October 1, 2009

Clio Boston

James Beard Foundation award-winning chef serves serious French food with all the fixins and flair. If you’re looking for a drink you’ll dream about, try the Enter the Dragon martini (oh. my. god.). The fancy spot is right in The Eliot Hotel and is attached to sister resto Uni, a sashimi bar.

  Back Bay, Food & Drink, Breakfast, Celebrity Chef

September 8, 2009

The Butcher Shop Boston

Don’t fill up on the bread, butter, and honey the folks here will give you as you mull over the menu and daily specials. You’ll need to save room for the leg of lamb, ricotta gnudi, and fried green tomatoes.

  South End, Food & Drink, Celebrity Chef, Meatheads

January 16, 2007

51 Lincoln Boston

Former Met Club chef Jeff Fournier showcases his two talents: cooking and art (one on the plate, the other on the wall). He presents masterpieces like his pan-seared skirt steak, which is splashed with apple-garlic jam, blue potatoes, and arugula, while his brightly colored acrylic paintings and pencil sketches brighten the otherwise neutral room.

  Newton Centre, Food & Drink, Artsy, Celebrity Chef

September 7, 2006

Bonfire Boston

At Todd English’s downtown steak house, the cuisine at first is traditional with aged steaks (pick from a handful of sauces to accompany) and seafood but becomes unexpected with a taqueria menu filled with meaty tacos. The decor is rich to match the food with scarlet upholstery, a long wood bar, and warm tones throughout.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Celebrity Chef, Hotel Restaurant

July 13, 2006

Sel de la Terre Boston

Farm-fresh French food without intimidation (plus a waterfront view). Revel in apps of eggplant goat cheese puree, charcuterie on brioche, and sauteed crab cakes. For the main attraction: lamb with green beans and apple popover or salmon with caramelized melons.

  Waterfront, Food & Drink, Brunch, Celebrity Chef

April 25, 2006

Dante Boston

Dante de Magistris’s eponymous resto with Med-minded decor (leather chairs, cool colors, private balconies, a sprawling outdoor patio) and food (Sicilian roasted chicken, gnocchi with mushroom ragu, slow-roasted cod). Breakfast means polenta pancakes with malted vanilla gelato.

  Cambridge, Food & Drink, Brunch, Celebrity Chef