Restaurant Week Preview: L'Espalier

Sure, it’s an overdone publicity stunt, and many a foodie has been burned by the snooty service, tiny portions and unimpressive fare served to those who step out for Restaurant Week in Boston. But there are still a few good reasons to give Restaurant Week a try this August 10-15 and 17-22, and we'll be profiling these worthy restaurants all week long. Snag a lunch or dinner seat at www.opentable.com before it’s too late.

Restaurant Week Pick: L’Espalier
[30 Gloucester St., 617-262-3023. Lunch only.]

In September, this landmark fine dining destination is moving out of its Back Bay location and into a new 5,500 square foot location in the Mandarin Oriental complex on Boylston next to Sel de la Terre, chef/owner Frank McClelland’s other restaurant. This Restaurant Week will be your last chance to dine in the smaller, famed Back Bay townhouse space at 30 Gloucester St., which hosts over 1,000 special occasions and at least one marriage proposal every month. McClelland, named the 2007 “Best Chef Northeast” by the James Beard foundation, will still be helming the operation, but as everyone who’s ever moved knows, the kitchen makes the food, so L’Espalier’s menu may never taste the same. Get the classic experience while you still can.

Restaurant Week previews by Ryan Rose Weaver.