L'Espalier Replacement?

[foodforbrains]

Hi Hounds,

A family friend used to go to L'Espalier for her birthday, but is not as into it since they moved. She's looking for a replacement restaurant -- French, delicious, Greater Boston area, and not more expensive than L'Espalier. Any suggestions?

Many thanks!

[profoodie]

Hammersley's, perhaps? It isn't fine French, but more bistro-y and it's definitely a warm, wonderful place to eat. No. 9 was a go-to place for me for a long time, but it's gone downhill. Overall, it's difficult to go fully French in Boston, IMO. You might find foie gras and sometimes terrine, but not much more. Gordon Hammersley had calf's brains - tete de veau - on the menu this fall and had to remove them because of lack of interest.

[Small Plates]

What about LaVoile on Newbury Street? It is more bistro/brasserie than fine dining, but the service and quality of the food is solid. It is also quaint and somewhat charming.

[foodforbrains]

No. 9 Park also sounds like an option -- thanks! What do people think of Lumiere, in Newton?

[ScotchandSirloin]

I like Lumiere, but it doesn't feel as special as the other restaurants mentioned above. May just be the ambiance of the storefront location, but I also think the food is not on the same level (although signifcantly cheaper).

[ScotchandSirloin]

I love L'Espalier, but if not there or Menton, I would say No. 9 Park.

[foodforbrains]

Thanks for the thoughts, guys. My friend is turned off by the coldness of the new L'Espalier, as you guessed. I did think of Menton, but I also heard it was even more expensive than L'Espalier (which is hard for me to imagine, but that's what I heard). If it is also a colder space, then I think that's probably out. I can check out Deuxave -- I think she'd be happy with something vaguely French, as long as the food is great and the experience is lovely and special-feeling.

[Klunco]

Menton?

[teezeetoo]

I find the space at Menton less pleasant than the new space at L'Espalier - it has a cold corporate feel. I also did not find the food as good. I can't think of anyplace with the lovely feel of the old L'Espalier townhouse, alas, but Deuxave is a nice space and vaguely French.

[Gabatta]

Agree. The OP wasn't specific about what her friend doesn't like about the new L'Espalier but whatever it is (atmosphere) I would assume Menton would be even less desirable.

Unfortunately there is nothing that remotely qualifies as a replacement for the old L'Espalier.