I was sweating it – dinner on Saturday with two foodies; people who take food seriously, really enjoy great restaurants and relatives to boot! Where to make a reservation when between all of us we’ve eaten at some of Boston’s best. So after much discussion and making and canceling reservations at other restaurants we decided on Towne. Owned by Lydia Shire and Jasper White, it has a great pedigree. And, it was voted one of Esquire’s best in 2011.
Walking into the restaurant you might be put off because of the bar/café which is very casual with a young, boisterous crowd. But walk into the dining room and it’s totally different. A nice bar where Roy and I waited, ordering chips and homemade salsa with big chunks of avocado . Sophisticated with low lighting, original murals on the walls, big windows, tables spaced comfortably and, we had a great table.
Digging into the wine list was the first order of business and a Sancerre was chosen; the sommelier was knowledgeable in describing the wine with it’s high and low notes and his suggestion proved correct – it tasted great!
Next, what to order, Towne’s menu is what I would call creative American. There are lots of choices. First, a breadbasket was delivered with a very good homemade cracker, delicious breads and a choice of three spreads. Then between the four of us 2 of us ordered swordfish, moist and beautifully charred on the grill, a lemon risotto and grilled squid; and 2 of us ordered the porterhouse for two. It was presented to the table for its blessing and then sent back to the kitchen to be cooked perfectly medium rare. Rounding out the dishes ordered was an order of twice fried green beans and parmesan salted fries. Way too much food as usual!
Dessert – we couldn’t decide so we had two desserts; a sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolae sauce and peanut brittle topped wth cotton candy and a lemon cheesecake with a puddle of vanilla sauce.
By the time we left, the dining room had filled up and the noise level was moderate. There was a good buzz going on both in the restaurant and with us! It was a great evening with no complaints from our foodies!
I give Towne two thumbs up.
See you at the bar…
