One of the best meals of my LIFE was at Mistral... a former office holiday dinner in the wine room. But that is not what this review is about. This review is about the best meal of the day.... BRUNCH.
Now, I consider myself to be a brunch aficionado. I've indulged in this fantastic midday ritual at a sizable number of places in and around Boston. So please hear me when I say this.
MISTRAL. Is. Boston's. Best. Brunch.
You may doubt me. This is fine. But let me count the ways:
1. Brunch is a great way to enjoy 5-star restaurant without 5-star prices. Gotta say, I feel pretty money walking into this joint.
2. Mistral has variety and depth to their brunch menu. Boston brunch spots seem to do the same tired dishes.... over.... and over.... I never ever want another Gran Marnier French Toast. It's a snoozefest! Last time I went, the table ordered: Classic Eggs Benedict with pork loin & Burgundy truffle; prime sirloin burger with gruyere, duxelles & rosemary frites; spaghettini with poached duck egg & shaved ham; and my dish: jumbo lump crab & chive omelet. On prior occasions we've had belgian waffle with banana rum compote & maple ice cream; and my favorite, the winter foraged mushroom, spinach & gruyere fritatta. Basically what I'm getting at is the food is thoughtful, original, and there's more than one option for each brunch category: sweet, egg, lunch.
3. Okay, so the menu is varied. It wouldn't matter a lick if the food sucked. But it doesn't. It's brilliant and beautiful, like a star on a clear summer night. Okay... maybe I like this place too much. But hear me out! The dishes are composed to enhance each ingredient's best qualities. And something as simple and throwaway as oven-roasted cherry tomato garnish MAKES ME WANT TO TAKE ALL THE CHERRY TOMATOES IN ALL OF THE CONTINENT AND ROAST THEM AND EAT THEM. Ahem. Sorry about that. What was I saying? Oh right, the food is delicious.
4. The service is attentive, helpful, not rushed. Service you expect at a fine dining establishment. Though I suppose there are still a few places out there who may snub my ragtag crew of tattooed, Chuck Taylored, big furry hat wearing peeps, Mistral is not one of them.
5. Big awesome point for being RIGHT OUTSIDE Back Bay station, so that when it's 3 degrees, it's but a short sprint to this warm enclave of delicious.
Pros: Brunch, service
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