Tapeo
In Spain and many other parts of Europe, there is a tradition of providing low-cost or even no-cost light meals with cocktails. Tapeo comes close, offering $5 tapas--small plates--at the bar from Sunday to Friday each week.
While costing slightly more at the table, tapas is the watchword here. Try the chicken-stuffed crepes with orange sauce or a braised onion stuffed with lamb, rice and vegetables, each $8.
To satisfy larger appetites, there is a good selection of full meals including the classic Spanish rice dish, paella at $25. You may choose from a medley of meat, chicken and seafood, or seafood only atop your saffron-flavored rice. Other main courses include a beef tenderloin with figs, apricots and prunes drizzled with a cream brandy sauce, also $25.
Tapeo offers a good selection of Spanish and other wines including sherries with some under $30.
The atmosphere is warm with lots of tile, red brick and copper punctuated with bright cobalt blue tabletops and chairs.
Tapeo
266 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-4799
tapeo.com
Bouchee
When an American restaurateur sets about to replicate a French brasserie, let's face it, he begins with a darned fine model. The trick is to pay close attention to the original and apply the lessons learned. Bouchee has done that with an extensive menu of French classics including baked racelette cheese with port poached pears, steak tartare, lamb sausage with sauerkraut, and trout with brown butter.
There is an impressive selection of wines available by the bottle, half bottle and the glass. Wines by the glass are quite affordable and are listed in descending order from lightest-bodied to heartiest. There is a full bar as well with a dizzying selection of aperitifs, brandies, single malt scotches and more.
The decor borrows heavily and with flair from the French model as well with lots of wood, brass and glass. The patio at Bouchee is a favorite on Newbury Street and is made comfortable in the spring and fall by the addition of heating units.
The pricing is comfortable with most appetizers at lunch around $10 and most entrees well under $20
Bouchee
159 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(860) 450-4343
boucheebrasserie.com
Cafeteria Boston
The concept behind Cafeteria Boston is comfort food in an upscale setting with a little extra pizzazz. Come to Cafeteria when you're in the mood for macaroni and cheese--theirs is done with fontina, cheddar and parmesan. For an extra $3, they'll add hot dogs, bacon or shrimp. Spaghetti and meatballs is on the menu as well, along with fish and chips with a sourdough crust and vinegar aioli.
There is a revolving daily special for $18.50 so regulars know that if it's Wednesday, it must be slow roasted brisket. On Saturday they can count on chicken pot pie.
Of course, there are burgers, sandwiches, salads and pizzas as well, along with some breakfast entrees. There are also trendier dishes for the stubbornly modern.
The wine list is a long one with only a couple of wines under $30. If you're celebrating a hole in one, you can wash down the home cooking with a bottle of Roederer Cristal brut rose champagne for $825.
Cafeteria Boston
279 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-2233
About The Author
Lois Lawrence is an attorney and freelance writer living and working in Stonington, Conn. She has written on many subjects including travel, food, consumerism, relationships, insurance and law. Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1976, and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979.
