Back in the summer the much anticipated Lookout Rooftop Bar at the Envoy Hotel opened its doors to the “it crowd” of Boston. While I had frequented this cool space a number of times during our gorgeous weather, what I was really waiting for was the opening of the Outlook Kitchen & Bar in their lobby, which I knew would be far more my pace and I was right.
I had tried the Outlook a few times since it opened earlier this Fall before making the decision to write anything. The thing that struck me most was that it didn’t have the wow pull of the rooftop. This makes sense given how much we Bostonians crave to be outside in the summer, but honestly I think people are missing on something great. Perhaps there was not enough pomp and circumstance to the opening or it opened with 10 other restaurants opened the Seaport area? Whatever it was, I found it surprisingly sad. Each time I have visited, I had a lovely time enjoying their handcrafted cocktails and tastes of the small plate menu.
The restaurant itself is spacious and modern with a large bar as the central focal point. There is a very cool light installation across the back main wall and on the opposite side glass moveable walls lead to a patio, which seats about 45 people looking towards the Barking Crab. It’s a nice dichotomy of old and new Boston.
A few weeks ago I was in a bit of panic when our reservation got messed up for one of my team’s holiday dinners. Of course, it was impossible to get a reservation anywhere decent for the same night so I called my friend over at The Envoy and asked what could they do for six people? I didn’t want any special accommodation, just a table, great food and drinks. I really try not to ask for too much in life :). She said done and done.
Upon arrival we were welcomed and walked into the private room of glass walls, which sits in the kitchen area so we could watch everyone at work. What an absolute treat and certainly one I didn’t expect!
The restaurant staff are outstandingly attentive, informative and courteous. The menu offers a selection of interesting salads, small plate items, flatbreads and an eclectic range of entrées brought to the customer by Chef David Verdo. Between us I think we may have ordered almost everything on the menu and while one or two items were not as flavorful as we would have liked such as the Atlantic Halibut, everything else was super and absolutely every dish was beautifully presented.
Some of the standout favorites of the evening was the Shrimp Tempura, Tuna & Salmon Sashimi, the Scallops with edamame and the Parpadelle and without question all of the desserts, but in particular Movie Night, a dessert I featured a few weeks ago for Fab Dish Friday.
Enjoy a little slide show of our dinner at the Outlook Kitchen and Bar.
This place is definitely worth adding to your must dine at restaurants for 2016.
