Rendezvous Central Square
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 576-1900
09/15/2006 Posted by magichat
I went here about 6 times within the first 2 months of it opening. The food is absolutely delicious compared to other places in central square for a similar price, ie, central kitchen, which has a few great appetizers but actually pretty crappy main courses for the price. Here, every course was just great. Ingredients used are of very high quality, and I strongly recommend both the roast lemon/lavender chicken and the gnocchi with chanterelles, despite normally thinking such dishes sound bland. At least the time I had it, the chanterelles were local and were amazing. Even the vegetarian main course (with the swiss chard) is delicious. They were also very accommodating of me every time I went, willing to turn an appetizer into a dinner portion, etc. The atmo is fine, but does leave a lot to be desired given that this is not a mid-range restaurant for central square. I knew the place when it was a burger king, so maybe it's just me, but I can tell. That said, central square and harvard square are overpriced in general, so i'd rather lose on the atmo and get some excellent food, which is what you get here. Wine by the glass choices are also good here. So why the disparity in raves vs. mediocre reviews? I think the answer is that you usually feel rather surprised by the bill at the end, given that the atmo just does not live up to the quality of the food and wine. And the service is a disappointment, too. More than once I have had to wait half an hour for water and bread, was brought check when I wanted to order dessert, etc. That said, everyone who works there is a nice and good person. Just tell them you want dessert, or flag someone down and ask for bread, and there is no problem at all. I'm sure they will work out the kinks in time. Meanwhile, we have a delicious place to eat.
Pros: food, wines by the glass, friendly
Cons: slow service, bland atmosphere
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