Chuck Klein's Top Restaurant Picks
Editor’s Note: As a service to readers attending CTAM Summit (and, really, anyone else) below are excerpts from cable party maven Chuck Klein’s Top 10 Boston restaurant picks. Chuck rates eateries from 1 to 5 Ks, with 5Ks the top mark. His $ estimates are based on 1 dinner with cocktail & tip: $ = $21; $$ = $21 to $35; $$$ = $35 to $50; $$$$ = $50 to $60; $$$$$ = more than $60. Chuck’s full guide to Boston eating is at: Aujourd’hui-Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St. (Back Bay) 617-351-2071 KKKK $$$$$-As good as it gets. Delicious French-influenced New American food, impeccable service, a gorgeous room, and delightful views of the Public Gardens. Jackets required. NOTE: Reopened June 21 after renovations. Breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days. B&G Oysters Ltd.-550 Tremont St. (South End) 617-423-0550 KKKK $$$-Wow. We loved the modern look of this tiny raw bar even before we got our hands on the oysters. Great soups, homemade desserts, and a killer lobster roll round out the perfect picture. Dinner 7 days, Lunch Monday-Friday. Clio-Eliot Hotel, 370A Mass Ave. (Back Bay) 617-536-7200 KKKK $$$$$-The place to splurge. Bad news: small portions. Good news: you’ll be able to manage the chef’s nightly tasting menu ($95-$125) without a problem. The Sake and Miso Glazed Black Cod is heaven on a plate. Dinner & Breakfast 7 days. L’Espalier-30 Gloucester St. (Back Bay) 617-262-3023 KKKK $$$$$-The most expensive meal in town, and the New Eng-French cuisine is worth it. The degustation menus are spectacular, especially the one with caviar in every course. Bonus-it’s only 1 block from the convention center. Reservations required. Dinner M-Sat, Tea Sat & Sun, Sun Brunch. (see also #10 pick Sel de la Terre) Locke-Ober-3 Winter Pl. (Downtown) 617-542-1340 KKKK $$$$-It’s all rich and wonderful, but their signature baked Lobster Savannah, the marrow dumplings that come with the (not shabby!) short ribs, and Calf’s Liver with Bacon and Onions will send you to the moon. Jackets suggested (strongly). Dinner M-Sat, Lunch M-F. Mistral-223 Columbus Ave. (South End) 617-867-9300 KKKK $$$$- Try the Roast Rack of Colorado Lamb or the Black Bass with Paella-Style Risotto – yum. Bonus: you can get escargot, tartare, foie gras, and more until midnight on weekends. Dinner 7 days. No. 9 Park-9 Park St. (Beacon Hill) 617-742-9991 KKKK $$$$- French and Italian themes in a wide-ranging menu that includes winners like Baby Lamb with Heirloom Chickpeas, Mint Gremolata, and Feta Cream; and the Crispy Skatewing and Oxtail with Citrus Vidalia Relish. Reservations recommended (about a month in advance.) Dinner M-Sat, Lunch M-F. If you don’t have a reservation, try the less formal caf� where they serve dinner M-Sat. Pigalle-75 S. Charles St. (Theater District) 617-423-4944 KKKK $$$$- The Steamed Loup de Mer with Coconut Infused Couscous is said to be heavenly. Super-close for Radisson guests. Res required. Dinner Tues-Sun. Radius-8 High St. (Financial District) 617-426-1234 KKKK $$$$$-Award-winning chef Micheal Schlow welcomes solo foodies with a communal table at this modern French gem. Warm service and fabulous food (like homemade gnocchi with escargot and bacon) combine for a truly indulgent dining experience. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon-Sat, Lunch Mon- Fri. Sel de la Terre-255 State St. (Waterfront) 617-720-1300 KKKK $$$-L’Espalier’s cheaper, looser little sis serves magnifique French country fare with grace rather than attitude. Resisting filling up on bread is a trial here-they bake it on site and it’s unbelievable. stuff. The "Wine Wednesday" 4-course $38 tasting menu is a steal and Wed-Sat they serve until 1am. Dinner & Lunch 7 days.