I couldn’t contain my excitement when I found out that I would be going to Boston! Ahhh…Boston!! Little did I know my month trip would be cut down to two weeks due to the pandemic in the USA, but two weeks was perfect enough to satisfy my desire to visit Boston and leave me with a yearning to return.
When I landed and settled into my hotel room, I was able to take a few hours and explore the city. Although it was a chilly day, one of the things I noticed immediately that made me fall in love with the city was the architecture. As a Chicagoan, we have an “Architecture Tour” that takes you through downtown Chicago via the Chicago River and the tour guides talk about the history of the buildings. I love history and this tour made me fall in love with architecture, so when I arrived in Boston and saw the brownstone buildings with storefronts on the main level I couldn’t contain my excitement and sent pictures to everyone I know.
By the end of my time in Boston I was already planning on visiting again with two of my friends to enjoy more of Boston and then visit Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont; have I mentioned that I have a goal to visit all 50 states?!…sadly the pandemic has put a hold on those plans. With that in mind, I want to share where I went and I ask that you keep in mind this was pre-pandemic and prayerfully all these businesses do survive.
Years ago, I read a book by a Boston restauranteur and couldn’t remember her name or the restaurants. I did remember that she was on the cover with a burger from one of her restaurants. I loved reading her book and loved her story, but bummed I couldn’t recall the information. Well, as I was leaving from Buttermilk Bourbon, my eyes landed on the restaurant across the street and my face lit up…OMG! That’s it, that’s the restaurant. The restauranteur name is Kathy Sidell and she has three restaurants all within walking distance of each other, two are right next door. I couldn’t believe that I was so close to her establishments and would’ve rather enjoyed my first meal at one of the three locations. Needless to say, I spent the next two weeks planning out how to make sure I dined at all three establishments. Her restaurants are MET Back Bay, Saltie Girl and Stephanie’s on Newbury. I would recommend all three and they all have different concepts.
First stop was MET Back Bay, one thing about me is I love carbs, but not just any carbs, the right carbs; and for me that is Cornbread, Biscuits, Truffle French Fries and Pancakes. I feasted on the Hand Cut Buttermilk Biscuits which were so do delicious, soft and buttery. Followed by a Roasted Cauliflower and Parmesan Salad and the Back Bay Rice Bowl. I really wanted the Burger, but I do limit the amount of beef I intake. Next, Stephanie’s on Newbury, as it was winter time, I opted for the soup, they had a special that evening of Roasted Pork that was really good. Finally, I ended the Boston experience at Saltie Girl, which is my favorite. I enjoyed the Shrimp Dumplings to start, followed by the Fried Lobster and Waffles. I honestly can’t remember dessert because Kathy walked in with her husband and sat at the end of the bar. I was almost in tears as I hesitated interrupting her meal to say hello and introduce myself as I was leaving. She was so friendly and welcoming and it is a moment frozen in time that I will treasure.
While in Boston, I got to spend time with three of my friends/colleagues; little did I know that it would be the last time I saw them in 2020. I’m so grateful I cherished each moment with the three of them.
My friend, SL, took me to Liuyishou Hotpot Boston, this was my first hotpot experience and I really enjoyed it. I love having one on one dinners, in my opinion, you get to know more about a person this way and can most times go beyond the surface levels topics. It was a great time and after dinner we ended the night playing giant connect four and other games. It was a good time!
The next day I was off work so my friend, LR, who lives in Boston planned an afternoon for us and took me around the city. Our day started with lunch at Mariel. Mariel is a beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous dining room that makes you feel like you are dining outdoors in a café. The décor and ambiance were wonderful. We both enjoyed the Cubano and it was a large sandwich but very delicious. Afterwards, we went to the Boston Public Market so I could get donuts, Apple Cider Donuts to be exact. I saw the donuts when I went to the market a few days prior, however, I had already treated myself to ice cream (which was delicious and it’s made on a farm!) and a donut at another shop in the market. I had been dreaming about these donuts so it was a must try. We walked around a little more and then headed to Time Out Boston. I loved Time Out Boston, the concept is pretty cool and although I was pretty stuffed, I made a mental note to return later in the week, and that I did. Time Out Boston was an amazing experience even by myself and I ordered so much food, but I wanted to try it all. After Time Out Boston, we walked around the area more and stopped at Blackbird Donuts so I could grab dessert for later. She had this really planned out because as we were walking and I’m admiring the area, we make it to Fenway Park! I couldn’t believe it as this wasn’t really on my list of things to see in Boston but I’m so glad she took me and did an impromptu photo shoot with me.
After this I headed back to the hotel and she headed home as all three of us (SL, LR and me) were going to dinner that evening. SL suggested the place for dinner, a ramen spot, but I liked this one so much more. Yume Wo Katare is more than a ramen restaurant, it’s a place to speak your dreams into existence, if you dare to be bold. I can’t fully put words behind this experience but I know there is power behind speaking your dreams out loud and having others stand in agreement with you. This place gives you the space and the opportunity to do so. Also, for anyone who is an overachiever like I am, they grade you on how much food is left in your bowl when you say you’re done. I was determined to finish and get the best grade and that I did. This night was a moment that has stuck with me throughout the year.
My last night in Boston and there was no better way to end it then with my fellow Chicagoan, now Bostonian, brother from another mother JW. Started with wine and watching “Love is Blind”. It was my first time seeing the show and it can become addictive. We went to Drink, yes, that’s the name of the restaurant. It’s a lively yet chill place where we were able to kick back and relax. Enjoy conversation and tons of laughs. When I’m around him, laughing is inevitable.
Other things I did in Boston were, going on the Samuel Adams brewery tour, visiting the Cheers bar (per my Dad’s request), enjoyed Cannoli from Mike’s Pastry, toured Paul Revere’s home, walked up and down Newbury and throughout Boston. If you want to see more from my trip to Boston in March, head to my IG page: https://www.instagram.com/4th_wallace_girl/
With Love,
Marshay
