The Butcher Shop Awards

The Butcher Shop Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: A project from chef/restaurateur Barbara Lynch, The Butcher Shop is an unpretentious yet somehow haute charcuterie and wine bar installed in the heart of the South End. Its appeal lies in its handsome simplicity. A half-dozen stools line the bar; a blackboard lists daily wine specials; a bar-length wooden butcher's block sits in the back for tastings, where fresh-made salamis, forcemeats and cured hams hang in glass cases.

About the food: The menu is tiny but strong in every sense, from the chunky, country-style pâtés to fresh pork sausages. Charcuterie comes in the form of small and large and serves as a tantalizing teaser to the main events, which feature tagliatelle Bolognese and steaks. End your experience with coconut cake or chocolate terrine.

About the drinks: The wine list highlights Old World offerings from Italy, France and Spain, but doesn’t shy away from new discoveries. Cocktails are also available.