A few weeks ago a friend of mine who lives in Davis Square noticed a new restaurant popping up in the space next to Diesel Cafe (which I love. Read the review here). She reported back to me that this new arrival was being named Foundry on Elm and would open in early September. I try to wait a few weeks before checking out a new restaurant (let them work out the kinks on other patrons) and tonight we were finally ready to make our inaugural visit.
Foundry on Elm feels like a New York City restaurant. Despite its massive square footage (unheard of in NYC) it reminds me of several Manhattan eateries. The space has dark wood tables, apple red leather banquets and large chandeliers casting a warm glow over the restaurant.
We were seated at a two person table with a view into the kitchen. I actually liked being able to see the orders come up and the servers scurry off in different directions with each perfectly plated item.
Our waiter was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about every line item on the menu - food or beverage. We each started with a glass of sauvignon blanc. While we waited for our appetizer course, we were delivered a basket of warm, crusty bread. An excellent way to start.
For a first course we both ordered the squash soup which was heavenly. Is there a better autumn treat? The soup was rich in flavor and warmed us up on this chilly night. We loved it so much we had to hold ourselves back from licking the bowl clean.
For dinner I ordered the grilled eggplant sandwich. It came on a large roll with melted cheese, roasted red peppers, pesto and tomato and lettuce for garnish. The plate was also covered by a heaping pile of sublime, thinly cut french fries. I don't know what happened, but the fries just vanished.
My dining companion ordered the roasted garlic and mushroom flatbread which was bursting with mushroom flavor. The crust was thin and crispy, exactly what you would hope for in a flatbread.
She also ordered a side of hush puppies, which came with a mustard aioli. They were a bit dry, but still fun to sample.
We did ask to see the dessert menu, but we weren't wow-ed by any particular item. We decided to throw in the towel.
I have to say, Foundry surpassed my expectations. I tend to think of Davis Square as more mellow, but Foundry was reminiscent of many of my downtown favorites. Check it out and be sure to order the squash soup. Its absolutely not to be missed.
