Jules Verne is one of my favorite places on the planet.
I planned to propose to my girlfriend (now spouse!) there. Back in the days before internet reservations. I made reservations via fax to the concierge of the hotel we had booked. I got the confirmation by return fax. On the appointed day we arrived at the entrance to Jules Verne at the appointed time, and the gate was locked. I pulled the confirmation out of my pocket and realized there was a crease in the fax. Our reservation was for 12:30, not 2:30. I started sweating bullets in a panic - I didn’t have a backup. My girlfriend didn’t understand my distress, took it in stride, and suggested we try a nearby place she recalled seeing in Fodor’s. We arrived to see there were still guests in the dining room. We asked the hostess if they could accommodate us. She disappeared into the kitchen and she returned with good news, if we ordered promptly. We sat down to the strains of the Beatles “All you need is love” playing. The name of the restaurant was “Au Bon Accuiel”. And so it was. And the rest is …a wonderful marriage.
Years later we managed our first visit to Jules Verne. We’ve been several times, and we are looking forward to going again around Christmas this year. Foodies will scoff that the food isn’t noteworthy, but every meal I’ve had there has been magical. I urge anyone reading this to try it, at least once for lunch. It is THE way to appreciate the Eiffel Tower. No crowds, no line, private elevator.
If you are in the City, specifically the North End, try Parziale’s Bakery at 80 Prince St. http://www.parzialesbakery.com especially if your a fan of bakery slice pizza. I had time to stop by last week for a large sliced scala, hadn’t yet had lunch and found the front window filled with trays of their bakery pizza plus numerous calzones. My favorite topping (s) is sausage, pepper and onion. Ordered two slices to go. Irene, sweetly put them in a box after placing both on a sheet of foil. Then, into a bag. Drove straight to my husband’s office with the pizza. We sat in the car and promptly devoured those two slices after draping multiple napkins on our laps and chests just in case a morsel was dropped. Baked in a coal-fired oven the crust is just toothsome enough, the sauce and toppings generous. Part of me was happy I didn’t buy multiple slices while the rest of was pleased I hadn’t. One square slice with ample toppings was enough to provide us both with a filling lunch.
I likewise did not buy any calzones mainly due to carbs calling my name when I am working from home. Options were eggplant parmigiana, Italian coldcut, plus a few more I am not recalling.
FYI : Labor Day Weekend is the Feast of St. Anthony and St. Lucia. Primarily on Endicott and Thatcher Sts. very close to Parziale on Prince St. If you’re good with throngs of people pay no mind.
Saturday we took the ferry from Salem Ma (free parking) to Long Wharf. Fun ride, lots to see, would bring my binocs the next time. Very nice lunch at Ma Maison, asparagus soup and an omelet for DH, fresh salad and mussels in white wine/garlic for me. I really enjoyed the vinaigrette, tart not sweet.
Ice tea and a Kronebourg lager with macaroons for dessert. A nice lunch, felt rather grown up. We strolled down Charles St and sat in the Public Garden for a bit, digesting and people watching.
Back on our feet, we headed to MGH to visit the gift shop. It is one of our favorites and although we didn’t buy anything we did come away with potential holiday gifts. Onto the green line, off at the Public Library to see the Map Center but first we stopped into the Map Room Lounge, for a cold drink. Very nice space and the mocktails were very refreshing. Full service Tea is offered and there was a wedding in the room adjacent to the bar. The Map Center was very interesting, if you find maps interesting. We wandered through Eataly for a bit and then back on the T to Long Wharf for reboarding. The ride home was a little bumpy but still fun. It was a nice day in town without the traffic and is something we’ll do again.
The trolley was there for folks getting off in Salem and plenty of rental bikes too. Fins is good and there is a new French place that has good reviews. The name escapes me.
My own story is less lovely than yours, @MaxEntropy , but more odd.
After some searching, we found the particular leg of the Eiffel that had the private, angled elevator to the restaurant, confirmed by the gent garbed as a ship’s captain (“20,000 leagues”?) at the base. He checked our names on a list, then pointed us in the right direction.
We took a few steps and came upon a sign that said “Jules Verne —>”. We obediently turned to the right, not our normal orientation, to see worn, concrete steps atop which was a nondescript gray metal door guarded by two beret-clad soldiers in camouflage fatigues. Ah, we chuckled, understanding at once with our worldly sophistication that this was "shabby chic’. The security was also understandable. Probably Macron was dining there, and perhaps after we’d hobnobbed with him at lunch we’d be best friends.
The steps to the door were steep, and as we labored up them a platoon of soldiers started trotting up. We were puzzled, but still had the wits to say “Jules Verne” to the soldier at the top. He saluted and swung open the door. Before we could say “Mer…” the head of the platoon saluted back and the soldiers streamed into a dark interior that was clearly not a nice restaurant.
You can say what you want about us, but we know when we’re in the wrong place. We turned abruptly and went back down. The entrance to JV turned out to be after the sign, not before it.
Salty Girl. Seafood, of course, but they also have one of the best steak tartare you can find in Boston, and an amazing burger.
Ostra. This is more of a white table cloth experience, also with a seafood emphasis, but my daughter says the best steak she has eaten in Boston was at Ostra. She and my spouse took me there for my birthday last year.
Contessa. It just feels indulgent, with spectacular views of the Public Garden and Back Bay.
All three of these places appeal to a range of eaters
@MaxEntropy amazing list! Friends took me to Ostra for my 50th birthday and it was such an incredibly special meal! Another friend took me to Contessa for my 51st birthday dinner and it was fantastic! You have excellent taste. My husband has been to none of the above. Older teen is extremely adventurous and will try anything, Younger is willing to try anything, but is kind of a super taster and extremely sensitive to different flavors. THANK YOU! Promise to report back.
If anyone has other suggestions, happy to entertain them! It does not have to be fancy!
