| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
 |
Excellent overview of the "Little Italy" of Boston |
| |
Sat, May 27, 06 2:00 PM |
lbrickne |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| |
It was fun tasting the different samples and learning more detail on Itialian foods. |
 |
Well worth it. Lots of fun... |
| |
Sat, May 27, 06 2:00 PM |
tomcolucci |
Male |
40-49 |
Local |
Other |
| |
Michael did a great job taking us on a tour of the North End. His enthusiasm and his knowledge of of the neighborhood was more than evident throughout the afternoon.
We thought the tour was well worth the money and a great way to spend some time learning about one of Boston's great neighborhoods.. |
|
Fascinating, even for someone somewhat familar wit |
| |
Sat, May 27, 06 1:00 PM |
SWozniak |
Female |
50-59 |
Local |
Other |
| |
h the North End.
I loved the tour. As a young woman in Michigan, I often visited the home of an Italian friend, whose mother and aunts would gather, principally at Easter, but at other holidays as well, and bake wonderful pastries. For years, I tried to duplicate their lemon cheesecake, but, I am convinced that one needs to have been born Italian to do so.
As a homemaker and avid cookbook reader, I began with Elizabeth David's volumes on French and Italian cookery and continued on to Marcella Hazen. Soon, I was searching used book stores for the classics of regional Italian cuisine and grabbing the new ones, like Marlena Dibiasi.
Although my former husband claimed to have been a lover of Boston, we never dined in the North End and visited it just once, because my parents were in town. He's one of those belligerently unsophisticated Yankees who are convinced a good roast beef is the only way to eat. To him, Italian cooking was red sauce only, despite having been fed by Hazen's and Bastianich's recipes for years!
After the divorce, I began making annual pilgrimages to Salumeria Italiana and drinking an espresso at ll Graffito before catching the commuter rail home. Three years ago, I discovered Cirace & Son. However, visiting familar territory in no way diminished the tour for me. It made it more pleasurable!
The guide was knowledgeable and interesting and I found the history as valuable as the food tips. It was great to be in the company of a professional chef and to hear his recipes as he narrated the area. Tasting the olive oils, ices, meats, cheeses and produce was heavenly. The friendliness and good humor of the merchants was inviting.
I confess I never liked Mike's, the one place everyone seems to identify first when the North End is mentioned, and now I know why: it's Italian American and not real Italian!
After the tour, I bought a new espresso pot to replace my battered aluminum model with the cracked handle as well as the making for risi bisi. Unfortunately, I had to hurry off to meet a friend who wanted to see a movie (Da Vinci Code) that was a waste of time and my risi bisi had to wait until Memorial Day. Served along with strawberry shortcake, it made a lovely, albeit non-traditional, holiday meal. Even my curmudgeonly son enjoyed it! |
|
Terrific |
| |
Sat, May 27, 06 9:00 AM |
mnickels |
Female |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Group of Friends |
| |
We learned so much history of the area and enjoyed learning about all the shops. The treats were great and it was a wonderful way to spend a few hours. I would love to do it again!!! |
|
what a wonderful time |
| |
Fri, May 26, 06 10:00 AM |
bowbird |
Male |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| |
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The Guide, Michael, not only was pleasant and personable, but most intelligent and entertaining. We both not only enjoyed the tour, but learned so much about Boston , Italy and the foods of both. The personal insight into the area, and his obvious knowledge of Italian food was excellant. I would encourage anyone to take this tour. It was the highlight of our two week trip.
My wife and I travel quite a bit and have taken many tours and excursions, but this one is at the top of the list. Two huge thumbs up.
Bob and Cheryl Ernst
Lancaster Pa |
|
maria's bakery |
| |
Sat, May 20, 06 1:00 PM |
Gladding |
Female |
60-69 |
Local |
Group of Friends |
| |
My friend and I both bought bread at Maria's Bakery. I thought it seemed very hard to the touch, but the salesperson said it was soft on the inside. Both my friend and I found when we got home that the bread we purchased was hard as a rock, clear through, and we threw it out.
This was a real disappointment as we had looked forward to getting some old fashioned Italian bread in the North End.
Otherwise, the tour was fine. Shirley Gladding |
|
interesting to see local culture |
| |
Sat, May 20, 06 10:00 AM |
taffychloe |
Female |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Group of Friends |
| |
Very enjoyable. It is always interesting to get a local perspective on a city. I loved the old buildings and the background information given by Michele. It seemed at times that we were transported to another time, besides another culture. I would do it again, when I bring my husband back to Boston. |
|
A Pleasant Experience |
| |
Sat, May 20, 06 9:00 AM |
npcordy |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| |
My sister and I (we are of Italian descent) took our husbands (two Irishmen) on the walking tour for their birthdays. We thought they would enjoy it, but were happily surprised that all four of us LOVED it. Dick was our colorful guide and did a great job taking us through the history of the North End, introducing us to all the shopkeepers who were all warm and friendly, and sharing his knowledge and experiences with us. The food and drink samples were terrific, even at nine in the morning! Michele Topor came into Maria's Bakery while we were enjoying some delicious treats. I highly recommend the tour to anyone who loves Italian cooking, food and culture! I will definitely make a point of going back to some of the shops in the future. |
|
Fun, informative, interesting! |
| |
Fri, May 19, 06 3:00 PM |
jpedward |
Female |
60-69 |
Local |
Couple on a Date |
| |
Great tour for those who like, history, food, shopping & Italian cooking. Be aware that it is 3 hours of walking and standing, but well worth it. I can hardly wait to go back to the North End on my own! Our guide was excellent! |
|
I wasn't expecting to learn as much as I did... |
| |
Fri, May 19, 06 10:00 AM |
kevins |
Female |
30-39 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family With Children |
| |
Our tour guide had so many great stories from growing up in the North End. It was like we were given the inside scoop on the past and present lives of the local store owners and restaraunts. No need to take notes. We received hand outs and an information packet during the tour. I now know what Sfagliatelle, D.O.P. and Aceto Balsamico is. Take the tour and you'll feel like a pro when it comes to Italian cooking, eating and pastry! If I ever go to Italy, I'll definately take Michele's tour there as well. |
