Heated up at Bonfire
Bonfire
Park Plaza Hotel
Boston, MA 02116

Bonfire has never disappointed, maybe because it never pretends to be more than what it is. And what “that” is a fantastic steak house with a slight Mexican twist. Todd English, celebrity chef extraordinaire, brought us Bonfire a few years ago, and it has made itself and home and a name in Boston’s Park Plaza hotel. Compared to my meal at Avila on Monday, anything was looking good!

Bonfire is relaxing upon entering. The entire restaurant seems to glow in hues of red, a reflection of its name. The booths are welcoming, and once seated it is easy to slip into a your own warm little world. With attentive service (aside from one waiter who we termed the lifer – you will know him upon sight. He acts very important and busy, with awful thick rim glasses for emphasis), the dining experience is one of comfort, elegance and repose. I could have sat and sipped my martini for hours, and the waitstaff would have let me so. But alas, I was here to eat and my mouth had started to water at the smell of all the steak cooking!

I stuck with the simplest meal available; I got a 16 oz sirloin (medium of course) with the horseradish crema and a side of mashed potatoes. My dining companion, with whom I was sharing a 2 year anniversary, ordered nearly the same meal, substituting asparagus for the potatoes. I think my companion thought I would share my crock of mashed potatoes… even after two years, some people never learn! Both of our meals were excellent; the meat was cooked and seasoned to perfection and the portions were large and filling. The price level here is nearly identical to Avila, but somehow I don’t mind spending the money at Bonfire, where the food and atmosphere are perfect to share an intimate dinner for two, or a party of 20. (I have eaten here for a large prearranged dinner and really enjoyed myself).

Everything at Bonfire is enjoyable: the red décor, subtle lounge/house music, strong drinks, perfect appetizers (soups and specialty homemade tacos), and comfy booths. Regardless of the night already being special, our dinner at Bonfire made the night just that much better. It’s funny, when I like a restaurant I have little to say about it other than go there. Bonfire trades some of the quality of places like the Palm and Smith and Wolensky’s for an atmosphere that is not traditional steak house – and it’s a trade that is worth it! The food is fine and the experience is always pleasant.