Little Donkey

When Little Donkey opened in Cambridge, my sister, mother, brother-in-law and I were excited to stop in for a summer Friday dinner. It was their first week open, inevitably things have evolved, but I'm very glad to have it in Cambridge.

The exciting cocktail list did not disappoint with the Donkey Punch, which arrived in a real grapefruit bowl. While lacking a pronounced grapefruit flavor and a bit on the sweet side, I gleefully drank down my pretty treat.

The menu offers small pates from around the world and an impressive raw bar. We began with 4 fresh, briny Beausoleil oysters and a bright tuna poke that vanished in seconds. The razor clams arrived next; another perfect balance of sea, citrus, and herbs.

We then enjoyed the Cucumber Salad, arguably the best dish of the night with spicy peppers and a creamy labne, dressed with deliciously assertive feta. From there dishes starting arriving in quick succession; a tiny Charred Avocado, adorned with tangy and salty dressings, an equally teensy Pickle-brined Fried Chicken Sandwich - one of the crunchiest fried chickens I've had, whose roll crumbled into a sweet soggy patty under the pressure. Soon after, the Red Lentil Kale Dal arrived, with familiar Indian flavors, savory and comforting, but dismissable after a few tastes. We finished with a playful cookie dough dessert, served on the whisk, yummy yet not quite the real thing.

While each dish on its own was balanced and tasty-- some more so than others--I found myself not wanting these flavors together. The avocado left me longing for an earthy grain salad by its side, the dal, cripsy dosas. I'm never against an appetizer round of chips and salsa followed by spaghetti and meatballs, but the dishes in their own right were exciting enough to want more like them or at least more space between them.

I appreciate and am excited by the multifarious menu and its limitless possibilities. While I may put a bit more planning into the dishes I choose next time, I will return, especially if my dining companions and I can't quite decide between thai and italian.