This upcoming Monday is a big day in Boston. No, we’re not referring to the mostly fake holiday of Patriots’ Day (celebrated only by Massachusetts, Maine, and public schools in Wisconsin). We’re talking about the 111th Annual Boston Marathon, that yearly race (the oldest continually-operating marathon in the world, in fact!) that brings a massive influx of both prestige and tourists into our fair city. Personally, we like to stay as far away from the madding crowds as possible (especially this year, when it’s expected to be cold and rainy), but if you’re running or just want to get near all the excitement, have we got some food-related Marathon suggestions for you!
If You’re Running: While we do not make a habit of running (we follow a strict exercise regimen of strenuous napping), we are a big supporter of carbo-loading. Feast on pasta at City Hall’s official pre-marathon dinner on Sunday night from 5:00-9:00, or check out a great Italian restaurant. Both branches of Bottega Fiorentina serve up excellent plates of pasta for bargain basement prices. If you’re looking for a little more style, try Via Matta or, if it’s sheer volume that you’re after, head on down to the Boylston Street branch of Vinny T.’s, where you can gaze upon the last few yards of the race and visualize your triumphant run the next day.
If You’re Watching: By all accounts, Monday is going to be nasty, weather-wise, so we recommend watching somewhere warm, preferably somewhere warm where tasty treats are obtainable. It’s a pretty safe bet that anywhere with a TV will be showing the race, but sightlines are likely to be best at a sports bar. We’re partial to Sunset Grill & Tap, with its extensive beer list and excellent burgers, but Sports Depot has bigger screens. If you want to be a little closer to the action, head down to Bukowski’s for some mac & cheese and a Belgian beer, because, hey, just because you’re not running doesn’t mean you can’t carbo-load too.
[Photo: Philip Greenspun]
