While food trucks and pop-ups come and go, the Boston Public Marketis a permanent and year-round staple for the city's loaded food scene.
With 35 vendors from Massachusetts and New England, it’s a local feast for the senses, bursting with colorful foods, crafts and other specialty items.
We took a lunch trip to the Market and sampled some of its mouthwatering offerings. Here’s what we thought.
The Harvest Pizza Bagel from Levend Bagelry
Who doesn't adore a wicked good bagel, or pizza? Levend Bagelry's bagel pizzas, especially the Harvest Pizza Bagel, capture the best of both to create a hearty dish that's fit for any meal.
“I love how Levend uses unconventional vegetarian toppings—like roasted sweet potato and caramelized onion—to re-create the same rich flavors of a traditional meat-topped pie,” said Senior Producer Stacy Buchanan. “Their version is healthier and more environmentally friendly.”
Dogfish Nuggets from Red’s Best
It's no secret that Red's Best is a great spot for the catch of the day. But fish nuggets? You bet. Red's are made with dogfish—a species of shark found off of the Cape—and are lightly battered, crispy, fresh, and a real gem in the market. “They're buttery, juicy, and surprisingly light," said Digital Intern Julia Corbett. "Dogfish nuggets are definitely worth a try!"
Pastrami Sandwich from Beantown Pastrami
As far as deli sandwiches go, the pastrami sandwich is about as classic as you can get. We all agreed that Beantown Pastrami does the Reuben right, served on sweet rye bread with steamed pastrami. “This pastrami is so good you could opt to skip the mustard, of which they have several at Beantown,” said Senior Producer Stacy Buchanan.
Veggie Gyozas and Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Noodle Lab
We started off with the sweet and savory veggie gyozas from Noodle Lab, followed by a ramen bowl full of delightful flavors and textures. “This would be the ideal soothing soup for when you need a pick-me-up,” said Digital Marketing Manager Jackie Bruleigh. “The soft-boiled egg was perfectly cooked too, the yolk was exactly the right amount of runny to blend into the savory broth.”
Caprese Crepe from Bon Appetit Crêperie
While Bon Appetit Crêperie's menu is brimming with irresistible sweet crepes, we opted for the savory Caprese Crepe with sesame balsamic vinaigrette, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil, and were pleasantly surprised.
“This crepe uses the perfect amount of its few ingredients,” Digital Producer Andrea Wolanin said. “Warmed-up balsamic and gooey cheese is the best combination.”
Pizza Popovers from The Popover Lady
The Popover Lady makes these heavenly concoctions even more delicious by adding pizza toppings. The light and airy dough is a nice change from a traditional pizza. “And using Parmesan in place of mozzarella added a nice salty bite,” said Senior Producer Stacy Buchanan. Also, when was the last time you had a popover? “This is a fun new way to enjoy that familiar pizza taste,” said Digital Co-op Tim Haas.
Beef Bolognese from Law Of Pasta
We were all bowled over by the Law Of Pasta's mouthwatering Beef Bolognese. “It's the epitome of comfort food,” said Digital Intern Julia Corbett. Digital Producer Andrea Wolanin declared it her favorite meal of the trip. “The noodles are good, the sauce is rich, and the cheese only adds to the utter decadence of this dish,” she said.
Apple Cider Donuts from Red Apple Farm
Have one, or have five — these mini apple cider donuts from Red Apple Farm are the perfect size to treat yourself. And in the heat of the summer, they're a nice reminder that fall is around the corner. “A very scrumptious pick,” said Digital Intern Tristan Gowen.
“The scent of cinnamon and dough filled the air, and fresh out of the oven, they nearly melted in your mouth,” said Digital Intern Julia Corbett.
Macarons from Finesse Pastries
Macarons from Finesse Pastries were exactly what we needed after a savory and filling lunch. There are plenty of delicious flavors to choose from, including our favorites: Earl Grey and Salted Caramel Chocolate. “These light melt-in-your mouth pastries will leave you craving more,” said Digital Intern Julia Corbett. Digital Intern Tristan Gowen appreciated the flavor options: “I thank to any god, existing in whatever spiritual plane of existence, for the blessing that is an abstract variety of macaron flavors.”
Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston, bostonpublicmarket.org
