The Critics Ate Freaky Fries, Inventive Noodles, and Gelato This Week

Millennial Vibes, Definitely a Bar

This week, the Boston Globe’s Catherine Smart writes about The Automatic in Cambridge, where the “cocktails are expertly concocted” even if the blue margarita looks “like something you’d order for the first and last time on your 21st birthday.” The tropical flair on The Underappreciated Blackened Fish Sando is something reminiscent of East Coast Grill, Smart writes; the Automatic co-owner Chris Schlesinger is the founder of East Coast Grill. The flat patty burger has “some alchemy happening that makes it the ideal burger.” She also recommends the Korean fried chicken sandwich and writes that the “freaky fries are an umami bomb with parmesan shavings.”

‘Ramen, Rice Bowls, and Revelry’

The Globe’s Kara Baskin checks out Ruckus for some “inventive noodle combinations.” The black garlic mazemen has togarashi lamb and a marinated soft egg, while the spicy miso ramen has ground pork, grilled corn, shaved nori, bean sprouts, and chili oil. Also on the menu: salad with octopus, $5 rice bowls, and “exotic sodas.” Customers place orders at a host stand and food is served on trays.

A Hidden Gelato Gem

For the Dig, Marc Hurwitz visits Italian Cafe Gelato in Quincy and finds the “best cold treat you’ve tried all summer,” he writes. “The density of the gelato helps create bolder flavors,” Hurwitz continues, and he notes the shop’s options of Nutella, pistachio, tiramisu, amaretto, and stracciatella. The cafe also has salads and sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and tea.

• The Automatic in Cambridge Raises the Bar on Bars [BG]
• Quick Bite: Ruckus, a Standout Among Chinatown Noodle Parlors [BG]
• First Look: Italian Cafe Gelato [DigBoston]