Friday, August 6, 2010

Stephi's on Tremont

I can't believe it has been 8 weeks of incredible lunches! I'm still loving every minute. Even if I was the only person lunching by myself at a busy restaurant in the picture perfect South End.I decided to visit Stephi's on Tremont. I have been to Stephanie's on Newbury, so I figured now it was time to give her hip younger sister a try. I arrived to a lovely but nearly empty patio. I choose to be seated indoors where air conditioning and a promptly delivered glass of ice water cooled me down in no time. It was a scorcher out there today.
Upon being seated I immediately took note of the fun salt and pepper grinders at my table. My waiter, who introduced himself as Travis, did an excellent job. No complaints in the service department, my drink and entrĂ©e were delivered at rapid speed. I decided on a signature martini to start things off.No, this is not a Cosmo. This potent creation would be a Tea Party ($12) - a Boston Tea Party at that, made with Absolut Boston, blood orange, lemon and iced tea. I get excited to see Absolut Boston on specialty drink menus as I just love the flavor infusions of black tea and elderflower. The martini might look like liquid candy but I assure you, it was only a tad sweet. Plus, I had a nice buzz after lunch.
I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare ($13) boasting sashimi grade tuna served with sesame poached tomatoes, whipped avocado, chipotle chili soy sauce, spicy mayonnaise and lime vinaigrette.
The silky whipped avocado was spread a top smooth compact tuna sphere that sat on a vibrant lime vinaigrette, swirled with chipotle chili soy sauce and topped with dollops of spicy mayo. The avocado layer looks rather thin, but it permeated flavor throughout the entire bed of tartare. Speaking of flavor, those emulsions added layer upon layer of it to the dish. They were absolutely brilliant together.
The side of wonton chips were a pleasant surprise.
They were served warm sprinkled with sesame seeds. The light and airy texture played nicely off their rich and buttery taste. 
Stephi's is clean and comfortable with large windows, off white wood paneling, handsome globe chandeliers and chocolate leather seating.
For sophisticated comfort food and classy cocktails in the South End, Stephi's on Tremont was great. I would definitely need to sample more of the menu to make a truly informed recommendation, but from my experience so far, I'd say she is worth checking out.
My South End walks continued throughout the afternoon. It was simply lovely.
571 Tremont Street
Boston, MA

17 comments:

  1. You know, I tried their weekend brunch recently. The food was fine, but I was not impressed with the selection on the menu. I much prefer some of the other South End restaurants... mmmmm... just thinking of Toro or Stella has my mouth watering.

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  2. I love how you take pics of every little detail! I'm going to do that when I go to Disney :)

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  3. That tuna tartare looks amazing!! I love that you do these lunches.

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  4. Your tuna tartare was beautifully presented. Although i thought your avocado layer was actually kiwi until you said it was avocado...teehee. that restaurant is very lovely decorated. have a great weekend!

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  5. I'm not the biggest fan of Stephanie's or Stephi's because I think people go more for the real estate than for the food. But I did go to a wonderful graduation luncheon in Stephi's private room a few months ago and had a really wonderful time. That being said, I also love, love, love the South End and am looking forward to wandering around there this weekend!

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  6. Oh that does look like a fun place to try! That tuna looks amazing!

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  7. I love Stephanies for their mac and cheese. Sometimes I think they're a big overrated, but I'm definitely looking forward to trying out the sister restaurant.

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  8. I love your photos - I feel like I'm right there, too!

    Love those S&P grinders!

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  9. So pretty! I am absolutely obsessed with Absolut Boston and always have it on hand :) And I've never been to Stephi's even though I keep meaning to. I just don't get to the South End as much as I want to!

    Sues

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  10. Ah, have eaten at Stephanie's, didn't know about this! Well, will add it to the list! Cosmos are NOT how I roll, either, I totally judge people by what they drink! XO!

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  11. Mmmm I'm all about those chips! That looks like such a cool place!

    http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/

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  12. Chef Stephanie is an expert at tuna tartare. I love your Friday lunches!

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  13. Dude, I wish you lived in Miami. Great restaurant reviews. That tuna dish was fantastically prsented.

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  14. I LOVE Stephanie's on Newbury- was just there last weekend. I need to try Stephi's. The tuna tartare looks amazing :)

    PS: I set up your Summer Snapshot to post on Thursday!

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  15. Stephi's! My almost nextdoor neighbor! I love it there. Delicious comfort food, less of a tourist destination, and higher end without feeling too stuffy

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  16. Perfection in a cocktail! Love seeing absolute boston still available. What a LOVELY Friday!

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