Although maybe not totally relevant to most of you, since I live in Boston and this blog is dead, I figured I would give you some tips on favorite local places to check out should you ever come to Boston.
Favorite Bahh to Watch the Sawhx: Cask n Flagon -- There's no choice! Right next to Fenway and recently re-done, the place is great, the food is solid, and for out of town games or football, it's easy to find a seat and parking spot.
Favorite Steak Place: Bonfire -- 300+ day corn-fed beef? Jackpot!! Chef Todd English is becoming world reknowned and his steak place in the Park Plaza is one of my favorites in the city. Everything I've had is good, but the skirt steak is one of my favorites.
Favorite Celeb Chef Place: Blue Ginger -- Ming Tsai's Blue Ginger out in the posh suburb of Welleseley (also the town where budding fashionista Gretta Cole got her start) is beyond compare. For around $30-40 a plate, it's not overly (by Boston standards) expensive. The menu changes regularly and the town itself is very cute and worth a stroll if you have to wait for seating. The desserts there are fantastic, but if you are looking to save some coin and go around the corner to Truly Yogurt and try the Black Raspberry Chip Yogurt. Best. Yogurt. Ever.
Favorite Italian: I've never been to the same place twice, and I've never been disappointed anywhere. Go to the North End early, walk down Hanover Street, find a place that has seating and is in your price range. Enjoy.
Favorite Seafood Place Not Named Legal: The No Name -- I'm not a big seafood fan, so asking me this is like asking Mr. Marinara about being manly. Other than Woodman's of Essex, I don't get amped up too much about seafood in the city or Boston area. If you go to the No Name, GO EARLY ON WEEKENDS, the line gets HORRENDOUS and you can't bring your own beer (my aunt tells times when she and college friends brought a keg) to drink while waiting in line like you used to.
Favorite Tapas: Tasca -- The line gets long on weekends, so if you plan to go get a reservation (4 or more) because you'll still have to wait. The duck confit, tenderloin meatballs, croquettes, beef carpaccio and mussels are great to name a few. If it looks good to you, it probably is. Their desserts are amazing, I once had a creme brulee with orange zest that was one of the best I've ever tasted.
Favorite Cheap Eats: Dok Bua -- I'm a big fan of Southeast Asian cuisine, and I've still not been to the haute Elephant Walk which might be a sacrilege, but for good simple Thai food, Dok Bua in the Brookline neighborhood of Coolidge Corner (predominantly Jewish Eastern European historically) is one of the best in the area. For less than $10 bucks at dinner you can enjoy a full meal with Thai standards (Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, curries, etc) with spring rolls, rice, fried dumplings and a soup (I always substitute for their excellent Tom Kha Gai). Wash it down with some red Thai Iced Tea with the condensed milk? YUM!!!!!
Favorite Beacon Hill Yuppie Bar: Beacon Hill Bistro -- Beacon Hill is one of the most expensive areas in the city, it's also one of the oldest, which combines for interesting stores, architecture and people. Go after the work crown dies down a bit, but make friends with the bartender and ask him/her about some of their specialty drinks. You won't be disappointed.
Favorite Brunch Place: The Paramount -- Since Bob the Chef's was sold (it brings be to tears to think about) the Paramount it is. Bring good company, the line is always out the door, but it's always moving. This trendy bistro in the evening serves up one of the best brunches in the city. Wait in line, order at the grill in the back, wait in line, pay for your breakfast at the register, find a table, feast ravenously on belgian waffles, huge pieces of bacon, or delicious omellettes and enjoy.
Favorite Romantic Spots: The Hungry I -- Tiny, unassuming from the outside and same on the inside, the I has one of the best romantic patios in the city. It's not big, there's no view but it's vine-covered and cute go during warm months and get a reservation .. off hours are best to get a spot on the patio. Afterwards, walk the Esplinade for a romantic walk and view of the Charles river and Cambridge. For another romantic spot, go to The Top of the Hub in the Prudential Building (or 'Pru'). The food isn't great, but the view is world-class, so go for drinks after the dinner crown settles down (9 is good on a weeknight) get a drink and have the warm-baked cookies dessert (nothing's great there, but this is their most generous portion)
Friday, October 17, 2008
If You're Ever in Boston ...
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3 comments:
My wife happens to be going to Boston soon, and these are great suggestions. Thank you!
My hubby and I have been talking about visiting Boston. Any suggestions on a reasonable place or area to stay near public transportation?
snowman- sure thing! email me at thejetsblog@gmail.com if you or your wife are looking for anything specific, I can try to make other suggestions.
pjpink - having lived in richmond for 7 years, I lost something of my tolerance for cold weather, so not sure what your tolerance is, but if you are planning a trip i'd suggest may - october in terms of nice weather. Spring is wonderful and September or October are generally beautiful crisp weather.
boston's subway system (the MTA or "T" is pretty extensive and runs from downtown, over into cambridge and out into the western portions of Boston & Brookline. I just took a look at hotels on sidestep.com and saw some good rates on boutique hotels like this one http://www.onyxhotel.com/ but haven't stayed in many hotels here don't have much to say ... :(
That said, stay in better areas like Downtown, Financial District, Back Bay, Brookline, etc but stay out of close-by towns like somerville, medford, allston & brighton which are a little sketchier. Take a look at the hotel pictures or whatever and check it against this google mashup of t stations .. should give you a sense of where you need to stay.
http://www.thrall.net/maps/mbta.html
I will say that the Holiday Inn in Brookline is nice (but can be expensive) but has great access to many areas of the city and that if you are looking to get fancy Jury's is excellent.
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