Looking for a dining "experience"

[ced9]

I know that is a bit vague but interpret it as you desire. To be a bit more specific, I want to go somewhere that isn't rushed. I want to feel like my dinner out was a night out- not just a meal. Any suggestions in Boston or Cambridge?

[franksnbeans]

For a relaxed tasting menu, TW Food. For something completely different, Tangierino in Charlestown can be a lot of fun.

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Tangierino
73 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129

[teezeetoo]

I love Erbaluce and find it restful. In Cambridge, I've never felt rushed at Gran Gusto or Rendezvous. If you don't want to drink and want pleasant and inexpensive, Cafe Baraka is a nice choice.

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Baraka Cafe
80 Pearl St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140

Erbaluce
69 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116

[markin617]

You should at least consider the Chef's Table at The Dining Alternative on the one or two available dates per month. Having just partaken in the March offering, I can say that it would meet all your criteria. It is a bit formal but not in a stuffy sort of way.(no need for really formal dress, for instance). The meal lasted more than 4 hours, so definitely a full evening and not at all rushed. We felt that the entire meal was fantastic and also a good value because the $125/person included 5 or 6 (or was it 7) wines and gratuity. Also, if you have allergies or food restrictions they will work around those. We had one non-mammal eater in our group so our meal was tilted to the seafood side (we sure didn't mind!) and a substitute dish was prepared for that person for the one meat course. See this previous Chowhound thread for more info:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6870.

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The Dining Alternative
18 Fellsway W, Somerville, MA 02145

[nsenada]

For a gorge-fest that probably qualifies as a notable experience (your arteries will certainly classify it as such), you could try somewhere like the Midwest Grill in Inman Square. Comes with meat sweats and hallucinations after, though, if you approach it as a contest.

[hcbk0702]

I'll agree with the omakase at O Ya, despite its high expense. It's simply better and more unique to Boston than L'Espalier and No. 9 Park. On a budget, the "Chef's Whim" on Sunday nights at Craigie on Main is a nice option, if you don't mind having the kitchen choose the menu.

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L'Espalier
774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

O Ya
9 East Street, Boston, MA 02111

[CreativeFoodie42]

My first thoughts are L'Espalier or O Ya for true dining experiences. Some other places where I've had lovely, thoughtful and non-rushed meals include Erbaluce, Hammersly's Bistro, Ten Tables and T.W. Food. The food is pretty outstanding at all of these places but just a small component of a complete dining experience. I especially enjoyed the tasting menus at Ten Tables and T.W. Food.

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L'Espalier
774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

O Ya
9 East Street, Boston, MA 02111

T.W. Food
377A Walden St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Ten Tables
5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA 02138

Erbaluce
69 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116

[ced9]

Also, I should note that it doesn't need to be an "formal" night out. I just want quality. A gastropub where you can enjoy quality food and drinks for as long as you want would probably be ideal.

[OLDCHEF]

go to ten tables in cambridge went last sat night we had about 15 different items it just kept getting better every course

[pemma]

L'Espalier will certainly make for a night out.

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L'Espalier
774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

[Pegmeister]

I find that you tend to find the "experience" when you can dine out early in a place you've been wanting to try. Earlier in the evening things are less rushed, there's not as much pressure to turn over a table. I've had the "experience" in a few places; one being of all places, Silvertones. While starting off the evening early I could see they were getting busy quite early and I felt my own pressure of hurrying along so that someone could have the table. I indicated to the waiter that we would finish up our drinks to free the table, and to my surprise he brought us a complimentary dessert wine and told us to sit and enjoy. Another spot I found comfortable to linger was Grotto and I throughly enjoy their gnocci with shortribs. Marliave is another great spot as they offer some fine dining choices even at lunch time. It's not everyones thing to dine out early, but I always find that you are less apt to be rushed, and you can still take a nice walk to the North End for a latte and dessert. Hope you find the right place for you!

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Silvertone
69 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108

Marliave
10 Bosworth Street, Boston, MA 02108

[Dan Boston]

Tasting menu at No. 9 Park. It is probably my most memorable Boston meal.

[justbeingpolite]

Omakase at O Ya

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O Ya
9 East Street, Boston, MA 02111

[cannedmilkandfruitypebbles]

the two that come to mind are tasting menus at No.9 and L'Espalier. For me, No.9 was head and shoulders above L'Espalier.

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L'Espalier
774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199