Taste of Boston 2016: Part 2

Well hello! It’s been hectic to say the least but now that we have Labor Day behind us, we’re continuing where we left off – Boston eats! This post is dedicated to the North End neighborhood of Boston, which is also known as ‘Little Italy.’

Just before you enter the North End neighborhood, you can’t help but notice Boston’s Public Market. Inside, you’ll easily get lost in the various vendor stalls full of local products from fudge, chocolate, pasta, nuts, cheeses, charcuterie, and so much more. We visited the Boston Public Market quite a few times during our visit but if you get the chance, you simply cannot miss the ‘Haymarket Farmer’s Market,’ Happening on Fridays and Saturday’s a side street outside of the Boston Public Market is closed off to traffic where wholesale produce vendors set up shop. You’ll find rock bottom prices on fresh produce! Fridays tend to have the best selection at the highest prices – for example, $1 for a pound of strawberries, a couple bunches of bananas, large melons, etc. Saturdays tend to have less than perfect selections at the lowest prices – for example, $.25 for a pound of strawberries, 2 for $1 on large watermelons, etc. So depending on whether you’re looking for the best selection or the lowest price, you’re bound to find a great deal at the market!

The following places are all within the North End neighborhood and are easily walking distance from each other. The best way to explore the neighborhood is to just immerse yourself and pop into the various shops to touch, taste and smell…

First up is Polcari’s Coffee. Interestingly, my favorite item in the store is not coffee but rather their Italian Lemon slush. You can also find large bins of spices throughout the store along with imported Italian ingredients.

Our first Italian meal in the North End was at La Familia Giorgio’s. What drew us in was their after work hours dinner special for$20 per person. Included in the special for each person is bread service, a large green salad, choice of entree, glass of wine and a small cannoli for dessert. Little did we realize that the entree was large enough for a family… and we ended up to two entrees that we barely made a dent in. So if you visit, plan accordingly and wear your stretchy pants and/or fast a day or two beforehand lol.