1 day Ago By Katelyn Umholtz
By Katelyn Umholtz The Beacon Hill restaurant space that for decades housed No. 9 Park, Barbara Lynch’s popular fine-dining eatery, is getting a new life under restaurateur Allan Rodriguez. According to a press release last week, the El Centro owner will transform the iconic, park-adjacent spot into Nine, a fine dining restaurant that will serve French-European cuisine and focus on gin and French wines for its beverage program.
Leading the kitchen is chef de cuisine Andrew Simonich, who’s no stranger to this Beacon Hill spot. He worked at No. 9 Park and Menton , another Lynch restaurant that is also closed.
Expect a seasonal tasting menu and an a la carte menu that will feature a wagyu burger, chive blossom pappardelle, and a lamb with fennel confit and Calabrian chiles, according to the Boston Globe . The gin-centered, 15-seat bar at Nine is inspired by gin palaces , drinking establishments that were popular in 19th century England. The press release claims Nine will be Boston’s first-ever gin palace, serving a curated list of gins from around the world.
The wine list will mostly be French, but Nine promises “unique global selections” as well. While a tasting menu from Simonich will certainly make Nine more upscale, Rodriguez also called the new concept a neighborhood restaurant, particularly when it comes to the bar seating and smaller plates available on the a la carte menu. “I am thrilled to introduce nine to Boston and preserve the rich history of this beloved location,” Rodriguez said in a press release.
“Our team comprises the industry’s top talent and each member has brought unique expertise to the table. Together, we are creating a restaurant that promises the highest caliber of hospitality, food and beverage, and I am confident that we will deliver an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations.” Nine will open in late spring, according to the press release.
No. 9 Park closed at the end of last year after 26 years in business. The restaurant put Lynch on the map in the culinary world, earning the South Boston native several nominations and wins from the James Beard Foundation and food publications.
But its closure promptly followed other Lynch restaurants that were shuttered in recent years as the famed chef’s career faced faced significant upheaval. Last year, she was accused of fostering a toxic workplace, and she’s currently being sued by former employees for allegedly withholding tips. Lynch has denied both accusations.
Katelyn Umholtz Katelyn Umholtz covers food and restaurants for Boston.com. Katelyn is also the author of The Dish, a weekly food newsletter .
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