The Tasting Menu Experience at Upstairs on the Square



Do you want to really spoil yourself and your dining companion? How about a world-class dining experience featuring 5 - 7 "tastings" (smaller plates) with layered, light flavors; surprising but perfect ingredient combinations and clean, sophisticated presentation? How about a night of savoring one of the best meals you'll ever have, in a gorgeous, eclectically-designed dining room with service that is second to none without a hint of pretentiousness? Recently I had the privilege of enjoying such an evening - at Upstairs on the Square.
I'm still thinking about what an all-around perfect evening it was and why more restaurants can't live up to their standards. They make it look so easy and effortless (which of course it isn't). All the hectic activity and hard work that probably goes on behind the scenes is invisible to the diner, as it should be but rarely ever is in most other establishments. So kudos to the warmest, friendliest restaurant partners you will ever meet - UotS' Mary-Catherine Deibel and Deborah Hughes. Their passion for food; positive, upbeat attitude; and laid-back sensibility permeate every facet of the restaurant from the food to the décor to the staff.
UotS is on Winthrop Street, a tiny road in Harvard Square tucked between JFK Street and Mt Auburn Street. Plans are underway to shut down the street to traffic and make it a pedestrian-only promenade with outdoor dining at UotS, Om and others. Something the Boston area needs more of!
There are 2 restaurants in UotS. Downstairs is the Monday Club Bar, a bit more casual in menu and ambiance, a place where you could easily find yourself becoming a "regular."

Our occasion was a birthday celebration and between the two of us, we were able to try everything on the Tasting Menu even though we opted for the 5-course menu instead of the 7. What a great way to eat out. Getting to try a little bit of so many different flavors - local produce, seasonal fish, varied preparations. And let's not forget about the wine pairings. Each "tasting" is paired with a different wine. This is an optional choice but I highly recommend it. (Unlike us, you don't actually have to try and keep up and drink all the wine in each course.) Wine Director Matt Reiser does not mess around. The man knows what he's doing. Trust his judgment. Anyone who can find a fabulous Hungarian dessert wine (Tokaji) clearly does his research.


Pan Roasted & Braised Giannone Chicken with Native Spinach, Lovage & Aromatic Broth was the next course. The chicken was crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. The spinach was wilted but had plenty of substance and lots of flavor. The lovage was a first for me. It's an herb in the parsley family that tastes sort of like celery. Very crisp tasting.
The next course was our favorite - Wood-Charcoaled Lamb Sirloin with Pesto, Summer Panzanella (tomatoes, onions, etc.) & Lamb Jus. Wow. Whatever preconceived notions you may have about how lamb tastes go out the window when you bite into this dish. It tastes like amazing steak. So incredibly tender and cooked to perfection, medium-rare. Definitely order this dish even if you're not a lamb fan.


Steven Brand is the young, wonderful chef who has developed this adventurous menu. A Marblehead native, Steve's previous experience included a stint at the world famous Jeans-Georges. In the words of UotS partner Mary-Catherine Deibel, "He is going to be a star." The night I dined there, he was in Spain, exploring all things culinary and trying to get into the impossible-to-get-into elBulli restaurant, home to Chef Ferran Adria, famous for developing the most cutting-edge food and dining experiences. Hope he got in and brings back some more great menu inspirations.
Upstairs on the Square
91 Winthrop Street, Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA
617.864.1933
Tasting menus must be partaken by all diners at the table.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home