Rating: 5 forks
Well, 5 forks, that's a perfect score on this scale (btw I keep meaning to write the definition of my "forks", just need the time!).
The best things come in small packages, and this cliché stands true when speaking of Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain. The approximately 650 sq/ft space (that's my best guess), including the open kitchen and a dining room with – you guessed it – 10 tables, is located on popular Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. After many attempts to secure a resie, we finally made it last Saturday eve. It was absolutely amazing!
Ten Tables serves up French/American and sometimes Italian fare, and prides itself on using organic food from local farms. The atmosphere is intimate, simple, and romantic, with local art hanging on the exposed painted brick and delicate orchid flowers floating in water-filled stemless wine glasses resting on each tabletop.
The couple we dined with live a short few blocks away in JP, and are regulars at Ten
Tables; they also know the owner, chef and staff so we had quite the "in". We were greeted with a glass of bubbly, followed by a little shot of chilled cucumber soup. Next up, some tasty bread, thinly sliced, soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, served with a long olive plate of smooth olive oil just bursting with fruit and flavor. The presentation was superb.
Next, we selected some apps:
Steamed Mussels with Pancetta (not listed on the website)
Hosemade Chorizo with White Beans and Orange $7
Saffron-scented Potato and Leek Veloute with Vanilla Oil $7
Next came complimentary mushroom consumee to cleanse the pallate, and for the entrées:
Orrecchiette with Fresh Maine Shrimp, Pancetta and Tellicherry Back Pepper $17
Giannone Chicken with Fresh Shell Beans, Bacon and Cabbage $19
Vegetarian Gnocchi (not listed on the website)Grilled salmon (also not listed on the website)
Each dish was perfectly portioned, so fresh, unique, and simply stellar. For wine, we ordered up a – ok 2 – bottles of Malbec; unfortunately I can't recall what it was but I am going to find out because it was so delicious!
JP may seem like a "hike" for many of us inner-city dwellers, but Ten Tables is totally worth it. Just plan ahead, as reservations are apparently a month out!
Ten Tables
597 Centre Street
Jamaica Plain, MA
02130
617.524.8810
tentables.net
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