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 GOURMET GREATNESS
There’s something to talk about in the ‘burbs thanks to 51 Lincoln. The fresh, modern kitchen is sometimes innovative, other times cheesy, offering “watermelon steak” and “Shrimp Shrimp, ‘Don't call me Scampi.’”
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At 51 Lincoln in Newton, the fresh, modern space is offbeat and incredibly loud. The chef-owner triples as the artist on display, showcasing his contemporary paintings amidst funky orange banquettes and wood accents. |
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The New American menu is for the adventurous, as playful descriptions like “painted pesto,” make it hard to predict what you’ll actually get. |
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To start, the signature seared “watermelon steak” wasn’t actually the juicy filet it looked like, but never before has the salty-sweet fruit tasted so succulent, plated with meaty eggplant cut to look like fried pork rind. Seared scallops glistened with a golden imprint, and with extras like mango buttered cornmeal cakes and a bacon slab as big as a sausage, the plate could have passed as an entrée. |
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Next, the lobster noodles were a delicious knock-out with actual lobster roe infused in the extra-long pasta ribbons, butter-poached lobster on top, and luscious champagne butter enriching the whole lot. Fine roasted pork chops were nothing special, until one taste of wicked hot jalapeno jam. |
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Crowd pleasing desserts included a decadent, fluffy slice of chocolate cream pie with chocolate shavings. The baked-to-order cookie plate featured a chilled milk shooter and one warm, gooey round each of chocolate chip, pistachio, and ginger spice. |
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Entrees are generous, but big appetites can start with a pre-appetizer food/drink pairing like lavender liquor with honey rosemary shrimp. |
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Phantom’s only complaint was snooty servers who delivered entrees without any silverware. |
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Top-notch cleanliness extended into the beautiful wine cellar, where private parties can dine. |
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Charging $4 for a side of rice is absurd, but entrees at $19 to $27 are spot-on. Appetizers are an expensive highlight, averaging $9. |
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The name, 51 Lincoln, doubles as the Newton Highlands address, and there’s plenty of street parking in the upscale neighborhood. |
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Review Date:
7/21/2007 |
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