Lynchie

I'm tempted to say the area near BC is a culinary wasteland. For middle of the road slices, there's Roggie's (ROE-GHEES), and down the corner from there, two spots: Pino's and Presto's -- one's Greek, one's Italian, though I can't remember which. For a better pie, there's the Bluestone Bistro on Comm. Ave. My favorite is in Newton: Sweet Tomatoes. They use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce, and they have tons of interesting toppings. Also, on Harvard Street in Brookline (a short T ride away) there's The Upper Crust, which is supposed to be good. It's new. By the way, I'm a BU grad who also, once upon a time, lived in Brookline. Hope this helps. Also, if he likes Mexican, Anna's Taqueria is great. They have locations on Beacon St. and Harvard Ave. Cheap and filling and very yummy. Now I'm hungry and homesick for Boston!

I'd also like to add my vote for Herbsaint. I went there in December 2002, and I still dream of the duck confit. The best meal I had during my stay in New Orleans, most definitely.

I've heard good things about The Spiced Pear, though I've never been. I haven't been to Canfield House in a few years, but when I did go, it served standard upscale fare. Cheeky Monkey Cafe, off of Thames Street, is a funky restaurant with an interesting menu. Here's the link to their website. http://www.cheekymonkeycafe.com I've been wanting to try Asterix & Obelix (I think it may just be called Asterix now). Upscale, interesting French. The same chef/owner runs Boulangerie Obelix on nearby Spring Street, and they have the best croissants on the island. Here's an interesting link with several well-known restaurants and their menus. http://www.cliffsideinn.com/restaurants.html Hope this helps.