Josephine's Restaurant, Boston

Though Sam Gosselin was born in the United States, French joie de vivre is still hardwired into his DNA. His parents were natives of France, and he spent his childhood summers visiting extended family in regions of the European countryside known for wine and food. As an adult, he even set down roots in Paris for some time before eventually landing in Boston. But just because Sam was back in the States didn't mean he was ready to leave behind the joyous culture of food, drinks, and fellowship. So he opened Josephine's Restaurant, a loving homage to his family's homeland that he affectionately named after his mother.

Executive Chef Stefano Quaresima brings Sam's Parisian vision to life, drawing from his extensive experience cooking in kitchens all over the world to craft a menu of French delicacies. He covers all the bases, whipping up everything from escargot to braised-short-rib bourguignon with roasted root vegetables and red wine. The kitchen doesn't forget about the desserts, either, preparing seasonal crème brûlée and chocolate mousse, among others. And to compliment these meals, servers fill glasses with wines from a list flush with French bottles.

But if the food and drink aren't enough to fully transport you across the Atlantic, the comfortable dining room with high-backed booths and a crackling fireplace should finish the job. Accented by exposed brick, romantic lighting, and elegant wine displays, the space evokes what Sam describes as, "...a little bit of the River Seine on the Charles."