RESTAURANTS > RESTAURANT PROFILES > 75 Chestnut

75 Chestnut
75 Chestnut St. 227-2175
Suzanne Scribner

Being surrounded by elegance always makes me feel elegant myself. Be it just for an hour or two while eating dinner, it is nice to get away from the real world and indulge in good food, good drink and good conversation. Sitting at a corner table ensconced in candlelight, munching on warm bread and sipping wine usually does the trick, as it did during my visit to 75 Chestnut in the not so distant past.

Nestled in the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill, 75 Chestnut is a popular venue for the random passerby or the locals that dwell within its quaint community.

Upon entering its doors, my friend and I were cordially seated by 75 Chestnut’s manager, and we began our evening with a bottle of 1996 Napa Valley Merlot, Silverado, recommended by our server, and a basket of warm, Italian bread and butter which lasted all of two seconds.

Obviously impressed with the bread and wine, we were pleased to discover that these openers were no comparison for what was next to come.

The steamed mussels, served in a roasted-garlic-infused mussel broth with tomato panzanella, and the Maryland crab cake were exquisite in both taste and presentation. The crab cake, served atop ancho chili remoulade, was a mouthwatering delicacy that whet our appetites for the main course. Upon tasting the mussels, a dish which I feasted upon only once prior to this occasion, I realized that I had found a new favorite and was eager to eat more. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm caused them to disappear rather quickly.

This gave us more time to ponder the large selection of seafood and meats on the menu, including Maine or grilled lobster, halibut, lamb or swordfish. We finally decided and each of us went down a different path, myself choosing the steak and my friend the salmon. Cooked to a perfect medium-well, the steak tenderloin was accompanied by baby asparagus spears and delicious oven-roasted, rosemary potatoes. I once again spoiled my taste buds with flavor and filled my craving stomach, yet not too full, for it is necessary to always leave room for dessert.

As for my friend’s entree, the pan roasted pistachio crusted salmon, I heard nothing but praise. Served with Beluga black lentil cake with a saffron buerre blanc and baby asparagus spears, the pan roasted salmon was not long for this world as it was quickly consumed by my counterpart. Although his plate was cleared, he had no qualms about continuing on to dessert.

Thank goodness we saved some room for dessert because it was the icing on the cake. Upon inspection of the dessert menu, I found that Lisa’s warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream suited my fancy and I gave it a try. Dessert did not disappoint; the hot apples mixed with the crispy topping was a delicious way to end the evening.

Once again venturing out on his own, my friend ordered the cognac and pecan chocolate tort and the smile on his face after the first bite told the whole story— a delectable way to end his evening as well.

From the moment I walked through the door and sat at the corner table to the last spoonful of vanilla coated apple crisp, I was surrounded by excellence and I, myself, felt elegant.