Because most of my cooking is quite simple, I look for high-quality, unusual ingredients that will speak for themselves, and there is no better place to stock up than at Formaggio, a gourmet food shop. As the name suggests, its cheese selection is extensive, and with cubes set out for sampling, you may well find a new favorite. Their Italian and Austrian made pastas are a personal favorite - look for the ones made with farro. Another highlight are their olive oils - shelves and shelves of them. Handwritten shelf cards describe their varying charms, and they make a terrific hostess gift.
There is also an extensive and well curated selection of local beer and wine. One of Formaggio's lesser known offerings is its selection of good-quality and surprisingly affordable spices and spice blends. For far less than at a conventional grocery store, you can pick up standards (ground ginger), hard-to-find specialty spices (Mexican oregano), or homemade spice blends (the ras al hanout is terrific with roasted vegetables.)
Formaggio is also a great pre-picnic destination, with a small selection of pre-made salads and sandwiches in addition to the cheeses and the meats available at the deli counter in back.
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Rick Walker’s" is like a portal into another world. It's my go to sources in Boston for Western shirts, vintage Levis, secondhand belts & cowboy hats.
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"Bobby From Boston" is a vintage menswear shop offering a range of leather jackets, new old stock blue jeans, vests and many more that a gentleman needs...
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"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
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The "Boston Athenaeum" is an independent library praised for its architecture, history and collection. Reading by the windows on a sunny day? My bliss.
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"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
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"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
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"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
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"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
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"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
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"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
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"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.
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128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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