I returned to Boston for a conference last week, but really, I didn't see or do much (the weather there was hot and humid, as it was in fact across most of the country).
Boston this time was all about food. My single vow was to consume as much seafood as I could while I was there, and I was pretty successful.
The first evening, I met a few friends when I was scoping out the convention area and attached hotels and mall. We ended up at a small restaurant on Columbus Avenue near Dartmouth, called Coda. We were wandering along looking at the menus posted outside when a young man stopped and told us, "Don't bother with that one, there's a better one around the corner." That's how we found Coda. It was a nice, quiet, and not too busy bar and grill. I had Prince Edward Island mussels.
The second evening, I went alone to Legal Seafood - there are many of these in the Boston area. Because I was alone, I sat at the bar and had a Sam Adams, then the special (chowder, a 1.5lb lobster, and strawberry shortcake). Another lone diner two seats down had the same meal, except for wine rather than beer. He decided I was his dining buddy and talked to me throughtout the meal. (Apparently, he also knew everything about pretty much everything.) I did like the food, though.
Third evening found me in the Cheesecake Factory with several colleagues, where I had their New Orleans shrimp (made with andouille sausage) and a half-slice of carrot cake. I had heartburn that night, but it was so worth it.
The final evening in Boston, I met another friend and we ventured to Newbury Street and had sushi at a sidewalk cafe, where we could watch the passers-by and catch up. Also excellent.
On my way home at Logan Airport, I must admit I also picked up a crab cake sandwich. I just didn't get enough seafood, even though I did have it every day. I would like to visit again, just for the food.
