Matt records segments for Jordan Rich’s “Connoisseur’s Corner” which airs on WBZ (http://boston.cbslocal.com) weekdays at 11:55 AM.
The following is a “script” for one of Matt’s forthcoming segments:
The Tasting Room at 51 Lincoln
Over the course of nearly two decades, Chef Jeff Fournier has quietly established his reputation as one of the area’s most creative and confident chefs. From Pignoli, Locke Ober and Excelsior to his two popular Newton eateries – 51 Lincoln and Waban Kitchen – his bold artistry is as intriguing on the plate as it is in his paintings on the walls.
Recently, Chef Jeff expanded his pallet further by turning the private dining room in the 51 Lincoln basement into an intimate tasting room where he and his talented team are free to prepare whatever the winds (and local farmers) bring their way. While the watermelon steak, milk and cookies and house-cured charcuterie are available upstairs, things apparently get even more interesting when hidden from the light of day. Surrounded by wine from Chef’s impressive collection and photographs of his even more impressive food, the fortunate few who get a reservation in the Tasting Room are presented with a five-course menu that changes monthly in order to ensure the freshest ingredients and ideas. While Fournier uses the space to satisfy his adventurous spirit, each of the courses can be adapted to fit any food proclivity or preference and all can be paired perfectly with hand-picked selections from the expansive wine collection, much of which is provided by vintners who know Chef Jeff personally and always deliver their best, just as he does.
So even though there is no way to leave 51 Lincoln disappointed (or hungry), the new downstairs lair offers another level of possibility.