Cheap Eats: DIY Lobster Roll

When I stopped at Shaw's last night, I saw that chicken lobsters were on sale for $4.99 per pound. That sucks for the lobstermen, but it's not going to stop me from taking advantage of the deal (if any are left).

This is basically a repost that I did for Bostonist's lobster roll series in 2008 that has been altered slightly.

I did call New Deal Fish Market to check on their current lobster price, and it's the same as below. (FYI: They only had one left.) I assume the chips and hot dog buns are priced in the same range.

The New Deal guy did share a tip with me, and it's not just bad-talking his competition: Lobsters that sit in a tank with salted tap water are going to taste like the tank. If you find someone who sells them without keeping them in a tank, that's a place that really cares about good-tasting seafood.

--------------------------------------------

Homemade Lobster Roll
at Somerville or wherever you cook
$4.17 to $6.32 per roll (chips included)

There's no reason to pay big money for a good lobster roll. With a little effort, the yumminess-to-dollar ratio can be high.

Part of a lobster roll's beauty is that you simply eat it without getting your hands dirty. Just like other aspects of life, self-service can be quite satisfying.

This is New England! There are plenty of places to get a fresh, lively lobba-lobba for your belly. Hit your favorite search engine with "lobster market [your town]." You might pay a dollar or two more, but it will be worth it.

I picked up a 1.75-pounder at New Deal Fish Market in East Cambridge for $21.09 (at $12.99 per lb. -- vs. $4.99 at Shaw's).

With total control over the meal, a generous yet neat amount of lobster salad was laid into a bed of lightly-toasted hot dog buns (8-pack, $1.67). Like a bookworm-ish cousin, the bread's flavor added little to the party, but good-flavor times rolled on without giving it much thought.

An 8.5oz bag of sea salt & vinegar Cape Cod potato chips ($2.50) matched superbly as a delightful side for a goog ol' lobster roll. As far as I'm concerned these are the best potato chips in the world.

A better lobster roll could be found, but very few can beat a homemade lobster made with love. Certainly no restaurant or shack can beat the price!

My Preparation:

Some people just throw them in a pot, but I add aromatics. It's debatable how much flavor they add, but from what I've learned today, it might counter-balance the 'tank flavor' of your chain market crustacean.

If harbor water isn't within a block of your heat source, be sure to salt your water. These are items usually in my pantry are dropped into the water:

- a quartered onion
- a couple stalks of celery (cut into a few pieces)
- a clove or two of garlic
- some peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- a halved lemon

Boiling has been my typical method for 10 to 12 minutes depending on the size, but I'm leaning towards steaming for 8 to 10 minutes these days.

After it's cool enough to handle, the fun part is next. Without making this a lengthy how-to: break off the tail and arms, let sections drain over the sink, and don't eat the stuff near the head.

Crack open every nook and cranny where meat can be found, and don't forget about the legs where each segment can be squeezed like a toothpaste tube. While some love the vibrantly green tomalley, it's not lobster roll material.

I like to keep the tail and claw pieces in relatively big chunks while giving the rest of the meat a rough chop to maximize the premium flavor.

The greatness of lobster is best enjoyed with as little distraction as possible. Some flavor took a bath with the main attraction, so little else should end up in the roll.

Only be enough mayo to coat everything should be added, and celery doesn't usually enter the mix. A wee bit of celery leaves sat underneath for a hint of greens and added texture.

I might add a touch of lemon, and I currently have some fresh thyme in the house that might get in...

The high-road cost:

Lobster: $21.09 +
hot dog buns: $1.67 +
potato chips: $2.50 = $25.28

Divided by 4 = $6.32 per roll.

The Shaw's special:

2 Lobsters (about 2.5 pounds): $12.50 +
hot dog buns: $1.67 +
potato chips: $2.50 = $16.67

Divided by 4 = $4.17 per roll.

If you're troubled about plunging a lobster to its death, Alton Brown explains (about 5 minutes in) that it should be as guiltless as squashing a bug.

8/23: Free Burger & Shake at City Hall Plaza, ICYMI

At least Thursday cheapness should be on the calendar with a full post forthcoming.

--------------------------------------------

THUR 8/23

11am to 4pm
"Ultimate Baconator Challenge"
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Wow, I think I scooped the whole town on this one! (WCVB posted it hours after I mentioned it yesterday morning.)

I should have spread the word days ago, but my initial and subsequent searches for a relevant webpage were fruitless.

Through my correspondence with the PR lady, I'm confident this is really happening. If it doesn't, the citizens of Boston should protest Wendy's until they give all of us some free food. Yes, I plan to check this out with my own eyes.

Do you know why bacon has been a virtually omnipresent ingredient over the past few years? Because it smells and tastes great!

Yes, fast food is bad for you. Nine out of ten things you enjoy are bad for you, so abuse in moderation and get over it.

Maybe the 'bacon-themed challenges' will get the cholesterol deposits pumping through your system like your blood used to...

I'll share some of the release with you:

Wendy’s Baconator is putting his offspring, Son of Baconator, to the test to see if he can earn his “strips” by touring America to find a league of Baconator Approved fans through the Ultimate Baconator Challenge.

The mobile will make its way across the nation, stopping in 20 towns big and small [...] to put consumers to the test with bacon-themed challenges and give away more than 30,000 free Sons of Baconator.

At every stop along the tour, bacon aficionados can take the Ultimate Baconator Challenge, enjoy a free Son of Baconator with a Wendy’s Frosty, and receive gift cards, bacon-themed T-shirts and merchandise (while supplies last).

I haven't had a Son of Baconator yet, but it should be tasty.

To paraphrase my brother, "Two's company, free's a crowd." So get there early.

MON 8/13: Beef, Spiders, Film, Baseball, Rock

It's such a beautiful day, I'm disappointed to offer so many indoor suggestions. So don't pay attention to me. Grab a frisbee and head to the nearest green space!

--------------------------------------------

MON 8/13

5pm to Close
Petite Filet Sandwiches
at Morton's The Steakhouse, Bar Area, U.S. Locations
$1 with Facebook Coupon

Jeez, how did I almost miss 'Filet Mignon Day'...?

Morton's seems to be offering a good deal for an after-work snack or casual dinner in the bar area. The bummer is that I don't think this Seaport restaurant has a patio area in its bar.

If you click on the link, they'll email a coupon to print or show to the staff. The $1 Petite Filet Sandwiches probably won't be that big, but you can order up to 4.

Hat tip to Boston on Budget.

MON 8/13

5pm
Marashetty Seenappa, "Arachnophilia: Adaptation, Survival and Reproduction in the Spider Kingdom": Lecture
at Haller Hall, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

A biologist from Bangalore University will give an illustrated talk about spiders and their amazing evolution. As one would expect extra attention to the Indian varieties which can be quite aggressive.

MON 8/13

6pm
"Bus Stop": Screening
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death earlier this month, the BPL is showing her films on Mondays in August. From my recollection, "Bus Stop" is one of her better non-comedic roles. I prefer "Some Like it Hot" (MON 8/27).

MON 8/13

7pm
Old-Time Baseball
at St. Peter's Field, 57 Sherman St, Cambridge (near Fresh Pond)
FREE

A vintage baseball game was put together during the '94 baseball strike, and it's become an annual event. It's a casual evening of baseball with college players and occasionally a retired pro like Lou Merloni playing in vintage-style uniforms from various teams and eras.

A corporate sponsorship presents the game and will make a charitable donation to the American Red Cross this year. The concession proceeds might benefit the cause too...

It's not a bad idea to bring a blanket or a chair.

MON 8/13 (thru SUN 8/19)

7pm
Jean Renoir's "Grand Illusion": 75th Anniversary Restoration
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
$9 / $7 Non-Harvard students, senior citizens

One usually falters when trying to convince someone about the greatness of a movie, but this is one of the masterpieces. Besides being the foundation of every prisoner-of-war movie of the last 75 years, there's a story that examines class issues and nationalism. It wouldn't happen in modern war, but analogies still apply today in other ways.

It also plays at various times Friday through Sunday.

(Yes, it's a French black & white film with subtitles.)

MON 8/13

9:30pm
Sultan Bathery, White Pages, Dirty Virgins, Love-Up Time
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$6 / 21+

[Facebook]

There are no signs that Sultan Bathery are a band from Italy; with a name that suggest 60's psychedelia and a heavy-reverb early-garage rumble, they could be any band that has a lot of attitude. White Pages and Dirty Virgins will bring local authenticity to the noisy, sloppy garage-punk. It's Love-Up Time's first gig and includes one of the White Pages and the main Bandita.

MON 8/13

9:30pm
The Fake Boys, The Marine Electric, The New Warden, TKC
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

[Facebook]

I can't tell you anything about the band TKC, but the rest of the bands get loud and punky that combine great rock sounds of the last 20 years.

If I had to pick, I'd say The Fake Boys are my favorite band on the bill. Start listening there, and you'll probably want to go. Maybe even have some waffle fries...

6/22: Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party - No Entry Fee until 4pm

There is music tonight and other cheapness this weekend.

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 6/22 to SUN 6/24

Various Times
Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
$5 online / $10 door -- admission only

** FREE today from Noon to 4pm **

Friday & Saturday -- Noon to 9:45pm
Sunday -- Noon to 6:45

I have my reservations about most of these Phantom Gourmet events. I know these guys have to make a living, but I'm not really excited about paying $10 to buy food -- even if you put a big pile of sand in City Hall Plaza.

If you're around downtown this afternoon, you can decide which barbecue is for you. Think about it like you're already $5 to $10 ahead of the game.

Real BBQ fans may not care about the admission for the chance to sample burnt/saucy/tender bits from Kansas, Virginia, Texas, Australia(?), Philly, Chicago and Framingham. Cheaper than going to any of these places...

SAT 6/16: Walk for Charity (and Free Food)

10:30am tp 6pm
6th Annual Anna's Walqueria
from Anna's Taqueria, 1412 Beacon St, Brookline (near Coolidge Corner)
to Anna's Taqueria, 242 Cambridge St, Boston (Beacon Hill/MGH)
to Anna's Taqueria, 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
to Anna's Taqueria, 822 Somerville Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
to Anna's Taqueria, 236A Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
to Anna's Taqueria, 446 Harvard St, Brookline (near Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Of the potential activities for the weekend, you might want some time to think about this one. Boston's favorite burrito chain wants you to help them give money to The Home For Little Wanderers.

They'll give $5 for everyone who shows up tomorrow morning and $5 more for every other location you visit with the crowd. Your incentive is free food and drink at each stop as well as raising funds that don't come out of your pocket. (It is okay to leave tips for the workers serving you along the way.)

It's a nice twist on the corporate donation if you think about it. They want to give money to charity, and they want their patrons to help.

It is going to be a walk, but the loop is about 13 miles. There's a burrito at the beginning and snacks (chips/salsa/guac, taco/small cheese quesadilla) until you get another burrito at the 6th stop along with a coupon for a free burrito. Can you eat Mexican food all day and walk half of a marathon?

Even for orphans...?

It would be nice to let them know you're coming on Facebook.

SUN 4/22: Free Grilled Cheese!

In case you're wondering, there is other cheapness on the calendar.

It may not be a good day for a picnic or a boat ride, but have a happy Earth Day!

--------------------------------------------------------------

SUN 4/22

1pm to 6pm
2nd Annual Free Grilled Cheese Day
at all Cheeseboy locations
FREE

It looks like a good day for a grilled cheese, there's a free one with your name on it. (It's on the melted cheese, so you can't see it.)

Swing by South Station or Prudential Center or Natick Mall or South Shore Plaza or even Providence Place for a complimentary "Cheeseboy Classic" (American cheese on Italian bread) in celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month.

Although no purchase necessary, they sell tomato soup...

Sneak Peek 5/2: Bacon & Beer Art Show

I love that poster, and there is a $10 related event to the Boston Bacon and Beer Festival.

The calendar has the Friday through Sunday cheapness. A dedicated Friday post should be up soon.

--------------------------------------------------------------

WED 5/2

6:30pm, 8pm
Bacon & Beer Art Show
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Co-presented by Super Precious Gallery

Tix available for 6:30pm & 8pm

The main event on SAT 4/28 is full, however there is still a chance to get into this pork 'n paint party:

Enjoy contemporary art inspired by bacon and beer from 20+ artists while munching on bacony offerings from Stone Hearth Pizza Company, Wicked Kickn' Savory Cheese Cakes, and Pink Box Desserts, with beer from Watch City Brewing Company, Clown Shoes Beer, and Left Hand Brewing Company.

If the artwork above is any indication, there should be plenty of laughs -- even if they're fueled by beer and heavenly aroma of bacon.

2/28: Free-ish Pancakes at IHOP

Am passing along some info about a free food opportunity.

There could be a Monday post forthcoming. Monday through Wednesday cheapness is on the calendar.

--------------------------------------------------------------

TUES 2/28

7am to 10pm
National Pancake Day
at Participating IHOP Locations
FREE / Donation suggested

Tomorrow is National Pancake Day, and banks & post offices will be open.

For quite a few years, the International House of Pancakes serve about a million free stacks of pancakes. There is one small, non-binding catch...

IHOP hopes that their guests make a donation to support children’s hospitals. It seems like the average donation was about $2.

So really, it's only potentially free. Still when was the last time someone made you a short stack (3) of pancakes? Even with a donation, a beverage and a reasonable gratuity; it's not a bad deal.

There's a limit of one stack per person, and you have to eat them there.

If you're going to the Brighton and Harvard Sq locations, the best #64/#66 bus transfer is near the nexus of Cambridge St, Brighton Ave, and N. Beacon St. Or you can just have one stack...

FRI 12/23: Dinner Coupon, Perhaps?

Hey, I meant to mention it earlier, but it's also valid from MON 12/26 thru FRI 12/30...

If you go out to eat tonight (or next week), the City of Boston Holiday site has a $10 voucher for selected restaurants -- besides discounts to holiday shows/events. There's a PDF version to print out.

As you can see, I think the main catch is:

Enjoy $10 off when you spend $40 or more.

The wording seems ambiguous to me, but I believe it kicks when your food total is more than $40. (If the restaurants follow the deal, it also says "Excludes tax, alcohol and gratuity.")

There seems to be a cluster near Faneuil Hall (Dick's Last Resort, Kingfish Hall, McCormick & Schmicks, Ned Devine's, Mija Cantina) and a few in the general Back Bay area (Brasserie JO, M.J. O'Connors, Xhale).

There's a couple in the Seaport (606 Congress, Aura), a couple in the North End (Davide, Maurizio's), and a couple in Cambridge (Upstairs on the Square, Sidney's Grille).

Some others: Fajitas & 'Ritas (Downtown Crossing), Masa Restaurant (South End), Fugakyu (Brookline), Brunello Bistro (Somerville), Yoki (sushi in Medford?)...

There are some fancy/expensive places on the list, but it doesn't say you have to be more than a party of one...

In Case You Missed It: Sandwiches?

In the post about the slim chance of success at Saturday's MasterChef audition, a guy who's visiting from Atlanta commented about cheap eats -- and suggested that we are obsessed with sandwiches.

He's working at Harvard, so I assume people are raving about Darwin's which is a great place to get a sandwich. (And I did mention a deal at All-Star Sandwich Bar yesterday.)

Do we pay excessive attention to sandwiches?

I think pizza might be the obsession...

I think roast beef sandwiches are more popular around here than elsewhere...

SAT 11/5: Wanna Be on "MasterChef"?

10am to 6pm
MasterChef Casting Call
at Le Cordon Bleu, 215 First St, Cambridge (East Cambridge/Cambridgeside)
* Your heartache & tears -- plus ingredient costs

Unless you really, really, REALLY got the cooking chops and a compelling life story, you don't have a chance of getting on the show.

I know a North Shore guy who is a seriously awesome cook and has a great personality. He would've been entertaining to watch on TV and can transform ingredients to a higher plane, but he didsn't have the narrative that this program is looking for.

If you're a recovering addict... If you're 1st-generation immigrant... If you're a MIT scientist who wants to change professions... If your chef-parent doesn't think you're good enough... Etc, etc, then you have a shot to make your dream come true.

If so, then:

* Pre-register online
* Fill out the PDF application
* Bring a current photo of yourself
* Bring a photo of your plated dish
* Bring your food/ingredients to be finished and plated once you enter the audition room.

Will you meet Gordon Ramsay? I have no idea (probably 50-50 or less)...

Otherwise make a nice meal for your loved ones and consider yourself ahead on the deal.

FRI 9/23: (Maybe) A Free Grilled Cheese

11:30am
100 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
at Roxy's Grilled Cheese, about 600 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

You may or may not know that Roxy's Grilled Cheese finished in third place on "The Great Food Truck Race".

Either way, most of you love melted cheese between two slices of bread. The reason why you probably won't be one of the 100 people who will get a free lunch is that Roxy's is more than the average grilled cheese.

These are fancy sandwiches, and they might already have a line at the 'secret location'.

The clues have been that it's 'near one of Boston's National Historic Landmarks' and 'somewhere along the Boston Marathon route' -- they already visit Copley Square on Fridays.

Still, you might get free food if you're nearby tomorrow. Check Twitter to be sure.

SAT 9/10: Free Crepes

Noon to 3pm
Sweet or Savory Crepe
at Dore Creperie, 1 Beacon St, Boston (Beacon Hill)
FREE

How does a pop-up creperie give away Nutella & Banana -or- Ham & Cheese crepes for 3 hours?

In the middle of the action on a Saturday where people are visiting old graveyards and stuff?

They must have a plan.

Even if they don't, you can have a crepe if you're near Government Center or Boston Common...

Remember: "Two's company, free's a crowd."

Zagat's Best Cheap Eats in Boston

I've been reading the Zagat guide's restaurant reviews powered by the people years before Yelp.

It looks like they've calculated the places with the highest ratings in the categories of food, decor, and service that have the lowest average price.

They call it "10 Best Cheap Eats in Boston". I won't spoil the game if you want to figure it out, but I've enjoyed at least something at all of them and really like 6 of them.

If you ask me, #9 on their list is the best cheap eat in Boston.

I've scheduled this late, so you'll have to settle for a slice or calzone at Bova's...

7/25 & 7/26: Free Green Bean Fries at TGIF's

Various Times
Crispy Green Bean Fries
at participating T.G.I. Friday's
FREE w/ Coupon

When you think football, think chowing down Green Bean Fries at T.G.I. Friday's on a Sunday afternoon? Maybe.

Maybe more so now that you can get a free order today and tomorrow in celebration of the impending NFL season.

There are a few nearby locations such as: Brigham Circle, Everett, Braintree, Dedham, Danvers, Framingham, Norwood, and Stoughton. (I assume all stores in Patriots Country will be "participating locations".)

As you can see on the coupon, it's a "dine-in" offer only. Still, it's probably a $7 to $10 appetizer, so grab a beer and enjoy!

FRI 6/24 to SUN 6/26: Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party

FYI: Friday and Saturday cheapness is on the calendar. Am feeling good about my bloggin' prospects tonight...

--------------------------------------------------------------

Noon to 10pm
Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
$5 online / $10 gate

FRI 6/24:
Noon to 4pm
FREE Admission

Like some others, I have mixed feelings about the Phantom Gourmet enterprise (see one of my previous BBQ Beach Party posts).

I know it costs money to organize these events, but it doesn't make me happy to pay money to buy food.

Yeah, yeah. There's sand and music and a beer garden and assorted fun -- BFD!

(And I don't mean the 'Boston Fire Department'.)

IF YOU GO, you should head over on Friday afternoon so you can eat and drink for whatever the vendors are charging.

THUR 7/29: Free Fish Taco

12:30pm to 1:30pm
-or-
4:30pm to 5:30pm
-or-
6:30pm to 7:30pm

Ensenda-style Fish Taco
at Dorado Tacos & Cemitas, 401 Harvard Street, Brookline (near Coolidge Corner)
FREE

As someone who used to live in Southern California, a good fish taco can be a mini-fiesta in your mouth. You don't even need a free one to turn a frown upside-down.

To celebrate their anniversary, Dorado Tacos & Cemitas are offering three different chances to get one on the house. Normally $2.49, maybe you can order another taco or a side for what's basically a two-for-one meal. Or simply enjoy the snack -- no purchase necessary.

If you haven't been here yet, you should go when you're hungry for good Mexican-style tacos and sandwiches.

You have until 12:30pm today to win a coupon for 2 taco plates each visit until 8/31/11. Like them on Facebook, follow on Twitter, then send a tweet about the free tacos... Like this...

(Thanks, Lauren!)

6/25 to 6/27: Outdoor Food & Fun

These fit together thematically: You don't have to spend any money, although you'll probably will. And maybe more than $10 -- or not -- it's up to you...

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 6/25 to SUN 6/27

Various Times
Greek Festivals
in Watertown and South End
- Whatever You Eat -

I love Greek food and spending time amongst Greek people. Not only has so much Western culture originated from their homeland, I also laugh when thinking about the family in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

The food is made by regular people, so it's like eating at someone's home -- if you had to pay per plate...

Taxiarchae-Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown

Friday & Saturday -- 11am to 11pm
Sunday -- Noon to 10pm

Your best T option is the #71 bus from Watertown Square or Harvard Square.

Saint John the Baptist Church, 15 Union Park St, Boston

Saturday -- 1pm to 10pm
Sunday -- Noon to 8pm

(They suggest taking the Silver Line.)

FRI 6/25 to SUN 6/27

Various Times
St. Peter's Fiesta
around St. Peter’s Square, Downtown Gloucester
FREE

Friday -- 4:45pm to Midnight
Saturday & Sunday -- 10am to Midnight

Good old-time cheesy Italian festival fun. I went a few years ago and had a really good time. (I don't remember the food being especially good, but it quite a spectacle overall)

Check the schedule, because you should see the horizontal greasy pole contest.

FRI 6/25 to SUN 6/27

Noon
Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party
at Suffolk Downs Racetrack, 111 Waldemar Ave, East Boston
FREE / $5 on Sat & Sun

Friday & Saturday -- Noon to 10pm
Sunday -- Noon to 7pm

I don't like *paying* to buy food, but I understand that the Phantom Gourmet have expenses to organize this stuff. I'd like to think they've improved the event over the last couple years.

If you like BBQ, 6 out-of-town meat smokers and FireFly's will be there with other fun (e.g. a ferris wheel and lots of sand)... Go for free tonight or pay $3 more than regular admission to the racetrack on the weekend.

5/31 to 6/5: Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

A Monday post will be up shortly.

--------------------------------------------------------------

MON 5/31 to SAT 6/5

Various Times
Try a Spicy Chicken
at Participating Chick-fil-A locations
FREE

It doesn't look like much, but it may be worth stopping at a Chick-fil-A.

The only two nearby locations are in Burlington and Peabody, so you can reserve a free spicy chicken sandwich if you're going to pass by this week.

There are limited number of free sandwiches, and both stores have some available sandwiches as of Monday morning.

TUES 2/23: Free Pancakes!

7am to 10pm
National Pancake Day
at Participating IHOP Locations
FREE

Even though it's National Pancake Day, most federal and municipal offices will be open tomorrow.

If one is to believe press releases, IHOP gave away more than 800k stacks of pancakes last year. In other words, you won't be alone if you claim your freebie.

However they will suggest you make a donation to support children’s hospitals. The nerve of these people They also claim to raise more money each year. With a quick bit of math, last year's average donation was about $2.

Make a snack or meal out of a short stack (3) of pancakes -- it's still not a bad deal when you include a cup of coffee, a reasonable gratuity, and a small donation.

There's a limit of one stack per person, and you have to eat them there. If you're going to the Brighton and Harvard Sq locations, the best #64/#66 bus transfer is near the nexus of Cambridge St, Brighton Ave, and N. Beacon St.

Or you can just have one stack...