top tens (again)

it's that time again: time for a random updating of my top ten favorite restaurants in boston/cambridge. these lists are always a little suspect because, well, what do i mean by top ten? i think that in this case, it's a best-hits type of thing, where memory - and the longevity of memory - are a key factor. this is an interesting question to me, because i know that if i really, really enjoyed the restaurant, i will remember the meal i had there despite the inevitable fading of my memory. take alinea, for example: i ate there two years ago, but i still remember specific dishes: how they tasted and how we ate them. or the taste of the honey ice cream at aujourd'hui, also two or three years ago. memory is also pretty fickle: i have no way of knowing what i would think of a dish i had two years ago. my food memory isn't that good. and it's a legitimate question, at least to me: as your palate changes and develops, from eating more different kinds of foods (or perhaps just getting older), you have no way of knowing that your foundation of food knowledge is still the same. are the best chefs just that detail-oriented and gifted with respect to long-term memory?

ten favorite restaurants in the boston/cambridge area, 2008
1. craigie street bistrot. we did a chef's whim dinner back in the spring and while not everything was a hit, everything was pretty exciting. seared beef with smoked beef tongue and beef marrow blobs? yeah. exactly. i'm just a little bit thrilled that craigie street is moving into a space around the corner from me.
2. pomodoro. if you're looking for a friendly neighborhood restaurant that manages to be hip but not pretentious, this is it.
3. upstairs on the square. i went here for lunch with c, and just had a cheeseburger. it was the best cheeseburger i've ever had. it'll put you back a well-spent $14. and then get the butterscotch pudding.
4. o ya. if you're not afraid to spend, this is the place to do it.
5. restaurant pava. still memorable for its bread selection.
6. rendezvous. the last time i was there, i had this blood orange ceviche with scallops that was absolutely divine. every time i think about it, i want it again.
7. central kitchen. if you're looking for a friendly neighborhood restaurant that's actually in your neighborhood, this is the place to be.
8. sound bites. best brunch, but oh so far away.
9. pigalle. always a solid standby.
10. mariposa bakery. service has brightened considerably upon the return of my favorite sandwich-maker. best sandwiches and scones in the city. don't forget to get a chocolate chocolate chip cookie on your way out. oh, and expect to wait for your sandwich.

ten favorite restaurants in the boston/cambridge area, 2007
1. craigie street bistrot (interesting updating of classical french food; impeccable technique)
2. pomodoro (best italian food i've ever had; best, and friendliest, service)
3. pigalle (really excellent french country food, excellent service)
4. restaurant pava (most interesting and successful flavor combinations; best bread)
5. sel de la terre (excellent french food)
6. rendezvous (more adventurous new american that occasionally misses its mark)
7. upstairs on the square (slightly overpriced, but really excellent new american)
8. central kitchen (close-to-home, unpretentious new american)
9. aujourd'hui (excellent, sophisticated upscale french)
10. miracle of science (best burger)

ten favorite restaurants in the boston/cambridge area, 2006
1. craigie street bistrot
2. pigalle
3. caffe umbra
4. sel de la terre
5. upstairs on the square
6. central kitchen
7. aujourd'hui
8. picco
9. rangzen
10. addis red sea