Boulud's Boston Bar

Bar Boulud
776 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 535-8800
www.barboulud.com

So, Halloween has past, T-giving's on the horizon and you've never been so ready for a vacation. Well, after spending all that doe on your sexy CDC costume, and now you have to save up for your various secret Santa gifts, Mr. Popular, you can't quite afford a trip to France. Who wants that seven hour flight anyway—with that kid kicking your seat the entire time and threats of being quarantined after your vacay… no thank you.

No need for those airplane woes. A staycation awaits you in your own city; Boston, say hello to your very own Bar Boulud. Since Daniel Boulud has perfected the art of dining across the globe, he decided it was time to open his first Bean Town venue. And he chose the perfect place to make you feel like you're really on vacation—the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

More: E.S.P. Eat. See. Play. Boston

Entering this eatery you'll be enthralled in the hip French bistro vibe—wooden panels flanking the ceiling, walls made from wine crates, and black leather with red velvet booths aside marbled wooden tables.

Once seated, you may have to briefly let go of the I'm-on-vacation-and-don't-want-to-think mentality, as you choose from a menu of scrumptulecent selections. However, to help make your trip through the menu as relaxing as possible, we are here to inform you of some of Chef Boulud's and Chef de Cuisine, Aaron Chambers' signature dishes. As a trend setter who helped make the gourmet burger popular, Boulud and Chambers now bring you burgers such as the Frenchi (confit pork belly, tomato compote, Dijon, and Vacherin Cheese). If you're looking for something a little less carnivorous, give the Aubergine Ravioli a try. With charred eggplant, sheep's milk ricotta, green olives, and confit tomato, you won't be disappointed.

More: Bostonia Public House: Your New Meeting Place

If you're still struggling to fully don the French persona, allow Sommelier Joe Camper, to help get you there. With wine choices from the grapes of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley, along with over two dozen Champagnes, you'll ease into your new role as Captain Jetsetter in no time.

So go ahead, call in sick tomorrow, head over to Bar Boulud and start your staycay off right. Because as we like to say, "When in Boston…"

By Amanda Blum