Review: The Temple Bar(TV Diner) - Temple Bar in Cambridge, MA is a bistro that beautifully blends both classic and modern design elements to create a superbly inviting dining space.
It sets the scene for some big expectations from Executive Chef Michael Sceflo.
Located between Harvard and Porter Squares in Cambridge, The Temple Bar is the very definition of swank,with its exposed brick walls, massive mirrors, romantic lighting, elegant booths and cool bar.
The vibe is hip at this bistro offering a contemporary menu of American and fusion plates, but is the fare on the same par?
We begin with the Gorgonzola piccante fondue for two.
The pot of slightly thin fondue was rich in flavor and worked well with a number of eclectic dipping sides, including bacon-wrapped prunes, pear slices, asparagus and of course, bread chunks.
And the toasted almond and apricot salad was a miraculous mix of fruit, nuts, endive, and pancetta - tossed gently with a delectable cider blue cheese dressing.
The brined and grilled pork chop served with a ramekin of cheese was surrounded by black truffle vinaigrette. All those co-mingling flavors were heavenly, but the salt content was a bit high.
Despite that heavy-handed salt shaker also evident on the skillet seared chicken breast, the small portion of poultry was mouth-watering and a pretty picture of a plate sided by carrot and saffron latkes and a sweet pea puree.
Desserts at The Temple Bar are celestial. "Wow" best describes the retro chocolate and vanilla whoopee pies fancied up by a house made toasted marshmallow and a shot glass of Tahitian vanilla milkshake.
And the pecan pie napoleon was another wonder. The layers of crisp, buttery shortbread filled with mascarpone alongside coconut ice cream and a leaf of almond bark may have been sinful, but we must say…wicked good.
Service was more than adequate. Our waitress was engaging and professional, but we did feel somewhat rushed. The price point is right on the money for a trendy Cambridge bistro, with appetizers and salads from $8 to $16; sandwiches from $9 to $12; entrees from $18 to $24; and desserts from $8 to $15.
For its awesome atmosphere, sophisticated fare and practical pricing, The Temple Bar gets the Gold Plate. Open daily for dinner and weekends for brunch.
617-547-5055
www.templebarcambridge.com
Location:
Temple Bar
1688 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge,
MAUnited States
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