Restaurant review, L'Espalier, Boston

JohnC

SBH Insider
We had one of the most over the top outstanding meals the other nite at L'Espalier in Boston. Until this meal, our most memorable meal was (and may still be) at Le Chateau D Chevre D'Or in Eze, France.
We were celebrating my wifes birthday and another significant event in my life (no longer have to pay alimony) and wanted a true celebration. We got it.

The restaurant has recently relocated to Boylston St near the Prudential. They have valet parking which is a huge plus. To just be able to pull up to curb and give your keys and walk in. Those of you who know about downtown Boston parking will understand.
The door opens to a reception desk where you are greeted and escorted into an elevator that takes you up 2 stories to another receptionist who escorts you to a lounge. Here the maitre D greets you and escorts you to your table. The restaurant has several rooms, I would guess holds about 75 people more or less. Was less the night (a Weds) we were there. Modern decor, tastefully done. Windows overlook Boylston St and Boston skyline (ours overlooked a busstop and Lord and Taylor partially).
Another maitre d type greets you at the table and explains things. Then begins a series of amuse bushes, more than we ever got at Le Toiny, etc. Between every course and sometimes twice.
The menu is a pris fix. $95 for 3 courses or 110 for 5 with wine pairings.
We had our new favorite cocktail, a St Germaine punch with champaigne, sparkling water over ice. Our wine for dinner was a Margaux, enough said. (Not the Chateau Margaux which went for $2000 a bottle).
We ordered salads, lovely specialized local ingrediants. For entre we shared a rib eye for 2 prepared 2 ways, one wrapped in pastry, other grilled. Dessert was also outstanding.
Service was amazing. My water glass never had a chance to empty. We went thru several iterations of silver, etc.
Leisurely pace 2.5 hr meal.
Total price was around 350 but well worth it for the elegance.
At the end, we were escorted back to our car in reverse order of entrance.
We said, "better than anything on St Barts" and maybe better than Chateau Chevre D'Or.
Highly recommend for a special occasion (because of expense, not an "every day" restaurant, at least not for us)
Just thought I had to share.
 
Thanks John- we will be in Boston Labor Day week and this sounds outstanding. Love the "no longer have to pay alimony". Sort of like no more mortgage. LOL
 
Sounds wonderful!!! Thanks for the report---filing away in my "Boston file"----I think I'll be back before too long!
 
Happy Birthday, Caroline.

John, this meal sounds elegant and wonderful, and I have it marked a great spot to hit if we get to Boston.

Congrats on your new status, alimony-free, as well.
 
John, thank you for your enjoyable review of L'Espalier. One of your best meal - ever - anywhere. I had reservations there not too long ago and a thunderstorm delayed my arrival from Philadelphia and we lost our table. Your review prompted me to schedule a return visit to Boston.
 
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