blu 4 Avery St.
Boston
(617) 375-8550

As summer rapidly draws to a close, and dreams (nightmares?) of term papers and hiking Rabb steps begin to consume our minds, we reflect on the highlights of the past three months. Amidst the fabulous beach days, fun family trips, relaxed summer reading hours and valuable internships, outings to restaurants, cafs, bars and ice cream stands always tamed the inevitable food cravings.

On a warm summer night in August, after having worked all day in Boston, I met my mother at a new restaurant in the theater district called blu. It became clear that this was not going to be a typical city dining experience, as the restaurant is located in the Sports Club/LA atop the Ritz Carlton in Boston Common, and overlooks the hustle and bustle of Downtown Crossing. Wide windows surround the chic interior of simple, alluring dcor. Pastel lights shine down onto the tables, giving the area a magical, romantic look.

Fresh from apprenticing in Southern Italy, 27 year-old Chef Dante de Magistris creates delicious dishes of new American food with an Italian flair. The appetizer of "Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin with Goat Cheese, Frisee and Aged Balsamic" melted in the mouth and was devoured in a matter of seconds. For my entre, I ordered "Potato Gnocchi Over Wild Mushroom Ragu and White Truffle Fonduta," which was light, yet satisfying. Having traveled in Europe earlier in the summer, I could honestly say that this gnocchi was comparable to that of the finest restaurants in Italy.

Finally, even though we were full, my mother and I shared a dessert because they were too tempting to pass up. The "White Hot Cake with Molten Chocolate Hazelnut Center and Toasted Chicory Ice Cream" called our names, so we indulged. This dessert sounded better than it was, but still it was above average. Unfamiliar with chicory, I inquired about it and learned that it was a common European ingredient that was a Mediterranean herb, with a coffee-like flavor. This was the tastiest part of the dessert.

Blu is a rare treat in the heart of Boston. Although it is a very expensive place to dine ($22 to 32 per entre), for a special occasion it should not be overlooked. The hip, sophisticated atmosphere and first-rate cuisine are irresistible.



For more information and directions, visit the restaurant's website at www.blurestaurant.com