I’ve been meaning to go to the restaurant Atlantico in Boston for a couple of years, but I was always discouraged because it is in a part of the city I rarely get to, and parking in that area seemed impossible. Fortunately, I had a breakthrough a week ago. It was a Wednesday, so after class was done at 12:30, I was free to go. Even better, unlike most Wednesdays, I was not in a hurry to get out of the city early, to avoid heavy traffic on the way home. Thunderstorms rolled in and out all day, but there was a break in the storms when I reached the restaurant, and I found street parking 1/2 block away.

Because of the storms and the late lunch hour (1:30 PM), the restaurant was literally empty, as the only other customer departed a few minutes after I arrived. The decor is attractive and engaging. The food, described as Iberian inspired seafood, is just what I like. I started with a plate of white and brown anchovies, artfully displayed and full of great flavor.

Next I ordered just two oysters on the half shell: one Island Creek and one Moon Shoal, both very good.

Last was the Calamar (squid), cooked perfectly and very tender without being flabby.

A glass of Gaintza Txakolina complemented it all beautifully.

My waiter, Walter, was cheerful, knowledgeable, and attendant to my explorations. Altogether it was an ideal lunch.