Bickford's Pancake House: Why Did It Go Away?

Bickford's Pancake House never should have gone away.

For a chain, Bickford's felt more like a standalone locally-owned restaurant. I certainly liked Bickford's a lot better than Denny's in Lexington and the International House of Pancakes in Cambridge and Watertown. Bickford's served big breakfasts, huge and cheap, and rarely screwed up the orders. The carpeting was nice, the lighting just right and the space between tables and booths not too cramped. The Woburn location was usually the go-to Bickford's for me.

Bickford's had a great run in New England from the 1970s to, I think, the early 2000s. It was one of the few chain restaurants I actually liked. The whole experience always seemed like a big family outing. Bickford's wasn't one of those places where those going out to eat seemed miserable in a down-and-out kind of way and uncommunicative with loved ones.

A few weeks ago, I drove past Bickford's Grille in Woburn. I'm curious to try it out although I know the vibe won't be the same as Bickford's Pancake House.

Has anyone been to Bickford's Grille? Do you have any special memories of Bickford's Pancake House? Please comment in the box below!

Burlington Mall Memories from the 1970s and Beyond

To many, the Burlington Mall in Burlington, MA, might look like any other mall, but it will always have a special place in my heart.

As a child in 1968, I saw farmland and cows grazing on dense, green grass replaced by this huge shopping structure that, unlike the North Shore Shopping Mall in Peabody, MA, was built with an indoor corridor leading to all stores. What a concept!

Also, the absence of cows might have meant a shortage of milk for me to consume, which made the Burlington Mall seem even more appealing. 1968 soon became the "summer of love" for me when it came to what the mall would bring: lots of toys, better air conditioning than back home, and a nice Chinese or cafeteria-style meal.

Thinking of the Burlington Mall stores through the years nearly brings tears to my eyes, which is ironic since sometimes as a child, the thought of shopping there for hours -- and not having the shopping revolve around us kids -- brought tears to my eyes. As an adult, I can now look back with fond memories of the slick clothing salesmen at Kennedy's trying to sell my Dad a cheap suit. I recall the revolving door of beloved restaurants that never fostered long-term relationships, including the Hot Shoppe with its cafeteria-style food that was almost as good as the school lunches. York's Steak House where the steak tasted like fish and the sauteed onions transformed that pungent allium food species into something good. The Pacific Hut where it was so dark that we nearly bumped into walls. The restaurant at the former Jordan Marsh department store where the one-of-a-kind bluberry muffins had priority over the actual food.

Through the years, Music Land provided entertainment as we enjoyed being spoken down to by the angry young hippie employees who were probably making $4.00 an hour and clearly didn't like our short haircuts. Or the fact that we liked David Gates and Bread and other musical groups that actually included melodies with the music. Spencer Gifts was full of hippie joy, joy buzzers and a few girls that were probably named Joy. It wasn't always a joyful place, however, with some mean-spirited and countercultural stuff that seemed incompatible with my David Gates and Bread albums.

I loved the Wurlitzer store including with the pencil thin mustache and Pee Wee Herman-type too small suit playing the greatest hits of Lawrence Welk tuneshe tuneson the organ.

The former Sears department store had Ted Williams as a spokesman, as well as golfer Johnny Miller, if my memory serves me correct. They lended some class to this huge store that we liked because they also had toys. My beloved late Uncle Lou shopped at the Sears in Rochester, NY, and always chose classy clothing. I tried to mimic him in that regard, but golf clothing on a 10-year-old kid just didn't seem to gel at the miniature golf course.

The aforementioned Jordan Marsh and Filene's (both, no longer there) served as the other anchors. We could always find parking on the Jordan Marsh side. This allowed us to walk through Jordan Marsh, ignore the merchandise and proceed to our preferred stores in the mall (gee, maybe by bypassing Jordan Marsh, we were solely responsible for that New England retail landmark going out of business?). We also didn't do much shopping at Filene's. It was nice to look at, but Marshall's in Bedford, MA, always had better deals for the same brand names. They still do, a real testimony to the concept that customers love a good bargain.

Lord and Taylor became the other Burlington Mall anchor in 1978. I remember buying a green winter jacket there in the early 90s, because it was heavily discounted. That green jacket lasted a long time, suggesting maybe I should give Lord and Taylor another try. Oh wait, never mind -- they closed.

The Burlington Mall even had a two-screen cinema and a Stop and Shop supermarket in the early days. We saw a few Disney movies at the cinema but never went to Stop and Shop. It just didn't seem right to buy your groceries at a mall (today many supermarkets, however, resemble a mall with toys, gifts, music CDs, hardware items, etc.).

What about Radio Shack where they recorded your life story on a sign-up sheet when you just wanted to buy a couple of batteries? Or, going to Tom McAns for shoes and worrying that one of your classmates would be there to laugh at your purple socks bought from Woolworth's? How about the now-closed Rainforest Cafe with all the rainforest "bells and whistles" in an incredibly realistic, yet hokey setting -- as well as serving pretty good food? The thunder storms, waterfalls and apes pounding their chests help create a jungle theme away from the jungle of shoppers buying so much more than we ever did growing up. I miss that place but, at the same time, really don't.

The Burlington Mall eventually built a second floor featuring many more specialty shops and a food court with a 775 person capacity. The Mall -- with more than 165 stores -- clearly became more upscale (perhaps best represented by Nordstrom's 2008 opening).

I still love going to the Burlington Mall. It's just different, though, with most stores from childhood gone and new trends intact.

Tying to navigate my way through cell phone talkers, people not fully or appropriately dressed, and those not looking where they are going (often the cell phone talkers) can be frustrating and seem superficial and shallow. I guess you just have to ignore the excesses and enjoy what the Burlingon Mall has to offer. There' still plenty to like there. The Christmas season particlarly stands out with lights, designs and decor that are well alisgned with a back in the day scene. I am generally mortified and nauseated all the development in the Boston suburbs that's threatening our peace of mind. The Burlington Mall is exempt from my concern of overdevelopment, however. After all, how can you knock a place that provided so much happiness and great memories as a child and seems to be doing the same for our current generation?

The Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Tpke, Burlington, MA 01803. Tel. (781) 272-8667 More Burlington memories: Lauriats Book Store
Memrories of Route 3A in Burlington

Igo's Restaurant in Cambridge, Mass.

Hmmm, where to go after after buying a pair of Stride Rite shoes and cordoroy pants from Filene's, a button up shirt that wasn't flame retardant from Woolworth's, and a Boston Bruins cardigan sweater from Zwicker's Sporting Goods in Arlington?

Why, a night out on the town with my parents at Igo's Restaurant in Cambridge, of course!

What a splendid way to show off my elite clothing choices and impress Igo's owners, staff and customers.

The only problem, though: It was so dark in the Igo's dining room that no one could have probably seen these latest fashion styles.

That was ok, however. Going out to Igo's was a special treat, a privilege and a chance to see how the hoi polloi lived. Well, from the eyes of an eight-year old typically eating at Howard Johnson's, Burger Chef and Chicken Delight.

At Igo's, the grand entrance looked like fancy marble. The dining rooom had this certain elegance. The waistaff seem subdued and professional yet courteous and friendly. I put on my Sunday best behavior at this upscale restaurant and made sure not to discuss my favorite Three Stooges episodes with the waitresses.

The menu featured dinners distant from Swanson's and Stouffer's. Baked stuffed lobster, roast prime rib of beef, broiled swordfish, baked stuffed Lousiana shrimp and broiled prime filet mignon highlighted a very fancy menu. Intererestingly enough, Igo's could also tone it down with some more familiar dishes like roast turkey dinner, fried clams, fried boneless chicken, burgers and broiled pork chops. They also offered... yuk... calf's liver. that putrid dish was somewhat improved, however, with accompanying bacon.

If Igo's was around today, it wouldn't seem quite as fancy. I think in retrospect, this Porter Square restaurant struck the perfect balance between pleasing both the uppeer and working classes in the diverse Cambridge neighborhoods.

And also eight-year olds like me wearing Stride Rite shoes and cordoroy pants from Filene's, a button up shirt that wasn't flame retardant from Woolworth's, and a Boston Bruins cardigan sweater from Zwicker's Sporting Goods in Arlington!

Buzzy's Fabulous Roast Beef, Boston, Mass.

Located on Cambridge St. under the Charles Street Train Station and next to the Charles Street jail, Buzzy's Fabulous Roast Beef seemed to be open at all hours. This outdoor, order-at-the window food stand was best known for its heaping roast beef sandwiches, french fries, onion rings and curt, brusque "What do you want pal?" service. Buzzy's attracted drunks, sober late night owls (in the minority), Massachusetts General Hospital staff, refined Beacon Hill types showing their alter egos, and other purveyors of the best in greasy food.



Local comedians abused Buzzy's many times in their stand-up routines. I remember one comedian (the name escapes me) saying that Buzzy's used to throw its food over the wall to feed Charles Street jail prisoners -- and the prisoners threw it right back!

Buzzy's Fabulous could have very well contributed to higher traffic at the Mass General Hospital cardiac unit, but I remember it as a beloved place from youth. Granted, I never went there much (even as a nearby Suffolk University student), but just the sight of this bustling, old-fashioned outdoor food stand made me feel good -- from the comfort food aromas to the undeniable presence of a local business succeeding.

Discoing Back to the Chateau De Ville in Saugus, Framingham and Randolph, Mass.

Does anyone remember the oversized grand ballroom with a huge chandelier and curved staircase at the Chateau de Ville -- a place where people loved to "disco" and later tell either totally fake or completely true stories of their miserable high school proms?

I seem to remember a Kiss-108 presence at the Saugus location with the late, great Sunny Jo White and Disco Vinny Peruzzi. I think the Cheatau de Ville eventually changed its name to The Palace -- which it wasn't -- some time in the 1990s before closing in 2004.

Yes, many people loved the Chateau de Ville but it just wasn't for me. At an age when "Saturday Night Fever" and "Funkytown" ruled, I preferred good conversation in small groups, long walks on the beach and listening to David Gates and Bread. I also liked eating Wonder Bread while watching "Perry Mason."

I always wondered if "Chateau de Ville" was French for "Unbearable experience in a nightclub." It just wasn't my scene. "Clubbing" to me, was watching episodes of the Flintstones that featured that secret club called "the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes" where the "Grand Poobah" ruled.

Ultimately, my favorite part of the Chateau DeVille experience was going out for old school Chinese food afterwards.

Full of Bull Roast Beef, Saugus, Mass.

Route 1 in Saugus, Mass. used to feature so many fun, interesting and, mostly, great restaurants, bars and other food stops including The Ship, Weylu's, Hilltop Steak House, Augustine's, Karl's Sausage Kitchen, the Red Coach Grill, Valle's Steak House, Town Lyne House, Godfried's Deli, the Blue Star Lounge, Pierro's Italian restaurant and the Diamond Head. All that's left today on Route 1 that we really enjoy are Prince Pizzeria with its epic Leaning Tower of Pizza structure and delicious pizza, and the Kowloon (which might be changing in some form in the near future).

But wait, there is one more memory: Full of Bull Roast Beef. This humble little roadside restaurant with the eye-catching sign of a mean-looking but depressed bull revealed (his head hung down low), inside, walls of license plates on the wall and some of the best roast beef sandwiches and onion rings imagineable. Back in the day and to this very day, Kelly's Roast Beef at Revere Beach, to me, set the standard for the best roast beef and onion rings but Full of Bull was every bit as good.

The restaurant's name also gave us a chuckle as we were approaching an age when we knew what that meant.

I am not sure exactly when Full of Bull closed but McDonald's eventually took over this location. Yep, another segue into cokie cutter land on Route 1.

We'd love to hear your personal reflections, perspectoives and stories on Full of Bull. Please feel free to comment below.

If you liked this story, check out these memories on Route 1 in Saugus

Bishop's in Lawrence, Mass.

During its heyday, Bishop's in Lawrence, Mass. served the best Middle Eastern food and French fries in New England.

That's right, Middle Eastern food and French fries. The lamb kabobs, hummus, babba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves and, yes, perfectly cooked, shoestring french fries had no rival. The atmosphere was memorable too, with, as someone described, a dining room that resembled an aircraft carrier. Bishop's always had amazing service, with many "career" waiters -- the professionalism showed. We never thought Bishop's would close, but it did, and we had to find another restaurant to call a tradition for a revered annual family birthday celebration.

Finnerty's Country Squire, Cochituate, Mass.

Going Out To North Shore Chinese Restaurants With My Grandma

Diamond Head restaurant, Saugus, Mass. Source: https://critiki.com/

My grandma, who lived in Lynn and then Peabody, Mass., loved to go out with us to Chinese restaurants on the North Shore. Not the fancy, fusion, gourmet types that we see today but the old school restaurants specializing in pu pu platters, General Gau's chicken, chicken lo main and, often gaudy and tacky décor.

Some of the restaurant names escape me (there was a good one on Main St. in Peabody) but here is what I remember: Tiki Lau in Salem, the Diamond Head and Weylu's in Saugus and Dave Wong's China Sails at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. Weylu's and the Diamond Head might have been the most gaudy with their décor. Dave Wong's gained popularity as a local chain and with a really nice owner. Tiki Lau, located in a strip mall, didn't have the glitz but might have served up the best tasting food of the bunch.

Whatever choice, going out to eat at these Chinese restaurants made her happy. She was alone, at that time, and just getting out of her apartment was much needed. Just to see her spontaneously smile in these restaurants for no reason except just being with us and enjoying one of her favorite kinds of food -- well, if she was happy, we were happy!

Do you remember these Chinese restaurants up on the North Shore? Do you have any other favorites in this area that are no longer with us? Please share your memories in the comment box below -- we'd love to hear some of your choices and any stories that go with it.

Red Coach Grill Memories

How many of you remember the Red Coach Grill restaurant chain? How many of you know that it was owned by Howard Johnson's?

That's right, the Red Coach Grill started in 1936 in Wayland, Mass. (now known as the independently-owned and operated Coach Grill) with Howard Johnson's taking over in 1937 to create a local chain that would eventually expand to more than 30 restaurants. On a side note, Howard Johnson's owned the Ground Round chain but I'd have to be a clown to talk about that one (you see, the Ground Round had clowns for entertainment; ok, bad joke).

The Red Coach Grill was like Howard Johnson's with a bowtie -- that is, with more of an elegant look and slightly upscale menu. You wouldn't find 28 flavors of ice cream, an orange roof or waitresses dressed in vintage checkered uniforms. Instead, the Red Coach Grill dimmed the lights and offered cushy and comfortable seating at black booths. The pine-paneled walls, semi-circular bar, fieldstone fireplaces, plush wall-to-wall carpeting and beamed ceilings added to the cozy ambiance. Outside looked inviting, too, with a rustic, shingled red roof and log paneling on the exterior, as well as a classy sign out front with old English font and a picture of a horse drawn coach.   

The steak and seafood menu included some meals fit for a king or a queen -- or a suburbanite with some room left on the credit card. The food was generally excellent -- just as good if not better than some local restaurants with high opinions of themselves. Diners could opt for the filet mignon, boiled live lobster or broiled swordfish or go for something more simple like New England clam chowder, char-broiled sirloin steak, broiled schrod, ham steak, or breaded veal cutlet. I remember the apple pie with vanilla ice cream to be quite good, as well.

I remember passing by Red Coach Grill locations in Hyannis, Saugus, Framingham, Middleboro and Wayland, Mass., as well as one in Lake George, N.Y. The only one we went to was in Hyannis at the rotary. In retrospect, that turned out to be the best choice as the other towns didn't have oceans beach to enjoy after the meal!

What memories do you have of the Red Coach Grill?

Putt Putt Mini Golf Near Shoppers World in Framingham, Mass.

Not all retro memories of things to do in the Boston area provided joy.

Putt Putt Mini Golf, near the older version of Shoppers World shopping center in Framingham, Mass., successfully gave me that misery.

This miniature golf course offered no opportunity to hit the ball through or around a talking whale, barber shop pole, lighthouse, windmill, covered bridge, koi pond or historic Massachusetts building. Putt Putt, on the other hand, just featured stretches of angled greens designed to frustrate and simultaneously bore us. It was no fun scoring a 140 with no tacky structures.

Plus, the par was two for every hole. That would have been the recreational equivalent of taking a physics course in elementary school. I don't think even Pythagoras could have figured out this course!

I suppose the challenging greens at Putt Putt could have helped my real golf game but I was only eight. The closest thing I came to real golf was wearing a Johnny Miller golf shirt from Sears. What a downer to have a mini golf hole right in front of you and take five shots to get it done!

As Dean Wormer once said in Animal House, "There will be no fun of any kind." That's the way I felt at Putt Putt.

Disclaimer: You will see on the score card that we all did pretty well in this round of Putt Putt Mini Golf. Believe me, that was an unexplainable abberation that I should have alerted Ripley's Believe It Or Not! to -- that is, the exception to the rule of generally playing horribly at this mini golf course!

A Panorama Tour of the Hilltop Steak House in Saugus, Mass.

While cleaning our basement a few days ago, I came across a booklet entitled, "A Panoramic Tour of Hilltop Steakhouse." It made my day. I loved that place, as I am sure you did, too.

Throughout this post, I will include the pages from that booklet. May it bring back special memories for you!

The former Hilltop Steak House in Saugus, Mass. seems to take top mention in traditional and social media posts and articles asking readers which restaurants they miss most in Massachusetts or New England.

It all makes perfect sense. From 1961 to 2013, the Hiltop Steak House immediately appeared larger than life on Route 1 with its myriad fiberglass cows out front and the cartoonish neon cactus sign almost 70-feet tall, as well as a parking lot accommodating 1,000 cars.

The fun, western-themed wall memorabilia and spacious dining rooms with names like Dodge City, Kansas City, Sioux City, Virginia City, Santa Fe and Carson City on two floors expertly towed the line between tacky and lovable. The 20,000 sq. ft. restaurant, which could accommodate nearly 1,500 customers, often became filled to full capacity -- thus validating media reports that the Hilltop evolved into one of the busiest restaurants in the world. Thank goodness the two walk-in meat chests behind the scenes could hold over 1,500 loins! Additionally, the Hilltop featured a separate butcher shop that seemed as popular as the main restaurant.

The Hilltop Steak House -- the brainchild of butcher Frank Giuffrida -- represented the true American Dream with a small business success story as big as the steaks (and drinks) served.

. Oh, and those steaks... the sirloin (starting at 18 ounces!), filet mignon and tenderloin. Magnificent in a delicious, unpretentious and straightforward way! The Hilltop served those dishes and other selections in big portions and at affordable prices.

Locals and travelers also loved the abundantly-served iceberg lettuce salads, broiled half chicekn, pork chops, broiled burgers and broiled halibut steak. Many considered the baked stuffed lobster pie as good as the steaks -- served with plenty of tender lobster and enough breading and butter to make the experience even that much better.

The Hilltop did things its own way, not accepting reservations or credit cards. The wait could be slightly uncomfortable in the long, crowded indoor waiting area out front. Many chose to head to the bar while waiting and became quite soused in the process -- often, seemingly, some big guy with a square head and his aggressive wife/girlfriend. I don't know why -- just an observation.

But I digress. There will never be another Hilltop Steak House. How could there be? For more than 50 years, the Hilltop had a great ride with a substance (the food) and style (the wonderfully exaggerated decor and design) that resulted in a one-of-a-kind restaurant and tourist attraction. Rare is it that a restaurant becomes a household name but the Hilltop fit that description.

It's a sad feeling knowing that the Hilltop Steak House will most likely never return as the restaurant we once knew and loved. Bur we have those memories and they can be embraced, forever.

I look forward to hearing about your personal reflections and perspectives on the Hilltop in the comment box below!

The Midget Deli, Cambridge, Mass.

I need your help. People don't believe me when I tell them there was a Midget Deli in Cambridge, Mass.

It's like I am the only one who ever saw this place, Cambridge residents included.

The Midget Deli was located at the current Changsho Chinese restaurant at 1712 Mass. Ave., between Porter and Harvard Square. I remember it best in the late 1960s as the only Jewish deli in Cambridge, although I had not yet been to 90 percent of the rest of Cambridge. So maybe it was the only Jewish deli within the 10 percent of the Cambridge I knew! Maybe even less, as I was often so preoccupied with playing car bingo.

Most delis are small in size, but the Midget was pretty big. How's that for irony?  I loved its pastrami sandwiches and the bustling nature of the place. Having just visited New York City and a few of its then-famous delis (like the Stage Deli), the Midget seemed to have that classic, busy delicatessen vibe.

Could someone please back me up on this -- that there was a Midget Deli in Cambridge? Please feel free to comment below, including stories on your dining experiences at the Midget Deli. Or, maybe someone who worked there can chime in to help me regain my credibility because they think I am joking. Thank you!

6 Businesses I Miss in Downtown Lexington, Mass.

Downtown Lexington, Mass., remains an impressive central district with many outstanding mom and pop shops and restaurants, but I do miss greatly some of the businesses of yesteryear. Ahh, the memories. Here are six Lexington businesses that I wish still existed...

Lexington Drug

Located at the corner of Massachusetts Ave. and Waltham, St., where Rancatore's Ice Cream is now situated, Lexington Drug thrived as a cornerstone business in downtown Lexington for many years. Most people went there for prescriptions and the newspaper, but we often went as a family on Sunday mornings for the candy and postcard sections. I loved the Fruito candy bars with real artificial fruit in the middle of a mediocre chocolate bar, as well as twirling the postcard display to receive a mini history lesson on the significant history of Lexington. The gray-haired man behind the counter actually reminded me of a Colonial era politician with wavy locks, a distinct nose, not-from-this generation glasses, a certain old world formality and a gentle diplomacy that endured no matter how crowded Lexington Drug became with locals and tourists. Sorry to see this place close, but not a bad thing that a quality ice cream shop took over!

Bargain Basement

Many remember Decelle's for its discount clothing that, I believe, often surpassed Marshalls, but Bargain Basement might have been ever better at this location. We could always find what we were looking even though the displays were kind of a mess with no rhyme or reason. Bargain Basement truly represented Old School Lexington -- that is, a large downtown space with no pretentiousness and a mission to save locals lots of money on clothing. You would unlikely see this kind of store in downtown Lexington today as the whole central district has become more upscale.

Ingalls Stationery

Generally, stationery stores are about as exciting as a piece of paper (hey, that was a good one!) but Ingalls made the experience a wonderful one -- "willing and label" to go the extra distance (hey, that was a good one, too!). With well-organized isles, an always fully-stocked supply of the basics and beyond, and knowledgeable, friendly staff to help the customer, Ingalls was certainly a "staple" on our shopping list. Pardon the puns, but those are the "fax!"

Peking Garden

I always loved going here with friends on a half-day (one Wednesday a month at Arlington High School, as I recall) for the huge luncheon buffet. Peking Garden didn't look tacky like some other old school Chinese restaurants, the service was generally more friendly and the food clearly created by a master chef. One thing, however, that irked the staff at Peking Garden: asking for separate checks!
As kids, we were always amused by the response: "NO, NO SEPARATE CHECKS!" We got the message loud and clear time after time, but kept asking the question on virtually every visit because we liked the animated, predictable answer.

Bel Canto

Located on the second floor at 1709 Massachusetts Ave., Bel Canto won high praise regionally as a restaurant chain serving outstanding deep dish pizzas and calzones with either regular or whole wheat dough. They also allowed customers to order unbaked calzones to bring home to cook. Bel Canto was unlike any other pizza place and served as a great alternative to traditional local pizza joints like Regina Pizzeria, Santarpio's and The Pleasant Cafe. The ingredients used to make the pizzas and calzones were beyond the norm -- so fresh and bursting with flavor. What's more, Bel Canto  featured a clean-looking atmosphere with spotless surroundings (including the kitchen) and a bright interior with contemporary decor and furniture. Unfortunately, Bel Canto suffered a fire at the Lexington location and the chain eventually started slipping in quality. I wish someone would bring back the Bel Canto name and concept to its original glory.  They would do very well today, I believe!

Battle Green Motor Inn

This intown motel would also never cut it in downtown Lexington today with its basic lodging offerings and affordable prices. Many travelers back in the day needed no more than a carpeted room with television, telephone and individual bathroom and thermostat. That's why the Battle Green Motor Inn lasted from 1959 to 2007!

Because I lived in neighboring Arlington, there was no reason to stay at the motel, but I was continuously curious about the place. I always thought the underground parking was so cool! It didn't take much for me to be happy, as you can see.

The Battle Green Motor Inn gave way to condo development. I suppose that's the way of the world, as Earth, Wind and Fire once said.

Old School Lexington Still Exists!

Yes, downtown Lexington has become more exclusive and expensive, but I am so glad to see so many long-time businesses still thriving like The Crafty Yankee gift shop, Mario's Italian restaurant (try the baked ziti, it's amazing!), Michaelson's Shoes, Spectrum Music and Theater Pharmacy.

Yes, it is sad that so many old-time businesses are no longer with us in Lexington center, but the mix of new and old shops and restaurants comprises one of the more impressive downtowns in all of New England. Shop local, buy local while discovering the wonderful history of this beautiful town!

Related article:
Fond memories of a wonderful Lexington pediatrician

Aku Aku in Cambridge, Mass.

Very few people believe me when I tell them that the former Aku Aku restaurant at Alewife Station was not the first Aku Aku in Cambridge, Mass.

The original Aku Aku was located on Route 2 near the Arlington line, just a few hundred yards from the former Lanes & Games bowling alley.

More specifically, you might remember Faces Nightclub in that region where disco reigned as the ultimate funky town for those who liked to party and get down. You know what? That's where the first Aku Aku was actually located!

I liked the original Aku Aku more than the iconic Alewife location, The dining room and bar were comfortably darker, the multi colored lights brighter and the waterways running through the restaurant lending a nice soothing feel. Why drive 90 miles to Barnacle Billy's in Ogunquit, Maine, for ocean water views when the Aku Aku offered their version of the Hai River three miles from home?

Funny story at the first Aku Aku: My dad and his friends took a lunch break there once and ordered the numbered specials. My dad's friend said, "I'll have number one." My dad said, "Me, too." Guess what meal they served my dad? Number two!

Whether the first and second Aku Aku, the pu pu platters were huge and tasty, the service quicker than competitors in a fast-serve restaurant genre, the Tolstoy-length menu dressed in clear font for reading ease, and the price always right at this old school Polynesian restaurant..

I am not clear on when the first Aku left the premises, but the Alewife location reigned from 1968 to 2000. The dining room seemed larger than Shanghai and the elbow room increased from the former Aku Aku location.  It is here, I believe, that fake news got its start, also -- not from the media but the younger crowd that loved to impress their friends with outlandish stories. Here is the standard story that circulated probably better than the Boston Herald American, at this time: There was this group of young adults that chose not to pay their bill and ran out of the restaurant. Driving fast from the restaurant, the group felt they got away with their plan. Looking in the rear view mirror, however, the driver was horrified to see a maniacal Asian chef with a kitchen knife on the back of their moving car screaming at them to pay the bill. A deliberate fast turn shook the chef off the car and onto the road where the man stumbled back to the restaurant.

You wouldn't believe how many people believed this story. Having an IQ over 40, however, I was skeptical. Turns out my cynicism proved right when, through the years, I heard the same story applied to other restaurants.

Do you miss the Aku Aku? I sure do, and was delighted to find out that its successor, Jasper White's Summer Shack, kept many Aku elements including a wall mural (see photo above) and the plastic Tiki God from back in the day, as well as a commemorative plaque, at its restaurant.

As seen on the plaque, Summer Shack even features, on its drinks menu, the legendary Aku Aku scorpion bowl that uses the original recipe!

The scorpion bowl at Jasper White's Summer Shack
 in Cambridge, uses the original Aku Aku recipe.
Photo credit: Summer Shack Facebook page.

I highly recommend you check out the Summer Shack for these wonderful remnants of a once great Chinese restaurant, but, more importantly, as a fabulous place to dine on some amazing seafood in a comfortable atmosphere. It's one of the best seafood restaurants I have been to in all of New England.

The Aku Aku surely gained its most fame from the Alewife location, but let's not forget, also, the Boston Aku near Fenway Park and the Worcester spot. All were great examples of a classic old school Polynesian restaurant -- you really couldn't go wrong at any of the locations.

Too bad they all closed, but isn't that the way of the restaurant industry? Just when you think you've found a restaurant for life, they close on you.

Hundreds of thousands surely enjoyed the Aku Aku through the years and with good reason: They took the most beloved aspects of Americanized Chinese restaurants -- food, restaurant design, reliability and consistency-- and put it all under one roof.

Many miss the Aku Aku. Me, too!

What are some of your memories of the Aku Aku?

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5 Old School Boston Area Restaurants That Are Still Thriving Today

The sepia-tinted memories of going out to eat with family and friends back in the day conjure up warm memories at wonderful places that, unfortunately, are no longer with us. We can never get that back, but, on the other hand, those special memories can never be taken away.

Fortunately. many old school-style restaurants in the Boston area remain thriving, thus allowing us to connect to the past while creating new traditions and instant memories now and, hopefully, long into the the future. It's like the best of both worlds!  Here are a few old school Boston area restaurants that, thankfully, seem stuck in the past...

Pleasant Cafe, Roslindale

Not much has changed at the Pleasant Cafe since its opening in 1937, keeping many of the same recipes and going through only one ownership change since FDR served as U.S. president. Specializing in Italian and American dishes with delicious thin-crust pizza as one of the signature dishes, the Pleasant Cafe remains true to old school Boston form. The leather green booth seats, the long bar with green stools and the wood-paneled walls lend a feel that seems more like part of our childhood than that of the 21st century.  Plus, Owner John Morgan is a true gentleman -- like a kind neighbor I knew when growing up in the 70s!

Woodman's of Essex

Woodman's stands as the gold standard for fried clams in the Boston area. It was after all, the birthplace of the fried clam in 1914. The Woodman family still owns the landmark clam shack, now in its fifth generation.  Although a tourist destination, Woodman's never let it go to their heads, favoring the plain, traditional no-frills clam shack atmosphere and continuing to specialize in fried clams, lobsters and steamers.

The Woodmans are very nice people -- truly humble and seemingly unaffected by all the success. I had the chance to sit down with Steve and Rhonda Woodman earlier in the year and they treated me like family. What was scheduled to be an hour interview went much longer. The societal lost art of conversation became revived when chatting with the Woodmans, taking center stage alongside the wonderful comfort foods that, to this day, continue to make Woodman's one of the best old school Boston area restaurants.

Bliss Family Restaurant, Attleboro

Bliss started as an ice cream stand in 1930, grew into an ice cream parlor in 1952 and then into a family restaurant in 1978.  Similar to the former Brigham's and to a lesser extend, Friendly's, Bliss epitomizes the classic ice cream restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner items and a fabulous choice of ice cream flavors in a counter and booth restaurant format. Although New England Ice Cream in Norton, Mass., bought Bliss out a few years ago and the restaurant was updated, Bliss still looks every bit the part of old school with families out for a good meal and a wholesome, unpretentious feel that made it so appealing in the first place. My favorite ice cream dish: the Dusty Glacier with two fudge brownies, three scoops of vanilla ice cream saturated with hot fudge and topped with whipped cream, a smattering of cocoa and a cherry on top. Yum!

Mug N' Muffin, Norwood

Yes, there still is a Mug N' Muffin around from the days when this chain competed against the Pewter Pot for a place to enjoy coffee and muffins in a Colonial-style atmosphere. Downtown Norwood is so lucky to have this blast from the past gem that remains true-to-form, thanks to owner Dave Monaghan who first started working at the restaurant chain in 1971. Dave loved working at the Mug N' Muffin so much that he wanted to continue owing one despite the demise of the chain. He and wife Sheila serve up pretty much everything for breakfast and lunch that you remember from the Mug N' Muffin restaurants of yesteryear!

Red Wing Diner, Walpole

The Red Wing Diner first opened in the 1930s and features a classic 1920s dining car embedded into the restaurant. Old school in every sense of the word, the Red Wing Diner specializes in traditional Italian-American specialties (fried seafood and pizza are most popular), a plain-looking dining room, the diner that now serves as a bar and staff that has been there forever. Once stepping into the Red Wing, you definitely feel like going back in time -- this despite upgrades to the dining room. It's especially popular with local families and townies who love the nostalgic vibe.

What are some of your favorite old school Boston restaurants still open today?

The Old Oaken Bucket, Westford, Mass.

Growing up in Arlington, Mass., during the 60s, 70s and 80s, I was country before country was cool.

I loved watching The Andy Griffith Show and thought Goober was one of the best characters in the series. My impressions of Hee Haw was that it was a brilliant show, realizing better than anyone east of Route 495 the genius of Roy Clark and Buck Owens. I listed to WCOP-AM 1150 radio for country music and often thought of Merle Haggard as the Shakespeare of twang. What's more, I had no Boston accent, thus making some wonder if I lived in Podunk and commuted 1,000 miles daily to attend Arlington High School.

So, it came of no surprise to anyone that I loved The Old Oaken Bucket in Westford, Mass. The rustic country style atmosphere and food felt close to my suburban Boston rural heart and so far removed from the confines of the densely-populated community I called home.

I read that The Old Oaken Bucket went through a few fires in the 1970s and 1980s, but, fortunately, rebounded quite well. In the latter years, The Old Oaken Bucket's menu became a bit more refined with higher quality offerings

The 99, a local chain restaurant, took over The Old Oaken Bucket in 2002. Nothing against The 99, but what a shame that The Old Oaken Bucket's great run starting in the 1930s had to come to an end. To me, the closing was equal to the saddest country songs of all time.

You can see some of The Old Oaken Bucket menus at The Westford Historical Society Society and Museum on Wednesdays in 2019.

Does Anyone Remember the General Glover House in Swampscott?

The General Glover House was the only restaurant I knew of named after a local Revolutionary War general (John Glover) born in Salem and raised in Marblehead. So, why was the restaurant located in Swampscott? Maybe it was a good "general" location. Sorry for the bad joke.

Anthony Athanas, of legendary Anthony's Pier 4 fame in Boston, opened the General Glover House in 1957 with the charming Essex Room at the forefront of the classic memories here. The Essex Room was definitely charming because they said so in the promotions. The huge room came across with its everything-but-the-kitchen-sink colonial stagecoach stop scenes including the big fireplace, post-and-beam ceilings and lanterns and copper pots all over the place. The waitresses were such good sports, having to dress up in those long colonial-style dresses and the goofy frilled white caps that concealed 60s and 70s hairstyles.

 As kids, we thought George Washington would walk in the room at any moment, especially at night where it was known that he couldn't sleep. How do I know this? Well, he couldn't lie. The General Glover House was good but not great, in my opinion. Down the road in Saugus, the Hilltop Steakhouse served better steaks, and the Continental better popovers. Plus, it was more fun trying to drive 90 MPH out of the parking lot at the Hilltop to try to break into the insane Route 1 southbound traffic.

I believe the General Glover House closed in the 1990s and its presence is definitely missed even if it wasn't my favorite North Shore restaurant. I miss most the really neat colonial theme (well there's a "Leave it to Beaver"-type phrase for you!) and the kind waitresses that were enough to make the dining experience worthwhile!

WHDH AM 850 Boston Showcased Amazing Talents in the 60s, 70s and 80s

 When thinking of some of the greatest personalities in modern Boston radio history, the old WHDH on 850 AM (now WEEI) surely ranks amongst the best. They certainly showcased some amazing talents in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Consider all the names that jumped out of your transistor radio, and what they brought to the airwaves. Jess Cain served as the morning funnyman but with a class and restraint that was more akin to comedians/TV talk show hosts Steve Allen and Dick Cavett rather than the screaming top 40 DJs of the generation. He was famous for the "The Carl Yastrzemski Song"...



For a while, Bob Raleigh anchored mid-morning and later went onto greater fame at WBZ AM's overnight shift.  The conversational Dave Supple had this warm personality and a slight lisp that made him an endearing personality -- like some one's favorite uncle. Frank Kingston Smith, originally of New York City radio fame, took on the late afternoon shift and had this great, stop-and-go Dick Van Dyke-type voice set to a slight echo. He was an incredible talent and had radio legend written all over him. Norm Nathan possessed the warmest radio voice ever, was an insightful humorist, and graced us with his vast knowledge of jazz and the American songbook, making for some truly listenable radio with his "Sounds in the Night" radio show. Norm and my dad were good friends and he would come over to our house or meet us for Chinese food at the China Blossom in North Andover. He was one of the nicest people I ever met -- so sincere, warm and authentic.

Additionally, Alan Dary had this wonderful Sunday morning show playing some of the greatest pop and jazz-influenced tunes ever set to vinyl. Mr. Dary didn't use any radio tricks or self-absorbed drama to show you how talented he was, instead talking to his audience as if the broadcast came from his living room. What a natural!

WHDH miraculously kept the high level of talented staff and well-chosen top 40 and pop songs (never any loud rock) going through the 1970s to the 1980s including the personable, articulate Tom Kennedy, Sean Casey with his subtle sense of humor and wacky "Chicken Man" cliffhanger segments, and the golden throat Bill Silver. I believe Mr. Silver initiated the famous phrase "But wait, there's more" as an advertising staple. Tom Doyle, who gained fame for his off-the-wall humor and deft imitations, became a co-host with Mr. Cain sometime in the early 1980s. Jim Sands, a military vet with a classic deep voice, became best known for his Saturday night oldies show. I remember meeting him at a live broadcast at Arlington Town Hall, and he was the nicest fellow (like a more gruff Norm Nathan). Mr Sands even let me say a few words on the air!

Additionally, WHDH had the very likeable Chuck Igo, one of my favorite radio personalities who has a morning show at Rewind 100.9 in Portland and is the author of an excellent book,"Taken Identity," a geo-political thriller.

That lineup playing top 40 and middle of the road songs set to catchy radio ID jingles and a news staff that was second to none -- including Vin Maloney, Nick Mills and Joe Klemente (hope that is the correct spelling) -- was everything you could ever want in a local radio station. I wish radio stations today could cultivate local talent the way they did back then on WHDH.

Sports also played a major role in the station's success with Don Gillis and Leo Egan handling the popular "Voice of Sports" show at different periods, Red Sox broadcasts bringing us the legendary Ned Martin, Ken Coleman and Jim Woods, and hockey and basketball with Bob Wilson, Fred Cusick and Johnny Most. Eddie Andelman and The Sports Huddle brought an entirely different take on sports, not taking itself too seriously and offering some of the funniest moments (including prank phone calls and memorable host-caller interaction) in contemporary, local radio history.

Like many AM radio stations, WHDH dropped its music format in favor of talk radio around 1987 and employed such legends as David Brudnoy and Larry Glick (both, better known at WBZ) and other huge talents like Avi Nelson.  I think, for a while, current WRKO afternoon talk show host and Boston Herald columnist Howie Carr had an afternoon talk show -- and facing stiff competition against the great Jerry Williams on WRKO.

WHDH eventually became WEEI, which became one of the most influential sports radio stations in the country. The local lineups on WEEI moved to 93.7 FM years ago, thus leaving the 850 AM dial position with syndicated sports talk radio. What a far cry from the incredible local talents that graced WHDH for so many years. I wish they could bring back a personality-driven oldies format that harks back to the days of the station in its prime. With WODS Oldies 103.3 dropping the oldies format in 2012, there is a big market for this type of station and with a powerful 50,000 watt signal on 850 could reach many interested people. This format has worked well at WROW-AM 590 Albany, New York, with its "Albany Magic" moniker, so why not Boston?

If it never happens, though, that's OK because many of us have these great memories of WHDH that can never be taken away!

Great Boston Area Delis to Remember

Jack and Marion's matches. Photo source: the Daily Dish at
 http://thedailydish.us/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=36189

The Boston area had this bad rap in the 60s, 70s and 80s about lacking good delis, but in a pickle they seemed just fine to me.  Plus, it was a lot closer, geographically, than traveling to that deli capital of the world called New York City!

Here are some great Boston area delis that bring back some wonderful memories...

Ken's at Copley, Boston Ken's seemed to please all generations -- popular amongst students looking for a cheap meal, kids magnetized to sandwiches, and, in general, all fans of good deli food. I remember the rotisserie chickens, excellent pastrami sandwiches and that brisk, sometimes brusque deli service so akin to many delis. The Boylston St. location was ideal, as back then, the area had a surprisingly low number of good places to eat -- probably fewer than the towns of Podunk and East Washbucket (sorry, had to be dramatic here to prove a point). Ken's always seem to hit the spot and one of the owners (the one named Ken) brought a lot of pride and character to this Boston deli landmark.

Mel and Murray's, Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers I used to go to Mel and Murray's Deli with my grandma Anna and family at the Liberty Tree Mall location. My grandma made the best Jewish-style food anywhere in the Boston area in her very own kitchen, but sometimes she needed a break from all her hard work. Mel and Murray's more than held its own as a convenient stop for excellent deli food. The original Mel and Murray's started in Lynn, I believe, in the 1920s, but they eventually expanded -- seemingly with no drop in quality. Usually mall and "sequel" suburban restaurant locations fall about as flat as a potato pancake, but Mel and Murray's somehow held onto the tenets of a good Jewish deli that reflected the quality of the original location.

Metro Deli, Boston As a Suffolk University student with a fast metabolism, I would often walk to Cambridge St. for a full turkey dinner at the Metro Deli and then return to sociology class lethargic from the large serving and all that tryptophan. They would carve the turkey fresh every day to create the next best meal to Thanksgiving. I remember the drumstick that was about the size of Rhode Island, and all the "fixin's" including stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and mashed potato. The Metro Deli wasn't just about the turkey, however, as they served some huge, delicious sandwiches. Why didn't anyone outside this neighborhood know about the Metro? I think it was the best deli in Boston! As an added bonus, virtually everyone working at the Metro looked like comedian Richard Lewis.

B&D Deli, Brookline Not that I am an expert of New York City delis, but my guess it that B&D came as close to an authentic Big Apple Deli as any in the Boston area. From 1927 to 2005, B&D took on a household name status in the world of local delis. I always thought it was better than the famous, also closed Rubin's Deli in Brookline. Through the years and the many conversations about local restaurants, experts on delis and those who knew nothing at all (translation: vacuous), mentioned the B&D Deli as one of their favorite delis. Falling into the latter category, I really loved this place!

Jack and Marion's, Brookline Jack and Marion's offered amazing soups, substantial main meals and huge desserts in a bustling, semi-urbane atmosphere. I loved the pleasant dining room with deli aromas that seemed to extend to our faraway parking space -- and, lucky us, that is was always raining on those days. For some reason, Jack and Marion's still gets lots of attention as the deli locals miss most -- just look online, or ask any local senior citizen or knowing baby boomer loving good deli food.

What were your favorite delis in the Boston area that are now closed?