10th wedding anniversary: is Oleana the best choice?

Question

I have a 10th wedding anniversary coming up soon and am struggling with the dinner decision. Oleana is our favorite restaurant -- we go there for every birthday and anniversary. I love it but feel we should branch out for the 10th. Any suggestions? Food quality is the number one consideration, we like Mediterranean cuisines, and we prefer an atmosphere that isn't too formal (thus Oleana).

I was thinking possibly Toro, altho it looks like it doesn't take reservations. Also Craigie on Main, but wondering if it's just the same as Craigie Bistro which I wasn't a huge fan of because the food was so rich it gave me a stomachache. I also considered no9 park, but they don't have reservations available the day we need it. 

Thanks for your help

Answer

Since you are a regular at Oleana, I'd like to ask you about the portion size. We went there many yrs ago, and found it to be v. precious. It was so precious, we left there actually hungry. And, along that same vein, the review I read about Craigie Bistro in the Globe, Devra First said it was very expensive, and she left hungry. Do you need a reservation to go to Toro? Too bad about no9 park, the gnocchi is fabulous! I have to get to Rendevous. What about Hungry Mother? Any one managed to get in there?

Answer

Delete.

Answer

You might really enjoy TW Food. It is small and intimate, not too formal, with outstanding food.

Troquet and Radius are also consistently good with the food, IMO, although I haven't been to Radius for years. Service at Radius is/was impeccable and it feels like a big event sort of place, but the decor is more minimalist than Clio or L'Espalier, which makes it feel a little less formal. Troquet is pretty cozy and if you ask for a view of the common when making your reservation, maybe they would oblige.

Answer

I'd recommend T.W. Food. I went there recently and had a wonderful dining experience. There are about twelve tables and the atmosphere is as fancy or casual as you want to make it. The food isn't Mediterranean cuisine - more American and French-style cooking, but I think you will be very pleased.

Answer

We just went to Craigie for our anniversary last weekend and did the 6 course tasting menu and most of the savory dishes were seafood based. Although the desserts I got were richer with the pain perdu, the tarragon ice cream that came with it, was very tasty, and my hubby had sorbet with fresh fruit that was tasty and refreshing. Just wanted to mention since we had such a nice meal there.

Answer

Rendevous is one of my favorites but doesn't seem special enough -- but maybe that is because I almost always sit at the bar. I would say the same for hungry mother. I didn't enjoy TW Food the one time I went...

How about ten tables? I love the food, it is special but still casual. I went to Rialto for RW and had a great time (I've been lots of times before to the bar but had never sat at a table and had a full meal). Since it is in a hotel, in cambridge, you don't need to be dressed but it is still white table cloth with impeccable service. (And, if you are driving, you can park in the garage for a discount...)

I am a HUGE fan of oleana and sometimes there is something special in what we know... Friends recently went there for a post-wedding, pre-honeymoon dinner. They alerted the staff and champagne was waiting on the table when they arrived.. This couple was delighted (although it was their first time there and a group of us had given them a generous gift certificate...) 

I love Craigie but it doesn't sound like what you are looking for.

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10th wedding anniversary: is Oleana the best choice?

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