Prince & Pauper Restaurant

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Boston has so many fine eateries, it's easy to get spoiled. On a recent weekend trip to Woodstock, we asked around for local recommendations. The Prince and Pauper was mentioned a number of times. We called for reservations only to find they were sold out for the night. The maitre d' offered us the alternative of sitting at the bar, which is available 1st come; 1st served. We decided to give it a shot.

The bar, actually a very cozy lounge area was available to us. We were greeted by a bartender who makes fabulous Martinis and as it turns out, seems to have an endless knowledge of wine. Despite a very well rounded wine list (prices VERY reasonable by Beantown standards) we opted for the wines (4 whites/4 reds) offered by the glass. Between the two of us we sampled 2 whites and 2 reds...all of which were unknown to us. Turns out the bartender is also the wine buyer and prides himself on hidden gems, very reasonable priced, which don't often turn up at the local package store.

The meal was fabulous. Duck (smoked duck I think) raviolis which arrived with a silky smooth roasted garlic sauce that didn't in any way cloak the flavor of the filling. Typically I find ravioli fillings to be bland but these REALLY tasted of duck. The pasta was house made and was cooked perfectly al dente. My wife's smoked trout (house smoked) was the best we've ever had. Onward to the main courses.

Me: grilled rack of lamb baked in puff pastry. A bit like Beef Wellington. It arrived a perfect medium rare, as ordered. Delectable lamb with a subtle red wine sauce. Fork tender and joyous to the last bite.
Wife: Hawaiian Opah with a Macadamia crust. Wow! Very fresh with a subtle mango-rum sauce. Our bartender-wine guy said the fish was living a wonderful Hawaiian life only 48 hrs before...hehe.

It's rare to find a restaurant that pays this much attention to every small detail. We can't wait to return.

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User Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Mr: We've made the P&P a "must do" for 5 yrs in a row. The food's always great and the service doesn't get any finer. The Hawaiian tuna is to die for.

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