• Devra First isn’t wowed by Met Back Bay; the neighborhood hasn’t yet been hit by the “wave of tastiness” that’s swept the city and isn’t helped along by Met’s out-of-whack cocktails, overcooked cod, and dry meatballs. Go for the curried spot prawns and cider doughnuts. [Globe]
• Mat Schaffer enjoys Darryl’s diverse South End vibe and comfort cuisine; the “juicy” half-pound hamburger is a “delicious” steal at a mere $9. [Herald]
• Robert Nadeau showers Brookline’s Cognac Bistro with four stars; gnocchi are light, airy, and possessed of a slight “tang.” Meanwhile, the raw bar is not to be missed. [Phoenix]
• At Allston’s Blue Asia, a “whisper-thin” egg pancake charms Lindsay Crudele; fried chicken is “encased in thick crunch.” Which is how fried chicken damn well ought to be encased, right? [Phoenix]
• Framingham’s Chinese Mirch is a spicy blend of China and India; you won’t find beef or pork, but you will find a hellishly heated chicken lollipop. [Globe]