Boston Parents Paper Best of the Best 2011

Our Family Favorite Award Winners

Favorite Romantic Night Out

Ten Tables

597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-8810

5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, 617-576-5444

133 Bradford Street, Provincetown, 508-487-0106

Whether it’s a sidewalk bistro, a little hideaway tucked into an exclusive neighborhood, or a seaside Victorian home, Ten Tables gives you three delightful options for a romantic dinner for two. This restaurant prides itself on gourmet fare lovingly crafted from fresh, local produce and meats. The Jamaica Plain location literally houses only 10 tables in a brick-walled sidewalk storefront; the Cambridge location, while slightly larger, seems almost hidden just below ground level in a quiet apartment complex amid stately mansard-roofed homes. And the newest location in Provincetown is a restored Victorian home with dining on two floors, a beautiful fireplace and an outdoor patio. The menu, different at each site, offers innovative takes on vegetarian entrées, fresh fish, chicken, pork and beef. Try the tasting menu – a secret chef’s-choice series of courses. Desserts beckon with a chocolate and sea salt terrine, a Meyer lemon cheesecake and more, while the wine list is broad and coffee includes a French press service.

Favorite Mom’s Night Out

 The Melting Pot

– 213 Burlington Road, Bedford/Burlington, 781-791-0529

– 76 Arlington St., Boston, 617-357-7007

– 92 Worcester Road, Framingham/Natick, 508-875-3115

www.themeltingpot.com

Who doesn’t like fondue? Homemade bread dipped in gooey, mouth-watering cheese, meats and seafood in oil or, most especially, fruit, cookies and more dipped in melted chocolate. Our readers gave enthusiastic nods to Massachusetts’ three Melting Pot restaurants for a Mom’s Night Out. With three Eastern Massachusetts locations, this international chain of eateries offers a variety of fondue and wine options, from the full four-course fondue-themed meal – cheese fondue, salad, a main entrée and dessert – or a cheese fondue and wine pairing or a decadent chocolate fondue dessert. The Melting Pot actively caters to ladies’ night out, offering the chance to sit, eat, drink and just chat for as long as you like – and to indulge in a girl-loved delicacy, chocolate-covered strawberries!

Bar Louie

232 Patriot Place, Foxborough, 508-623-1195

www.patriot-place.com/barlouie.aspx

Girls just wanna have fun, right? At Bar Louie, at the Patriot Place shopping, dining and entertainment complex at Foxborough Stadium, you and your mom pals can gather for fun martinis (such as the Louie’s Cosmo, Strawberry Fizz or Caffeinator), microbrews and wines. Hungry? Enjoy the Crispy Calamari, the popular Bavarian Pretzel (with three sauces) and other creative appetizers, or quell your cravings with one of Bar Louie’s oversized sandwiches. This is a hip, happening place and it can get quite crowded and noisy. So come early if you prefer a slightly slower, quieter pace.