Trattoria Il Panino

Last date I was here: 09/17/2009

Restaurant: Trattoria Il Panino (http://www.trattoriailpanino.com/)

Location: North End, Boston, MA

Total Rating: 4
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Voted Best Pasta in Boston, Trattoria Il Panino serves Almafi Coast Mediterranean cuisine and has opened its patio doors welcoming diners to enjoy cozy al fresco dining in the Trattoria Il Panino Giardino. Located on Parmenter Street away from bustling Hanover Street, the garden patio offers a serene setting for an intimate dinner in the North End. Closest Metro is Haymarket.

I went to this restaurant for dinner on my last night in Boston. I was seated right away in the quaint dining room (with only 6 tables) and my server was very friendly and courteous. I enjoyed the fresh bread with my Sangiovese wine while I waited for my entrée. Although the specials sounded delicious, I was in the mood for something more classic. The walls were covered with framed photos of celebrities who have dined at Il Panino all signed to Frank. My food arrived quickly and was very fresh and hot – I devoured it immediately. I noticed some of the dishes that other patrons had ordered and overheard all good remarks. As I paid my bill, the server brought over a complimentary lemonata dessert (sort of like a frozen slushy of Limoncello). I am glad I came in to this restaurant and would absolutely come back again during my next visit to Boston!

What I ate:

Penne Amatriciana
Penne served with pancetta, onions, and San Marzano tomato sauce

Cheers

Last date I was here: 09/16/2009

Restaurant: Cheers a.k.a. Bull and Finch Pub (http://www.cheersboston.com/pub/main_locations_beaconhill.html/)

Location: Beacon Hill, Boston, MA

Total Rating: 3.35
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4

Summary: The “original” location for the inspiration of the hit television show Cheers, the Bull and Finch Pub is a popular tourist attraction and must see for visitors to Boston. Closest Metro is Park Street or Arlington Street.

Serving typical bar fare, the restaurant is split on two levels with the smaller bar on the bottom and the larger “replica” bar upstairs. Two gift shops separate the areas and are strategically placed to trap tourists. Two large moose heads adorn the walls upstairs but where’s Norm? My coworker, Jason, ordered the beer special in order to get the souvenir glass mugs and enjoyed his clam chowder. A large group came in as we were finishing up, so we were asked to move to the bar – which was ok but knocks points off their score. This bar would be a alright spot for tourists to take a break from their Freedom Trail walk and stop for lunch, but otherwise I would not come back.

What I ate:

Mac & Cheese

Elbow pasta with plenty of cheese, topped with bread crumbs.
Served with a side salad

Kinsale Irish Pub and Restaurant

Last date I was here: 09/16/2009

Restaurant: Kinsale Irish Pub and Restaurant (http://classicirish.com/kinsale-home.php/)

Location: Downtown, Boston, MA

Total Rating: 4
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: The Kinsale is located in Government Center in the heart of Boston. During the day, it's a favorite lunch spot for workers from many of the surrounding businesses, as well as City Hall. At night, locals and visitors mingle in the lively bar while the dining room guests enjoy a meal from our eclectic and highly acclaimed menu. The Kinsale was designed and built in Ireland. The interior is warm and cozy, with beautiful Celtic motifs and fine Irish craftsmanship from floor to ceiling. Live music is featured in the bar and in season, you can enjoy a pint or an entire meal at one of the sidewalk tables. Closest Metro is Government Center.

I was in Boston for a work conference and went here for lunch two times. Conveniently located and great service kept a lot of us a “regulars”. There were many items on the menu that looked good and if I had more time in Boston, I most likely would have tried them all! Kinsale is a great casual dining spot.

What I ate:

Clam Chowder

Sweet Potato Fries

♥Fish and Chips♥
Served with Asgard fries (hand cut) and cole slaw

Union Oyster House

Last date I was here: 09/15/2009

Restaurant: Union Oyster House (http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/)

Location: Boston, MA

Total Rating: 3.55
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 2, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 3

Summary: A designated national landmark, Union Oyster House is one block from Faneuil Hall. The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. — the doors have always been open to diners since 1826. The new owners installed the fabled semi-circular Oyster Bar — where the greats of Boston paused for refreshment. The Kennedy Clan has patronized the Union Oyster House for years. J.F.K. loved to feast in privacy in the upstairs dining room. His favorite booth "The Kennedy Booth" has since been dedicated in his memory. Closest Metro is Haymarket.

I was in Boston for a work conference and went here the second night for dinner. A small line had already formed when we arrived and we were able to wait at the bar while a table became free. Typical bar setup downstairs with the dining room upstairs. Even though it was a Tuesday, the wait staff seemed overwhelmed and took very long before coming to our table to even say hello. With too many options to choose from on the menu, I opted for one of the chef’s specials of the night. The fresh complimentary cornbread served was absolutely delicious. If I had only ordered soup or something small, I would have asked for another piece. But I was already starting to fill up on the Sam Adam’s Boston Brick Red beer I had too. All in all, the Union Oyster House is a neat stop for tourists but a little pricey for every day fare.

What I ate:

Pan Seared Scallops
Served with rice pilaf and asparagus

Villa Francesa

Last date I was here: 09/14/2009

Restaurant: Villa Francesa (http://www.ristorantevillafrancesca.com/)

Location: North End, Boston, MA

Total Rating: 3.35
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Villa Francesca is in the North End of Boston, within the oldest Italian community in the United States. Located on the Freedom Trail just two minutes walk from the Paul Revere house, Villa Francesac serves traditional Italian cuisine with old world hospitality. Closest Metro is Haymarket.

I was in Boston for a work conference and went here the first night for dinner. We arrived early enough that It wasn’t too crowded yet. Although the pasta was fresh with homemade flavor, my entrée was a little plain. My coworkers’ enjoyed their dishes of Pollo Ambruzzo and Spaghetti Pesto better than I did. With so many authentic Italian restaurants within the Little Italy section of town, there was nothing outstanding about Villa Francesca that would make me come back again.

What I ate:

Ravioli Burro E Salvia
Ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta cheese in a butter and sage sauce