Food talk from a person who enjoys eating (and often eats too much)

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

The Ultimate Kitchen Table


I've been dying to tell you all about one of my new favorite places to eat in Boston. It's called Ten Tables, in Jamaica Plain. This place is by far the best place I've ever eaten at (and I've eaten a lot in my time). I also like you leave without that guilty feeling of spending too much dough ($$) on dinner. This affordable, winsome restaurant will win you over the minute you walk in the door and get a whiff of the amazing aroma. 

So what's so great about it? Here's my top 5 list:
1) Wednesday night $29 3-course dinner specials (what a frickin' deal!)
2) The food is absolutely fantastic
3) Ambiance can't be beat (unless your really old and in that case it probably sucks)
4) All of the food is local and organic 
5) Free parking

I first went to Ten Tables on a Wednesday night with a friend, not even knowing about the $29 special. We also were able to find parking about 3 blocks away for free! Awesome, considering there are many places that charge a ton for parking these days! Anyways, back to my point, if you've ever eaten at a half-fancy place in Boston, you know that appetizers+entrees+drinks+desserts+ports=$$$$. This place offers the best food. Portions were just right. Small enough that you can eat all three, yet big enough that the last bite is a feat. I started off with a cauliflower soup that was garnished with some sort of red oil. I know I'm suppose to be more familiar with this, but I have no idea what it was...all I know is that it was incredible. I could have drank this all night long and taken some home it was so good. For the main course, I had gnocchi in a red wine and wild mushroom ragout. (That means sauce for you non-foodies out there.) Usually gnocchi is so filling, I can rarely finish the plate. But this gnocchi was light, fluffy and still full of flavor. Finally, I finished off the meal with 2 orders of dessert. Yes, 2. And I decided to divert from my usual chocolate sweet tooth and ordered citrus flavored desserts instead. 1 order of olive oil cake with a citrus garnish, and a lemon tart. Both were fantastic. I also noticed on the menu that all of the food used here is from local, organic farmers. Kudos for being environmentally aware and helpful!

The menu had a wide range of prices for wine, which is always a nice surprise. The ambiance was also incredible. In this tiny space, which is exactly why it's called Ten Tables, they have managed to create a warm, inviting feeling with dim lights and an array of tealight candles. The painted brick walls are adorned with photographs that make you feel like your in an artist's loft studio. There are also tree branches and other nature-related items in the room that make you feel like your sitting in someone's living room. 

If/when you go to Ten Tables, ask for the Chef's table. This is where we sat and literally had a direct view of the kitchen. Talk about the ultimate kitchen table. Situated on stools looking into the kitchen, I was in awe at how the chef's seemed to create little masterpieces on each plate. They even came over and talked to us for a bit. When's the last time the chef came out of his kitchen at a restaurant and personally asked you how the food was? I was blown away by the true love of food at Ten Tables. I know I sound like I'm gushing...and to be perfectly clear, I am! I love this place and will definitely be back soon. From what we were told, the menu changes quite often and I'm excited to see what else these talented people can do!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this information. I don't like to go out often, but when I do..it is nice to find a place with great atmosphere, good food and not have to take a mortgage out to pay for it.

Susan

Anonymous said...

I will be visiting Boston during her graduation and this restuarant will definitely be on my list...if you find others..please share....

Thanks...

Proud Mother

Anonymous said...

Hey: I just read your blog and my daughter is also graduating...this May...maybe I will see you there.....sounds great....

Another proud mother

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great place. Too bad I can't go there since I am not in Boston. The dining in East Central Illinois leaves much to be desired.