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AMC's new drama "Turn" is a creative new take on the American Revolution and the heated conflicts - both on and off the battlefield - that defined it. Set in Long Island in 1776, the show focuses on one man, Abraham Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a poor farmer trying to keep his family afloat and to deal with the British soldiers whom he is forced to quarter in his home. The long and short of Abraham's character is this: he is a good man and a bad farmer. As he struggles to make ends meet and take care of his wife Mary (Meegan Warner) and one-year-old son Tomas, he is also embroiled in a moral struggle. The corrupt commanders of the Loyalist army force him to question whom he sides with in this fight - a question that likely will have difficult familial implications. His father Richard (Kevin McNally) is a steadfast Loyalist who supports the British army that resides in Setauket, and he makes his family do the same.The drama begins when Abraham and his friend Selah (Robert Beitzel) get into a fight with some quarrelsome British soldiers. Since Abe's father is the town magistrate, the protagonist is sent to his father's care while Selah is sent to the shackles. Abraham, feeling supremely guilty that his friend is being punished while he is free, decides to pay off a previous debt to Selah. While attempting to secure the necessary funds, however, Continental Army soldiers, suspecting him of spying, take Abraham captive.Abraham is fortunately saved yet again - this time rescued by his childhood friend Ben Tallmadge (Seth Numrich), who turns out to be the leader of this group of soldiers. Ben, who now serves as a commander in the Continental Dragoon, gives Abraham an opportunity to become a spy for the Patriots. Initially, Abraham's family ties make him reluctant to help, but when Abraham witnesses another injustice by the redcoats, he decides to no longer sit idly by.The show moves slowly, with minor confusing elements. Characters are given scenes before being introduced, and the pieces of plot are assembled rather haphazardly. Abraham seems befuddled, for good reason, and he lacks a clear central focus or motivation for much of the pilot. Accents are used sporadically, with Welsh, English and Irish twangs intermingling with more typically American ones. The lack of uniformity can make it, at times, difficult to determine if a character is a Patriot with a British accent or a Loyalist with an American one. Admittedly, this lack of cohesion is reminiscent of the real-life variety within each army, but in the show, it feels puzzling and sloppy.To the show's credit, the production and design is beautifully done. The costumes, make-up, hair and sets are gorgeously constructed. One scene in particular, on the Brooklyn harbor, is jaw dropping. The beautiful sets create lush and dramatic depictions of 18th century New York. While "Turn" might not attract enormous ratings like fellow AMC drama "The Walking Dead" (2010-present) or garner the critical success of "Mad Men" (2007-present), it does have the potential to be quite engaging.Indeed, "Turn" has potential, so long as it doesn't get bogged down in trying to achieve the accuracy of a PBS documentary or the drama of an HBO series. Although the show lacks the acting powerhouses that propelled "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013) and "Mad Men" to must-see status, it brings something unique to television. It offers a new take on an often-unexplored side of the American Revolution, one not seen in past colonial dramas like the HBO miniseries "John Adams" (2008). "Turn" has a great tale to tell. If series' producers and creators can sharpen its focus a bit, then "Turn" might be set to capture America's hearts every Sunday at 9 p.m., just as easily as Abraham Woodhull is stealing secrets from the British.
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How to lose weight quickly?

October 30

How to lose weight quickly is one of the most popular health questions on the internet, according to Yahoo. Losing weight can be done quickly, however, it needs to be done in a healthy way too.People may want to lose weight rapidly for one of several reasons: A bride-to-be who wants to fit into her ...

The No. 5 nationally ranked field hockey team continued to roll last week. The Jumbos added a pair of victories, one NESCAC and one non-conference win, along with a win yesterday over No. 14 Wellesley College, to improve to 10-1 on the season. On Thursday, head coach Tina McDavitt's squad ousted the University of New England Nor'Easters 7-1 before besting Connecticut College 4-2 on Saturday.In the process, senior co-captain Chelsea Yogerst set a program record. Against the University of New England, Yogerst tapped in five goals to become Tufts' all-time leader in single-game scoring."It was extremely exciting and humbling to break a school record," Yogerst said. "I am so thankful to have such amazing teammates because their hard work put me in the position to score in both games, and I am really proud of the effort we put in this weekend, especially offensively. We had a number of different players score goals and provide assists which was really great."On Saturday, sophomore midfielder Dakota Sikes-Keilp led the Jumbos with a two-goal effort that lifted them over the Camels. Connecticut College struck first, when senior forward Laura Sanderson collected her own rebound and fired a shot past Tufts junior keeper Bri Keenan to gain an early Camels advantage.Nearly 20 minutes later, Tufts finally broke through with an equalizer. The Jumbos earned a penalty corner, and Sikes-Keilp received the ball at the top of the circle, hammering a shot past Camels junior netminder Becca Napolitano to lock the game at 1-1."I feel that we have enough trust in each other to know that we can come back from being behind in any game situation," Yogerst said. "Although Conn. scored first, we realized that we had plenty of time to fight back but we were immediately reminded that we needed to increase our intensity."With less than a minute left in the first period, Tufts pulled ahead when senior co-captain midfielder Stephanie Wan drove a shot that Yogerst tipped past Napolitano.Tufts headed into the second half with a slim, one-goal advantage. The Jumbos were able to expand their lead in the 44th minute, when sophomore midfielder Rachel Terveer collected a rebound off of a shot by Yogerst, and fired the ball into the upper left corner of the cage to push the Jumbos' lead to 3-1.Two minutes later, Tufts found the boards again. Sikes-Keilp capitalized on another penalty corner, notching her second goal of the day to extend the lead to 4-1.The Camels managed to piece together one final goal-scoring possession. In the 55th minute, Sanderson finished her second goal of the day, launching a shot above Keenan's head. Tufts' defense held strong for the final 15 minutes, however, preserving the two-goal margin."We built on Thursday's game with our passing," senior All-American midfielder Emily Cannon said. "We just fought. It was a really tough game because Conn. is really good this year, but we had some great touches and finishes on a goalie that held us to one goal on 40 shots last year."Two days prior, it was Yogerst's exceptional effort that lifted the Jumbos above the Nor'Easters. The first half was all Tufts, with a 15-1 advantage in shots and six penalty corners to the University of New England's two.Despite a five-save effort from first-year keeper Holly Smith, Yogerst found the back of the net four times in the opening 35 minutes. In the ninth minute of play, Terveer assisted Yogerst with her first goal of the evening, putting Tufts on the board early.A minute later, freshman forward Annie Artz got involved, connecting with Yogerst for Tufts' second goal of the day. The Jumbos continued to pressure as the half wore on and with 10 minutes left, Cannon dished another assist to Yogerst to put Tufts up 3-0."Our passing throughout the entire field was really clicking which allowed us to create space in behind their defense," Yogerst said. "We played a really offensive game which included our defense stepping up for interceptions and our offense cutting back to receive passes. Most of my goals were off of great feeds into the circle that I one-timed."Yogerst added to the growing margin when she scored off a pass from sophomore forward Allison Rolfe in the 27th minute to give Tufts a massive 4-0 advantage heading into the intermission."We focused not on who we were playing but on elevating our own game," Cannon said. "We focused on keeping up the pressure and putting the ball into the circle, where Chelsea was able to do a phenomenal job of finishing those looks."The visitors drew first blood in the second stanza. Two minutes in, junior forward Erin Bibber put a ball from senior co-captain forward Hayley LaPointe past Keenan to put the Nor'Easters on the board for the first time.12
News

Marathon running 'bad for the heart'

October 30

When we think of cardiovascular health, physical activity - such as running - often comes to mind. But new research shows that running a marathon can prompt heart muscle changes that cause the heart to swell, and this is particularly the case in runners with lower fitness levels.The researchers, who ...

As the first episode of the "House of Cards" second season ends, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) looks directly into camera and says, "Did you think I'd forgotten you? Perhaps you hoped I had ... Welcome back." If the hype surrounding this season's release is any indication, audiences certainly have not forgotten about Frank. The second iteration of this political thriller is a leap forward -- albeit with some boring moments -- as the show explores power hungry characters willing to do the unthinkable to expand their clout in Washington, D.C.The second season starts where the first left off: Frank and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) jogging silently through an unnamed Washington, D.C., park. The Underwoods maintain a breakneck pace, only stopping momentarily to reflect on where they are. Frank is about to be sworn in as the Vice President which, while the first season made the process almost look easy, is remarkable. Thanks to Chief of Staff Douglas Stamper (Michael Kelly), reporter-turned-lover-turned-reporter-again Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara), the late Representative Peter Russo (Corey Stoll) and others, Frank has fought his way up the Washington food chain. Season two follows Frank as he uses his power to reap even more. He tracks down super PAC funds contributed by a cabal of shady Chinese businessmen. He sabotages investigations into Peter Russo's death. And he avoids a government shutdown with the precise application of parliamentary procedure.To say the least, the Machiavellian wheeling and dealing required to keep all of these balls in the air, while still advancing his own interests, keeps Frank quite busy. Additional romantic interludes fill much of the rest of the season's time, including one between Remy Danton (Mahershala Ali) and newly appointed Majority Whip Jacqueline Sharp (Molly Parker). Yet the season's main plot focuses on Frank separating the feeble, easily manipulated President Walker (Michael Gill) from his friend and mentor, ultra-wealthy businessman Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney). Unfortunately, that plot forms much of the season's weaker middle episodes. The first season thrived in its plot diversity. Unlike this season, the initial 13 episodes never had Frank involved in one bump in the road for more than a few episodes. As he idiosyncratically broke the fourth wall, Frank easily placed each obstacle within the context of the last.In season two, much of Underwood's problems are embattled in his tug-of-war with Tusk over President Walker. While all of Frank's complex machinations come into focus by the final two episodes, much of why Frank cares so much about $25 million dollars being re-routed to Republican super PACs seems fuzzy and unimportant. This is particularly prevalent in the context of modern elections, in which one presidential candidate can spend nearly $1 billion to get elected. Perhaps a result of Netflix's all-at-once content delivery, it's easy to tune out much of the intricate set-ups of some episodes and tune back in for their inevitable results.As such, the better episodes of the second season are at the front and back. Episodes one and four ("Chapter 14" and "Chapter 17") are standouts, as are 11, 12 and 13 ("Chapter 24", "Chapter 25" and "Chapter 26"). Of particular note is episode four, in which the promise of Claire's depth, hinted at in episode four of the first season, is finally fulfilled. Wright displays some of the best acting of the season here, skillfully exploring her character's painful history in the most public manner possible. She puts forward a provocative thesis: the past can exist both as pain and as drive. Claire may be a victim, but she can -- and does -- transform her victimization into motivation. Credit belongs to the writers, who included so-called ripped from the headlines issues without the haphazardness that other shows have attempted, but don't always succeed in executing.What makes the popularity of "House of Cards" so interesting is how it differs from other wildly popular political thrillers. Comparisons between "The West Wing" (1999-2006) and "House of Cards" abound, but the essential difference is this: the former involves good people exercising power for the right reasons and the right ends, while the latter is about morally ambivalent, or even morally bankrupt, people exercising power for their own reasons and their own ends.In the current political climate, with a gridlocked and ineffectual government, it is not particularly surprising that audiences want a protagonist who can wield power effectively to accomplish anything at all. Even President Obama himself remarked, when asked about the first season, "I wish things were that ruthlessly efficient ... It's true. It's like, Kevin Spacey, man, this guy's getting a lot of stuff done." Has Frank Underwood's rise reflected a new, post-idealist America? Who knows and, as Frank would probably say, who cares? All that matters in Frank Underwood's America is who has power, who doesn't and who is in the way. All of that and, of course, a good rack of ribs.
News

Vitamin D supplements may not increase bone density

October 30

People over the age of 50 often take vitamin D supplements thinking they're making their bones stronger and preventing osteoporosis. But a new review of past studies finds the supplements don't usually increase bone density. And researchers said they aren't necessary for most healthy adults.Among ...

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Bhushan Deshpande | Words of Wisdom

October 29

Right before last year's Commencement, the Class of 1963 had its 50-year reunion. Alongside all the free wine and ice cream were several long tables that the endowment management office had set up, and they were pushing hard to get folks to donate.

The Setonian
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Nimarta Narang | Hello U.S.A

October 29

My idea of a perfect Friday night involves Indian food, Bollywood music and a lot of dancing. Luckily for me, The Hindu Students Council and Tufts Association of South Asians (TASA) jointly organized a Diwali event at Tufts this past Friday. Diwali is the festival of lights, and - to keep the explanation simple - it is a holiday celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over the darkness of our ignorance. The evening event was illuminated with lights as we began with a puja, or prayer service, and then had a dinner followed by a celebration - which is when the dancing came in.

The Setonian
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Tyler Maher | Beantown Beat

October 29

The Boston Celtics kick off their season tonight against the Toronto Raptors. Even if the Red Sox weren't on the cusp of winning the World Series, I still wouldn't watch. I can't. It's going to be too painful.

The Setonian
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Greenblatt speaks about social entrenpreneurship

October 29

Jonathan Greenblatt (LA '92), special assistant to President Barack Obama and director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation in the United States Domestic Policy Council, delivered the Lyon & Bendheim Alumni Lecture at 51 Winthrop St. last night.

The Setonian
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TV Review | 'American Horror Story' continues to thrill

October 29

Ever since the first season of "American Horror Story" debuted in 2011, creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have offered audiences an amalgam of disturbing introductions, music, characters and storylines - all of which occur in equally alarming settings. "American Horror Story: Coven" - the FX show's third installment - is no exception.

The Setonian
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Ben Zuckert | Straight Out of the Bible

October 29

Last week I said I'd reveal if God exists and after much deliberation, I'm ready to put it all on the line. The answer is yes, there is indeed a god and his name is Walt "Clyde" Frazier, former point guard for the New York Knicks. Currently a commentator, he wears cow-print suits and has a better command of the English language than William Shakespeare. He uses the word "percolate" and rhymes nearly everything. He also frequently says, "you know who the Knicks could use right now? Ben Zuckert. Once you look past his complete lack of muscle and four-inch vertical leap, you'll see a kid who's definitely ready for the NBA."

The Setonian
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Static Contractions: Grow by Standing Still

October 29

"Use full range of motion (ROM)." That phrase captures one of our major philosophies of resistance training so well that it bears repeating. Use a full ROM. Use a full ROM.Good. Now that's hopefully out of your system, because another major philosophy of muscle-building that we preach ...

I can't believe it - this is my last column of the semester. I am sad about this, to say the least. From caterpillars to taro roots to kava, thank you so much for joining me on this culinary adventure. What a long, strange trip it's been. I hope this column, if nothing else, has helped you appreciate the weird, wonderful diversity of food that exists on this planet - and what a remarkable selection of things turn out to be edible. I hope I've opened your horizons, but if you've tuned in each week just to be grossed out and laugh at me, that's fine too. Still, as we part ways, I'd like to encourage you to take the plunge. Eat something you're not familiar with. If it's cooked properly, the worst thing that's likely to happen is that you don't like it.I was torn about what I wanted my last food to be. I had to go out with a bang, you know? Initially, I had planned to make something with fufu flour, a type of root-based flour that is popular in Africa. Above all, I like this food's name, but it's interesting, too - many African cultures make fufu dumplings that they eat with soups and stews. You are not supposed to chew fufu, though. Instead, you use it as a utensil to deliver food to your mouth, before swallowing it whole. When I prepared it, I completely ignored this standard preparation (because I happen to like chewing) and discovered that fufu was delicious when fried in butter and served with maple syrup. This might have been a first in the world of fufu, but I was still willing to share it with you. However, upon an ingredients check, I discovered that this cocoyam fufu flour only contained cassava (yuca) and taro, which I had already written about.Instead, I think it's appropriate to sign off with a tried-and-true favorite that, though somewhat uncommon in America, has a major international presence: the plantain. I first learned about plantains from my seventh grade French class, when we were learning about les francophones" in Africa. Thanks colonialism! Plantains are a staple of C?te d'Ivoire's cuisine and, needless to say, I've been a fan ever since I tried to cook one for extra credit. Plantains look a lot like bananas, but they are starchier and more substantial than their counterparts. Like bananas, they are rich in fiber and potassium, but they are tougher and therefore aren't usually eaten raw. Their ready availability, sweet/savory flavor and easy preparation make them a staple food in much of Africa and South America, to the point where they're commonly referred to as "cooking bananas."Because I am young and wild and free, I didn't follow a recipe for plantains
News

U.K. Mortgage Approvals Rise to Highest in 5 1/2 Years

October 29

U.K. mortgage approvals rose to the highest in 5 1/2 years in September, adding to signs of a strengthening property market that’s being stoked by government incentives.Lenders granted 66,735 mortgages, the most since February 2008, compared with a revised 63,396 the previous month, the Bank of England ...

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Abe’s Special Zones to Fuel Economic Reform, Hatta Says

October 29

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s reforms may be aided by excluding the agriculture, trade and welfare ministries from oversight of special economic zones, according to the head of a working group on the plans.“Abe sees the strategic special zones as the heart of regulatory reforms,” Tatsuo ...

The Shops at Porter are a cornucopia of great Asian cuisine, the best of which is Tampopo. The cozy restaurant - which on a good day seats 14 people - is a perfect spot for eating with just one other person. For two, it usually isn't difficult to get a seat. Plus, the food, prompt service and pleasant atmosphere make up for the cramped dining conditions. One of the benefits of having such a small restaurant - and a small clientele - is that Tampopo serves its patrons quickly. Sitting in the restaurant's nook, it is easy to see why it is a local favorite. The interior is bright and the decor is whimsically colorful. Tampopo exudes comfort and familiarity. The staff is very nice, and the place has a leisurely air. It has the dependability of a restaurant and the speed of a fast food chain. The rapid service does not have an adverse affect on the quality of food. Tampopo is not fine cuisine. It is rough-and-ready Japanese food that is filling and tasty. Eating at Tampopo is also a journey through the savory side of your pallet. The Tampopo-Don pork is incredible: breaded yet succulent, tender yet firm. The pork cutlets rest on a heaping bed of rice and perfectly steamed vegetables. All of this is drizzled with a sauce, which is akin to a cross between hollandaise sauce, Thousand Island dressing and the joyful tears of an angel. Indeed, there's no doubt that any meat-lover will love this dish. It is rich, juicy and tastes incredibly fresh. Tampopo also does a great job with portions, which toe the line between reasonable and exorbitant. Serious eaters will find themselves satisfied, and those who eat like birds won't be wasting half a platter of food. In addition to the pork, the Udon chicken curry with egg is equally good: the broth is flavorful and infused with the delicate tang of curry. The Udon noodles are perfectly cooked and plentiful, and the chicken practically melts in your mouth. The meat dishes are indeed stellar, but vegetarian diners should not despair. Tampopo offers a number of tofu dishes in addition to several other meat-free items (this reviewer highly recommends the dynamite bowl, if for no other reason than the seething red pallor evident in its laminated photo on the wall). Finally, any Tampopo diner should seriously consider sampling the homemade ice tea. Colored a lustrous brown and served in a mason jar, it's the secret gem of the restaurant - light and perfectly sweetened. The proprietors do not advertise it heavily - save for the aging cardboard sign practically buried into the front counter of the restaurant - but it is well worth the pocket-withering 90 cents. Overall, Tampopo is an excellent restaurant. It has a pleasant hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, and it is extremely well staffed. The food is incredible and very reasonably priced ($8 to $10 on average). For anybody who is trying to find good Japanese cuisine or even just a little bit of comfort food, Tampopo is the place to be.
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Wholesale Prices in U.S. Unexpectedly Fall as Food Costs Ebb

October 29

Wholesale prices in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in September as food costs retreated, an indication inflation remains tame.The 0.1 percent decrease in the producer price index followed a 0.3 percent gain the prior month, a Labor Department report showed today. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey ...

The red sign on the awning reads, "The Regal Beagle: A Neighborhood Joint" - an ironic phrase, unless you stop to consider where the restaurant is actually located. Indeed, The Regal Beagle - situated in the upscale town of Brookline, Mass., right near The Coolidge Corner Theater - is not just another colorless fast food eatery, as its awning might suggest, but rather an impressive dining establishment that boasts a chic, elegant ambience and a wide range of traditional American options with a refined twist.The restaurant's facade is deceiving. Nestled snugly in between a baby gear shop and a gym on Harvard Street, the small storefront is rather unassuming. After opening the door, however, the atmosphere shifts noticeably - the modest, somewhat inconspicuous exterior melts away as visitors are greeted by a warm, tasteful interior decor. Dark red wallpaper with an ornate burgundy pattern lines one side of the space, while wood-framed mirrors and a few pieces of artwork hang from the opposite wall. A series of two-person tables are positioned across from a long, brown booth that runs all the way from the front of the restaurant to the cozy bar in the back. A tiny channel splits the two sections of seating, but on a busy night, with people spilling out from around the bar, the room - which is already quite small - feels slightly clustered and claustrophobic.The Beagle serves brunch, lunch and dinner, and each of these menus offers patrons a selection of comfort food classics with a creative spin. Here, beloved staples like the BLT, mac 'n' cheese and ribs get a makeover, becoming sophisticated dishes worthy of ordering on a night out. Finger food like bacon-wrapped dates are transformed into fancy appetizers with the addition of blue cheese and a ratcheted up presentation: sweet sauce drizzled around the edges of the plate. A basic omelette becomes a house specialty, served with smoked salmon, scallions and a rich cr?me fra?che. And though the restaurant does seem to pride itself on these innovative meals, the menus are also peppered with a few inherently high-end dishes, like a grass-fed sirloin steak and a hazelnut-crusted trout, complete with olive-citrus relish, smoky eggplant and laciento kale.Another exciting element of the menu is its ever-changing seasonal fare. The Beagle has adapted its ingredients to the dropping temperatures, and the most obvious of these modifications can be found in the restaurant's dessert offerings. Apple pie sundae with spiced apples and caramel, served warm with whipped cream, and a flavorful pumpkin cr?me br?l?e are just some of the delicious options that cater specifically to the fall food lover.Named after the local pub from the '70s-era show "Three's Company" (1976-1984), the restaurant certainly harkens back to its roots with extensive beer, wine and cocktail lists. According to the restaurant, The Beagle has a "rotating wine program that offers a small selection of boutique wines, all by the glass or bottle." With labels from countries like Spain, New Zealand and Italy, the options are endless. That, along with 22 beers and a plethora of snazzy cocktails, is enough to have customers flocking to the bar alone.The Beagle's prices cater to its Brookline clientele - and, consequently, are not exactly ideal for a college student looking to grab a quick bite. That being said, in terms of quality and service, the restaurant's prices are entirely reasonable and even a good deal. With dinner entr?es ranging from $17 to $28, The Beagle is a great place for those who want to splurge on a nice meal - and in that regard, it's worth every penny.The Regal Beagle is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. For any questions or to make a reservation, call (617)-739-5151.
News

Stevens Says Australia Dollar Likely to Be Materially Lower

October 29

Australia’s central bank Governor Glenn Stevens said the local currency’s level isn’t supported by costs and productivity in the economy and the nation’s terms of trade are more likely to fall than rise. The Aussie dropped.“The foreign exchange market is perhaps another area in which investors ...

Near the end of Elm Street, on the very edge of Porter Square, a bright orange and green storefront announces the local Mexican restaurant, Aguacate Verde. The small eatery is instantly inviting - the door remains propped open in mild weather, allowing the sizzling sounds and enticing flavors emanating from the tiny kitchen to greet visitors as they approach. Once inside, the sun-soaked tables, each topped with a bottle of hot sauce, encourage patrons to stay, take a rest and order one - or several - of the restaurant's excellent dishes.Agaucate Verde, which translates to "green avocado," is aptly named. The flavorful fruit is incorporated into many menu items, making it the restaurant's signature ingredient. Chief among the avocado dishes, however, is the guacamole - the crown jewel of Agaucate Verde. It is not to be missed. This legendary guac is unmistakably fresh with hints of onion that add a refreshing crunch to the otherwise smooth and sweet dip. While it makes a wonderful side to most entrees, if you would prefer to have your guacamole as an appetizer or a stand-alone dish, be sure to ask for tortilla chips with your order (they are not automatically provided, but can easily be requested).While the menu does give an excellent selection of familiar dishes, such as guacamole, tacos and burritos, Agaucate Verde stands out thanks to its other dishes. The menu offers many healthier versions of traditional items, with diet-friendly options marked by a heart-healthy symbol on the menu. For instance, the vegetarian quesadilla is heavy on the veggie fillings, and light on cheese, making this beloved tortilla dish more like a wrap than the Mexican classic.Furthermore, menu items such as gorditas - a hamburger-shaped grilled sandwich, stuffed with beans, lettuce and avocado held together between warm corn tortillas - and pupusas - a kind of grilled corn pancake with cheese and meat fillings baked into the center - may be unfamiliar to many patrons. Aguacate Verde does a wonderful job with most items and provides ample opportunities for patrons to step outside their comfort zones with their effortlessly fresh and exciting options.While some dishes, like the pupusa, may be bland at first, they're simply an excellent excuse to use that bottle of hot sauce liberally. Other selections, like the decadent leche asada - a baked dessert somewhere in between cr?me brulee and pudding - are perfectly satisfying and served straight from the oven. These dishes are where Agaucate Verde shines.While the food is certainly tasty, Agaucate Verde does have its drawbacks. The restaurant seems to quickly run out of popular items like flan or advertised specials, even early on in the evening. The eating experience, too, is overwhelmingly casual. Customers order at the kitchen counter and are sometimes called up to retrieve their own dishes, which are served in plastic baskets.This atmosphere, however, can be relaxing and friendly. Aguacate Verde quickly fills up around 5 p.m. with famished and enthusiastic locals looking to kick back and enjoy a quick bite. But there is absolutely no need to dress up for a night out here. Whether this laid-back feeling enhances or detracts from the meal depends on the preferences of each dining party, and also their expectations for the meal. Arrive at Agaucate Verde hungry, ready for a simple meal and a fresh taste of traditional Latin American cuisine and you won't be disappointed.Agaucate Verde is located at 13 Elm Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.
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Housing Prices in U.S. Cities Rise by Most Since Early 2006

October 29

Home prices in 20 U.S. cities rose in August from a year ago by the most since February 2006 as stronger demand boosted values.The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property prices in 20 cities increased 12.8 percent from August 2012, more than forecast, after a 12.3 percent gain in the year ended in July, ...

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