| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
 |
Great Tour! |
| |
Sat, Mar 25, 06 10:00 AM |
katybrand |
Female |
20-29 |
Combination |
Group of Friends |
| |
This tour was excellent! We got a sense of the history of the area, as well as, exposure to the local cuisine. Our tour guide was very informative, and would point us in the right direction if he didn't know the answer to any specific questions. I would definitely recommend it! |
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Great tour, but disclosure needed!! |
| |
Sat, Mar 25, 06 10:00 AM |
lovelangdon |
Female |
20-29 |
Local |
Family Without Children |
| |
The tour was great and we learned a lot. We were a little disappointed to arrive and find out that MicheleTopor was not giving the tour. It should be disclosed that someone else will be giving the tour. Others on the tour were also disappointed by this. Also, we learned about the tour in a newspaper ad which stated the price was $39.00, but when the tickets were booked the tour was a higher price. Overall the tour ended up being very good, we learned a lot about food and new places that we will sure be back to shop at in the North End. |
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Great Tour! |
| |
Fri, Mar 24, 06 10:00 AM |
jackberk |
Unspecified |
Unspecified |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Unspecified |
| |
Michelle is the best. Highly Recommended! |
|
Best tour ever |
| |
Fri, Mar 17, 06 10:00 AM |
deeshepherd2 |
Female |
60-69 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Other |
| |
This was an excellent tour. Our guide was well acquainted with the area and the people of the North End. The stores were fascinating as were the sharing of samples at each stop. I highly recommend this North End Tour. |
|
Great again |
| |
Fri, Mar 17, 06 10:00 AM |
kawnek |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| |
My husband and I did this tour a few years ago and enjoyed it. This time my mom and her significant other joined us. They loved it and we all enjoyed the tour guide - Paul. I have to tell you, according to some other comments Paul had a bad tour while back, so I was a bit concerned. However, the tour was great and we came away with more details, food information and a great place for lunch. The best part is going back the next day and buying all the stuff that I liked! |
|
A REAL CULTURAL ADVENTURE |
| |
Wed, Mar 15, 06 10:00 AM |
joanhuber |
Female |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Group of Friends |
| |
I lived and worked in Italy for a period of time, but until Michelle explained some of the history and food culture, I didn't understand the significance of many of the most common experiences. This was more about the culture and beliefs of the different areas of Italy (and the imigrant experience) as expressed through their culinary habits as it was about food. Through Michelle, you come to understand the impact of agricultural, economic, social and religious forces on the food of the Italians and their descendents in America.
I learned so much in three hours that it is taking me days to process it.
Some thoughts for future travelers:
The spaces are really small and you have to crowd in. Claustrophobia or hesitancy to be close to others is problematic.
Children really don't do well. We had a 10-year old whose attention span was way too short. She would get impatient and was bumping up against $100 bottles of wine! Her attempts to get her mother's attentions were very distracting to others.
Move quickly and make mental notes of places you want to return to and explore at a more leisurely pace. There is a lot to cover in the alotted time.
Allow yourself the time to go back to the stores you were most interested in.
Forget what you think you know about Italian food products. The food isn't as salty or spicy or cheese-laden as you have previously experienced.
Be ready for a fascinating experience!
|
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AMAZING! Fun, educational, and yummy! |
| |
Sat, Mar 11, 06 1:00 PM |
isolete |
Female |
30-39 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Other |
| |
My boyfriend and I decided to take my parents on a vacation to Boston as a Christmas gift. What could have been a disaster - as our reservations were for March 2006 typically a cold bitter month - turned out to be spectacular. The weather was in our favor - just right for a walking tour. My father is 100% Italian and this was the tour to take him on! Both my parents loved the fact that the tour, though long, did not involve a 5 mile hike as they had feared. Rather, the tour was a lovely meandering through "Little Italy" - with samplings along the way! We also learned about the foods of the immigrants - the differences found between northern and southern Italy - and how to make the most out of our meals. The history of the area provided a great mix. Michele guided the tour and was wonderful! We even saw her again a few days later as we revisited the North End and were dining at a restaurant she had recommended. No visit to Boston would be complete without a tour of the North End and you just have to get Michele to take you there! When you can impress my father - you have surpassed the ultimate test! Gracias! |
|
Enjoyable |
| |
Sat, Mar 11, 06 10:00 AM |
travel12 |
Female |
40-49 |
Local |
Other |
| |
Our tour guide Paul was a delight and very informative. It is a very good way to become familiar and comfortable with the North End. Thank You. |
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An enjoyable morning history and food lessson |
| |
Sat, Mar 11, 06 10:00 AM |
craftonp |
Female |
50-59 |
Combination |
Group of Friends |
| |
Paul was a wonderful host. He expertly and endearingly gave us the background and history behind many North End highlights - from eggplant to skiddish cats. Our group of three have already recommended the tour to several friends.
Crafton Pease |
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Fun, informative, nostalgic! |
| |
Sat, Feb 25, 06 2:00 PM |
laurajanet |
Female |
40-49 |
Local |
Other |
| |
It was a snowy Saturday in March-- and a perfect backdrop for the tour.
Our guide, Paul, was wonderful, so knowledgeable and attentive!
The shops welcomed us--each unique with their flavors, history and charms of Old World Italy --brought back so many memories of my Nonnie's kitchen where her food didn't just fill the plate---it filled our soul!
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