-
soxchik
Jun 9, 2008 05:59 AM
Made my first trip to Savant Project on Saturday evening for dinner. We arrived around 7:30 and sat out on the back patio. (Inside they had live jazz starting around 8ish.) Really nice space, and the restaurant and the patio weren't very crowded. I had the veggie burger with fries, my DC had the steak frites. Veggie burger was good - I noticed it could have used more binder as previously reported, but the taste was great - mushrooms, carrot and spinach (I believe). Topped with swiss, red pepper hummus, and a spicy fried onion ring. The fries were good, but nothing to write home about. The DC said his steak was perfectly cooked, and the yucca fries on the side were decent. We tried the sangria - good, but tasted more like cinnamon than wine, and the redhead - which is pilsner urquell with framboise - I loved this one. Service was extremely friendly, certainly didn't rush us, and it was a nice relaxing dinner.
-
Bob Dobalina
Apr 24, 2008 07:10 AM
Thanks to Boston.com, I learned that it just opened a new backyard patio as of this week or so, and given the weather, it was the perfect time to try - my first time. There was only one server and one bartender for the entire place - service was very pleasant by both - our server was definitely working very hard - I did not see her sit still the entire evening - kudos to her (Maureen I think). Don't expect rapid service from the kitchen - we were definitely not rushed. This was a welcome thing.
The back patio has seating for 30 I'd guess? Aluminum chairs and tables all fine. The overall vibe of the inside is very relaxed, vaguely hipster, dark warm tones, a stack of boardgames on a shelf - I dig. The back patio is like an oasis - no funky character - just hanging on the porch. Noticed a number of heat lamps that were not in need last night.
Here's the rundown -
While we waited for a seat on the patio, we had a drink at the bar - I tried their housemade bourbon infusion on the rocks ($8), which included fig, cherry and one other item. Lightly sweet - refreshing - a little weak for my tastes. My gf had a glass of Tempranillo which she enjoyed.
Once seated out back, we started with the tempura veggies with mustard-peanut sauce. The veggies were potentially pre-cut (much uniformity of shape), but tasted good. The dipping sauce was I think just a mixture of standard peanut sauce and a good spicy brown mustard (maybe even Kusziusko), but was plenty addictive. The portion was very generous - perfect for sharing.
For dinner, gf had a caesar salad with fried oysters (8 by my count) that she enjoyed very much. I uncharacteristically had the homemade veggie burger - the taste was excellent - not sure of the base, but it had excellent flavor - maybe a chickpea and white bean mix? The only minor point was that, typical of fresh-made veggie patties, as I tamped down on the bun, it extruded out the sides - could have used a little more binder of some sort. This is still far more preferable to the non-extruding Garden Burger variety of patty.
In any case, the burger was a very generous size - the bun was excellent, one of the better ones I have had recently on a burger of any variety - the fries I think were a mix of sweet potato and regular potato (at least there were a few that were not very sweet) - again a generous portion and good work on the fryer, not soggy. Finished all that with a icy cold Miller High Life - all in all, outstanding.
We were persuaded to have dessert - churros with a cayenne-chocolate sauce for dipping. Not familar with churros, but they were tasty - again, good work on the fryer back there - gf was very happy with them and she loved the hot pepper kick from the chocolate sauce. I was less enamored - I just like my chocolate to taste like chocolate by that part of the meal, but that's just my preference. Accompanied by an espresso shot.
I think the name is a little silly, but at least it's no Apocrypha. Typical Boston nomenclature dictates that it be referred to as "Savant's" from here on out.
I really liked the food and the feel - neighborhoody yet a little more upscale, in an area that is really lacking this sort of place - it should be getting mobbed by the Longwood area med and grad students - this should be a home base. Sort of a River Gods type feel - but a much larger joint. Now with the patio, it will probably go on my short list.
›5 Replies-
-
-
-
re: StriperGuy
Bob Dobalina
Apr 25, 2008 08:52 AM
It is at 1625 Tremont, a half-block away from Brigham Circle, adjacent to Flann O'Brien's.
-
re: Bob Dobalina
I just met a friend a Savant Project last week for lunch. I concur with Bob D. It is a beautiful, modern room with a long stainless steel bar and tin coverings on the walls. A very hip feel. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. I ordered the "Greek Salad" with fried feta balls, pita chips quartered olives. The salad was quite nice and the fried feta balls were a delicious touch. However, it was a little overdressed for my tastes and there were just too many red onions. Overall it was a well made salad with creative touches. I am not sure The Savant Project is a destination however, if ever in the Mission Hill it is a sold choice.
-
-
-
