The Boston Athenaeum has announced the opening of its new street-level bistro, Folio, launched in partnership with The Catered Affair. Folio will serve as the newest social hub in Boston, inviting all curious food lovers to enjoy made-to-order shareable plates, lively conversation, and impeccable service. The opening date is Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
The opening of Folio marks the final installment in the Boston Athenaeum’s renovation and expansion intended to make the space more welcoming and inviting to the city of Boston. The restaurant is open to the public and offers visitors the enjoyment of the distinctive and unique setting of the Boston Athenaeum’s library, museum, and cultural center. The welcoming ambiance will be paired with European-inspired cuisine by Chef de Cuisine Peter Laspia, dozens of new and old-world wines, and craft cocktails – including a Boston Athenaeum branded signature cocktail, “Athena’s Ambrosia.”
“Folio represents an important moment for the Boston Athenaeum as we continue to open our doors to the city of Boston and invite everyone to connect with our community,” says Leah Rosovsky, Stanford Calderwood Director. “We hope our new restaurant will tempt members and visitors to join us at the Boston Athenaeum. Folio creates another way for everyone to experience our library and museum.”
Located at the Boston Athenaeum with a street-level entrance at 14A Beacon St., Folio offers clever libations paired with sophisticated bites welcoming residents, visitors, tourists, and Athenaeum members to dine with friends, coworkers, and family. Steps from the Boston Common, Freedom Trail, Massachusetts Statehouse, and downtown Boston; Folio adds a passion for culinary brilliance and exquisite service to complement the Athenaeum’s appetite for literature, history, art, and social connection.
The bistro will be open:
• Tuesday – Thursday; from 10 am – 8 pm
• Friday – Saturday; from 10 am – 5 pm
“Modeled after the ambiance and service of European bistros, Folio provides distinct hospitality in unexpected ways,” said Ken Barrett-Sweet, Vice President of Catering at The Catered Affair. “Guests enjoy craft cocktails, a unique wine list, and made-to-order shareable plates. Folio will quickly become a favorite gathering spot for the curious.”
Folio is the latest collaboration between the Boston Athenaeum and The Catered Affair, a state-of-the-art culinary event caterer serving the New England region for 44 years. Previously, the organizations announced a partnership positioning TCA as the exclusive onsite cuisine provider for events held at the Athenaeum.
With the launch of Folio at the Boston Athenaeum, The Catered Affair brings the relentless passion for culinary brilliance and exquisite service to a restaurant atmosphere that complements the Athenaeum’s dedication to year-round opportunities for social connections through book clubs, author talks, concerts, exhibitions, and more.