Mistral, a French restaurant in Boston

🇫🇷 Boston French Spot: Skip the Duck, Savor the Foie Gras & Escargots We booked the first seating, and the vibe was lively—maybe a little too loud, but energetic. Overall, it’s a solid spot, though one dish missed the mark. Here’s the breakdown: 🌟 The Standouts Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras: 🦢 Unexpectedly brilliant. A thick slice of buttery, perfectly seared foie gras sits atop a crusty bread roll—which is stuffed with rich, saucy roasted duck. One bite: creamy foie, tender duck, crispy bread, and a burst of sauce. It’s so hearty, it feels more like an entree than an appetizer—but who’s complaining? Classic Escargots: 🐌 The best I’ve had (admittedly, I haven’t tried that many). Plump snails bathed in garlicky butter, served with crusty bread for sopping up every drop. No rubbery texture, just pure, indulgent garlic-herb flavor. 😐 The Letdown Half “Whole Roasted” Duck: 🦆 Hyped online, but underwhelming. It’s closer to Chinese roast duck than classic French, but lacks depth—less flavorful than the duck in the foie gras appetizer. The mushroom rice on the side? Bland and forgettable. Skip it. Mistral Linguine: 🍝 Fine, but unremarkable. Al dente noodles in a standard sauce—no “wow” factor, just a safe, filling choice. 🥐 A Quick Rant Newbury Street’s La Voile? Not worth it. From snails to foie gras to the pre-meal bread, it’s underwhelming (personal opinion, but strong). A friend swears Menton is Boston’s French food “ceiling”—I need to check that out next. Vibe: Great for groups or dates, but ask for a quieter table if you can. Verdict: Come for the foie gras and escargots—you won’t regret it. Just skip the duck. 📍 (Searchable in Boston—worth finding for the snails alone!) #BostonFrench #FrenchCuisine #FoodieFinds