Aquitaine Boston is the latest on what we're happily calling our "Sand Pail List" of long-time Boston-area restaurants we're looking forward to visiting this summer. In this case, it's the recently reopened Aquitaine that has undergone a charming redo. (In case you missed it, here's The Boston Sun report on the reopening.)
We love welcoming bar spaces and opted for two seats right at the front windows with a people watching view of the street.
Light, bright, and classy is certainly the new theme of the room.
This menu does a nice job of living up to the spirit of the Aquitaine region of France. Traditional favorites of the area like duck, mushrooms, truffles, foie gras, apples, and walnuts all appear among the offerings.
Penny's lunch choice (photo above) was the "Duck Confit Presse with Duck Rillette, Dijon Mustard, Gruyere Cheese, on Pan au Levain." This was a great sandwich. Balance of the few ingredients and just enough pressing and grilling made it memorable.
Ed is a fan of Salade Nicoise. The one he ordered for lunch was described as, "Ventresca Tuna, Shaved Fennel, Nicoise Olives, Golden Egg, Haricot Verts, Green Herb Vinaigrette."
We each found an old favorite on the sparkling wines by the glass menu. Ed opted for Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut with the traditional Champagne blend. Penny went the rosé, cabernet franc route with Louis de Grenelle Saumur.
It was such a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that we lingered over a scrumptious Apple Tart with creme fraiche while chatting with others at the bar.
It's good the have this corner open and filled with life again. The reopening of Aquitaine shows the importance of restaurants and active retail shops to a streetscape.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino
Disclosure: The Boston Sun is one of our freelance writing and photography clients.
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