Upscale Dinning Right in Davis Square

April 1, 2008

by Emily Roitman

Every so often, the typical Tufts student needs a break from the refined dog food that is so kindly provided by the staff of Dewick-MacPhie and Carmichael Dining Halls. When the Tuscan Chicken from Tasty’s just won’t do it anymore, and the Dunkin’ Donuts people refer to you by name and order, you know it’s time for a change.

A hidden gem located across from the McDonald’s in Davis Square, Anna’s Taqueria is just the type of classy getaway that your doctor would have called for if he saw you with one of Carmichael’s vegan “brownies” (you only think that they recycle that cardboard behind the Houston dumpster). A black-tie-optional Mexican restaurant, Anna’s isn’t for those regular Sunday afternoons. While delicious, the super chicken burrito will set you back $5.25, so hit the ATM before you venture into town. Ladies, pull out your old prom dresses — you’ll find that the counter staff will offer up plenty of smiles and winks if you’re dressed to the nines. Gentlemen, those sweatpants you bought at the bookstore your freshman year will not be received lightly at this top-notch establishment.

As for the gracious ambience, Anna’s has the mood lighting to turn any lunch date into what Borat might refer to as a “sexytime.” Three flowery chandeliers and Sevres-style dinner plates impress onlookers exiting the nearby Goodwill. The refreshing smell of bleach will tempt your nostrils as a staff member scrubs guacamole from a nearby table. Furthermore, restaurant-goers will be pleased by the diversity of their fellow noshers — everyone from the girl in your Tuesday physics recitation to the gentleman that lives on the bench across from the Broken Yolk will grace you with their presence during lunch or dinner.

I would recommend calling for a reservation at least two weeks in advance so as to ensure yourself a spot during peak mealtimes. It’s a sign of respect for the chefs that worked hard to roast the chicken on that gigantic grill so that you could blissfully shovel it into your mouth. Besides, you wouldn’t want a spoonful of salsa to the eyes as a reminder of the sacred bond between chef and patron. You might also consider tossing a few coins into the tip jar; I know you’re already breaking the bank, but it’s worth it to guarantee yourself a few more chicken bits on your next visit.

Additionally, that call-ahead policy might save you a Joey trip to Davis — Anna’s occasionally shuts down to meet the needs of a highly sophisticated clientele. Last week, Paris Hilton was spotted behind the potted plant, feeding her Chihuahua the remains of a beef taco. Word has it that J.K. Rowling stopped at Anna’s for a quesadilla before delivering the keynote address at Harvard’s 2007 commencement ceremony. When you bite into one of the restaurant’s specialties, you’ll understand why the celebrities are going berserk for Anna’s.

My personal favorite, the chicken burrito, is proof of the elegant plating rituals and luscious ingredients that make up the menu. The burrito is stylishly presented on an oval platter, its foil-wrapped goodness resembling a Hulk-sized silver tootsie roll. After one unfurls the casing, a first bite reveals the sumptuous contents of your pricey entrée: chicken, rice, perhaps a small glob of guacamole if you were in the mood to splurge. I would advise patrons to stock up on the napkins that reside in a delicate stack near the trash cans; that hot sauce you ordered while batting your eyelashes at your date may well find its way onto your lap. You don’t want that prom dress smelling like Tabasco and garlic forever, do you?

Anna’s Taqueria is a restaurant teeming with elegance, grace, and the type of old-world charm one expects to find only at the Oscars or a Southern cotillion. Head to 236 Elm Street, and don’t forget the bow tie, because a night of culture and sophistication awaits you at Anna’s Taqueria.