Boston Restaurant Week | Bistro du Midi French
đ«đ· 272 Boylston Street: Boston Restaurant Weekâs Solid French BiteâReliable, if Not Revolutionary Snagged a last-minute 7 PM reservation for Restaurant Week (ending August 21) and left satisfied. The $38 dinner menu delivers polished, classic French dishesâno fireworks, but plenty to enjoy, especially if youâre here for the âcheckmarkâ vibe. đ„ The Basics: Bread & Apps Complimentary Bread: A crusty, holey sourdough (my favorite texture!) but served cold. Dipped in plain olive oilânice, but wouldâve loved a splash of balsamic to cut the richness. Mussels (Shared Appetizer): đŠȘ Plump mussels in a thick, herbaceous pistou sauce (think garlicky pesto meets tomato), tossed with sweet corn and cherry tomatoes. The sauce is rich (borderline heavy on its own), but paired with the two slices of grilled country bread? Chefâs kiss. Soaked bread + mussel = perfect bite. đŽ Standout Mains Steak (Friendâs Choice): đ„© The star. A perfectly seared cut, cooked to medium-rare (pink, juicy center) with a crispy, charred exterior. Served with silky mashed potatoesâsimple, but executed flawlessly. Roast Chicken (My Pick): đ A solid contender. (breast) + (drumette) comboâyes, the breast is slightly dry (inevitable), but the skin is crispy, and the meat is well-seasoned. It sits on a bed of risotto mixed with the same herb sauce as the mussels (familiar, but tasty), plus two caramelized carrots. As a roast chicken fan, Iâd say it holds its own against pricier versions. đ° Desserts: Split to Impress Raspberry Cheesecake: đ„§ Creamy, tangy, and not too sweetâbalanced by a tart raspberry compote. Served with a scoop of âpistachioâ ice cream (tasted more like almond, but still good). Coffee-Vanilla Profiterole: â A puffy pastry filled with whipped cream, drizzled with caramel. The coffee flavor is subtle, but the cream is light, and the caramel adds a sweet kick. Pro tip: Split bothâtheyâre rich, and sharing lets you enjoy both without overload. âš The Vibe Ambiance: Elegant but not stuffy, steps from Boston Common. Perfect for a casual date or Restaurant Week group. Service: Attentiveâwater refilled promptly, plates cleared quickly, and staff happy to explain dishes. For Restaurant Week, this spot hits the mark: reliable cooking, nice presentation, and no missteps. The steak alone makes it worth the $38, and Iâd bet their regular menu (with more creative dishes) shines brighter. đ 272 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 (near Arlington Station) #BostonFrench #RestaurantWeek2024 #DowntownDining