MORNING

Render Coffee

Hand-poured coffee, traditional espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches.

"This small coffee shop in Boston's South End is hip and for a good reason. The brew is always fresh; the baristas are helpful and prompt. But more important than anything, the quality of the coffee here is really, really good."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman

"This is my go-to coffee place in the South End."
FED Pro > Chef Michael Lombardi of SRV

563 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 | T: 617.262.4142 | rendercoffeebar.com

COFFEE

Barrington Coffee Roasting Company

Two locations from Gregg Charbonneau and Barth Anderson, who roasted their coffee at their facility in The Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. They source their coffees from multi-generation family farms, cutting edge farming collaborations, and coffee growing cooperatives.

"I like the way they treat their coffee and stand behind what they do. They source from smaller farms and get different kinds of beans, they don’t over-roast them and showcase them just like tasting different wines."
FED Pro > Chef Stephen Browning of The Prairie Whale

346 Congress Street, Boston, MA | T: 857.277.1914
303 Newbury Street, Boston, MA | T: 857.250.2780
www.barringtoncoffee.com

BREAKFAST

Mike's City Diner

Hearty portions at this diner that has been in the South End for nearly 20 years.

"Their Corned Beef Hash is made in house and might be the best you've ever had."
FED Pro > Chef Michael Lombardi of SRV

"Every neighborhood needs a good diner, and Mike's is the best in show. They take the time to do everything right, from scratch, and with none of the pre-made short cuts that fill too many menus. You can't go wrong with the turkey hash, house smoked pastrami, or eggs any way imaginable.
FED Pro > Sommelier Steve Bowman of Fairstead Kitchen

1714 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118 | T: 617.267.9393 | www.mikescitydiner.com

BAKERY

Cafe Madeleine

Fresh baked French-style pastries, coffee from La Colombe and for lunch their offer seasonal, locally sourced, organic sandwiches.

"When I'm in the South End, I come to this newbie on Columbus. It's great for French-style pastries."
FED Pro > Chef Michael Lombardi of SRV

517 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 | T: 857.239.8052 | cafemadeleineboston.com

MARKETS

Copley Square Farmers Market

Boston's biggest and busiest farmers market.

"Located right in the heart of the city on Tuesdays and Fridays, it's a great spot to stop by and grab some fresh produce before hitting all the Boston main streets."
FED Pro > Bartender Will Isaza of Fairsted Kitchen

Tue & Fri: 11am - 6pm
139 St James Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
T: 781.893.8222 | www.massfarmersmarkets.org

Boston Public Market

Newly opened in the Haymarket area of Boston, this is a year-round market featuring local farmers, fishermen and specialty producers from the area.

"This is our new permanent, year-round, self-sustaining market featuring fresh locally-sourced food brought directly to and from the diverse people that make up Massachusetts and New England."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman

Haymarket, 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108 | bostonpublicmarket.org

GOURMET FOODS SHOPPING

Photograph courtesy of Formaggio Kitchen

Formaggio Kitchen South End

If gourmet foods make you feel like a kid in a candy shop, you'll be very happy perusing the shelves here.

"Though the mother ship is across the river in Cambridge, this compact outpost sets the standard for gourmet food stores. Take one part nationally recognized cheesemonger, add a dear love for cured meats of all kinds, sprinkle that with a curated selection of artisan foods, and add an array of fun and eclectic wines to take home. Knowing your way around Formaggio is the key to looking like a wizard at your next dinner party."
FED Pro > Sommelier Steve Bowman of Fairstead Kitchen

268 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 | T: 617.350.6996 | www.formaggiokitchen.com/boston

LUNCH

Neptune Oyster

Paris bistro meets New Orleans oyster bar.

"I'm almost loathe to recommend it, because Neptune certainly doesn't need any more business, but there's just no place better. Pristine platters of local shellfish, two takes of the lobster roll (hot with butter is the way to go), made to order chowder, and nightly offerings worth planning you're week around. And if that isn't enough, the Neptune Johnnycake with honey butter, smoked trout tartare, and sturgeon caviar is simply one of the best things you'll ever eat. Go for lunch unless you enjoy waiting in line for hours."
FED Pro > Sommelier Steve Bowman of Fairstead Kitchen

"For a drink with oysters and great white wine."
FED Pro > Chef Tony Maws of Craigie on Main, Kirkland Tap & Trotter

"For a succulent lobster roll in the North End."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman

63 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113 | T: 617.742.3474 | www.neptuneoyster.com

Myers + Chang

A diner setting offering chef / owner Joanne Chang and executive chef Karen Akunowicz's very personal interpretation of Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese specialties, focused on local-when-possible ingredients.

"Asian braised greens, and Tiger's Tears which is grilled skirt steak with Thai basil. So good!"
FED Pro > Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman

"Every bite counts here. I love their attention to everything they serve. It's my favorite birthday lunch spot."
FED Pro > Chef Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa, Toro

1145 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118 | T: 617.542.5200 | www.myersandchang.com

KO Pies

Serving savory meat and vegetarian pies, barbecued grilled seafood and lots of Aussie specialty foods like Milo, Vegemite, Tim Tams and Sweet Chili Sauce.

"For Australian style hand pies. My favorite is the classic beef with cheese. The pastry is so flaky and the filling really well seasoned. The place is simple but perfect and the owner is a generous, welcoming fellow."
FED Pro > Chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma

87 A Street, South Boston, MA 02127 | T: 617.269.4500 | kocateringandpies.com

AFTERNOON SWEETS

Flour Bakery + Cafe

Pastry chef and owner Joanne Chang bakes everything in-house, including baguettes, raisin-filled and iced brioche, double chocolate truffle tarts and lemon curd cakes filled with raspberry preserves. They also offer salads and sandwiches.

"I love heading to here for some of Joanne Chang's huge pillowy meringue to crunch, munch and walk with."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman

"Pastry chef Joanne Chang wrote the Flour cookbook and she is such a great baker."
FED Pro > Chef Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger

BREWERY TASTING

Trillium Brewing

A family owned and operated brewery in the Fort Point neighborhood. Their goal is to produce creative, flavorful beers. Their craft beers are created using native ingredients and artisan practices. Stop in to buy their beer.

"It’s a beautiful, little neighborhood micro-brewery. People are always lined up around the corner to get in here. It’s a nice addition to the neighborhood."
FED Pro > Coffee Roaster Gregg Charbonneau of Barrington Coffee

"This is Boston's only downtown brewery. It is delicious. And it's made by great people."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman

369 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 | T: 617.453.8745 | www.trilliumbrewing.com

PRE-DINNER COCKTAILS

Shojo

Asian Fusion food served with inventive cocktails, including house-infused spirits and tiki drinks.

"Superb craft cocktails and innovative Asian Fusion cuisine comes to raucous Chinatown, and it's about time. Boisterous and fun in a coolly decorated space (think Wu Tang Clan meets Ming Dynasty). Sit at the bar and watch old school Kung Fu movies on the backbar's TV."
FED Pro > Bartender Brother Cleve

"They took an old Chinese restaurant idea and turned it into a cool cocktail place with delicious food."
FED Pro > Bartender Josh Childs

9 Tyler Street, Boston, MA 02111 | T: 617.423.7888 | www.shojoboston.com

The Hawthorne

Well-regarded barman Jackson Cannon brings you craft cocktails in a setting he likes to describe as your rich friend's living room. The cocktails pay reverence to the modern Gotham cocktails, especially the first golden age of Jerry Thomas in the 19th century and the cocktails of New Orleans.

"The Hawthorne has a small, cool vibe and has these little semi-private areas, one room that can be closed off and then there’s another little nice seating area that’s really comfortable. The drinks are really great."
FED Pro > Bartender Brother Cleve

"Some of the best cocktails in the city can be found nestled underneath the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square. Sink into one of their plush armchairs for a discreet rendezvous or belly up to the expansive marble bar to catch some of the best in the game practice their art. Bonus: it's central location makes it the ideal spot to launch a long night of revelry."
FED Pro > Sommelier Steve Bowman of Fairsted Kitchen

"Whenever I want to feel swankier/classier/cooler than I am, I sneak into the Hawthorne for a seat in one of their enormous armchairs and a tour through one of the most thoughtful cocktail programs I've ever seen. A night here is always an education for me in the way learning to fish from your grandfather or knit from your grandmother feels like the knowledge of a craft being passed on in a really intimate, special way. There's a romance about this place that's unique and lovely; it feels special to be served a drink here."
FED Pro > Sommelier Lauren Friel of VinDrop

500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 | T: 617.532.9150 | www.thehawthornebar.com

Wink & Nod

Subterranean craft cocktail speakeasy with tiki nights. Whisk is their culinary half with dishes like Venison Tartare, Duck Meatballs, Scallop Crudo, Yakitori, and their own spin on a Twinkie.

"Craft cocktails, Tiki drinks in fab ceramic mugs (like Tom Selleck and Jack 'Book 'em Dano' Lord), a fine selection of small plates and entrees, all housed in an elegant room meant to evoke an earlier time (like 100 years ago). Superb bartenders will serve up fine takes on classic elixers."
FED Pro > Bartender Brother Cleve

3 Appleton Street, Boston, MA 02116 | T: 617.482.0117 | winkandnod.com

EARLY EVENING BEER

Row 34

A modern American working man's oyster bar / restaurant located in Fort Point. They serve a selection oysters and pour unique beer.

"This is from the people who opened up Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster. It looks like a really slick fish market and they have wonderful craft beers."
FED Pro > Bartender Beau Sturm of Trina's Starlight Lounge

"Fresh oysters, fantastic patio and one of the best beer selections in the city. Dubbed the 'Working Man's Oyster Bar' you will not be disappointed with your meal."
FED Pro > Bartender Will Isaza of Fairsted Kitchen

"For the impeccable beer list."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman

383 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 | T: 617.553.5900 | row34.com

Book a Table

DINNER

Townsman

Chef Matt Jennings has moved back home to Boston to open his new restaurant Townsman. It's is a brasserie-inspired, New England restaurant. It continues the Matt's ethos of sourcing ingredients from the surrounding area.

"It is spacious and bright and you get to watch everything that is going on. The coolest, most innovative thing they do is bake black bread in a bean can. Matt Jennings takes the bean can and turns it upside down, and serves butter in the top of it. You get the hot brown bread and the soft melted butter in the top of the can. It is just so simple and so cool."
FED Pro > Chef Brian Alberg of Red Lion Inn, Eat on North

120 Kingston Street Boston MA 02111 | T: 617.993.0750 | townsmanboston.com

Book a Table

No. 9 Park

The prune-stuffed gnocchi appetizer has become an iconic dish at Barbara Lynch's flagship restaurant, but there's so much more going on there. Sommelier Cat Silirie's wine list predominantly features the old world wines of France, Italy, Austria, and Germany, as well as a selection of the most interesting American wines from small producers.

"Cat Silirie's wine program is a true tour de force and inspiration to me. I still get a little rush of excitement when I walk through the doors, and it always feels like a special night out here, even if I'm just getting a quick glass of wine and snack at the bar."
FED Pro > Sommelier Lauren Friel of Oleana, Sarma

"The best wine list in the world"
FED Pro > Chef Ana Sortun of Oleana, Sofra, Sarma

"The view over the Boston Common will take you back in time."
FED Pro > Chef Tim Wiechmann of T.W. Food, Bronwyn

9 Park Street, Boston, MA 02108 | T: 617.742.9991 | no9park.com

Book a Table

LATE NIGHT

Gourmet Dumpling House

Northern and Southern Chinese cuisines from Taiwan and the coastal provinces from Guangdong to Shandong. Known for their dumplings and buns.

"They have this Szechuan fish soup that is like the best Chinese dish I’ve had in this country. This place is phenomenal."
FED Pro > Chef Ken Oringer of Uni, Clio, Toro, Coppa

Gourmet Dumpling House | Photo Credit: Jessica Spengler {Flickr]

"For the tripe tongue and tendon salad. This is my go to. The soup dumplings are great, as is the whole fish, crab, braised pork shank with bok choy. All the food is made with such care and love."
FED Pro > Chef Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa, Toro

"The best dumplings in Chinatown. For soup dumplings, vegetarian dumplings, and their Sandong Pan Fried Dumplings, which are Taiwanese style. They are handmade to order, so it takes 15 minutes and they are just freaking delicious. The pièce de résistance is a Schezuan fish soup that is spiciest fish soup that you’ll ever eat in your life. It will blow your head off, but it’s delicious."
FED Pro > Chef Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger

"For pork and cabbage dumplings. The perfect balance of crispy, chewy and meltingly tender. "
FED Pro > Chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma

Open until midnight
2 Beach Street, Boston, MA 02111 | T: 617.338.6223

Peach Farm

Chinese food served family-style until the wee hours. You'll see many chefs dining with the late night crowd.

"After the last shot slammed and the tab paid, you can find all those left standing at Peach Farm enjoying live tank seafood, fresh greens, and countless stir fries and hot pots."
FED Pro > Sommelier Steve Bowman of Fairsted Kitchen

"This is a great late night Chinese place. I get the Chinese broccoli with beef and their Peking Duck is just out of control."
FED Pro > Bartender Beau Sturm of Trina's Starlight Lounge

Open until 3am
4 Tyler Street, Boston, MA 02111 | T: 617.482.1116

Cover Photo Credit: Lee [flickr]