$$$$Price: Expensive • American • Charlestown
This is a very stylish but casual place in a beautiful setting in the gentrified Navy Yard area of Charlestown. I expected it to be much more uptight and formal as many popular places are these days. My expectations were confounded though as it could not be more welcoming. I actually went twice in my week staying in Charlestown, once just by chance, with 3 friends and no reservation for dinner. I never thought we'd get in but the host showed us to a table right away. Today I had made a reservation and came with two friends, meeting up after a long time. On both visits, the server (two different people) was friendly, efficient, helpful and made the whole ordering process fun. Then there's the food. Oh my! The 'petit corn soup' may be the best soup I've ever had. There is so much delicious lobster in that tiny bowl, and the flavor and texture were the stuff of dreams. My friend had a featured Umbrian sparkling white wine that was so good she took a photo of the name. I had a vodka and mint cocktail that was creative, refreshing and not overpowering, just the way I like it. The beet salad was crunchy and very fresh, the pasta dishes we tried were perfectly cooked and flavorful. Today we shared a pork sandwich and a roast turkey sandwich, and started with the Muhammara, a middle eastern starter with a slight kick. All absolutely noteworthy and there was nothing to take home. The prices are reasonable and they're fine with shared plates. My only quibble is that they don't offer desserts or coffee. I don't mind at all no desserts, but after a delicious meal with friends, and especially as the weather gets colder, I like sitting for a little while longer over a hot cup of good coffee. That would certainly not prevent me from coming back anytime I'm near here. Maybe next time I'd bring a thermos.
