:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45587676/r2013-05-01-at-1.16.23-PM.0.0.0.jpg)
"When I was a newbie cook in NYC, I'd always plan dinner with Mom on December 26 back in Boston," says Matthew Gaudet, chef/owner of West Bridge. "Working in the industry, I always had to work on Christmas, so we'd earmark the 26th as our day to get together for the holidays. We would go to Lumiere, Le Soir, Radius, and Spire over the years."
Of the four, only Lumiere remains, an elegant Newton destination since 1999, helmed by Michael Leviton.
Le Soir Bistro, also in Newton, was a "romantic" French restaurant that closed in 2007, replaced by 51 Lincoln. Chef/owner Mark Allen went on to work at a country club in Weston.
Spire, a restaurant at the Nine Zero Hotel, closed in 2007, replaced by KO Prime, which was replaced by Highball Lounge in 2013.
Radius closed in 2013 after a 15-year-run; it'll be replaced by the first New England location of New York-based Serafina any day now. Meanwhile, Radius chef/owner Michael Schlow, who is also behind Tico, Via Matta, and more, is serving his beloved Radius burger at Tico this week in honor of Classics Week.
Photo of Matthew Gaudet: Chris Coe
