Boston has always been a city revered for its eats, but it appears it is finally taking a cue from New York City and expanding its offerings when it comes to finer fare. Forum, on 755 Boylston Street, will open its doors to the public July 15th. The Euz Azevedo (of both The Federal and Noche fame) restaurant is being designed by Martin Vahtra (L’espalier, ICA Boston/Water Café), so we can expect a sleek, minimal, and modern atmosphere – a clear reflection of the much-anticipated menu.
The restaurant will have a casual gastropub on the bottom floor, with a considerably more upscale dining area above. Boston food-lovers, does this ring any bells? Nouveau French restaurants Sel de la Terre and L’espalier employ a similar concept. And they were designed by the man now at the helm. Surprise, surprise. To add insult to design doppelganger injury, guests at L’espalier can spy on the Forum guests, and vice versa, as they’re nearly right across the street from one another.
That said, I’m curious to finally compare the actual food (lest we forget that restaurants are, in fact, about dining and not simply design). Jared Chianciola of Eastern Standard will fill the role of executive chef, featuring an “Eclectic American” theme. Sounds tasty, but what I’m most excited for are the cocktails…
Word on the street is beverage manager Alexei Beratis (Towne) will introduce barrel-aged cocktails, which are mixed and subsequently aged in small barrels, enhancing existing flavors with the characteristics of the barrels being used. Not exactly a ‘new’ technique, as you can currently find barrel-aged cocktails at Cambridge’s Temple Bar, among a few others in town, but I’m thrilled at the prospect of chilling out with one of these cocktails after a strenuous day of Newbury Street shopping (window shopping also permitted, natch). Location, location, my friends.
Make reservations for Forum now, or wait a couple weeks and I’ll see you at the end of the bar.