The Morning After: The Taste Of Beacon Hill


Though there were at least five tables at last night’s Taste of Beacon Hill serving tuna tartare, the spread didn’t lack for variety. The empress of Scampo, Lydia Shire, made a courageous foray into the world of horseradish gelatin, while the Bina empire that is Bin 26, Lala Rokh, Bina Osteria and Bina Alimentari offered an exquisite array ranging from steak tartare and Italian lemonade to yellowfin with a pine nut confit and avocado. We took the opportunity to ask chefs how they’re faring in an economy so bad even Beacon Hill residents are keeping their bank accounts close.

Fouad Hairoufe, 75 Chestnut & Hampshire House
“When you go out to eat, you don’t want to lose your entire wallet. I tell someone if there’s a dish they want that they’re too busy or tired to make at home, let me know what it is and come on over and I’ll do it.”

Jason Stump, Scollay Square
“We have made the menu more approachable and affordable, but still give it a funkier edge with certain flavors.”

Lydia Shire, Scampo
“We have naan on the menu that’s only $4. You can come in and have a $4 naan and a glass of wine, and you can be out the door for under $18. There’s pizzas that can be an entire meal.”

Patrick Campbell, No. 9 Park
“We have a very approachable menu, but the days of $45 entrees have definitely changed. We haven’t made any style changes to our menu, but we’re always looking for ways to make it more approachable.”

[Photo: mkrigsman/Flickr]

The Morning After: The Taste Of Beacon Hill