L'Espalier
L’Espalier was a French restaurant located in Boston, Massachusetts, in the Back Bay neighborhood, adjacent to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The chef and owner of L'Espalier was Frank McClelland, who received a James Beard Foundation Award in 2007 for Best Northeast Chef.
| L'Espalier | |
|---|---|
 L'Espalier | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1978 by Moncef Meddeb |
| Owner(s) | Frank McClelland |
| Head chef | Frank McClelland |
| Food type | Modern New England with French influences and local ingredients |
| Dress code | Jacket and tie most comfortable, but not required |
| Street address | 774 Boylston Street |
| City | Boston |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Postal/ZIP Code | 02199 |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 42°20′54″N 71°04′51″W |
| Seating capacity | 90+ |
| Reservations | Reservations suggested |
| Other information | Phone: 617 262 3023 |
| Website | www |
History
Chef Moncef Meddeb opened L'Espalier on Boylston Street between Arlington and Berkeley in 1978. It moved to an 1880s-era brick townhouse on Gloucester Street in 1982 and was purchased by McClelland in 1988. The restaurant moved to its current location in the Mandarin Oriental complex in 2008. It was designed by Martin Vahtra of Projects Design in New York. L'Espalier is known locally as a popular place for marriage proposals and celebrity sightings.[1]
On March 27, 2013 McClelland celebrated their 35th anniversary with a specially designed six course tasting menu including Jonah crab bisque, branzino and rack of lamb.[2]
L'Espalier closed permanently upon the expiration of its lease on December 31, 2018.[3][4]
Food
L'Espalier served locally grown produce prepared in classically French ways. Serving dinner nightly, lunch Mon.-Sun. and tea only on the weekends from 1:30-3:00. Patrons chose from three prix-fixe menu, the seasonal degustation (tasting) menu or the Chef's tasting journey. First courses have included almond-dusted veal sweetbreads with morels and wilted baby mustard greens, with main course options such as pan-roasted East Coast halibut and Vermont rabbit.
Staff
- Frank McClelland: Chef/Proprietor
- Logan Foos: Chef de Cuisine
- Louis Risoli: Maitre d’ & Fromager
Awards and accolades
- AAA Five-Diamond Award recipient: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
- Mobil Four-Star Award recipient: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998
- Zagat Survey of Boston Restaurants, "#1 Food" Rating:2015, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998
- DiRoNa Award recipient: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998
References
- Abelson, Jenn (2007-05-17). "L'Espalier set for entree on Boylston". News Article. The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
- L'Espalier owner: Seaport has 'sucked the wind' out of Boston restaurant scene
- Kearnan, Scott (2018-12-26). "Back Bay's Legendary L'Espalier is Closing". News Article. Boston Magazine. Retrieved 2018-12-27.
- Kuschner, Eric (December 27, 2018). "L'Espalier - front room wit.JPG Globe file photo 3 major Boston restaurants are closing for good on New Year's Eve". Boston.com. Retrieved 7 January 2019.