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The barges are sitting pretty and waiting for showtime.
There is a large flotilla of boats in the lower Charles River Basin this year. Perhaps because it is one of the few boating days we've had this season.
Chowhound.com helps us discover the best places to dine and keeps us out of the places to avoid. We find it helps assure value for our dining dollars.
Whether we're planning two weeks of dining experiences in Boston, a long weekend in Portland or three nights in Philadelphia, we turn to the Chowhound communities in those cities for guidance.
Friends ask, "How do you find these places?" Chowhound is always one of our answers. I subscribe to rss feeds for the Boston and New England boards as well as a couple of general interest food boards.
Planning a Trip
If we're planning a trip to another city, I'll add a feed from that community about a month before. And, I'll ask for help.
For our recent trip to Portland, I asked the New England board to talk about, "Portland's best dishes right now." This conversation not only helped us narrow the choices for our weekend meals but was available for others planning to visit Portland around that time. We hope it was of value to the local Chowhounds who shared their opinions.
We had done a search of the deep backlog of conversations about Portland dining before we asked the question. That let us include a few specific requests. And, we reported back as we tried some of the options offered. The best part of any online community is the give and take. You help me today, and I'll help you tomorrow.
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Boston Food Scene
On a day-to-day basis here in Boston, you can get to know the cast of characters who form the community. Any food critic, paid or volunteer, is only useful to you when you know their tastes and preferences.
Hang around Chowhound long enough and you'll learn who to trust, who to follow, who knows great value, who knows where to go for a big splurge, or who can lead you to the best burger.
To Chowhound or Not to Chowhound
Yes, Chowhound has its critics. To them I say, yes it is moderated and not everyone who posts has a pure spirit. Yes, there are Chowhounds with more influence than others and yes there are some people with opinions opposed to yours. It's a community, a useful community, a community you can choose to be part of or avoid.
Ed and I choose to be Chowhounds. And, we'd like to thank the Chowhounds who have led us to places like Speeds, Trattoria Toscana, La Voile, Bina, and Craigie on Main. Thank you for supporting farmers, local food and answering hundreds of specific questions each year. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and humor.
Details:
The BostonZest team leaders are on vacation in Boston. We've been doing Boston vacations for years.
Long before the term "staycation" came about, we'd spend some of our down time enjoying the city, catching up on new restaurants, revisiting old favorites, and taking day trips to explore the area. We'll share what we're up to, as the days click by.
Trattoria Toscana
One of the first "Old Favorite" restaurants we visited was Trattoria Toscana in the Fenway. We've reported on this little gem before. http://www.bostonzest.com/2008/05/trattoria-tosca.html
This visit we found the food, service, and warmth met Toscana's high standards.
Back Bay Fens
If you're new to this area and looking for more to explore, we suggest a walk around the Back Bay Fens.
In the photo above, you see a visitor ready to enter the Kelleher Rose Garden. This is very close to Trattoria Toscana. During rose season, we visit anytime we're nearby.
While the Fens was originally created by Frederick Law Olmstead, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy provides information on more recent changes to the area.
"Noted landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff added new features such as The Kelleher Rose Garden and ball fields, employing the more formal landscape style popular in the 1920s and 1930s."
On the Conservancy site, you'll find maps and details on other attractions in this area.
http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/parks/back-bay-fens/
Here's a handy book to have in your pocket as you explore.
Fenway Victory Gardens
Walking to the Fens from the Back Bay, stop and enjoy the Fenway Victory Gardens on the bank of the Muddy River. Established in 1942, this organization claims the title of "America's Oldest Victory Gardens."
More information and maps are available on the garden's website:
Details:
Trattoria Toscana
130 Jersey Street, Boston, MA 02215
(between Park Drive & Queensberry Street)
(617) 247-9508
