Chef Barbara Lynch is one of the most beloved chefs in Boston and also revered as one of the foremost chefs in America, trained in the classic European manner through a series of apprenticeships under some of Boston’s greatest culinary talent. Today, her collection of restaurants under Barbara Lynch Gruppo include No. 9 Park, Sportello, B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop, Drink, Menton and Stir.
Photo Credit: Barbara Lynch Gruppo
Her fine dining Fort Point restaurant, Menton, is a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux property, the first and only one of its kind in the city of Boston. With this distinction, Lynch joined an elite group of chefs in North America and top chefs worldwide who have been awarded the title of Grand Chef, including Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller. She was the first female Grand Chef in North America, and Menton was the only free-standing Grand Chef restaurant to be inducted in January 2012.
We caught up with Lynch recently to find out what she loves most about Boston.
Where were you born: Boston, MA
How long in Boston: 52 years
Neighborhood: South Boston
Occupation: Chef, entrepreneur, author
Best Sushi: o ya
Best Italian: Giulia
Best dessert: Sofra Bakery
Best place for a romantic date: Grab a bottle of wine and sit outside at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), beautiful views overlooking the Boston Harbor
Best Sunday brunch: Four Seasons
Best place for a power business meeting: Boston Harbor Hotel
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Intercontinental
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Alan Bilzerian
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Good on Charles Street
Best Spa: Bella Santé
Best Steakhouse: Frank’s in Cambridge
Best Pizza: 16C
Best Lunch: Menton
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Peter Welch’s Gym
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber
Best Museum/Exhibit: Dutch Masters at MFA
Describe Boston in three words: Accessible, beautiful, fun
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM)
All-around favorite spot in Boston: South End
Best Aspect of Boston: All of it!
