In July 2015, Chloe Coscarelli opened her first restaurant in West Village, New York City. Already successful in the food scene with three cookbooks, including two vegan recipe books, and an appearance on Food Network’s show “Cupcake Wars,” it was no surprise that Coscarelli’s new plant-based spot grew into a popular chain within a few years. By CHLOE. is a chic, urban restaurant that aims to combine sustainability and truly delicious food.
By CHLOE. made an announcement on their website that they would be coming to Boston, and four months later, the first Boston location is open in the Seaport District.
“We have been watching Boston for quite some time and our excitement to bring the brand here has only grown,” said the brand’s co-founder, Samantha Wasser, in a press release.
Located on 107 Seaport Blvd., the location is the perfect spot for Bostonians to take their afternoon lunch break. While the storefront, tucked behind a Starbucks Reserve location and next to an upcoming SoulCycle studio, is admittedly a little hard to find, it won’t be once the waves of hungry patrons start to come in. Even during their soft friends and family opening on Wednesday, there was a line of people out the door curious if the place had opened yet.
Inside the restaurant, the decor is organized and chic. Potted succulents sit on parallel shelves that line one wall, adjacent to a window that allows for plenty of natural lighting. The bathrooms are covered by CHLOE.’s subtle yet decorative logo and in one corner, there is a seated swinging chair. Every table, no matter if part of a communal bench or as an individual spot, also gets their own small decorative plant.
The creative décor doesn’t stop at the interior. The food itself comes out beautifully prepared, packaged with a creative graphic font design that varies depending on which item is ordered. It’s as if the restaurant was meant to be posted on Instagram.
The menu can be a bit overwhelming. There is an entire section dedicated to “Grab and Go” options and another meant for just brunch food, which is only available on the weekends. There are burgers, salads, pasta and sandwiches to choose from and for dessert, there is an entire counter dedicated to sweet options that include seven different flavors of entirely plant-based ice cream.
The smashed avocado toast is a pleasant choice for a small meal. It comes served on a large piece of seasonal seven-grain toast, topped with Brussels sprouts and plenty of spices. There is a sweeter variety on the brunch menu that comes topped with almond butter and banana slices. Any bread item on the menu can also be subbed for a gluten-free option for $1.50 extra.
For a larger appetite, by CHLOE. is known for their Guac Burger. It comes with a sweet potato patty topped with corn salsa, onion, guacamole, tortilla strips and chipotle aioli. Meat is not missed for a moment upon eating it as the flavors are so pronounced and powerful.
The most surprising item on the menu and the best for a skeptic meat lover would be the macaroni and cheese. The mac and cheese comes blended with a sweet potato and cashew sauce, topped with shiitake imitation bacon and an almond parmesan. Everything about it is as decadent and homey as any rich baked macaroni and cheese.
In addition to their traditional menu, by CHLOE. pays homage to Boston with four unique items available exclusively at the Seaport location and their upcoming Fenway storefront. It includes clam chowder made from a cauliflower cream, corn potato and parsley, a lobster roll with hearts of palm, celery and smoked paprika and two Boston cream pie-themed desserts.
The store will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
