The dining scene in Boston is roaring back and the latest jewel in the downtown crown is the Vermilion Club Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar– a restaurant and lounge located in the Winthrop Center in the heart of the Financial District that is now being helmed by Chef Justin Urso.

With a pedigree that includes such local legends as L’Espalier, Sel de la Terre, Chatham Bars Inn, and Cambridge’s Blue Owl, as well as working for Gordon Ramsay, Urso has a solid command of the farm-to-table ethos and a firm understanding and appreciation of the bounty that can be enjoyed in Greater Boston and New England and is ready to make the first Boston bastion of New York’s Michelin-starred JF Restaurant Group into the best steakhouse in town- bar none.

Speaking of bars, Vermilion is named for the sparkling Dale Chihuly piece that hangs above its expansive bar where guests can enjoy progressive cocktails crafted by award-winning Beverage Director Amy Racine. 

In addition to a slate of steaks that ranges from a 6 oz. club style filet to a 28 oz dry-aged tomahawk and 36 oz porterhouse (any of which can be enhanced with seared foie gras, bleu cheese Bearnaise, broiled lobster tail, and other seductive sauces and sides), Vermilion also offers a full locally-sourced raw bar, and unique specials like veal chop Pizzaiola, rigatoni alla vodka, crab tagliatelle, roasted canoe-cut bone marrow, and a trio of tartares that includes steak, tuna, and tomato. Whatever you order, be sure to save room for burnt bee baked Alaska with honey ice cream and Vermilion’s signature hummingbird cake

Even if you are still WFH, throw on a tie and head back downtown to the latest and potentially greatest steakhouse in Boston. I’ll see you at the Vermilion Club Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar!          

Having recently raved about Saltie Girl in Boston’s Back Bay, I was intrigued to learn that their star chef Sebastian Zuluaga had been poached by another favorite eatery.

Though it has been a Seaport staple for 10 years, Committee has never been one to rest on its significant Greek laurels. The hiring of Chef Zuluaga is just the latest proof!

In addition to a new seasonal menu, Committee has also made some aesthetic changes, adding more and more modern seating and dining areas, a beautiful mural by Mark Grundig that dances with the hues of the harbor, and a new 68-seat patio that will surely be an added attraction for locals and tourists alike.

While the look is impressive, the true focus remains the food. As an authentic Greek Ouzeri, the Mediterranean diet is at the forefront of Committee‘s commitment to great food and drink, and that will be highlighted through such new faves as the appetizer dip trio (with tzatziki, tirokafteri, and green goddess hummus), the souvlaki trio (featuring chicken, pork, and lamb), a tuna crudo with cucumber water and tomato ponzu, and a kreaton feast that includes grilled lamb, pork, and chicken, with enough fries, zucchini, and pita to serve your entire legion.

Brunch fans will be able to enjoy such Hellenic hits as house-made kolokithii muffins, roasted lamb hash, and a grilled cheese sandwich made with spanakopita, each of which can be washed with a tray of mimosas made with fresh juices and bubbles from Greece and Spain. The Committee bar also features Greek beer and mocktails that fit in with the healthy diet that inspires most of their menu. But even the halva ice cream is made with healthy Greek honey, so its no big deal!                   

Since my beloved Scullers went underground, there is no place in Cambridge to take in great food (let alone music!) and a beautiful view of the Charles River.

Fortunately, the recently raved-about Monteverdi at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge recently opened its patio for dining, so now people can check their Instagram for hours and then go enjoy some of the best food in the area while enjoying one of the best views as well!

As it is the latest brainchild of hospitality hero Seth Greenberg, Monteverdi has been taking the Great Boston food scene by storm and attracting people from far and wide, so you better make reservations soon (and often) so you can get your favorite seat on the patio – especially as New England weather does not always cooperate with personal plans. If you want to hedge your bets and increase your chances of the perfect view, you can always plan a staycation at the Sonesta, but even if you have to eat inside, the menu and bar scene are worth the trip!

With its combination of authentic Italian foods and locally-sourced favorites including fresh seafood, as well as wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas, as well as a full bar that offers seasonal spritzes and other signature sippers (including a rose that Seth crafted with beverage queen Bethenny Frankle), Monteverdi is a great place to bring or make friends while enjoying amazing food and spectacular views.

If you needed even more reasons to visit, Monteverdi is also hosting special events, including wine tastings themed meals, and cocktail showcases, and live music and is available for rental to make your event even more special!

See you on the veranda!

As if the news that superstar comedian (and HUGE Tom Brady fan) Nikki Glaser dined there after six sold-out shows a the Boch Center was not big enough, the uber-popular plant-based dining establishment Lulu Green is about to open in Kendall Square!

This means that you can now get their delicious and enjoy their café-by-day / restaurant/lounge-by-night vibe whether you are on one end of the Red Line or the other!

But don’t let even the cool vibe fool you- Lulu’s main thing is delivering delicious, nutritious, organic, and sustainably plant-based food and drinks that are all freshly-made with minimal sugar, oils, and other icky stuff in a fun and efficient manner that allows you to truly enjoy eating healthy without having to worry about it.

From sharable starters like their signature hummus with seven-spice za’atar and their warm and refreshing lemony lentil soup to their signature brunch sandwich with chickpea “egg” and tofu “bacon” to their house-made Lulu burger with grain mustard truffle oil or a warm quinoa bowl that is packed with superfoods, Lulu has what you want at pretty much any time of day. And if you just need a quick boost of sweet energy, their freshly-baked croissants, cookies, and macarons or their meaty menu of acai bowls and smoothies are the perfect pick-you-up!

Speaking of drinks, Lulu has a full coffee bar all day and a full bar bar all night, making it a great place to drop by after work for a Bloody Lulu, international wine, local beer or cider, or driver-friendly mocktail or digestion-friendly kombucha. 

Did I say it’s all plant-based? Sorry- it is so yummy, I forgot!

In any case, you heard it here first- Enjoy!