As seen in Boston Magazine, August 2003

Lounging Around
by Kim Atkinson

Despite all the Hype about Downtown Crossing's transformation, and even unofficial name change (to the Ladder District), this area still has more places to down a pint than to enjoy a memorable dinner. Pigalle chef Marc Orfaly and chef Rob Johnson are poised to change all that with the arrival of their Peking Tom's Longtang Lounge.

Gone is the dark, musty Hibernia, replaced by Peking Tom's equally dark but freshly decorated lounge — the work of Koo de Kir's Kristine Irving, with such unusual accents as fanciful giant murals made from bits of geisha girl posters.

On a recent Friday night the old place hummed, even when the power went out. Peking Tom, it seems, is too hot even for this neighborhood's electric supply.

The menu is loaded with the kinds of dishes friends can easily share, with unexpected flavors like those in the hamachi sashimi with white soy vinaigrette — a delicate combination of fresh ingredients. There's really no room to go wrong, particularly for the price; raw bar entries range around $12 to $15 for sizable portions, appetizers cost about $6, and entrées go for less than $20.

Snagging a table can be tough on a weekend night, but if you're forced to wait at the bar, order a kumquat mojito, a unique twist on a perfect summer drink.

Peking Tom, 25 Kingston Street, Boston, 617-482-6282.