A MIDWEEK-MIDDAY JAUNT TO BOSTON

Recently I did something that felt very novel and refreshing; I took a boat during the school day into the city to meet two dear friends for lunch. We settled on the North End thanks to the proximity to the ferry, and landed on The Daily Catch Waterfront. I’ve dined at the famed Hanover spot 20 years ago and was eager to return and check out the newer location, which features fresh seafood with water views in a cozy outpost studded with warm wooded beams. Plus, they take reservations.

During our lunch we sat at a rustic wooden table, watching the whirling wind and delicate snow flakes with views of the harbor in the background. We shared the fried calamari, squid-ink pasta with garlic and oil, a delicious Caesar with umami anchovies (duh), and the fish and chips. Some of us even had an aperol spritz.

During our outing we also walked up to Hanover Street to check out the scene. I stopped by Table Mercato to stock up on pistachio pesto and got Will “The Table,” one of the famous and humongous sandwiches featuring chicken cutlet, pillowy mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula sandwiched between herby focaccia.

When it was time to head back to the ferry, I felt invigorated and sated despite the bone-chilling cold. It was so fun to catch up with friends and enjoy the city that’s just a stone’s throw away. I can’t wait for another wintery midweek-midday jaunt to Boston.