This restaurant may be a new addition to the Kendall Square area, but the culinary world has known the owners, Alon and Rachel Miller, for quite some time from their old place, Rachel's Kitchen, in Bay Village. With Hungry Mother, they've added John Kessen, a former GM of Sel de la Terre, and Chef Barry Maiden, an alum of Lumiere, who has infused Appalachian Virginian cuisine with French fare - it's high brow French meets the American South. There's an international wine list, but regionally appropriated cocktail menu (rye, bourbon, etc) to enhance the experience.

If you want to make “dinner and a show” a little more classy, come to The Blue Room before hitting Kendall Cinema. The Blue Room is gourmet without pretension. Expect flawless execution and relaxed, considerate service. The menu shows an assurance with and knowledge of flavors that frees it from the chaotic experimentation characterizing less accomplished establishments. Blue Room buys its produce from local farms and producers and this commitment shows in the quality of its food. The cauliflower soup with curry and dill ($6) is a fine example, creamy and rich, accented with a mild hint of heat. The roasted striped bass ($22) also combines traditional southwest flavors of yucca and cumin with a deft hand on the grill: the result is juicy, tender, crisp, and aromatic. Don't miss the restaurant's signature Su brunch buffet, an epicurean feast at $21, featuring an abundance of entrees and desserts. Menus vary seasonally, so trust in the chef's touch and look forward to a great meal. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This place started out as a take-out joint in North Cambridge without even any place to sit, which became immensely popular. Eventually, they had to expand because the demand was so great. Now they're located near MIT/Kendall Square and just as good as they ever were. Cozy little spot with low lighting, very busy at times. The rosemary sauce for their pizza is unique and is kind of what got them such a good following in the first place. Crispy crust and a huge selection of toppings. The rest of the menu is just as tasty, but pizza is what they're really about. The staff is very friendly, and is great about keeping you posted on when your table will be ready. Drinks are available while you wait, including a good selection of wine by the glass. Customers are required to turn off all cell phones.

A great pre-/post-movie dinner destination (the Kendall theater is steps away), Atasca is a romantically dim and cozy haven for authentic Portugese cuisine. Start out with the octopus salad ($5.50) or one of the restaurant's famed petiscos, small Portuguese dishes similar to their Spanish cousin tapas. The littleneck clams ($9) are superb, and the accompanying fried potatoes, golden cubes crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, raise the standard for sides. If you're feeling adventurous, try the voluminous and flavorful goat stew ($18). If not, Atasca's chefs are especially deft with creatures from the sea, creating an array of delicious dishes ($18-23). The sangria ($16), sweetened and given deeper flavor with port, is wonderful, and a meal would not be complete without the smooth rice pudding ($4.50). Vegetarians beware: you may have to look elsewhere for sustenance. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Taiwanese!

R.I.P B-SIDE, NOVEMBER 3, 2008 A Cambridge Institution noted for their hardboiled eggs offered as bar snacks to hungry patrons in need of some protein. Voted Best of Boston. Serving Lunch, Dinner and Brunch. Open for: Lunch Tues-Sat 11:30-4:00

         Dinner 7 Nights 5:30-12:00
         Brunch Sat 11:30-4:00
                Sun 11:00-4:00    

_

_

Though perhaps somewhat steep for the budget-conscious student, Oleana is an excellent choice when parents come to town. Secluded between Central and Kendall Square, this restaurant epitomizes the truly satisfying dining experience. Everything at Oleana feels just right: the service is impeccable, the portions filling, and the food heavenly. The Mediterranean menu complements the museum mystique—you'll feel like you're eating in the middle of an Ancient Egyptian exhibit at the MFA. The appetizers include a variety of meat, fish, salads, and cheeses, including the Sultan's Delight, a delicious blend of glazed beef, eggplant, and pinenuts ($9). You may find yourself uncertain of the menu's exotic choices, such as sujuk (sausage) with sweet potato kibbeh or Jerusalem artichoke skordalia, but rest assured that each is delicious and cooked to perfection. Try the grilled lamb steak with Turkish spices ($23) or the lemon chicken ($21), each accompanied with a vegetable or cheese garnish. Make sure you leave room for dessert, a renowned restaurant specialty. The Baked Alaska ($10), an extravaganza of coconut ice cream and passion fruit caramel, tastes every bit as good as it sounds. Appetizers $8-9. Entrees $21-38. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. This place is known for having unique dishes. You will find Arabian food meshed with Mediterranean style; the restaurant is very pretty; they have a nice fireplace during the winter. The menu is quite innovative with simple, fresh ingredients presented in unique ways that always seem to work. The service is knowledgeable and acquiescent to catering dietary needs. However, the service can be bumpy and otherwise lackluster. The food makes up for the service, so don't be afraid to try this eclectic treat.