Entertaining near Convention Center

[TedyB]

Hello Hounders,

I have to take a few clients out for a nice dinner...

I would prefer it to be close to the Convention Center but heck I'm staying in Cambridge so if we have to take a cab somewhere for the right place then so be it.

Would like quality food, with a bit of a local flare...price isn't an issue although "fine dining" isn't necessary. Sytyle of cuisines is another non-issue, it's more about the restaurant itself.

i.e. if this were NY we would be going to a Steakhouse (Prime or Craft) or Mesa Grill, somewhere along those lines.

The goal is to have atmosphere comfortable while clients are impressed and ultimately satisfied with the food.

I myself would consider the night an "A" if I got to eat a "can't miss" Boston restaurant.

I am looking forward to any help you can give...

Thanks!!!

[BBHound]

If price is no object, go to Locke-Ober. The food is very good (not great) but the experience is worth the $$$. Make sure to reserve in the downstairs dining room.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/550906

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Locke-Ober
3 Winter Place, Boston, MA 02108

[TedyB]

While all of the above seemed like they would've been great, we ended up going to "33" over on Stanhope St.

Atmosphere was very trendy and cool. We were told the menu was brand new and that the chef had returned from Denver where he had opened "Sparrow"

Apps... Tartare trio of Tuna, Steak, and Beets was very good with the tuna being the worst of the 3. The Calamari App was one of the best calamari dishes I have ever had. It was sweet with honey and rather spicy (which was a good thing). Cut into strips it was cooked absolutely perfect! If I were to go back I wouldn't miss it again.

Entrees... I had the miso cod...it was cooked the right way and the noodles on the side were mild and appropriate to accompany the rich fish. The fish seemed marinated for long enough and the flavors came through nicely. Overall the dish was done as well as most of the other japanese restaurants I have frequented although I guess you can say it wasn't anything more than you would expect.

I was told the salmon and lentils was also quite good...although the salmon piece looked rather small. The steak with duck fat fries seemed to be a hit as well.

Overall it was rather pricey but worth going.

One things that you should be made aware...the place become a club starting at around 10 and service is rather slow...so if you want to avoid the velvet rope crowd, don't go for a late dinner. Even the trendy curved glassware at the bar becomes plastic once the beautiful people shuffle in...we found that a bit tacky.

Good food though and good atmosphere, I would recommend it and go back.

[Studio62]

Hi-

I took some very well traveled New York clients to Persephone and they loved it! We all enjoyed the food, the scene, and the newness of the destination. If you are a forward thinking/acting person this is a good choice. If you like safe - go for Morton's or similar - your call!

[TedyB]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!!! And Sorry for the confusion...I'm referring to the BCEC...

We go in a couple weeks, so I'll be sure to write back with how we made out!

[Fort Point]

Accross from the BCEC there is a Mortons Steak House (chain) and in the Seapjort Hotel there is Aura. Very nice lounge area also at the Seaport with views of Fish Pier.

[Carty]

Pretty much all of Boston is between the convention center in South Boston (or the 'seaport' as that particular area is now known) and Cambridge, I'd not limit yourself to that neighborhood as there are few options.

Do a search on this board for 'Grill 23' a non-chain steakhouse in the Back Bay. Some controversy but a favorite of mine for business entertaining. Serious Boston power scene, impressive setting, and in my opinion, decent food.

[Kitamonster]

if you mean BCEC... Sushi-Teq in the intercontinental is kinda neat in a gimmicky kind of way - fun for people who really like tequila and sushi. I've had some good meals at Les Zygomates. Search for Persephones on this board and read the reviews - haven't been there myself.

[BBHound]

There are two convention centers in Boston: the Hynes Auditorium in Backi Bay and the BCEC in South Boston. Which one is it?

There are numerous good places in Back Bay but not much in South Boston.