Catalyst

Catalyst Restaurant Review:

Chef-owner William Kovel, formerly of Aujourd'Hui at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston, chose Kendall Square for his first venture. Located in Cambridge's Technology Square, Catalyst is beautifully designed with a double-sided fireplace and enormous windows. Kovel offers seasonal modern American cuisine, featuring dishes such as house-made pastas including fusilli, linguine and mushroom ravioli. But we prefer the tournedos of beef with a rich foie gras butter and black truffle sauce. We also recommend the roasted salmon with artichokes and fennel, flavored with orange beurre blanc. The chef’s creativity shines in selections like chicken liver mousse with pickled onions, and duck confit salad with Asian pear and pomegranate yogurt. For more casual fare, grab a draft microbrew at the bar and a juicy burger that comes with just about every topping imaginable (ketchup, mustard, aïoli, caramelized onions, bacon and cheddar). Wines by the glass range from a sparkling Pinot Noir from France to a pour of Pinot Grigio from Italy and a robust Sonoma Cabernet. Round out dinner with the flourless chocolate cake filled with peanut butter mousse and complemented by a scoop of salted caramel pretzel ice cream.