Table Talk Online + This Week's Edible Events

Photo by Warren Jagger

Chef Bill Flumerfelt returns to the stove after a lengthy hiatus (he was at Ashmont Grill and before that at the now-closed Icarus) to open Nubar, a lounge-y restaurant inside Harvard Square’s Sheraton Commander Hotel. While the space was previously geared strictly toward hotel guests, Flumerfelt says Nubar will cater to local neighbors as well as travelers. “A lot of folks have walked right past this space for years and we’re hoping our menu captures their attention,” he says.

Look for Mediterranean accents on his new American menu, such as a mascarpone-filled risotto cake smothered in a lobster-and-morel-mushroom ragu and taleggio polenta with wilted baby spinach. Duck, which was a specialty for Flumerfelt back at Icarus, will appear as a pan-seared breast served with rhubarb and tart cherry gastrique. He also tells us he’s paying tribute to a few notable local chefs: a Portuguese dish of Korubuta pork and Pat Woodbury’s littleneck clams was inspired by Jasper White (Summer Shack); the shareable mezze platter is filled with recipe ideas he picked up from Ana Sortun (Oleana). “There are a lot of local culinary heroes that I look up to. I’m interested in carrying on their legacy,” says Flumerfelt. A trait we look forward to seeing on the plate.

Nubar, 16 Garden Street, Cambridge, 617-234-1365, nubarcambridge.com.

This Week’s Edible Events + Where to Eat on Easter Sunday

By: Katherine Brooks

4/19-20 – Passover at Craigie on Main
Avoid traditional with Chef Tony Maws’ prix fixe menu featuring matzoh-crusted fried quail, lamb three ways, and olive oil and Taza Chocolate mousse. ($80, 5:30p.m., 853 Main St., Cambridge. For reservations, call 617-497-5511.)

4/19 – Lumiere’s Freedom Seder
A Klezmer band, lots of singing, and Chef Michael Leviton’s take on traditional Passover foods. Join the celebration with a family style meal and inevitable cheek pinching. ($125 per adult, half price for children under 12, 6 p.m. 1293 Washington St., Newton. For reservations, call 617.244.9199.)

4/19 – Sparkling Spring Cocktail Class
The Blue Room’s master mixologist Daniel Motsinger combines sparkling wine and cold liquor in this class at the Boston Center for Adult Education. Start with the classic French 75 and end with a great buzz. ($45 for non-members, $40 for members, plus $20 materials fee, 7–9 p.m. Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington St., Boston. Book online.)

4/22 – Earth Day Dinner at 606 Congress
Executive Chef Richard Garcia brings in local fishermen who will share stories about their work. $5 from each ticket goes to benefit Chefs Collaborative, a local non-profit devoted to increasing sustainability in restaurant kitchens. ($65, Reception at 7 p.m., dinner at 7:30p.m. 606 Congress St., Boston. For reservations, call 617-476-5606.)

Where to Eat on Easter Sunday

The Beehive
Live music, outdoor seating, an Easter bunny appearance, and specialties like Greek Easter soup, smoked trout salad, and roast leg of lamb. (Prix fixe options: $23.95 and $29.95, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 541 Tremont St., Boston. For reservations, call 617-423-0069.)

UpStairs on the Square
Three-course menu options for both brunch and dinner might feature maple sugar custard with giant asparagus, Atlantic salmon with sugar snap peas and rhubarb, springtime minestrone, and berry shortcakes. ($50 for brunch from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., $65 for dinner from 5:30–8 p.m., 91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge. For reservations, call 617-864-1933.)

Café Fleuri at The Langham
Find live music and food stations at this lavish buffet, plus child-friendly activities like face painting, an Easter bunny appearance, and a magician. ($88 for adults, $45 for children, 10:30a.m. – 5:00p.m. 250 Franklin St., Boston. For reservations, call 617-451-1900 x7125.)

Buona Pasqua at Prezza
Italian Pasqua specials include wood grilled lamb chops ($34), ravioli stuffed with ricotta and egg yolk ($10), and braised pork ribs ($12) in addition to the regular menu. (A la carte pricing, 2–7 p.m., 24 Fleet St., Boston. For reservations, call 617-227-1577.)

Aura at The Seaport Hotel
The Easter bunny makes an appearance at the egg hunt while apple butternut bisque, quiche, beef tenderloin, honey-glazed ham, and leg of lamb show up on the killer buffet. ($52 per adult, $12 per child ages 6-12, free for kids 5 and under, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., One Seaport Lane, Boston. For reservations, call 617-385-4300.)