By Lya Carrera
EDGE Entertainment Contributor
Published Web site: [1] EDGE
Online Version Published Date: May 23, 2006
Online Version Printed Date: June 19, 2006

Thinking of trying out a new ethnic restaurant? Want to eat good food without paying high prices? Want to save money on parking? Then why not head on over to Waltham-it is here that you will satisfy your appetite and your pockets.

Home to educational institutions, such as Brandeis University and Bentley College, Waltham is about 30 minutes from Boston. It is off route 1-95/128 and accessible via public transportation-either the 70 /70A bus or the Fitchburg commuter rail line.

The heart of the city and nightlife is not that big, and is conveniently located along Moody Street, just about five to seven blocks.

In regards to parking, no waiting here-it is a driver’s dream. There is metered parking, for about 25 cents per hour, along Moody Street and in the three additional parking lots located on the next street, all within walking distance to the restaurants.
The restaurants vary in size, clientele, and ethnicity, ranging from Japanese to American. Below is a list of just a selected few that may stir your cravings.

The Skellig

Looking for authentic Irish cooking? Then step dance your way to The Skellig restaurant Named after the Skellig islands in the Atlantic Ocean, this bar/restaurant stands out along Moody Street because of its green and red colors-it looks more like a residence than a business.

Inside is low-key, and their friendly staff, along with inexpensive (average $10.00) traditional Irish food-Shepherd’s Pie and Stew-is often the main reason why many regulars keep coming back.

“It is because of that guy (why I keep returning),” says Caimin O’Beirne as he points to Manager/Bartender, Jim Butler. “He is funny, the service is great, and they give generous (food) portions. I used to live in Waltham and I’d come here all the time, but I moved to Lexington [Mass.], so I just come with my family on Sundays. I wish they had one there.”

Butler says that Skellig’s clientele varies and its uniqueness is their music.

“It is busy every night because of the live music; each night is different from bluegrass to Celtic music.”

Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Now, if Irish is not hitting the spot, then why not dine at Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar?

An up-scale Spanish restaurant, whose decor is rich in dark reds and yellows in geometric designs, is warm and inviting; Solea serves traditional tapas dishes-small hot or cold appetizers.

Although entrees are a bit expensive, the tapas themselves are on average about $6.00-some recommendations are the Baby Lamb Chops with Apricot Glaze and the Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce.

Anna Rosado of Belmont enjoyed her first-time at Solea and would definitely come again.

“I’m very picky when it comes to restaurants. I’d definitely walk out if the restaurant weren’t good,” she said. “I found the food tasty, the service good, and the atmosphere nice.”

Assistant Manager, Ricardo Ortiz, believes that Solea’s special features are the ambience, the physical decor, and the service.
“Our customers are always surprised by the service; it’s like a four-star restaurant,” he said.

New Mother India

If you are in the mood for something hot and spicy, then New Mother India may quench your desire.

Opened for 21 years, this up-scale Indian restaurant has been reviewed by both television news and newspapers alike, and hailed as one of the best Indian restaurants. Its decor is quite simple-white walls and dark wood with splashes of Indian decorations.
Mother India caters to a 30+ age group, and according to Supervisor, Tarun Shanker, the clientele are mostly “regulars, tourists, and Bostonians.”

Finola Flannery has been coming to Mother India for five years, and the reason why she keeps coming back is for one particular dish.

“They have the best Chicken Vindaloo by far and I’ve had many,” she said. “The staff are friendly and I like the decor; it’s the only Indian restaurant I go to even though there are several in the area.”

The portions are large and the entrees average about $13.00 a plate. One of its special features is the restaurant’s pledge to its customers that states, “we guarantee you the freshest & finest ingredients… all our food (have) no preservatives… we guarantee you the best quality available anywhere.”

The choices are endless in terms of your type of palate and budget. Waltham has come a long way from being a farming and industrial community in the 1800’s-it is a stew with many ingredients.

You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to taste something different-unless, of course, you want to.

Visit these restaurants at:

New Mother India:
336 Moody St.
(781) 893-3311
www.newmotherindla.com