Theres a vegetable called 'bitter gourd' which is eaten cooked, with loads of onion and/or jaggery or sugar to counteract the bitterness. Your character could potentially eat it raw? It tastes awful, although it's supposed to help control diabetes, so some people do.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 10:45 AM on April 21, 2008

Little coupons for meals cooked by you as needed - for a favorite recipe, perhaps, or one that you make particularly well. So for example : "This coupon entitiles mr. & mrs. AnnaRat's friend to one dinner where my most excellent red curry will be served" (or whatever is appropriate). Of course, only useful if you're going to be in the same city.

Wine recommendations for some of the recipes

I love this idea. If I could cook at all, I would totally steal it
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 1:27 PM on April 1, 2008

Everytime I've done this at a shelter, we've done some sort of pasta and sauce dish - think penne and chicken/ broccoli sauce - that way it's easy to provide a veg. option. also, the sauces can be made the night before and heated.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 11:52 AM on March 6, 2008

Second the chocolate mousse. My so-easy-I-make-it-every-month recipe is:

Ingredients:

6 oz. really good dark chocolate
6 eggs
6 tsps of liquor (dark rum , orange liqueur, whatever strikes your fancy) - this is optional

Method:

Separate the yolks and the whites of the eggs. Keep in separate bowls. Beat the whites of the eggs together until stiff, and then put them in the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 12:31 PM on March 5, 2008

If you want to get Indian sweets, such as the Kaju-barfi mentioned by hadjiboy , try one f the Indian stores in the area. Shalimar in Central Sq. or Patel Brothers on Moody St. in Waltham carry sweets year round. Or try this list for a store near you.

I have to say though, I'm of Indian origin, and I'd be bemused if a non-Indian brought Indian foods/goods for something like this (although, obviously, touched by the thought). Maybe something from your own culture would... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:30 AM on February 21, 2008

Thanks everyone - I'll try seasoning them before the next use and see what happens.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 1:28 PM on January 6, 2008

Congratulations!

We went through this process in 2006, although I was looking primarily in the Boston/Cambridge area. We had a short timeframe to work with (I dont plan ahead well), but a few of the places I would have loved to hold our reception at are:

Henrietta's Table in Harvard Sq. While their regular menu usually has only one vegetarian option, I've been to a rehearsal dinner there, and believe they worked with the bride/groom and came up... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:06 AM on January 6, 2008

Just found the MOS information - it wasnt a restaurant exactly, more function space which they rent out. They work w/ Wolfgang Puck caterers and organise all the details for you - from what I recall , they were pretty pricey, but really nice. See here for details.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:25 AM on January 6, 2008

I cannot recommend Modest Needs enough. Their mission is to prevent people from entering the cycle of poverty by assisting low-income households to meet the short-term emergency expenses. You can ask for (or give) gift certificates , which can then be redeemed and used to either fund individual requests (all requests can be viewed), or go into the general fund.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:51 AM on December 3, 2007

If you like the micro-loans idea, Kiva also has a feature where gift certificates can be bought and redeemed, so that specific people/ideas can be funded
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:56 AM on December 3, 2007

Nigella Lawson has some cool looking recipes (I've not tried any) in her book Feast.
Something like:
Blood and Guts Potatoes and Slime Soup?
The book has a black linguine with eyeballs, and an interesting dessert, which I cant find online. Email me (email in profile) if you want them, and I can send them to you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 10:48 AM on October 25, 2007

I think 'etiquette' dictates that you have up to a year after the ceremony to give a gift.

No one really does this and it's kind of tacky. Just do what you can now...I am sure they will love and appreciate your effort.

Actually, a few friends of ours gave us wedding gifts up to 10 months after we actually got married. We hadn't registered, as we didn't need 'housey' things, but we were moving into a new place, so a few... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:15 AM on October 25, 2007

Sigh. I don't think it's tacky...
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:15 AM on October 25, 2007

I'd say park at Wellington Station on the orange line, and take the T to North Station - short walk to TD Banknorth Center.

In terms of pre and post show - what kind are you looking for? You're close to the North End if you wanted a meal, or maybe dessert post-show at Mike's or Modern Pastry.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 7:40 AM on October 1, 2007

If you're not fussy about used vs. new, or specific brands, try Freecycle. There are plenty of London based groups (individual freecycle groups typically set up a yahoo groups or similar, and members post wanted items as well as items which they are offering to the group). Everything posted is free.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:44 AM on September 24, 2007

knitted potholders with soup themed patterns? (bowls, veggies as amtho mentioned above, or even the names of soups spelled out?)
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:37 AM on September 24, 2007

I've seen similar items in the middle eastern stores in Watertown, on Mt. Auburn street (Boston area). Try Arax Market or Sevan - even if they dont have them, they may know who does.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 4:22 AM on August 27, 2007

My husband tried bringing back Goan sausage last year and had it confiscated at customs (this was at JFK). He nearly cried when he told me about it.
I think it's a luck of the draw thing
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:35 AM on August 23, 2007

I'd stick to herbs as you could plant a (relatively) wide variety in a small space, and in a short time frame. Things like tomatoes and peppers or other veggies which you could plant in containers need a longer growing time than is now available.

I'd recommend mint, chives (we have garlic chives and they have a lovely purple flower which adds to the charm), basil as recommended above. Mint grows like a weed and tends to suffocate other plants, so I'd suggest growing it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 7:15 AM on August 22, 2007

Quick Indian Cooking - a food / cooking blog with easy recipes and easy to follow explanations
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 7:30 AM on July 31, 2007

Thirding the Quincy Market food stalls, and there's loads of other restaurants in that area.

If you'd like to explore Boston, and dont want to drive, get on the Silver line (bus) - there's a stop at the convention center, and it'll get you downtown, from where you can take the T anywhere. I'd suggest a walk down Newbury street - loads of restaurants, some kid friendly, some not. Maybe head into Cambridge, find some restaurants in Harvard Sq. (easy T-ride from South... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:04 AM on July 30, 2007

Definitely check out Brimfield, it's worth the drive! You can do a day trip, or make a weekend of it and spend a day in the Berkshires (probably another couple of hours drive west)
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 12:06 PM on July 23, 2007

Second Henrietta's Table - we attended a rehearsal dinner in their private dining room a year or so ago, and it was lovely. Also their food is very good
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 1:54 PM on July 16, 2007

Seconding everyone who's recommended walkabouts - Boston is a lovely city to walk around it, and it'll still be light when you're done with work. Walk along the Charles River Esplanade, watching the sail boats, do parts of the freedom trail. head over to Harvard Sq and walk around there.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 11:48 PM on April 27, 2007

Flakypastry, feel free to email me (email address in profile) and I will send you an introduction to the financial consultant who I worked with recently - great guy, good advice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 1:22 PM on April 17, 2007

The dessert bar on saturday nights at the Four Seasons is fabulous! But you're going on a Thursday, so that's not overly helpful.

You could do Bonfire in the Park Plaza for great steak, if you don't mind Todd English, and then dessert at the Boston branch of Finale which is just around the corner.
But if seafood (as different from sushi) is ok, definitely do that - there's a great Naked Fish in Quincy Market, and an oyster bar which I cant remember the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 10:49 AM on March 26, 2007 marked best answer

If he's computer oriented, I'm willing to bet he'd enjoy the MIT museum. There's currently an exhibition on robots and AI.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 6:02 AM on March 2, 2007

initapplette, I've been, and TOMB is a lot of fun, but it requires a large group of people who know each other to make it fun, IMO. If you've got 10 or 15 people all going, great! 3 - not so much
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:37 AM on March 2, 2007

try using Farecast - I've had really good luck with it
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 4:58 AM on March 2, 2007

Sorry - just realised you're in the UK, I think farecast is for US airfares only.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 5:00 AM on March 2, 2007

omidius, you dont list an email address. I'm in London at the moment - if you want, I am happy to mail you some when I come back to the States in a week. My email's in my profile.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 12:21 PM on February 8, 2007

I've really only spent an afternoon in San Fransisco, but can heartily second the Ferry building Market at the Embarcadero. It's a lovely spot, some cool cafe/restaurants, and great specialist food stores.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 11:00 AM on February 5, 2007

Jillians? They have different sized private rooms, it's funky and easy to get to
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 6:54 AM on December 18, 2006

I would try the russian grocery store at the Harvard Ave stop of the green B line in Allston. t's right on Comm Ave, next to the McDonalds (dont remember the name, sorry)
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 6:29 AM on December 12, 2006

I second Marrakech - was there in january, and had a fabulous time! See recommendations for activities in this thread. You can get there easily from Gatwick, and stay in a Riad for a completely non-resort feeling.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:25 AM on October 18, 2006

I second Crouch End - it's close to bus/tube connections, loads of grocery options, nice restaurants, a cool green grocery. I dont know about council taxes though.

Completely safe, I've never been worried.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 12:54 PM on October 4, 2006

The Cookie Cutter has a huge range, and decent looking shipping costs
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:55 AM on October 4, 2006

Is this in that spot where all the ill fated restaurants have been (Chili's springs to mind last, but there was something after that?)

Actually, I think it's where the TGI Fridays used to be - opposite the kennedy school.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:37 AM on October 4, 2006

What about Unicef holiday cards? (This is the link to the US online holiday card store). They have a variety of classy cards, with non-denominational but elegant greetings inside.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 12:43 PM on September 27, 2006

A cousin of mine owns a cabin in Lyons Falls, just north of Utica, that they rent out pretty cheaply when not using. its on a river, very scenic and with lots of hiking nearby. Email me (in profile) and I can get you in touch with them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 10:05 AM on September 20, 2006

If you're looking for indian vegetarian, I'd second Vatan - it's a great atmosphere. Although - you got to be really hungry - it's a lot of food
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 9:36 AM on September 20, 2006

Does she like filmi music? Amazon has some great collections of songs from the old classic movies. I have this one which someone got me a while ago, but there are plenty more.

A better 'accessible' Bollywood movie than Bride and Prejudice was Monsoon Wedding - if she hasn't seen this, I highly recommend it as a gift.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 8:01 AM on August 7, 2006

if you can afford it, consider sending your laundry to one of those 'wash and fold' places?

If you're renting your apartment, and the laundry facilities are mentioned in the lease as an amenity, you could ask your landlord to repair/replace them.

Why exactly do you 'dread' doing laundry?
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 7:43 AM on August 7, 2006

My cousin got married at Rockwood Manor in MD a few years ago, and it was lovely. there is a gazebo outside for the actual ceremony bit, and the manor has lovely rooms for the reception. I don't think it was very expensive.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 12:29 PM on July 18, 2006

They made a deliberate decision to not add bylines to the articles. Or do you want actual names of contributing journalists?
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 6:44 PM on July 10, 2006

what about wrap pinwheel type things? Similar to this picture. you could make them in veg (salads, cheeses, different spreads) and meat (any type of coldcuts with salads and cheese) varieties, and they can look very pretty.
Use different varieties of flatbread (spinach, sun-dried tomato etc) to add color if you want.
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 2:33 PM on July 10, 2006

You could try Landsdowne Street for dance clubs. Not my style, but i think they're fairly dressy (at least, no jeans and sneakers). Try Jake Ivory's for duelling pianos and a tiny (but fun) dance floor.

where will you be staying, and how far are you willing to travel for nights out?
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 5:27 PM on July 7, 2006

Freecycle them or offer them to a local theatre group.
Or do the statue thing - that would be fun
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 10:19 AM on June 16, 2006

There's also a tattoo parlour in Harvard Sq in Cambridge. I don't recall the name of it, but it's on the second floor of a building called 'The Garage' on JFK Street, on the south end of the square. I think it's between the Newbury Comics store and a Sci-Fi bookstore.
I can't attest to how good it is, but if it's a convenient commute, you may want to check it out
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 3:27 AM on June 8, 2006

See this similar thread for a couple of opinions
posted to Ask Metafilter by darsh at 12:02 PM on May 30, 2006