Formaggio has switched to curbside pickup only. No more in store shopping.
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Not surprised. I expect more of the smaller stores to switch to that model, too, or to shut down.
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We are trying to support our favorite local places north of Boston while not breaking the bank.
Thai Sweet Basil last night, dinner for 3 adults with enough for 3 lunches left over.
Cafe Azteca in Lawrence is on the list, Bueno Malo was too, but we heard they have closed.
Sarma’s take out menu looks great, so we may travel a bit for that.
There are a few BBQ spots we would visit too.
My worse nightmare? We all survive the virus but only chain restaurants are open.
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Wanting to support our local restaurants, we 3 (2 adults and 1 14 year old) ordered take-out from The Bangkok in Melrose: chicken wings, summer rolls, spicy eggplant with tofu and pad thai. Pad thai was not too sweet (chicken was not stringy) and the eggplant had some good spice. It was a treat and nice way to break up the week. I think Melrose businesses other than grocery and drugstores are shutting down as of tonight FYI.
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Here’s another running list of places that are offering takeout and delivery. It includes where to order and what discounts are being offered–there are some good ones!!
Hope this helps 
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By the way, their instagram lists curbside pickup as an option they recommend, but it does not say that they require it. (Also, the South End and Cambridge stores may have different rules.)
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Great to know! Thanks for sharing
Anyone who “only” eats half of an arancini for breakfast is my kind of eater!
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We’re hoping to support Wang’s in Somerville with some take out tonight. I figure they’re double-hit being a Chinese restaurant. We certainly want to keep them around and be able to eat their dumplings when this is all over.
I got a flyer on my porch from Mortadella Head advertising a free cheese pizza with the order of any other pizza for take out for Somerville residents. They’re next on our list.
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I called Alive & Kicking and had them steam a bunch of 2lb lobsters for pickup for our dinner this evening. They were piping hot but not overcooked. Delicious!
At least we’ve been eating well and having lots of family meals during this nightmare.
However when I picked them up I was dismayed at how some are not taking the distancing seriously. I waited outside the very small space to wait for the person in front of me to be done. Several people tried to waltz by me and right into the shop. Then when I was paying for my lobsters a group of 5 people crowded in and I asked them to leave. The woman at the counter thanked me and said it had been like that all day. These morons are going to get us all locked in our homes or worse!
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That’s extremely frustrating.
Not sure if this is useful, but if it seems unsafe to go in person, Alive & Kicking is also offering delivery on Postmates. We ordered yesterday and it was delicious!
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Yesterday the Washington Post reported that it took three months for COVID-19 to hit 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide…and just 12 more until it reached 200,000. It’s now over 250,000. And of course, with only a fraction of suspected patients being tested. Restaurant food should be delivered, or pick-ups strictly enforced with one customer inside at a time. And probably that’s not stringent enough. In cities, most restaurant workers rely on public transportation, which endangers their health.
IMO, if the U.S. could ground commercial airlines after 9/11, when SOME people MIGHT have been in danger, the world should ground them all now, when ALL people ARE.
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Had a solid Chilli Garden meal last night. They’re an area restaurant that still uses their own delivery staff, fwiw, you can call them directly and bypass the Grubhub/Uber Eats thing entirely. Good dan dan noodles (though they sent two orders when I asked for one, oh well), king mushroom with garlic and taiwanese crispy chicken with basil.
The driver was dressed like he was working in an infectious ward. I sure tipped well, that must be an unsettling job these days.
They’ll see more business from me in the next month I imagine…
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I’m so glad you re-joined HO after a short but (for me) excruciating leave of absence. We need this board and folks like you more than ever before.
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A reminder for me to order delivery from Chilli Garden if we don’t pick up (we are 10 minutes away). I love their food and they are nice people. Their dumplings and the cold Sichuan noodles are outstanding as well.
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Sarma hopes to resume pick up on Wednesday, if they are allowed. Closed after offering pick up brunch today. Check the website daily to see what’s available when.
Mr. N picked up momos from Tasty Momo; they are also selling bags of frozen momos, which we’re glad to have for a quick meal.
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hey, thanks for this tip. I didn’t know this & they are really close to where I live.
Why might they not be allowed and by whom?
I have no idea, I was just quoting what was posted on the Sarma Website earlier today, we are taking Monday and Tuesday off, we hope to resume Wednesday if we are allowed. It was on the website earlier today but has since been removed. So I am paraphrasing, but it definitely used language like “allowed.”
perhaps they are anticipating a possible city or state closing of take out, or their own financial and staffing and supplying situation. I have no special knowledge.
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