Along with vanilla, potatoes are pretty much the universal symbol of culinary dullness. Stuck in a spud rut yourself? Uproot thee, then, with fries that surprise - made from tubers, legumes, and more. Avila (1 Charles Street South, Boston, 617.267.4810) dolls up its crispy yucca sticks with a dollop of lemon mayo; the crunchy-creamy chickpea frîtes at Sel de la Terre (255 State Street, Boston, 617.720.1300) come with a kicky remoulade. Likewise, the polenta fries at City Bar (Lenox Hotel, 61 Exeter Street, Boston, 617.933.4800) are all salty softness, smoothed over even further with a mascarpone dipping sauce. And Trident Booksellers & Café (338 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.8688) gratif(r)ies with its basket of beets, carrots, and yams, plus a side of salsa.
