bostonzest

Tag: L’Espalier

  • Thanksgiving 2014 Dining Out in Boston

    UPDATE: Reserve Now for Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston 

    It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 27, 2014.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a6a60375970c-800wi

    Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

    Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

    Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.

    • La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
    • Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:

    • Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
    • L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
    • Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
    • Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
    • One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    Interesting Twist!

    Fairsted Kitchen is offering a pre-ordered, family style Thanksgiving dinner that is in keeping with their shared big plate menu. It seems like a good deal for a family or a bunch of friends who want to share a holiday meal.

    A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

    Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details.

    Some chains restaurants will also offer their regular menus.

    Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill 

    Capital Grille Boston, Chestnut Hill, and Burlington

    We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices.

     Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Bar Boulud Our First and Second Look

  • Valentine’s Day 2014 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Enjoying a Valentine's Day Dinner that is as perfect as this lovely scene takes some planning.

    IStock_000018981722Small

    UPDATE: This is an outdated post. Here is the 2015 version of this information!

    This year, February 14th falls on a Friday and that gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. 

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. Be on the lookout for special menus beyond that one official day. We noticed a few on the lists below that have special menus for the 14th throught the 16th. 

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus and don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901bdf4a14970b-800wi   6a00e54fc42bb88834017eeadcdf63970d-800wi

    We love sharing food and Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above. Coppa has a special prix fixe menu on the 14th but seems to be back to normal for the rest of the weekend, so you might reserve for Saturday night or Sunday brunch or dinner.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a5110c9366970c-800wi

    Ed loves a great burger but is very particular about what he considers great. Taking him to lunch at the Bristol Lounge for one of his favorite burgers in Boston would be a great Valentine treat in his eyes. You have to think about what that person you love would really like for the highlight of their Valentine's meal.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015390dc00cf970b-800wi

    Do you have a chocolate lover to satiate? A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

    When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu… 

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Update: 02.12.14 Here's Cambridge Day's Guide to an Interesting Valentine's Day

    Related Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination. 

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: iStockphoto.com

  • Valentine’s Day 2014 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Enjoying a Valentine's Day Dinner that is as perfect as this lovely scene takes some planning.

    IStock_000018981722Small

    UPDATE: This is an outdated post. Here is the 2015 version of this information!

    This year, February 14th falls on a Friday and that gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. 

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. Be on the lookout for special menus beyond that one official day. We noticed a few on the lists below that have special menus for the 14th throught the 16th. 

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus and don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901bdf4a14970b-800wi   6a00e54fc42bb88834017eeadcdf63970d-800wi

    We love sharing food and Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above. Coppa has a special prix fixe menu on the 14th but seems to be back to normal for the rest of the weekend, so you might reserve for Saturday night or Sunday brunch or dinner.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a5110c9366970c-800wi

    Ed loves a great burger but is very particular about what he considers great. Taking him to lunch at the Bristol Lounge for one of his favorite burgers in Boston would be a great Valentine treat in his eyes. You have to think about what that person you love would really like for the highlight of their Valentine's meal.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015390dc00cf970b-800wi

    Do you have a chocolate lover to satiate? A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

    When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu… 

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Update: 02.12.14 Here's Cambridge Day's Guide to an Interesting Valentine's Day

    Related Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination. 

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: iStockphoto.com

  • Valentine’s Day 2014 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Enjoying a Valentine's Day Dinner that is as perfect as this lovely scene takes some planning.

    IStock_000018981722Small

    UPDATE: This is an outdated post. Here is the 2015 version of this information!

    This year, February 14th falls on a Friday and that gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. 

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. Be on the lookout for special menus beyond that one official day. We noticed a few on the lists below that have special menus for the 14th throught the 16th. 

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus and don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901bdf4a14970b-800wi   6a00e54fc42bb88834017eeadcdf63970d-800wi

    We love sharing food and Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above. Coppa has a special prix fixe menu on the 14th but seems to be back to normal for the rest of the weekend, so you might reserve for Saturday night or Sunday brunch or dinner.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a5110c9366970c-800wi

    Ed loves a great burger but is very particular about what he considers great. Taking him to lunch at the Bristol Lounge for one of his favorite burgers in Boston would be a great Valentine treat in his eyes. You have to think about what that person you love would really like for the highlight of their Valentine's meal.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015390dc00cf970b-800wi

    Do you have a chocolate lover to satiate? A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

    When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu… 

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Update: 02.12.14 Here's Cambridge Day's Guide to an Interesting Valentine's Day

    Related Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination. 

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: iStockphoto.com

  • Thanksgiving 2013 Dining Out in Boston

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010535e29c53970b-800wi

    It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants.

    UPDATE: Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

     Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154364893ad970c-800wi

    Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.

    • La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
    • If you have been a fan of Upstairs on the Square, this will be their last Thanksgiving because they are closing. It might be a fun choice for a final fling.
    • Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal and if you want lighter fare their Café will be open at 11 AM.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    • Sel de la Terre has always had a wonderful holiday menu and the Natick location would be good for meeting people from that part of the area. We certainly miss their Boston locations.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    • Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 PM
    • L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or for a special holiday treat a degustation menu.
    • Harvest in Cambridge's Harvard Square.
    • Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
    • One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    Update: 11/20/13

    Boston Magazine has published their list of dining options

    They'll Be Open! 26 Boston-Area Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner

    Over on the Boston Chowhound Board the hounds came up with Durgin Park as the perfect solution for a group of trainees who found themselves in Boston over the holiday.  (Bad Website warning: the Durgin Park site has cheesy music and you have to click events to get to the holiday offering.)

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Thanksgiving 2013 Dining Out in Boston

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010535e29c53970b-800wi

    It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants.

    UPDATE: Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

     Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154364893ad970c-800wi

    Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.

    • La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
    • If you have been a fan of Upstairs on the Square, this will be their last Thanksgiving because they are closing. It might be a fun choice for a final fling.
    • Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal and if you want lighter fare their Café will be open at 11 AM.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    • Sel de la Terre has always had a wonderful holiday menu and the Natick location would be good for meeting people from that part of the area. We certainly miss their Boston locations.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    • Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 PM
    • L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or for a special holiday treat a degustation menu.
    • Harvest in Cambridge's Harvard Square.
    • Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
    • One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    Update: 11/20/13

    Boston Magazine has published their list of dining options

    They'll Be Open! 26 Boston-Area Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner

    Over on the Boston Chowhound Board the hounds came up with Durgin Park as the perfect solution for a group of trainees who found themselves in Boston over the holiday.  (Bad Website warning: the Durgin Park site has cheesy music and you have to click events to get to the holiday offering.)

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Thanksgiving 2013 Dining Out in Boston

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010535e29c53970b-800wi

    It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants.

    UPDATE: Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

     Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154364893ad970c-800wi

    Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.

    • La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
    • If you have been a fan of Upstairs on the Square, this will be their last Thanksgiving because they are closing. It might be a fun choice for a final fling.
    • Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal and if you want lighter fare their Café will be open at 11 AM.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    • Sel de la Terre has always had a wonderful holiday menu and the Natick location would be good for meeting people from that part of the area. We certainly miss their Boston locations.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    • Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 PM
    • L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or for a special holiday treat a degustation menu.
    • Harvest in Cambridge's Harvard Square.
    • Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
    • One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    Update: 11/20/13

    Boston Magazine has published their list of dining options

    They'll Be Open! 26 Boston-Area Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner

    Over on the Boston Chowhound Board the hounds came up with Durgin Park as the perfect solution for a group of trainees who found themselves in Boston over the holiday.  (Bad Website warning: the Durgin Park site has cheesy music and you have to click events to get to the holiday offering.)

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • It’s Boston Pops Season, Where to Dine and Park!

    Boston Pops concerts are scheduled at Symphony Hall between May 8 – June 15, 2013. Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

    Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

    Keith_spring_pops_1

    Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

    We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert. 

    But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map)

    Prudential Options

    If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.  

     

    Woody's Grill & Tap

    It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

     

    Newbury Street

    Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

     

    Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food. 

     

    And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

    Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

    We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center. 

     

    We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

    Ethnic Options for less formal dining

     If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.

    • Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
    • Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
    • Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
    • India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (UPDATE: Sadly, India Samraat closed this year)
    • Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.

    Other resources and opinions

    "Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.

    Update 06.01.13: More locals chime in on favorite places over on Trip Advisor 

     

    Here are maps to help you find more options:

    Other parking around Symphony Hall


    Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

     

    If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops music and a full line of MP3 Downloads. 

     

            

    Details:
    Symphony Hall
    301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
    (617) 266-2378

    www.bso.org‎

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Pops (Photo Credit: Stu Rosner)

  • It’s Boston Pops Season, Where to Dine and Park!

    Boston Pops concerts are scheduled at Symphony Hall between May 8 – June 15, 2013. Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

    Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

    Keith_spring_pops_1

    Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

    We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert. 

    But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map)

    Prudential Options

    If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.  

     

    Woody's Grill & Tap

    It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

     

    Newbury Street

    Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

     

    Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food. 

     

    And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

    Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

    We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center. 

     

    We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

    Ethnic Options for less formal dining

     If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.

    • Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
    • Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
    • Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
    • India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (UPDATE: Sadly, India Samraat closed this year)
    • Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.

    Other resources and opinions

    "Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.

    Update 06.01.13: More locals chime in on favorite places over on Trip Advisor 

     

    Here are maps to help you find more options:

    Other parking around Symphony Hall


    Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

     

    If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops music and a full line of MP3 Downloads. 

     

            

    Details:
    Symphony Hall
    301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
    (617) 266-2378

    www.bso.org‎

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Pops (Photo Credit: Stu Rosner)

  • It’s Boston Pops Season, Where to Dine and Park!

    Boston Pops concerts are scheduled at Symphony Hall between May 8 – June 15, 2013. Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

    Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

    Keith_spring_pops_1

    Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

    We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert. 

    But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map)

    Prudential Options

    If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.  

     

    Woody's Grill & Tap

    It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

     

    Newbury Street

    Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

     

    Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food. 

     

    And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

    Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

    We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center. 

     

    We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

    Ethnic Options for less formal dining

     If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.

    • Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
    • Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
    • Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
    • India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (UPDATE: Sadly, India Samraat closed this year)
    • Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.

    Other resources and opinions

    "Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.

    Update 06.01.13: More locals chime in on favorite places over on Trip Advisor 

     

    Here are maps to help you find more options:

    Other parking around Symphony Hall


    Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

     

    If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops music and a full line of MP3 Downloads. 

     

            

    Details:
    Symphony Hall
    301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
    (617) 266-2378

    www.bso.org‎

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Pops (Photo Credit: Stu Rosner)