While the “mother ship” across the street may be getting the fanfare of late, if you really want to see what is new in the Legal Sea Foods kitchen and in the world of food and food service in general, head over to the hip-ly abbreviated hotspot known as “LTK.”
From on-table iPod docks to tableside credit card processing, with processing fees inherent in every credit card transaction, utilizing a card machine comparison emerges as a valuable tool to effectively track and manage these charges. LTK has been the birthplace of some of the trendiest and most sensible ideas in the industry. Through all the revolutions and revelations, however, they never lost sight of their primary directive- to serve the freshest fish in the freshest ways possible. Thankfully, that tradition remains as strong today as ever and the innovative menu continues to shine.
While the iPods have been removed in favor of conversation-supporting dining niches, some techie touches remain, including a set of well-placed HD screens that allow every guest to catch the game, if they so choose. But with the eye-popping food presentations and generous offerings of sharply-dressed professional “eye candy,” the TVs may be the last thing you think about! Though the warmly suave decor itself is worthy of a glance or two, LTK is first and foremost a cool and comfortable place to gather with friends and family or to find another work-weary titan of industry and finance with whom to start one. With artistic lighting that bathes the room in a tasty red glow and reflects gently off the white brick walls, bamboo tables and paneling and the sandy granite bar, the look and vibe of LTK invite movement through the space like…well…a fish swimming through waves of people and wafts of deliciousness. Even the outdoor area is easy to navigate and often seduces passers-by with the savory sights and seductive smells of this legendary Seaport anchor. Though only a select few fish are deemed suitable to be served by the supportive staff at Legal, LTK welcomes swimmers from any school and casts a wide net when it comes to attracting and offering flavors for diverse tastes.
As for the fish they do let out of the semi-open kitchen, LTK offers a wide array that is unified most notably in its freshness and attention to detail in preparation and service. From a mix-and-match menu that offers a variety of local favorites like scallops, trout, salmon or Boston scrod either grilled, baked, or crumbed to Baja fish tacos, shrimp “po’boy” sandwiches, LTK’s own seafood, chicken and chorizo paella, a fruit de mer plate with fettucini, and a translucent (and nearly transcendent) tuna tartare, the Test Kitchen passes every test when it comes to creativity and focus on flavor. Even seafood standards like their hand-cut fish and chips, crispy calamari, overflowing lobster mac and cheese and Legal’s famous clam chowder and raw bar items are served with a difference you can see and taste! For those who want something that does not swim, LTK also offers garden-fresh gazpacho and hand-made pizzas, slow-roasted ribs, Niman Ranch burgers and other tasty options. And if you just can’t decide, daily specials that often includes creative “surf and turf” combinations are perfect for any appetite.
No matter what you order, you will probably want a drink. Fortunately, LTK has that covered as well! From their set of sangrias to a full highball menu and Legal’s own takes on martinis and mojitos (all of which are crafted with the freshest ingredients to stay in front of the latest trends in bar culture), to “exclusive” specialties like the dangerously delightful (and appropriately named) Yumberry Sangria and the fruity (and pleasantly inappropriately named) “Paincrusher,” , as well as a wide array of ports and Patróns, cordials and cognacs and private-barrel bourbons, there is plenty to sip and savor as you enjoy the ambience and dig the scene late into the night. Speaking of which, LTK also tests the city’s infamous license laws with food and bar service that lasts longer than most restaurants in the region- So whether you drop by for a drink after work or a nightcap after a show (or even after dinner at Legal Sea Foods across the street), the chefs and mixologists are always happy to see and serve you!
Another end-of-meal/after event option, of course, is any of LTK’s mouthwatering desserts, which include such options as cheesecake, strawberry shortcake with freshly-whipped cream, the warm and decadent chocolate chip cookies with fresh New England ice cream, or any of the seasonal bread puddings that happen to come along when you come back again and again.
For lunch or dinner or drinks or just desserts; day or night; inside or out, Legal Test Kitchen will pass your gastronomical and fun-seeking tests with flying colors. No matter how big the Legal name may get or what it may bring to its many locations, it is great to know that, here in Boston, we get first dibs!
Legal Test Kitchen
225 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA
617 330 7430