Category Archives: Contemporary

August 10, 2012

Fuji

*Best Variety of Upscale Sushi

Overall: A-

Service: 4.5/5 The attentive staff and their prompt service rarely disappoint this hungry customer. However, over the course of several visits, there were a few instances where the appetizers arrived at the end of the meal, and what’s the point in stimulating appetite if you’ve already devoured the main course? More often than not, Fuji’s friendly servers remind you why you dine out in the first place- to make dining an easier, more pleasant experience. Take out orders are especially quick.

Food: 5/5 Head chef Ming Cao puts a twist on authentic Japanese cuisine by offering unusual sushi combinations and gourmet dishes that fuse fresh American ingredients with Asian customs. The lengthly menu that parades items ranging from tempura and teriyaki to tofu and seafood can be daunting, but there are plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, gluten-intolerants, macrobiotic dieters, and raw foodies. Fuji offers unique sushi options, like the Philly Cheese Steak Maki (6 pieces of rolled sushi) made of sliced sirloin beef, American cheese, and peppers all rolled maki style. Another quirky option is the Little Shrimp Gift Maki (inside roll, 6-piece maki special), consisting of spicy salmon, cucumber, romaine, seared amaeni (sweet shrimp), bacon, and black tobiko. Even the trendy desserts, like the red bean fried ice cream and the green bean-coconut smoothie, maintain a Japanese flair while pushing creative boundaries.

Atmosphere: 5/5 Located in the midst of Cambridge’s bustling Kendall Square, this contemporary restaurant’s sleek, almost aerodynamic interior creates an inspiring, yet relaxing atmosphere. The smooth, stone countertop bar that overlooks a ten-foot long sushi station draws diner’s attention to the artful technique of sushi-making. The floor-to-ceiling windows, top shelf bar, and flat screen TV create an upscale feel to this clean, urban establishment. The vibe is classy and casual, which sets the mood for a group date night (call ahead for large parties), a 5:00 cocktail, or an intimate birthday gathering (sushi boats and sake bombs anyone?).

Price: 4/5 Fuji’s prices reflect the quality of the food, not the quantity. The restaurant offers everything from raw seaweed and vine ripened avocado to delicate sashimi and thinly sliced octopus, so you must be prepared for a moderately priced bill. If you’re a sushi snob who values quality and freshness, you probably won’t mind paying $6.50 for a 6-piece Boston Maki, or even $16.00 for the Dynamite Maki. But those who aren’t sushi fanatics and simply want a good deal should try the Salad Trio Sampler with avocado salad, seaweed salad, and garden salad ($10.00), the Curry Chicken or Pork Rice Bowl ($13.00), the Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box with soup, salad, two goyozas, two pieces of shumai (dumplings), two pieces of veggie tempura, and three pieces of California maki ($14.00), or the Flaming Wok Seafood Set with mixed vegetables, white rice, hot and sour soup, and two pieces of harumaki (spring roll) or crab rangoon. ($16.00).

Accessibility: 4/5 If you live within distance to Kendall Square, I recommend walking to Fuji since parking is in high demand around this concentrated area that encompasses the MIT campus, luxury apartment complexes, high-tech firms, and a variety of restaurants. Options for drivers include valet parking and metered parking that runs along Third Street. The Kendall (red line) transit station is located at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street, which is a 0.3 mile walk (about 7 minutes) from the the restaurant. Visit MBTA.com to view transportation schedules.

Recommendations:

-Fried, Steamed, or Pan-Fried Gyoza {six fuji style pork or vegetable dumplings}

-Harumaki {Japanese style shrimp or veggie spring roll with sweet and sour sauce}

-Seaweed Salad {assorted mixed seaweed in a sesame oil dressing}

-Sweet Potato Inside Roll {drizzled with sweet sauce}

-Mango Avocado Inside Roll {with spicy mayo and crunchy sesame}

-Seared Hamachi Toro {seared yellow tail nigiri or sashimi}

-Ming’s Mango Maki {shrimp, asparagus, spicy tuna, mango}

-Blueberry Smoothie {add Boba for $0.50}

-Apple Green Tea {add Boba for $0.50)

 

300 Third Street

Cambridge, MA 02142

617.252.0088

www.fujiatkendall.com

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Filed under $$, Catering, Coffee and Tea, Contemporary, Delivery, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Full Bar, Fusion, Gluten-Free Friendly, Japanese, Kid Friendly, Late Night Menu, Lunch, Macrobiotic Friendly, Meat Friendly, Modern, Rating: A-, Raw Food Friendly, Restaurant, Snack, Sushi, Take-Out, Vegan Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly

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November 3, 2011

M Bar in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Best Specialty Drinks ‧ Best Place to Meet New Acquaintances

Overall: A-

$$$

Service: 4.5/5 The servers (usually young and attractive females) pay attention to the guests, but every so often your glass needs a refill and you’re finished with their meal well before the check arrives. In particular, don’t expect speedy service when dining outside (note: you must order food and not just drinks when you sit on the patio), so if you want to get in and out, then sit at the bar. If you have a minute, sit on the small outdoor patio and indulge in the great people watching. Also available are intimate booths, elevated glass-top seating, and sleek wooden tables. Overall, the staff is sociable and easily likable yet slightly blase.

Food: 5/5 Most of the food here is phenomenal, but when standards are high some of the less brilliant plates fall short. But let’s start with aperitifs. Instead of a bread basket, you get a mixed variety of well-seasoned olives and delicious candied almonds (don’t feel bad asking for a refill, they’re delicious). Due to the small sized menu, this may not be the best option for extremely picky eaters. Vegetarians can easily omit certain components to create a meat-free dish, but vegans, gluten-intolerants, raw foodies, and macrobiotic dieters may have a harder time with the menu. However, it is possible to eat a (semi-) healthy meal here. Try ordering the Caesar Salad, Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare, and a Green Apple and Mandarin Sorbet Push Pop. Or you can pig out by having Clam Chowder, the New England Lobster Roll, and Quintuple Chocolate Cheesecake. Although there are no happy hour specials, there is an extensive drink menu (the mimosas and white russians are to die for).

Atmosphere: 5/5 This smart and chic lounge is equipped with an illuminated glass bar, a custom-designed wine wall stacked with vintage wines, and a unique menu that highlights New England with a Mandarin flair. M Bar is classy and trendy. That means no open dance floor, no television, and the cheapest beer on the menu (Sam Adams, Heineken, Hoegaarden, Pilsner Urquell) costs $7.00. The 20 to 40-something-year-old crowd that holds down this establishment weekdays after work, and Thursdays-Saturdays after 9:00 p.m. has a 50/50 male to female ratio. It’s a perfect place to catch up with friends, go on a sharp date, or meet new acquaintances.

Price: 3.5/5 The price tag on this meal won’t be cheap, but what do you expect from an elegant, high-class lounge settled inside a luxury five-star hotel that just happens to be located in the midst of Back Bay? The atmosphere and location sell this place, but when you throw an eclectic mix of creative dishes and superior hand-crafted cocktails into the mix, you have a clear winner. It may seem extravagant to spend $175.00 on a three-person lunch when it’s a Monday afternoon (hey, it was a holiday), but the price is worth the experience, as long as you don’t make it a weekly habit.

Accessibility: 4.5/5 M Bar is located on Boylston Street between Fairfield Street and Glouster Street. Let’s just say that parking isn’t always convenient.  Meters that take quarters, cash, and credit cards run along Boylston and Newbury Street (watch out for valet and commercial vehicle parking spots). Parking garages are located on Newbury Street, Boylston Street, and near the intersection of Massachusetts Ave. and Boylston. Be aware that not all of them accept credit cards and the minimum fee may something like $10.00. You can valet at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, but be prepared to shell out a minimum of $20.00 (plus tip) for this service.  Public transportation is another option. There are numerous Green Line stops within walking distance, including Copley Station, Arlington Station, and Back Bay Station.

Recommendations:

-Bento Box {choose six options from the following dishes: papaya salad, vegetable spring roll, tuna tartar, jasmine rice, pork dumplings, korean beef BBQ, thai chicken curry, salmon sashimi, lobster wonton, duck spring roll, seaweed salad, tempura shrimp, fresh pineapple and vanilla chili syrup, dark chocolate orange cake, thai basil panna cotta and strawberries, raspberry almond bar) accompanied by three dipping sauces (sweet and sour, red wine vinegar and soy sauce). Personal picks: vegetable spring roll, jasmine rice, korean beef BBQ, salmon sashimi, lobster wonton and seaweed salad. *Unfortunately, this option is no longer available. 

-American Wagyu Beef Sliders {bacon, 2 year aged graft on cheese, chili mayo}

-Seaweed and Daikon Wrapped Ahi Tuna {pickled shallots, ginger soy sauce}

-Artisanal Cheese Tray {three cheeses, seasonal jam, dried and fresh fruit, quince paste, toasted bread}

-Ice Cream Popsicles {choice of mascarpone and coffee, dark chocolcate pistachip and strawberry, white chocolate lemon verbena, peach and milk chocolate} and Sorbet Push Pops {choice of lemon and raspberry, green apple and mandarin, coconut, banana and passionfruit}.

-Glass of Prosecco Mimosa

-White Russian

-Cabernet Sauvignon (2008) Napa Valley, CA

-Syrah Grenache Mourvedre (2007) Rhone Valley, France

-Vanilla Rooibos Tea

 

776 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199

617.535.8800

www.mandarinoriental.com/boston/dining/m_bar.com

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Filed under $$$, Bar/Pub, Boston, Coffee and Tea, Contemporary, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Full Bar, Fusion, Gastropub, Japanese, Late Night Menu, Lunch, Meat Friendly, New England, Rating: A-, Restaurant, Snack, Vegetarian Friendly

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October 11, 2011

Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Best Red Sangria 

Overall: B-

$$

Service: 4.5/5 Dali’s helpful and friendly staff leads to a happy customer. You should expect quicker service sitting at the bar as opposed to sitting in the back corner, but the staff is both delightful and accommodating regardless of where you sit.

Food: 3.5/5 This establishment offers a full bar and late night menu as well as meat friendly, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options. Although the ingredients could be fresher, and more savory, the flavors are more than palatable when you share a large pitcher (2 liters, 7-8 glasses) of Sangria, or order the Absinthe with melted sugar and ice water. If you’re new to Spanish red wines (the menu only offers Spanish wines), try the gentle and fruity Vina Alberdi Reserva (2003) from Rioja, or get a bottle of the smooth and well-balanaced Tres Picos (2008) from Borija. If there is a group of white wine drinkers, order Cava in a Porron. Hard-core winos? Splurge on a bottle of the powerful and vibrant Torre Muga Reserve (2003) from Rioja. And beer drinkers, try Alhambra, a classic Andalusian beer from Spain that has a full and clean taste with some bitterness and malt. Or go with a trusty Belgian lager, like Stella Artois. Cocktail enthusiasts may like the Cha Cha Cha!, which is made of Bacardi Rum, fresh mint, lemon, lime, mango, pineapple juice, and soda water. This is a great place to go with a group of friends, to throw a surprise birthday party, or to go on a fun date.  Ask what the specials are before ordering because the seasonal items tend to be the freshest here. You can also check their “Tapas Nuevas” online to view monthly regional tapas.

Atmosphere: 5/5 Grab the iron lion-shaped knockers on the heavy wooden double doors to reveal a diamond in the rough. Enter: Dali. Picture loud Latin dance music, eclectic knick knacks, and festive decor that includes red walls, tiled tables, gilded ceilings, and Spanish paintings on every wall. This place is full of energy on the weekends (especially Fridays around 7:00 p.m.), so call ahead to make a reservation, or be prepared to wait for seat at the bar. There is a nook, bar seat, or table for everyone. The authentic Spanish vibe, lively staff, and upbeat music stimulate good conversation and fun!

Price: 3.5/5  The prices are high for such small portions. A group of two or three could end up spending close to $90.00 for several tapas plates, drinks, and dessert. A few items on the late night menu (served 11:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.) are decently priced for their size, including the $6.00 Tortilla Espanola with egg, potato, and onion; the $13.00 Trio of Tapas Sampler; and the $8.00 Conejo Escabechado, a braised rabbit with red wine, juniper, and garlic. Dessert prices are standard (less than $10.00), but unimpressive in taste and presentation. Drink prices are also average ($7.00-$10.00 for a glass of wine, $10.00 for a cocktail, $25.00-$45.00 for a bottle of wine, $5.00 for a beer), but the funky mixed drink options and Spanish-influenced beer and wine list make Dali’s selection unique.

Accessibility: 4/5 Metered parking is available along Washington and Beacon Street. Be careful because certain areas are  labeled “parking by permit” only. It’s easy to catch a cab near Cambridge Street, which is about three blocks from Dali. Bus stops are located on Washington Street and Beacon Street. Porter Square transit station is one mile (about 20 minutes walking distance) from the restaurant.

Recommendations:

-Dali’s Signature Pescado a la Sal {whole fish baked table-side in coarse salt}

-Filloa de Berenjenas {savory crepe with eggplant ragú, carrot-sherry sauce}

-Queso de Cabra Montañes {baked goat cheese with tomato and basil}

-Vieiras al Azafran {broiled scallops in saffron cream}

-Alcachofas Rellena {mushroom-filled artichokes}

-Albóndigas de Cordero {lamb meatballs with tomato-mint sauce}

-Double-Liter Pitcher of Sangria {2 liters, 7-8 glasses}

-Cava in a Porron {white wine in a communal drinking device}

415 Washington Street

Somerville, MA 02143

617.661.3254

www.dalirestaurant.com

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Filed under $$, Bar/Pub, Contemporary, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Full Bar, Gluten-Free Friendly, Late Night Menu, Meat Friendly, Private Parties, Quick Bite, Rating: B-, Restaurant, Snack, Spanish, Tapas, Vegan Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly

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June 14, 2011

City Table

Best Fallback Restaurant for Dinner

Overall: B

$$

Service: 5/5 The service at City Table is what makes this establishment one of my favorite go-to dinner places. If the server’s food recommendation isn’t to your liking, they will take it off your bill. If they are fifteen minutes from closing the kitchen and you come in starving, they will make you feel like a preferred customer. The attentive and pleasant nature of the staff greatly contributes to the delightful opulence of this prime neighborhood destination.

Food: 3/5 The food isn’t life changing, nor is it a disappointment (to say the least). I can come here day or night (without a reservation) and know that I will have a satisfying meal. The restaurant is in the perfect location. You can grab a bite after shopping on Newbury Street, or stop by after a night out for snacks and drinks (cocktail and bar menu available until 2:00 a.m.). If you’re looking for American cuisine with a polished edge, this is your place. The flavors usually blend well (you won’t find an extensive use of salt to cover up blunders, but sometimes the food can be too sweet, too rich, or too bland), the menu is creative (Chicken Drummetts in a dark rum glaze with lime dipping sauce), and menu items change bimonthly (you can always try something new). The only qualm I have is that there is nothing to take this food to the next level. And the desserts are, unfortunately, nothing special. On the plus side, City Table offers a fully loaded bar, late-night menu, and multiple vegan options.

Atmosphere: 5/5 Nestled in the Lenox Hotel located in the Back Bay, this laid-back yet elegant restaurant creates a comforting and rich dining experience. The restaurant’s high ceilings, warm brown woods, bamboo and slate floors, and neutral palette present an upscale, organic atmosphere. This is the perfect spot for a special occasion, unexpected rendezvous, or late business meeting.

Price: 4/5 The pricey portions aren’t monstrous, but you really get your bang for your buck with the starters, sandwiches, and sides. Even big eaters can spend less than $45.00 and leave with a full belly. Start with the New England Clam Chowder sprinkled with apple smoked bacon and served with a corn fritter, or try a simple House Chopped Salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, radicchio, mesclun mixed greens, and champagne vinaigrette.  For your entree, try the Pancetta and Asparagus Pizza with ricotta cheese, fresh mozzarella, basil, and roma tomatoes. Might as well order a hefty side of Herb Risotto too. Still not full? Then you didn’t dig into the warm bread basket and wine.

Accessibility: 4/5 Although meters are numerous along Boylston Street, they are hard to snag unless you circle the block a few times. Valet parking is available at the Lenox Hotel. If you prefer public transit, you can get off at the Back Bay subway stop on Dartmouth Street and walk approximately seven minutes to the restaurant. After getting off at Back Back station, head North toward Stuart Street, then turn left and continue onto Huntington Street. Turn left onto Exeter Street and you will see City Table.

Recommendations:

-Ava’s Sweet Pea Soup {with gooseberry creme fraiche}

-Endive and Roquefort Salad {shaved radicchio and romaine, walnut vinaigrette, brioche croutons, Macintosh apples}

-Surf or Turf Tacos {ancho rubbed hanger steak or seared ahi tuna, warm tortillas, spicy tomatoes, guacamole}

-Lamb Two Ways {sliced grilled top round and osso bucco, white asparagus, smoked gouda and leek smashed potatoes, Cabernet sauce}

-Side of Herb Risotto

-Chardonnay, La Poule Blanche, France

 

61 Exeter Street

Boston, MA 02116

617.933.4800

www.citytableboston.com

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Filed under $$, American, Bar/Pub, Boston, Breakfast, Brunch, Burgers, Coffee and Tea, Contemporary, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Full Bar, Late Night Menu, Lunch, Meat Friendly, Pasta, Quick Bite, Rating: B, Restaurant, Sandwiches, Snack, Take-Out, Vegan Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly

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February 14, 2011

Temple Bar

Best Fondue and Seasonal Accompaniments

Overall: B+

$$$

Service: 4/5 I’m always satisfied with the geniality of the waiter or waitress, but a few times I’ve had to wait uncomfortably long for my food to arrive. If you aren’t starving, it’s no problem. If you are, I recommend snacking on the delicious bread basket that includes whole wheat options and Boston brown bread.

Food: 4.5/5 Temple Bar specializes in modern American cuisine that suits any palate. Traditional American flavors blend well with New England’s seasonal influence, adding a modern twist to the fare.  Executive Chef Greg Boschetti Greg has previously worked for Chez Henri, a French meets Cuban restaurant in Cambridge, and moved his way up from Sous Chef to Executive Chef at Temple Bar. For brunch, try the “Croque” Eggs Benedict with artisanal sour dough, black forest ham, swiss cheese, smoked paprika hollandaise, and home fries. Or go for the Cowboy Omelet with chorizo, roasted peppers, mushroom, Vermont cheddar, and home fries. Meat-free dinner options include the Seasonal Vegetarian Charcuterie Board with vegetable terinne, pequillo pepper hummus, lemon edamame, daikon radish “spring roll” pickled vegetables, warm roasted root vegetable, and tarragon-mustard dressing. Also available are exquisite (and fairly priced) late night bar menu options, including the Crispy Confit Duck Wings with spicy pineapple duck sauce and sweet soy syrup for $9.00; Yuzu Citrus Tuna Tartar with spicy cucumber, avocado mousse, house made pickled ginger, and sesame rice crackers for $13.00; and the Rosemary and Sea Salt Pommes Frites with Malt Vinegar Aioli for $5.00.

Atmosphere: 5/5 This is one restaurant where the bar seating is just as warm and comforting as the rest of the charming interior. The spacious restaurant has exposed brick, ambient lighting and floor to ceiling mirrors on one end and a fully stocked copper and wood-paneled bar on the other. You and your party can lounge in oversized leather booths, or you can cozy up with an Old Orchard Sour (Lairds Applejack, lemon, simple syrup, yellow Chartreuse, angostura bitters) at the hightop bar. It’s a suitable dining or drinking venue for families, couples, friends, and chummy co-workers. 

Price:  Temple Bar serves fresh, seasonal food for a good price. Unique appetizers like Crispy Flash Fried Calamari with sweet and spicy dipping sauce and the Roomkass “Double Creme” Gouda Cheese Fondue with seasonal accompaniments are $11.00 and $16.00, respectively.  Meat and seafood entrees average $20.00, as do the vegetarian options like the Seasonal Risotto and Seasonal Vegetable Plate. Sandwiches and pizza are a bit cheaper, costing you less than $15.00, and the sides are the cheapest things on the menu. Try the Olive Oil Poached Fingerling Potatoes and the Sautéed Spinach with fried garlic chips for $5.00 each. Keep in mind that portions are satisfying, but may not fill you to the brim (which isn’t always a bad thing).

Accessibility: 4/5 There is free parking daily from 6:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. behind the restaurant on the right side. Metered parking is also available along Massachusetts Ave. When it comes to public transit, take your pick between Harvard Square and Porter Square, since Temple Bar rests in between the two stations. 

Recommendations:

-Snake River Farm Kobe Beef Sliders {artisan brioche, caramelized onions, smoked tomato aioli}

-Roasted Beet and Endive Salad {candied pistachios, toasted goat cheese crostini, horseradish-buttermilk dressing}

-Vegetarian Chef’s Tasting {Prix Fixe. Appetizer, Entree, Dessert. Chef’s Choice}

-White Truffle Pizza {avocado, tear drop tomatoes, baby arugula, white truffle oil, aged balsamic}

-Seared Brussels Sprouts {olive oil, salt}

-Roomkaas “Double Creme” Gouda Cheese Fondue (paired with seasonal accompaniments, like thick pretezel bites, thinly sliced pear, fingerling potatoes, broccoli)

-Fresh Brewed Ice Tea

1688 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

617.547.5055

www.templebarcambridge.com

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Filed under $$$, American, Bar/Pub, Brunch, Burgers, Contemporary, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Fondue, Full Bar, Fusion, Gluten-Free Friendly, Late Night Menu, Meat Friendly, Modern, New England, Private Parties, Quick Bite, Rating: B+, Restaurant, Sandwiches, Snack, Vegetarian Friendly

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