Devra First

1 week ago | bostonglobe.com | Devra First

In October 2023, chef Douglass Williams opened a new restaurant called D.W. French in the Fenway. Williams, behind the popular Mida restaurants in the South End, Newton, and East Boston, was better known for Italian food. But French cooking has been a big part of his career, which includes stints at Radius, Corton in New York, and Michelin-starred Akrame in Paris.

2 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Devra First

I am in love. The relationship is still new. The object of my affections is a stolid sort, straightforward, hardworking, and adorably rotund — a design throwback oblivious to just how out of fashion it is. I’d like you to meet my rice cooker. It doesn’t get much more basic than this Zojirushi 3-cup gadget with a rickety little lever I push down to get things started. A red light turns on, taciturn: “COOKING,” it says beneath. And what else do I need to know, really?

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Devra First

On the menu of Little Sage in the North End, in small type flanking the logo, are the words “Estd 1994.” True enough. This restaurant opened in March. But it is an homage to one from three decades ago that was located just around the corner: Sage, where restaurateur Jennifer Matarazzo brought in an up-and-coming talent to run the kitchen. “The kind of mixing and matching young chefs have become comfortable with is evident here,” wrote Globe restaurant critic Alison Arnett in her 1995 review.

4 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Devra First

This spring brings a new crop of exciting restaurants. Burlington favorite Viet Citron is now in Somerville’s Bow Market, too; South Bay seafood spot The Pearl has a second location at Boston Landing in Brighton. Don’t Tell Aunty, an Indian gastropub from Flying Lion Hospitality Group (Madras Dosa Co., Godavari, 1947), is open in Back Bay.

1 month ago | bostonglobe.com | Devra First |Patricia Harris |David Lyon

As a restaurant critic, I always book a couple of meals at must-visit restaurants when I travel. But I also want to allow for serendipity, and not return home broke. Fortunately, finding affordable food is an excellent, and delicious, way to discover a place. Here are some tips:If you’d like to try a high-end restaurant, lunch is often a more affordable way in. Then spend the evening strolling and snacking in a lively neighborhood for dinner. Ask the hotel staff where to eat.