Day 73

Day 73: 7/29/15 (Boston)

0 miles

It took us a little bit to get going this morning, but around lunch time, we finally got ourselves out of the apartment to start enjoying the North End.  Audrey and Drew left us with a few suggestions so we made our way over to check out some shops and markets.  We made sure to visit the little alley shop that we discovered last summer when visiting Boston because it was a nice little reminder of Italy and the simplicity of its food.  While waiting for our sandwich, we browsed around the store and all of the delicious food inspired us to cook a dinner.  Audrey and Drew were on board (of course, we used to be neighbors –  they know we can cook) so we picked up a few packages of ravioli and gnocchi and then headed across the alley to the bread cellar.  We grabbed a nice, fresh loaf of ciabatta and then made our way to Modern Pastry where we purchased some creme brulee and turtle cheesecake.  From there, we picked up some essentials at a small grocery store, some chicken and pancetta from a butcher's shop, and a box of wine.  At last, we were ready to create a masterpiece.

By the time we got home with all of our ingredients, it was about time to start cooking.  Rico was planning to make a sauce for the raviolis and to braise the chicken.  Jillian was mainly responsible for the brussel sprouts and getting the dipping oil prepared as an appetizer.  Shortly after we fired up the stove, Drew got home from work and started digging into the bread.  He was surprised when, half an hour later, we were still cooking – c'mon, Rome wasn't built in a day.  Once Audrey got home, the food was just about ready.  After she heard (and smelled) everything we were making, she made a comment about how Drew wouldn't think that she was a good cook anymore – sorry not sorry!  Alas, it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and damn was it good!  We did a pretty good job timing everything for once so everything was hot and ready all at the same time.  Usually one component gets finished early and ends up getting cold.  After dinner we played a few games of Settlers of Catan, split the turtle cheesecake, and headed to bed.  It was another great day in Boston.

Fact:
We miss cooking!
Lesson:
If you want some great quality food, go to the North End


Eat Well; Travel Often
Rico & Jillian