Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/259813
Sea Food and Eat OSTRA WOWS WITH HIGHEND SEAFOOD AND DAZZLING DESIGN. BY JESSICA LANIEWSKI MEMO TO ASPIRING RESTAU- RATEURS: If you're going to open a fish-focused eatery near a Legal Sea Foods location, you'd better make it special. Ostra, the new restaurant from the Columbus Hospitality Group (which includes Mistral and Sorellina) rises to the occasion. Local artist Joanna Ciampa created an octopus floor mosaic for the foyer, while a mystical sea creature adorns the wall behind the bar. Standouts on the menu by chef Mitchell Randall (formerly of Mistral) include local shellfish, salmon tartare, and grilled whole sea bream in trevisano leaf. "We have our own fishmongers," says Randall. "We go to the docks every day and select what's fresh." While the fish options change almost daily, the roasted Giannone Farms chicken and the 10-ounce filet mignon are great options for landlubbers. 1 Charles St. South, 617-421- 1200; ostraboston.com CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: The décor at All Seasons Table includes delicate flower arrangements; Posto's Italian fare is served in an airy, modern interior; cider donuts at Island Creek Oyster Bar; designer Meichi Peng. Broiled Maine lobster with roasted cauliflower, broccolini, delicata squash, and herbed butter sauce. PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN F. BEVACQUA (PENG); MICHAEL PIAZZA (DONUTS); GILD GOMES (LOBSTER) M eichi Peng is the first to admit that her eye is as discerning as her palate. One of Boston's top interior designers, she has also extended her refined vision to her exclusive collection of high- end handbags. Off-hours, she focuses her tastes on an excellent meal. She is picky! Peng wants the whole package—not just amazing food, but gorgeous décor as well. Posto "This casual, cafeteria-style restaurant has a wide- open main space with a large bar and modern design. Posto's exposed, high ceilings are punctuated by slid- ing-glass barn doors that divide the space for private functions. From just about any seat in the restaurant you can catch a view of the wood-fired grill oven, which reminds me of being in Italy. The Berkshire pork chop is one of my favorite dishes, and they have a whole roasted pig that can be pre-ordered." 187 Elm St., Somerville, 617-625-0600; postoboston.com All Seasons Table "I am probably biased toward the modern interior of this restaurant because I designed it, but chef-owner Douglas Tran's refined Asian cuisine is absolutely worth the short drive from the city. I'm especially proud of the seasonal fresh f lowers and orchid arrangements placed in large antique bronze pots, as well as the white sheer drapery that separates a seating area from the main dining room. My favorite dishes are the Miso Yaki black cod, Vietnamese fresh mango salad, spicy edamame, and the lychee martini." 64 Pleasant St., Malden, 781-397-8788; astrestaurant.com Island Creek Oyster Bar "For oyster aficionados, Island Creek Oyster Bar is a must-go spot. You get to sample the freshest and most varied selection of oysters and seafood in Boston. The interior truly captures its name with a cage filled with thousands of oyster shells that decorates the back wall and indirect cove lighting to illuminate the design. The grouping of oversize industrial pendants situated above the oyster bar makes it the focal spot as you enter the space. My favorite dishes are the fried clams, the lobster roll, and the strawberry milkshake served with homemade donuts." 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-532-5300; islandcreekoysterbar.com Boston Chops "I love this sleek steakhouse with a contemporary twist. Exposed brick at the bar wall, wood paneling, and leather seats keep the atmosphere of a classic steakhouse while elevating the design. The open wine cellar and industrial pendant fixtures bring a modern feel to the space. I can't help but go there even though I am not a steak eater! Some of my favorites are the jumbo shrimp, the popovers (delivered in a cast-iron pan), and the pork belly mac and cheese." 1375 Washington St., 617-227-5011; bostonchops.com BC Rooms with a View DESIGNER MEICHI PENG SPOTLIGHTS HER FAVORITE RESTAURANTS THAT COMBINE GREAT FOOD AND EYECATCHING DÉCOR. BY JESSICA LANIEWSKI 70 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM DINE AROUND 070_BC_ST_DineAround_Spring14.indd 70 2/6/14 4:38 PM