Ten Tables is a Perfect 10!

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

Comments

[Rob Z]

You found my secrect.

I went there on Friday for my Birthday. I would say it is one of the most solid restaurants in the city. Krista (owner) got it right. It was her dream to open a place like this and it is a great success. The entire staff is great. I recommend getting a place at the bar (the only place Renee and I sit when it is just the two of us). It's fun to interact with the staff and ask questions about the food. The only problem, they have a couple that has a standing reservation of Friday nights, so you can't get a seat at the bar on that day until after 9 PM.