Before you start envisioning waif-thin models draped in Comme des Garcons forking a plated, pea-size Kobe tartare “burger”, complaining about their pain-inducing 6-inch wedges, and laughing at the proposal to watch the fireworks over International night at Rumor – think again. That’s so last year’s Louis.
Introducing Sam’s - the restaurant housed in the completely revamped Louis Boston. They’ve created a special menu for the 4th and foie gras is not on it. We are talking real, huge, all-over-your-face burgers. And all other down-home BBQ eats including traditional, shared sides. (Shall we say family style?) It’s $25 per person, which is less than the price of lip balm at the former location. You can even swing by and pick up a picnic basket for $15 filled with sandwiches, cookies and other Independence day treats. Their well-endowed deck will be in direct view of the fireworks and you may even get a glimpse of the USS Constitution as it makes its rounds.
Feeling out of the loop? Louis Boston is unrecognizable since their move this past Spring from the old New England Museum of Natural History building on Newbury street to Fan Pier in the up-and-coming Fort Point district of Boston. A Newbury landmark for over 20 years, Louis was a couture snob – picture a Paris boutique x 5. It’s home essentially resembled an old-money mansion and it’s attempts at eateries often failed due to patrons feeling like they were attending dinner at grandma’s estate in Connecticut.
Now far removed and modern, you may think you’re approaching the Institute of Contemporary Art, which you just may be, because they’re neighbors. “We have an amazing location and view. Nowhere else in Boston can you get that,” says Sam’s co-owner Esti Parsons. Esti is Boston royalty having former, partial ownerships in Via Matta, Great Bay, and Radius. Her husband, Drew Parsons, shares ownership of Sam’s and brings a creative side to the business with 16 years as a musician under him. “We hope to have some live music playing on the lawn below our deck this summer,” Drew says. They also plan to accumulate an after-dinner bar scene due to the outdoor space and 1am closing time.
The philosophy of Sam’s is simple and unpretentious. They will create dishes based off of the freshest local ingredients, and menus will often change based on what’s available at the markets. The space is an open warehouse feel, framed with sliding glass doors that open to the generous terrace. The style is organic Pulp Fiction with stylized 50′s diner tables, free-standing white booths, and menus (and customer comments) written in pastel chalk on the blackboard walls. Let me repeat that – you can write on the walls.
For all the devoted shoppers of Louis Boston, no need to fret. Different space, still the leader in top fashion with such designers as the Row, Balenciaga, Jason Wu, and Peter Pilotto beckoning you downstairs.
Just use hand wipies before trying on.
