R.I.P B-SIDE, NOVEMBER 3, 2008 A Cambridge Institution noted for their hardboiled eggs offered as bar snacks to hungry patrons in need of some protein. Voted Best of Boston. Serving Lunch, Dinner and Brunch. Open for: Lunch Tues-Sat 11:30-4:00

         Dinner 7 Nights 5:30-12:00
         Brunch Sat 11:30-4:00
                Sun 11:00-4:00    

Salts is a locally owned business that strives to give their customer an incredible experience with their cuisine spanning France, Spain, an the America's. Salts is located in Kendall Square in Cambridge and has been noted by several publications for it's seasonal menu and wine list. One of the most well known menu items is the duck, which is boneless and stuffed for two. It is recommended to call ahead to reserve a duck.

Craigie on Main is the new location of the Craigie Street Bistro, which closed on October 26, 2008. Weekly multi-course tasting menus by Chef Tony Maws and seasonal events such as a whole-hog dinner (which literally uses the whole pig). Chef Maws, who has won awards including Boston's Best Chef (Boston Magazine) and one of America's Best New Chefs (Food and Wine), offers his diners a seasonal menu replete with the freshest ingredients he can find, staying true to local, organic ingredients. This hotspot is a Cambridge favorite. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday after 9:00PM, Chef Maws offers his Chef's Whim special - $40 for a 4 course meal, $55 for a 6 course meal - improvising dishes based on available fresh ingredients. There's also a $38 prix fixe menu offered every day (Saturdays, it's only available after 9:00PM), and 6 and 10 course tastings available with advanced inquiry. He even publishes a Chef's Blog on their website: http://www.craigieonmain.com/?cat=8.

Without the neon fanfare and sloshed singles of Jillian's or The Rack, Flat Top Johnny's is a straightforward, quality pool hall. Winner of Boston Magazine's Best in Boston award every year since 2000, its 12 tournament-sized pool tables host Kendall Square professionals, academics, and veritable pool-sharks alike. Those humiliated by their lack of skill can hang out at the dart boards or video games. A full bar also offers 12 different beers on tap (domestics $3.50, imports $4), as well as sandwiches ($6.95), salads ($4.95-6.95) and typically greasy appetizers like Mexican potato boats ($6.95) or Nine Ball Nachoes ($7.95). Tables are $6/hr before 6pm daily, $10 after 6pm Su-Th and $12 after 6pm F-Sa. Tu night is ladies' night: a woman pays half price for a table. Free pool W nights after 11pm. 9 ball tournament M nights at 6 7pm. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This place started out as a take-out joint in North Cambridge without even any place to sit, which became immensely popular. Eventually, they had to expand because the demand was so great. Now they're located near MIT/Kendall Square and just as good as they ever were. Cozy little spot with low lighting, very busy at times. The rosemary sauce for their pizza is unique and is kind of what got them such a good following in the first place. Crispy crust and a huge selection of toppings. The rest of the menu is just as tasty, but pizza is what they're really about. The staff is very friendly, and is great about keeping you posted on when your table will be ready. Drinks are available while you wait, including a good selection of wine by the glass. Customers are required to turn off all cell phones.

A great pre-/post-movie dinner destination (the Kendall theater is steps away), Atasca is a romantically dim and cozy haven for authentic Portugese cuisine. Start out with the octopus salad ($5.50) or one of the restaurant's famed petiscos, small Portuguese dishes similar to their Spanish cousin tapas. The littleneck clams ($9) are superb, and the accompanying fried potatoes, golden cubes crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, raise the standard for sides. If you're feeling adventurous, try the voluminous and flavorful goat stew ($18). If not, Atasca's chefs are especially deft with creatures from the sea, creating an array of delicious dishes ($18-23). The sangria ($16), sweetened and given deeper flavor with port, is wonderful, and a meal would not be complete without the smooth rice pudding ($4.50). Vegetarians beware: you may have to look elsewhere for sustenance. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Taiwanese!

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