Please help choose a third boston restaurant
Jun 11th, 2008, 05:38 PM
#1
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Please help choose a third boston restaurant
meeting my old college roomate in boston for a weekend with our kids. Have a sitter all lined up and looking forward to some great dinners, I think we will go to Prezza one night and Scampo another. Looking for a third wonderful place- not Italian, since the other 2 are. she is a vegetarian but never has trouble finding something anywhere. I love good food.
In the past , I've loved Mistral, sibling rivalry, hammersley's, but would like to try something new, but along those lines-- excellent food but good altmoshere. nothing too stuffy, but not ridiculously trendy either. Any thoughts? TIA
In the past , I've loved Mistral, sibling rivalry, hammersley's, but would like to try something new, but along those lines-- excellent food but good altmoshere. nothing too stuffy, but not ridiculously trendy either. Any thoughts? TIA
Jun 11th, 2008, 06:59 PM
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Is there a specific location you want? North End? Back Bay? South End? Cambridge?
We had a really nice dinner last month at Pigalle. It's in the Theatre District. It's got a really nice atmosphere. French cuisine.
http://www.pigalleboston.com/flashmovie.html
Nearby is Troquet - wine bar/French cuisine. Never been there though it's got good reviews. Probably more "trendy & noisy" than Pigalle.
http://www.troquetboston.com/index.html
We had a really nice dinner last month at Pigalle. It's in the Theatre District. It's got a really nice atmosphere. French cuisine.
http://www.pigalleboston.com/flashmovie.html
Nearby is Troquet - wine bar/French cuisine. Never been there though it's got good reviews. Probably more "trendy & noisy" than Pigalle.
http://www.troquetboston.com/index.html
Jun 11th, 2008, 07:00 PM
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FYI - you didn't say which 3 nights you'll be in town. But Pigalle offers a $40 3-course prix-fixe dinner on Sundays. Excellent deal since a la carte prices are a bit high. It also has a bar and has a cheaper/simpler bar menu.
Jun 11th, 2008, 07:31 PM
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How about LaVoile on Newbury Street -
we've had some fabulous meals there over the past six months - a French brasserie (moved here from Cannes) wonderful foods and wine -
or Lock-Ober - if you haven't been since Lydia Shire took over -
The Hungry I on Charles Street....
Avila at One Charles Street - (same owner as Davio's)
mediterranean influence
or Henrietta's Table in Cambridge ?
Or Rialto @ Charles Hotel, Cambridge
We also enjoy Sorellina's, Banq, Aquitaine, Petit Robert Bistro, Sage, 28 Degrees (which gets more trendy later, but I've enjoyed it there with my husband and with girlfriends - fun to share a few plates - and the martini's are wonderful ! .... I'm getting hungry !
we've had some fabulous meals there over the past six months - a French brasserie (moved here from Cannes) wonderful foods and wine -
or Lock-Ober - if you haven't been since Lydia Shire took over -
The Hungry I on Charles Street....
Avila at One Charles Street - (same owner as Davio's)
mediterranean influence
or Henrietta's Table in Cambridge ?
Or Rialto @ Charles Hotel, Cambridge
We also enjoy Sorellina's, Banq, Aquitaine, Petit Robert Bistro, Sage, 28 Degrees (which gets more trendy later, but I've enjoyed it there with my husband and with girlfriends - fun to share a few plates - and the martini's are wonderful ! .... I'm getting hungry !
Jun 12th, 2008, 03:59 AM
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Thank you yk and escargot. We will be there Thursday thru sunday. escargot, I was intrigued by la voile after reading some posts here, but when i looked at their website, it was virtually unreadable on line, so i gave up. I will see if they can email me or fax me a sample menu.
You've both given me some great suggestions. I will look into them and report back !
You've both given me some great suggestions. I will look into them and report back !
Jun 12th, 2008, 05:11 AM
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You've gotten some wonderful suggestions above. Note that Sorellina and Rialto are both Italian, which you said you'd prefer to avoid. My impression of 28 Degrees was that it is pretty "trendy," and I found the food less desirable than other options you're getting.
Icarus is another South End option. If something ethnic and a bit more upscale is of interest, you might consider Helmand (an Afghan place in Cambridge which will be very vegetarian friendly) or Lala Rokh (a Persian spot on Charles Street).
Icarus is another South End option. If something ethnic and a bit more upscale is of interest, you might consider Helmand (an Afghan place in Cambridge which will be very vegetarian friendly) or Lala Rokh (a Persian spot on Charles Street).
Jun 12th, 2008, 05:51 AM
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Here is a menu for La Voile
http://tinyurl.com/4fd8hr
Sorellina is "italian" but to me, not all italian -as they like to say regional italian with a 'modern twist' - depends on what you want - some ask for italian and only want pasta, sauces, etc which this is not -
you can look at the website - one reason I thought of it is if you love Mistral, it is same owners - you can check out their menu
www.sorrelinaboston.com
We at at 28 Degrees several times a month and love it - (we are in our mid 50's) but we tend to leave by 9pm to 10pm at the latest - we love the smaller plates and sharing: salad , pizza, mac n cheese, sliders, seafood dishes - lots of choices and we always bring out of town business clients there and it gets rave reviews for fun, different, decor, excellent food and drinks - but the decor (water in the ceiling, flat screens with changing views, bar, general set up is trendy)
Also where I have met girlfriends for a dinner when we want the twist of 'some fun' added to the mix regarding great martini combinations, and the feeling that at 45-55, we still have some trendy, fun , hip left in us a la sex and the city
....and then we walk out saying wow, that was our trendy fix for awhile but we are smiling when we say it - one friend from DC has now perfected the blueberry martini , she swears, better than 28 degrees ( name is the perfect degree for serving a martini)
Also, you could consider an old standby Brasserie Jo,
another french bistro scene - or Petite Robert Bistro on Columbus, which I might have mentioned.
Icarus is wonderful, very quiet and lends itself to private conversations and food is remarkable - not at all trendy or , for me, remarkable in the decor - but top notch and a number one spot - husband and I frequent that when we need a relaxing, quiet, perfect 'catch up' meal -
http://tinyurl.com/4fd8hr
Sorellina is "italian" but to me, not all italian -as they like to say regional italian with a 'modern twist' - depends on what you want - some ask for italian and only want pasta, sauces, etc which this is not -
you can look at the website - one reason I thought of it is if you love Mistral, it is same owners - you can check out their menu
www.sorrelinaboston.com
We at at 28 Degrees several times a month and love it - (we are in our mid 50's) but we tend to leave by 9pm to 10pm at the latest - we love the smaller plates and sharing: salad , pizza, mac n cheese, sliders, seafood dishes - lots of choices and we always bring out of town business clients there and it gets rave reviews for fun, different, decor, excellent food and drinks - but the decor (water in the ceiling, flat screens with changing views, bar, general set up is trendy)
Also where I have met girlfriends for a dinner when we want the twist of 'some fun' added to the mix regarding great martini combinations, and the feeling that at 45-55, we still have some trendy, fun , hip left in us a la sex and the city
....and then we walk out saying wow, that was our trendy fix for awhile but we are smiling when we say it - one friend from DC has now perfected the blueberry martini , she swears, better than 28 degrees ( name is the perfect degree for serving a martini) Also, you could consider an old standby Brasserie Jo,
another french bistro scene - or Petite Robert Bistro on Columbus, which I might have mentioned.
Icarus is wonderful, very quiet and lends itself to private conversations and food is remarkable - not at all trendy or , for me, remarkable in the decor - but top notch and a number one spot - husband and I frequent that when we need a relaxing, quiet, perfect 'catch up' meal -
Jun 12th, 2008, 05:53 AM
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want to really treat yourselves?
How about seeing if there is an opening at L'Espalier
to eat there one last time before they move out of that elegant brownstone setting to the new Mandarin Oriental? they have wine dinner specials, etc depending on the day of the week
How about seeing if there is an opening at L'Espalier
to eat there one last time before they move out of that elegant brownstone setting to the new Mandarin Oriental? they have wine dinner specials, etc depending on the day of the week
Jun 12th, 2008, 06:23 AM
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Escargot, do you know when L'Espalier is slated to close? i've been wanting to go one last time before it moves, but haven't had the time.
So many good suggestions here, I hate to add to your conundrum, but what the heck...
Nobody's mentioned #9 Park, so I will. Its a tough reservation, but you can go and sit on the cafe side without one, which is a little less pricey and I think has wonderful food.
If your travels or accomodations have you near the waterfront, you might consider Sel de la Terre, which is very close to the aquarium. It's got the same owner as L'Espalier, but is a step down in price and style, but very good...especially the bread. It does tend to be a bit noisy though.
I really enjoyed La Voile when we went, but I've been reading somewhat more negative reviews on Chowhound lately. I get the impression they have already dropped off in quality. I can't speak to that directly however. We absolutely loved the fish soup there.
So many good suggestions here, I hate to add to your conundrum, but what the heck...
Nobody's mentioned #9 Park, so I will. Its a tough reservation, but you can go and sit on the cafe side without one, which is a little less pricey and I think has wonderful food.
If your travels or accomodations have you near the waterfront, you might consider Sel de la Terre, which is very close to the aquarium. It's got the same owner as L'Espalier, but is a step down in price and style, but very good...especially the bread. It does tend to be a bit noisy though.
I really enjoyed La Voile when we went, but I've been reading somewhat more negative reviews on Chowhound lately. I get the impression they have already dropped off in quality. I can't speak to that directly however. We absolutely loved the fish soup there.
Jun 12th, 2008, 06:37 AM
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I'm heading to Sel de la Terre (downtown) this weekend, so I can report back re how it is.
Actually we ate Brunch at the Natick outpost of Sel de la Terre last weekend and were very pleasantly surprised by the good quality and execution of food.
Actually we ate Brunch at the Natick outpost of Sel de la Terre last weekend and were very pleasantly surprised by the good quality and execution of food.
Jun 12th, 2008, 09:02 AM
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I've been to the downtown Sel de La Terre a couple of times. And we now eat at the Natick location fairly regularly as that is quite close to home. The downtown one is better, in my opinion, but the suburban location is not bad, and quite a bit better than is typical for this area.
Jun 12th, 2008, 12:22 PM
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Sel de la Terre is great - it is the sister restaurant of L'Espalier - I love the one on the waterfront and absolutely that is another great idea for you -
Below is some info below on the last email I rec'd from L"espalier/Sel de la Terre on June 4:
and China Cat it also addresses the move, which has already been moved from spring to fall....we keep going for our "last suppers" at L'Espalier and laughing b/c every time they move the date, we make another rezzie for the 'one last time meal.'......
From the email:
We all know how summer speeds by. We hope to catch you before it is over, and look forward to seeing you at 774 Boylston Street in the fall!
WINE MONDAY
7PM and $60
...continues weekly through June. If once a week is not enough, please join Erik as he does more of the same at both Sel de la Terre locations.
June 9: The French ABC's: Alsace, Burgundy, Bordeaux & Champagne
June 16: Picnic Basket Goodies
June 23: Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere!
________________________________
LUNCH
Daily 11:30am - 2pm
Whether your schedule demands a snappy, fast meal or allows for an afternoon of leisure and luxury, we have a lunch option that is perfect for you. With a la carte and tasting menus available, lunch at L'Espalier suits every budget and every appetite. Please join us soon!
CHEESE TUESDAY
7PM and $68
...expands on July 9 as Sel de la Terre Natick presents Cheese Wednesday. L'Espalier's Louis Risoli will host a casual night combining food, wine, cheeses from far and near, and perhaps a bit of entertainment. Call Sel de la Terre Natick for details and reservations at 508-650-1800.
and at L'Espalier....
June 17: Cheese Anniversary
July 15: Summer Tomme
Below is some info below on the last email I rec'd from L"espalier/Sel de la Terre on June 4:
and China Cat it also addresses the move, which has already been moved from spring to fall....we keep going for our "last suppers" at L'Espalier and laughing b/c every time they move the date, we make another rezzie for the 'one last time meal.'......
From the email:
We all know how summer speeds by. We hope to catch you before it is over, and look forward to seeing you at 774 Boylston Street in the fall!
WINE MONDAY
7PM and $60
...continues weekly through June. If once a week is not enough, please join Erik as he does more of the same at both Sel de la Terre locations.
June 9: The French ABC's: Alsace, Burgundy, Bordeaux & Champagne
June 16: Picnic Basket Goodies
June 23: Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere!
________________________________
LUNCH
Daily 11:30am - 2pm
Whether your schedule demands a snappy, fast meal or allows for an afternoon of leisure and luxury, we have a lunch option that is perfect for you. With a la carte and tasting menus available, lunch at L'Espalier suits every budget and every appetite. Please join us soon!
CHEESE TUESDAY
7PM and $68
...expands on July 9 as Sel de la Terre Natick presents Cheese Wednesday. L'Espalier's Louis Risoli will host a casual night combining food, wine, cheeses from far and near, and perhaps a bit of entertainment. Call Sel de la Terre Natick for details and reservations at 508-650-1800.
and at L'Espalier....
June 17: Cheese Anniversary
July 15: Summer Tomme
Jun 13th, 2008, 02:09 PM
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china cat &/or escargot
Is the Sel de la Terre in downtown casual (as in similar to the one in Natick)? Not sure what we'll be wearing to dinner tomorrow night though I may not feel like really dressing up since we'll most likely be taking the T there.
Is the Sel de la Terre in downtown casual (as in similar to the one in Natick)? Not sure what we'll be wearing to dinner tomorrow night though I may not feel like really dressing up since we'll most likely be taking the T there.
Jun 13th, 2008, 04:31 PM
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I went on a weeknight, and there were some people who had clearly come from work in the financial district. There were others in more or less casual clothes. So its probably not QUITE as cas as the suburbs (where you NEVER see a tie), but you don't have to dress up.
Jun 16th, 2008, 07:10 AM
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I said I would report back about Sel de la Terre in downtown, so here it is:
We (4 of us) were quite disappointed. Granted, we went on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We each ordered an appetizer, and only 3 came. We thought the 4th would be coming out shortly but nothing appeared after 5 minutes. We were unable to get the attention of our waitress for another 5 minutes b/c she was busy chatting with another table. Finally, 10 minutes after our apps were delivered, she came by and we told her of the missing item.
Our friends' thought their dishes were too salty. DH & I both had fish, and it was fine - not anything spectacular. Overall, a so-so meal.
We (4 of us) were quite disappointed. Granted, we went on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We each ordered an appetizer, and only 3 came. We thought the 4th would be coming out shortly but nothing appeared after 5 minutes. We were unable to get the attention of our waitress for another 5 minutes b/c she was busy chatting with another table. Finally, 10 minutes after our apps were delivered, she came by and we told her of the missing item.
Our friends' thought their dishes were too salty. DH & I both had fish, and it was fine - not anything spectacular. Overall, a so-so meal.
