One of the culinary geniuses of the tony suburbs of Boston just keeps getting better. Dave Becker’s flair for making Mediterranean food more approachable shines brightly at his two restaurants, Sweet Basil in Needham and Juniper in Wellesley.
Photo Credit: Sweet Basil
His menus feature everything from a juicy pan-roasted veal chop with cheesy polenta cake, sautéed spinach, and a port wine sauce with roasted mushroom and fig; to duck kofta; and Lebanese chicken liver pate,
We caught up with Becker recently to find out what he loves most about Boston.
Where were you born: Newburyport
How long in Boston: Basically my whole life
Neighborhood: West Roxbury
Occupation: Chef/Owner of Sweet Basil in Needham and Juniper in Wellesley
Favorite Restaurant: Tough one these days! Hojoko and Giulia
Best Sushi: UNI
Best Italian: Giulia
Best dessert: Patio at JP Licks in Jamaica Plain
Best place for a romantic date: Patio at Oleana
Best Sunday brunch: Tremont 647 or Friendly Toast in Cambridge
Best place for a power business meeting: Meat sandwich at Moody’s, followed by a beer at The Gaff in Waltham
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Hotel Indigo in Newton
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Salmagundi in Jamaica Plain
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Anderson’s Jewelers in Wellesley
Favorite Charity Event: Urban Improv
Favorite Cultural Event: HONKFest
Favorite Cultural Institution: Institute of Contemporary Art
Best Steakhouse: Davio’s
Best Pizza: Friday Night Flatbreads at La Brasa
Best Lunch: Blue Dragon
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber
Best Museum/Exhibit: Harvard Zoology Museum
Describe Boston in three words: Historic, Strong-willed, walkable
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Arnold Arboretum
All-around favorite spot in Boston: Cambridge-side of the Charles River at night
Best Aspect of Boston: Boston is the perfect combination of a big city and a small town
