Ancient Grandparents and Easily-bored Teen: Saturday Dinner

[pocketviking]

S.O.S., Hounds! Am looking for a place (preferably in Cambridge, but Boston fine) that works for antiques and a teenager who's...a teenager. Thankfully, we're all omnivores - eat everything but fish lips and chicken feet. Also, cost not important as we'll pay almost anything to make this night work--though the priciest places aren't necessarily the best in this case. Looking for good food of any type, comfortable seating, low decibels, easy parking (street or valet) & ambiance with enough energy to keep the kid off Facebook in between courses. Ideas?

[Blumie]

Rendezvous in Central Square. It's our go-to-place with my 80-something-year-old parents and their 7- to 18-year-old grandchildren.

[pocketviking]

Thanks, Blumie! You made the same suggestion last fall and we're good to go. Love Rendezvous, and the kid'll enjoy checking out the Central Square scene with or without the old folks. Perfect!

[Blumie]

At least I'm consistent!
We usually skip dessert at Rendezvous and take the kids over to Toscanini for ice cream after dinner.

[pocketviking]

Yes, like the Northern Star. Thanks!

[pocketviking]

Thanks for the suggestions, and I apologize to whole Boston Chow Board for posting the same question twice within a year! Forbearance appreciated.

Am liking Bergamot not only because of food but general comfort (acoustics, chairs, easiest parking around) - and it's blocks from my house.

For any of you who aren't bored to tears by this question which has more to do with family dynamics than food, any ideas for the outdoor mall known as Harvard Square? Teens love malls, and the rest of us love the Square. Harvest seems like a good bet but suggestions welcome.

[dulce de leche]

Russell House Tavern--as long as the grandparents are ok with going down a flight of stairs. It's a bit quieter down there, but it's a lively place.

If they can do stairs I would also suggest Upstairs on the Square. Both of these valet, I think.

Orinoco just opened in the former Small Plates spot. I haven't yet been, though.

[mkfisher]

If you do Upstairs on the Square, make sure it's in the Soiree Dining Room. The Monday Club Bar is quite loud.

[Niblet]

Casablanca might work.

[pemma]

Mamma Maria could work. They valet.

[LeoLioness]

Gran Gusto?

[johndory]

I'd recommend Bergamot in Somerville, just over the line from Cambridge and adjacent to a parking lot. Either restaurant in the Charles Hotel (Rialto or Henrietta's Table) would probably also work for you.