Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INEXPENSIVE
The food court on the lower level of the
Porter Exchange
mall, 1815 Massachusetts
Ave., Porter Square, is home to half a dozen or so Japanese businesses that attract
expats from all over the Boston area. The super-authentic dining options are mostly
fast-food counters with small seating areas in front; wander around until you see a dish
that strikes your fancy. All open in the late morning and close by 9pm. Start at
Cafe
Mami
(
&
617/547-9130
), but also check out
Tampopo
(
&
617/868-5457
),
Sap-
poro Ramen
(
&
617/876-4805
), and
Ittyo
(
&
617/354-5944
).
Kotobukiya
is
both a sushi bar (
&
617/492-4655
) and Japanese grocery (
&
617/354-6914;
www.
kotobukiyamarket.com). Afterward, hit
Japonaise Bakery
(
&
617/547-5531
) for
French- and Japanese-style pastries, notably the items that incorporate adzuki cream.
S&S Restaurant
DELI
Es
is Yiddish for “eat,” and this Cambridge classic is as
straightforward as its name (“eat and eat”). Founded in 1919 by the great-grandmother
of the current owners, the wildly popular brunch spot draws what seems to be half of
Cambridge at busy times on weekends. It's northeast of Harvard Square, west of MIT,
and worth a visit during the week, too. Light-flooded, with lots of light wood and
plants, it looks contemporary, but the brunch offerings are huge portions of traditional
dishes such as pancakes, waffles, and omelets. The bagels and cinnamon rolls are among
the best in the area; you'll also find traditional deli items (corned beef, pastrami,
tongue, potato pancakes, and blintzes), yummy house-made corned beef hash, and
breakfast anytime. Be early for brunch, or plan to spend a good chunk of your Satur-
day or Sunday standing around people-watching and getting hungry—I'll be right
there with you. Or dine on a weekday and soak up the neighborhood atmosphere.
1334 Cambridge St., Inman Sq.
&
617/354-0777.
www.sandsrestaurant.com. Main courses $4-$18. AE, MC, V.
Mon-Wed 7am-10pm; Thurs-Fri 7am-11pm; Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-10pm; brunch Sat-Sun until 4pm. Free park-
ing; ask cashier for token on weekends. T: Red Line to Harvard, then no. 69 (Harvard-Lechmere) bus to Inman Sq.; or
Red Line to Central, then a 10-min. walk on Prospect St.
