The lobster is mushy and watery, the noodles under it insignificantly flavored, and a nori roll filled with rice noodles is unconscionably dry. The menu in Salamander's satay section is full of little plates that please all the senses. A bar steak, only slightly more petite than most dining room varieties, has a crunchy crust of Indian spices and a cloud of potatoes whipped with yogurt along with braised greens, making for a complete meal. The Asian flair spins itself into desserts. Pineapple upside-down cake is also a beautiful creation, all buttery voluptuousness with a sugary dried ring of pineapple on top and a fluff of coconut ice cream.
Spring rolls filled with banana, coconut, and macadamia are a little too crisply fried, though.
And despite the fact it's nice that someone has found an alternative to creme brulee, here in the form of chai creme caramel, I'm not sure this is quite the flavor and texture answer - more a snooze than a revelation. In its details, its range of dining options from lunch to dinner to satay bar, Salamander is a revelation, a sophisticated and very urbane addition to the Boston dining landscape. Then Salamander can capture its full potential.