Amy Traverso

Small Bite: Bosphorus

A review of Inman Square’s newest Turkish restaurant.

First Bite: Cognac Bistro

Brookline’s French newcomer lives up to its neighborhood’s high standards.

First Bite: Lolita Cocina and Tequila Bar

Say salud to margaritas and fun, casual Mexican cuisine in the Back Bay.

Education

Navigating the Boston Public Schools System

Come kindergarten, urban families have no choice but to flee the city for the ’burbs, right? Think again. It is possible to put together a great education for your kids right in Boston. Here’s how.

Small Bite: Blackstrap BBQ

Boston’s newest barbecue joint has much to recommend it.

First Bite: Canary Square

A crowd-pleasing team nests in Jamaica Plain.

Small Bite: Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen

Darryl’s is a happy, welcoming place, but it would do well to organize the menu more tightly around the southern-fusion fare it does best.

First Bite: Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar

The Fenway’s latest addition is a new take on old tradition.

First Bite: Foundry on Elm

Somerville’s latest addition is a hybrid hit. 

Restaurants

First Bite: Alma Nove

Hingham’s newest kid on the block brings inspired – if inconsistent – Italian to the South Shore.

First Bite: Noche

Equal parts cocktail lounge and steakhouse, this new South End eatery seeks its soul.

First Bite: The Haven

Boston’s first-ever Scottish pub invites you to come for the chips and pints, stay for the haggis.

First Bite: Sam’s

The new Louis store at Fan Pier may have finally cracked the formula for a house restaurant.

First Bite: The Gallows

Does the South End really need another gastropub? Surprisingly, yes.

First Bite: Chez Jacky

The Petit Robert team brings its proven formula of casual French fare and a friendly vibe to Brighton.