'Fly' right to this tasty American bistro

I went into Boston Friday night for dinner and a movie, seeking a relaxed evening after a stressful week. Wandering the South End near the Back Bay station, my companion and I came across a restaurant called Firefly, and it provided just the quiet atmosphere we were looking for.

The interior is warm and comfortable with small intimate tables - just the right setting for a first date or small business meeting. It is not trendy or fancy, but appeared to serve a local, low-key crowd. We were seated at a small table for two in the back, lit by a small candle. Our waitress was friendly and when we asked for menu recommendations she certainly steered us in the right direction.

The menu is full of Firefly's interpretation of standard American fare, including salads, pizzas, and comfort dishes. Firefly offers fresh fish, steak, pork loin, and chicken dishes that include excellent side orders such as garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and steamed green beans served al dente. Although the bar in Firefly is small, the restaurant boasts an extensive wine and drink menu, including recommended wine pairings with some of its featured entrees.

The diverse offerings made it difficult to choose. I elected to try one of the salads that the server suggested, with chopped chicken, blue cheese, candied walnuts, and a balsamic dressing. The ingredients were fresh and the portion was large; however I thought the dressing could have been accented with spices to achieve a bolder flavor.

My dining partner took the server's other suggestion and ordered the chicken pot pie crepes. This offering intrigued us at first glance, but we were nervous about the execution. When the dish was served, we were very pleasantly surprised. It consisted of three small crepes filled with chicken, peas, and carrots in a brothy sauce with a serving of mixed greens in the center. The dish was pure perfection. Traditionally, chicken pot pie is heavy and filling, but this twist on the traditional made it light and healthy. The best part is that the majority of the entrees are priced below $15 and the portions are big enough to share.

The homemade dessert menu is small, but features plenty of tasty choices all priced at $5, including the always-comforting chocolate brownie sundae and a raspberry torte. We opted for the trifle, with layers of fluffy chocolate cake, sweet whipped cream, Heath bar, and chocolate mousse. It was a small, beautifully presented tower, and a perfect portion for two.

The Firefly is a charming spot, ideally located away from the hustle and bustle of Copley Square, reasonably priced, and good for the basics. It also has a large patio that would be fun during the summer months. Firefly is off the street, but still provides plenty of people-watching opportunities. B

Firefly 130 Dartmouth St Boston, MA 02116 (617) 262-4393