Since it opened in the fall of 2004, lux Chestnut Hill steak house the Metropolitan Club has attracted herds of well-heeled carnivores eager for chef Jeff Fournier’s creative meat-and-potatoes fare. But just to the right of the hostess stand is the MET Bar, where — although the suede banquettes and leather-upholstered chairs do their best to remind you of the restaurant’s true focus — the menu is decidedly lighter and more playful. From addictively crunchy popcorn (served with a carafe of movie-style melted butter and a trio of flavored salts; $6) to an excellent rendering of the requisite French fries (these being hand-cut Idaho spuds served with truffle-Parmesan dip; $7), the MET Bar does apps right.
But best of the bunch is the MET nachos: three perfect squares of flaky-crisp flour tortilla, each topped with a gooey combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and a flash-fried avocado round. Add to that a tart, cumin-spiked salsa of charred tomatoes and red onions, and these are to chain-restaurant nachos what prime porterhouse is to Salisbury steak. Team your MET nachos with a Patron Silver margarita ($11) from the crushed-ice martini bar, and settle down for a spell: the MET Bar serves a full menu until midnight, Thursday through Sunday.
Available for $8 at the Metropolitan Club, 1210 Boylston Street, in Chestnut Hill | 617.731.0600
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