Small Bite at Blue Inc.


small bite

Photo by Scott M. Lacey

Former Hell’s Kitchen contestant Jason Santos has opened his own place, with much ado about his wacky techniques (think: foams and freeze-drying). Unfortunately, all the razzle-dazzle doesn’t make up for the lunchtime fare — which should be the restaurant’s strength, given its Financial District location. The lobster roll ($18, pictured) was fine, but hardly worth coming back for; the Broad Burger ($11) sat on a grease-soaked roll with caramelized onions and a side of flavorless pickles. The burger has since been axed from the menu, but for now, we’d still stick with snacks like sweet potato fries ($3) or house-made barbecue chips ($1). The real savior is the selection of milkshakes ($6–$8), which arrive bubbling and smoking from liquid nitrogen; the strawberry-and-honey-dipped-doughnut version was a standout. Still, it’s hard to imagine crowds pouring in for these alone.

131 Broad St., Boston, 617-261-5353, blueincboston.com.