Boston trip report
 

I didn't post for advice this trip but I did use this forum a lot for research and thought I'd post about my trip.

Last weekend my fiance and I drove to Boston from New York City. I was born in Boston but don't have much familiarity with Boston as an adult.

We stayed at the Club Quarters on Devonshire, which I'd heard mixed reviews of, but for $90 a night downtown it was great. We parked in a lot down the street for $12 8pm to 11am the first night and $16 4pm to 11am the second night. The hotel is very self service but the desk clerks are helpful and pleasant. Our room itself was small but servicable. Maybe living in NYC for five years has skewed my perspective, but I've seen plenty of apartments smaller than our room! We had free high-speed internet service (a HUGE plus), a comfy bed and a decent shower (no bath). Extra supplies and irons are available in a closet down the hall.

Friday night we had dinner at The Barking Crab, next to the Children's Museum. It was a quick walk from our hotel and there were plenty of other people out walking. I'd heard a lot about The Barking Crab, that it was loud and overpriced, but it's fun and uniquely Boston. Lots of birthday parties and after work groups. Sat in the covered outside portion, at a long table with rocks from cracking open shells and a bucket of napkins and utensils. We shared a sweet and sour shrimp appetizer (yummy) and a pitcher of beer, I had a soft shell crab platter, my fiance had a lobster roll. All pretty good, nothing outstanding but nothing bad. Total bill was about $60, expensive for a casual meal, but pretty average for us and we had stuffed ourselves silly.

Had a nightcap at Emmett's on Beacon, as it used to be the Publik House, my father's hangout for years when he worked in the AG's office. I have fond memories of drinking Shirley Temples there when my parents met after work. Nice Irish pub there now, nothing great.

Saturday we went to the JFK Library, mostly to see the wedding exhibit. It's an awesome building and a nicely done museum, I learned a lot and spent about an hour there in total.

Got lost (naturally, it's Boston!) heading towards the Museum of Fine Arts, ran into Fenway traffic and a bus accident, but finally found a good parking spot by Northeastern. Grabbed a quick lunch at It's a Wrap and went the MFA. Spent two hours on just their European and Contemporary Art. Would have liked to have come back and seen more, but there was no time.

After the MFA, we went in search of shirt for my fiance to wear to dinner that night. Went to Faneuil Hall which was severely disappointing after all these years. It's really just mall chain stores, a huge food court and crappy souveneirs. But I guess it's festive and fun, just not as cool as I remembered.

Walked over to Filene's Basement and scored several great shirts and a pair of Diesel jeans at a good discount. It's easy to lose track of time, we were there for over an hour when we meant to "just pop in."

Had dinner at Julien's, which was wonderful but not really surprising. The service wasn't bad, but it was a bit weak, the food was good but pretty traditional and uninspired. The dining room reminded me of the Plaza Hotel, very grand and imposing and beautiful. I think we could have gone elsewhere and had a better meal for much less, but I wanted to try it out and we were celebrating an anniversary early. We had a carpaccio appetizer, veal for me and filet mignon with foie gras for him, and a nice bottle of California wine. Passed on dessert, I didn't need an $11 slice of cheesecake. Total damage was about $200, wince-inducing but about what I expected.

Stopped for a drink at the Parker House, where my parents had their anniversary party seven years ago. Sadly, the downstairs of the Last Hurrah (the ironically named bar where the party was) has now been turned into a gym. Ah, well. Otherwise, it's a very nice hotel bar, though the bathroom is up two levels and is a bit far.

Oops, hit reply too soon!

Sunday we rode the Swan Boats, which is always lovely and the weather was perfect.

Met friends for brunch at Stephanie's on Newbury Street. Worked well for a big group but it was nothing special and no great bargain. Well located for a nice stroll and window shopping after brunch.

All in all, a nice visit though I wished I had seen more. Last trip was in February and that was spent mostly in Cambridge, so this was a nice summer visit.

Thanks for the trip report. We are going in November for my birthday. Hane never been amd am looking forward to it. We will staying at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. I want to do the Barking Crab too, it sounds like fun. :-) Judy

Glad you had a good time in our city. I hope everyone was nice to you.
For a great little restaurant, try Troquet's on Boylston Street. The MFA has a new resto but haven't tried it yet.

Cigale, thanks for the tip about Troquets, any other place for Fri Nov. 14, my B-day? Something special or a great Italian resto? I have been checking out web sites for resto reviews,and I have my trusty Boston guides. Boston sounds fabulous, and I am jealous(I live SW Fla)! Judy ;-)

The Barking Crab is not nearly so much fun in the wintertime. In the nice weather, enjoying seafood outdoors with water views makes a big difference. You may want to consider Jasper White's newest Summer Shack in the Back Bay.

Best kept brunch secret in Boston is Abe & Louie's (right across from the Pru on Boylston). Amazing steaks, sides, salads, at dinnertime too.

My favs are Aquitaine and Hamersly's Bistro, both in the south end and also Ipcarus. Italian is not for me, simply because I am of Italian born parents and had to eat only that growing up!
To every Italian(usually) nothing rates like their mom's)I'm a committed francophile and leave the 1st for my trip there.Judy email me at Hotmail if you'd like I'll buy you a drink in one of our local spots.

Thanks DJK for the info. Cigal, that sounds like a plan! Judy :=)

For a fun birthday, if you like Italian is Dolce Vita on the busy end of Hanover Street in the North End. The place is small, food good and on the weekends there is a small music group and the owner comes around and sings. My daughter went for a late dinner and the entire restaurant stayed up singing until two in the morning. Just give them a call first to be sure the band is on that nigh.