Dinner at Boston’s No. 9 Park
Image of No. 9 Park by Brian Samuels Photography
Prune-stuffed gnocchi. I’d heard that this was one of the few standing dishes on the menu at Boston’s No. 9 Park, but I didn’t understand why. And then I tasted it.
But, let me back up a bit. I was in Boston for a 24-hour trip for an article I’m writing for The Travel 100. And friends, you know that while I love working out, I also love a beautiful meal and wine. So, I was in search of a dinner spot for the trip.
I was staying at the W Boston and learned that they have a partnership with the Barbara Lynch Collective. One of the collective’s restaurants, No. 9 Park, was within walking distance. And after taking a look at the eat spot’s menu, I was sold.
The evening I dined at No. 9 Park was a bone-chiller, with a super-cold wind chill for this Georgia girl. After walking from the hotel to the restaurant, which overlooks Boston Common, I was happy to be tucked into a cozy table with a nice view.
While I settled in, I enjoyed my version of a martini, which is basically super cold Hendrick’s Gin, olive juice, and olives. Although the restaurant offers a tasting menu, as well as a variety of entrees, I opted for a few smaller plate, so I could try more.
Going into this meal, it’s key to understand that the chef at No. 9 Park has mastered the art of putting flavors together that pair beautifully — that is, flavors that I would have never thought would taste OK together.
I began with the Maplebrook Farm burrata, served with heirloom chicory, cashews, puffed rice, and a foie gras vinaigrette. Straightaway, I was dazzled by the rich flavors and the crunch that the puffed rice and chicory contributed. Oh, and the creamy burrata was amazing!
Next up came the peekytoe crab with beautiful lady apples, topped with a fried Ipswich clam. Every bite felt like a little burst of summer in my mouth on this cold winter day.
Finally, I got to the main event: the prune-stuffed gnocchi topped with tiny pieces of foie gras that were seared on the outside and tender on the inside. And with the first bite, I understood why this was one of No. 9 Park’s most popular dishes. The flavors were rich and velvety, with each feeling like heaven in my mouth.
I should add that I also opted for a few glasses of pinot noir along my dining journey, one of which came from their extra special by-the-glass menu. (What I mean is that there is the primary by-the-glass menu, and then there is a small menu of really nice by-the-glass options that wouldn’t typically be served by the glass.)
I was so full from the bites I sampled that there was no room to order the restaurant’s signature dessert, the chocolate soufflé. But, my server insisted that I take a few bite-sized (complimentary) sweets home with me, in case my appetite returned. It was a beautiful end to my Boston evening.