Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/809115
BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 97 Anything with lamb is recommended. INSIDER TIP: The walls surrounding Table 303, which is tucked privately away in a corner (talk about power lunch perfection), features works by local artist Adrienne Schlow, wife of chef-owner Michael Schlow. 79 Park Plz., 617-422-0008; dorettaboston.com EASTERN STANDARD This neighborhood brasserie serves creative twists on classic French fare and shakes up top-level craft cocktails. INSIDER TIP: The bar's once-signature whiskey smash hasn't been on the menu for several years, but customers still ask for it—you can, too. 528 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-9100; easternstandardboston.com EATALY BOSTON The famous Italian marketplace run by celebrity chefs Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich, and restaurateur Joe Bastianich features restaurants, groceries, and a cooking school to give food lovers the chance to experience authentic Italian cuisine. 800 Boylston St., Prudential Center, 617-807-7300; eataly.com GASLIGHT BRASSERIE Get the gold-standard Gallic treatment at Gaslight, located in the artsy section of the South End. Try the classics, such as steak frites with sauce béarnaise or maitre d'hotel butter. 560 Harrison Ave., 617-422-0224; gaslight560.com GRILL 23 & BAR After enjoying Grill 23's all-natural prime beef steaks or fresh, creative seafood presentations, indulge in a post-prandial puff courtesy of the restaurant's premium cigar service, the first-ever in Boston. 161 Berkeley St., 617-542-2255; grill23.com NEW HALEY.HENRY Located in the heart of Downtown Crossing, chef-owner Haley Fortier wants people to have a good time at her wine bar. Enjoy this unique wine experience with a selection of 40–50 wines to be paired with European inspired small plates such as tinned fish and ceviche. 45 Province St., 617-208-6000; haleyhenry.com NEW IL MOLO This elegant seafood spot located in the North End offers Italian inspired creations by chef Pino Maffeo and will give diners an underwater feel with the shell-like blue tiles and aquatic styled artwork and decor. 326 Commercial St., 857-277-1895; ilmoloboston.com ISLAND CREEK OYSTER BAR The menu at this American seafood restaurant changes daily, featuring the likes of lobster-roe noodles with braised short rib, grilled lobster, and oyster mushrooms. 500 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-5300; islandcreekoysterbar.com NEW JULIET Juliet is a place for the Union Square community to interact through delicious food with a Mediterranean flare and good hospitality thanks to Josh Lewin and Katrina Jazayeri. Commuter-friendly menus, as well as leisurely stay-in options has Juliet's being a destination for just about anybody. INSIDER TIP: Juliet offers a Prix-Fixe Menu for lunch from 11 am–3 pm. 257 Washington St, Somerville, 617-718-0958; julietsomerville.com KAVA NEO-TAVERNA Imported wines and Greek small plates take the stage at this South End neigh- borhood hot spot. 315 Shawmut Ave., 617-356-1100; kavaneotaverna.com LA BRASA La Brasa's cuisine draws on chef Daniel Bojorquez's cultural influences as well as the makeup of the restaurant's East Somerville neighborhood—Mexican, Peruvian, and Middle Eastern. 124 Broadway, Somerville, 617-764-1412; labrasasomerville.com LA MORRA This traditional Northern Italian kitchen specializes in homemade pastas, with gluten-free available on request. INSIDER TIP: The tagliatelle bolognese is Tom Brady's favorite. 48 Boylston St., Brookline, 617-739-0007; lamorra.com LA VOILE The authentic décor at La Voile is a Francophile's dream: Everything from the zinc bar to the wooden wine fridge and vintage chandeliers are imported from France. 261 Newbury St., 617-587-4200; lavoileboston.net L'ESPALIER Choice seating at this modern New England-French eatery is next to the window, where you get a view of bustling Boylston Street. INSIDER TIP: Try the honey-glazed Long Island duck for two. 74 Boylston St., 617-262-3023; lespalier.com NEW LITTLE DONKEY Take a trip around the world with Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette's globally inspired small plates. 505 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-945-1008; littledonkeybos.com LOLITA COCINA & TEQUILA There is a second bar in the back of this playful Mexican restaurant where guests can grab a drink and enjoy a more intimate, lounge setting. 271 Dartmouth St., 617-369-5609; lolitatequilabars.com/boston MENTON At culinary star Barbara Lynch's fine dining ode to Italy and France, ask to sit at the Gold Bar, a smaller, more intimate setting than the main dining room. 354 Congress St., 617-737-0099; mentonboston.com NEW MIDA Celebrating Italian culinary traditions in the South End, chef Douglass Williams is committed to bringing high quality ingredients to life through "creativity, curiosity and skill" in his dishes including the Arancini, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Caponata Toast. 782 Tremont St., 617-936-3490; midaboston.com MISTRAL Located in the South End, locals' favorite Mistral has been providing classic French-Mediterranean fare in a casually elegant setting for nearly 20 years. 223 Columbus Ave., 617-867- 9300; mistralbistro.com MOOO RESTAURANT This modern steakhouse boasts a formidable wine cellar. Come thirsty! 15 Beacon St., 617-670-2515; mooorestaurant.com WHO: DJ formerly known as Ms Thang (lizladoux.com) who spins across Boston and Cambridge. JOIE DE VIVRE: "I'm obsessed with the new South End spot, Frenchie (560 Tremont St., 857-233-5941, frenchieboston.com). I lived in France for three years, so any time I can get a solid charcuterie board, cheese plate, fresh baguettes and a decent wine list? I am one very happy girl." NIGHT SIPPING: "I love the W Hotel Lounge (100 Stuart St., 617-261-8700, wboston.com) for a cocktail or 3, because the staff and drinks are special." DOWN TO MEXICO: "When it comes to home goods and décor: Nomad (1741 Mass Ave., 617-497-6677, nomadcambridge.com) in Cambridge for unique imports from Mexico when you can't get to Mexico." ‒ Secret Source ‒ LIZ LADOUX