Best of Boston

1998 Best Maitre d'

Brent Kaufman

How does he remember me? I’ve only been here once before. But he’s treating me like a queen, setting up a special table for me and my visiting in-laws. Then again, he did it the first time I was here, too. Hmmm. Maybe he’s flirting with me. Hope. We’ve since heard that he does this for everyone. Kaufman either has a photogenic memory, is outrageously congenial, or can smell a special occasion a mile away. This restaurant may not be the fanciest place in town or serve the best food, but when you want to be treated well, it’s nice to be remembered— or at least to think you are.

Ciao Bella, 240A Newbury St., Boston, 617-536-2626,