Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/786765
BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 101 DORETTA TAVERNA Experience the simple, approachable, fresh, bold flavors of Greek cuisine. 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 DOUZO Douzo's sushi balances time-honored tradition with an urban, cutting-edge sensibility. Sit at the bar to watch your handrolls and sashimi be prepared for you. 131 Dartmouth St., 617-859- 8886; douzosushi.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 Eat, shop, and learn in this bustling Italian marketplace. Sit down for an indulgent meal at one of the many sit-down restaurants, grab something to go from one of the specialized counters, or shop for your own ingredients to cook at home. The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-807- 7300; eataly.com/boston EMPIRE RESTAURANT Pan-Asian favorites and delicacies are served up in nine aesthetically distinct rooms. Try the Hawaiian-style tuna poké with Vidalia onion, an always- featured locals' favorite. 1 Marina Park Dr., 617-295-0001; empireboston.com ESTRAGON This is one of the South End's signature tapas spots. Try the gambas al ajillo—garlic shrimp—in the comforting lounge area. Don't forget the Spanish wines! 700 Harrison Ave., 617-266- 0443; estragontapas.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 HARVEST Harvest offers contemporary New England cuisine in the heart of Harvard Square. The outdoor patio is sophisticated yet relaxing—for both daytime and nighttime. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255; harvestcambridge.com HENRIETTA'S TABLE This Cambridge restaurant specializes in fresh-from-the-farm, honest-to- goodness New England home cooking. INSIDER TIP: The house-smoked free-range duck breast is a must. 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-5005; henriettastable.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 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 is 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 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 MERITAGE At the Boston Harbor Hotel, the wine-obsessed Meritage team serves up "vineyard-to-table" fare. INSIDER TIP: Ask GM and wine director Nicholas Daddona, one of only a few Advanced Sommeliers in Boston, for pairing recommendations. 70 Rowes Wharf, 617-439-3995; meritagetherestaurant.com MET BACK BAY MET's blend of New American and WHO: Small forward for the Boston Celtics. ON THE WATER- FRONT: "I love [Italian mainstay] Strega (1 Marina Park Dr., 617-345-3992; stregawaterfront.com) in the Seaport. The vibe is super cool! Plus, it's on the water." BOSTON MAMBA: "I am really into Gucci (800 Boylston St., 617-247-3000; gucci.com) right now. They have a new fabric that I am obsessed with—it's a snake pattern. It comes on all sorts of clothing and accessories." HOME WORK: "I can't get enough of Restoration Hardware (234 Berkeley St., 857- 239-7202; restorationhardware.com). The building is beautiful, and all of the furniture has this great, clean, homey look." ‒ Secret Source ‒ JAE CROWDER