|
The Specs
Since it opened in 2003, Mantra has been thrilling diners with its ground-breaking French-Indian cuisine. The critics have taken notice, too, of Mantra's avant garde decor, seamless service, lively bar scene and unique upscale menu. Mantra has been lauded in publications as varied as In Style and Architecture, and its food is rated three-and-a-half out of four stars in both the Boston Globe and Boston Herald.
The food is a sophisticated blend of French flavors and techniques, emboldened by subtle Indian "accents," yet the ingredient list is based on New England fish, seafood, poultry, meats and produce.
Chain mail curtains and stepped tables evoke multiple rooms in the Beaux-Arts marble hall of the Old Colony Bank. Graceful oval tables and elegant settings boost the sense of fine dining. Mantra serves French cuisine sparked with Indian spices--contrasting textures (crispy brie and crab salad with cracked coriander vinaigrette) and assertive flavors (grilled scampi prawns with a seaweed and crab roll, saffron glaze). The lounge area houses the Ladder District's most stylish nightlife scene.
The Scene
It's a great space and the club design is thoughtful and well-laid out. The toilets are unusual and not for the shy or self-conscious. The club overall has a good vibe and a good-looking crowd. The guys at the door are selective enough to make sure the crowd quality remains good but not to the point of being arrogant. The music is a ordinary though, from top 40 stuff to hiphop to industrial house.
| 
