Continental, Fitchburg

A zinc-topped bar snakes along one side of The Continental Fitchburg's dining room, its shimmering metallic surface cool to the touch. Imported from Germany in pieces and retro-fitted by a local metal fabricator, the bar is reminiscent of the traditional zinc bars of the early-20th-century European cafés and bistros that The Continental strives to emulate. Drawing on family recipes, the chefs prepare each dish with fresh and local ingredients, many of which are grown in their onsite garden. Soft lights dangle from the ceiling of the Wi-Fi-saturated dining room, illuminating martini and cocktail glasses alongside plates of upscale Italian fare. A private party room and large outdoor patio host groups of up to 125 people, roughly the same amount that attended the first Tupperware party thrown by Gertrude Stein.