James Beard award-winner Jody Adams is the chef and owner of Rialto Restaurant in Harvard Square and recently competed on Bravo's
Top Chef Masters. Read on to find out about Jody's Top Rated spots in Boston.
1. Fuel up for a long bike ride at the
Diesel Cafe (617-629-871) in Davis Square with a breakfast sandwich. You can hop on the
Minute Man Bike Path right next to the Somerville Theater and head out to Bedford along the shady path. Treat yourself to a stop at
Ride.Studio.Cafe in Lexington, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue, for a cup of the best coffee around. While sitting at the counter, peruse the sexy bicycles. After a few trips, you'll be convinced you should buy one a SEVEN, a Honey or a Public. I did last weekend!
2. A perfect short ride in the warm weather is along the
Paul Dudley White Bike Path with a stop for a quick splash in the
Watertown Dealtry Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool, Pleasant Street, (617) 923-0073. From Harvard Square, I like to start by riding down Mount Auburn Street to pick up lunch supplies in Watertown at any of the fantastic Middle Eastern food shops,
Sevan Bakery (617- 924-3243),
Sofra (617-661-3161),
Arax (617-924-3399) for starters. You get on the bike path in Watertown Square.
3. Museums aren't boring! I have been to the
MFA (617-369-6500) three times in the last month for three different reasons. Each time I leave with a mental note to return to see something I missed. The first trip was a perfect birthday day with my mom and sister... an hour of looking at art and two hours for lunch in
Bravo (617-369-3474), the fancy restaurant. The second time was with staff from Rialto who wanted to see a particular exhibit. We brought our own lunch from
Darwin's (617-491-2999) and had it in the courtyard. My favorite sandwich is The Brewer. And the third time was to see my daughter perform with Cambridge Youth Dance Program at the theater in the museum. And of course there is the
Gardner (617-566-1401),
the
ICA (617-478-3100), the
Museum of Science (617-723-2500). Check them out not just for exhibits, but for performances, lectures, movies etc..
4.
Farmers Markets are back. You can visit one every day.
http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/farmers_markets.htm Put the times and locations of ones convenient to you in your calendar so you won't forget. If you see things you don't recognize or know how to cook, ask the farmer, s/he will tell you. I feel so lucky. There is a market in front of Rialto, The Charles Hotel every Friday and Sunday. I also love the one in Union Square on Saturday mornings. It feels like a village common.
5. I like to shop locally in small shops... for the responsible carbon footprint and good neighbor reasons, but really because I am the quintessential impulse shopper and I want someone else to have done the editing. For just about everything, especially jewelry,
Nomad (617-497-6677). I just picked up the perfect wine coasters at
Didriks (617-354-5700). For my addiction to beautiful scarves,
MDF. Presents for my husband,
Drinkwater's ((617-0547-2067). I don't have an I Pad or a Kindle so for books,
Porter Square Books (671-491-2220),
Harvard Bookstore (617-661-1515) and
Brookline Booksmith (617-566-6660).
6. For a beauty day, I go to
Yvonne Bonaccorso (617-354-6807). While my hair is doing its thing, I scoot next door to the nail salon to have my toes done. They have amazing massage chairs.
7. The beautiful long walk around
Jamaica Pond (617-787-1224) from my house in Washington Square, Brookline is like a trip through the United Nations. I rarely hear English. I love it.
