Review: Dinner @ No. 9 Park, Park St, Boston, MA

I would like to personally thank everyone who wished me Happy 21st and special thanks to my roommate, Vickie, who brought my favorite 20 calorie, yet super delicious kosher biscotti from Whole foods (Just love Whole Foods!) . Also, thanks to the Singaporean bunch for buying a box of cupcakes, topped with strawberries and 4 beeswax candles! I appreciate it a lot. I haven't had anyone buying cake with candles for me for ages! The last time I had that was probably 10 years ago? I do not remember.... :) 

Moreover, I would like to extend my thanks to those who have attended to call me, sent me birthday messages during the first few hours on the 12th of July and the long, personalized messages. I prefer long essay typed greetings than just the standard "Happy Birthday". I would like to thank those who are on the US trip for wishing me happy birthday. :D And, oh I would like to thank that US immigration officer for wishing me an early happy birthday at the LA airport. 

More importantly, I thank my parents for raising me up to become who I am today. Also, a million thanks to my dad who sponsored all my food escapades and bought me two beautiful bags, and a lovely wallet. :D

Before I start sounding like I've just won an Oscar or a Pulitzer Prize, which I did not, I will start clearing up my back logs! I've so much to write about Boston. I need to write about Parlour Place, a Boston restaurant that serves the best gourmet sandwiches ever, Snappy Sushi's (Boston) brown rice sushi, and the dodgy Thai place in Salem, which serves better non-Thai fare than classic Thai dishes, Boloco near Emerson and of course Starbucks!

However, I would do a review on No. 9 Park first because I feel that the meal is significantly important and I do not want to lose any details. When one googles up "best restaurant in Boston", one bounds to see No. 9 Park in the list. No. 9 Park has won a range of awards in the past. Gayot also rated No. 9 Park 16 out of 20. Best of all, the kitchen is headed under a female chef! 

As an individual who is always looking out for good eats, No. 9 Park is one place I did not want to miss. So, two weeks prior to my US trip, I called to reserve myself a table. Thank Lord, I did for No. 9 was fully booked out that evening!

No 9 Park 

I really enjoyed my time at No. 9 Park. It wasn't the best meal ever but the overall experience was pleasant. I opted for the pre-fixe menu because I did not think that I would be able to wolf down the chef's tasting menu, which had 7 courses. The pre-fixe menu costs 69 USD for three courses. I think it's reasonably priced as it was dinner.

Really simple interiors

There is this austere feel to it that will not leave one feeling intimidated upon entering No. 9 Park. You know how in some restaurants, when you enter through the doors, you just feel like you're not well-dressed enough for the restaurant? I bet you wouldn't feel that way with No. 9 Park.

The other part of the dining room

  No 9 Park is not ostentatious. Service is very warm and welcoming too although sometimes, the waiter may get too excited in pouring you your glass of water!

My view from my table

I was given a supposedly good table. It would be a good table if not for the construction at Common.

Once again, the bread roll is served at room temperature

I still do not understand why bread must be served at room temperature! Is it an American thing?

Fish tartare as amuse bouche

For amuse bouche, I had fish tartare. The zingy, refreshing flavors was a great prelude to what would be an orchestra of a meal. I appreciate the amount of detail and effort placed in putting together this tiny morsel: from the nicely cut cantaloupe to the finely chopped chives.

Prune stuffed gnocchi with foie gras

I was advised that I must order the prune stuffed gnocchi as it was a hit amongst the diners of No. 9. So, I did and I must say, I really enjoyed the tastes and textures although I felt it was too rich for an appetizer! In my opinion, there was just a little too much gnocchi going on. Wished it was a tad bit smaller.

Gooey prune filling

Nonetheless, the prune filling was well matched with the creamy foie gras.

Lamb loin done in two ways 

For mains, I had lamb loin done in two ways. Now, this is one lamb dish I truly love because it is not fatty at all. I love my lamb really meaty and added bonus if they get the texture right! The pan seared lamb was incredibly tender and easy on the teeth. I wished the kitchen would be a little more stingy with the salt although salt is supposedly good for steaks... Having said that, the other components of the dish evened out the flavors, which made this dish really harmonious for the palette. The braised lamb deserve a mention too for it literally melt in my mouth upon consumption. Love!

Chocolate cream tart- caramel, pecan and sassafras

My sister would fall in love and order a second round of this dessert if she were to dine with me! When I used my fork to cut a tiny bit out from the tart, I swear to God, it was the most heavenly song I've heard! The nice, crumbly sound emitted from the tart made me want to eat it even more! It was really delicious. I loved how smooth the lightly salted dark chocolate ganache was. And the base, the BASE! It was so crispy and light yet this does not compromise the intense, dark chocolatey taste! The sassafras ice cream (think root beer) was a nice side kick to this already wonderful dessert! For any chocolate lovers out there, this is the IT DESSERT.

So, if you happen to be in Boston, do pay No 9 Park a visit. The nearest hotel to No. 9 is Ritz Carlton. :)

Little things: 

-Cuisine: Modern, American, International

-Service: Prompt

-Portions: Reasonable to huge. Huge for my standards

-Budget: Damage done was 78 USD. Not too bad for a three course meal. :)

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