Thank you.

Inakauaidavidababy, he's working till 11:30 he decided, and we'll be leaving from there -- Somerset right by 287. We're thinking about 4 hours drive from there -- but will stop for lunch somewhere. I'm never sure of which route. Probably across the Tappanzee and on 95 to New Haven then north through Hartford. There are several possibilities and it always seems a game to guess which will have the worst traffic. Invariably we pick the route that just had a major traffic accident or some unexpected construction.

"Mama Maria is in a classic old building with old school recipes and service. I think you will be pleased." That's reassuring -- just what we were going for.

I am finding this thread very informative. Live near Boston but don't know much about Boston restaurants.

As far as driving and choosing the best route from the New York area to the Boston area, I find that my life has changed with the advent of the smart phone and google maps. I keep checking before every decision point and mostly have had it work well in terms of avoiding major traffic problems. Of course something can always happen after you check, but this helps tremendously.

There are several possibilities and it always seems a game to guess which will have the worst traffic.

When we make the drive (usually to Queens or Manhattan), we tend to use the Hutch and Wilbur Cross. I'm not convinced it is quicker, but it is much more pleasant than 95.

It is definitely more pleasant. I will always use it in preference to 95 unless there is a specific tie up . Google maps generally does not agree.

I never take i-95. Either the Hutch to the Merritt to I84, or the Hutch to i684 to i84. the 684 route is a bit longer, I think, but the road is wider and faster than the Merritt and Wilbur Cross, so I find it easier to drive if its night or bad weather.

Of course, I live outside Boston, so I95 takes me too far east anyways. Still, I think it has heavier traffic than i84, and is more prone to construction or accident backups.

We will be in Boston Easter Sunday too! A group of five spending just a day before we head back home - thanks for great information!

Anticipating your food report Neo. We had a really nice brunch family gathering at Eastern Standard. The briased veal and grits were exceptional and as always the mussels, the shrimp and oysters and the butterscotch bread pudding.

mmm...I'm going to Eastern Standard for lunch next week. And now I'm thinking about the mussels and the butterscotch bread pudding. Yum.

Patrick...we're waiting

I adore their mussels china-cat - one of my all time favorite mussel sauces. The bbpudding is so rich I could only manage two bites - but oh so good!!! A very sharable dessert unless you're trying to fast track diabetes.

OK, trip report is here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm

Sorry, we ended up not really using many of the restaurant suggestions, and the one we did use was a total bust. But, that's the way it goes. Well, as I say in my profile "Plan everything in detail, then allow yourself to do what you wish."

Sorry to hear No 9 Park really let you down!

Sorry No 9 Park was a let down. Honestly, I think Barbara Lynch struggles (along with most of Boston) with fine dining. I haven't been to No 9 Park (owing to mixed to poor reviews), but my wife and I found Menton utterly laughable. It was like a restaurant "playing grown-up".

To her credit, I think Lynch hit B&G and the Butcher Shop out of the park.