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Boston is a city steeped in history. Tourists and business people from all over the world converge on this popular city to enjoy the sights and sounds of an area rich in unlimited activities...

The Ritz-Carlton

One such historic hotel site is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, opened in 1929. Located on popular Newbury Street, the Ritz offers upscale amenities and service. Some of their employees have been in service to the Ritz for many years. Our bellman began his job in 1949 and is still helping customers with their luggage. The first floor cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with the second floor dining room serving dinner.

Spending a night on The Roof has never been so tempting. Step out to dance the night away to the seven-piece Ritz-Carlton Orchestra and enjoy an open-air dinner where the view is as spectacular as the rest of the experience. If you are so inclined, extend your celebration and stay overnight.

Sites to See

Boston is a bustling city. You only need exit the Ritz-Carlton and turn up Newbury Street to see the throngs of shoppers, lookers and diners. Many of America's finest merchants are represented here, from Massachusetts Avenue to Arlington Street, and I was impressed with the clean and brightly lit streets, giving the tourist a sense of security.

Al fresco coffee houses and other street cafes dot the area. Evening revelers on Bolyston Street can enjoy street violin music by Simon Zaslavsky, who plays for the crowd's enjoyment.

One food store of note is the Kitchen Arts shop at 161 Newbury Street. The store carries a large variety of kitchen equipment, all for the home chef. They specialize in the "strange and esoteric" items that larger chains tend not to carry. Contact Kitchen Arts at (617) 266-8701.

Restaurants

Like most large US cities, Boston has a myriad quality restaurants from which to choose.

Skipjack's is both close to and recommended by the Ritz-Carlton. Skipjack's offers quality seafood at three Boston locations. The downtown Skipjack's has three indoor dining rooms, a bar and eight tables for al fresco dining. Lobsters, New England clam chowder, fresh fish, oysters, crab cakes and fried seafood are the highlights. Lobsters are available steamed, grilled or baked-stuffed and come in a variety of sizes from one pound to over three pounds. Prices start at $18.95 and include a side of rice or potato. Skipjack's, who pledges to serve its seafood at its finest hour, has over nineteen choices of fresh fish served broiled or grilled ($12.50 to $18.95). Three Maryland Crabcakes with a Coarse Grain Mustard Sauce are offered as an appetizer. Full of lump crabmeat, these cakes are a good example of Skipjack's quality food.

To save a few bucks, take advantage of the Fisherman's Special, offered everyday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For $9.95 your dinner includes New England clam chowder, choice of two daily entrees, coffee and ice cream.

The brand-new Henrietta's Table at 1 Bennett Street is a quirky combination of farmers' market and fine dining establishment. Beers from 50 regional microbreweries are available as guests glide through the displays of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The kitchen serves three meals daily and brunch on Sundays. EntreÈs run from $9.00 to $12.50 with appetizers priced at $3.95 to $6.50.

Also at 1 Bennett is Rialto, the new Boston hot-spot. James Beard Award winner Chef Jody Adams heads the kitchen here. Her combination of southern French and Spanish cuisines is a winner. EntreÈs run from $17.00 to $27.00 with appetizers priced at $7.00 to $16.00.

If you are into the cyber scene, go to 36 Church Street, Harvard Square in Cambridge to experience Cybersmith (617/492-5857). This popular cafe mixes cappuccinos, Internet on-line services, CD-ROM, virtual reality, teleconferencing, games and a Sony Playstation to create a futuristic and tasty blend for patrons.