"Black Ruby is a playful new restaurant that punches up burgers, sandwiches, and pasta with zingy Thai herbs and spices. Take, for instance, the spicy larb pork burger, which reimagines the classic larb salad as a burger patty marinated in Thai herbs, then topped with other larb salad ingredients (mint, cilantro, dill, and toasted rice) and slathered in a spicy, creamy mayo. The decadent creation is served on a buttery brioche bun from next-door neighbor, the Mediterranean bakery Mahalab. The restaurant, which stands in the former home of fan-favorite Southeast Asian restaurant Chalawan Asian Eatery, is the brainchild of Monson Theerapanont (also behind Thai restaurant and sushi spot Sweet Rice in Charlestown) and co-owner and chef Pam Kamolnithi." - Erika Adams