South End options?

 Donald M. wrote:

 [snipped]

 > Has anyone anything to say on
 > Les Zygomates?

 I ate lunch there once, several years ago, when I worked in that
 area. I had a spectacular lentil soup and a fairly nice steak
 frites. However, I'm not sure it qualifies as being in the South
 End--unless it's moved. When I ate there, it was in was in the Leather
 District--on South Street, near the intersection with Beach Street,
 about 2 blocks from the Chinatown Gate.

 Donald M. wrote:
 > Of course, Hammersley's, Icarus, and Metropolis have the reputation

 I think Hammersley's is quite fine. Icarus is overrated for dinner
 IMHO (but brunch is great), never been to Metropolis.

 How is the food at Mistral? I'm down on "scene" restaurants, so I
 haven't been. The menu looks to be last year's idea of good food.

 > but what about Truc and the rest of the newcomers?

 Truc was very mixed when I went there a few months ago. Horrible
 space, very loud - all reflective surfaces. Fairly good food, nice
 ambition, but it hadn't quite come together. The cassoulet wasn't
 cooked together long enough, for instance. I want to try it again on a
 quiet night.

 > Has anyone anything to say on Les Zygomates?

 Excellent, wonderful, simple and proper and very very good. It's my
 favourite bistro place.

 In other places.. 678 Tremont is fairly good, I liked it. On the Park
 is nice for dinner as well, a bit simpler and more American. And I
 really like Geoffrey's for what it is - simple no nonsense
 unpretentious food.

 I went to Truc last week and wasn't knocked out by it. Great bread and great
 table overlooking a small garden with a bubbling fountain. Good start with a
 seared scallop appetizer (although too small for sharing) but cod entree
 (can't remember the trendy menu description) was rather bland and I thought
 overpriced at $21.

 Went to Les Zygomates (which as others have said is near South Station, not in
 the South End) a few weeks ago and had a wonderful dinner with  friendly,
 attentive service. They have a pris fixe (sp) menu at least during the week
 for $19 for a choice of salad, entree, desert and coffee and it's well worth
 it.

 Pam

 Donald M. wrote:

 >What's the best place for a foodie to go in SE?

 Well, define "foodie" in your case -- is what you're after great food,
 plain and simple, for which you'll ignore noise, service, etc.?  Or do
 you want the whole experience?

 >Of course, Hammersley's, Icarus, and Metropolis have the reputation, but
 >what about Truc and the rest of the newcomers?  And, what about the less
 >"trendy" spots?  What's the fuss over Zinc?  Has anyone anything to say on
 >Les Zygomates?

 I've had nothing but outstanding experiences at Hamersley's Bistro.
 Fantastic wine list, too.  It's noisy, like most Boston restaurants,
 kinda trendy, sorta upscale casual (very South End, in that way).  With
 the caveat that I have not yet been to La Bettola for dinner, it'd be my
 first choice for the "whole experience."

 Icarus is a very good restaurant that doesn't take a lot of chances, but
 is definitely quieter and more romantic.  I've always had very good food
 there, but if you're looking for mind-altering cuisine, this is not the
 place.  It's the best pick for a date or anniversary, unless your SO is
 also a down-n-dirty foodie.

 Truc was a mixed bag the one time I went.  My appetizer was incredible,
 but the cassoulet (mentioned elsewhere) was dry and very unintegrated
 (perhaps a misguided attempt to healthify it by sparing the beans the
 grease and fat of the meat, but it also killed the flavor).  Everyone
 else in my party loved the place, however.  Wine list is extraordinary
 in that it really _is_ a bistro list -- lots of southern French stuff, a
 good run of non-Duboeuf Beaujolais, whites from Alsace, etc. -- and
 inexpensive, but the food is bistro in selection only (not in price).
 Noisy, drafty.  I can't say I care for the design.  Nevertheless,
 Corrina Mozo is a very talented chef with a bright future ahead of her.
 (And yes, she's verrrry cute...)

 Tremont 647 is very good, but also noisy and trendy.  An unfortunate
 number of people are there more for the scene than the food; they're
 missing out.

 Les Zygomates isn't in the South End.  Nevertheless, it's very
 competently-executed French bistro food at American "bistro" prices
 (that is, overpriced except for the prix fixe menu).  Wine list is, of
 course, phenomenal.  Also noisy and trendy (and occasionally smoky).  A
 good place to take out-of-town French guests.

 Other spots, I have not been.  Sorry.

 Thor

 Nelson M. wrote:
 > In other places.. 678 Tremont is fairly good, I liked it.

 Uh, 678 Tremont was my old house, whose food I'm sad to say wasn't
 very good. I meant 647 Tremont.

 I forgot La Bettola. I liked my one meal there quite a bit, I'd go
 back. I also forgot Jae's, but that might have been on purpose. I'm
 not a fan.