We are all starting to come out of hibernation—spring is here! And since the weather is starting to become nicer, break out of your winter rut and try some new places this month! 3 meals that you just have to have this season are at the new Pagu in Cambridge, the somewhat new Ocean Prime in the Seaport and the old standby, the Top of the Hub in the Back Bay.
Pagu – Cambridge
The exciting new offering from Tracy Chang, “merges Japanese and Spanish flavors and techniques.” Located in Kendall Square, Pagu has it all—taste, ambiance and buzz. The meal you need to have here this spring is the 4 course-tasting menu. The entire pace of the meal is perfectly proportioned, especially when you pair the dishes with the innovative concoctions coming from the bar. We are talking about a tasting menu, so the exact dishes will change depending on when you dine. But we started with some sashimi, which was truly an amazing first bite. Then moving through some pintxos and then to the bao, which is squid ink black, your every taste bud is satisfied. And finally, main event, some of Guchi’s own, the ramen fails to disappoint!
Ocean Prime – Seaport
The second must try meal this spring is the surf and turf at Ocean Prime in the Seaport. This one is kind of a no brainer—I mean look at the name. If you don’t try something from the sea as well as something from the pasture, you are doing it wrong.
Musts include: the dry ice laden “Berries & Bubbles” cocktail, that you have undoubtedly already seen on Instagram, it actually lives up to the hype; the steak tartar, which is classically prepared with just the right amount of Dijon and onion included; and finally the twin lobster tails for a main.
Top of the Hub – Back Bay
While many Boston foodies think of the Top of the Hub as a tourist attraction, you needn’t write it off. Head to the Top for lunch this spring and enjoy fresh plates as well as the best view in town. The meal you need to have is whatever is on the Prix Fixe lunch menu that day. The kitchen probably has the best express lunch in the Back Bay right now, fabulous salads, tasty mains and of course you need to get their crème brulee for dessert!
Pagu, Ocean Prime and the Top of the Hub are my 3 picks for essential dining experiences this month. For all the Boston foodies and visitors in town, these restaurants will hit the spot!