Asana at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston: Refined Cuisine With an International Flourish

Asana at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston (776 Boylston St., Boston (617-603-1900) (Map) offers a unique culinary journey for Boston.The menu features  contemporary cuisine with strong French and Asian influences while utilizing seasonal New England ingredients. For starters, choose the five spice poached Seckel pear on bitter greens or the lobster bisque with coconut curry flan.  Georges Bank Cod with caramelized miso and sweet potato puree is a highly recommended dish- and truly indicative of the Asana style  while the stuffed and roasted quail with chestnut and dried apple and a cranberry ginger glaze respects New England’s culinary traditions. For dessert, peruse the menu for such choices as the MO brownie with coffee , vanilla and caramel cream or indulge in the floating island  with with banana milkshake and passion fruit.

Locals know that Asana’s  lunch menu is an exceptional value for the neighborhood- there’s  a  popular bento box combination as well as a well-priced two or three course business lunch.

Asana is an elegant space- the sleek decor artfully combines elements of wood, water, earth, and metal.If you can, try to finagle a booth seat overlooking bustling Boylston Street for a terrific view of the Back Bay street scene.

Image Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Boston; used with permission