Eating My Way Through New England...

Well, we are now in September..Summer is over, and I'm not sure if it was because of all my trips, but it seemed like a rather short one this year, did it not?

For the last 2 weeks I've been traveling through the North of this great country, or rather, I've been eating my way up to the North I guess you could say...LOL!

2 weekends ago I was in Philadelphia, and had a great time re-visiting the birthplace of our Declaration of Independence and the home of the Liberty Bell. I hadn't been to the city of "brotherly love"(uhuh) as they call it, since 1997 and my has the city changed! It's newer, cleaner, more bustling than ever before.

Restaurant recommendation: Alma De Cuba, 1623 Walnut St. --Wonderful Mojitos and a very original Red Cherry Caipirinha! Food was also very good, with a wonderful Salmon with a must-have banana-lentil salad! That's right, I said, bananas and lentils..in the same salad!
Delicious and surprising all in one bite.

For dessert: Capogiro Gelateria, 119 S 13th St.--Amazing gelato, especially the dark chocolate. The best I've ever had for sure.

Then it was on to Boston...for more culinary delights! I hadn't been to Boston since 1998, and that city, too, has gone through a major revitalization, including the "Big Dig" project which has transformed several ugly overpasses into clean, view-friendly tunnels. Now you can see a lot more of the Boston landscape as you are walking along "Bean town". Wonderful views and the architecture just keeps getting more and more eclectic. It's one of the few cities in the U.S. where you can find 7 or 8 different styles of architecture in one city block! A festival for the eyes!

Restaurant recommendations: Aquitane, 569 Tremont St.--Delicious brunch! Amazing omelet and wonderful cinnamon buns! Right in the heart of the trendy South End.

And just one block down the street from that one:

Masa, 439 Tremont St.--AMAZING Margaritas (on the rocks..usually I only drink frozen, but the ones at this place, are devastatingly delicious! Take a risk!), skip over the regular menu and go for the brilliant Tapas ($1 each), best of all being the Grilled Chorizo with Cranberry Chutney Salsa and the Ahi Tuna Ceviche Taco.

Then it was on to the Cape...yes my friends, Cape Cod! We did an amazing 2 day visit, driving from Boston all the way to the end of the Cape, ending in lovely quaint and very very Gay (and I mean really really Gay), Provincetown, or P-Town as the locals call it.

Some fun spots to think about if you are ever there:

In P-Town try out Surf Club Restaurant and Bar, Lopes Square 508--There's no website, but trust me, delicious Sweet Potato Fries and very good Ice(d) Tea, with a great view of the Bay as well as the arriving Ferrys from Boston (or Fairies from Boston if you prefer..LOL!).

If you are really into people watching and want an even GAY-er atmosphere, go up Commercial St. and check out Bubala's By The Bay, 185 Commercial St.--Good appetizers, not so good Martinis, unless you plan on setting fire to the whole Cape with just your breath and a match, but a great view (if you sit in the outside patio), of the several gender-neutral types and drag queens that may saunter by. Just be careful with the hostess, she has an attitude and she has no time for your nonsense..so just sit down and don't stay long, 'cause full paying dinner customers are arriving soon...okay girlfriend, chill out! It's P-town, not Chelsea.

On your way back from P-Town, you can also stop in Brewster for a meal at Spark Fish, 2671 Main St.--excellent crabcake appetizers, ok salmon, but make sure you arrive early...the kitchen seems to start to close down by 9pm, even on a Saturday night...I had to forgo my rice for just the steamed veggies. But friendly service and the Apple-Cranberry cobbler more than made up for any early kitchen closures.

So, I am now back in Washington, D.C. and yes, I am at least 5 lbs. heavier...but it was well worth the waistline expansion to be able to try out some of the best Yankee cuisine! If you are ever in New England (isn't that a Reba McEntire song?), then make sure you get yourself to some of these restaurants!

Or heck, next time you are in Philly...make sure to try one of the many new places sprouting up all over the city....celebrate urban living!!! Take a chance!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to hit the treadmill...I've got many desserts to work off!