10 Reasons Boston Food Is As Strong As Its Spirit

As the annual Marathon nears, Boston pride is peaking. Here is why the Boston food scene is just as strong as the city's people and pride. #bostonstrong

1. Boston Cream Pie

Via omnihotels.com

Well, duh. Fun fact: the true, original Boston Cream Pie is a culinary creation of Boston’s Parker House, now widely known as Omni Parker House.

2. Lobster Rolls

Via bonappetit.com

Doesn't get more New England than that. Learn how to make it yourself here

3. Taza Chocolate

Via tazachocolate.com

This stone ground, organic chocolate is made nearby in Somerville and is the first U.S. chocolate maker to establish a third-party certified Direct Trade Cacao Certification program. For just $5, you can tour their factory and store and eat more than $5 worth of samples.

4. Sam Adams

Via blogger.com

In April 1985, Samuel Adams Boston Lager made its debut in about 25 bars and restaurants in Boston, and by 1988, the company was able to sell 36,000 barrels from coast to coast. Samuel Adams beers are now available in all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries. Also, it cannot be ignored that Brewery tours in Jamaica Plain are FREE and include samples...cheers to that!

5. Harpoon Brewery

Via blogger.com

The brewery, surrounded by fish companies on the docks of South Boston Seaport District, offers tours for $5 that involve drinking as much as you want/can for 20 minutes in their 'tasting room.' Also, while you wait for your tour to begin, order one of their famous pretzels in their new Beer Hall.

6. Oysters

Via unionoysterhouse.com

Fun fact: The Union Oyster House is not only the oldest restaurant in Boston, but it is also the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S.! The establishment has been open to diners since 1826.

7. New England "Clam Chowdah"

Via bonappetit.com

Much of Boston's food history involves seafood, and this dish is the perfect way to showcase the city's unique past as a port. Recipe here

8. Baked Beans

Via daringgourmet.com

It's called Beantown for a reason. The Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony learned these recipes in the early 1620s. Years later, molasses was added, creating Boston Baked Beans. The dish was traditionally cooked on Saturdays and left in the brick ovens overnight. Recipe here

9. Mike's Pastry

Via ascd.org

Easily one of the top tourist destinations in the city, this North End pastry shop is worth the constant line and cash-only rule. Their famous cannolis are large enough to share (or not...)

10. Fenway Sausage & Peppers

Via wordpress.com

You just can't go to a Sox game and sing Sweet Caroline at the historic "Fenway Pahk" (Park) without getting a Fenway sausage and peppers.