Boston chef and restaurateur Barbara Lynch (of No. 9 Park and B&G Oysters) transformed a former wool warehouse in the rapidly developing Fort Point neighborhood into two chic-but-casual spots, both of which are available for special events.
Sportello (Italian for counter service), which opened in September, puts a sleek, modern spin on the classic lunch counter concept. A serpentine white Corian countertop lined with stools dominates the minimalist brown-and-white room, which can seat 45 for events. Lynch offers a menu of handmade pastas, along with classic trattoria fare like Tuscan bean soup with garlic sausage and escarole; potato gnocchi with poricini, peas, and cream; and pine nut tarts or milk chocolate semifreddo for dessert. Sportello's bakery counter has also become a popular stop for freshly baked breads, pastries, and cupcakes.
Hidden beneath Sportello is Drink, a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge that also opened in September. The industrial looking room features a red brick wall behind a three-sided blond wood bar bar and simple pendant light fixtures amid exposed piping. To prepare classic cocktails, bartenders chip ice from a 50-pound block, muddle herbs, and add bitters with eyedroppers. Drink also serves a seasonal selection of beer, wine and Champagne, and small bites like bacon-wrapped dates and beef tartare. The bar, which can be reserved for private events, holds 60 guests.
Up next on Lynch's Fort Point agenda: an adjoining building will be transformed into a high-end dining space, slated to open sometime this fall.
