69 First St. Cambridge; (617) 497-6772
Poppa and Goose are the pair of M.I.T. grads who founded this East Cambridge restaurant Expensive education and all, they now serve up elegant Asian food to a crowd of loyal and appreciative diners. The food fairly drips with authenticity; many dishes are contributed by the waiters, international students from local colleges.
Don’t be dismayed that most specials are rather costly. You can fashion a delicious, inexpensive meal from the salads, side dishes, and some of the entrees. Vietnamese spring rolls are wonderful, and only $3.95 a pair. Or start with a prawn soup, with vegetables and lemon grass flavoring, same price. Noodles are a specialty here: A heaping plate of pad Thai, mixed with shrimp and vegetables, is $7.50.
Main dishes come in huge portions. Mine liked Jade and Ruby Chicken two grilled chicken breasts, one made with coconut and cilantro sauce, the other with Indian cuny, all for $9.95. Heaven on Earth is a vegetarian dish which matches seven different vegetables with five Asian sauces like teriyaki and black bean-ginger ($7.50). No liquor is served; instead, quench your thirst with a fresh fruit shake ($3).
Please note Poppa & Goose’s eccentric hours: Lunch is served Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. and Saturdays from 12 noon to 3 P.M. while dinner is limited to Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 to 9 pm. and Fridays through Sundays from 5 to 10 p.m.
