It was a Monday night and it seemed like a very good idea to order a Singapore Sling at one of Boston’s newest, hippest, wow-factorist (okay I know that is not a real word) places to open since… well, I am not sure. It’s new, it’s different and its fun and it was a Monday.
Red Lantern is like walking into one of the trendiest hot spots in New York – think Tao and you will know what I mean. Located on Stanhope Street in the old Bertucci’s space; Red Lantern has remodeled and decked out this huge space to become a cool venue for Boston’s diners and drinkers. The Asian-inspired décor is ultra trendy with high ceilings and exposed brick walls, hundred of lanterns hanging overhead, deep comfortable black leather sofas in the lounge area, luxurious red seated chairs at oversized tables in the restaurant and buddhas all around the restaurant. The open kitchen is enormous with a large sushi station and counter. You really do have to take a moment to take it all in. Quite impressive.
I was meeting my good friends Kathryn and Jaimee and we were definitely in for a treat. We started at the bar with cocktails of a Singapore Sling for me and Sumo Summer for them. The place was very quiet when we arrived but soon filled up and became loud and fun… I had to remind myself it was a Monday night and one Singapore Sling was quite enough.
So no more Singapore Slings, which was delicious by the way, but we did order wine. A deliciously, crisp bottle of St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc to share.
For food we decided on lots of things to share. First out was the Warm Edamame – Malden Sea Salt and White Miso Aioli. The aioli was a nice touch to this appetizer. Fresh and salted just right, dipped in the aioli made them tasty and morish.
Next up was the Lobster Rangoons – Crispy Wontons, Sweet Soy, Sliced Scallion. Oh holy yummy. Creamy, tangy cream cheese whipped up with small bits of lobster made these Rangoons sooo good.
We then ordered the Singapore Street Noodles – Rice Vermicelli, Shrimp, Pork, Curry, Spicy Oil, XO Sauce. By far my favorite dish of the evening. The dish was big enough for all three of us and we still had lots leftover for Jaimee to take home to her hubby. Just slightly spiced with pieces of shrimp, strips of pork and lots of noodles. I would order just this for myself next time.
Even more to come. We needed some Sushi and Sashimi of Spicy Tuna Rolls, Soft Shell Crab Rolls and a couple of pieces of Toro and Yellowtail. When it comes to sushi, I think it’s good or bad. This was extremely good. I did keep going back to the noodles though, which I could just not get enough of.
Our waiter(ress),and waiter in training checked in on us often and was lovely and smiley and chatty. Even the manager came over to see if everything was good. It was!
I cannot say this enough. As a Foodie, I am so happy to be living in Boston right now. The restaurant scene has exploded over the last few years with fantastic new restaurants and for that I am truly thankful.
Red Lantern would be a great venue for a private party, a birthday party, Saturday hangout with friends or a Monday Singapore Sling. Go, have fun and enjoy the great food!
