The Boston Park Plaza Hotel in the Back Bay recently debuted Pairings, a new restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Todd English's Bonfire.
Turning old into new, designer Anja Kola recycled many elements from the 3,685-square-foot venue’s previous incarnation. The ivy-embellished overhead light fixtures are leftovers that have been painted off-white, while the expansive bar, stonework, vaulted ceilings, and open kitchen remain but are now paired with understated orange walls and beige upholstered chairs. Bay windows along the restaurant’s front wall have been extended all the way to the floor, allowing for more natural light and views of the adjacent Park Plaza, where seasonal patio seating is available for 24.
The 125-seat main dining room features large wooden communal tables and smaller square tables alongside high-back booths and is available for buyouts. A private wine room near the restaurant’s entrance seats 20.
Executive chef Robert Bean has created a menu of interesting pairings—like lobster corn dogs with vadouvan spice, pickled cabbage, and lemon—and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with special group dining menus available for all three meals.
