The Mall at Chestnut Hill (Rte. 9), Chestnut Hill; (617) 244-3100 Good food in a mall? Well, this is Chestnut Hill, dahling, and LGC is a real find. Sure, it’s not as cheap as your average food court, but this is creative, high-quality food at reasonable prices in a restaurant with a delightful European bistro atmosphere.
Start off with one of several homemade soups, different each day; Mr.C loved his Tuscan White Bean vegetables and pasta in a peppery tomato bisque. A hearty cup is $2.50. Perhaps you’ll prefer a pear-and-wal-nut salad ($6.50), dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. Sandwiches are unique: Roberta’s Roasted Chicken Sandwich ($7.50) may sound expensive, but it’s piled high with juicy, rotisseried meat, cranberry relish, and combread-pecan stuffing. It’s like all of Thanksgiving on a baguette. Others range from $5-$7, such as a grilled sandwich of avocado, sprouts, cheddar, and tomato for $5.50.
Dinner prices are higher, in the $10-$ 12 range, but they certainly are unusual. The menu changes seasonally, with such creations as Crispy Com Polenta with Vegetable Ragout of asparagus, portobello mushrooms, and fennel ($10.95). Beers and fine wines are available.
Plus a dazzling array of breads, croissants (of course), fancy desserts (not so cheap), and coffees. Great grabs if you’re not going to sit and eat It’s all in a bustling but elegant setting that will transport you straight to les halles de Paris especially on Thursday and Friday evenings, when live jazz guitar is added to the mix. Breakfasts are served in the morning, and take-out all day. Makes a fine stop after an early movie down the street, too. Open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 rm. daily.
