Openings

Catalyst: Bigger, Better, Faster, More

Chef William Kovel
Chef William Kovel

The team over at Thrillist has a sneak peek of Catalyst, which as we told you last week opens this Saturday in Kendall Square. (Check out our fall preview shout-out here.) Place looks pretty spiffy.

It’s deceptively spacious, sleek, and with one of those swankalicious flat-wall fireplaces that could be straight out of a Maxim magazine photo spread. The Globe had noted a few months ago that it would be a “chef-owned restaurant that caters to corporate culture,” but now we think it almost looks like a spa, or a restaurant in LA. We totally approve. The space is so unapologetically New Kendall — all clean lines and angles, befitting a spot in MIT’s backyard.

The menu looks solid, if not wildly daring: wild sockeye salmon, organic rotisserie chicken, roasted cod. Can’t totally freak out the techies who’ll undoubtedly book their corporate lunch ‘n learns here. In William Kovel’s hands, though, we think that the basics will shine. And if not? Well, there’s always the “Happy Gilmore-inspired bourbon/iced tea/peach bitters Chubbs Peterson” to drown our sorrows.

Catalyst [Thrillist]

Related: Is Kendall Square Boston’s Hottest Food Neighborhood?

Catalyst: Bigger, Better, Faster, More