Today: Finding food on the Greenway.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]Audrey, founder of Boston Food Finds, was kind enough to invite me on a preview tour of the soon-to-launch Greenway Food Tour.  Audrey aims to engage guests in unique food experiences while exploring our city’s neighborhoods.  You know how much I love the Greenway (and food), so needless to say, I was thrilled to be invited.

After gathering at the Marriott Long Wharf, our group set out on a three hour tour (very Gilligan’s Island) spanning much of the Greenway’s one-point-something mile reach from South Station to the North End.

Blue, Inc.

Our first stop involved adult milkshakes with acclaimed chef and Hell’s Kitchen finalist, Jason Santos.  Tricia LaCount, Bar Manager and Wine Director at Blue Inc., prepared boozy blueberry cheesecake milkshakes for the group while Chef Santos regaled us with stories of reality television and a dazzling liquid nitrogen demonstration.  I was both terrified and amazed.  Talk about starting the tour with a bang.

Silk Road BBQ

While the rest of our group sampled barbecued and smoked meats, I fell in love with a trio of salads (American cole slaw, Mediterranean salad, and Korean carrots) at Silk Road’s food stand on the Greenway. [I am writing this post with a snoring Frenchie on my lap/keyboard and have twice now typed Silk Toad.]  Silk Road is a marriage of food, travel and technology.  From their yurt-inspired outpost, they encourage passersby to stop and enjoy a cup of complimentary tea, as well as a diverse menu inspired by the best offerings from their travels.  Ed’s enthusiasm was infectious, it was a real pleasure to learn more about Silk Road’s philosophy and operations.

I love that Silk Road is positioned alongside  stories from immigrants, many about food– it seems like a natural place for their yurt (as well as their welcoming approach and diversity of cuisine) to be.

Grilled Cheese Nation

Give me a crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside grilled cheese and I will like you forever (on Facebook and IRL, n00bs).  If you’re punny, well, all the better.  I giggled as Gavin presented Grilled Cheese Nation’s menu, and may consider their Brie Me Up (brie and pears, on perfectly toasted Iggy’s bread) sandwich for my Last Supper, whenever that might be.  The fact that Grilled Cheese Nation is a fleet of two food trucks means, perhaps, they could come to me?  Seriously good food from a company that doesn’t take itself too seriously– that’s a trend I can get behind.  P.S. Stop by for their gazpacho before it (and summer) disappears.

James Hook and Co.

Our next stop on the Greenway Food Tour was James Hook and Co., where my fellow tourmates enjoyed fresh lobster rolls at this Boston institution.  Meanwhile, I snooped around and found a lobster with claws bigger than my face, wearing three barnacles to boot.  He was old, and very well accessorized.  Even though I was toting my usual oversized bag, I didn’t have much of an opportunity to free him.  Can’t win ’em all.  If you’re more included to eat lobsters than plot their freedom, James Hook offers great deals on live lobsters, as well as prepared meals.

Greenway Edible Garden

The Greenway Conservancy’s youth workforce development program has been hard a work, growing many edible plants from seed, and bringing a gorgeous scene of sunflowers, peppers, tomatoes and ground cover to such an urban setting.

Q’s Nuts

I’m not exactly nuts for nuts, but I did enjoy watching the rest of the group sample upwards of 10 flavors of Q’s Nuts, roasted right in Somerville and sold at a number of retail locations, in addition to the Dewey Square farmers’ market.  I tried flaming nuts, mostly because I thought the name was funny… but truth be told, they were really tasty. (That’s what she said.)

Clover

Our second to last stop, and second food truck, on the tour landed us at Clover for a refreshing drink and snack to take home.  I enjoyed an ice cold cup of honey lemonade, and snuck a sip (with her permission, obviously) of Stacy’s hibiscus tea, which was equally delicious.  I chose a beet and feta salad to take home, and look forward to enjoying it.  With prime real estate so close to South Station, the Clover food truck seems like the perfect place to grab a quick pick me up or snack before carrying on with the hustle and bustle.

Radius

Our final stop found us at Radius’ communal dining table to enjoy an incredible array of deserts crafted by pastry chef PJ Waters.  Though I am not sure how it was possible after such a rich afternoon of sampling, I managed to sneak in a bite of each of Chef Waters’ creations.  We enjoyed light, airy chocolate cookies with marscapone, mini Boston creme doughnuts and cheese cakes, and decadent candy bar squares.

This was certainly the perfect ending to a really lovely tour of one of my favorite places in the city.  As I ran past the Greenway this morning on my first double-digit run in ages, I couldn’t help but feel tempted to stop for a snack.  Unforutnately Gu was the only thing on my menu, but I am sure it won’t be long before I am lining up for a grilled cheese, a side of Korean carrots, or a cold glass of lemonade… or better yet, an adult milkshake.  Mmm.

For more information about upcoming Boston Food Finds tours, I recommend visiting their website, or following Audrey on Twitter for updates.  Many thanks for including me on this fantastic preview tour!  It was so great to meet the personalities and people behind some of Boston’s best food.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Mean Irene’s rain has started falling in Boston
• A fantastic 10 miler through the city 🙂
• Wondering what to cook during a hurricane?