Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise

All photos by Dean Igoe Photography ©2018

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is:  where to brunch?  Well, now that the warmer weather is here we'd like to suggest a brunch cruise!  Boston Harbor Cruises offers a number of fun options and the fare is terrific.  Plus you get all the great views of Boston from the water.

The ships are classic harbor cruise ships with two levels, outdoor seating and a fantastic food spread with newer menu options created by no less than famed Chef Barbara Lynch.  We did the Sunday Bingo Punch Brunch and the two hours really flew by.  The cruises depart from Long Wharf and there is plenty of parking (free on Sunday) in the area.

In addition to the great food we played "Singo" where you win points for a prize by guessing the names of familiar pop tunes.  Very fun!

We sipped sangria as we noshed on this gorgeous Watermelon, Feta And Pomegranate salad.  

The lox with pickled onions and capers is a classic topping for your bagel smeared with cream cheese.

There is even a make-your-own-eggs-benedict station where you choose all the ingredients you want to pile on a very good, artisan English Muffin.  One of the best Eggs Benedicts we have had.  Really.

And, of course there are all of those views of the City making it a great afternoon for both locals and visitors on holiday.  No question about it, we loved it.

Stay tuned for our Codzilla ride coming up later in the season.

Boston Harbor Cruises
One Long Wharf
Boston, MA  02110
Telephone:  617.227.4321 or 1.877.SEE.WHALE

Socials:
@TheBostonFoodie
@BostonHarborCruises

We attended this event as media guests with no promise of any editorial consideration.  And loved every minute of it.

Eataly Boston Opens November 29

With our friend Mary Ann Esposito, host of Ciao Italia, America's longest running TV cooking show.

The Prosecco was flowing at a recent preview party at Eataly Boston which we were lucky enough to attend, a celebration and sneak peek all to benefit the Friends Of The Italian Cultural Center Of Boston.  The goal of the organization, as we learned, is to bring together the myriad of other organizations in the Greater Boston area which celebrate the language and culture of Italy.  And what a beautiful culture it is.

This huge emporium of all things Italian covers it the full range, spread out over three floors in a sparkling new space in the Prudential Center.

Words alone cannot describe the breadth of the food, giftware, grocery items and even music and books that are on offer but, hopefully, some of these pictures will give you an idea.

Delicious Italian fare is everywhere, from the freshly prepared flatbreads and pizza pies to gorgeous pastries and sweets, wines, dinners, pastas, espresso and cappuccino, gelato and everything in between.  

As an example, some of the imported cheeses we saw are rarely available in Boston.

It's the same with the cured meats and other products, as well, heaven for those who long for authentic Italian goods.

Strolling through the grocery area we saw products that we have not seen since, well, we were actually in Italy!  Half the fun is walking slowly through the place and just perusing everything.  

We stopped to speak with a grocery manager and asked:  where are you storing all of this stuff?  Is there a warehouse nearby?  The immensity of it all is almost bewildering. Apparently, there is a mega warehouse in New Jersey were cargo ships are unloaded daily and the products trucked in at least three days a week.

Another big question our inquisitive mind's had was just how they managed to hire up a staff of 600 people when it is well-known that Boston faces a serious labor shortage for restaurant and hospitality employees?  What we discovered is that many of the people we spoke with actually did not come from the food service industry with many of them having a background more in customer service coupled with a personal yet never-fulfilled passion for food. Interesting.

We advise readers who plan to stop by to allow plenty of time when going for a visit.  An hour or two will not do it justice.  One could easily spend three hours just walking around looking at everything before deciding what to actually try or buy.  And it's a learning experience, too, not just an immense food court with multiple cafes and spots for enjoying a meal or snack. Think of it more as a cultural excursion and take the time to chat with the very knowledgeable staff.  They are eager and happy to talk about the products and history.

So, take a look at everything, including the gleaming, jewel-like wrapped candies before loading up your shopping bag.  There is a new delight around every corner.  All in all, you will not be disappointed.  Enjoy.  Ciao!

Eataly Boston
Prudential Center
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA  02199
Telephone:  617.236.3100

Social Media
@TheBostonFoodie
@EatalyBoston
@CiaoItaliaShow

Bar Boulud, Boston

It was terrines, aspics, pates and all of that glorious charcuterie that made the press opening for Bar Boulud at Mandarin Oriental Boston THE party of the week to attend.  Throw in dozens of media personalities and some of Boston's top Chefs, including Barbara Lynch, Chris Coombs, Ken Oringer and Lydia Shire to make it an electric night of food-lovers in Boston.

We tasted as much as we possibly could.  The roasted suckling pig was probably the highlight of the night but everything was a notch above just about any charcuterie experience we've ever had.   Of course, the wine selections were excellent and the desserts also impressive.

A magnanimous Chef Daniel Boulud was on hand to lavish praise on his entire team, share the food, speak about his local connections and how he jumped at the chance to come to Boston and talk about using local and superior sources to make his new venture a cut above.   No doubt that this will be a popular destination for those seeking an authentic bistro experience when searching for that extra touch of sophistication and elegance.  Just like Boulud himself, it's already a classic.

Bar Boulud, Boston
776 Boylston Street
Boston, MA  02199
Telephone:  617.535.8888