Dinner with father-in-law and aunt

[Chris in Newton]

My father-in-law and his sister, both in their 70s, will be visiting us at Thanksgiving. We are looking for a place for a nice dinner on Wednesday night, not too pricey, able to accommodate 10 people including a 5 year-old, preferably with valet parking, not too far from Newton but still in an interesting area (his sister has never been to Boston). We are going to Mamma Maria on Friday so want to avoid doing Italian, their tastes in food and decor are "conventional" so have ruled out funkier places like East Coast Grill--any suggestions?

[dulce de leche]

Perhaps Rendezvous? Central Square may be more "interesting" than you're after, but the food is delicious, it's very friendly and festive, upper end of moderate price depending on how you define it, lots of space, valet parking.

[mvi]

I like Rendezvous a lot, and funny enough, I was there last month with my parents who are in their 80s now and a slightly smaller sized group of family members. No little ones. It was not as kid friendly as Eastern Standard, and we felt it was more expensive, as well. None the less, the food is good and Central Square is a scene that my parents will not forget. They took a taxi to get there and got a ride back to their hotel. Also, the service was off the night we were there, which was hard for my dad who was paying for it all.

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Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

[mvi]

We have brought a similar configuration of people to Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square on more than one occasion. The Hotel Commonwealth, which is where the restaurant is located, does offer valet parking. And the menu is very friendly to all types of eaters. (You can easily find the menu on line.) It can be loud near the bar, but when we have gone with a group of this size including my parents who are now in their 80s, we have been seated away from the action over there. There's a raw bar, friendly side dishes and it is known for their cocktails. It is a tasteful and friendly environment for all ages.

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Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

[redelephant]

Yes!

[redelephant]

Maybe Henrietta's Table at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square?

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Henrietta's Table
One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138

[teezeetoo]

Would they like Indian food? Masala Art in Needham is pretty upscale. If you want to stay in Newton, how about Ariadne? In Brookline, American Craft is pleasant, kid friendly and fairly conventional in its food.

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Masala Art
990 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

American Craft
1700 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445

[Chris in Newton]

Ariadne is now C. Tsar's? I think it's still the same owner.