664592 Wed Nov 04 04:37:49 -0800 2009 4 12 Boston Area 0 5154348 We made a reservation, and it's a good thing we did, the place was packed. A mostly youngish (20s - 30s) crowd, with a few older faces like ours. On the whole I'd give them a B+. The decor is much darker than the previous incarnations of this space, with a red flocked wall covering throughout that my wife referred to as "bordello wallpaper." We started out at the bar, where the specialty cocktails list contained only sweet drinks (the house special Regal Beagle cocktail is a grapefruit-flavored margarita). I prefer dry, and they didn't know how to make a Green Point, so I ordered a Grey Goose martini which was well executed. The bar space is at the back and has a very cozy, comfortable vibe. When we got seated they brought us some tasty herbed butter along with a couple of slices of heavy sourdough (they're not getting this from Clear Flour) and a good quantity of wonderfully light, paper-thin rye crackers covered with light and dark sesame seeds - a perfect nibble with the savory butter! On the down side, also on the table is one of those little liquid-burning pseudo-candles that smells disturbingly of kerosene. They need to get some unscented fuel for them. We started with the tuna tartare, which was good but fairly basic and on the bland side - it had some sweetness from mango but needed a touch of wasabi or something for balance. Similarly, the (nowadays ubiquitous) pork belly appetizer was just a touch too plain - cooked with minimal flavoring and served with "apple salad" that was little more than diced apples. I had the feeling I could have concocted more interesting versions of both of these at home. For mains, I had to try their burger. It was hefty and well-cooked, served on a large brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and (again, sweet) bread & butter pickles. The fries that came with it were clearly fresh-made and nicely dark, but had been out of the fryer just a little too long and thus disappointingly dense. Not a bad effort, especially given that this was opening night. I'd call it a respectable burger but one that's not likely to end up on any Best of Boston lists. My wife tried the scallops, which turned out to be the hit of the meal. They were prepared with a pistachio crust, served with a butternut squash risotto, accompanied by a few preserved cherries. The flavors balanced beautifully, with the taste of the fresh scallops shining through. This dish is a winner! Service was friendly and attentive throughout. The manager came by to ask us what we thought and I gave him an abbreviated version of this report - particularly the observation that the chef clearly has a bit of a sweet tooth and needs to leaven that with some savory touches. Prices were reasonable - $7 and $10 for the apps, $13 for the burger and $19 for the scallops. Wines by the glass were mostly under $10. All in all, a welcome addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back! Wed Nov 04 04:37:49 -0800 2009 14386 BobB 1 5155852 Was I the only 'Hound in there last night? Wed Nov 04 12:35:56 -0800 2009 5154348 14386 BobB 2 5157501 I am going to sit at the bar tonight, I will report back! Thu Nov 05 05:04:21 -0800 2009 5156294 11173 birdy30 1 5157850 The place was definitely rocking last night. About the only restaurant I went by (mostly in Roslindale, JP, and Brookline) that seemed busy. Thu Nov 05 07:43:57 -0800 2009 5154348 14771 hiddenboston 2 5159427 The chef came from Taranta so that can be a plus Thu Nov 05 16:13:22 -0800 2009 5157850 70861 OLDCHEF