Bountiful Boston: Chuck Klein Productions' Restaurant Guide

Cable World, July 17, 2006

Chuck Klein and Shelley Babcock spill the beans on Boston's restaurant scene.

Sure, you've got your Summit meetings booked but, more important, where are you going to eat and drink? You can cross that worry off your list, because once again we have turned to those inspired and inspiring gourmands, Chuck Klein and Shelley Babcock of Chuck Klein Productions, who offer hungry and weary executives a detailed guide to Beantown's good eats and good times. Chuck and Shelley have pretty much tried everything, from L'Espalier's Indian spiced Long Island duck and B&G's lobster roll to the Boston baked beans at Durgin-Park and the fried calamari at Pomodoro in the North End.

Study this guide and you'll soon start looking for excuses to cancel some of those meeting you booked. [For a printer-ready version of the restaurant guide, go to www.ckponline.com.]

While we have tried to make specific comments in the brief reviews, ratings, from ? to ????, are overall ratings, most heavily influenced by the food, but also factor in ambiance, decor and service. Our $ estimates are based on one dinner with a cocktail and tip. $ under $21; $$ from $21 to $35; $$$ from $35 to $50; $$$$ from $50 to $60; $$$$$ over $60. Keep in mind that in Boston, as everywhere, restaurants and clubs can open and close, change hours and credit card policies and even move with very short notice. Many restaurants are closed Sundays and Mondays, or even Tuesdays. We recommend calling ahead to address any special needs, and please feel free to mention Chuck Klein Productions.

We present our 10 favorite Boston restaurants first; the rest are organized by neighborhood. And if we've missed any of your favorites, please e- mail us at guide@ckponline.com.

--Chuck Klein and Shelley Babcock

Boston's Top 10 Restaurants

AUJOURD'HUI - Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St. (Back Bay) 617-351- 2071 www.fourseasons.com/boston ???? $$$$$ - As good as it gets. Delicious French-influenced New American food, impeccable service, a gorgeous room and delightful views of the Public Gardens combine for a truly memorable dining experience. Chef Edward Gannon's classy, luxurious spot is at the top of every Boston "best of" list, and we're not arguing. Jackets required. Breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days.

B&G OYSTERS LTD. - 550 Tremont St. (South End) 617-423-0550 www.bandgoysters.com ???? $$$ - Wow. We loved the modern look of this tiny raw bar even before we got our hands on the oysters. Barbara Lynch (of No. 9 Park fame) and Garrett Harker have created an ideal setting for tasting as many as 10 varieties of oysters in a sitting, and an ideal wine list to complement the briny bivalve goodness. Great soups, homemade desserts and a killer lobster roll round out the perfect picture. If you have to wait for a table, wait next door at The Butcher Shop. Dinner 7 days, lunch Mon.-Fri.

CLIO - Eliot Hotel, 370A Massachusetts Ave. (Back Bay) 617-536-7200 www.cliorestaurant.com ???? $$$$$ - The place to splurge. Renowned chef Ken Oringer is truly talented, and his luscious New French cuisine will blow you away. Bad news: small portions. Good news: You'll be able to manage the chef's nightly tasting menu ($95-$125) without a problem. The caramelized swordfish "au poivre" is heaven on a plate. Service is impeccable and the swanky room a delight. Check out Uni, the sashimi bar, for gourmet not-cooking. Dinner & breakfast 7 days.

L'ESPALIER - 30 Gloucester St. (Back Bay) 617-262-3023 www.lespalier.com ???? $$$$$ - It's the most expensive meal in town, and the divine New England- French cuisine is worth every penny. Dream about a dish like sauteed candy stripe marlin with cashews, bok choy and leek saute; Pat's littleneck clams and blood orange-pineapple glaze; or Indian spiced Long Island duck with chapati (unleavened bread), lime mint yogurt, apricot, toasted almond and vin jaune sauce. The degustation menus are spectacular. Bonus--it's only one block from the Convention Center. Reservations required. Dinner Mon.-Sat., exquisite tea Saturday & Sunday, Sunday brunch.

LOCKE-OBER - 3 Winter Pl. (Downtown) 617-542-1340 www.lockeober.com ???? $$$$ - It used to be a little on the stuffy side, but since Lydia Shire (of Biba) and Jacky Robert (of Maison Robert) took over in 2001, it's better than ever. Service is divine and we swoon over the fantastic Continental food. It's all rich and wonderful, but their signature baked lobster Savannah, the sheepsmilk ricotta gnocchi with spiced BBQ lamb riblets and "whiskey'd" calf's liver with smoked bacon will send you to the moon. Jackets suggested (strongly). Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.

MISTRAL - 223 Columbus Ave. (South End) 617-867-9300 www.mistralbistro.com ???? $$$$ - Whether you head here for chef Jamie Mammano's seductive French-Mediterranean cuisine or for the great-looking crowd, you won't be disappointed. Try the thin-crust pizzas, rosemary and lemon roasted hen or the roasted whole fish (of the day) with lump crab, spicy ginger, cilantro and lime broth--yum. Bonus: You can get escargot, tartare, foie gras and more until midnight on weekends. Dinner 7 days.