Haute Secrets Boston: Barbara Lynch

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!