Last week, my boyfriend's parents took us out to West Side Lounge on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge. At first glance, the restaurant is high end, yet comfortable, and the atmosphere instantly screams "expensive." However, once I perused over the two-page menu, I was pleasantly surprised at the prices. For the location West Side Lounge is in, along with its physical appearance, it amazed me that most entrees were under $20.
As a table, we split several appetizers, including the Tofu Bites ($6.95), which were lightly fried with sweet soy sauce on the side, as well as a bowl of hand-cut French fries with a roasted garlic aioli for dipping ($4.95). For someone who is just starting to enjoy tofu, the tofu bites were perfectly crunchy on the outside and, most surprisingly, full of flavor. The hand-cut fries were nothing innovative, but I could have easily gulped down the garlic aioli like a shot of top shelf tequila. For an entree, my boyfriend's dad and I both ordered the Roasted Chicken with a Lemon Dijon Rub ($16.95), with garlicky broccolini. The chicken is normally served with fingerling potatoes, but the cold weather inspired me to substitute them for the mashed potatoes, which was a very successful decision. The mashed potatoes were obviously made with an artery-clogging amount of milk and butter, but the portion size was reasonable. The skin on the chicken was also crispy and full of fresh citrus and herb flavors, yet lacked the unnecessary grease (thankfully).
For dessert, we all split the Ice Cream Sandwiches ($7), which were two tiny sandwiches of homemade chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream, garnished with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Overall, it was a delicious meal at a "fancier" restaurant that didn't have us worrying about the size of the bill at the end. In my opinion, any dining establishment that is afforable enough to get appetizers, an entree and dessert (and drinks) in the midst of a recession is doing something right.
still think you should try CAVA in Portsmouth - similar eats at tapas prices- DELISH :)
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