When in Rome... Exploring Boston's local flavor

For the history buff, Boston makes for the perfect getaway--visitors can stop in at Paul Revere's home or see the site of the Boston Tea party. Cultural and dining opportunities abound as well.

Take the train to the North End, Boston's "Little Italy", for fine Italian dining. The best way to experience this part of town is to walk up and down Hanover Street (the North End's main street) and the various side streets, examining the menus until something grabs your attention. After dinner, a stop at Mike's Pastries is a must. This popular bakery serves up tiramisu, chocolate chip cannolis, and a variety of cookies and cakes.

Harvard Square also features a wide variety of excellent restaurants. Bartley's, across from Harvard University serves up scrumptuous hamburgers and tasty shakes. The Bombay Club offers a tasty vindaloo and mango lassi.

If you're in the mood for music, check out some folk tunes at Club Passim or blues and jazz at the House of Blues. If you're low on cash, just stop in the square; street performers are always out and about on a nice summer's night.

Quick Tips:

The free weekly newspaper, the Boston Phoenix (also online) lists citywide events and concerts.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around Boston is the T. Consider buying a train pass if you are in town for several days. The green line is often slow, especially the B line, the train that runs by Boston University. If you must take the B line, consider splurging for a cab, especially if school is in session.

A Boston favorite, Dali is a complete dining experience tucked away in the suburbs of Somerville. This is perhaps the best Spanish cuisine in all of Boston, with the nicest ambience. Mosaics, Spanish art, and even the truly Spanish jamon leg decorate the restaurant. Pitchers of sangria should not be passed up. Friendly waiters dressed in bejeweled black vests deliver warm bread and a garlicy chick pea spread to your table with the menus. Most diners order several tapas, or Spanish appetizers for the table and share. Try the tasty lobster ravioli, the garlic chicken, the shrimp with garlic, and the fried calamari. If you prefer to order your own meal, try the paella Entrees are a bit pricier, in the $20 range. For dessert, the flan and rice pudding are excellent. Thursday through Sunday the restaurant is packed. Give your name in person at the restaurant and order a pitcher of sangria at the ceramic tiled bar while you wait. If you have a special event to commenorate, Dali will help to celebrate in style. For birthdays, graduations, etc. waiters place a crown made of leaves and vines on the customer's head, singing and blowing bubbles around revelers.

The only Mexican restaurant in Boston that this Texas native frequents. When I'm homesick for authentic enchiladas, fajitas, or taquitos, I head over to Tacos al Charro. Diners can munch on tasty tortilla chips dunked in an excellent salsa while they wait for the main course. Sangria and Mexican beers complement the cuisine well. Service is speedy and the wait staff attentive. The enchiladas rojas are highly recommended. Portions are large, so be prepared for leftovers. Saturday night an authentic mariachi band entertains patrons.

Try to fit Jamaica Plain's Milky Way into your trip. This basement bar/candlepin bowling alley is perhaps also one of the best spots in Boston for Karaoke. Every Tuesday, locals come out for Mary's Karaoke Night. Mary is a hoot. Think Molly Shannon from Saturday Night Live with attitude. Patrons choose their number from a thick notebook of songs that's passed around the bar. The crowd is always supportive and warmly welcomes first time performers. Dancing is also an option; there's a small dance floor in front of the stage where customers can let loose as fellow patrons belt out modern day pop and rap as well as 80s tunes. The Milky Way also serves great pizza from the Italian restaurant next door.

This outdoor fruit and vegetable market boasts fresh produce from area farms. It's a great chance to interact with the locals. The market is held on Fridays and Saturdays. Arrive early and pick up some tasty treats for an afternoon picnic. Be careful not to be too choosy with your produce and haggle too much with vendors; you'll be sure to get an earful. Also nearby are Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall--two great shopping spots.

The Boston Jewish Film Festival features contemporary cinema from around the world on Jewish themes. Each November, the festival brings high quality foreign films to the city. Documentaries as well as popular films in Hebrew, Arabic, French, Russian, and Spanish are among the selections. Attendees receive an extensive program booklet with film descriptions as well as essays on the various films. Directors as well as actors and actresses who star in the films often make guest appearances where they hold fascinating question and answer sessions. Past screenings have also featured live music and food after the film. The majority of films are shown at the newly renovated Coolidge Corner Theater. This old Brookline movie theater is easily accessible by train and is surrounded by several great ethnic eateries. Films are also shown at the Museum of Fine Arts. For more information go to www.bjff.org