Restaurant Review... Bar Dining at the Bristol Lounge, Four Seasons, Back Bay...

It was a cold, snowy Thursday evening and I was stuck in my office working and feeling a little miserable.  I was supposed to meet a friend for dinner but sadly that got cancelled so I just stuck around getting some things done.  Talking with another friend we decided to grab a bite… phew an excuse to stop working and leave the office.  After confirming we would meet at the Bristol Lounge in the Four Seasons, I braved the horrid weather for the three minute walk. 

I am not a regular of the Bristol Lounge, a bit too pricey for frequent visits, but I do like to pop in every now and again for a nice glass of cabernet or to Wednesday’s Burgers and Burgundy with friends and of course as a special treat when I have visitors from the UK for their fantastic Afternoon Tea.   Thinking about it this could be a perfect afternoon for an Easter treat.

I arrived a little earlier and took up a seat at their relatively quiet bar.  Immediately greeted by one of the bartenders, who I have seen at the Four Seasons for years, I ordered a glass of the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon and took a look around while I waited for my friend. 

There is grandeur to the Bristol Lounge with it's warmth and elegance that makes you feel special.  These days I have noticed that the lounge and bar area is a lot more casual, even though the dress code is smart casual.  I see more just casual with its patrons but that doesn’t change the special feel and ambience.  There is also a chance of star spotting but not on this particular evening.

My friend, Stacey arrived and we took a look at the menu. The bar offers the luxury of being able to pick from the bar or main menu.  The menu offers their classic burger, fresh seafood and raw bar and housemade pasta options.  Wanting to try a couple of tastes we decided on a few appetizers and small plates to share.  Stacey remembered that the ahi tuna tartare was really good so that seemed an obvious choice.

The Bristol Lounge very kindly split everything for us, a very nice touch.  The Ahi Tuna Tartare is delicate topped with creamy avocado, crunchy jicama and grilled scallions, which give it a lovely sweetness.  Worthy of Stacey’s recommendation and now it is one of mine.

Ahi Tuna Tartare –
Avocado, Jicama, Grilled Scallions

We also ordered a salad of Curly Spinach and Endive.  While I did think there was a little too much dressing on the salad I quite enjoyed the combination of shredded apple, sweet beets and candied walnuts. 

Talbot Farms Curly Spinach and Endive Salad –
New England Pink Lady Apples, Petit Beets, Smoked Candied Walnuts, Celery Root,
Cider Vinaigrette

Saved for last and I have to say a surprise favorite for me was the lamb sausage with mini pretzels and spicy mustard.  An incredible flavor of spices and sweet meat made these sausages really special.  Added to that are perfect warm and soft salted mini pretzels.  Dipped into the mustard these were scrumptious.

Spicy Lamb Sausage with Mini Pretzels

While I wouldn’t dine at the Bristol every night this was such a lovely treat on a snowy evening and with sharing a couple of appetizers and small plate dishes we managed to be almost budget conscious.

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