5 to Try: Steak Frites

1688 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

No one ever got hurt from a little purple in their plates, right? The chef's inspiration heads straight to the fragrant fields of Provence, where his grilled flat-iron steak and house-cured frites, graced by red wine demi-glace and herb salad, comes with lavender aioli. Cut, chew, dip, bite and brace yourself--the flavors of France will smack you deliciously with Gallic force.

569 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118 (map)

A staple of the dinner menu (and a steal at lunch), steak frites with natural jus is doused with perigord black truffle vinaigrette (yum) and partnered with watercress shallot salad. A whiff of the dish is all it takes to transport one into that closed-eye bliss of truffled euphoria. (Addicts, you know exactly what we mean.) Ask for the mustard and aioli in which to daub the addictively salty frites, and you're in business.

161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

First spot that comes to mind for great steak frites? A stick-to-its-guns French eatery. Second? Perhaps the grand ol' American steakhouse. At Boston's prized independent haven for aged beef cuts, the house's rendition on the classic dish unites prime skirt steak and signature gremolata fries. However, we're not going to solve the conundrum between wine and a massive gin martini.

272 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114 (map)

Those with a clown phobia should not apply, as dramatic masks of French mime character Pierrot are scattered everywhere. But for the rest of us, the Beacon Hill French kitchen happily works--particularly with an order of the hyper-authentic grilled sirloin steak paired with hot, crisp fries. Dare to eavesdrop on the tables of French diners for some cultural ear candy.