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Christmas Eve Lunch in Somerville Area?

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I'm looking for some ideas of where to take my new mother-in-law for Christmas Eve lunch in the Bridgewater/Somerville area. (I got married on 12/6!). She hates "upscale" places and is very non-adventurous insofar as cuisine is concerned (i.e., she likes basic American fare), so places like Shumi, Origin, etc. are out of the question.

We've taken her to McCormick and Schmicks the past few years which she seems to enjoy, but I would like something different this year. Any suggestions?



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  1. Isn't there an Old Man Rafferty's in the area on 206? That's nothing stellar culinarily speaking, but it's not a fancy shmancy atmosphere and there's plenty of basics on their vast menu. My friends and I occasionally go there when we're at loose ends, and we've never had what could be termed "bad" food - just unexciting (we get more excited about the crazy dessert selection). But I think for the unadventurous eater it is a very safe bet.

    Congrats on your marriage!

    1. First, congratulations Gwen on the big day! Another possibility is La Scala Italian restaurant in Somerville. We have not been in about two years but the couple of times we went were very good. Here is some info.

      1. I thought this was going to be an easy question to answer but every place I thought of was Italian, Thai, Portuguese, Lebanese, Japanese, etc., etc.!!

        So, I suggest you consider The Pluckemin Inn, which is just up Route 206 in Bedminster. Yes, it's considered an upscale restaurant, but mainly for dinner. I've been a couple of times for lunch and have found it to be pretty casual with good food at reasonable prices. I don't think your MIL would hate it! Have a look at their lunch menu and see if it might work for you.


        PS Sit in the main dining room rather than the tavern room
        PPS I've never needed a reservation at lunch but Christmas Eve lunch may be different.

        1 Reply
        1. re: ambrose

          lunch at pluckeminn is very casual, much to my surprise, primarily elegant sandwich type food