Les Zygomates
It’s been at least a year since I’ve been to the Leather District, that narrow area Downtown wedged South Station and Chinatown. I was surprised to see how tony the area is becoming, with bistros here and there and well-manicured buildings. French restaurant Les Zygomates has been there many years, since 1994, before the post-Big-Dig facelift. Somehow I’ve never managed to go until recently.
The big plus about this place is that it manages to seem nice without being oppressively posh, trendy or stuffy. It’s a relaxed wine-bar and restaurant, with tiled floor, nickel fixtures, black-lacquered wood… essentially that 1920s “bistro” look. And though it’s also a restaurant, the bar space in the front is big enough to be inviting for those simply seeking a drink. The bar devotes more space to the wine than it does to the liquor, which means their selection is decent but limited. Still, my martini was well-executed and, a big plus, had the best olives I’ve ever had in a drink, olives you wouldn’t be embarrased to serve as an appetizer. Frankly, I’ve never considered using anything but the basic bottled Goya cocktail olives when making martinis at home, but now I’ve changed my mind. They were a nice touch.
I could have stood with more inspired beer options; the Kronenberg 1664 is authentically French bar fare, but a quality Belgian ale on tap would have gone a long way to make their offering seem special, not pedestrian.
The Man paid for this trip, so I didn’t get a gander at the check. I imagine it was it hefty enough, though.
Les Zygomates is located at 129 South Street, two blocks from South Station.
Oh Lord of Cocktails,
What do you think about Improper Bostonian’s feature on our city’s “best” bartenders? Are any of these cats as good as reported?
bridey
Good idea, I’ll have to check them out. But does this blog mean I’ll have to start reading IB regularly?