Boston’s Villa México and why hospitality still matters
HOW TO WALK THE BOSTON COASTLINE
A long seaside walk that you can do without leaving the city, and one that’s really more known to locals and longtime Bostonians than newcomers.
END TO END: ON THE BLUE HILLS’ SKYLINE TRAIL
By now, you’re probably pretty tired, but you’ll need a second wind because the hike from Route 28 up to Buck Hill is a bear of a climb, though it is so worth it once you emerge from the woods and realize that you have a nearly 360 degree view
DEEP ELLUM: AN OLDIE BUT GOODIE FOR BEER AND COCKTAIL LOVERS
The word “gastropub” gets bandied about way too often these days, but this Cambridge Street establishment is in some ways your classic gastropub that’s worthy of the title, and one that’s more unpretentious and unassuming than some of the newer options out there.
HOW TO WALK ACROSS BOSTON HARBOR WITHOUT GETTING IN TROUBLE
The original Thompson Island hike, which included Thompson Island itself, was something I’ll never forget for several reasons, but this perfectly legal walk includes mostly similar sights and may also give you a bit of cachet, since saying that you walked across Boston Harbor sounds like the stuff of legend.
FIRST LOOK: GRAPE LEAF MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE IN NEWTON HIGHLANDS
Between the friendly folks behind the counter, the tasty and inexpensive food, the easy parking and access from the Green Line, there’s definitely a lot to like about one of the Boston area’s newest Greek restaurants.
FIRST LOOK: OLD HAVANA, JP
From chicken soup to empanadas, a miracle under the radar
ITALO, MEDFORD: BAKERY SLICES AND BREAD ON THE CHEAP
Inside Italo you’ll find a no-frills place that is strictly meant for takeout, with display cases of pastries and baked goods along with bread and pizza sitting behind the counter, while some Italian products such as olive oil, cookies, and pasta are displayed along the walls.
TASTY ON THE HILL, MEDFORD
A little cafe that features a big (and hard-to-find) sandwich
EATS: DOGWOOD CAFE, JAMAICA PLAIN
A laid-back neighborhood spot that gets little notice beyond JP
