Boston is famous for its historical landmark buildings, many of which have been open for centuries and have not changed in quite some time.
And while it can be fun to get lost in yester-year, they are also as a place for updating and making productive changes.
The Lenox Hotel has been peering over Back Bay for nearly 125 years and has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and others (hopefully including my author talks soon!). Though it is a member of Historic Hotels of America and was once the tallest building in Boston(!), the Lenox recently brought all food service in-house and handed the culinary reins to Chef Daniel Kenney, who previously served at The Liberty Hotel in Boston and the Four Seasons in Costa Rica.
While we eagerly await the transformation of the famed City Table, guests and visitors alike can enjoy (and I DO mean “enjoy”!) the new menus and vibes at the Irish-influenced sidewalk cafe called Sweeney’s and the lobby bar that is now known as The Irving (after Irving Saunders whose family purchased the property in 1963).
Having trained with his team in Ireland, Chef Kenney now brings such authentic touches as Harp, Smithwick’s, and Magners to Guinness-bathed short rib sliders, a corned beef and cabbage sando, and a beer-battered fish & chips that is worth trying for the chips alone! From 11-2 daily, you can even enjoy the Full Irish Grill, which includes blood sausage, pub fries, baked beans, and brown bread, among other emerald enjoyables! There are also local faves like Duxbury oysters, clam chowder, and a colorful organic salad that is enough for two!
Speaking of company, the polished granite bar is a great place to meet friends from near and far and also to catch your favorite Premiere League or rugby match. It is also a great place to enjoy a Tipperary (with Teeling and chartreuse), a Cleggan Collins (with Gunpowder Irish gin), or a European wine. No matter what you enjoy, be sure to save room for the 99 Flake (complete with Cadbury chocolate and Bailey’s Irish cream drizzle) and lots of neighborly fun!