To continue on our tour of Downtown Boston food, we’ll take a ride over to Park Street and begin there. Now that the lighting ceremony has commenced (which I hope some took the time to go see after reading part 1 of my foodie stroll), I would recommend taking another stroll by the Boston Common to enjoy some music by the Frog Pond Skating Rink.
Wet your appetite at Frog Pond…
If you feel up to the task, a great way to work up an appetite is to enjoy a leisurely hour careening around the rink with good friends or that special someone. For up to date information on operations, take a gander at the Frog Pond website to pre-order tickets or check ice conditions prior to arriving.
Oysters at Marliave…
Once the cold has begun to bite the toes, and loops of skating fun have rallied the stomachs grumblings, it is a brisk and delightful walk through the light lined downtown crossing over to our first stop, Marliave. Boasting a wonderful raw bar and dollar oysters or clams from 4-6 p.m. and 9-10 p.m., one can’t go wrong. I suggest splitting the beef carpaccio, a thinly sliced rib eye, drizzled in extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of sea salt to round the plate. The aforementioned plate, combined with a dozen oysters and a round of wonderfully handcrafted cocktails from the extensive list makes for a delicate easing into the evening. After finishing the first course, a casual stroll down the Commons, paralleling Beacon Street, gives one more glance of Frog Pond and the State house lighted in Holiday cheer.
An array of Persian food at Lala Rokh…
Winding into Beacon Hill, we arrive at Lala Rokh, a spectacular and cozy restaurant tucked away on Mt. Vernon Street. Before coming here, I had never enjoyed Persian food, and I was delighted to discover what I had been missing. The array of dipping side sauces is what rounds out each plate. If unsure how to complement any dish, simply ask the server and he or she will be able to give two to three side dips which highlight different flavors within the meal. I recommend ordering several and sharing them with the table to be able to try the full array. I enjoyed the kabab-e-bareh a delightful lamb dish incorporating my favorite ingredient, pistachios. The combination of ground and cubed lamb was cooked so each bite melted in my mouth, delightfully balanced with the full spread of yogurt chutneys available. Rounded off by a flight of ports for the table, dinner here will leave you filled, satisfied, and wanting never to leave the gorgeous surrounding of Persian rugs and art.
Rare and hard to find delicacies from Savenor’s…
Meandering down Charles Street towards MGH reveals delightful shops and galleries to take note of for further adventures another day. I strongly recommend stopping by Savenor’s Market (http://www.savenorsmarket.com/web/) to pick up an array of meats and fresh produce. They have whatever your heart may desire, from bison to emu, oils and vinegars to herbs and cheeses, all the culinary requirements to create a feast at home can be appropriated here, with Charles Street Liquors(http://www.csliquors.com/) catering to your libation inclinations right across the street.
A night cap at Alibi…
We end for a night cap at Alibi Bar and Lounge, the old drunk tank of the former Charles Street Jailhouse. It has been converted into a lounge space with brick walls, and cell doors still present and photographs of celebrities along the walls boasting their personal alibis for nefarious acts. There is also a lovely patio available for some late night fresh air during the warmer months. I enjoyed an almost obligatory Ryekers Island, made with rye, bitters, and maple syrup to remove the winter chill and warm myself with the sweet and savory tastes of New England.
From here, it is a quick cab ride back to Beacon Hill or Back Bay, but if you have trekked from long and far to enjoy your evening, the subway line is conveniently located right outside. In the warmer months, the overpass bridge to the Charles River Esplanade right outside makes a lovely detour for a warm evening’s meander home through tree lines walkways.
