Last week, I got very excited when I found out that the Improper Bostonian had posted their Boston’s Best 2011 list. So excited that it inspired me to get back to posting on my blog again after a 3 month hiatus (whoops!)

Today’s post won’t be about something I cooked, but rather will highlight some of the places featured in the Improper Bostonian article that I’ve been wanting to try for some time, and hopefully will be visiting (and reviewing here) over the next few months.

There are about 100 different places in Boston that I haven’t been able to dine at yet that I’d like to, but after reading this year’s Best of Boston list, my desire to go to these three places in particular has increased tremendously.

Ten Tables

3. Ten Tables

Founder Krista Kranyak’s concept of fresh/farm-sourced, local and seasonal food was one that really hit home for me, as I start learning more and more about the evils of processed foods and also become a lot more aware of supporting the local economy and jobs.

As much as the concept of the restaurant holds credence of its own, many of the menu items I’ve heard about have really peaked my interest. From goat cheese croutons to chocolate terrine with sea salt and Thai basil ice cream, my mouth is watering just thinking about having a meal at Ten Tables.

Oleana

2. Oleana

I first heard about Oleana after chef / owner Ana Sortun appeared on Top Chef Masters. While she didn’t last too long on the show, she definitely shined as a master of creative Mediterranean cuisine. A former James Beard award winner, Sortun has a long resume behind her and brings a lot to the table at her newest endeavor, Oleana. From Warm Buttered Hummus to Fried Mussels with Turkish Tarator Sauce, Oleana’s menu is creative, inspired and very unique among the other dining options in the area.

And as much as I admire Ana Sortun, I’m almost equally as excited to try the creations of pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick. From rose petal jam to creative homemade ice cream such as lime leaf and hazelnut praline, Kilpatrick’s desserts sound as delicious and inventive as they come. Never mind the fact that there’s nothing better than enjoying a tasty, cool ice cream on one of Boston’s best patios, which Oleana also boasts. I’m really hoping to get reservations here before the summer is over, and even though you can’t reserve the patio in advance, I fully intend to try to get one of the highly coveted seats!

Craigie on Main

1. Craigie on Main

I often find myself drawn to two things: things that are hard to get, and burgers. Craigie on Main pretty much sums up the combination of those two things perfectly. The perfect burger… that’s really, really hard to get.

After the Craigie burger started gaining rapid popularity as the best burger in Boston, chef / owner Tony Maws had to take it off the menu. While that might sound like it doesn’t make sense, Maws had limited supply of ingredients for the burger (which is made from a mixture of grass-fed short rib, brisket, suet, bone marrow and dehydrated miso paste), but refused to compromise its impressive recipe in order to meet demand, so the burger is only available for those who know about it… ask and you shall receive, but only if you’re early enough. Craigie on Main only makes about 20 of the esteemed burgers per day, so you have to get there early for your chance to try it.

And now that Tony Maws has officially locked down the James Beard award for Best Chef – Northeast, I’m sure it isn’t getting any easier. But I’m still determined.

Is there a local restaurant you’ve been wanting to try but just haven’t yet? Or have you tried any of the places on my top 3 list above? Let me know what you thought!

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Filed under: Restaurants

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