North End Market Tour

Jim did a great job-next time I want to do China town

It was a perfect day for a 3 hours tour in the Northend. We learned a lot and sampled some tasty treats. Look forward to doing another tour soon.

Beth, our tour leader, was very enthusiastic. She provided historical information as we toured around the North End. She also shared some of her own cooking and baking tips with us. The storekeepers were very welcoming and accomodating. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

I have been to the North End many times, but this was still a great introduction and learning experience, and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. I would highly recommend it to everyone.

This is the second time i have taken this tour. The first time, several years ago, was with Michelle. I enjoyed the tour and learned some new things this time but, a few years ago i did the Seattle Pike Place Market tour, also purchased through Zerve. That was a phenomenal food tour and has become the gold standard against which i judge all other culinary tours.

Well worth the time and money

Our tour guide, Jim, was so knowledgeable about the folklore, food, customs and traditions of the people who have shaped the history of Boston's North End. We thoroughly enjoyed the tastings, and getting to meet the shop owners and merchants. They welcomed us like family, and were so informative and gracious. After the tour, we ate dinner at one of the restaurants recommended on the list, and it was a culinary treat! We took back desserts from 2 bakeries to my daughter's friends at Boston College, and they were promptly consumed, garnering rave reviews. We have already recommended this tour to friends back home, and will continue to spread the word!

Jim, an x-chef, was our guide. He provided a fascinating perspective of the people and eateries including the history of the North End that was very interesting that it made the time fly by. We spent from 10 - 20 minutes at each purveyor as Jim explained the customs and food of the Italian immeigrants who settled there before the turn of the century forward. While we enjoyed some of the tastings of authentic Italian food, we would have preferred it to be more of a dining experience than sample tastings. We participated in a similar culinary tour in NY that included 3 kinds of pizza, wine and cheese and unusual local foods that made the experience more enjoyable but the tidbits of information Jim shared will provide a lifetime of memories. Great tour!

My husband and I really enjoyed this informative and educational tour. If you are a foodie, this tour is highly recommended. If you love Italian food, this is the place to go and explore. The restaurants are fabulous. The shops and restaurants that were recommended are excellent and brought back lots of Italian goodies to Hawaii. Maria's sister Enza from Maria's Pastry Shop packed our pastries and cookies so well every piece arrived without a scratch. Everything we tried was superb but the Ameretti or almond macaroons were simply the best. Our guide Jim Becker was very informative and easy to understand. We even ran into another tour group and their guide seemed just as passionate and enthusiastic. This tour is a great start to explore the North End of Boston.

Excellent, informative, fun, rewarding, interactive. I enjoyed the tour, the tour guide and even the other people on the tour! I plan on taking it again and again.