Bergamot vs Troquet

[keith]

Trying to decide which to chose for a birthday celebration. I have eaten in most of Boston's most upscale spots, but for this birthday I'm looking for something French/New American themed just a touch below the top tier, and have heard great things about both of these places. Always thought of Troquet more as a wine than food place, but a friend's recent raves made me reconsider.

Where is the food better, and (not necessarily correspondingly) where do you think I will have a more enjoyable meal?

Thanks!

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Troquet
140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Bergamot
118 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143

[BobB]

I've had birthday dinners at both - my son chose Troquet for his 22nd, and my wife Bergamot for her... most recent. I agree with yumyum, Troquet is much more formal, and also struck me as more expensive. Both have excellent food, but if I had to pick I'd give the edge to Troquet - their lamb bacon is one of the most seriously delicious things I've ever put in my mouth.

I had the pleasure of dining in London last summer with Limster, one of the original Chowhounders and friend of site founder Jim Leff - and, I might add, a man far more knowledgeable about food than I can ever hope to be. When we met the first thing he asked me was, "Have you had the lamb bacon at Troquet?"

[Crazy Egg]

LOL! That is something I can see him saying right off the bat! Limster is a great dining companion and walking food encyclopedia. I have had the pleasure of dining with him at Troquet and it was wonderful!

BTW, does Troquet still serve that lovely butter from France? I think it was from Normandy.

[BobB]

I don't know - I was holding back on eating bread to save room for more courses.

[emc]

That is seriously the best butter. I would go there just to eat bread & butter.

[kimfair1]

During the Atkins low carb diet craze, I asked the waiter if people were still asking for butter. He said they'd ask for butter, but not eat the bread, just the butter. Might sound gross, but with that butter I completely understand!

[Crazy Egg]

Yes, indeed it is awesome butter, but my doctor may not be too happy if I just ate the butter!! Reminds me that I should do a return trip to Troquet very soon. :)

[dalecruse]

Troquet does indeed still serve butter from Normandy.

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Troquet
140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

[CarolinaGirl06]

I have not been to Bergamot, but I can't speak highly enough of Troquet. I took my boyfriend there for his birthday in October and it was an excellent experience. Neither of us are huge wine people -- the draw for me was an interesting menu. We both loved our entrees -- the suckling pig and venison saddle -- and there was an appetizer special of bone marrow with oxtail ragu that was out of this world. The service was also excellent: professional but warm and friendly. All in all, it was a wonderful night.

[yumyum]

I think this one depends on what kinda mood you're in. Troquet always feels more formal to me, and the wine (as Striper says) is a treat. Bergamot is a fun time and way more casual. Good wine, but not like the "List" at Troquet.

Not knowing you or your preferences, not sure which you'd enjoy more. Me, I'd go to Bergamot.

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Troquet
140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

[MC Slim JB]

Bergamot: leans more New American, excellent bartending, nice but casual space in the vein of mid-high Camberville places.

Troquet: leans more New French, outstanding wine list (truly among the city's best, with 2- and 4-oz pours of everything, great high-end values in bottles, handy matching advice on the menu, good flight options, including verticals), slightly more formal, romantic space with Public Garden views. Easier public transport access, parking.

Excellent service and fairly high prices for the level of the food are common to both.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Troquet
140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

[keith]

Was actually shooting for Bondir or Journeyman, but Bondir is booked (aiming for this Saturday) and one of the diners is a bit too much of a fussy eater to make Journeyman work. Any other suggestions along these lines? Service is important, but not as much as the taste of the food being put in front of me.

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Journeyman
9 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Bondir
279 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

[StriperGuy]

Rendezvous!

[winedude]

Ten Tables, JP, has great food, and a small but well chosen wine list.

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Ten Tables
5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA 02138

[StriperGuy]

I would say that in a very roundabout way the food at both places is of the same caliber. The Troquet wine list however can not be beat on a bang for the buck basis.

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Troquet
140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116