Should we be sad about the news, or should we be happy about the wonderful people we met and wonderful meals we ate at the Ashmont Grill over the past 18 years? The answer is on their website:

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Thank you all for 18 years of friendship.

Our last day of service will be Sunday, Feb. 12th. We hope to see you over the next few weeks!
Come party with us!!

So Barbara and I had dinner there last night—possibly for our last time, unless we can squeeze in one more before the 12th. “Bittersweet,” I guess, is the best way to describe the occasion.

Unsurprisingly, given that the imminent closing has been announced, the restaurant was very busy for a Sunday evening. If they could only have been this busy for the past three years…but it was not to be. Our server, Chris, should have been overwhelmed by all the customers, but he managed to serve with his usual combination of efficiency and friendliness. Barbara started with the roasted beet salad of spinach & mixed greens, goat cheese, pickled red onion, candied pecans, balsamic dijon, and, of course, roasted beets; I started with the always amazing cheddar-and-scallion croquettes with smoked bacon aioli. Then came the equally-always-amazing fried jumbo shrimp with spicy mango dip for Barbara, and wood-grilled salmon with maple-mustard glaze, roasted potatoes, and haricots verts for me.

If this has to be the end, it’s a good end. But, as I said, maybe there will be one more, especially if the rumor is correct that Michaela and Claire will be back once more before the last night. And we will continue to see Tara at Tavolo.

Categories: Dorchester/Boston, Food & Restaurants