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Ten Tables

5 Craigie Cir.
Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone: 617-576-5444

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Website: http://www.tentables.net

Call it a big-budget (or bigger-budget, anyway) sequel to a cult favorite: The recently debuted sister location to J.P.'s tiny Ten Tables keeps its marquee star—chef and co-owner David Punch's top-drawer, affordable bistro fare—while adding new cast members like L'Espalier vet Nico Herregodts as GM. Production values are higher, too, in the form of an expanded menu and a much larger, freshly renovated space in the former Craigie Street Bistrot spot. The ingredient sourcing is meticulous, as diners can choose from organic and bio-dynamic wines to accompany their skillet-roasted Gianonne chicken or Berkshire pork sausage with duck confit hash, but inventive flavor architecture is where Ten Tables truly shines (e.g., chocolate terrine with sea salt and Thai basil ice cream). The good news/bad news caveat? With nearly 50 seats here, you're more likely to get in—and so is everyone else.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Plain spot is a small, candlelit space with a small menu, and has indeed just 10 tables, with 10 menu options such as house smoked salmon and braised pork with prunes.