ld_fan's Profile
Kaze vs. Shabu Zen
i've been to both a lot, especially in the winter. the ambience at kaze is definitely better - the space is much bigger and it's more calm. the food at sz seems to taste better, though. i can't pinpoint what it is, but there is a difference. might just be in my head?
Help w/ dinner suggestion near The Opera House
besides chinatown, there's a new place in the ritz called Bina Osteria. Haven't been - try searching CH for reviews. Also Teatro, Kingston Station, Good Life, Les Zygomates, Sorriso all within 10 min walk (15 with little ones).
What is new & good in Chinatown
Best Chinese food in Chinatown is "Best Little Restaurant" - 13 Hudson Street, downstairs. Ambiance is not on top of the list, but the food is amazing. I live in the leather district, and don't really like Chinese food. But am always happy to go there!
Persephone
My partner and I took a friend from New York to Persephone last Friday. Reading comments here about the lackluster service are spot on. I was wondering how difficult it is to attract talent to a fairly deserted area of Boston. Our server seemed like a deer caught in headlights. She may last, though. She constantly referred to Mr. Leviton as "chef". Came off a little cultish - but sometimes kissing the bosses a** goes a long way.
The food was fantastic. We started with the grilled squid served with parsley, lemon rind, and olives. Also tried the arugula salad (always love that). We all shared a 38 oz bone in ribeye - which was fantastic. Seared, rested, cooked, rested. Served in a balsamic reduction, with a side of fries and creamed spinach. We loved every bite of every dish. And it's not easy to please with food these days.
I agree the initial reaction of walking through a clothing store is a little, um, weird. And the incredibly bright white lights at the bar (which the manager says are being replaced shortly) do nothing to set the ambiance. But once you're in the restaurant (in the back), you quickly forget the way in. And something about the area and the loft you're eating in make you forget the rest.
I would definitely recommend people trying Persephone. I think it will catch on in quick order, so go before the crowds. And play a game of Wii tennis on the way out.
One other thing - which i thought was funny. A drink on their menu is titled "the obligatory $15 chowhound anticipated pomegranate martini" or something like that. very cheeky.
El Trunfeo
The food is ok - my personal opinion is that any of the Anna's are better. But it seems to be staffed by a local family - so it's always nice to support local businesses.
Late Lunch Near the Opera House?
there's also the good life, on kingston st, just a block or so away.
