After you made Dean's List last semester, your parents agreed to a little shopping excursion, their treat. But that walk down Newbury Street tends to work up quite an appetite.
Give your parents - and their wallet - a break and stop for a relaxing lunch at one of the many cafes during your shopping spree.
If it's a nice day, my favorite is Stephanie's on Newbury, at 190 Newbury St. It may be crowded, but just a bit of the upscale comfort food makes the wait worthwhile. Request a table on the patio- the crowd passing by makes for entertaining people watching. A table inside by the window also serves as a warmer alternative.
After you've nibbled on warm French bread and scones, you have to decide what to order. My favorites are the Signature Salads. The pecan crusted warm goat cheese salad ($14.95) is an excellent concoction of varying textures and tastes. The creamy cheese compliments the crispy greens and crunchy pecans while the sweet pears enhance the flavor of the robust balsamic vinaigrette.
The grilled tenderloin salad ($15.95) is another pleaser with its succulent sliced beef and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. It is the perfect excuse to slip some red meat into your lunch fare. And you won't feel bad as you crunch on the accompanying mixed field greens, tomatoes and crispy shallots.
If salads are not your forte, the open-faced Thanksgiving sandwich ($15.95) will bring you back home for the holidays with its roasted turkey, vibrant cranberry sauce, gravy and cornbread stuffing. Or, try an adult version of the chicken finger plate with the fried chicken tortilla wrap ($13.95). Buttermilk fried chicken, red onion and fresh lettuce provide the perfect crunch to the accompanying ham and warm cheddar all wrapped in a tomato tortilla.
If it's too cold to dine al fresco, duck into Louis Boston, 234 Berkeley St. and get a table at Restaurant L. A less popular lunch destination than Stephanie's, the wait will probably be minimal, much like the d?©cor. The red accents, however, create a warm feeling similar to the creative Asian inspired dishes.
A particularly warming dish is the restaurant's lunch version of customary miso soup ($18). The "miso" broth is just salty enough to be satisfying without leaving your palette craving water for the rest of your shopping journey. And if you spill a little while slurping the flavorsome soba noodles, you can always change into that polo mom just purchased for you at Lacoste.
The Thai beef salad ($15) is a delicious combination of thinly sliced beef, onions and cashews. The lemongrass sauce is reminiscent of a lighter version of the rich Thai cuisine I often sampled while studying abroad. But true salad lovers beware: there is no lettuce in this "salad."
Another superb beef dish is the kobe beef burger ($24), not surprising since it is made with one of the finest Asian beefs available. The cinnamon pickles, however, make the dish unique and add just enough zing and sweetness to the traditional fare.
If you want to save room for dinner and just need a quick pick-me-up, walk down to Espresso Royale Caf?© on 286 Newbury St. Located below street level, this cozy European coffee shop offers sumptuous coffees, teas and snacks. The warm atmosphere will slow your heartbeat from the intense shopping and let you relax among students on their laptops and professionals grabbing an afternoon snack.
In addition to tasting the caf?©'s extensive array of coffee blends, take a bite out of one of the sandwiches, made on fresh bagels or wraps. The Joy of Soy ($4) will give you just enough protein to keep going with its mix of tofu and various veggies. Another protein boost is the Spicy Chix ($5.90) with slices of roasted chicken, jalape?±o cream cheese, tomato and cucumber.
Wherever you decide to rest your aching soles, enjoy your day with your parents, and I can't wait to see your new purchases on the Hill.
Sydne Summer is a senior majoring in English. She can be reached via e-mail at sydne.summer@tufts.edu.
