We had dinner last night at Lineage, a restaurant in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline that was opened on March 11 by Jeremy and Lisa Sewall. Jeremy was formerly the chef of Great Bay, arguably the best, and certainly the most interesting, seafood restaurant in Boston. Lisa was formerly the pastry chef at L'Espalier.
The food is what is often described as New American Cuisine, that is fresh, local ingredients, lightly and imaginatively cooked. We started with the lobster tacos - three taco shells stuffed with chilled lobster and guacamole, and served with a salsa verde; and with the duck confit cannelloni. Both were delicious. The main courses were swordfish with green lentils and duck breast with crispy risotto and winter vegetables. The meal was accompanied by an excellent and reasonably priced Broglia Gavi. We were glad we saved room for dessert - a rich, almost mousse-like chocolate cake.
The appetizers were in the range of $8-$12 and the entrees $18-$25. You can find the menu here although everything we had were added in the past few days.
There were a few, minor kinks which I trust will be rectified as the place gets up to speed. The dinner rolls arrived after the appetizers were served, although they were warm and redolent of rosemary. The corner where we sat was a bit bright - apparently they are waiting to get a dimmer installed - although the rest of the restaurant was cozily lit. Otherwise, the service was friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, and helpful, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere comfortable. I hope this place does well here.
Lineage
242 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
617-232-0065
Reservations Accepted - some tables saved for walk-ins
75 seats
Validated parking at the Brookline Marriott
