North End Market Tour

This tour was well worth the expense. Our guide, Jim, was incredibly well versed in Italian cuisine and food customs, the cultural heritage of the Italian regions, the North End neighborhood and its history, Boston in general, and cooking in general. It was by far the most enjoyable tour I've ever been on and gave more insight into the neighborhood in 3 hours than we could have uncovered in an entire week on our own. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning something new, cultivating new experiences, soaking up local color, or just dabbling in some damn good grub!

This was my first food tour, and I would definitely participate in another. The guide was very pleasant, knowledgeable and approachable.

My wife and I did not what to expect but were very surprised with the historical background and the tour of the individual shops and markets. the guide was extremely knowledgeable

This tour was really fun. There were plenty of stops and samples and it seemed well worth the money. I would say though that I think the tour is more geared towards people who live in the city or travel into the city frequently. Most of the tour was showing us hole in the wall places and what they have for sale, which is interesting but not super useful if you don't come to the city often. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a resident of Boston and not knowing much about the north end. Not saying you shouldn't go on the tour if you aren't from the city, there is plenty of history and tastings to give you an idea of what the north end and Italian cooking is about. I think it was my favorite thing I've done in the city in the time that I have lived here.

My daughter and I are from the Midwest and I was concerned that the tour would be slanted toward local residents. We never would have explored the North end in such depth without the tour. Our tour guide was fantastic and reviewed the history of immigration in this area and the contribution of every culture. We met some very interesting characters and sampled some great Italian delicasies. One member of our group even receives a birthday cake which he shared with the group!

The North End Market Tour conducted by Mr. Miele was a font of information about the differences between Italian and Italian-American cuisine and culinary practices, especially those unique to Boston's North End. His description of the cultural, social and economic factors that influenced the local Italian dining and food markets was fascinating. As a history buff, I found his discussion of the evolution of Boston Italian cuisine quite interesting. There was also sufficient opportunity to taste different items, many of them fresh at the local markets that supply the neighborhood and restaurants. We later ate at three of the restaurants in the North End and were more than satisfied with our meals. We returned later to buy genuine aged olive oil and balsamic vinegar as well as other dry food products, based on Mr. Miele's suggestions. He provided us with handouts of a number of restaurants, grocers, and other specialty shops in the North End which we referred to when we returned later. My husband and I appreciated that he did not push or promote any particular establishment, but gave us the facts of what to look for in quality food and its preparation, which led us to our own choices about what to purchase. This was an all-around excellent tour, particularly if you savor not only the remarkably fresh and tasty food samples but also the rich history of Italian-American culinary culture distinct to Boston's North End.

My brother and I joined 11 others and our guide for this informative tour. It was more than I anticipated in terms of truly highlighting the less touristy "gifts" of the North End and the variety of delicacies in that area. The historical background of the North End was also an excellent education. Thank you very much!

This tour has been the highlight of our summer. It was fun, informative, and just the right amount of time.

I really enjoyed Michele Topor's North End Market Tour. Our guide, Jim, was a former chef who gave all sorts of insights both on Italian cooking and the history of the North End. I look forward to trying one of the other tours on my next visit to Boston

Our guide Jim, a former chef, was extremely knowledgeable. The tour was the highlight of our visit to Boston. I highly recommend it!