We are already planning graduation events for May '05 and would like to get some firsthand recommendations for dinner. We have already been to the Capital Grille and Flemings. Our son has mentioned the Federalist and the Top of the Hub (is this all view and so, so food?) as choices for his graduation celebration (he has been thinking about this since November 2002, the day he sent an e-mail telling us to start planning ). Any thoughts on these restaurants?

Thanks in advance for your help

ttt

Any other suggestions would also be helpful and welcomed. We like all foods and our son particularly enjoys decadant chocolate desserts - we are open as to price as well. Thanks!

I've been to the Top of the Hub for graduation lunch. As you've said, the view is nice but food was so so.

My personal favorite was my own graduation dinner at Rialto in the Charles Hotel. Food was excellent.

Agree with the earlier post about Top of the Hub. Federalist gets great reviews though I haven't been there. My personal favorite in Boston is Olive's but it would be best if you had a large enough party for a private room. They don't take reservations but the food is to die for.

On the chocolate front, you might look into The Meridien Hotel (now a different chain but still in the Financial District). The used to have a Chocolate Lover's buffet on weekend afternoons. We went many years ago for a 40th birthday party and it was quite something.

Hope you've booked your hotel. It's crazy here in May and late August/early September!

The Federalist is excellent as is Rialto. I've eaten at both and would be hard pressed to choose my favorite of the two. Both are excellent choices for service and food.

The Top of the Hub is not one of my favorites. The view is pretty but the food is mediocre at best and the service is horrible.

Yes, as everyone has mentioned, Top of the Hub is all view, and so-so food. I haven't eaten at the Federalist, so can't comment, but a couple more suggestions.

If steakhouse is your thinking (as you mention Capitol and Flemings), you might consider Grill 23. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere very sophisticated. You also might try Lockober, as it seems like a nice atmosphere for a graduation celebration. If you want a place with both view and food, you might try Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Actually, I haven't eaten there yet, but the reviews are very good.

Suggestions might be easier if you have an idea of the type of food or atmosphere you are looking for. Both the Federalist and Rialto are excellent. Other considerations are Excelsior - excellent food and a chance for a nice view of the Boston Garden if you can be seated near the windows; Davio's - a very nice atmosphere with Italian as well as other alternatives like steak; Via Matta - more trendy and lively atmosphere; and Mistral - also a nice atmosphere and great food. You seem to favor steak -- Smith and Wolensky (of NY fame) will be opening next month in the Park Plaza Castle.

Travbabe: Thanks for the suggestions. We are pretty adventurous eaters - We enjoy contempory American cuisine and are open to a variety of foods not just steak but also seafood. We would also need at least a vegetarian/pasta selection on the menu.

We would like it to be special and memorable, particularly for our son. A 'view' is not as important as good service and ambiance (but of course a view would be an added bonus).

I am hoping to check out some 'finalist' locations when we visit for parents' weekend in October and make a reservation shortly after that so we are not disappointed.

Anybody else have any suggestions? Thanks

Is the Oak Room still great for steaks? If so, that would be nice.
However, my current special-occasion favorite is Mistrals. Just incredible. Sort of French provencial with southern Mediterranean slant.
My "old" special occasion fav was the Bay Tower Room, but I heard that was closing. Fanstastic view, and very nice food there.
Congrats to your son!

You haven't mentioned the size of your group.

For parties over a certain number, nearly all Boston restaurant have "stipulations".

What's going on here anyway?

He's "thinking about it" and you're expected to comply?

djkbooks: Firstly, I don't have a number of guests yet - we would all be from out-of-town plus some of his friends. Right now I am inquiring about quality and first hand dining recommendations - any 'stipulations' that these places have I will find out about when I start calling or visiting.

I guess since I made the remark about his e-mail, and he was 'called' on it, I now have to further explain what context it was made, but I won't. We are extremely proud of his achievements - he has worked very hard and WE as his parents have worked very hard to support and motivate, and this is something that we all will enjoy TOGETHER. It is not a selfish request, at least in my book.

I am still looking for further recommendations. Thanks.

What about this: Clio in the Back Bay. Excellent food and service (Chef Ken Oringer has rec'd all sorts of kudos from Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, etc.) You could enjoy a fine, celebratory meal and then stroll along the Charles or through the promenade on Comm. Ave and reflect on the accomplishments of your son.

Same could be done at No. 9 Park, on the other end of the Common, right around the corner from the Federalist. Both cover a wide range of ecletic foods, both meat and vegetarian. The Federalist is extremely nice and received initial rave reviews. Haven't been since it opened.

Mistral is good, in the South End. Hip scene. Both Icarus and Hammersley's Bistro are tried and true and also in the South End.

You might pick up a Boston Zagat when you're here in Oct. and you might call and make reservations at a number of places. That way you can hold a spot and then cancel after your research (I know, I know but it's a dog-eat-dog world, reservations are hard to come by in Boston that time of year).

This actually sounds like a fun project, especially given the circumstances. Enjoy and early congratulations to your son.

I've been lurking in this thread, but have to speak up finally.

While I realize your son is the guest of honor, how about asking him to do the research on this? He's already in Boston, and has the ear and advice of countless people on their various restaurant experiences. Even if he can narrow down the choices to 5, for you.

I know you'll get some advice from Boston "locals" on this forum, and probably more from "visitors", but your son has access to thousands, and is much more likely to find a local hidden "gem". (My guess is that maybe the names he's already mentionned to you might be his own preference). Good luck!

Thanks for the reply rb_traveler - LOL I have been to his local favorite 'gems' and he has given me a couple of names which he researched, but he by no means has the financial capability to eat at most of these places (or his friends for that matter)! He has been pretty busy doing well in school and don't think he has the time to look at thousands of restuarants.

FODORS, if you are listening, PLEASE put an end to this thread for me!!!

I think the best and most creative food in the city is to be found at Clio in the Eliot Hotel. It has wonderful food and service and as someone else stated Chef Ken Oringer has received much recognition and many awards.

Olives in Charlestown, which is Todd English's original restaurant, is still very good and very popular. It might be a good choice if you can get in as the atmosphere there is always rather lively and festive.

You might also look at Radius in the Financial District. Great food and the best green apple martini in town.

Another "special event" restaurant that comes to mind is Aujourd'hui in the Four Seasons Hotel. The view, food and service are all quite special. Wear your Sunday best to this one.

It seems that some restaurants have received double mentions such as Rialtos, Olives, The Federalist, and Clios. Checking out their menus online, they are worth further investigation. Olives has a particularly diverse menu.

Even though we haved stayed at the Eliot a number of times, we have not eaten at Clio's because we usually have a car load of roommates with us for dinner and that only means one thing...Italian!

Thanks to all those who have offered congrats and have taken the time to give thoughtful recommendations.

Topping for Kathy - "special occasion" restaurants

Locke-Obers!!!!