Someone wrote: > If you had to choose between Biba and the Vault bistro and wine bar, > which and why? > > We are meeting our son in Boston on Monday or Tuesday and want to go to > oen or the other - or if you have a favorite special restaurant downtown > or near Mass General Hosp. let me know At the moment, I would probably choose Biba, since Rebecca Esty (the head chef) just recently left the Vault, and I'm not sure how that will affect the restaurant. Personally, if you want really good food, I'd suggest Marcuccio's on Salem St. in the North End. Charles Draghi is an excellent chef who emphasizes fresh ingredients. They have a really interesting wine list, focusing on obscure Italian wines (ask Charles for a suggestion). I've never been disappointed there, and it's a bit less expensive, besides. I've been there 4 times, and the service has been excellent 3 times, and rather clueless once (about a year ago). They were doing special "tasting menus" on Monday nights earlier this year, and as of a couple of weeks ago, I was told by a waiter that they were still doing those menus. I think they are around 4 courses, with matched wines, for between $40-50 per person (but you should call for exact details). If they aren't busy, I think you could ask Charles to just cook for you, even if they don't have the "official" tasting menu. And it's quite close to MGH. Drawbacks: The atmosphere isn't quite as nice as The Vault or Biba (trendy, relatively upscale decor, but paper covering the tablecloths). Parking can be a hassle. No. 9 Park (Beacon Hill) has been getting raves lately. Has anyone been there? How about the upscale restaurant of the moment, Radius (Downtown)? Marcel
Boston, MA
If you had to choose!
> If you had to choose between Biba and the Vault bistro and wine bar, > which and why? Depends on what the purpose of the visit is. > We are meeting our son in Boston on Monday or Tuesday and want to go to > oen or the other - or if you have a favorite special restaurant downtown > or near Mass General Hosp. let me know The Vault was always one of my favorite, reliably outstanding, downtown restaurants. But apart from the wine list, Esty was the big reason; she really is a gifted chef. Since she's gone, they're going to move in a more "traditional" direction. You may prefer this, but it's not really my style. At any rate, I haven't had the new chef's food yet, so I really can't say much about it (though I doubt the menu has changed _that much_ since Esty's departure). One caveat; it's kinda loud on weekends...it might not be so loud on a Monday or Tuesday, however. Biba has excellent food, but it's kinda pretentious and _very_ expensive. It is, however, a very worthwhile dining experience. No. 9 Park is an extremely simple, tasteful restaurant. They live or die on the quality of their ingredients, because the preparations are fairly simple. I've been pleased with what I've had there. Very "classy" environment. The wine list is extraordinary at all price levels. Radius has incredible food. You'll run the risk of pretentious or even snooty service (though they're moving away from this), and the atmosphere is "power" rather than welcoming, but it's a tremendous restaurant. Verrrrrry expensive. Lala Rokh, for the adventurous-but-not-really, is one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. Quiet place, quiet Persian cuisine. Not "exciting" by any means, and some would find it dull. But I like it. Ristorante Toscano, on Charles St., is an upscale neighborhood institution with lovely Italian cuisine and excellent service. I second Marcel's recommendation for Marcuccio's. Excellent food, excellent wine, not too expensive (depending on what you order, of course), in a more casual atmosphere. Other excellent restaurants in the North End: Mamma Maria (truly world-class service, seductive food), Sage (adventurous Italian), Terramia (more adventurous Italian/American), and Antico Forno (more casual, family-style atmosphere and service, but food _way_ above that level). Make sure wherever you want to go is open! And let us know where you end up going. Thor
Marcel L. wrote: > No. 9 Park (Beacon Hill) has been getting raves lately. Has > anyone been there? > > How about the upscale restaurant of the moment, Radius (Downtown)? I suggested No. 9 Park to this woman, I thought everything was excellent. Radius was nice but didn't knock my socks off altho the entree was quite good. Marcuccios used to do the $45 tasting menu every day but the weekend, maybe that changed. That's a fun time if you want less formal. Joanie