Before new chef Brian Poe
transformed the Rattlesnake into Poe’s Kitchen at the
Rattlesnake (384 Boylston Street, Boston,
617.859.7772), the best thing you could say about the food was, “Um, nice roof
deck.” The terrific Peruvian, Brazilian, and Mexican fare at Don Ricardo’s (57
West Dedham Street, Boston, 617.247.9249) goes unsung thanks to an address in a
South End housing project. Lucky’s Lounge (355
Congress Street, Boston,
617.357.5825) is handicapped by its image as a loud after-work gin mill for
Financial District suits. A plate of nachos can’t entirely undo received
notions of what a restaurant is about, but any place that cares enough to do
them really well — slightly creative like Poe’s, simple and classic like the
Don’s, crazy-rich like Lucky’s — merits getting your own read on.
Staff Pick: Game On (82 Lansdowne Street, Boston, 617.351.7001)
