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Vee Vee
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
763 Ctr StJamaica Plain, MA 02130
Neighbourhood: Jamaica Plain
(617) 522-0145
- Nearest Transit:
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775 Centre St (192, 35, 39, 41, 48)
South St @ Centre St (192, 39, 41, 48)
Centre St @ Eliot St (35, 37/38, 38)
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 3 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Classy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
116 reviews for Vee Vee
Review Highlights
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"The shrimp and scallop cakes are light and attentively..." In 10 reviews -
"I always recommend this place to people in the JP area." In 26 reviews -
"The Pretty Things Jack D'Or on tap is probably my new..." In 5 reviews
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116 reviews in English
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Review from Anthony L.
Cambridge, MA
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
As I was hunting Yelp for the perfect date spot in Jamaica Plain, I came across Vee Vee. I was a little daunted by the price of things, but decided to give it a whirl.
First off, I don't understand how there are any negative reviews here. This place is amazing. Seriously, it's delicious.
Beer and drink: their selection is huge! I opted for a Peeper Ale (Maine Beer Co) and was not, in the least bit, disappointed. If you haven't tried this beer before, it's a little hoppy (which i love) mixed with citrus. Guys, it's great. The only suggestion would be to assure the beer is iced cold, but beggars can't be choosers.
I was a little disappointed with the small menu (but, hey, it's a bistro). I ordered the chicken (description: Roasted Giannone chicken breast, fregola, oranges, pistachios, herbs, broccoli rabe - $24.00).
Listen, I'm always apprehensive to order food I can make at home. I could easily get some chicken from Whole Foods or whatever and make it delicious. But, this chicken... it was perfect. Perfect. I can't even put to words, it was great.
The wait staff was great. The best part was that I did not feel overwhelmed by the server. He came by, asked how the food was, engaged in light conversation, then went his own way. He has a very chill and relaxed vibe (which fits perfectly with Vee Vee).
Bottom line: This place is great. Huge selection of beer and wine and the food is out of this world. The staff is not overwhelming, which is great. Vee Vee is a little pricy, but it's worth every penny. -
Review from Vinny M.
Boston, MA
Updated - 2/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Had the chicken breast, it look a while. Waitress assured me it was worth the wait; "best chicken you'll ever have." It was, in fact, the best chicken I've ever had*. The atmosphere has a casual yet chic vibe that is definitely more Yuppie than Hipster (thankfully). The beer menu is nicely eclectic and reasonably priced - this is not the place for $3 pitchers of Coorsweiser.
*That wasn't deep fried, covered in tangy BBQ, followed with 1000 beers and over 10000 caloriesListed in: Bars
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2012
Can't rave enough about this place. Went here for a Sixpoint beer tasting, ended up having a… Read more »
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Review from Jess M.
Boston, MA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of the things I hate about eating out is feeling gross after. You know, like you ate too much, perhaps too much greasy food and you just kinda feel icky. Vee Vee is a wonderful place where you won't feel like that after you eat.
Why is this? Well all of the food is organic, healthy and local. They cook it in healthy ways (you won't find food slathered in oil or butter here), and the chef AND the wait staff know their food. The selections are creative, and seasonal, so the menu changes often, which I like. I leave feeling satisfied but not filled up so much that I want to explode. I think "satisfying" is the perfect word for Vee Vee.
The setting is small and intimate but very cozy. This is a good date place.
They do a brunch on Sunday's which is fantastic. Highly recommend it. Seriously one of the best brunches I have had in the Boston area.
I have only had an issue with Vee Vee one time. I was in a party of 3 and it was a weekend night, but we sat without a wait, so it wasn't completely slammed. Our food took a good 45 minutes to come (it felt like more, could have been more) and the waitress never came by to explain why. This didn't turn me off from Vee Vee because I have had too many good experiences there, but it was a bit odd and annoying that night.
However, Vee Vee makes it to my top favorite restaurants in Boston! -
Review from Haley B.
Boston, MA
5/10/2012
I went to Vee Vee this week to try out their weekly Wednesday Prix Fixe vegan menu, only $25! I thought the atmosphere was very fun and cozy. They did a great job decorating and though it sounds silly, with the acoustics. The ceilings are really high and it could sound weird in there but they have done a great job making it a nice environment. The food was good, everything was very fresh and all the flavors were meant to accent the fresh food. The beer selection was good, although I was a little disappointed with the sangria. The highlights for me were definitely the Porcini/Crimini mushroom soup and the mint 'ice cream' with coconut cake.
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Review from Adam B.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Close attention paid to all food and beverage details. All the food expertise with none of the arrogance. I try to always plan a visit when I'm out of town- either for brunch or dinner.
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Review from Zoe P.
Boston, MA
3/2/2012
I go to Vee Vee often and I've never had a bad meal there...in fact, their food is fantastic every time. The menu changes pretty frequently and features the most fresh (and often local) ingredients. I would highly recommend eating at Vee Vee. Great people, great food, great atmosphere and great beer and wine selection.
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Review from Tiffany P.
Boston, MA
3/9/2012
I try to give restaurants a benefit of the doubt, but with Vee Vee I simply can't when we're judging just on the food. It was...disgusting. I had a cabbage vegan meal...where everything was mushy and over cooked. I couldn't finish it. The polenta sticks...were ok...but didn't make up for the rest of my meal. The person who came with me sent one of her appetizers back and couldn't eat either of the other. The waitress and atmosphere were nice, but I won't be back to this spot any time soon..if ever. Yick!
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Review from Charlie R.
Boston, MA
2/22/2012
This is a place that just does everything right and they have been doing so for four years now. The service might not be super fast but you don't go there if you are in a hurry. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
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Review from Kirs P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
8/4/2011
Solid.
Pretty much sums about every experience I've had at Vee Vee. Every time I go I'm always surprised that I don't come here more often. The service is always lovely. Food is pretty tasty (not mind blowing or anything- but still really good). And I always leave satisfied, feeling like I've had a good meal and a great time.
Plus, who can say no to buck-a-shuck oysters on Thursday nights? Hell yes, I will be there.
The menu changes on a fairly regular basis, so it's hard to pick dishes to recommend. But, including the aforementioned oysters, I've had delicious salads, excellent fried fish cakes of varying sorts, and this chilled corn avocado coconut soup that made me rethink my whole I'm-not-really-a-fan-of-coconut-in-savory-dishes mantra. Cheesy potato croquettes are always welcome in my mouth. And any place that serves blue fish will have a special place in my heart/stomach.
So yeah, a solid restaurant with solid food and solid service. That's a lot solid for such a small, neighborhoody joint. -
Review from Tom N.
Jamaica Plain, MA
3/14/2011
Definitely way overpriced for Jamaica Plain (especially given the quality, quantity, and presentation of the measly five items that Vee Vee features on its extremely limited menu). I ordered the Arctic Char and the preparation, while adequate, consisted of a portion about the size of a McDonald's Quarter Pounder. We spent over $100.00 to sit at the bar (where they have six stools) and have two beers and a paltry serving of seafood that had me reaching for the nachos when I got home.
I'm a long-time JP resident and would love to see better restaurants succeed here, but it's not happening with Vee Vee. They don't take reservations and will make a party of two wait rather than seat you at one of their (empty) four-seat tables while they wait for a party of three of four to show up (whether they actually do or not)--this is a bad business policy folks.
Save your time and money and try Ten Tables or, better yet, any place on Restaurant Row in the South End--much to our lament, Centre Street in JP is apparently not yet ready for prime time (at least as pertains to Vee Vee). There are better restaurants in (gulp!) Dorchester believe it or not! -
Review from Retro G.
Newton, MA
10/7/2011
We've been to Vee Vee several times - the husband-wife team always makes us feel welcome, the food is delish and creative. I love the indie music and art on the walls. To me it feels homey and not pretentious.
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Review from Matt B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
1/16/2011
Great place for a birthday dinner where your party continually shrinks. From the reservations I made for 10, down to the 5 of us who actually came, the staff was very patient with the continually shrinking table.
The suckitude of my friends aside, the food was tasty and classy. I'd say it's a 2nd or 3rd date location. -
Review from Veronica W.
Boston, MA
3/4/2012
the staff was very unfriendly and not hospitable at all. get a clue, Vee Vee you are in JP where people are actually nice! we didn't stay after getting a chilling vibe from the staff;(
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Review from Reza H.
Boston, MA
3/9/2011
We went here after attending the opening of Aviary (art gallery), just for a drink. Sat at the bar and thoroughly enjoyed our time chatting with the owner (excellent hat btw).
They have great beers on tap (I had an Allagash). Then we decided to munch on something and we're glad that we did, the steamed spicy sake-coconut mussels were perfect!
I'll definitely go back for a full meal. Oh yeah, the art on the wall was interesting, so that just added to the charm. -
Review from Gail C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/21/2010
I ate here with my parents a few months ago on a wintry night when there weren't many people about. There were only 4 or 5 people in the restaurant when we arrived and it stayed that way throughout our meal. It was a special occasion and my folks were visiting from a long way away, so we were looking forward to a pleasant evening over some good food and wine....
The food was, for the most part, very good although nothing incredible. My main complaint is the unbelievably rude service we were subjected to. It's months later and I am still mad about it, hence my deeming it necessary to give Vee Vee a single star.
My Dad wasn't happy with his entree as he felt the meat was undercooked (especially for his tastes) and half of it was inedible. He spoke very timidly to the waitress (owner?) about his complaint and was met with dagger eyes and a point blank refusal that there was anything wrong with his meal. She insisted that his food was perfect just the way it was and there was nothing that could be done about it - "that's the way the chef likes it". We were flabbergasted by her reaction and were left feeling shamed and belittled.
Apart from this incident, said waitress/owner (young woman, sharp bangs, dead in the eyes) had been abrupt and downright chilly with us all night, tossing plates onto the table, glaring at us and going out of her way to make us feel as though our very existence was a huge inconvenience to her evening. Talk about being looked down upon!
It was the most off-putting dining experience I have ever had. The snotty attitude was shocking. We couldn't get out of there fast enough and the next day found ourselves still reflecting back on the experience with disbelief and irritation. Even though I live just down the street, I will never go back. -
Review from Zsaleh H.
Jamaica Plain, MA
12/12/2010
I've eaten here twice now. The first time, I thought the food was very good. This weekend, the food was really excellent. I had the panko-dijon crusted pollack, which was to *die* for--it melted in my mouth. My friend got the sirloin, which was also super, and the appetizer we shared was also delicious.
The service is great--everyone's very friendly--and I love the atmosphere--feels cozy and warm. They save the majority of their two-person tables for walk-ins, so you can choose to come here on the spur of the moment. It's not cheap, but it's definitely a steal for the quality of the food--much cheaper than restaurants that serve this quality food in more expensive parts of Boston. Such a lovely place to have a lovely dinner! -
Review from Cecilia L.
Cambridge, MA
8/1/2010
Vee Vee makes neat use of seasonal ingredients and boasts a great beer list (including Pretty Things!). Love the dramatic coral walls and cute art. It was a regular brunch spot for us until they stopped serving on Saturdays. I had the shrimp and grits late last summer when sweet corn was at peak and dreamt about it for the next few months. Then I made the mistake of ordering the dish again in fall when it fell flat without the corn. I also found the much-touted shrimp and scallop cakes disappointingly over-battered. But I love the huevos with beans, chips and salsa verde, and their breakfast sandwich has flair.
Although we'd happily brunched at Vee Vee a few times, the menu had never inspired me to return for dinner. I finally went with two friends and the dishes were superb. The smoked whitefish pate came with standout horseradish beets, and the salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts tasted fresh, sweet and peppery. I loved my dijon-crusted pollock and he his fish stew, so for once we didn't have to fight over bites. The vanilla bean panna cotta with macerated raspberries tasted too commercial, exactly like a Haagen-dazs popsicle I used to like. But the blueberry cornmeal shortcake makes for a satisfying, bowl-licking end.Listed in: Date night!
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Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2008 2 photos
As the culinary love child of Kristen and Daniel Valachovic who together have over two decades of restaurant experience at Mi Casita, Zon's and Sorrelina, one would naturally expect a brilliant dining experience and refined tastes. I entered hopeful and left wishing for more.
The space had been effectively reorganized since it's predecessor, Cha Fahn, it's rich pumpkin colored walls and simple furnishings creating a warm, intimate ambiance. The wine list encompassed continents including organics from the world over, tell-tale asteriks dotted the pages to my delight but when asking the server his suggestions we came out no more informed.
Our first courses came, half of the appetizer menu, really. Roasted beets (lacked roasted or grilled flavor) and romaine salads (too sour, should hold back on the preserved lemon), mushroom pate (one dimensional but tasty), scallop and shrimp cake (winner!), acorn squash soup (tepid).
Then the entrees were paraded on the table: linguine with clams (too salty), skate wing (solid), mushroom turnovers (not enough filling but good pastry dough), cod (uncooked wheatberries).
Dessert was the unanimously the best course: espresso creme brulee with candied kumquats and walnuts (too sweet and sugary), bread pudding with black currant (yum) and poached red wine pear with Stilton-like cheese (most creative).
Let's make this review useful and concise; eat here for seafood, sweet stuff and organic wine.
Update 04/01/08: Guest chefs are taking the place by storm vying for the recently opened position in the kitchen. Give it a go in a couple of weeks, and please report back! I'm curious... -
Review from Celeste C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
8/31/2009
Vee Vee had a lot of potential, in my eyes. I like fish and veggie stuff and it's a place we could have gone with our friends.
However, the poor and rude service by the owner is really taking a toll.
We came in for the $1/oyster special which was ending. I wanted oysters anyway (at the very friendly and fun St. Anthony's Feast) so I decided to go with the bf's plan.
The owner does not really know how to serve tables correctly so she leaves me an entire glass of something she doesn't think I'll like for a taste and then disappears. A misunderstanding leads to us drinking most of the glass while she's gone. She then throws a snotty "But you drank it" at me when I told her I didn't like it (as she predicted).
This ruined the night as I was just bitched at during dinner. My bf wanted me to order something else, and I would have, except that I didn't want to order another freaking thing from this place.
And get over yourselves. Fancy for fancy's sake is a waste of time. Serve things that taste good without snotty and rude attitudes. -
Review from Alex S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/25/2009
I'm not ashamed to admit it: when it comes to eating, I have a little bit of A.D.D. I like to try lots of different foods instead of getting stuck with a hell of a lot of one thing. What can I say? I get bored easily and like a little diversity on my dinner plate. Enter Vee Vee.
Absolutely the best restaurant in Jamaica Plain--and, for my tastes, one of the best in the entire city. From the warm, intimate, inviting, and kind of funky atmosphere (the walls are orange and there's stretched canvas on the ceiling), to the outrageously pleasant and helpful staff (who kickass at answering questions about dietary needs, and, unprompted, bring over olive oil for your bread if you can't eat dairy), to the outstanding, innovative food, a dining experience at Vee Vee is enjoyable, relaxing, and quite delicious. I was blown away by the quality of the food--it was so tasty, well-prepared, and a bit complex. It really should not be missed--but remember, make your reservations a few days in advance. The place is tiny, but will caterer to groups with notice.
The pescatarian rotating menu at Vee Vee is wonderfully unique. Each item, even a simple side like fried artichokes ($4), add a little something special to the dining experience. For my entree, I had the parsnip-carrot curry, served with pineapple chutney, sesame spinach, jasmine rice, and a nice lime wedge ($14). Sound amazing? You have no idea. Vee Vee also has a fabulous selection of booze, and the staff is wonderful at recommending the appropriate beer or wine to compliment your meal.
Vee Vee is a real find. I can't overstate how delightful the experience was--get over to Centre Street and get your eat on. Now.
PS: Awesome music!Listed in: There is a Light That Will…, Vegan with a Vengeance
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Review from Caroline C.
Boston, MA
12/19/2010
Vee Vee is one of the best restaurants in JP. Tiny and adorable, it serves interesting and unique dishes of fresh and local produce and seafood. They also have a solid wine and beer list.
Unfortunately, I've only visited a few times, but service has always been friendly and prompt . . .Also, you gotta show some love for any place that offers dollar oyster night.
One drawback: some of the two tops are awfully close together. I really don't want to eavesdrop on someone else's date . . .or them on mine. That can get awkward. . . -
Review from Charoline D.
Greenwich, CT
9/8/2008
Mummy and Da are in town to see the new apartment and come out for dinner on a Saturday night. It's raining, and Mom neglects to unlock the door or clean off the seat for me when I climb into the car. "FUCK! FUCK! OPEN THE DOOR!" I yell. I climb in and we make our way out to Washington Street....among the many barber shops and bodegas is a woman standing in the door of one of the hundreds of cheap streetwear boutiques that hawk airbrushed Biggie shirts and Nike Dunks that "fell off the truck".... she's in a mini skirt and has her tank top pulled down to her bellybutton and is shaking her bare breasts. Oh Washington, youuuuuu.
Following our way down Centre St past Bella Luna, 10 Tables, and the Alchemist we found VeeVee. We were running 10 mins late to our 5:30 reservation but as that's opening time...it wasn't an issue. We were sat in the window seat corner, the walls are a deep pumpkin and while I'm not a huge fan of orange, the tall ceilings and dark painted wood made this a perfect hue. I started with a class of Pinot Grigio from the specials menu...light and fruity, a good accompaniment to the food to come. I started with the shrimp and crab cakes, 2 searing hot fried cakies alongside a drizzle of chiptle aioli. Super hot and lightly fried, Da and I indulged. Mummy chose the crispy polenta with mushroom bolognese, little dice sized cubes of polenta circling a bed of greens and the bolognese, mushroomy and delicious.
For suppertime, me and Da both went with the Sea Bass Special, braised sea bass served alongside local wood mushrooms and cawn with a slight hint of fennel. A large portion for a mere $22, the fish was flaky tender and perfectly seasoned....although nothing quite like the mouthgasm I experience upon visits to Jumpin' Jays up in Portsmouth. Mummy chose the roasted swordfish with it's lemon risotto and herb salad. Again, a HUGE steak for $21. We also gave the pickled-bourbon peaches a try, slightly spicy.
For dessert, Mum tried the banana cream pie which was sliding around on it's oreo cookie crust. I didn't see any caramel sauce as the menu listed, but it was excellent...a good mixture of pudding goo and actual banana slices. I went with the flourless chocolate cake with it's white and milk chocolate ganache and raspberry coulis. The cake was DENSE and moist, I almost made it all the way through but left about a 2" square portion of cake on my plate. Da enjoyed a glass of 10 yr port with his coffee for dessert.
A very decent meal in a nice, quiet environment on a Saturday night.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Brian D.
7/16/2008
There is much weeping and gnashing of teeth as we wish off our co-worker on this disgustingly hot and humid night. Cranky people already depressed and in the foulest moods descend upon Jamaica Plain, many for the first time. Some get lost, some just hate everything right now. All arrive more or less on time at Vee Vee for a ceremonial living wake for the soon to be departed...
Enter 9 cranky-mc-angry-folk into a nicely air conditioned (but not freezing), warmly painted and intimate (by that I do mean small) dining area and lounge. I was told our seating would be a little tight given the size of the restaurant and the size of our group, but all were seated just fine, a little cozy but fine for our group. At this point the good and proper thing happens, the waitress comes over and offers the wine and beer lists. Simple enough - give us 2 of this, 2 of that and keep it coming, lady. Mission accomplished, minutes into seating all have beer, wine, water and there is plenty of wine left in bottle on table.
Tensions begin to ease. Tears begin to dry. Orders begin to be placed. 'Look at this f'ing menu....water melon salad, fried green tomatoes, crab and shrimp cakes? GIVE US ALL, GIVE US ALL!!' Yes, yes, plate upon plate of tasty sea and land bits begin to emerge and quickly fill our table. Mouths that were complaining moments ago are now stuffed like autumn squirrels on all these appetizers. Silence. Munching. Panting. Scraping of knifes and forks.
A rest, but only for a moment. Entrees are ordered. Roasted red snapper, quail, tuna meatballs, swordfish. More wine. Conversations begin to become more engaged as caloric intake and alcohol consumption fuels metabolism and chemical balances. Mood enhancers. The music switches gear, it was lightly ambient when we entered and is now galloping along almost in touch with our tables mood. Once again food arrives. Silence. Munching. Panting. Scraping of knifes and forks.
Plates are cleared. More wine poured. Gifts showered upon the soon to be departed. Dessert menu, a glass of port for all. A toast and then cake, let them eat cake. CAKE GOD DAMN YOU, CAKE. Good cake.
9 satisfied diners leave Vee Vee, no, close Vee Vee and leave a trail of wine glasses and tired servers in their wake. All will remember how to get to Jamaica Plain, -
Review from Matt W.
Updated - 11/19/2010
I've gone here a few more times since my last review. It is kind of pricey, but the food quality is really good. If I were to give them some advice, I'd recommend one or two more dinner options a night, or at least one more that isn't seafood. I like it, but people I've gone with have been kind of perplexed about what to order.
The staff here is nice, and seems to remember people who have been there more than once. They also have a really good wine and microbrew selection.
I brought my family here, and they thought it was really pretentious when they walked in. When they walked out, they just kept talking about how great the food was, and how perfect the portions were.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/28/2010
The food here is really good, but not quite as good as the cost would indicate.
They do $1 oysters… Read more »
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Review from Michelle M.
Boston, MA
6/8/2008
I love this restaurant. I have not been there for dinner yet, but it is the only place I want to go for brunch, from now on. They do everything right. From the amazing food, prepared exactly as I ask, to the strong, delicious coffee, the beautiful interior and really nice bathroom with gorgeous smelling hand soap. The wait-staff is cool and unobtrusive, yet efficient.
It's like when you go to a restaurant and you think, 'why did they open, nothing feels right', with Vee Vee I feel the opposite. It's like they effortlessly throw it all together and it just works.
Biscutts are amazing.
http://www.humblebumbl... -
Review from Rick B.
Newton, MA
10/7/2011
I love this place- I wish that I went more often! (But I love to cook, too- so we don't go out all that often) I really loved it when it was entirely vegetarian, but they still have plenty of vegan/vegetarian offerings, luckily!
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Review from Meganarama n.
Newburyport, MA
6/22/2008
Perhaps it was the great company, the good wine, the cozy atmosphere - or all of these things combined with Vee Vee's amazing menu but to me, this place was sheer heaven!!
Chilled asparagus soup, fried green tomatoes, watermelon salad that was unlike anything I had ever had - I ordered the salmon that was absolutely the best salmon I had ever tasted! My boyfriend got the quail and left not a crumb on his plate. Our friends got Quinoa Cakes and a vegetarian bread sort of veggie plate with mushrooms. All just so friggin' delicious.
This is a small destination but very friendly and inviting. Go! You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Greg S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/16/2008
I was excited to try this new restaurant in my neighborhood, and my wife and I were able to sit down immediately at around 6 pm on a Saturday night.
We ordered a roasted beet salad, which was tasty and well prepared, the bread they served while we waited was fresh and delicious. The glass of organic red wine I had was quite good.
It went down hill from there. My wife ordered the spaghetti squash entree which sounded yummy, but ended up being vegetable with fruit and vegetable - not very interesting or nutritious. It was also not fully cooked and only warm. The staff was quick to heat it up, and apologized many times. The couple next to us ordered the same thing and wasn't that impressed with it either. They took it off the bill for us.
I ordered the mushroom turnovers and they were cooked just right. We had a pear soaked in brandy with blue cheese that was also good, but not really exciting.
Overall, the meal was overpriced for what we got, and the food was slow to come out. No doubt a restaurant open for two weeks needs to iron things out, and I hope they can.
I recommend that the vegetarian food have more protein and flavor, without forgoing gourmet quality. Neither of our entrees had anything but some cheese. I would expect beans, grains, etc to be offered for the price charged.
We'll go back again and will try something different, but we're not in a hurry.
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OK, so I have been back twice. I'm happy it now has ironed most things out that disappointed me, and we're happy to keep coming back. Still want to see more adventurous veggie dishes with balanced protein and less fish. -
Review from Bernadette S.
Manhattan, NY
5/23/2008
This place just kinda rubbed me the wrong way. From being asked in a kind of snooty way if we had a reservation, to the energy in the space, which got progressively louder as the night went on - they should address the noise level in this type of restaurant. I could barely hear my friend.
Nothing on the entree menu jumped out at me - I'm glad they have so many veg options and I'm glad it's affordable but none really spoke to me. I like most everything but there was always something that just seemed off - spiced yogurt? curried peaches? nettles? What are nettles?
Maybe I'm being unsophisticated and maybe my palate lacks imagination, but I ended up ordering two appetizers as an entree: the spring minestrone soup and the crispy polenta. They were both delicious. Of course I left wanting more food, and feeling like they were lacking substance, but they did taste good.
We opted for the vanilla cheesecake which was certainly pleasant but nothing special. I guess I was looking for something special - a meal that would wow me, and maybe I didn't take enough chances with the menu - but I left feeling unsatisfied. -
Review from Emily M.
Madison, WI
6/1/2008
Yes, the don't serve meat (except for fish), and this is explained on their website.
I tried something new (nettles) and enjoyed a deliciously light meal and a very pleasant atmosphere! It did feel funny to be dining in the skeleton of my beloved Cha Fahn (RIP), but I was happy to see how the space has been recycled. The waitstaff was very friendly.
The place can cater to larger groups, but it's probably best to make a reservation for a party larger than 2 or 3. It's not a big place! The waiter said they cater to the neighborhood crowd and that is certainly true. I can't wait to stroll by and eat their brunch soon! -
Review from Whitney W.
Jamaica Plain, MA
3/5/2008
I am an advocate of Zon's, and was excited to hear that someone partially responsible for the deliciousness of my food there had opened a new restaurant in JP. I was even more excited when I found out the menu was really into non red meat options but was not awash in vegan food.
I am pleased to report that Vee Vee looks pretty and there is a lovely wine menu, with many organic options by the glass. Dessert was also enjoyable. Vee Vee definitely has potential. However. The entrees are just not quite there yet. The concept is lovely, but there was something lacking--be it the texture of the squash in one dish or the lack of ingredients standing out and overall mediocrity of the linguine.
I really want to like Vee Vee and recommend trying it because I think these things will be worked out as the menu is fine-tuned. At the very least, come for delicious desserts, wine, and wonderful bread. -
Review from Steph D.
2/6/2010
So, 4 stars for the food because just because it doesn't suit me, doesn't mean it won't suit you.
Food, wine and bartender were gorgeous. Zero complaints about that.
The rest, not really a complaint, but man did I feel ridiculously out of place in this joint, and I love me some JP. Still, this is the part of JP that's on the "I have a fancy job and can afford to own a house, but need to keep my children in an ethnically and socially diverse neighborhood with an organic grocery and lots of places for yoga with tots" side.
It was expensive, super chi-chi, coupley and I felt like everyone was staring at us if we laughed a little too loud. Admittedly we got pretty drunk, and were moderately obnoxious, but if the table wasn't one foot away from EVERY OTHER TABLE in the restaurant, no one would have noticed. Plus, for $65 bucks a pop... I'd like to be able to be loud and obnoxious.
Alas, just because I felt weird and uncomfortable, doesn't mean you will... but if you love Foley's Fireside, Tacos El Charro or being loud and obnoxious... this may not be your place. -
Review from Adam B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
6/22/2008
I'm not totally sold on Vee Vee for dinner yet (the execution seems to vary from dish to dish and visit to visit), but I finally got a chance to try Vee Vee for brunch, and it is completely full of win. Shrimp and scallop cakes, lobster sausage, sweet potato hash, frittata, it's all pretty much fantastic. Definitely not your normal boring brunch menu; you'll want to sample a forkful from everyone else's dish at your table.And there's lots of sharable sides too (like a pair of biscuits or a crock of grits). This and Masa are probably the two most unique brunch menus in town.
So give Center St Cafe or Dogwood Cafe a break for brunch, and give Vee Vee a go for JP Brunch Action.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Adam C.
2/3/2010
VuhhhVuhhhhhhVeeeEEEEEEVeeeEEEEeeeEEEEEeeeeeEEEE!!
I like silly names, and "Vee Vee" fills that NICHE. The place is nice. Their Caribbean jerk tofu (or whatever the fuck it was called) was really good! It wasn't typical "i guess this is fine for random blob of sustenance" tofu, but actually good! I also had the fish pate because I am a pompous S.O....{wait for it!}...VEE! Anyway, it was good and it came with some nice spicy mustard that worked well with it.
The owner bullshitted (bullshat?) with us about all the menu items and was quite helpful in making suggestions, etc. It was also nice that she offered to take our coats. But not our dignity! They can't take that away!!!
Let's go back together, and I'll Vee Vee Ghu Ghu Ghu with you, too!!! -
Review from Maureen D.
Boston, MA
7/27/2011 2 photos
An intimate and private experience with stingy/overpriced and a cool (not in the good way) staff, but an overall mediocre experience. The staff was not accommodating for our party of 10 despite being completely empty when we arrived; they insisted we wait until the barstools cleared out, then stand near the bar. There are a couple vegetarian/vegan options on the menu, but the tofu cakes are inadequately seasoned and the risotto is unimpressive . The wine list is *not* extensive or interesting but there are several types of wine represented; beer list is a bit better.
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Review from wolf t.
Cambridge, MA
11/7/2010
This place started in a one-star hole, but eventually clawed its way upward. When we arrived, we were told to expect a 20-minute wait. We weren't seated until over an hour after that. The owner showed some class and comped our wine, so at least she was genuinely sorry. Service improved significantly once we were seated.
The entrees are all creative, perhaps a bit too much so. This place suffers from what I call the "one ingredient too many" syndrome. You read the description of the food and think "that sounds good" until you get to that one ingredient that throws off the entire concept. I give them credit for ambition, even if it doesn't always execute as well as I'd want.
The scallop cakes everyone keeps raving about are worthy of all the hype. Order and enjoy! -
Review from Brian R.
Boston, MA
9/4/2009
We've been here probably 6 or 7 times so far, for drinks and apps, dinners, and brunch. I'm a huge fan of this place, and really happy that they are in walking distance to boot.
The menu constantly changes, though you'll always find a dinner dish with cod on it, the preparation and sides change seasonally. And it always works. We have yet to have a dish that fell flat on its face. And that is really saying something because they are putting together some flavor combinations that I have not seen elsewhere. Last night for example I had a smoked whitefish pate with caraway and fennel mustard and horseradish pickled beets. Each of these was executed masterfully. I mean I could have had a plate of any one of those and been happy. Well, a plate of mustard maybe not. But even that was a twist I never tried or frankly saw coming.
The Pretty Things Jack D'Or on tap is probably my new favorite beer too. Tasteful beer selection. I have a feeling the wine selection is the same, but honestly I haven't delved into it enough to comment.
Overall this is a great casual place where you'll get some great food. The prices are reasonable. The portions are not huge. If you want strap on the feed bag, there are plenty of chains and mediocre places for that. If you want some interesting, well executed food, give this a try. -
Review from SD J.
Middlesex, MA
10/19/2009
My boyfriend and I were having a date night a few weeks ago, to celebrate the close of the summer and the warmer weather. We live in Cambridge, so making it all the way to JP is a bit of a stretch without a car. But for Vee Vee, we gladly spend the time on the T.
We showed up early on a Friday night, and made ourselves comfortable at the bar. The bartender was sweet and incredibly helpful. We ordered two of the special drinks they had at the time - again, this was the end of the summer, but they had a delicious rose and a wonderful ale (both local!) that we really enjoyed. Props to the bartender for great recommendations.
For my appetizer, I ordered the $1 oysters (which, I'm sad to say, were only a summer thing - they've been discontinued). My boyfriend got the shrimp and scallop cakes, and we split their delicious and refreshing gazpacho. The boyfriend was still hungry, so he ordered a brilliantly cooked steak with this amazing sauce and a roasted sweet potato - which he also kindly shared with me. We couldn't have been more thrilled with our appetizers and entree.
We continued on to dessert, where we had the raspberry-peach crisp, and we were in heaven. It was obviously freshly made (no frozen lame desserts here!) and was the perfect end to the meal.
We we thrilled with the whole experience. Though it takes quite a bit to get there, it's worth every annoyance the T can hand out to you. -
Review from Jason S.
Boston, MA
8/27/2011
Great food! Walked right in sat at the bar. Bartender was very nice. Had a great meal, snacked on a bunch of apps and split a dinner. Dessert was amazing (says wife). Will definitely go back.
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Review from Shaina P.
4/30/2008
I hover my mouse over two stars, then three, then two, then three, then two. I'm having a dilemma not knowing exactly where to click.
I'm recalling my meal and DTPs meal and the dessert, but all I can remember is the tastefully date-y atmosphere, tangerine walls, low lighting, and the beaker in which our wine was served. These things I recall aren't so bad, but it created a confusion, a dilusion, and the food ... forgettable.
Maybe I made poor choices, but I was really looking forward to all that I ordered. They had these great Maine offerings, shrimpies in risotto, and a rhubarb dessert (like my grampy used to make), but both tastes were off. There wasn't the richness I expected out of a creamy risotto and the rhubarb strawberry apple compote was just a bit bland and the bitterness of the rhubarb ruled. Did I miss something? Are the offerings supposed to be healthy? Well, regardless, I was not pleased and left confused.
Points for an interesting selection of beers! Go, Maine, and Cisco! Perhaps on another visit, the Whale Tale Pale Ale will be tapped.
