Need Newton/Framingham rec

[BobB]

My sister is coming in from California for the holidays and wants to get together with some old girlfriends while she's here. Looking at a map, she's figured out that the Newton/Framingham line is pretty much the geographical center of where they all live, but none of them actually lives there so they don't know where to meet.

They're not looking for anything haute cuisine - in fact my sister is pretty whitebread in her tastes - so I'd like to be able to recommend something with traditional American cuisine but above average quality. I rarely eat in that part of the world myself, so I'm turning to you, fellow 'Hounds, for suggestions.

Any thoughts? At this point I'm not sure whether they'll be doing brunch or dinner.

[gojirasan]

I realize this may be a bit late, but forget Framingham. AFAIK there isn't a single decent restaurant at any price anywhere near Framingham. I have lived in Framingham for decades. I was even born here. So I know. You have to get east of Natick to find anything edible, at least by chowhound standards. And if you really care enough about food to even be asking this question you probably won't be truly happy with anything outside of Boston. In fact it's hard enough to get a good meal even in Boston. Although it helps a lot if you're rich.

[chompie]

How many people getting together? We had to get a group of about 12 together at the intersection of Pike and 128/95 and ended up at Naked Fish. THey have a very nicely decored private room, and it was surprisingly tasty and excellent attention and service in that room. They have a caribbean touch on food and cocktails and its geographically centered and you can sit in a big square for everyone's ease of conversation as a group. Its heavy on seafood but theres lots of other stuff. Its a chain, so its comfortable for all-american eaters and its got a bit of a californian touch too..sort of

[lobster lover]

they r closed,now mexican

[chompie]

the Natick Naked Fish is now Margaritas, but as far as i know, the Waltham one on Totten Pond Road is still there and plans to not close.

[BobB]

Thanks guys - I'll pass these along and see what she thinks.

[johndory]

51 Lincoln in Newton Highlands might also do the trick.

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51 Lincoln
51 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA 02461

[Tedmom]

Sel de Terre at the Natick Mall is between Newton and Framingham and would be a good choice for weekend brunch or dinner.

I also recently had a very good experience at the Legal Seafood in Framingham and the menu has a lot of "American" cuisine options to choose from.

[Science Chick]

I was definitely thinking Lumiere or Sel de la Terre, too....wondering about the "American" request though. These would be the best choice for something high quality, not over-the-top adventurous.

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Lumiere Restaurant
1293 Washington St., West Newton, MA 02465

Sel de la Terre
774 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199

[Scruffy The Cat]

We have started meeting my in-laws at Sel de la Terre. They're very non-adventurous eaters and prefer "American" food, but the menu at SDLT or at least the one at the mall is really not overly challenging and they liked it. They especially oohed and ahhed at the quinoa. ;-)

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Sel de la Terre
774 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199

[ChinaCat]

Maybe Legal Seafood in Framingham would be okay? If they want something a bit more pubby, and not seafood, I like John Harvard's in the shoppers world mall.

If you want something nicer, I would recommend Lumiere in Newton. Its not what I'd call traditional American, but its the best restaurant in the area and definitely not challenging to the palate.

It might turn out that Waltham is not too inconvenient as a meeting point, since it is next to Newton, and not far from the intersection of the Mass Pike and 128. That would open up a pretty nice variety of restaurants.I like Solea as a meeting place with friends, but perhaps thats a bit too challenging if she really wants something more traditional.

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Lumiere Restaurant
1293 Washington St., West Newton, MA 02465

[Mr Bigglesworth]

if you are in Newton, the biltmore of the local probably will do the trick. I have zero clue about the quality of the food, but maybe british beer company in framingham?

[Gordough]

since Wellesley is in between Newton and Framingham, if you are looking for a brunch spot (I don't care for their other meals) I suggest taking a look at the Cottage restaurant on Linden St. in Wellesley. I would skip it, however, if they decide on dinner.

[Scruffy The Cat]

I'd go to Paddy's or O'Hara's before the Biltmore or the Local. The Biltmore is really not good in my opinion and the Local has an unpleasant attitude.

Sel De La Terre is in the Natick Mall and also has very solid food which will please a variety of palates.

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The Biltmore
1205 Chestnut St, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464

Sel De La Terre
1245 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760

[Science Chick]

Not sure if you want more Newton or more Framingham....there isn't a Newton/Framingham line, as they are 3 towns apart (with Wellesley and Natick between). Also, pricepoint would be helpful. When you say "traditional American", do you mean basically meat/potatoes (eg steakhouse)?

[BobB]

Hah! That shows you how little I know about geography outside 128. Let me get a little more guidance from her about what they want and I'll post further. Thanks.