What are five things I should know about L’Espalier?
L’Espalier has long been considered Boston’s best French restaurant. Before you settle in for a meal at this Four-Star dining room, you should know the following things.
1. The dinner menu is prix fixe only. Your only choice is whether to order the evening’s three-course offering, the six-course seasonal degustation (a farm-to-table treat, with a vegetarian option), or the chef’s tasting journey, a presentation of multiple courses designed to give you a flavor of the kitchen’s prowess at French cuisine.
2. There is no bar at L’Espalier, but there is a salon. The lounge-like concept is a comfortable room where you can lounge on a sofa or settle into a cushy armchair and order cocktails from the wait staff. The room also has a small bites menu, which is a great chance to sample chef Frank McClelland’s clean, seasonal food without committing to the full prix fixe menu.
3. Reservations are a must on weekends and busy travel times in Boston (think graduation weekends or during the Boston Marathon). If you don’t have a reservation, you will likely not be seated.
4. L'Espalier's seasonally inspired cuisine pairs New England flavors with classical French techniques. Expect to taste produce, eggs and poultry from the restaurant's own Apple Street Farm in Essex, Mass.
5. The L’Espalier cheese cart is known as one of the best in the world. No matter how full you may be, save room for this legendary cheese course. Trust us, it’s decadent and with every bite you’ll thank us. You can also slip into the salon and order one of the cleverly named cheese flights — from "Soft and Gooey" to "That Stinks!," you’ll be introduced to fine fromage you won’t find elsewhere.
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On April 10Frank McClelland answered the question:
What is the cheese course like at L’Espalier?
My quest to serve “only the best” extends to L’Espalier’s renowned cheese program. Under the leadership of maitre d’ and fromager Louis Risoli, the cheese selection at L’Espalier has become nationally recognized and respected for its breadth and quality.
Selections from around the globe, including cheeses from England, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Australia and the U.S., are available as an à la carte course or as the Grand Fromage portion of the degustation menu.
Risoli strives to seek out handcrafted, artisanal cheeses with great character and depth of flavor. L’Espalier is especially proud of the relationships that have been formed with New England cheese makers, such as Woodcock Farm and Ruggles Hill Creamery, who provide their artisanal cheeses to L’Espalier exclusively. We are delighted to showcase their sublime efforts.
Cheeses do change seasonally and are always served at the peak of their ripeness. Most of the cheeses offered are also available for purchase to be enjoyed at home.
