Please recommend a place to go for our 10th anniversary! We love Sycamore, our absolute favorite restaurant; other favorites include Oishii (the original in Chestnut Hill) and Oishii Boston (less so since more expensive), Myers & Chang (except too loud). Can do Boston, Cambridge, etc.
For a special occasion like a 10th anniversary I would suggest any of the following:
Liquid Art House on Arlington
Bar Baloud in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Bistro du Midi on Boylston
And if money is no object, O-Ya for excellent Japanese.
These two threads might be a help.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/986456
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/986180
I'd consider Asta which I have loved or, if you want something a little easier in style and less expensive, Lineage. I'd also consider L'Espalier's wine or cheese night dinners: reasonable and excellent and fun.
Thanks! Are there any places slightly under O-Ya in price but equally as good as Oishii? My husband is not a fan of French/Italian food but does love Sycamore. I will read more about Asta and Lineage since those are more 'new american', correct?
I went to Bar Baloud last week with a friend, we were seated and got not so much as a water in 10 minutes, so we left. - not impressed with the service.
I can't speak to the other options, but I think if you like Sycamore you will like Lineage. It's a bit less trendy, but the same straight forward, solid flavors and a seasonal approach.
While I looove the Lineage decor, oysters and biscuits, I think the food is a few steps down from Sycamore in creativity. I would steer you to ICOB, Island Creek Oyster Bar,which, though it shares the same Exec Chef (Jeremy Sewall) with Lineage, is a really memorable experience for the atmosphere, energy, food and beverages and service.
From our June visit:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/9778...
Although it is not what I would call a "special occasion place I really like SONO Asian Cuisine in Arlington for very good Japanese food. Tom, the manager does a great job serving excellent sushi and sashimi and IMHO the best Hamachi Kama in all of Boston. They also do many of the standard Japanese dishes you will find almost everywhere but I usually stick with the sushi/sashimi offering and the Hamachi Kama. On Thurs, Fri and Sat they usually have a couple of specials. This past weekend it was baby Sea Bream and Flying Fish. I tried both and found them very, very good. They will do all the "designer rolls" too but I stick with the more traditional styles.
Have you been to Alden and Harlow? It's a bit less expensive than some of the other recommendations, but the quality is exceptional and if you like Sycamore I reckon you'd really enjoy it. It is larger, but the space is designed quite well with lots of alcoves; I requested a quiet table and got a lovely little corner.
I would also suggest noting in your reservation (wherever you go) that it's a special occasion and that you'll want to take your time over dinner. Not that any of the places mentioned is likely to rush you, but it would help their planning.
Since you've listed Oishii and Myers and Chang, I'd definitely put East by Northeast at the top of your list. Reservations definitely required; it's tiny.
It's definitely more on the fancy-food-casual-space, but it's not super-loud, so you can talk.
by Jen Wheeler | Need a spring vegetable guide to what's in season? Consider this your spring produce cheat sheet—complete...
by Rachel Johnson | Whether the kids are still distance learning or returning to a classroom, with school back in session...
by Kelly Magyarics | You’ve sprung for a gorgeous piece of enameled cast iron cookware; protect your investment by cleaning...
by Debbie Wolfe | Home chefs love wood cutting boards because they are durable and reliable. Wood boards are attractive...