Porgy and Bess Program [pdf] - American Repertory Theater

Dining Out UPSTAIRS ON THE SQUARE
Haute cuisine and childlike whimsy deliciously
and delightfully intersect in
Harvard Square at Upstairs on the
Square, a venerable restaurant that offers diners a
wealth of refined culinary experiences in
a vibrant setting.
Diners who come to Upstairs have
the option of eating in either the firstfloor
Monday Club Bar, a bright and colorful
wood-paneled room which features
a rotating menu of upscale casual
brunch, lunch and dinner fare; or the
Soiree Dining Room, which resembles
the inside of a young girl’s dollhouse
with its pink and raspberry walls and
gold-painted chairs. Both venues are
lighthearted and welcoming, allaying
any fears of a stuffy dining experience.
One notable aspect about dining at Upstairs is
the equanimity with which carnivores and vegetarians
are considered, with almost an even split
between meat and meat-free dishes. Even the chef’s
tasting menu (available nightly in five- or sevencourse
options) has a vegetarian version, making
Upstairs that rare restaurant where those who eschew
meat can still feel fully invited to the fine
dining party.
60 AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER
UPSTAIRS ON
THE SQUARE
91 Winthrop St.
617-864-1933
Refer to Dining
Guide, page 58
“
Where haute
cuisine and
childlike whimsy
deliciously
intersect.
”
For appetizers, the salad of wild arugula, shaved
zucchini and tempura blossom with a sliver of feta
tart offers a refreshing start to any meal. On the
heartier side, the gorgonzola dulce ravioli served over
roasted peach and pistachio delivers a
perfect blend of sweet and salty.
Entrees are presented with panache
but never resemble the kind of over-thetop
modern “food art” that diners are too
afraid to dig into. Whether one opts for
Chef Steven Brand’s prime skirt steak
served with tater tots and
chimichurri, the roasted chicken panzanella
served with cucumber, sunburst
tomato and fennel flowers, the
sirloin cheeseburger on a buttered potato
roll with gruyere cheese, Niman
Ranch bacon and pickles, or any of
the other sumptuous selections, diners are assured
of a dish bursting with flavor and flair.
Delectable desserts range from rich zebra cake
to ginger pavlova served with roasted peaches,
blackberries and honey ginger ice cream, and are
the perfect way to round out your meal. Upstairs
on the Square truly elevates gourmet cuisine,
proving that fine dining and fun dining aren’t
mutually exclusive.