The Boston Traveler

Fancy Eating This Easter

by Chandra on March 22nd, 2008

Happy Easter, everyone!

I recently happened upon a segment from an episode of the daytime talk show The View, a program I never watch. On this occasion, I stuck around long enough to pay attention because the co-hosts were discussing an interesting issue. Basically, they were all agreeing that the prominence of Easter seems to be rapidly decreasing among American holidays.

When I was little, Easter was the most important holiday of the year behind only Christmas and Thanksgiving. Meals and activities were planned weeks in advance, and the entire day was spent attending church, eating, and visiting relatives. Listening to the women of The View, I suddenly realized just how long it’s been since anyone in my family has gathered together on Easter the way we used to when I was young.

Now that the talk show has me thinking about Easter Sunday in a new light, it’s been pleasant to discover that some people in Boston still plan ahead to celebrate the occasion in grand style. In fact, various local restaurants will feature special menus tomorrow that make you salivate uncontrollably just reading the selection of food.

Of course, the grander a celebration is, the more money it tends to cost. If you have a large enough wallet, however, the following eating establishments offer an assortment of alternatives to slaving over a hot stove. Keep in mind that reservations are recommended for all, so it’s best to call ahead to establish and confirm your plans.

The Beehive

541 Tremont Street, Boston, 617-423-0069

This popular club will pair lots of good food with lots of good music provided by Jazz musician Carmen Marsico, as well as a traditional egg hunt that will continue throughout the entire day. Both children and adults are welcome to savor the menu of brunch and entree selections, ranging from French Toast to $19 plates with Leg of Lamb, Green Beans, and Potato Gratin to special $5 children’s items, such as ever popular Grilled Cheese. [10:30am–3pm (Brunch), 5pm–1am (Dinner); $5 (children) and $19+ (adults)]

Top of the Hub

800 Boylston Street, 52nd Floor, Prudential Tower, Boston, 617-536-1775

Enjoy the holiday from on top of the world, perched above Boston on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Boston, while listening to live Jazz music from the Lee Childs Group (11am–3pm) and the Ballou Trio (5pm–9pm). The four-course meal that accompanies the dazzling view will include brunch selections in the afternoon and dinner selections in the evening, all planned specifically for the occasion by Executive Chef Mark Porcaro. [11am–3pm (Brunch), 3pm–9pm (Dinner); $29 (children under 12) and $67 (adults); Price includes access to the Skywalk Observatory]

UpStairs on the Square

91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, 617-864-1933

Cambridge has something special up its sleeve, as well, when it comes to eating out with style on Easter. Patrons at UpStairs on the Square can select from two dining rooms within one building, the Monday Club from 10am to 3pm for $48 brunch and the Soirée Room from 11am to 6pm for $65 dinner. One of the best parts is that children under 12 eat for half price in both locations, not to mention that diners in the more expensive Soirée Room can also order select brunch items between 11am and 2pm (Eggs Benedict and Brioche French Toast), while the converse is true for Monday Club diners, too (for example, Whole Grain Mustard and Honey-Glazed Ham, Candied Yams, and Roasted Pearl Onion).

Hampshire House

84 Beacon Street, Boston, 617-227-9600

This Beacon Hill establishment will offer a traditional Easter dinner that will allow diners to choose from several appetizers and entrees, such as American Rack of Lamb, Roquefort and Walnut-Crusted Beef Tenderloin, and Herb-Crusted Mahi Mahi in the latter case. [12pm–6pm; $55.00 per person, not including taxes, gratuity, and alcoholic beverages]

The Ritz-Carlton Boston

15 Arlington Street, Boston, 617-574-7100

The Ritz is putting on a Grand Buffet Brunch, complete with activities and the Easter Bunny for children, in addition to scrumptious food for them and adults. An Asian Display of Sushi and Rolls, Create Your Own Omelet Station, and festive Cupcake Decorating Station are just a few of the highlights. [12pm, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, or 3pm; $40 (children) and $85 (adults)]

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POSTED IN: Food & Beverage, Holidays