Boston brownstones are quaint but they aren't exactly restaurant-friendly, especially when the restaurant has the kind of success and finesse of Frank McClelland's L'Espalier. The restaurant (and its chef/owner, fresh from winning a James Beard Award) is spiffing up and moving a few blocks over to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and residence complex, currently under construction on Boylston Street. But don't fret; the move isn't scheduled until July 2008, so there's still time for a hit of L'Espalier magic on Gloucester Street. McClelland's Sel de La Terre will also open in the hotel, the third location for the restaurant, which has a Natick outpost opening soon. >> Add Avila to the short list of options for al fresco dining in Park Square; the restaurant now has a 48-seat patio. >> You may not spend sleepless nights wondering whether your favorite chef gets a golf tan or not, but just in case it's been an issue for you, head over to the Concourse at the World Trade Center East on June 22, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., for the 10th annual Chefs in Shorts event. The loose, low-key event features lots of grills and beer and chefs who like to chat. It's a benefit for the Greater Boston Food Bank, and $60 nets you an endless feast. Set to sizzle this year are Frank Toohey (Aura), Katherine See (Kingfish Hall), Mark Sapienza (Langham Hotel), Paul King (Avila), Dante DeMagistris (Dante), and Anthony Caturano (Prezza and Copia), among others. For tickets and information, visit www.seaportboston.com.
