Housed in a 1920s bank and named for the owner’s mother, Flora (www.florarestaurant.com) has a lot of history behind it and a real sense of family. The man who helps craft the menu is the owner’s husband, the bartender is famous for getting to know every guest he can, and on the third Thursday of the month, entertainment is provided by one of Boston’s most famous musical families.
The main room features all the accouterments of the historic bank it used to be, including the vaulted roof, Juliet window, and even a vault dining space that can be reserved for business or pleasure. On one side, arched windows look out on the bustle of Mass Ave. On the other, the open kitchen lets guests look in on Flora’s ace cooking club. If you want all the great food and liveliness with a bit less overhead, try the lounge area, where lower ceilings do not lower the fun or personality. From the floor-to-ceiling front windows to the carpeted, burnished glass-framed rear area that can be cordoned off with thick velvet curtains to the friendly eat-at bar where a TV is available yet rarely needed on account of the lively clientele and afore-referenced barkeep, the side room is no marginal consideration.
On all the walls is locally-sourced and seasonally-rotated art (ranging from portraits and watercolors to classic Jazz album covers) that is personally chosen by Flora’s daughter. And with produce from Russo’s and other farmers’ markets, fish from Captain Marden’s, and meat from William and Co., the family feel extends beyond the walls to the local purveyors who help make sure the food is as fresh and flavorful as can be.
From the pre-entrée sweet potato rolls that are so popular that Flora sells them (out) at farmer’s markets in town to a dessert menu that makes Flora a great place to stop by before or after a movie at the nearby Capitol Theatre, the food at Flora offers a wide bouquet of flavors that is sure to please every guest. Though the menu is updated seasonally in order to ensure the freshest and most intriguing ingredients available, the offerings are diverse enough that everyone can find a favorite. Among the apps are the beef and pork posule, grilled whole sardines almandine with Kalamata couscous, panko-crusted goat cheese salad or a roasted pear salad with Great Hill blue cheese and pecans. Entrees include roasted Gannone chicken, Scottish salmon with kale risotto, vegan cassoulet with roasted root vegetables, and a wine-braised daube of beef with horseradish crème. The shining sides menu offers polenta, maple-glazed carrots, and a filling plate of Chimichurri fries that is worth the trip on its own!
Another dish to drive for is the signature cloud cake that heads up a dessert selection that also includes a crowd-pleasing pear tart and luscious gingerbread pudding. To help get that last morsel down, Flora offers Howell “Terroir” coffees, as a well as a wide selection of tea, single malt Scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon, sherry, port, brandy, cognac, dessert wines, and cordials.
Speaking of beverages, while the curated wine list and beer menus may be small, they are well-crafted and offer enough to match every delicious serving. Speaking of well-crafted, Flora’s drink menu adds a raft of refreshers that can enhance any meal. From the non-alcoholic Bellini Luna (made with sparkling cider) and Bermuda Sunset (an equally sparkling combination of fresh fruit juices and ginger beer) to such clever concoctions as the Low Rider (with Jim Beam, ginger, anise, lemon and lime), Russian Daisy (vodka, ginger beer and lime in a frosted copper mug), Pomerita (Lunazul tea, pomegranate liqueur, pineapple juice and lime), or Her Usual M.O. (Citron vodka, St. Elder, Crème de Violette and lime), even the designated driver (or the kids) can have more than a splash of fun!
Speaking of kids, though there is no printed menu, there are also plenty of options for little swingers, including the popular Bar Burger, plain pasta that can be served with butter or red sauce and house-made chicken fingers that can be served with side of vegetable or potato. For extra-small guests, there is a full changing table in the Ladies room and the friendly, helpful staff is more than happy to stop by for a quick round of “peek-a-boo.”
Though any night at Flora is sure to be special, creative specials add a bit of challenge to the menu in that it may often be difficult to choose just one plate! However, as you are sure to come back again, there is little worry here. In addition to the monthly visits by Boston’s best-known musical brothers (Bill and Bo Winiker and their stellar band), the suburban slice of in-town dining puts together a calendar of extra-special events, including their popular marking of the birthday of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns (complete with an address of the haggis) and their annual anniversary party. They also provide an extra-romantic venue for Valentines Day, a Thanksgiving to be grateful for (and full from), great Grad grub, and family-(extra-) friendly meals for Mother’s and Father’s Day. Flora also participates in Dine Out Boston (a.k.a., Restaurant Week), offering specially-priced lunches and dinners
So whether you want a taste of the city for the price of the ‘burbs or just a great place to eat, drink, perhaps dance and surely make merry, you are sure to be fond-a Flora!