Should make most out of the chance while I am in Boston and no better way than giving a visit to the oldest residential community, the North End. This historic community dates back to the 17th century and the streets have that vintage charm to them.
Also known as Little Italy, the dwellings are mostly inhabited by Italian Americans and....
Yeah, Italian restaurants. Not just your off the block pizza eatery, but ones with history attached to them. I was lucky to find myself with one such place, Mike's Pastry.
Did you see that queue?
Well, this was considered to be a decent size when I asked the locals out there.
Mike's Pastry was started in 1946 and is famous for their Cannoli's throughout the world. They also serve macaroons, pies, pastries but this restaurant, nicknamed Home of the Cannoli, is surely a place to try those yummy little tubes.
Got myself in the line and was taking some clicks while enamored by the lively nature of this neighborhood.
Quite a busy street. I had my car parked at a nearby garage by the Rowe's wharf and was about half a mile walk to this place. The harbor walk was quite amazing and you walk past the Christoper Columbus Waterfront Park which is a beautiful place to spend the evening.
As the time went by, I saw myself at the door of Mike's and voila!
Initially what turned out to be a teeny-weeny restaurant with few tables and chairs has now become a Friday time movie rush. There are separate lines formed for quicker service which actually sounds sensible considering the demand this place has got.
All the Cannoli's and other popular pies and pastries are listed out on the wall and mind you guys, this is a cash only place. Dough is what we want!
I was at the front finally and it has to be quick. I ordered few of their famous pastries and got myself rolling from this place.
Phew, quite a wait!
Let's check out if its worth the trip. I trod down to the park I stated earlier and got myself plonked there.
An overview of the wharf with all the private yachts docked up and a cool breeze swaying was worth settling down here for the meal. Pulled up the box from Mike's in front of me.
Neatly packaged box with the brand endorsing their title is pleasantly captivating. Went ahead and took out the first choice of the day.
It's Chocolate Mousse Cannoli. I am unfortunate that I cannot see the expression of my readers drooling over the image. Chocolate makes everyone's lives better and this overdose surely sets the tone for it. Plunked in chocolate chips on either side, this Cannoli is stuffed with Chocolate Mousse (literally stuffed!).
Took a mammoth bite and it just gets better with each bite. The creamy texture of the chocolate is sinfully good and is definitely richness found in over abundance. Complemented by the savory wafer which is light and crispy is undoubtedly a perfect pairing for this treat.
Taste: 8/10
Next up, I went ahead and opened....
It's Pecan Caramel Cannoli. Each item coming out of the box entices you to the summit of eternal bliss. A full-flavored caramel cream filled into the Cannoli and topped with pecans is an ideal combination and it tasted just right. It's a satisfactory fare!
Taste: 6.5/10
Up with my next choice.
A Strawberry Cannoli. The name says it all. Nothing baffling. The wafer is infused with the strawberry cream and I am in love with the texture they make in house. Quite a smooth touch to it. Went ahead and stuffed my last Cannoli for the day. This was the best of the lot.
The strawberry cream is so fresh, my palate could sense the fruit's sweetness. The wafers have been the best part in all the Cannoli's, likewise in this case. The flavors were spot on and you just have to taste it to believe it. Bingo!
Taste: 8.5/10
Done with the Cannoli madness and I thought to myself "All this sugar intake should be worth it" and fished out the next item.
The Black Forest Torta. A European classic and loved by all. It is a chocolate sponge cake filled with vanilla cream and cherry extract and topped with chocolate shavings. It can't get any more traditional than this. The cake was very moist and the creme was really the best part. The cherry extract dint go that well with me. However, the overall flavor was pretty decent and tastes good while chilled.
Taste: 7.5/10
The final treat of the day was...
Tiramisu. When it's Italian, never forget a Tiramisu. And I haven't!
This coffee flavored custard cake is a perfect way to end the day and I was excited to get this one down. You can taste the ladyfingers and the coffee inside out and the mascarpone cheese is a wonderful addition to this dessert. A definite recommendation for every sweet tooth out there. The custard was really good and wasn't overpowering the coffee flavor, rather enhanced it.
Taste: 8.5/10
The treats confined within the history this place protrudes in the community is in itself a trip worth making and to top it off with these lip-smacking desserts you get, is an icing on the cake!
Details
Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover St Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-3050
Overall
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 6.5/10
Service: 8/10
Value For Money: 8.5/10
