Escape to Boston…none bettah’!

Jill: “Watcha’ do-in’, Jack?”

Jack: “Working. Why?”

Jill: “You work too much.”

Jack: “Why yes, yes I do, Captain Obvious.” (Ok, the Captain Obvious was in my head. I know better.)

Jill: “We need to get out of here. Let’s esca-pay!”

Jack: “Ok. Where to, pray tell?”

Jill: “Boston!”

Jack: “Hmmm.”

 

And so began our adventure.

Quite frankly, I had never heard of the Boston Harbor Hotel prior to Jill making reservations. The choice was based on her response to the online photos and commentaries as well as waterfront location (ah, a woman’s intuition). It certainly could not have worked out any better!

We had a lovely drive up the picturesque thoroughfare otherwise known as Interstate 95, navigating the various congestion points until you make THAT right turn into urban migration akin to the cycle-of-life on the African Savanna. Along the way we fiddled about and chatted, both sharing our hopes for an enjoyable holiday. Once inside the city limits, locating the hotel was seamless, though it did catch us by surprise. In effect, one drives up to the entrance via the sidewalk. And yes, you do need to be mindful of pedestrians.

Upon pulling up, we were greeted by the ‘biggest’ smile in New England. The doorman, impeccably dressed, wished us a warm welcome (it was November) and directed us inside out of the cold while he handled our luggage. In taking us to the front desk, he introduced us to his colleague, wishing us a wonderful stay. She was quite welcoming herself and made sure to review the details of our stay as well as the surrounding area and its many attractions, including historical and commercial. Lastly, she walked us to concierge to discuss dinner arrangements (throughout our stay we leaned on them for guidance).

Our room was simply outstanding; elegant and well-appointed and remarkably spacious. It made us feel ‘pampered’. Especially enjoyable was having in-room breakfast at our window, overlooking the harbor.

Service was of the utmost standards. Anytime we interacted with staff, it was a warm and well-received conversation. Any and all requests were accepted with delight and honored. Concierge was completely engaged in our needs and desires. And everyone seemed to know our names. The hotel’s location is virtually perfect, as it is a short walk to ‘anywhere and everywhere’ be it the financial district, the Freedom Trail (a must!) or through the heart of the area featuring countless cafes/bakeries and small restaurants/eateries (if not in, we are in close proximity to Little Italy).

OH. MY.

Following check-in and after taking in the immediate area, we had enough to time for a nap, a quick pickle-tickle followed by a shower and shave (for me) before heading out on a foodie-adventure. It being our first evening in Boston, the hotel concierge recommended Mare’ (Mechanic Street location), as it was nearby, a charming establishment and served delicious seafood. With that, off we went.

Now, truth be told, it’s not really as much an ‘eye catching’ location (no outside seating as it was November), as it is more quaint. As a storefront, it stands on a corner in a neighborhood of tight (cobblestone?) streets. That adds a certain ambiance to the experience. Inside, the décor is pleasant and seating is on the tighter side. Though this might be seen by some as a negative, it actually lends itself to their ‘homey’ approach.  We were greeted with genuine smiles and seated quickly. Our server came over right away to introduce himself and did so in a very natural way. He was extremely personable and engaging.

Noticing our accents (or lack thereof), we shared our roots. Yes, we understood the risks involved seeing as we’re Yankees’ fans but I could already see he was falling under Jill’s spell, evidenced by his googly-eyes.

The menu offered many choices though our focus was strictly on seafood. After a brief discussion, it hit me. “I have an idea! Why don’t YOU pick our meal,” I said to our server. Jill’s face was one for the ages though she quickly warmed to the idea. Just as importantly, our server lit up even more than he already was. All seemed up for the adventure!

Quickly discussing any food allergies, etc., he flew off to the kitchen. In short time he returned with a large sampling of oysters (we LOVE oysters!) and shared each one’s origins. They were fantastic! From there the meal and wine(s) flowed, almost endlessly; each course/offering better than the previous. We don’t recall the specifics though it included octopus.

Jill: “Octopus?”

Jack: ” Yes. It’s like Calamari, but not… minus the breading.”

We also had mussels, clams & lobster, snapper and various other sea-life. All fresh, seasoned and sauced, prepared to perfection! The pace of our meal was perfect. His attention to our satisfaction… nay, our pleasures, was genuine. He had indeed joined our dining experience. I would also add, he was cost-conscious in his duties. We assured him that was not an issue but appreciated his thoughtfulness nonetheless.  To say we enjoyed our culinary adventure at Mare’, is indeed an understatement. OH. MY.

After sleeping in the next morning (yeah, ‘sleep’… nudge-nudge, wink-wink, know what I mean, know what I mean???), we head out to explore Boston. After a briefing from our resident expert (concierge), we partook in an all-world breakfast; Dunkin Donuts, grabbing our coffees and pastries and sitting out behind the hotel to take in the cool, crisp air as well as the sights & sounds of the harbor. It was incredibly peaceful and I almost became lost in thought, at Jill’s side, until IT happened. Jill was attacked!

They came from all directions and in multiple waves, leaving her reeling for cover. As much as I tried, I was no match for them and desperately yelled for her to surrender what she valued most: her coffee and donut. Yes, those pigeons and seagulls meant business and apparently had her targeted as a tourist from the outset, tracking her every hand movement, in and out of the carry-out bag. Surely, Alfred Hitchcock was smiling from above. After imposing their will, they allowed her to escape. I, of course, responded in the only way any loving and respectable man would; I laughed hysterically.

We meandered through the financial district eventually making our way over to the Beacon Hill section of Boston. There, we window-shopped and enjoyed respites in several cafe’s, getting out of the cold, and partaking of freshly made pastries as well as warming cups of coffee & cocoa. There are quite a few choices throughout the area and reality is, you can’t go wrong as every establishment stood apart in its own right. After several enjoyable hours, we had made our way back to the hotel. The cold was invigorating and the day, soul soothing, walking arm in arm with the one I love.

For this evenings’ bounty, the concierge at the Boston Harbor Hotel recommended Legal Harborside (kudos for another outstanding choice!). As we dressed for the evening, we enjoyed a bottle of wine (Apothic Dark, an enjoyable everyday red blend from California, perfect for casual consumption. This wine seamlessly integrates flavors of blueberry and blackberry with enticing notes of coffee and dark chocolate for a rich and smooth mouthful with layers of texture.) Jill was feeling particularly amorous and dressed accordingly; form-fitting cocktail dress complete with complimenting jewelry, stiletto heels, and… wait for it… wait for it…. thigh-high stockings! She was stunning; an angel dripping with class and sex appeal! Jack is one happy boy!

Exiting the hotel, and deciding to take advantage of this perfectly clear and crisp late-fall evening, we made our way toward the pedestrian-only Northern Avenue Bridge (sadly, it is no longer in use, succumbing to age). Arm in arm we walked, happy as can be. But alas, something was amiss. With Jill continuously fidgeting, I asked if there was an issue. She informed me that indeed there was; her stocking was falling down. Pausing, we contemplated the situation. Being in ‘no man’s land’, the predicament was tough. To return to the hotel would surely see us lose our reservation. And to continue on, would surely see Jill lose her stocking. What to do. Suddenly, Jill squealed with delight, “I have an idea!” And off she ran into a Dunkin’ Donuts’ restroom (it’s Boston, they’re EVERYWHERE!). A short time later, she exited with a big smile and we continued on our journey. Her solution to this dilemma? Safety-pin her stockings to her panties. Seemed simple enough to me. Well, almost too simple. As you might imagine, Sir Isaac Newton’s name has survived 290 years with very good reason. Gravity. It is real. It wasn’t too long until both Jill’s stocking AND panties started falling down (the latter of which I found no issue with).

At our arrival to Legal Harborside we were greeted very warmly and promptly escorted to our table on the second floor where we were introduced to our server. He was simply delightful and very much attentive. After reviewing the menu, we once again flung caution to the wind and had him select our entire meal (no, it doesn’t get old). Although he initially hesitated, he quickly gained a sincere excitement and asked of allergies, etc. You could see he was working it all out in his mind. With that, he made some wine suggestions from a somewhat extensive list, which were quite appropriate both in taste and price, and off he went. With every course, he showed great zeal in explaining the specifics and was truly marvelous. The courses were seamless. He was completely engaged in us as his guests even escorting Jill both to and from the powder room (his timing was uncanny).

The food was simply incredible; fresh, flavorful, and presentable and the quantities very much on target. With the wine flowing, we took in the wonderful views from the window seats and those nearby, only adding to an already fruitful evening. Upon our departure, we were struck by the sincerity our server expressed in having had us as his guests, which we more than reflected.

The walk back over the bridge was incredibly romantic, invigorating and… a tad challenging as one tipsy blonde was feeling more than a wee bit playful. The last thing I wanted was to be cast in a Kennedy-esque affair, sans car. We spent the wee hours in frolic with only the light of the moon breaking through our room’s window.

History comes alive!

If you LOVE history… and we most certainly do… you will really enjoy walking the Freedom Trail. You can either do it by guided tour (knowledgeable and quite friendly) or at your own pace. We chose the latter, deeply enjoying a walk through time and this country’s roots. There are map-guides that can be followed, which provide easy-to-understand direction and information. The path itself is quite easy to follow, though traffic around Bunker Hill can get dicey.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile long path through downtown Boston, which passes by 16 locations significant to history of the United States. Marked largely with bricks, it winds between Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings and a historic naval frigate. While most of the sites are free (some do suggest donations), the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and the Paul Revere House charge admission. The National Park Service operates a visitor’s center in Faneuil Hall, where they offer tours, provide free maps of the Freedom Trail and other historic sites, and sell books about Boston and United States history. Sadly, the trails’ narrative omits the sites of both the Boston Tea Party and the Liberty Tree.

The sites and history attached to the trail truly are wonderful as is much of the architecture along the walk. Especially interesting to us were the cemeteries and their tombstones. We met with several Bostonians who greeted us with a smile and some kind words. We also took advantage of the various cafe’s/bakeries along the way. Again, quite a number to choose from. Though only a couple of miles in length, the walking is considerable given the up & downhill topography.

As darkness approached, we found ourselves temporarily misaligned with our targeted geographic location (otherwise known as, lost- we set out exploring). By good fortune, we came upon a dock offering trips across the harbor. With great joy (and foot relief), we ended our day with a ferry ride back to the hotel. Standing outside along the rails, wind blowing through our hair, Jill and I held each other close and enjoyed the peace which accompanied our short voyage. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Never Judge a Book by its Cover.

By all accounts, this was THE restaurant to go to on the wharf; up-scale, fine dining with an extensive wine list and exquisite food. We were both quite excited for our last evening out as our trip to Boston was an outstanding adventure to-date. Our destination? Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar. Jill was dressed to the nine’s (no, I’m not THAT old) and I did my best to compliment her.

The restaurant itself is well-appointed including lovely décor, fine china & linens and very comfortable & spacious seating. The staff, dressed impressively. It also boasts an incredible view of the harbor. In fact, I can literally say, there’s not a bad seat in the house. Enough space is certainly afforded in the dining room allowing you to feel comfortable in carrying a private conversation and still be part of ‘that community.’

Sadly, from this point forward, our experience did not match the buildup. Was it a matter of, ‘too much hype’? Perhaps, but I believe not. Rather, it was a case of professional vs. personable.

We were welcomed and seated in a most professional manner. Our waiter, impeccably dressed and well-versed in the restaurant’s offerings, was, for our taste, far too formal. Sadly, he never attempted to connect with us though we afforded him many opportunities to do so.  Our modus operandi for the trip had been, let the professional choose the meal, which was an amazing success throughout our stay. This seemed to energize our servers bringing them into our meal, making them fully engaged. It brought incredible excitement to the experience as well as to our taste buds (again, we highly recommend it!). In this particular scenario, our server appeared to be somewhat disturbed and/or perplexed by the request and through his questioning, attempted to solicit an order from us. It was incredibly discouraging and rather frustrating. Further, his knowledge and approach regarding wines was of similar tact.  Was the food tasty? Absolutely. The pace of the courses appropriate? No doubt. The selection of wines thorough? Indeed! (To this end, mark-up or not, you MUST take advantage of their inventory.) But it’s not just about the food. It’s about the EXPERIENCE! That is why one pays. That is why WE pay. And though the ambiance was very much appealing, the primary point of contact was not. Though we more than understand this could be a one-off experience, it was OUR experience and to that end, we were disappointed.

Still, Jill and I being who we are collectively, made the most of our evening plying ourselves with grape and negotiating terms to borrow linen from neighboring tables.

The rest of the evening consisted of a short ‘midnight stroll’ in the cold along the immediate expanse and a long romp in the heat within the silky sheets!

Checking out was bittersweet, though as seamless and warm as checking in. Once completed, we were escorted to our vehicle, Jill assisted in situating herself. Bidding adieu, they wished us safe passage and hoped to see us soon. And they REALLY meant it!

None bettah’, indeed!