When I last reviewed this restaurant back in 2005, I raved about the Nemza Handi (a Spinach puree with vegetables). This time the star was the Gobhi Mongolian -- at first glance it looks like a Kung Pao cauliflower dish with peanuts and chiles in the sauce, but the flavors are wonderfully distinct.
468 Commonwealth Ave.W. Charlesgate
Boston, MA 02215
617-375-0699
They had me with the bread -- a wonderful, crusty French bread with excellent unsalted butter -- but everything else lived up to a reputation for great French bistro food. I'll go back just for the bread.
Given Mistral's reputation and prices, I was disappointed when we ate there on a Friday evening with a party of six. Service was excellent, but food was variable. Fish of the day (baked local bass) was good even by Boston standards, but I thought the tuna sashimi appetizer, which the waiter recommended, was doused in too much soy sauce which overwhelmed the fish.
Tamarind Bay Bistro & Bar
75 Winthrop St.JFK St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-491-4552
When I last reviewed this restaurant back in 2005, I raved about the Nemza Handi (a Spinach puree with vegetables). This time the star was the Gobhi Mongolian -- at first glance it looks like a Kung Pao cauliflower dish with peanuts and chiles in the sauce, but the flavors are wonderfully distinct.
Petit Robert Bistro
468 Commonwealth Ave.W. Charlesgate
Boston, MA 02215
617-375-0699
They had me with the bread -- a wonderful, crusty French bread with excellent unsalted butter -- but everything else lived up to a reputation for great French bistro food. I'll go back just for the bread.
Mistral
223 Columbus Ave.Clarendon Sts.
Boston, MA 02116
617-867-9300
Given Mistral's reputation and prices, I was disappointed when we ate there on a Friday evening with a party of six. Service was excellent, but food was variable. Fish of the day (baked local bass) was good even by Boston standards, but I thought the tuna sashimi appetizer, which the waiter recommended, was doused in too much soy sauce which overwhelmed the fish.
Alchemy
71 Main St.bet. School & Summer Sts.
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-9999
The alchemists in the kitchen perform some serious magic -- inventive food from an evolving menu, served by a professional and attentive wait staff.