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Voice of Boston is a new series where we interview local tastemakers on their favorite neighborhoods, restaurants and hangouts around the city. If you missed our last one, catch up on where Chef Jason Santos, owner of Buttermilk & Bourbon, Nash Bar and Citrus & Salt, likes to hang out around town.
Next up, we head to Cambridge to talk with Chef Will Gilson, owner of Puritan and Company, the Lexington, Cafe Beatrice, Geppetto, The Herb Lyceum and Puritan Oyster. His flagship restaurant, Puritan and Company just celebrated its 10th anniversary last fall, so it is safe to say that Gilson is a Cambridge veteran when it comes to the best places to eat and drink.
What are your favorite neighborhoods in Boston?
I am Cambridge based so if I'm crossing the river it’s to see some friends in the South End or to catch a show in the Theater District. But Spring in the Back Bay is also probably one of my favorite parts about Boston after we shake the winter doldrums.
Where do you go for a late night bite?
I have small kids so late night is like 10pm for me now. Before that it was always Fugakyu in Brookline or Tasty Burger in Harvard Square.
In general, what are some of your favorite restaurants and bars right now?
My wife and I usually end up at the bar at either Sarma or Pammy's. I love what Colin is doing at Bar Mezzana and every time I eat at Little Donkey, I get so excited. I'm really happy that Wink and Nod is back, and Louis DiBiccari is back there making great food again.
Name a “hidden gem” where you always take friends or family when they are visiting from out of town.
Dakzen in Davis is one of the most underrated restaurants around. It reminds me of being in Thailand.
What do you think is the best thing about Boston right now?
It's so nice to see restaurants buzzing again. After over two years of everything being so scary and unpredictable it actually makes me really happy when I can't get into a restaurant because they are so busy.
What do you think is the worst thing about Boston right now?
People riding the wrong way in a bike lane, seemingly having never haven ridden a bike before.
Where is your favorite place to go for a walk in the city?
When the flowers are in bloom in the Public Garden it’s there for sure. But I love walking by the Charles and seeing Boston becoming a bigger city all the way across from The People's Republic of Cambridge.
What is your go-to Dunkin Donuts coffee order?
Large Cold Brew, 2 creams, no sugar. Year round.