154502 Mon Dec 19 11:30:01 -0800 2005 12 12 Boston Area 0 829887 Hi, Trying to choose btwn these 2 spots for tonight! Looking for fairly casual, with warm vibe, good food & service.... The other thought was Ashmont Grill but I've been there before, and thought if either of these two spots were standouts I'd try one of them (vs going back to somewhere I've been before) All thoughts,comments appreciated. Mon Dec 19 11:30:01 -0800 2005 0 twentyoystahs 1 829892 I've heard nothing but disappointing things about Eastern Standard from friends who have been there. Mon Dec 19 11:55:07 -0800 2005 829887 0 Christina 2 829894 Au contraire!! I've been to Eastern Standard about 5 times, and totally love it. The service has been super friendly (I've sat in the bar area), and the food right on the mark. Cod fritters - delicious. I've had a couple of the daily plats du jour, all have been very nice. I also really like the vibe of the room, you can really relax. Desserts are a bummer, if that's your thing, but the rest outshines most. Give it a shot. Mon Dec 19 12:00:43 -0800 2005 829892 0 Lilyliver 3 829917 I agree! I've never had anything but a FANTASTIC meal at Eastern Standard- both foodwise and service wise, and I've been there at least 10 times. I am so puzzled by all these negative comments. And ironically, both times I was at Petit Robert, I had terrible service and very mediocre (almost downright inedible) food...So I really find all this very odd. Mon Dec 19 13:25:26 -0800 2005 829894 0 Posenose 1 829893 We went to Petit Robert last night and were so happy. We started off with the Moules Marinières, which my sweetheart (SH) has decided are his favorite in town ("much better than Brasserie Jo," he confided). The leftover liquid was then lovingly devoured with the remaining bread (very nice). He then had the Grilled Salmon Filet with a Lemony Butternut Squash and Parsnips Nage. The sauce was quite delightful on this, although he said it could do with more than just half a roasted potato. I decided to have the Duck Confit and Armagnac Sausage with Braised Cabbage, which chef Robert declared to be "the most ordered item on the menu." I can see why, although I thought the skin could have been crispier and a touch less fatty, but the duck meat was perfectly cooked. The sausage had a delightful aftertaste. There was a duck magret on the specials board that I probably should have ordered instead. To accompany dinner, I had a glass of Jean Luc Colombo, Cotes du Rhone, while the SW had something else that he liked better! We had to have a slice of the heavenly looking brie and decided to have a slice of morbier to go along with it for our cheese course. We finished with a white chocolate bread pudding with creme anglaise and some sort of ice cream that was quite nice, although I'm not really a bread pudding person. Atmosphere was quiet and comfortable. The bill was $73 before tip - quite reasonable really. You are probably tired of hearing about how I'm not so fond of Eastern Standard, so I won't bother. But I will say that a drink and appetizer there, followed by dinner at Robert might constitute a nice night out in some folks minds:). Mon Dec 19 12:00:12 -0800 2005 829887 0 gini 1 829896 Thanks, I'm actually just hoping to try somewhere new, where we won't have to wait around to eat (a la "Toro") I know both of these places aren't exactly "new" but since I haven't been to either, I thought they might be worth a try. Right now Petit Robert definitely has the edge. Any other thoughts on where to go? Mon Dec 19 12:03:22 -0800 2005 829887 0 twentyoystahs 2 829936 heard es is clamourous- like a train station classic french on a cold evening and the tiny chocolate eiffel towers are a good enough reason for prb if they'll let you you should bring some away for special friends Mon Dec 19 15:28:00 -0800 2005 829896 0 buerre blanc 1 829910 you should go to petit robert if you haven't been yet. the food is better, the atmosphere is much more warm and cozy, and the service, while not perfect, is geniunely friendlier. you should try eastern standard at some point though to make your own opinion. the thoughts on ES seem to be split on this board. i really really want it to be great because the prices are fair, it's a great looking room, and it's right down the street from where i work. the food is just ok, but i would be willing to get over it for the price and the location. however, i've been there about 5 times now and only once have i had friendly, competent service. the other times the service has ranged from way too casual (don't call me honey, sweetie or sass me because i'm drinking budweiser), to argumentative, to non-existant (i've sat for long periods of time while the server is running around avoiding eye contact so that they don't have to acknowledge me until THEY are ready). but because the place is just down the street, my coworkers and i keep finding ourselves there. the bartenders are good so i think i'll only sit at the bar if i ever go again. Mon Dec 19 12:57:44 -0800 2005 829887 0 rebs 1 829912 Here's an alternative strategy that makes fewer compromises chow-wise: have drinks at ES, dinner at Trattoria Toscana, desserts at Petite Robert. Mon Dec 19 13:00:45 -0800 2005 829887 0 Limster 1 829939 I have to agree with Posenose here. I have had nothing but great expereinces at Eastern Standard (food, service and atmosphere). It has a great buzz to the overall experience. My two experiences have been some of the worst of my life: - The food is very inconsistent - The dining room was extremely dirty - The waiter was so completely rude it was laughable - 50% chance of being sat in the basement I live right down the block from Kenmore, and the overwhelming opinion from my neighbors is to avoid Petit Robert despite the hype. Mon Dec 19 16:06:45 -0800 2005 829887 0 Gabatta 2 829942 Wait. Your two experiences where? at Petit Robert Bistro? I'm thinking that's what you meant, but you didn't clarify. Mon Dec 19 16:12:06 -0800 2005 829939 0 twentyoystahs 3 830040 Yes, sorry, Petit Robert were the two experiences I was referring to. ES has always been excellent. Tue Dec 20 15:01:08 -0800 2005 829942 0 Gabatta 1 830028 Where'd you end up? Tue Dec 20 13:32:44 -0800 2005 829887 0 yumyum