is no better than some cheap icecream from the supermarket.