Time was when refined men (and women) could gather at the dining club to enjoy a meal and each others company.
And while the golden age of dinner clubs may have gone the way of attentive customer service, it is good to know that both are still available in certain locales.
One of those is the Metropolitan Club in Chestnut Hill.
From the moment you arrive and your car is whisked away to the complementary valet lot, you know you have found something special. As you enter the circular entranceway, with its burnished and en-emblemed copper floor and broad, tall windows, you are instantly transported from the bustle of busy Route 9 to an oasis of calm and comfort. In front of you, just past the gas fireplace and high-backed reading chairs that make for a small library-an retreat perfect for intimate dining, an elegant wooden bar beckons with glistening mirrors flanked by a pair of unobtrusive televisions perfect for those who don’t want to get away completely from so-called “real life.”
Among the offerings available at the well-stocked bar are such refined “bar snacks” as the Met’s signature charred tomato salsa-topped nachos ($8), devilled eggs and Osetra caviar ($18), and a daily selection of artisanal cheeses ($15), as well as a variety of salads ($14-19), sandwiches (including the Bar’s own chicken club for $12 and a Kobe beef hot dog with housemade relish for $15), and a wide array of dessert ($7-10, but more on that later).
Turning to the left past the welcoming host station and one of the Met’s libation-laden wine racks (which include literally hundreds of selections including “Old” and “New World” whites and reds from the United States, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere, as well as champagnes and sparkling wines), guests enter the main dining room, where they are given the option of larger independent tables (perfect for the Club’s ample “family style portions) or a series of plush leather and velvet booths surrounded by deep woods, metals, and frosted glass. Either way, diners will enjoy the Club’s attentive and friendly service and broad menu selections. Starting with homemade breads and crostinis – all of which are accompanied by creamy butter topped with sea salt, as well as fresh hummus and feta-infused olive oil – Club members (and that is how they are made to feel, especially through the web-based membership program, MetMail) can begin or accompany their meal with such specialty drinks as The Metropolis (which features the chef’s own Hibiscus liquor), the 42 Chestnut (a vodka-based nectar served in a cinnamon-sugar rimmed glass), made-to-order Sangria or the seasonal Fruit Cocktail ($10-11). Should you care for a soft drink, don’t be surprised when your server places a selection of fresh citrus at your table to add a bit of added flavor to your refreshment.
Once that delicious decision has been made, diners may be presented with the Club’s statuesque salads (which include a super chilled iceberg wedge with bacon and black pepper maytag blue cheese dressing for $9 and a grilled Romaine crab Louis with chinks of crab, devilled eggs, and a custom crouton for $18) and savory soups (cheese crouton-topped French onion or smokey tomato served with mini grilled cheese sandwiches, for $9 each). Other enticing appetizers include a crock of chicken liver pate ($10), a half dozen oysters ($14), a hot or cold seafood plate (market price) and the chef’s watermelon steak (which, at $10, is actually made of seared watermelon).
In between courses, the service-minded waitstaff will probably refresh your flatware and your beverages, all the while answering questions, fending off food allergies and offering polite and cordial conversation.
For the main event, visitors to this “modern” steakhouse (a quote taken from the venue’s own mission statement which is prominently-displayed at the beginning of each menu) can select from “regular” items such as the New England Yankee pot roast ($20), a hand-picked charred skirt steak ($22) or similarly select dry-aged Prime sirloin ($42 for 14 delicious ounces), center cut bone-in veal parmigiana ($34) or a selection of fresh seafoods including pan roasted Tilapia with calamari and heirloom tomato sauce ($22) and gold lacquered Chilean sea bass with baby bok choy ($29). Lobsters are also available at market prices. A la carte sides ($6-8) include roasted asparagus, Peruvian Lima beans with pancetta, macaroni and cheese (a fitting comfort food alongside others of its ilk) and four preparations of potato.
On weekends, guests are given a new set of choices. Saturday or Sunday, a Prime rib is offered as long as it lasts for $38. On Sunday, the Club has been offering a series of “theme dinners” which have ranged in flavor from down-home Texas BBQ to Spanish fiesta. For these $30 prix-fixe meals ($20 for children under 12), diners are offered a choice of appetizer, entrée, and a dessert which may include an almost overwhelming sundae consisting of homemade vanilla, mocha almond and (real) butter (whole) pecan ice cream topped with real whipped cream, fresh hot fudge and hand cut toffee bits.
As the portions are ample to say the least, the Club also offers high-end “doggie bags” in which to portage all that you can’t leave behind. While taking some “to go” may be frowned upon at other metropolitan establishments, the supportive staff at this Metropolitan actually encourage it so that diners can experience at least part of each tantalizing and satisfying course). But do not feel the need to rush. Linger through a few of the gently-broadcast Jazz tunes or enjoy a variety of teas and coffees (French press for two, perhaps?) or even a glass (or bottle) of port at your table, at the bar or by the fire. After all, this is your Club!
So whether you want to get away from it all, try something new, or just have your old favorites served in new ways, The Metropolitan Club may just be your new regular spot. They will surely be glad to welcome you!
The Metropolitan Club
1210 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA
617 731 6000