Stephanie’s a taste of the finer side of life

Although owner Stephanie Sokolove of Stephanie’s on Newbury describes her cuisine as “southern comfort food,” her tasty recipes are not confined to a southern style. Stephanie has effectively transported the comfort of a familiar, home-cooked meal to the northeast in the form of an unparalleled dining experience found in the Back Bay.

Treating my best friend from home to a birthday lunch, we ventured the half-mile on foot from central campus to Stephanie’s in search of a celebratory meal. The experience was more than satisfying, fulfilling our desire for a classy-chic yet familiarized connection to home. The walk was far enough that we were starving by the time of our arrival but just close enough to make it a place I would eagerly return to.

Upon approaching the outside hostess table, we were immediately seated on Stephanie’s vast patio, located on the sidewalk of Newbury St., making it ideal for people watching and enjoying the weather of a crispy fall day.

The first indication that Stephanie’s was going to be an above average dining experience was the assortment of breads brought to our table, upon request. I can usually judge a restaurant by their bread baskets – who likes those seedy crackers, anyway? – and Stephanie’s immediately revealed an exemplary array. Inside was the surprise discovery of Irish soda bread, which tasted similar to a mini-currant scone.
Following the bread, as an appetizer, we ordered a traditional house wedge salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and bacon overflowing the generous portion of iceberg lettuce. We opted for the blue cheese dressing, although it was offered with a choice of balsamic vinaigrette, Russian, blue cheese or buttermilk ranch.

When our main meal arrived, I was sufficiently full, but the two giant sandwiches in front of me looked too mouthwatering to resist. The first, a grilled cheese, featured melted cheddar and goat cheese, tomato and avocado on toasted brioche. Hater of goat cheese, beware: this sandwich is not for the average diner looking for a routine classic. However, transforming what can sometimes be a bland sandwich into a revitalized treat, the avocado reduced the strong flavor of the goat cheese, and the pairing resulted in a very happy consumer.

The turkey sandwich normally consists of roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and cheddar cheese on two slices of toasted brioche, served with potato chips, however, I opted to leave out the mayonnaise, which proved to be a regrettable choice. The thick turkey proved too dry for the dense bread and left my mouth wishing for some moisture, which the mayonnaise would have provided.

The family next to us was eating the oversized Stephi burger, which – true to its name – was overflowing with toppings and a generous portion of fresh French fries. I would have enthusiastically enjoyed the burger as well as a variety of other savory items from the menu, including the Thai chicken salad, grilled tenderloin salad, fruit salad and a lobster salad roll, had I had more room in my stomach.

Overall, the attentive servers and pleasant outdoor seating experience, and of course, exceptional food, compensated for the expensive bill. Stephanie’s would be a great place to take a date, or even better, to be taken on a date. 60 dollars for a meal for two is slightly out of most students’ budget, but for a doting freshman’s parent, it just might be the perfect fit. Keep this gem in mind for parent’s weekend on the 22nd.

Stephanie’s on Newbury

190 Newbury Street

Back Bay

(617) 236-0990
stephaniesonnewbury.com

THE SPACE Indoor seating and an extensive outside patio

THE BILL Lunch items for 2 people, $60.

WHAT I LIKED BEST The Irish soda bread

IF YOU GO Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30am-3pm. Brunch: Sun 10am-3pm. Afternoon Fare: Mon-Sat 3pm-5pm, Sat 3pm-5pm. Dinner: Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sun 5pm-10pm.

RATING Absolutely necessary experience!