Seeking restaurant recomendations: where to take my BF for the big 3-0?

[stealingspoons]

I'm dating a huge foodie and he has taken me to some of Boston's best restaurants. He himself has frequently eaten at O Ya, Hungry Mother, Moo, etc. Any suggestions for a not-so well known place that would be special enough for a birthday dinner?? I'm thinking something like TW Foods or Ebaluce. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

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O Ya
9 East Street, Boston, MA 02111

Hungry Mother
Cambridge, MA, Cambridge, MA

[stealingspoons]

everyone, thank you so much for the responses. he's been everywhere already (damn foodie!). i'm still learning his tastes but he is an MIT-alum so he loves the feel of Catalyst. While I love cozy places, he likes more space. Although I think the food at TW Foods is unbelievable, it might be too claustrophobic for him. He's a guy so obviously he loves all things meat. He also really likes Malaysian food. If you have more suggestions, I would love to hear them!

And re: Bachelor Party idea... let's see about first getting a ring on the finger ;)

[LeoLioness]

If he's already "been everywhere" then maybe get out of dodge to someplace like Hugo's in Portland or somewhere in Providence?

[kimfair1]

Portland is a scant 2.5hour drive away, and I'd drive there and back to go to Hugo's.

[elctrnc]

Haven't been to everywhere that has been mentioned in the thread, but I have been to Craigie, Salts, O Ya, Island Creek Oyster Bar, as well as L'Espalier, and definitely agree with the Hugo's suggestion. Still my favorite out of all the establishments I have listed and gladly drive up there for an amazing meal.

[stealingspoons]

GREAT idea! Thanks!

[opinionatedchef]

if you are considering a drive, Black Trumpet in Portsmouth(1 hr. north) is an amaziing artisinal/farm and sea to table, and very innovative place. very romantic as well. explore the handsome historic area and out and around the beautiful island-like Newmarket area.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/743318

http://www.blacktrumpetbistro.com/

[Beachowolfe]

TW Food is awesome and it fits that "not so well known" criteria. Kind of a PIA to get out there though and you'll have to keep your celebrating to minimum if you plan on driving home. If he's really into the restaurant scene in the city it will likely be hard to find something he hasn't heard of.

I would also throw out a suggestion of doing a bachelor party type, extravagant steakhouse- Del Frisco or Grill 23.

[opinionatedchef]

erbaluce, oleana, island creek oyster bar.

[emannths]

Take a look at Bondir, Craigie on Main, Salts, Island Creek Oyster Bar, and past threads. ;-) Without knowing more about your preference with respect to cuisine, price, and ambiance, it's hard to recommend one over another.

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Craigie on Main
853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

Island Creek Oyster Bar
500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

Bondir
279 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

[cambridgedoctpr]

that etc also makes me feel that it will be hard to know what you are looking for.