Husband's Birthday (near Lyric Stage)

[bgavin]

We have theater tickets, so we will need to eat at 6PM in either the Back Bay or the South End.

Would like something a bit different and very festive. Expect superb service.

I was thinking tapas (Estragon or Toro) but I always have more fun when there are more than two people for a tapas dinner - and the birthday meal is just us. We have had bad luck at Sel de la Terre. And I have been to Post 390 four times in the last six weeks.

Ideas I have had include Laurel (maybe too pedestrian?) or Teatro (I haven't eaten here) or Avila? DaVinci? Via Matta?

I appreciate any ideas, thoughts, comments on dinner...and maybe a place to stop for drinks afterwards?

[BBHound]

Depends on how close to the Lyric you want to be. Teatro is kind of far but your other choices are close.

I think DaVinci would be a good choice and I would also consider Erbaluce in Bay Village. I like Via Matta but have been disappointed with Avila. Laurel is OK but not a celebration venue.

And the places that lots of folks like for celebrations are right nearby. Mistral and Sorellina would work well.

What was your take on Post 390?

[bgavin]

Erbaluce! Of course...thank you.
Since they do not post their menu prices - how much am I talking about for two cocktails, one bottle of wine and two meals?

Post 390. Very good, very predictable food. Service has been superb. And the place is surprsingly crowded. Left there at 9PM on Friday, December 4 and folks were *waiting* outside to get in.

[capeanne]

Erbaluce is a great choice..we were there Sat night...no full bar but they do some interesting mimic cocktails ( ? mocktails) with the spirits they have ...we each had a glass of white, Amuse was burratta and delicious For apps eel for DH and speck for me and entrees whole fish of some sort for DH and roasted baby chicken for me . Chuck just because he is so incredibly nice sent a mid course of pasta with beets and their pasta shines We shared a moderate bottle of red ( ask Joan the co owner for recs and she will steer you to surpisingly modest priced but delicious bottles) and shared a dessert and think the tab was about 150 pre tip..White truffles are available as a half or full portion over handmade pasta but I refrained .... then regretted it . Enjoy

[teezeetoo]

i love erbaluce and second the choice but if you want grand festive sorrelina is close by. Da Vinci is a rung down from erbaluce but is still good and generally reliable. If you are a steak person, Grill 23 may work. La Voile is a solid bistro and also walking distance.

[Joanie]

Davio's is pretty festive I think.

[bgavin]

Thanks, Joanie. Since I work in the same building as Davio's, I chose against it - we have been there several times together and I am there at lunch for work pretty regularly.

Made a reservation at Erbaluce. (But I have never been to Sorrelina - will have to put that on my list...maybe when my bonus is paid?)

[Joanie]

I'll be curious to hear a full report, still haven't made it to Erbaluce.

[bgavin]

We had a very good dinner at Erbaluce. It is an interesting place, not as traditional or formal as, say, Davio's or even Via Matta. But nicer and better cooking than Maurizio's or Marcuccio's.
I had sardines and my husband had roasted cauliflower for starters. Husband had the grilled boar rib chops and I had ground rabbit over taggliatelli.
If I were giving out prizes, the roasted cauliflower (with pine nuts and raisins, IIRC) won for Appetizers and the tagliatelli (the rabbit was closer to shredded than ground and full of flavor without the bad gaminess) won for Mains.

[Joanie]

I had a great cauliflower side at Market with I think walnuts and pesto. Amazing how good cauliflower can be.

[twentyoystahs]

Cauliflower seems to be the new "It" side dish..they also have a great roasted cauliflower side at Coppa.