Food & Drink
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Print this pageQ+A: Frank McClelland
Chef/owner L’Espalier; general partner Sel de la Terre; recipient of the 2007 James Beard Award for Best Chef Northeast
How would you describe the Boston food scene? There’s so much diversity and innovation; it’s changing day to day and turning into a national destination for food. There used to be dozens of places to go thirty years ago, and now there are hundreds.
How does it differ from other cities?
It’s probably the most European-style city in the United States in terms of the architecture, the cafes, the history. The food here is definitely comparable to larger cities.
What are some of the top food trends you’re seeing?
There’s a trend toward high-style, luxury bread and baked goods; a lot of effort is going into staple ingredients. Also, farmers’ markets are taking off in Boston. We have many working, small farms that are close to the city, and chefs are utilizing them more and more.
What’s next for Boston?
I see the Boston waterfront and South Boston growing quite a bit. These areas could see the biggest boom in concentration of people and restaurants in the next decade.
Where do you like to eat?
The Franklin Café (278 Shawmut Ave., Boston, 617-350-0010; franklincafe.com) is a fun place with a creative menu that serves till 1:30 a.m. The Hungry Mother (233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge, 617-499-0090; hungrymothercambridge.com) is a new little American bistro. The roasted chicken is really good there.
—Lisa E. Harrison
Copyright 2012 Rhode Island Monthly
