by Frank Schroth
Last December it was reported that a new restaurant, ester, would be opening this spring in Lower Mills. Well, though you might not know it from the temperature, it is spring and the restaurant is about to open.
Eleanor Arpino, a veteran restaurant executive, is managing the opening. She is developing a team passionate about neighborhood dining, including chef G. Esteban Gallego and general manager Luther Pinckney.
Mr. Gallego is a culinary talent who has worked at some of the area’s finest restaurants including Tico, Area 4 and Davio’s. A native of Columbia, he seeks to deliver a high quality dining experience begins with the freshest of ingredients. As he says, “I believe that fresh, seasonal food can be prepared in creative ways so that we can offer high quality, healthy dishes at a reasonable price.”
Gallego is developing a menu that is flavorful, fresh and approachable, that will change with the seasons and include nightly specials. Salads which can be shared will include offerings such as Arugula tossed with Pecorino, shaved radishes and fennel and finished with a lemon vinaigrette.
Entrees will feature selections that reflect diverse cultures and include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Specials may include a Braised Lamb Shank with seasonal vegetables, Fresh Cod baked in a pomodoro sauce topped with citrus aioli, and a flavorful vegetarian dish of Roasted Eggplant with chickpeas, couscous, and harissa in a tomato base sauce.
The front of house manager, Luther Pinckney, is passionate about Boston, his family and food. Born and raised in Roxbury, he most recently served as general manager of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen in the South End. The bar at ester will feature an extensive selection of local micro-brewed beers on draft and a carefully selected wine list that is being developed with the assistance of Keith Mills of Milton’s Espirit du vin.
Mr. Pickney is succinct is describing ester’s mission. “Our goal is for ester to provide an exceptional dining experience that exceeds our guests’ expectations so that they leave happy, and looking forward to their next visit.”
Luther Pinckney, Eleanor Arpino, and G. Esteban Gallego
And ester is hiring! If interested please contact eleanor@ester-dot.com or call 617-698-2261.