The Other Critics

The Friendly Toast Soars; House of Blues Falters

Bella Luna
Bella Luna Photo: Bella Luna

• Robert Nadeau has four stars for The Friendly Toast, where “by keeping everything at the same pitch of insanity, it all works.” [Phoenix]

House Of Blues gets a B- from Mat Schaffer. The food is hit or miss and “the Lansdowne Street site boasts none of the idiosyncratic charm of the original. It is corporate theme park.” [Herald]

• The Dig finally gets around to checking out La Voile and finds it “earthy and sleek at once, authentic as a butterfly in a net.” [Dig]

• The newly reopened Bella Luna gets a visit from Devra First, who gives it two stars. Though there’s no more bowling and the food is uneven, it’s still fun. [Globe]

• MC Slim JB stops by Roxbury’s M+M Ribs where “beautifully smoky” ribs and “excellent” soul food sides abound. [Phoenix]

• It’s Armenian for Cheap Eats with a jaunt to Lexington’s Aunt Mary’s World Cafe. The menu is international, but stick to the Armenian specialties. [Globe]

The Friendly Toast Soars; House of Blues Falters