I'm finally a fan of Aujourd'hui

[Rubee]

Aujourd'hui at the Four Seasons has always been my husband's pick for special occasions. It's a beautiful room and I've always enjoyed the food, but have never been wowed or loved it enough to choose to go there over my celebratory favorites (Clio and No 9 Park).

Limster had posted about the new chef, and I was actually looking forward to our dinner this time

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/332166

Well, it certainly didn't disappoint! Maybe the best meal I've had in Boston this year. We started off with a relaxing cocktail in the bar area upstairs. My black currant Manhattan was excellent - made with rye, Vya sweet vermouth, Cassis de Bordeaux, and black currant tea. We were off to a promising start, along with a friendly bartender, and bowls of cocktail nibbles. Finishing our cocktails, we were seated promptly at our reservation time, and it was such a pleasure to see that our request for a window table overlooking a pretty snow-covered Common was met. We each started off with a glass of rose champagne, and perused the menu. I decided on three appetizers, foregoing an entree, and asked one of our waiters if he could choose the order, while E opted for the lobster bisque to start, and the butter-poached lobster with potato mille-feuille. The amuse was very nice - a shot glass of flavorful foam-topped wild mushroom capuccino. The sommelier helped us choose a delicious Chassagne Montrachet, and it was wonderful with the rest of our meal. Wow - loved all my dishes. First up was the foie gras beignet . The combination of sweetness from the sugar-dusted, airy beignet accompanied by a pool of foie gras topped by a poached pear was a delicous combination. My favorite of the night was my middle course - the appetizer of black truffle pasta. Not only was the pasta itself perfect, but I loved the flavor of it tossed with parmesan and butter with tender nuggets of "sot-l’y-laisse" those lovely dark-meat morsels on the back of a chicken. I also enjoyed my last appetizer - small sweet langoustines accompanied by golden-yolked quail eggs. E's lobster bisque was another winner for me. My all-time favorite was Robert Fathman's version when he was at the Federalist. Well, I have to say there's a new kid in town ; ).

Pricey, of course, but a beautiful special occasion spot, relaxing and romantic on a Saturday night. Service was perfect - Biagio and Peter - and the sommelier friendly and helpful. I also liked the fact that there is a page of wine 50$ or less - making the wine list more accessible. We really had a great night, topped off with a classic chocolate souffle with Grand Marnier creme Anglaise for E, and a delightful glass of Tokaji dessert wine for me. Especially nice was being able to head downstairs for one last after-dinner drink while enjoying the pianist in the comfortable Bristol Lounge.

http://www.fourseasons.com/boston/din...

BTW - our conversation with our excellent waiter, Peter, who is Hungarian, turned to Cafe Budapest. I read somewhere recently that one of the former sous chefs? has opened a restaurant locally or maybe the suburbs. Has anyone else heard this?

[Bostonbob3]

I also read in the paper yesterday that their bar menu now includes REAL poutine (with cheese curds). Every other version I've had around here uses cheese sauce.

[mimishare]

What a great report - thanks!

[wittlejosh]

I think their sommelier is top-notch. Not very pretentious, but knows his wines.

[PennyC]

Is Brick Loomis (from Cafe Louis in the good old days and then Great Bay) the current sommelier? I thought I heard that he was. If so, I have to get there to see him. Husband and I learned a lot from him over the years.

[limster]

Yes, iirc, Brick moved there from Restaurant L after Ted Davidson left.

[tatamagouche]

Yes, it is William Kovel, and I agree. I noted in some foie gras post his was the very best lobe of foie gras I've ever had. I'm one of those people who as a a rule can only eat a couple bites of the stuff before I go, ewww, liver...not so with this piece.

[MC Slim JB]

Nicely detailed review!

One former Cafe Budapest chef now has a place in Brighton Center, a modest but pretty storefront called Jasmine Bistro. The Hungarian dishes are my favorites (superb goulash and paprikash), but there's also traditional French, and a few Middle Eastern and Baltistani dishes. Family run, value priced, one of the few places in Brighton worth a special trip.

[Rubee]

That's it, thanks so much! I have to plan a visit soon and I'll be sure to order the paprikash.

[bachslunch]

I'll second Jasmine Bistro -- really good food the time I went, with friendly, caring service. It's small, though, thus calling ahead for reservations is wise.

[tatamagouche]

I'll third it. It's been around for a long time and it's always been terrific. Desserts are also good.

[Bob Dobalina]

I saw the menu online at boston.menupages for Jasmine Bistro and it looks pretty pricey - all the mains pretty much over 20 - is that outdated information?

[MC Slim JB]

Looks like prices have crept up a bit. My favorites (chicken paprikash, beef or veal goulash) are under $20, and very rich and substantial.