I forgot to describe the sandwiches at Chachatero -- first imagine a 25 counter with 2 lines, 1 on each side with at least 100 people standing in each. First line, you order and pay for your sandwich. The second line is for pickup, as your sandwich is made to order. At most, it takes 15 minutes from start to finish before you bite into the sandwich.

The choices are boneless chicken breast, sirloin tips or a combination of both on a round bread (Brazilian version of foccacchia) that looks like a flying saucer. Loaded (the way most of us eat it), the rest of the sandwich includes guacamole (ask for extra), sliced tomato, roasted red peppers, fresh string beans, hot sauce and muenster cheese.

I know, it sounds a little weird, even kind of gross, but wait until you bite into it -- it's to die for, and you can tell because of the lines. This take out place only sells sandwiches and cold non-alcoholic beverages -- no chips, nada. Even when its freezing cold out, snowing or raining, there is always a long line.

Well, now I know where I'm going to get my lunch tomorrow. This post has made me hungry.

I think I am going to throw up.

Leslie, I don't have my heart set on Radius at all, and if you think it's a rip off, then we can go elsewhere! I don't mind paying good money for good food, but when the food isn't worth it, then that's a problem. One reason I post on boards like this is to get insight from "locals", as opposed to reviews from guide books.

The places you mentioned sound like fun; I have a tendency while on vacation to eat in restaurants all the time, even for lunch, even though informal places can be a lot of fun.

I haven't booked the trip yet, but I think I will be in Boston in the area of May 17 or 18th, and stay for a week. Have a great time in Budapest; my parents went on a tour of Eastern Europe 2 years ago, and they loved it. Check out the Parliament building; my father says it's fabulous!

I hope you've eaten by now!

Sorry to barge in of this girl talk, but I am eavesdropping on any boston area talk - must prepare my homework...
I wonder what's the use asking locals for restaurant advice (e.g. in the "best of..." thread on citysearch.com), when for every recommended establishment you can the same amount of good and bad reviews? Well, I guess one must read between the lines...
Leslie, if you need restaurant recommendations for Budapest - for a change - post here or email the address above.

Radius is very good and the chef was rated right up there by Food and Wine magazine. This lady only likes cheap things or freebies.I am a single male in my thirties. Let me know if you are interested, Betsy.

Betsy,
I hope you can be flexible with your date for your trip to Boston. You mentioned May 17th or 18th, but please be aware that many major universities (i.e. BU, BC, Brandeis...) have graduation that very weekend. The city will be full of friends and family. There has been a thread about someone who needs to be here in June for Harvard graduation, and how booked the city is for that, and when you consider that's only one institution, please don't be shocked if you can't line up a room. I'm not trying to be negative, just alerting you to the local calendar. Good luck. It sounds like you will have a terrific time up here and meet great locals.

Ann, I appreciate your help, and your not being negative, just realistic.Fortunately, I was able to book my hotel this morning. I had completely ignored the graduation factor when I started planning this trip, so I really got lucky.

Betsy, so glad you have made your reservations for May. Suzy and I are really looking forward to meeting you. Seems that Suzy and I have similar tastes -- we don't care for clams or sushi. Suzy has fondly said that she doesn't eat bait. I will not eat anything slimy and the only thing raw that you will get me to eat are veggies.

Not only are the hotels busy that weekend, but high end restaurants are too. Suzy...we live in Marlboro..but several of you really, really know the "in" spots.. Don't think anybody has mentioned the Odyssey, a cruise ship that cruises Boston Harbor. When you get off you can walk to the Nort End and smooze around. Your best bet would be the Jazz Brunch on Sunday, for heavens sake don't go on the Spirit of Boston.