Hitting Up Hanover Street

Bostonist decided to jaunt over to the North End this past Friday for a few reasons. Despite its lingering odor and smashed remains all over the road, the Haymarket does have some ridiculously priced produce. (Where else can Bostonist get 2 avocados for $1? On a recent trip to California, they were a buck a piece.) After a quick stop at the market, which has recently come under scrutiny now that the Big Dig is winding down and real estate prices will skyrocket in that area, Bostonist decided to grab a quick lunch at Il Panino Express on Hanover, the scaled down version of Trattoria Il Panino around the corner on Parmenter Street. The place was packed with tourists and locals alike, with a line reaching to the door. Bostonist assumed it would be great, but after ordering the “Panino Lady” (tomato, basil, mozzarella sandwich), we were a bit disappointed with the tough bread and under ripe tomatoes; the sandwich was however over a foot long. The pizza looked just as good as Pizzeria Regina, Bostonist’s favorite, and will probably opt for that on the next visit. Prices are pretty reasonable too, with a huge sandwich and fountain soda for around $7.

Despite the allure of those Mike’s Pastry boxes being flaunted down Hanover, Bostonist was able to hold back and head over to Salem Street to the newest coffee shop in the North End, Boston Beanstock. With the recent uproar over the addition of a Dunkin Donuts on Hanover, Bostonist was surprised to hear about this additional coffee competitor opening up this past year. We were very happy to get our iced coffee, which was fresh, made to order, and contained none of those awful syrups that a certain purple and orange chain recently switched to. The Beanstock has wireless Internet, comfy couches, and some tempting desserts in their display window. This little bit of Starbucks in the North End was certainly nice, but Bostonist would rather hit up the classic Caffe Vittoria, established in 1929, for a traditional cappuccino next visit.

On a side note, Bostonist was in the North End last weekend and saw Boomer Esiasen waiting in line like all the regular folks getting "Best of Boston" cannolis at Modern Pastry. A football icon from the 80s right here in Boston. Yes, these are the celebrity sightings we get here in the city. Sad, but true.

Photos courtesy of Boston.com