Be Better's Profile
Going away business lunch near Lexington/Concord
Lexington: Max Steins. It is in the spot where the old Hartwell House used to be. All new inside...dark wood, great bar, wonderful food. If that is too pricey (and it is), many people may not know that the Vinnie Testas in Lexington center has a small seperate room on the second floor that is perfect for 10 people.
I've heard good things about The Lex, too.
CONCORD: Serafina gets rave reviews (serafinaristorante.com) and I really enjoyed a 10 person lunch at The Walden Grille (waldengrille.com)
Harvard Square for dinner
Love Casablanca...would hate it if I was 15 yrs old. The Sq. is less what it once was and it does depend on what type of place you usually visit. For a family, I would have to suggest the old House of Blues, now called Tommy Doyles. Critics may scoff, but it is still a cool building with tasty comfort food that includes more than burgers. As well, if it doesn't work for you, the Red House is next door and Upstairs at the Sq. is across the street. John Harvard's Brew House is also better than people will admit. The atmosphere can be crowded and college-y, so I avoid it, but the food is far better than you may expect. Meatloaf is killer and some of the chicken dishes are great.
For the best sadnwhichs, however, walk a few blocks to Darwins on Brattle. it isn't a sit in, but the food is the best.
There are also the standard chains..Bertucci's and Uno's, but why go as they are everywhere. Great Indian and Asian nearby, too. If she likes Mexican, The Border Cafe on Church is not only good (not the best Mexican around, but still good) but it is also a fun atmosphere and a famous spot for Harvard Sq goers. Starbucks across the street from that as well as the legendary Club Passim which houses Veggie Planet, an organic food...it is pizza, but not like you have had before.
Finally, down at 1001 Mass Ave (between Harvard and Central) is a TRATTORIA IL PANINO...it will look like a sub shop, which it is, but the stuff is just so much better and creative than most sub places.
Wicked a Boston Bistro- Sharon, MA
I would have to disagree with misslorelle, but do feel you have made a few solid points.
I enjoy SKY, but find the waterfall and dining hall atmosphere to be a bit cheesy, despite what has been quality food each time I've been. I prefer the Wayland SKY to Norwood. I haven't met anyone who enjoys Stoneforge, but I have not been yet so I can't comment. I thought the redesign was spare and pleasant...white table cloths, understated, but interesting decor, nothing busy or complicated. Wine glasses were not light and upscale, but also were not short, heavy and stout banquet style...somewhere in between. The dining room was intimate and the bar/lounge looked beautiful, but I would agree that sound control may pose a problem for him. There seemed to be stools and a small flat screen at the bar, so perhaps he will add that feature later. He is redesigning the deck for the warm weather and will be redoing the outside of the building and ther parking area soon. I'd like to see him look for ways to hide the high tension wires and highway...window boxes would work in the warm weather. Sadly, window boxes will not hide the flea bag motel that surrounds the spot.
We went for lunch and it may have been some of the best sandwhiches I have had in quite sometime. I was disappointed at the small menu and lack of creative offerings, however. When I inquired, I was told that the philosophy of the chef is to make it simple and understated so that people can know what they want easily. That is not a bad philosophy in the age of glutony, but still no reason not to add some options and sides. Chicken as an add to a salad, for example.
So, to keep it simple, I had their cheese-burger ($9) and my wife the chicken salad ($8?). I was expecting something a bit more gourmet on the menu, but both were superior to any we have had in the area. Right taste, right temp, great wine pairing, and perfect amount of food. Both came with toasted bread/buns and tremendous fries (again, nothing unique here, but great tasting) The waitstaff was polite, friendly, but not as fast as you may expect with the small lunch crowd. If the owner was doing the seating, he looked like he was on his way to work as a landscaper and not hosting what he is trying to sell as a slightly upscale Bistro. As some of the first people in, it would have been great for him to introduce himself, even if briefly. Part of Zebra's (Medfield) charm is the accessibility of the owner.
I have to agree with you about the cold. We commented on the chill in the room and were told that they find certain spots colder than others. If this is so, then why seat us in that spot in what a mostly empty bistro. I will give them the chance to figure that out, but I never remember being in Bickfords (which was rare) and feeling cold.
My opinion was much better than misslorelle and as I am pleased to see something other than an Applebees, Pizza Hut, or (gast) another pancake house move into the spot, I think the place may have legs if he is open to hear from guests in the beginning. Lunch came to $30 (before tip), however, so price may slow him down at the start. While that isn't so much today, considering that we had nothing but two sandwiches and one glass of red wine, it is more than most area restaurants. Parents be warned: There did not appear to be any child-specific menu options, so he is making a statement up front who he wishes his clientele to be.
My only other suggestion to him is to take down the sign on the front of the building that looks like a 12 year old made it in shop class and replace it with something classier. To be honest, I wouldn't be suprised if the Broadway show doesn't find its way to him sooner or later and ask for a name change, but that has nothing to do with what was (mostly) a pleasant lunch at a spot far better than most small towns are offering.
