| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
 |
Loved it!!! |
| |
Sat, Jul 21, 07 10:00 AM |
debbiekresse |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Group of Friends |
| |
The North End Market Tour was very, very good. I would recommend this tour to everyone. The tour leader was extremely knowledgeable and the food samples were great. |
|
awesome! |
| |
Sat, Jul 21, 07 10:00 AM |
cdiotalevi |
Female |
40-49 |
Local |
Group of Friends |
| |
We had a great time and the information was very through and complete with visits to candy stores, wine shops, green grocers, deli and bread, and Italian bakery. We loved the tastings! |
|
A Wonderful and Enlightening Experience! |
| |
Sat, Jul 21, 07 9:00 AM |
qarana |
Male |
30-39 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Individual |
| |
My past experiences with group tours has been such lousy experiences and a waste of time, I nearly changed my mind several times before showing up for this tour. I have such little patience for walking from one historical and disconnected tourist site to another while tacitly avoiding the present and local life of the area. Michele Topor's tour was such a breath of fresh air! It wasn't about past cultures long gone, but the living culture and just enough history to provide a context to the beliefs and habits. The hands-on and personable experience made it an authentic and relevant learning opportunity. The knowledge shared was something to bring home and act upon. I've found myself reflecting upon my cooking and eating habits days after the tour. When asked about my trip to Boston, the Topor tour comes out as the most memorable event. My only fear is that it might become too popular and negatively impact the intimacy of the experience. If only it could be Boston's best kept secret! |
|
Not to be Missed! |
| |
Sat, Jul 21, 07 9:00 AM |
alameyer |
Female |
30-39 |
Local |
Group of Friends |
| |
This is a fantastic tour for anyone who loves food, wine, history, Boston or Italy. Interesting and fun from the first minute to the last. |
|
The tour was awesome! |
| |
Wed, Jul 18, 07 2:00 PM |
cookingbuddy |
Female |
40-49 |
Local |
Group of Friends |
| |
I loved the tour! I had visited most of the shops before on my own, but did not know what most of the products were and what I should try. Now I know and can't wait to go back to the North End as often as possible. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgable about the North End food shops, restaurants, etc. I would recommend the tour to anyone who is interested in all things Italian or food in general. |
 |
Overpriced |
| |
Wed, Jul 18, 07 2:00 PM |
moemanning |
Female |
50-59 |
Local |
Other |
| |
I thought that this was horribly overpriced. It also felt as though the group was an inconvenience to some of the shop keepers. Did learn a couple of good shopping tips. |
 |
Informative! |
| |
Wed, Jul 18, 07 10:00 AM |
CindyMTX |
Female |
30-39 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| |
My mother-in-law, husband, and I enjoyed the walking tour immensely. We were impressed by our tour guide's knowledge on most every topic from the Arabic influence in Italy to what makes balsamic vinagrette authentic. We learned so much and were so intrigued that it has inspired us to make travel arrangements to Italy in the near future.
We regret not having more time to shop in the beautiful businesses. My group feels that we somehow cheated the shopkeepers by not having at least 15 minutes to buy something; they were so hospitable, it was the least we could do. We realize that this would have added a significant amount of time to the tour. My husband feels that maybe breaking up the tour into a late morning tour and an early evening tour might be fun. Doing this would allow for more time to shop and enjoy the shopkeepers' wares. In the late morning, the pastry shop, Polcari's coffee, and Dairy fresh candies would be great. The late afternoon tour would be fun by starting at the meat market, then going to the wine bottega, and maybe finishing at a great restaurant where some of Martignetti's wines could be discussed. My mother-in-law and I think finding at least one business that will allow you to use the facilities would be very helpful. |
|
temptations for all your senses--a gem |
| |
Wed, Jul 18, 07 10:00 AM |
jillws |
Female |
50-59 |
Combination |
Unspecified |
| |
The North End Market tour is a great way to spend a summer morning, whether you are interested in history, culture, food and drink, walking the neighborhood, or all of the above. Our guide, Jim, was warm, witty, incredibly knowledgeable, entertaining, and a CHEF!! We learned a great deal about a variety of foods, condiments, ingredients, cooking and people. As a physician, I was especially intrigued by learning about the medicinal/health benefits of some of the foods. As a "foodie", all my senses were tempted and treated. The guide was also very sensitive to different folks' food preferences and dietary needs--the kids on the tour, who may have been "picky"; the vegetarians who couldn't sample the meats got extra cheese.
We couldn't believe who quickly three hours could go by. We could have gone on for hours--mangia and more.
|
|
Fantastic tour |
| |
Sat, Jul 14, 07 2:00 PM |
EllenAndrews |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Group of Friends |
| |
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. She was very responsive to questions, made the neighborhood come alive. She mixed the current Italian-American culture and food with the historical context of the North End and with the contrast of the culture of contemporary Italy. |
|
Very interesting and certainly very informative |
| |
Sat, Jul 14, 07 2:00 PM |
mcculley |
Female |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Individual |
| |
I wish we could have seen the hardware store and a butcher shop..... |
