40 fantastic dishes

What offerings around town are an absolute must? We asked five foodies, and what emerged was one giant, irresistible menu – from appetizers to desserts – that gives a glimpse of Greater Boston dining at its boldest, cleverest, and most satisfy

July 25, 2010|Devra First, Alexandra Hall, Jolyon Helterman, Sheryl Julian, and Denise Drower Swidey

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Roasted Rack of Wild Boar $32 at Erbaluce Chef-owner Chuck Draghi sources his tender, not-at-all-gamy wild boar from Texas. But the mosto, a fruity but not sweet aromatic sauce, is his own innovation, created from fermented wild Concord grapes and lavender plus pan juices. 69 Church Street, Boston, 617-426-6969, http://www.erbaluce-boston.com

Anything in Mala Broth $13.95 (as part of a dinner combo) at Little Q Hot Pot Originally in Quincy, Little Q offered the best hot pot in town. Now it’s relocated to a smaller space in Arlington, but its mala broth tastes as big as ever. Fiery and numbing, it bubbles away as you cook meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles in the liquid. Herbs and spices bob on its surface, and the longer it cooks, the stronger it gets. 196 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, 781-488-3755

Paella $25 at Loco Tapas & Wine Bar The tapas are decent; the wine is fine. But the paella – robbed of equal marquee billing – is the sleeper hit. Devoid of the porridgey homogeneity plaguing lesser versions, the rice in this saffron-scented dream has just the right consistency and proves a proper bed for nestling garlicky chorizo, briny mussels, and tender smoked chicken. 520 Foundry Street, South Easton, 508-230-5626, http://www.locotapas.com

Molletes $8 at Mike & Patty’s The burrito meets the French bread pizza in this weekend breakfast special. A toasted baguette half is topped with refried beans, salsa, melted cheese, and a sunnyside-up egg, with poblano home fries on the side. Spicy and earthy, gooey and crispy, the Mexican dish is made extra-good by a vibrant house-made salsa. 12 Church Street, Boston, 617-423-3447, http://www.mikeandpattys.com

Shirin Polo Morgh $14.99 at Khayyam Restaurant Order this Persian dish as a kebab with succulent morsels of juicy chicken. It arrives with basmati rice sprinkled with orange rind, pistachios, grated carrots, and barberries. One bite and you’ll know why people have been eating this dish for centuries. 404 Harvard Street, Brookline, 617-383-6268, http://www.khayyamrestaurant.com

Pelano’s Mess $8.99 (single) or $35.99 (bucket) at Comella’s Can’t choose between ziti, lasagna, stuffed shells, or eggplant Parmesan for dinner? Then don’t – they all come mixed together in a gorgeous house marinara sauce, topped with two kinds of cheese. Personalize your own mess with extras – Pelano’s comes with extra eggplant Parm. 1302 Washington Street, West Newton (and other locations), 617-928-1001, http://www.comellasrestaurants.com

Empanadas

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