Pairings, a contemporary American restaurant serving “food and drink with personality” is slated to open on October 26th in the space formerly occupied by Todd English‘s Bonfire. Chef Robert Bean, a hold-over from the English Empire, is CIA-trained with stints at Kingfish Hall and Turner Fisheries under his belt. His inaugural dinner menu, made up of innovative small plates, includes dishes like lobster corn dogs with vadouvan, pickled cabbage and lemon; and hickory smoked gnocchi with oxtail, oregano and ricotta. Also open for breakfast and lunch, Pairings eschews Bonfire’s clubby steakhouse vibe with floor to ceiling windows and a seasonal outdoor patio. Pay them a visit on or after the 26th and enjoy any of their 45 wines by the glass or one of their innovative cocktails. Call 617.262.3473 or just cruise by 50 Park Plaza (The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers) to check them out.