Boston Birthday Fun

Landed in Boston for Alex’s birthday trip on Friday evening.  The first thing we needed to do was find somewhere to eat.  Among the crowded, tourist-filled bars of Quincy Market and area we managed to find a small Belgian food restaurant called Saus.  With a long list of craft beers, expertly prepared Belgian frites, and a free waffle with salted caramel sauce for sitting at the “chef’s table”, this was by far the best choice.  

The next day, we braved the wait at the North Street Grille for brunch.  Order the strawberry pancakes for sure!

Over Longfellow bridge we went to explore Cambridge. 

Obligatory grad school nerd visits to MIT and Harvard.  The Harvard campus is so beautiful.  Expansive lawns, classic red brick buildings, and the imposing library with its grand columns. 

We happened upon a festival where the lawn was littered with bubble blowers and hula hoops.

Cranes in Cambridge.

We searched for the Cambridge Brewing Co.  After hours of walking, a cold beer sounded pretty nice.  Who knew that 1 Kendall Square was the name of a building whose actual address is still a mystery since it is nowhere near Kendall Square or Kendall St.  We are thankful for the free wi-fi that allowed us to reach our goal after all. 

We were lucky to get a reservation that evening at the Island Creek Oyster bar.  This place was clearly happening.  Nothing like a cold martini and a plate of oysters with some fresh lemon juice.  Alex sang the praises of the lobster roll with its perfectly buttered bun and succulent lobster meat.  Also, chowdah.

The next day we followed the Freedom Trail south to Boston Common.

It was windy. 

Of course we stopped in the iconic Parker House for the original Boston Cream Pie.  I had no idea it’s not really a pie at all.  Will definitely try to recreate this recipe for you!

Our last dinner was the Chef’s Whim at Craigie on Main.  For four courses we put ourselves into the chef’s power, and he took good care of our stomachs.

Alex declared his birthday trip a success as we settled into our first home-cooked meal in a couple of days.  A quiet evening after a whirlwind weekend.