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Anthony Susi Sage
Chef Anthony Susi gave up his tiny North End digs for a bigger spot in South End, an ideal locale to enjoy his tender cod cheeks and simple risotto. Read More
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Originally published on May 11, 2007
Give Us the Boot
Sage Restaurant Opens
You know all the cliches about Italy: stylish to its core, incredible food in every direction, serene one moment, loud as all get-out the next.
In other words, it’s pretty much a macro version of the new Sage, the South End reincarnation of chef Anthony Susi’s previously tiny North End spot.
Decked out with 50-plus seats, glittering bulbous chandeliers, tapestry-covered banquettes, and bright photos of everything from sapphire blue Vespas to stacked black pumps, it manages to suggest local flavor without going overboard.
And, oh, what flavors those are: Susi’s cod cheeks with bacon and peas are as tender and tiny as the pillows of a dollhouse. His risotto is simple and perfectly cooked, laced with tomato and a smattering of cheeses, and the unctuous duck breast is a revelation. Meanwhile, the panna cotta is as smooth as all the men in Rome combined.
Not that we would ever buy into stereotypes.
Sage, 1395 Washington Street, South End (617-248-8814 or sageboston.com). -
Christopher Myers and Joanne Chang Myers + Chang
Foodie fiances Christopher Myers and Joanne Chang unified their funky style and classic technique with the opening of their delicious all-day Asian noodle shop. Read More
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Originally published on September 21, 2007
Oh No Udon
Myers + Chang Opens
You’ve fattened up on frites, passed out over pasta, and overdone the oyster thing. Since when did eating in the South End become predictable?
Maybe since you’ve been dining there five nights a week and twice on weekends (ahem).
It’s cool. We do it, too. Which is why we’re nuts for noodle shop Myers + Chang, which opened this week. The Pan-Asian cafe comes from foodie faves Christopher Myers (Radius, Via Matta, Great Bay) and Joanne Chang (Flour).
That means big bowls of buttery udon noodles, braised pork belly buns, noodle salads, and beef pho, along with unexpected treats like sweetbreads in the pork and yellow chive stir-fry and a hot and sour dish inspired by friend Esti Parsons. Plus, the prices hover blessedly below $15.
They’re open with a full menu all day so pick a time to hit it when the crowds are low, like late afternoon, say, or whenever the mood for dumplings strikes.
You’ll find it’s just what the neighborhood needed.
Myers + Chang, 1145 Washington Street, South End (617-542-5200 or myersandchang.com). -
Michela Larson, Gary Sullivan, Karen Haskell Rocca
Michela Larson, Gary Sullivan, and Karen Haskell brought us an authentic yet affordable piece of the Italian seaside at Rocca, their Ligurian trattoria. Read More
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Originally published on April 25, 2007
Rocca Your World
Rocca Opens
There are restaurants that open so softly, it’s weeks before the cognoscente wander in.
And then there are spots like Rocca, which opens today. Well, let’s just say this one’s making a splash.
In fact, waves and watery hues literally, er, bathe the place. Partners Michela Larson, Gary Sullivan, and Karen Haskell pulled out every gosh darn stop, from the stunning U-shape bar to the second floor’s lovely, warm-hued dining room. From chairs flown in from Italy and mosaics resembling Cinque Terre graffiti to cork walls evoking the cliffs of Liguria.
And kick. ass. food.
The cuisine is inspired by Larson’s Ligurian ties, and seafood plays a big part. Go for the whole-roasted fish or buridda, a fish stew served with toasted ciabatta. Dive into plates of achingly fresh pasta like the corzetti layered with red-wine braised rabbit or capellini piled with tiny clams.
In fact, get it all. Nothing goes for more than $24.
Which means that, despite its watery theme, this place won’t leave you all wet.
Rocca, 500 Harrison Avenue, South End (617-451-5151 or roccaboston.com).