It has been quite a while since I have done are review on Mistral so I thought it was about time I did a revisit/re-review.
Let me start by saying that I absolutely love Mistral so could this be a biased review? Perhaps, but I think not only as it has always been but still remains one of my favorite restaurants in Boston as was proven again this past week with outstanding food, great service and the perfect ambiance.
It is hard to put into actual words what I like about it, but let me try. I like the fact that you can have an elegant dinner to celebrate an event in the dining room. I like that you can sit at the bar and share a pizza and a bottle of wine and I like that you can stop by for an Espresso Martini or Cappuccino and just sit in the lounge and relax. I like the décor and its sophistication, the atmosphere, which I find is completely unpretentious, and I especially LOVE the food created by Chef and Owner, Jamie Mammano. On this particular occasion, I decided to have dinner at the bar with my friend, Erin on a quiet Tuesday evening.
I sat at the long spacious bar and was immediately greeted by a very friendly bartender. The first words out of my mouth was “please tell me you are still doing the Tuna Tartare? If you are not, I may have to leave.” She responded “of course, there would be mutiny if we stopped serving it :)” While I waited for my friend to arrive, I ordered a glass of the 2012 Sancerre, ‘La Garenne’, Domaine Girard (Loire Valley, France), perfect for the slightly milder day we were having, which temptingly suggested spring is truly around the corner.
Upon arrival my friend ordered the Clouseau cocktail, a sharp citrusy fun drink.
THE CLOUSEAU
We decided on sharing the Tuna Tartare and the Escargot. I have still not found a restaurant that does Tuna Tartare as good as Mistral. The taste and texture is wonderful and just sheer pleasure. It melts in your mouth with a sour sweetness that makes you smile.
SUSHI GRADE TUNA TARTARE WITH CRISPY WONTONS, GINGER & SOY – $21
The Escargots are to die for. Rich tasting escargot nestles in a thick wine broth, which is enjoyed after all of the escargot have been eaten with toasted bread.
CLASSIC ESCARGOTS, BURGUNDY STYLE WITH RED WINE & GARLIC BUTTER, GRILLED SEMOLINA TOAST – $16
For our entrées, we ordered two specials, which they kindly split for us. First up was the Spaghetti Carbonara appetizer – big enough for an entrée with its creamy sauce, salty bacon and juicy peas. Amazing and filling!
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA (SPECIAL) APPETIZER – $18
For our second entrée we enjoyed the flaky mild and very tasty Striped Bass resting on greens with a lovely buttery sauce and fingerling potatoes.
STRIPED BASS (SPECIAL) – $36
We could not have chosen better for any of our dishes. So overly full for a Tuesday and no room for dessert, we stayed at the bar and enjoyed our wine. Erin was now on Malbec while I stuck to my fave, the Sancerre.
I remain a loyal fan of Mistral and will be back but not too soon as I love my time there to be always be a special treat… well, perhaps for brunch sometime soon.
Do you have a favorite restaurant?
You definitely picked all my favorite dishes and wines! I am conflicted a bit about Mistral. On the one hand I like it for many of the reasons you listed. My husband and I have enjoyed quite a few good meals there. It’s just in an awkward location for us, so close to the #NoMansLand of Club Cafe and the extremely unwelcoming vibe that gives off. Instead we find ourselves at places like Coppa or Estragon, two current favorites.
I am a huge fan of Coppa and love it for its intimacy. There is just something special in my heart for Mistral and I think always will be. For me its a celebration.
T-
I’m right there with you. Mistral is one of my favorite places to dine and / or have a drink. I love the vibe, the service and of course the food.