pattynyc

I'm planning a trip to Boston in April with my husband and 8 year old daughter and I've got some preliminary questions for Boston experts out there (and I'm sure I'll come up with some more as April gets closer).

First, is there a good weekday lunch place you'd recommend around Central Square in Cambridge? If not Central, then near Kendall or Inman, but I don't want to drive into Harvard Square at that time.

Second, what would you recommend for a Sunday brunch restaurant? I was looking at Aujourd'hui, but their prices are pretty astronomical. Still, I'd go for it if it's worth it. Another place I was looking at was Tremont 647 (?) in the South End with its pajama brunch but one brief description I read made it sound like it may not be appropriate for a child. What do you think? At home in Manhattan we like Zoe's (in Soho), or Sarabeth's/EJs/Avenue,etc. on the upper west side but obviously since I brought up Aujourd'hui, I'm willling to kick it up a notch for a special vacation treat. So what are your favorite brunch spots?

My last question so far is about Lexington and Concord on Patriot's Day. Do we need to get out there at the break of dawn? We're all late risers and we need to check out of the hotel that day so would we see anything if we arrive in Lexington at 12 noon?

Thanks very much!

gail

According to the National Park Service website (nps.gov) the reenactment battle at Lexington starts at 5:30 AM. There are later parades at Lexington and Concord (which are 2 separate towns some distance apart - you need to drive between). Traffic and parking will be an issue, and I imagine roads will be closed for both battle and parade, so you will need to do some research about that.

The areas in Cambridge you mention are all a very short subway ride apart - I would not drive to any of them.

If you do not already have hotel reservations, book fast - this is a very busy weekend in Boston area (Boston Marathon, etc.) When you mentioned getting to Lexington on Patriots Day, take into consideration if your hotel is on Marathon route.

FlyFish

I'm afraid I haven't been to the brunch at Tremont 647, but I've eaten at the restaurant several times and have also eaten at Zoe. There's a certain similarity between the two places, though 647 is considerably smaller and not quite as upscale, if that's the right word, as Zoe. They both have that sort of trendy energized feel to them, for what that's worth.

Aujourd'hui is of course one of the most elegant and expensive restaurants in the city and gets many votes as the best around. Sorry, haven't been to their brunch either - but I'd guess it's quite something.

As Gail pointed out, things happen in Lexington pretty early and I frankly don't think you'll get much sense of
"the day" if you don't get there until noon. Still a nice place to visit, though.

pattynyc

Thanks gail and FlyFish for your replies! I'll research Lexington & Concord's schedule for Patriot's Day more (any ideas where?) but I'll also make alternate plans - maybe Salem?

We're staying at the Doubletree Suites on Soldiers Field Road and that was the reason why I was planning on driving in to the Central Square area on Thursday. We'd be driving in that morning and I thought we'd drop our bags at the hotel, drive across the bridge for a quick lunch, return to the hotel for unpacking and a swim before heading back out. I had heard that Central Square has interesting ethnic restaurants but the ones I found so far are not open for lunch. Anyone? And thanks in advance.

Topper

While in Cambridge, we ate at a cafe called Grendels Den. I thought it was very good

JBX

>
http://www.phantomgourmet.com

jackflack

Pattynyc, Go to chowhound.com and click on the Boston area message board and ask away. Some serious foodies here who will provide some good information for you.

jackflack

Pattynyc, Go to chowhound.com and click on the Boston area message board and ask away. Some serious foodies here who will provide some good information for you.

leafpeeper

After living in Boston for 6months, I didn't find any amazing places in Cambridge but I was recommended LA LA ROCH just off Charles Street in Beacon Hill. I loved it and all my friends from Australia who I took there loved it. We still recall it and wished we had something like it here. It would be only a 3min walk if you jumped off the T (red-line)at Charles/MGH. The food is from Persia but don't let that put you off - the flavours are just so good, the service amazing and the prices remarkably good (and that is saying something given the Australian exchange is half the US$). You won't find a dish you don't like - promise! It is smallish so you need to reserve but it is simply the best! Also there is an amazing patisserie shop on Charles opp the 7-11 and a great pizza place (2nd block up from Beacon St end - sorry can't remember the name).

Personally, I thought Stephanies on Newbury was very overrated and Boston Seafood not great service or value either. Quality of seafood wasn't impressive to me.

You will have so much fun - enjoy your trip. I wish I still lived there.

pattynyc

Thanks for all the suggestions! Chowhound is great - a bit unwieldy but in just scanning through I've learned about a bunch of little Japanese places in Porter Square. I'll put my questions to the chowhounds. Phantom Gourmet also looks like a wonderful resource. I'd been using foodline.com.

As for the restaurant suggestions - Grendel's Den - has it been around since at least the late 70s? I think I used to go there... And La La Roch sounds great. I have a friend who's married to a Persian and I've always loved what I tasted at their house.

cigalechanta

your daughter would like Henriettas Table at the Charles Hotel in harvard Square. It's one brief subway stop so no need to drive. Kendall has a Legal Seafood.