Sibling Rivalry: It never taught me how to cook!
Written: Sep 23 '05
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Pros: Great food, service, ambiance
Cons: Virtually no street parking but they did have valet
The Bottom Line: A nice romantic restaurant in Boston's South End with great food.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Sibling Rivalry |
I had heard great reviews about Sibling Rivalry for a while and was in the South End of Boston in September 2005 and decided to give it a try.
THE CONCEPT
I am not usually a fan of restaurant gimmicks and generally believe they detract from the dining experience. The gimmick for this restaurant is that there are two chefs who are also brothers. The brothers are each given an ingredient, say lobster, duck or halibut, and they have to create an appetizer or entree with it. The menu lists the key ingredient down the middle. On the left side of the page is one of the brother's creations. On the right side of the page is the other brother's creation. Appetizers are listed in red and entrees are listed in black.
THE MENU
There were about twenty ingredients when we visited so there were about twenty appetizers and about twenty entrees on the menu. The appetizers looked great and there were a lot to choose from but the entrees looked so big we decided to skip the appetizers. Entrees ran about $20-30.
THE RIVALRY REALLY WORKS
I ordered Halibut. It came with zucchini fries. It was really, really, just indescribably good. The fish was cooked perfectly and had a great flavor. The zucchini fries were unexpected but perfectly complimented the fish. My co-diner ordered the duck and thought it was also really delicious. Of all of the expensive restaurants I have been to in Boston, I really thought the food here was the best. The ingredients were not too trendy and flavor came above presentation and gimmicks. The entrees were also the perfect size. There was enough to fill you up but not so much that you were deterred from getting dessert.
SERVICE
The service was also top notch. We were greeted at the hostess stand and got a table for 2 at 9:30 on a Saturday night without waiting. Even at that hour, most tables were filled and diners were still coming in the door. The waiter provided everything we needed and provided great service without hovering. He also honored a special request. The bill came when we asked for it.
AMBIANCE
I would say that Sibling Rivalry was a romantic restaurant first. It is small and there are lots of tables for two. The restaurant is divided up nicely into sections so you get a more intimate feel. We did see groups of friends dining together, including a birthday party behind us, but generally people were eating in small groups. The restaurant was also pleasantly quiet which made is possible to talk softly at the table.
The décor was basic in a neutral color scheme. It definitely had a romantic feel with nice tablecloths and napkins, nice china and silverware. The waiters wore ties and matching outfits.
Since Sibling Rivalry is a romantic restaurant for grown-ups, most diners were dressed nicely on a Saturday night. Jeans would not be appropriate.
KID-FRIENDLINESS
I have three kids so this comes from the heart. There should be romantic restaurants in the world and, while I treasure my children, I would never bring them to a place like this. I doubt there is a children's menu and really, this is no place for kids.
LOCATION
Sibling Rivalry is located in Boston’s South End. There is virtually no parking in the area except for a couple of pay lots. Sibling Rivalry had valet parking when we dined on Saturday night. This area also has lots of other nice, small restaurants and shops.
OTHER THOUGHTS
The restaurant was all on one floor and should be handicapped accessible.
There were a couple of entrees that looked vegetarian but I am not sure if every ingredient qualified.
They had a great wine list and a full bar.
At these prices, they definitely take credit cards.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I thought Sibling Rivalry was one of the best restaurants I have dined in. The food was great and the portions appropriate. The service and ambiance was also great. I am really looking forward to returning.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? TRY THESE BOSTON-AREA RESTAURANTS:
BOSTON: Radius; Caffe Vitoria; Excelsior; Jacob Wirth; Cottonwood Cafe; Imperial Seafood House.
BROOKLINE: Mr. Sushi; Fugakyu; Takeshima; Tsunami; Anna's Taqueria; Zaftigs Delicatessen; Bangkok Bistro; Golden Temple.
NEWTON: Appetito; India Paradise; Blue Ribbon Barbeque; Ice Cream Works; Baker's Best; Bill’s Pizzeria; Cafe Nicolas; Union Street; O’Hara’s; Yeradi’s; Johnny’s Luchonette.
CAMBRIDGE: S&S Restaurant; The Japanese Mall; Jasper White’s Summer Shack.
WEST ROXBURY: Cafe Misono.
BRIGHTON: Tasca.
ESSEX: Woodman’s.
SAUGUS: Kowloon.
CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Not Your Average Joe’s; Bertucci’s; Legal Sea Foods; Cheesecake Factory; Rainforest Cafe; Fire & Ice; Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse; Friendly’s.
COFFEE, BAGELS AND DONUTS: Bruegger’s Bagels; Finagle a Bagel; Dunkin Donuts.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Our entrees were great but everything else looked great too!
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modernmarvel
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Can anyone recommend a western family dude ranch for a vacation this summer?
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