Paul’s Pel’meni moved to its present location on Gilman Street last June, and I finally got a chance to check out the new digs. It is taking full advantage of the bar space that was most popular when it was Amy’s Cafe. Each day there’s happy hour, and each night has a drink special.
If you ate at the previous location, you know nothing’s changed. The bite-sized pelmeni are slightly bland, but that’s because you’re supposed to use sauces. The Works is a good way to go–it’s a mix of curry powder, Sriracha and butter. If you need to reduce some of the spiciness, you can dip the pelmeni in the accompanying sour cream. Also, on each table are soy sauce and vinegar, and I immensely enjoyed the latter with the pelmeni.
Both the potato and beef fillings are tender. The half order ($5) will likely be enough, but you may as well go for the full order ($7) based on its price. One last note, it’s nice you usually don’t have to wait too long for your food, as the pre-cooked pelmeni just need to be served up in a bowl.
Paul’s Pel’meni is open every day for lunch and dinner.
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It’s been about two years since Glaze Teriyaki opened on State Street, and I accepted an invitation for a return visit. On my other visits, I enjoyed the sides and the teriyaki dishes for the most part, except both the chicken and steak were overcooked and consequently very dry.
But, I’m glad to have given Glaze a second (technically third) chance. The salads are comprised of mixed greens with edamame, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and sprouts. When you add the citrusy honey-lemon dressing, you get bright, refreshing flavors. I added the salmon ($10.75), and I was pleasantly surprised that it had a tasty charred flavor on the outside while still having some moisture on the inside.
In addition, I ordered the pork ($9) in the teriyaki bowl. It’s cut into thin strips and quite lean, yet held up well on its own. I continue to feel fondly toward the teriyaki sauce, which along with the white rice serves as a perfect complement to any of the proteins.
Among the sides, I chose the spicy-yaki wings ($6 for five) this time around. I appreciated that the small wings are indeed a little spicy and a little sweet from the yakisoba sauce, plus they boast a nice grilled flavor. If you get a chance, make sure to try the cold soba noodle salad ($4), the gyoza dumplings ($4) and the shrimp shumai ($4.25).
Glaze Teriyaki is open every day for lunch and dinner.
