Watching The World Go By: Intrigue Cafe

• Review
• Sunday, June 29, 2008

The waterfront setting of the Boston Harbor Hotel's Intrigue Cafe is simply stunning- the ocean view, Charlestown just across the harbor, and luxury yachts moored at the marina.

The casually elegant café restaurant at the Boston Harbor Hotel is best known as the setting for the hotel's "Summer in the City Series" of live entertainment. (See June 11 th posting) 

In the summer, the walls of the floor to ceiling windows are opened to the harbor and Intrigue becomes two spaces with dining both inside the hotel and outside on the terrace. 

Meet for a drink and stylish cocktails like the "Summer Strawberry"; strawberries muddled with Hpynotiq and apple schnapps.  Fun "tastings" like homemade tortilla chips and black bean dip, and a wafer-thin grilled pizza with olives and tomatoes are made for sharing.

You may not want to leave- Intrigue is one of the best people watching restaurants in the city, with scores of Financial District business -types and tourists passing through Rowes Wharf all day.  But, if you choose to go all out, you will find that the menu is inventive American with a definite emphasis on seafood.  The jumbo sea scallops with shrimp and mussels in a fennel broth is perfect; so too is the grilled snapper.  Finish your meal with cappuccino and the seasonal strawberry buttermilk shortcake with crème anglaise -and get two forks. Another big plus--the service is top-notch  and prices are reasonable for Intrigue's stellar waterfront location.