Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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Tagliatelle with sauce Bolognese and fried basil at Sportello, which draws a die-hard, casual-chic crowd. The bar at Boston Chops boasts a glass-walled, 2,000-bottle wine room. photography by SuSie CuShner (Sportello); MeliSSa oStrow (boSton ChopS) A Table with a View fashionable bostonians share their favorite stylish spots, plus what to eat and who to scope. by jessica laniewski September may be a frantic (and fabulous!) dash from one charity gala or couture show to the next, but the fashionable set knows exactly when—and where—to slow down for a bite to eat. Organic-juice entrepreneur Laura Baldini, woman- about-town Julie Hume Gordon, clothing guru Caraline Zeizel, and Saks Fifth Avenue stylist Suhail Kwatra always leave time for a wonderful meal and, even better, people-watching. These four in-the-know Bostonians give us the skinny on replenishing their fashion energy at the city's most stylish spots. Laura Baldini: Sam's at Louis "Esti [Parsons], the owner of the restaurant, is the sweetest. I love to color on the chalk wall. The views are unbeat- able, and in the summer it's so great to sit outside and take in the ocean air. I almost always have my birthday there in August. It is such a laid-back, chill environment. The crowd is fashionably casual. Weekdays have an after-work crowd, while I tend to bump into people I know on the weekends. Anything goes there in terms of clothing—my Rag & Bone jeans, Missoni dress, or Rick Owens biker jacket. The menu changes often, but it always has the best organic and local dishes, as well as fantastic oysters. The grilled octopus is my favorite. A friend and I recently split the mushroom tofu burger. I'm not usually into tofu, but it was great. We swapped the fries for local lettuce, which is a mix of different local leaves in a light vinaigrette." 60 Northern Ave., 617-295-0191; samsatlouis.com Caraline Zeizel: Sportello "Better known as 'Sporty' to its die-hard fans, Sportello could be my second home. The employees are like family, and I've been eating their specialty dishes my entire life. I can't even describe my enjoyment when eating the mouthwatering pastas. The tagliatelle is the best, closely followed by the gnocchi and strozzapreti. I usually get a half order of all three. Sportello draws all types of people, all with one underlying factor: They all love good food. They don everything from jeans and a T-shirt to a long dress paired with a killer motor- cycle jacket—whatever their take on casual cool may be. My favorite nights start with great friends, incredible food, and sitting around Sporty's lunch counter, and they end at Drink downstairs." 348 Congress St., 617-737-1234; sportelloboston.com Julie Hume Gordon: The Bristol Lounge "The Bristol is a nostalgic hideaway when I want good food and impeccable service. I grew up in the [Four Seasons] residences next door, so it feels great to return with my family and see so many familiar faces. It's also very kid-friendly, but still sophisticated for adults. The Bristol Lounge is Boston's playroom. The crowd runs the gamut. It can be comfy casual for dinner with the kids in Céline f lats and an oversize Vince sweater, or more sophisticated for drinks with the girls in J Brand jeans, a smart Zara blazer, and nude Jimmy Choos. I'll eat at the bar with my husband or grab a couch with girlfriends. I love the kale salad: It's delicious and guilt-free." 200 Boylston St., 617-351-2037; fourseasons.com Suhail Kwatra: Boston Chops "Boston Chops brings f lair to the South End with its menu and striking décor. The food is exquisite, and the service is impeccable. The soaring ceilings, medievalesque chandeliers, long bar, and lighting combine to create an elegant atmosphere. It's the perfect place for a power brunch, a romantic occasion, or just a delicious dinner. The staff exudes a delightful energy, which—in conjunction with the ambience—creates a great vibe. The crowd is a mix, wearing comfortably chic clothing. The bar is always hopping, with an incredible cocktail list. The steaks are always perfectly done. I'm also a big fan of the rigatoni Bolognese." 1375 Washington St., 617-227- 5011; bostonchops.com BC 88 bostoncommon-magazine.com TASTE Dine Around