Forum | Back Bay

Forum Bar & Restaurant was one of the business on Boylston Street most affected by the tragic Boston Marathon bombings back in April. After months of hard work and painstaking renovations they reopened in August with a polished and classy interior, a new chef, and a terrific new food and drink menu. Recently they hosted a media dinner where the new menu offerings were showcased in their intimate upstairs dining room.

I started the evening with a classic Sazerac which warmed me right up on what was the first chilly evening in late October. Friends order some of their signature fall cocktails - sips of the Cranberry Cobbler and the Pumpkin Sangria are comforting and not overly sweet. 

The bar bites menu offers a variety of flavorful dishes; my favorites are the cauliflower and white bean hummus with grilled sourdough bread and the bacon wrapped shrimp with soy ginger dipping sauce. Next comes the indulgent streak+cheese spring rolls and crispy crab fritters served with an Old Bay tartar sauce. From the appetizers menu a huge bowl of sauteed mussels grace us, they are outshined in this instance by the more exciting predecessors.

Mini portions of the braised wild boar pappardelle are enjoyed around the table; concluded as a very worthy contender for an entrée choice. The 8oz bone marrow encrusted filet ($36) with a red wine demi glace would be worth the splurge, the tender meat is enhanced by the rich, buttery, slightly sweet marrow with a delicately crisped breadcrumb crust.

There are desserts, too! A flourless milk chocolate torte with preserved cherries, spiced chocolate crumble and toasted marshmallow, a rather forgettable oreo semmifredo, a triple chocolate mousse martini, some southern style fried peach pies with salted caramel sauce and finally, a lovely banana crepe cake with peanut butter mousse, mango butterscotch and pb&j ice cream.

It is wonderful to see these guys up and running. Welcome back, Forum