I confess to having never been to Boston before. I’m not sure what took me so long to visit, but I find myself here accompanying my rising high school senior son as he checks out Boston area colleges and universities. Much to my surprise, Boston manages to combine New England charm with downright sophistication. Of course high on my priority list are accommodations and eating, so here are some of my picks where you are sure to get a dose of Boston style.
Built in 1925, this chic grand dame manages to fulfill my fantasy of what an old line Boston hotel should be. Gracious, elegant and proper Hotel Eliot is conveniently located near the Back Bay area and the tony restaurants and shops of Newbery Street. Did I mention it is next door to the Harvard Club? You can’t get more Boston than that. Photo via the Eliot Hotel website.
Top Chef star Ken Oringer of Clio, Toro and a slew of other red-hot restaurants opened this gem on the first floor of the Hotel Eliot. A modern take on Asian cuisine, the menu is comprised of small plates and the freshest sushi and sashimi. Try the Berkshire pork belly steamed buns and Korean beef bulgolgi tostadas. They are so good they are addicting. I should know; I ate there two nights in a row. Photo via the Uni restaurant website.
I don’t think it’s possible to visit Boston without consuming seafood. Bostonians love their raw bars and Island Creek is serving up some of the freshest seafood around. Their selection of oysters is amazing and the lobster roll is to die for. Photo via http://www.wearedesignbureau.com.
Who doesn’t love a martini and a perfectly cooked steak? Well, count me in. Capital Grille serves up a classic menu of seafood, steaks and sides all in a dark, clubby like atmosphere that just screams blue-blood! Try the crab cakes and the Kona coffee rubbed filet. Photo via Pinterest.
Tucked away on a cobblestone side street in the North End, Mamma Maria’s serves Italian food not like your mama used to make, unless, of course, your mama made homemade pappardelle with braised rabbit, crispy pancetta and rosemary. Photo by On Madison.