Sandy's Motherhood Blog: Food, Fun, Fashion: My Favorite Restaurants

This blog may not be of much interest to those of you who don't live anywhere in the vicinity of eastern Massachusetts, but if you ever have the opportunity to visit the greater Boston area, you should make a point to check out a few of my local favorites!!

Filho's (Acton and Groton)

Type of cuisine: Italian

Our favorite dishes: fried ravioli, ravioli di aragosta, chicken carciofi, tiramisu the size of your head, lots of daily specials

What makes it special: We love the personal attention of our favorite server, Hans (who not only shows you photos of the daily special, but makes homemade limoncello for featured cocktails on a regular basis), as well as visits from Rick, the manager, but the whole experience makes you feel like a local. The food is delicious and homey, and there's always enough to bring a little bit home.

What else do I need to know?: They have a lovely outdoor dining area, and it's a great place for lunch.

Bottom line: Delicious comfort food at incredibly reasonable prices.

Lucia's Tavola (Ayer)

Type of cuisine: Steak, pasta, seafood

Our favorite dishes: Bolognese, risotto di mare, "Aunt Fil's 'World Famous' Lentil Soup"

What makes it special: Delicious food, amazing steaks, lovely ambiance, fabulous bartenders

What else do I need to know?: There's a charming outdoor eating area in the brick-lined alley behind the restaurant, with heaters when needed; if you're lucky, someone will have a birthday and one of the waiters will start singing to the honoree in Italian

Bottom line: Elegant, terrific specials, high-end food at "suburb" prices, a marvelous wine list

Eddie V's (Burlington)

Type of cuisine: Steak and seafood

Our favorite dishes: the crab fried rice (OMG THE CRAB FRIED RICE), a marvelous wine list, the smoked Old Fashioned (seriously, order one even if you don't usually drink Old Fashioneds), whatever the steak special is, filet mignon with the parmesan and horseradish crust, lobster bisque

What makes it special: Excellent, fantastically fresh (and perfectly cooked) steak and seafood, high-end food at non-Boston prices, a wonderful jazz combo playing in the bar most nights, a gorgeous chandelier

What else do I need to know: Stop and make a request from the band; they're amazing and they'd love to play for you

Bottom line: Elegant dining without being pretentious

Capital Grille (Burlington and Chestnut Hill)

Type of cuisine: High-end steak and seafood

Our favorite dishes: lobster bisque, filet mignon, tomahawk veal chop, lobster mac & cheese

What makes it special: the best steak outside of Boston, an absolutely amazing wine list, truly top-notch service

What else do I need to know: Oscar-style steak is the way to go; ask to speak to the sommelier for a truly wonderful wine recommendation (and a fascinating conversation)

Bottom line: By far the most high-end service on this list

The Chateau (Waltham, Andover, Burlington, 8 other locations)

Type of cuisine: Italian, seafood

Our favorite dishes: fried ravioli, the BREAD!, lasagna, the Italian Trios

What makes it special: family run (RIP, Lou Nocera), comfort food, really fast service, delicious Italian classics

What else do I need to know: the waitstaff is all locals so chat with them

Bottom line: Homey, comfort food, fast service, family-oriented, and always enough to bring home leftovers

Burton's Grille (Burlington, Westford, North Andover, 4 other locations in MA)

Type of cuisine: American pub food

Our favorite dishes: Southwest chicken salad, Bolognese, burgers, lobster mac & cheese

What makes it special: casual and low-key atmosphere but excellent food

What else do I need to know: the steak add-ons (crab-stuffed shrimp duo, caramelized onions, mushroom rosemary demi glace, and aged bleu cheese sauce) are heavenly

Bottom line: The food isn't fussy, it's just fresh, delicious, and perfectly prepared

Charcoal Guido's (Waltham)

Type of cuisine: casual Italian, pizza

Our favorite dishes: Arrosticini, arroncini, lamb chops, pizza, all the desserts

What makes it special: casual, family-owned, delicious classic Italian food

What else do I need to know: it's a little crowded and noisy, but the food is well worth it and the waitstaff is accommodating - and fun!

Bottom line: Classic Italian food, amazing pizza, great prices

Beijing Tokyo (Acton)

Type of cuisine: Chinese, Japanese

Our favorite dishes: sushi, beef with broccoli, orange chicken, Peking ravioli

What makes it special: fresh, well-prepared Asian-American cuisine, wonderful sushi, great for take-out or eat-in

What else do I need to know: The food is beautiful as well as delicious

Bottom line: For high-quality Asian-American fare (Chinese standards and elegant sushi), this is the place to go

Not Your Average Joe's (Acton, Waltham)

Type of cuisine: Standard American

Our favorite dishes: cheese steak rolls, BBQ meatloaf, mustard chicken, burgers, sweet potato fries

What makes it special: it's a chain, but it's a reliable chain that makes fresh, predictable, but delicious dishes

What else do I need to know: All the locations have interesting decor and relatively speedy service

Bottom line: As chain restaurants go, this is one of the better-quality chains

As Good As It Gets (Acton, Wilmington, Norwood)

Type of cuisine: Standard breakfast and lunch fare; think high-end diner

Our favorite dishes: French toast (especially with real maple syrup), paninis, home fries

What makes it special: it's what IHOP ought to be: delicious, hearty, good-quality breakfasts and lunch sandwiches

What else do I need to know: The coffee and the hot chocolate are both excellent; the menu is surprisingly varied if you want heartier fare (steak tips, baked haddock, interesting salads and subs, etc.).

Bottom line: A local gem and an excellent place to take guests when you want a hearty breakfast you don't have to cook yourself

TC Lando's (Acton, Clinton, Hudson, Leominster)