It's hard to walk around Boston without bumping into the past, whether it's the red line of the Freedom Trail or a weatherworn historical marker. It makes you wish you'd paid attention in American history class. But it is never too late to experience the city's history with your favorite study buddy - and have a fine meal in the process.
To conclude Presidents' week, begin your Saturday with a stroll around Boston Common, the scene of so many events. Make your way to one of the city's most venerable institutions, the
While Boston is, of course, the Athens of America, if not the Hub of the solar system, the city has had, shall we say, its seedy side. (Which, ironically, may be remembered as fondly as the fiery speeches of Sam Adams.) We speak of Scollay Square, the randy, raucous neighborhood razed in the 1960s to build City Hall Plaza. Relive a hint of those days with dinner at Scollay Square. Start with the ahi tuna Napoleon with ginger-lime vinaigrette ($11) and move on to the oven-seared thick cod with roasted fennel and littlenecks in a saffron clam broth ($24); or the cider-brined pork chop ($24), the hanger steak ($27), or the miso-glazed Chilean sea bass ($33). Dinner Saturdays, 5:30-11 p.m. 21 Beacon St., Beacon Hill. 617-742-4900. scollaysquare.com
From here, it's a brisk stroll to the historic - and romantic - North End and the 10 p.m. comedy show at Improv Asylum for a few laughs at the foibles of the city of dirty water. $20. 216 Hanover St., North End. 617-263-6887. improvasylum.com
To finish the evening, stop in for cocktails at the Alibi bar in the Liberty Hotel, once the location of the city's notorious Charles Street jail. Try a "Cool Hand Cuke," cucumber, Stoli, vanilla, and mint on the rocks ($13), or a "Jail Bait," a pomegranate juice mojito ($13). Daily 5:30 p.m.- 2 a.m. 215 Charles St., 857-241-1144. alibiboston.com
And you thought history was boring.
Got an idea for Date Night? E-mail sschorow@comcast.net.
