Boston - February 06, 2006

Here’s Hyping

Om Restaurant

In this histrionic little world of ours, it’s almost shocking when something does live up to its buzz.

Example: You’ve been hearing about Om for months now. News of an upscale, unapologetically cool Asian enclave about to open in Harvard Square spread faster than ponzu dipping sauce on tataki.

But hear this: Om delivers.

Fresh off its packed opening party, the space gleams with a bar of ever-changing colors, gorgeous museum-quality Tibetan thangka murals, and a soothing wall of water.

Chef Rachel Klein (formerly of Providence’s Lot 401) has knocked together a playful international menu (read: not strictly Asian) of deconstructed dishes that you put back together as you eat them. Steak and eggs is actually filet mignon crowned with a fried truffled egg; tuna tartare comes flanked by ginger gelee and a sip of hibiscus spritzer.

Not hungry? Head into the lounge for the killer oil-infused martinis.

And grab a different sort of buzz altogether.

Om Restaurant and Lounge, 57 JFK Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-576-2800).