Boston has so many dining options but when it comes to French cuisine, a standout is certainly Brasserie Jo at The Colonnade Hotel on Huntington Avenue.
The interior of this beautifully designed restaurant evokes Paris in the 1940s with its marble, mahogany and rich banquettes. Whether you are looking for a beer from Alsace or a delicious wine from France, the extensive regional French wine list and great selection of beers are to be commended here.
Our friendly server arrived with a perfectly sliced carrot salad complemented by a dish of spicy mustard. It came alongside a loaf of fresh hot French bread served with creamy butter. We started the night off with a half dozen oysters, fresh and briny, with a side of horseradish sauce, spicy Tabasco, and vinaigrette for added flavor.
The three shrimp cocktail (available by the piece) were enormous and served with a side of hot horseradish cocktail sauce. Don't miss the flavorful sliced smoked salmon appetizer atop a mountain of horseradish cream cheese (be sure to save some French bread for spreading-you'll be glad you did).
Corporate Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage Operations Nicholas Calias sent out some beautifully prepared tastings, including fresh crab with radishes, cilantro and ginger, and scallop with caviar and bacon crème. We proceeded along to the perfectly cooked New York strip steak with cheesy pomme gratin. The steak frites was tender and juicy and paired with a side of crispy salted fries. There are a variety of other entrees available including braised lamb shank, horseradish crusted salmon, sautéed sea scallops, roasted sea bass and duck confit.
We were barely able to order dessert but the tempting warm bread pudding made with sweet chocolate chips and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream was the perfect ending. Don't miss the chocolate lover's dream: A fun chocolate mousse prepared tableside topped with fresh crème and white and milk chocolate shavings.
Brasserie Jo
120 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
617.425.3240
www.brasseriejoboston.com
Kellie K. Speed
Kellie Speed is a freelance writer with more than 20 years' experience writing for a variety of publications, including US Veterans magazine, DiverseAbility and BestReviews. She also contributed to Moon Metro's Boston guidebook published by Avalon Travel Publishing and can be reached at kkspeed@aol.com ...(Read More)