The Elephant Walk

I have a feeling—and this is just a wild conjecture—that I’m about 10 years too late for the peak of popularity for The Elephant Walk, the Cambodian/French restaurant with locations in Boston, Waltham, and North Cambridge. I’m guessing it was pretty darn trendy around the time when any sort of “fusion” cuisine was all the rage. In any case, I had never tried it, and it perpetually lingered on my “restaurants to try” list—until the day that Michelle took over for me as Restaurant Selector and picked it for a girl's night out with Skylar and Maeve. Perfecto!

The Elephant Walk’s décor, at least at the Boston location we were at, reminded me of one of those elegant restaurants you’d find in the middle of a random Vermont town. It was as if you had stepped into someone’s (really nice) living room.

I was first won over by my spicy martini—but you know me and spicy drinks… so I'm biased.But on to the important part: the food. The idea of the restaurant is that there are three categories you can choose from: Traditional Cambodian dishes, original Cambodian dishes (e.g. Elephant Walk original dishes), and original French dishes (also Elephant Walk original dishes, but French). We mixed it up and tried a bit of everything.

First we started with the vegetarian rouleaux (which was also vegan) - Cambodian spring rolls with shiitake mushroom, carrot, onion, bean sprout, peanut, and beanthread, served with fresh greens and vegetarian tuk trey. This was a traditional Cambodian dish. I really liked the sauce you dunked it in. Plus, the spring rolls were perfectly fried-- yum.

We also sampled the Crêpe de Canard aux Poires --you guessed it, an original French dish-- a savory crêpe filled with braised duck, pear, scallion, and crème fraîche. This sounds like the most delicious thing in the world, but it was kinda mushy and could've been executed better, IMHO.Next up, I pretty much forced everyone in to getting a tofu dish, so we tried the organic tofu amrita (also vegan) - "tofu, flash-fried and sautéed in a lightly sweet Cambodian satay sauce with coriander, cumin, cardamom, galangal, cinnamon, ginger, peanuts, star anis, and lemongrass; with button mushroom, onion, and scallions" (description straight from the menu).I really enjoyed this-- and wish I had known about its existence during my short period as a vegan. Finally, we also shared this original Cambodian dish--grilled pork tenderloin served with a caramelized sauce of black pepper, garlic, mushroom soy sauce and coconut milk. Despite my love of bacon, I really don't like pork all that much, but this sauce was so yummy I didn't really mind.Looking back, I enjoyed the Cambodian dishes the most. While The Elephant walk doesn't offer the most cutting edge cuisine, or the best meal you'll have in Boston, I'd still recommend The Elephant Walk for nights when you're craving Asian-- but don't feel like sitting in one of those empty restaurants, with the plastic tablecloths and the soft muzak, where you're thinking, "Why didn't I just take this home and sit on my couch?" You know you've been there... =)

Hungry Mother

Despite continuously hearing the rave reviews of Hungry Mother, for some reason I only got there for the first time a few weekends ago. I wanted to go and be like "Ehh, it's okay..." but Dish Gal cannot tell a lie-- it was outstanding. Let me say it again, for emphasis: Hungry Mother--Barry Maiden's Southern comfort food meets French technique restaurant in Kendall Square-- is OUTSTANDING.

I'm so glad I did wait to go so that I could go with the perfect dining companion-- Dish Brother. Dish Bro knows great food, having spent nearly 20 years eating all over Manhattan and Brooklyn. So, his claim that Hungry Mother was "one of the greatest meals of his life" really holds a LOT of weight.

Dish Bro was also the perfect companion because he's not a "let's just split an appetizer" type dinner guest. When Dish Bro and Sis eat at these kind of restaurants, we're not messing around. I want to taste as much as humanly possible. Thank God we did.

We started with two selections from the "To Tide You Over" section of the menu: the boiled Virgina peanuts ($3) and Allon Benton's Country Ham with angel biscuits and pepper jelly ($4). Who knew peanuts could be so delightful? And the biscuits were ridiculously good, in that how-did-they-do-that!!? way. I've been a fan of pepper jelly since Dish Mom first spread some on a cracker with cream cheese as an after-school snack for me, but I've never seen it utilized in a restaurant-- which seems like a shame. I couldn't get a good photo of this dish, and was too excited about eating it to care.Next we split the mixed greens salad ($8). Now, that sounds like a boring choice, but with kumquats, goat cheese, pecans, and an elegant vinaigrette, it was the farthest you could get from boring. A few weeks later, I was reminiscing on my meal at HM with a food-loving friend of mine, and we both couldn't stop talking about our love of this salad, if that gives you any idea how memorable it is.For our mains, Dish Bro went with their famous cornmeal-crusted catfish with andouille sausage and green tomato relish ($18).I chose the French gnocchi, possibly the fluffiest gnocchi I've ever had. This came in a creamy parmiagano-reggiano sauce with summer squashes, peas, and pancetta.We also split (I told you, we weren't messing around) the baked grits with cheddar and ham ($4). Thank God I had made a dent in my meal before trying this, because I ate one bite and instantly was full. This crazy-rich little pot of heaven is not for the faint of heart-- or those apt to have an actual heart attack.We were too stuffed to have dessert, but perhaps that will be my reason to return to Hungry Mother. Not that I need another reason-- I'm already plotting my return visit. Anyone wanna join? ;)

An Ode to Gaslight

I just realized something strange: I've never written a review of one of my favorite restaurants in Boston, Gaslight. I've mentioned it here and there, but never officially wrote about how much I love it there. Sure, it's not the best cuisine in Boston, and if some major foodie with an expense account with no limit came to visit, I wouldn't necessarily send them there, but for Dish Gal, it's tops for several reasons. . .

I love that the food is reasonably priced, and that I don't feel guilty (cost-wise) ordering an appetizer AND an entrée.

I love that the portions aren't massive, so that I don't leave feeling disgustingly full.

I love the atmosphere, the loud clanging of silverware, boisterous conversations, and all around revelry bouncing around in the beautiful dining room. I actually even love waiting for a table there, as the bar is beautiful and a great place to sit and have a martini.

And yes, the décor is a total Balthazar/Pastis rip off, but those places are awesome for a reason, no!? The tiled walls, the dim lighting, the small tables-it works for a date (gone with Z several times), is fun for a night out with the girls, and even is a good spot for taking out hip and chic parents (been there twice with Dish Mom-once for dinner, and once for brunch).

And how could I forget mentioning brunch? Beyond their delicious dinner selections (I'll get to those), Gaslight also has a great brunch. Dish Mom ordered a delicate omelette with fresh herbs and goat cheese, well I enjoyed the heavenly vanilla French toast stuffed with sweet fromage blanc and maple syrup (drooling yet?).

Some of my favorites from the dinner menu? I am obsessed with the duck confit (only $17.50!) with an orange gastrique, citrus chard salade and roasted garlic potatoes. I could have it once a week, I never get sick of it. Here it is from our recent New Year's eve dinner there (I thought it was fitting to finish off the year at one of my favorite spots).

I also love the bar steak with a mustard cream sauce, caramelized shallots, and frites. When I eat steak, I know this is heresy but I usually like a sauce with it (I could DRINK A-1 sauce by itself I love it so much). And let me tell you, I love Love LOVE this sauce. And the tender steak and salty, McDonalds-style fries? Amazing.

Being a raclette lover, I obviously am a huge fan of starting with the fondue piemontaise with saucisson and croutons. But I also love their salads-a beet salad with Dijon and crème fraiche, as well as the signature salad with haricot verts and bacon lardons.

For New Year's eve, we tried the steak tartare, which was good but didn't beat out the one I had at Bouchee which was exquisite and possibly my favorite in Boston.
In any case, if you haven't tried Gaslight yet, know that it is definitely Dish Gal approved and get your butt down there. =)

The Colonnade Hotel-- Brasserie Jo & MARA event

Recently, Dish Gal has visited The Colonnade Hotel on two occasions. Once, meeting a friend for lunch at Brasserie Jo. And, on Thursday night I attended a charity fundraiser there for MARA—Mentoring At Risk Athletes. I'll tell you about both, dear reader.

The menu at Brasserie Jo reminded me of a great lunch that Dish Sister-in-law took me to in New York, so instantly I had a good feeling about it. I remembered that chilly day when she and I walked through the tree-lined streets of Brooklyn to a quaint French bistro (Dish Sister, help me out, I can't remember the name!) that served delectable bloody marys. However, this was a "business lunch," so sadly no bloody marys this time.

The crowd at Brasserie Jo skewed significantly older, and as I scanned the large dining room, I noticed I was the youngest. Our waiter brought us a loaf of bread to start, and a side dish of pickled carrots, which, while a strange starter, were AMAZING. I need to learn how to re-create that. I'd say this was a great, healthy alternative to bread, but of course I had lots of the crusty baguette too. Oh well.

I ordered the soup du jour (insert soup of the day joke here)-- the pumpkin soup. This was delicious, a hearty and complex soup that really took care of that "can't warm up" feeling I've been experiencing the past few weeks. Brasserie Jo has some great lunch combos ($11.95 each), so with this soup came "la demi vegetable croquet." This "smaller" sandwich (it was still large) was a vegetarian take on the classic croque monsieur, with thin slices of eggplant and zucchini. I really enjoyed this sandwich, but it's hard to not enjoy anything smothered in cheese. ;)

I feel for Brasserie Jo. It has delicious food and it's located in a pretty good area of Boston, but with these newer, trendier French spots popping up all over Boston in the past years (Gaslight, La Voile, Bouchee, Eastern Standard), I'm nervous that Bostonians are forgetting about it! I only have good things to say about my experience there.

A few weeks later, I found myself back at the Colonnade. No, I wasn't trying to sneak into the kitchen to steal the recipe for the carrots. This time it was for a good cause, MARA. I urge you to learn more about this great organization.

We heard firsthand from a young woman who benefited from the program, and she really was quite inspirational. Other speakers included UConn coach Jim Calhoun and Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers! Both spoke eloquently, passionately, and earnestly about MARA. I was really impressed not only by their speeches, but also by the fact that they came early and stayed late. That shows a lot about a person's character—for one thing, it shows humility.

My new favorite person!

The event was emceed by Former Massachusetts Treasurer Joe Malone, and attended by Dave Colella (VP and Managing Director of The Colonnade Hotel), and event cosponsors Will Dorcena, Frank Ciota, Joe DiLorenzo, and many other influential Bostonians.

And what about Dish Gal''s special interest — the food? No carrots, but there was hearty gnocchi, crunchy garlic bread, and prime rib sandwiches. Yummy, and for a great cause… What could be better?

Photos courtesy of visitbostonmassachusetts.com and Sports Illustrated Vault (cnn.com).

Bouchee on Newbury St

Last night Dish Gal ended up at a business dinner at Bouchee on Newbury Street, which I was excited about as that restaurant has been on my “to-visit” list for a very long time.

Descending the steps down from Newbury St, and maneuvering through the patio tables, I was taken aback when I walked into the large and grand restaurant. What a beautiful space! An impressive staircase flanked one wall, leading up to a second floor. A large but cozy bar lined the other wall. Typical tile-and-wood French brasserie décor rules here.

We were seated upstairs by the window overlooking Newbury St, and some of the open windows let in the cool October breeze. Our waiter was quite gregarious—loved chatting but also knew when to stay away when we were deep in discussion or still deciding on our meal.

I started with the baked raclette with poached pear (I apologize for the lack of photos—sort of awkward pulling the camera out during a business dinner!). It came with thinly-sliced baguette toasts, which I generously smothered with the oozy and tart cheese. This was decadence at its best—a pot of cheese with bread! I can certainly picture myself stopping by the bar for a glass of red wine and this appetizer on certain cold winter nights.

Next I ordered the braised short rib with pommes puree and onion ring garnish. The onion rings were massive—this onion must have been the size of a basketball!—and generously fried. The short rib was very tender, and the meat slipped off the massive and commanding bone without needing a knife. The mashed potatoes—I'm sorry, pommes puree!—were just like Mom's.

Finally we all shared the profiteroles as a dessert. As you may remember, profiteroles are one of Dish Gal’s absolute favorite foods (I know, mashed potatoes and profiteroles at one meal—it was like heaven!), and while these did not disappoint, they were a bit different than others. The ice cream was not encased in the pastry; rather, the pastry was like a little hat on top. The pastry was a bit hard to cut into (I almost wished I had a knife) but still, profiteroles are delicious nonetheless.

So how does Bouchee rank and/or stand out from other brasseries in Boston? Not as loud or trendy as Gaslight (though more expensive) and less crowded than Eastern Standard. And what about its neighbor on Newbury St, La Voile? Though its not as authentically French as La Voile, for some this could even be a positive. English “subtitles” make the menu very accessible to non-French speakers, and approachable and friendly waiters make the experience less daunting for those nervous to flub up French pronunciations. If you go in knowing it’s been a bit Americanized, Bouchee can definitely deliver a great overall experience.

PS Dish Mom and I like to rate restaurant bathrooms—this one gets an A+ !

L'Espalier for lunch- Restaurant Week

Z was quite jealous when he found out that Chloe (don't forget to check out the cast of characters in the right hand column...) scored us restaurant week reservations for lunch at L'Espalier, even though OpenTable reported no availability.Through some connections, fellow-foodie Chloe had gotten us in, during L'Espalier's final weeks at its famous Gloucester St. location.

The first thing that you notice upon entering is how everyone says hello to you. In some restaurants, it seems like the wait staff are trying not to make eye contact, attempting to pretend you're not even there. Here, the maitre-d even introduced himself as he walked us up the grand staircase and into the back room where our table was.

We summed up the restaurant in one word: classic. In a good way. The room we were in was romantic, with decor like you've stepped back in time to the days of corsets and powdered wigs. Of course, the other diners-- stylish "ladies who lunch" and men in power suits-- kept us rooted in 2008.

The waiter came over to our table: "So, three gazpachos to start?" I couldn't tell if he was mocking us, or such a good waiter that he could read minds? In any case, he was correct; we all opted for the gazpacho. Julia had never tried gazpacho before, and when it arrived looking like creamy tomato soup, we had to explain that this is not your standard roughly chopped tomato soup. However, it was delicious-- so good that we forgot to take a photo, so here's one of it partially eaten (all photos courtesy of Chloe's iphone):

Next up, my ladies went with the salmon, and out of journalistic interest (and fear of the waiter making fun of us again), I went for the pork belly with german potato salad and haricot vert. The thing I find funny/slightly disappointing about any fancy restaurants is that the meat portion of the meal usually takes center stage, whereas I usually enjoy side dishes the most! I guess it's the inner vegetarian in me.

In any case, Chloe and Julia reported back on "super moist" salmon that melted in your mouth. My pork belly was tender and smoky; I didn't even miss the side dishes this time!

However, hands down my favorite part of the meal was the dessert, which also is unlike me. It was described as chocolate cake, but it tasted like slightly cooked brownie batter-- one of my favorite delicacies in the world. Who doesn't love to lick the spoon? =) The soft "brownie batter" was complemented by fresh pieces of blueberries and raspberries and little crunchies that I forget what they were called... Beautiful presentation, too:


Gloucester St. L'Espalier will surely be missed.

Banq in the South End

Last Friday night Z and I had tickets to see Joel McHale at the Wilbur, err I mean, The Roxy (last minute venue change-bizarre). At first we wanted to do pre-show dinner at nearby Troquet-that is, until I looked at their prices. Okayyy, change of plans!

When Skylar and Michelle said they would come to dinner also, I knew the place we should go-Banq. Though not particularly close to the theatre district, I thought that trendy Banq would make for a fun Friday night dinner spot. We arrived around 8 pm; the front windows were open, leaving the front, bar area of the restaurant open to the warm summer breeze. Though I've seen the famed undulating wooden ceiling in photos, it really is quite striking in person.

We were seated right away at this very large banquette table. While quite an impressive table, it felt odd with just four people, and kind of isolated, as we couldn't see any other diners-which in some circumstances could definitely be viewed as a positive. The drink list was overwhelming, in a good way-I couldn't decide what I wanted among so many yummy sounding options! I settled on the watermelon mojito (I've really got to stop with the mojitos and venture out, but I can't help myself!). It was so yummy, with pureed fresh watermelon that tasted like actual watermelon, not artificial watermelon flavoring.

Next up, it was time to decide what to order. Here's where the night went downhill. We decided to start with two appetizers, and then each get an entrée. This took so long to decide on, that when our waiter declared "that's not going to be enough food," I wanted to give up and just order more cocktails. He informed us that these appetizers are very, very small, so would not work to share. He recommended we order two of each. Stupidly, we agreed.

When the appetizers finally came, the consensus was: "These are not too small to split!" Sure, they weren't "awesome blossom"-size by any means, but they were not one-biters like at Masa, either (which are also only $1 each). At around $12 for each appetizer, I could barely swallow the food without wanting to cuss out the waiter. But, I put my anger aside in order to accurately take note of how it actually tasted.

So how was it? Not that good. Our first choice was scallops with guava sauce and wasabi-cured cantaloupe. The scallops tasted good, but the description failed the dish, or vice versa. I did not taste any guava, and I did not taste any wasabi cantaloupe. Actually, I didn't even realize that WAS cantaloupe until right now, when I was forced to go back and double check the menu. The other appetizer we chose was the mung bean and mushroom crepe. I couldn't really discern any flavors at all. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good, either.

Our entrees arrived not too long later. I chose the zucchini and tofu steak with Thai basil. I was pretty excited for this, as I really enjoy vegetarian entrees (despite not being a vegetarian) and I LOVE love love Thai basil. So when it turned out to be a mushy and flavorless mess, I was beyond disappointed. Z's choice of muscovy duck was a better one- the duck was well-prepared and the cinnamon-jus was a nice accompaniment. Skylar and Michelle shared a pork dish that I only had a small nibble of, so can't really comment on. It was good, but I could sense they weren't thrilled (ladies, let me know if I'm wrong here).

We then rushed off to catch the show. I left with a bad taste in my mouth, from the weird tasting zucchini dish, the pushy waiter, but most of all, from the enormous bill that landed in our lap in the end.

With all this being said, I actually would return to Banq-- but only for drinks and to sit at the bar though. . .

(p.s. I tried to come up with some sort of pun with Banq and bank account, but decided to spare you all. )

(p.p.s. photo of the ceiling courtesy of www.boston.com )

La Voile - still don't know how to pronounce it, but dayum it's good!

It used to be that when people raved about great service at a restaurant, I never really understood it. Sure, it's nice to have a server who isn't smacking gum or whose eyes aren't severely bloodshot (thinking of one particular IHOP waitress), but I always was sort of confused-- aren't you really there for first and foremost the food? However, my most recent experience at La Voile on Newbury Street reminded me how truly great service can really turn a good experience into a great one.

It was a very special occasion that brought part of my family out to dinner on this past rainy Friday-- my dad's birthday. We met on the sidewalk and after exchanging hugs and greetings, we walked down the stone steps into the basement level restaurant that is La Voile.

We were greeted warmly by several important looking people at the door. They insisted they take our coats, even explaining how the type of chairs they have make your coat slip off. As I handed my dad my shopping bag with my rain boots in it to remove my jacket, I heard a loud rip and my rainboots spilled out on to the floor. Mind you, these are bright pink rainboots with hearts from Marshall's-- not something you'd want to be seen in at a beautiful establishment like this -- exactly why they had been removed and placed in an Ann Taylor shopping bag in the first place! The manager quickly bent over and scooped them up, ripped bag and all, as my face turned a dark red color and my brother laughed and asserted, "Yep, we've arrived!"

Still horrified, I followed the hostess to our table. The restaurant was quiet (it was around 6:30) and stunning, in an understated and charming way, with French script scrawled across the walls and large wooden mirrors, and of course model sailboats (La Voile translates to "The Sail"). As we perused our menus and I had just started to forget the rainboots incident, I felt a tap on my shoulder; it was the kind manager, who whispered in my ear in a very intimate manner, speaking in his thick French accent, "I ev placed your boots in zee closet with a new bag, BUT I can only find one sock..." And just like that, the horror had returned. Blushing, I explained to him that the other sock was probably shoved into the boot.

Even though I was embarassed with this whole boot experience (I get embarassed quite easily), it really did mean a lot that this man had gone out of his way to make sure my experience was not ruined by something like a missing sock. It warmed my heart that he seemed so genuinely concerned.

But back to the food. Our waiter greeted us with two different amuse bouches-- one with escargot, and one a gruyere (if my memory serves me) cheese pouf. My sister deemed the escargot, "the worst she's ever had," but I was too busy being proud of myself for trying it to notice. The cheese pouf was yummy and melted in your mouth.

My dad is a huge fan of French food, and doesn't have it very often, so we did not hold back and ordered many different dishes. My dad and I both chose to start with the soup du jour, a light and fresh celery soup, accompanied by a piece of crunchy bread to dunk into it. My sister in law chose the fresh spring vegetables, a salad of peas and greens. My brother chose a cheese plate with 5 different selections. Our waiter wheeled over the cheese tray and explained, in almost kindergarten teacher-like explication, the different types. My brother was most impressed with the blue cheese and the creamy goat cheese.

We all shared a trio of foie gras-- one pan seared, one terrine, and one creme brulee. As this was my first foie gras experience (I know, I probably shouldn't admit that...) I can't really compare to others, but the pan seared was exquisite.

For my main course I chose the duck al orange with orzo risotto. The duck came sliced, with thick slices of fat underneath the skin, sitting in a pool of sweet sauce. The orzo risotto was incredibly rich and creamy and tasted pretty much like heaven. My dad ordered frog legs, which everyone seemed to enjoy (couldn't bring myself to try those...again, I know I shouldn't be admitting this!). My brother and sister in law orderd the rib eye for 2, and the owner himself, Stephane Santos, who moved this restaurant from Cannes to Boston, came out and sliced the meat tableside-- another example of the supreme service at this restaurant.

We couldn't resist choosing a dessert, and so with the waiters help we ended up choosing two-- a chocolate mousse and a strawberry "charlotte" -- like a strawberry shortcake but filled with custard and encircled by a raspberry sauce. While the others were fighting over the chocolate mousse, I was enraptured by the strawberry charlotte.

La Voile is a journey to France from the moment you walk down the stone steps, from its busboys in navy blue and white striped shirts, to its classic cuisine, and its waiters and bartenders with French accents. Its a great addition to a neighborhood geared towards tourists and shoppers (see: Cafeteria), and I'm just so glad that Santos chose Boston for this fantastic restaurant.

Next Stop... Kingston Station

I think I am spoiled by my office's non-Financial District location. When I go out for a walk during lunch, I don't have to walk behind excruciatingly slow tourists on the Freedom Trail or face the temptation of discount shopping. And of course, with my office being a stone's throw from the Back Bay and the South End, I have no shortage of restaurants to choose from for after-work noshing or beverages.

Up until sort of recently, there were very few options in the Financial District for just that-- Faneuil Hall tourist traps and chain sandwich shops weren't exactly anything you'd look forward to at the end of a long work day. However, with the opening of Kingston Station and the Good Life on Kingston Street, things are looking up.

I met Skylar for some dinner at Kingston Station on a Thursday night around 7:30. When I walked in I was almost knocked over by how loud it was inside. I have had a better time hearing what the bartender in Hennessey's is saying with a live band playing than I did with this poor hostess. I am not an old person, but seriously, it was deafening!

Luckily, once we left the lounge area, which had a large bar and many tables for groups to congregate at, the restaurant part was quieter. We were seated at a small two top. The decor was modeled after a sort of glammed up train station (hence the name) with tiled walls and wooden detailing. Our waitress was young and cute and recited the specials with such zeal that I have a sneaking suspicion she was new-- or maybe KS's wait staff is that well-trained? Sky started with a grapefruit martini ($10) and I had a glass of wine.

We were both quite ravenous so we ordered a lot of food, all to share, with the exception of one onion soup gratinee ($8)-- that was all Skylar's. First came the spicy tuna tartare ($13) flavored with sriracha and cilantro and accompanied by homemade potato chips that tasted like gourmet Cape Cod potato chips. This dish was excellent; the spices added heat and complexity without overwhelming the fresh tuna flavor, and the salty potato chip gave an excellent crunch with the soft and pillowy tartare. Even more incredible was the amount they gave you-- it was served in a soup cup, equivalent in size to a large scoop of ice cream!

Next came the mixed greens salad ($9), an extremely boring name for a vibrant and delicious dish. Tossed in a toasted hazelnut and lemon vinagrette with sliced pear and goat cheese, it was large enough that this could easily be an entree. The dressing was so yummy I was tempted to ask to take some home; lemony and fresh with a bite from the hazelnut, it is a perfect transitional dressing from winter to spring.

Lastly came what arguably I was most excited for-- the truffle frites with gruyere ($10). Listed as an appetizer as opposed to a side, this monstrous basket of fries was glistening in oil and had globs of gruyere on top. Frites is definitely the wrong word to describe these large and fat slices of potato. They were good, but I wish they had been a little bit more subtle and gourmet-- they reminded me of something you might get at an Uno's or Friday's.

Kingston Station at first glance might not seem like a bargain, but once you see the portions you'll see that it really is. I walked out stuffed to the brim, and as I saw suits sitting at the bar, laughing over martinis and baskets of truffle frites, I had a thought that truly shocked me: I wish I worked near to here!

Sel de la Terre-ific

When my friend invited me to dinner at Sel de la Terre with her family, I was ecstatic-- I had wanted to try this restaurant for awhile now. It's not new by any sense of the word, but it had elusively slipped from my brain's "to try" list.

However, it was not until RIGHT NOW that I realized that I have been to Sel de la Terre before! How embarassing that a confessed foodie like me could forget such a detail. To give myself a small break, I had visited the Sel de la Terre in the Natick Mall - oh, excuse me, Natick COLLECTION-- over Christmas with my sister in law, not the Boston location. We had shopped at a furious pace for hours and needed a pick me up, which happened to come in the form of a pressed sandwich and frites.

In any case, walking into Sel de la Terre last night, I felt the excitement of a first-timer. Right off the bat I was struck by the fact that there was no wait, and it was 7 pm on a Friday (red flag alert, or a welcome break from un-earned, long waits at places like Clink in the Liberty Hotel?) We were seated at a large round table in the middle of the dining room. There were other large parties around us, so at some points it was kind of hard to hear. . . (For all you Office fans out there, I compared this to the episode "A Benihana Christmas" when Dwight is seated at the wrong end of a hibachi table. Great episode.)

But I digress. We ordered a bottle of white wine, and one Petit GoÛter of balsamic roasted shallots ($5) and one of eggplant & goat cheese puree in a pool of olive oil ($5). The puree was so creamy yet light and the olive oil was so delicious I could have taken a shot of it on its own.

I ordered for my entree the boneless beef shortribs ($26). Usually I opt for lighter fare and eat off my shortrib-loving-boyfriend's plate, but in his abscence, I had to "man up" and order them for myself. . . They came on top of olive oil whipped potatoes and some cubed winter vegetables. As I've already written, I have a penchant for mashed potatoes, so when the dish was dropped off in front of me, my fork instantly was drawn straight to that glorious starch.

And whipped they were, into light as air, smoothy and silky perfection. I am a person who likes to take a bite with all elements on my fork, but I actually would have appreciated some differentiation between my starch and my vegatable in this case, as it was hard to get a purely potato bite without a sneaky carrot butting its way in.

The short ribs were nice, but maybe I'm used to a less tough version? I like the kind where you barely even need a knife...These were a bit hard to handle. And without even cleaning my plate, I was so full I couldn't even manage one bite of the cranberry-almond crisp that my friends got. So tragic...

In terms of decor, I was a bit disappointed-- it reminded me of a subdued Cheesecake Factory with lower ceilings. It's no surprise it fit so well into its mall location at the Natick Collection.

After Gaslight, Eastern Standard, and Sel de la Terre, I think I have officially OD-ed on French food for right now. But it certainly was a delicious meal, perfect for a dinner with parents from the 'burbs and old and new friends. And if someone were to ask for a solid, delicious meal in this town without all the fuss and pomp of other desperately-trying-to-be-hip establishments, I'd definitely recommend Sel de la Terre.

And who knows-- maybe in a few months I'll forget I've eaten here and try it "for the first time" again.

Love,

Dish Gal