This week we asked you to name some of your favorite affordable restaurants in town and you delivered! Below, we have compiled a list of places in town to find a great, good-quality meal without breaking the bank. As always, if you have your own additions, please note them in the comment section below. Fresco: One of the classiest eatieries in town is also one of the most reasonable priced, with great deals found for breakfast and lunch. Wild Willy’s: Saddle up, partner, and find some of the best burgers east of Texas at this restaurant. Town Pizza: Whether you’re in the mood for a slice of ‘…

Needham’s got a handle on green issues. Not only is the town working to become a Massachusetts Green Community, but it also has several very active groups and individuals in town who focus on a variety of environmental topics, from energy efficiency to community gardens to political action. Three of these entities—the Needham League of Women Voters, Green Needham and Olin College—are organizing the upcoming Needham Summit on Energy and the Environment, scheduled for Monday, Oct. 24 at the college’s Milas Hall. The program will feature discussions on the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate …

Sometimes it is nice to name names—especially when those people are being recognized for being an active part of their community. Here in Needham, there are many people getting out, giving back and going that extra mile, from the police, fire and other town employees who provide basic public services to the volunteers ready to help at a moment’s notice. For this week’s Patch Picks, we asked you to name a few of those names, asking, “Who has devoted the most service in town?” Below are the people you felt stood out.  While your nominations were great, we’d love to see more. Got someone you …

If you’re looking to spice things up, you’re in luck—Needham has lots of diversity when it comes to restaurants, and there’s a place here for nearly everyone. As part of our summer series Patch Passport, we provided a list of restaurants by nationality. But which is the best? Here are five we think you should check out, based on reader and editor input: 1. Petit Robert Bistro Type of cuisine: French Location: 45 Chapel St.   2. Sweet Basil Type of cuisine: Italian Location: 942 Great Plain Ave.   3. Spiga Ristorante Type of cuisine: Italian Location: 18 Highland Circle   4. Masala Art Type of…

It’s date night! Whether that means you’ve finally managed to wrangle a few hours away from the kids, are looking for a fresh way to spend time with your amour or need a friendly location to schedule that blind date, chances are you’re in need of some ideas. Sure, there are plenty of options in the big city, but what about if you want to enjoy a night out right here in your hometown? Here are five spots we think you should consider for the occasion: 1. A Great Local Restaurant Why it’s a good date idea: Needham’s known for its delicious dining options, and that means there are plenty of …

A good burger isn’t hard to find in Needham, at least according to Patch readers. More than a dozen people had a suggestion for our Patch Picks this week, which asked, “Who makes the best burgers in town?” So without further ado, here are three great burger “joints” in Needham: 1. Wild Willy’s Find them at: 1257 Highland Ave. Burger specialties: The Wicked Good (sautéed onions and mushrooms with Swiss and cheddar cheeses); the Annie Oakley (blue cheese with lettuce, tomato and red onion); the Stampede (smothered in steak chili with cheddar cheese); and the Catcus veggie burger; to name just a…

Education doesn’t stop after school’s out, and that goes for adults as well as kids. Whether you’re learning on the job, through travel or by exploring an individual hobby, there are many ways to keep your mind and body busy beyond the academic years. Whether you want to learn how to cook or become better skilled on the computer, here are five places in and around Needham you can turn to, to help expand your horizons for free or at a minimal cost: 1. Needham Adult Education Location/contact info: Needham Public Schools Administration Building, 1330 Highland Ave.; 781-455-0400 ext. 235; …

Sometimes a person just needs a little pampering, and getting a manicure or pedicure is a great quick way to feel better—and look better—for not a ton of money. In Needham, there are several options when it comes to getting your nails done. For this week’s Patch Picks, we asked readers to pick their favorite nail salons. Here’s a look at your top five: 1. La Vie Salon and Spa Location: 330 Chestnut St. Services: Traditional pedicures and manicures, stone massages and paraffin wax treatments You said: “Definitely La Vie Salon. I mean, come on, where else gives your legs a hot stone massage …

When it comes to pizza, it seems everyone has a different idea of what makes a delicious slice—thin crust, thick, extra thick or stuffed, not to mention the variety of toppings. Luckily, in Needham, there are plenty of options when it comes to pizza. For this week’s Patch Picks, we asked: What are Needham’s best pizza places? Here are five of your favorites.   1. Nicholas’s Pizzeria Located: 33 Chapel St. Pizza specialties: Nicholas Special (onions, peppers, mushrooms, green papers, sausage, pepperoni, cooked salami, hamburger, cheddar and mozzarella); Mexicana (hamburger, onions, olives, hot…

Whether you want to play or watch a game, take a hike, ride a bike, run or walk your dog, there is plenty of green space to enjoy in Needham. For this week’s Patch Picks, we asked: “What is your favorite park in Needham?” Here’s a look at some of your top choices:   1. DeFazio Park Located: On Dedham Avenue near South Street, just up the road from the Public Services Administration Building Why it’s awesome: With fields for baseball, softball, football, soccer and lacrosse, picnic areas and a track open to the public, what’s not to love about DeFazio? Come to play, watch or just have lunch. …

Fire up the grills, shake out the red, white and blue tablecloths and get ready for a delicious Fourth of July weekend. For this week’s Patch Picks, we asked readers “What is Your Best Fourth of July Recipe?” Below, we compiled a few of the answers, along with some tips from the professionals in other Patch locations, for a list of five ideas for feeding your hungry crew. 1. ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD Courtesy of Carol Rosenstock, Needham Youth Services Ingredients: 1 3/4 pounds red potatoes 1 3/4 pounds sweet potatoes 1/4-1/2 cups olive oil, to taste 2 large sweet onions Ground pepper to …

Whether you want to take your star students out to reward them for good grades, celebrate a birthday or just take a night off from cooking at home, there are lots of great options for dining out in Needham. For this week’s Patch Picks, we asked: What is your favorite family-friendly restaurant in Needham? Below are some of the responses. Friendly’s: As their name implies, Friendly’s is certainly family-friendly—right down to those adorable smiley face sundaes they serve up. With a large menu full of familiar dishes at affordable prices and, of course, their excellent ice cream selection, …

Dad. Whether you think of him as a protector, an adviser, a teacher, a chauffeur, Mr. Fix-It, your best buddy or just “That Guy Who Embarrassed Me a Lot in High School,” chances are you owe him big. Well, it’s Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19, and now’s your chance to show him that appreciation (although, if he’s a Bruins fan, he may not need another gift for the rest of the year). Looking for the perfect way to say “Thanks”? This week’s Patch Picks offers a few ideas, as suggested by some of our readers. • Blue on Highland: The Needham restaurant is teaming up with New England Country Club in…

Whether you’ve ever had a really bad haircut (check) or experienced the bliss of a truly perfect one (check), you probably understand the importance of finding a good stylist. When you’ve discovered that perfect fit, you might even be willing to drive up to an hour away for your regular cut and style. But with high gas prices and crazy summer traffic, now's a good time to consider sticking closer to home. Needham has lots of great options when it comes to cuts, color and other services. Below are just a few, as suggested by readers for this week’s Patch Picks. Just click on the salon name to …

Hockey fans in Needham have plenty to cheer about with the Bruins playing in the Stanley Cup. But where does one go to watch the big game? Below is our list of Patch Picks, as suggested by readers. Feel free to leave your own destination in the comment section below. • Not Your Average Joes – You could pick any seat in the house and be able to see their well-placed TV. • New Garden — You may not think Chinese food when you think hockey, but this local restaurant offers lots of space and large flat-screen TVs • The Cottage – This Wellesley restaurant has a bar, plenty of seating and big screen…

Each week, Needham Patch will highlight editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more in our Thursday feature called Patch Picks.  We've looked at great places to watch sporting events, romantic restaurants and non-profits. This week, we want to know from you—Where in Needham will you watch the Stanley Cup playoffs? It's the moment Bruins fans have been waiting years for. Tell us how where you will be watching the Black & Gold vie for the Stanley Cup. Restaurant owners, let us know why your establishment is the …

For many, there is no better way to spend time with friends and family than the old tradition of the classic barbecue. So, we thought, with Memorial Day on the horizon, that we'd focus Patch Picks this week on some great barbecue recipes to try out this summer. As always, we invite you to add your own picks in the comment section at the bottom of the page. Cedar Planked Salmon Ingredients: 3 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root 1 teaspoon …

On a rainy week like the one we’ve been having, dining out can be a great way to get out of the house and avoid the doldrums. If you weren’t aware, Needham is home to tons of great restaurants, so there’s plenty to choose from with a variety of menus and cuisines. But where to go? Earlier this week, we asked readers to tip us off to their favorite local chefs. Here are five of their picks (click on the name for more information and links to their menus): 1. Sweet Basil Located: 942 Great Plain Ave. Cuisine: Italian Chef: Dave Becker   2. Petit Robert Bistro Located: 45 Chapel St. Cuisine: …

Mother's Day is this weekend, and the pressure's on to find a great way to celebrate the woman who gave you life (and made you eat your vegetables). So what are some great ideas for places to go or things to do with Mom this weekend? Comment in the section below or send ideas to becca.manning@patch.com. I'll compile your ideas and more into this week's Patch Picks, to run Thursday.

Next Thursday is Cinco de Mayo, and if you’re looking for ways to celebrate, we’ve rounded up five ideas below. Spanish for “the fifth of May,” the Mexican/American holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the United States, the holiday has become known as an annual celebration of Mexican culture. If you’re looking for authentic, delicious Mexican food, you need look no further than Tu Y Yo on Chestnut Street. I stopped by there last week for dinner (the friendly staff even let me in a few minutes before they officially opened…