Boston - April 19, 2006

Home-Style Cooking

Quince Bistro Opens

Any world traveler will tell you: There’s no place like home. Particularly when said home is a tribute to all the groovy places you’ve traveled.

Such is the case with Quince Bistro, the elegantly low-key spot that’s just opened in Needham. Owners Nancy and Ted Pell designed the place in earth tones and rich woods, inspired by their many travels throughout Europe, where they also learned a thing or two about personalized service.

Ditto the menu. Affable kitchen wiz Ian Grossman (who has worked at global heavyweights like L’Espalier in Boston, Le Bernardin in New York, and Resdidenz Heinz in Bavaria) has built a menu of European favorites with New England influences.

The result? Wild king salmon roasted in lavender and honey. Killer charcuterie made in-house. Profiteroles with crunchy caramelized bananas.

What’s more, Quince serves an unusually large list of wines by the half-bottle — which might explain why regulars tend to order several and linger long after their last bites.

Because there’s no place like a second home.

Quince Bistro, 1019 Great Plain Avenue, Needham (781-449-0022 or quincebistro.com).