Monday, March 19, 2007

Shhh... Don't Tell


It is with some reservation that I write this post. I always knew that the time would eventually come for me to write it, but it didn’t know it would come so quickly and feel so frightening. Yes, it’s true. I am about to write about my most favorite restaurant in Boston. Since this blog reaches millions and millions of people every day (or maybe it’s just me, checking it millions and millions of times a day… whichever) this favorite place of mine will become flooded with people that I am certain to dislike and I will not be able to ever return. So don’t tell any more people than you absolutely must, ok?


If you must tell people about this glory of a restaurant, please make sure you’re not telling total a-holes... For example, someone who believes HIV was engineered by the government… [oh yes, first and last date with the stupidest man to ever walk this earth] or anyone who has ever done a keg stand. Those people are totally not allowed. I discriminate and am proud of it.

So, with all the disclaimers and subtle threats in place, I shall now proceed to actually write about the restaurant – Audubon Circle, just outside of Kenmore Sq, and perilously close to Fenway Park. It’s my go-to spot. Whenever I don’t know what I feel like eating, whenever there is a concert later on that night, whenever I am meeting friends for drinks, Audubon is always my choice. It’s low key and lacking in pretense, with dark wood paneling on the walls and black slate-topped tables and bar. I know the entire menu by heart (ok, it’s a totally short and never-changing menu, but still…) and have tried close to everything on it. I have yet to feel let down.


Tuscan white bean paste sounds so unappealing, doesn’t it? It’s the word paste. It makes me think of Home Depot and Colgate, in that order. Regardless, the white bean… spread… is so much better than it sounds. Cannelini beans are ground super smooth with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and whatever other Audubon magic fits in the food processor, sprinkled with Kalamata olives and plopped alongside giant pieces of grilled bread. It’s perfect hangover food… and importantly, the perfect food to consume while earning your hangover.

Their Reuben is more panini than traditional steamed Reuben. It is rich but not overwhelming, crunchy on the outside and melted on the inside, with a perfect ratio of meat to sauerkraut to dressing (not too much of any one thing and not too much filling as a whole… very low risk of spilling down one’s chin or pants), served with a perfectly fresh salad tossed with a mustardy vinaigrette. There is also a green apple and brie pressed sandwich, cubano, black bean and regular burgers, and a grilled turkey breast sandwich that gives turkey rare sex appeal.

I could continue down the entire menu and comment on each entry but no one has that kind of time. I will say that everything is supremely fresh, every sauce and accompaniment (ketchup included) is made in the restaurant with their own twist. The consistency of the food is remarkable. It’s always good and always the same. I know exactly what I am getting every time. The totally aloof and cooler-than-me servers have never once gotten my order wrong even though they never write anything down. Except for game days when Audubon is flooded with the Red Sox fans, it’s never terribly packed, never too loud, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a drink… or a drinking lunch that extends into dinner. It’s been known to happen.



Now my secret restaurant crush is out in the open. I feel exposed. Please share Audubon wisely, should you have to do so.



Audubon Circle Restaurant and Bar
838 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 421-1910

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

So tasty and so perfect in all the ways you expertly enumerated. I hope you haven't let the cat totally out of the bag! Speaking of which, we should meet there soon... :)

The Crazy Cellist said...

I miss going there with you whenever we needed an escape from lab. I miss going there with you now. Perhaps that should be our next rendezvous after your next restaurant review ;)...

Anonymous said...

Hell, that sandwich looks amazing! I've often thought about moving to America just for the food you get over there. Honestly, restaurants over here are either cheap and dissapointing or good but expensive and/or pretentious.

So hungry....must eat.

JC said...

Audubon Circle sounds great! I think I'll start hanging out there all the time. Wait a minute, no I won't. But I would if I lived in Boston!

Anna said...

Alright, we can do this. We can organize a field trip to Audubon. Jonathan can come up from the Woo, JC can come from TX, AtP can come from, err, across the pond, and Melissa is already here! See? Simple. Let's get on it.

Anonymous said...

Call it something a little more sexy than a 'field trip' and I'm there!

Actually, is Boston worth a visit if I happen to be in that part of the world this summer?

Anna said...

Boston is absolutely worth a visit. Boston is gorgeous in the summer. I love it. The ocean, the restaurants, the BLOGGERS... I would also say "the history," but advertizing an American city's history to a European seems a little doltish. Did I already mention that there are some pretty cool bloggers in Boston?

JC said...

Woo hoo! Party at Anna's!

And forgive my ignorance, but what's the Woo?

Anna said...

Aaah, the Woo. Worcester is an hour outside of Boston. Pronounced in true Bahston fashion, as Wuss-ter. The Woo.

Anonymous said...

Cool bloggers in Boston? Pah, news to me :) Well I shall consider it, I'm trying to arrange a trip with my good friend from Ontario. The problem is she's useless, and I can't get hold of her. I'm thinking San Francisco might just be the winenr. We'll see.

Anonymous said...

...and by winenr I meant winner of course.