Just take a look at all the winners in the North End! From fine dining to pizza. From food to shopping.  For those of you who take heed of the votes of friends, neighbors and other folks who live in our city, below is the list of  the 2011 WINNERS from Boston City Voter.com and their “BEST OF” winners in multiple categories.

So, if you’re looking for yet another reason (or lots of reasons!) to visit the North End, here are all the North End places ranked “best of.”  Thanks boston.cityvote.com! for your 2011 Winners.  We look forward to seeing many of our neighborhood’s fine establishments in the 2012 listing as well.  We’ll keep you posted.

The Best in  … Arts & Entertainment, Beauty, Dining, Food, Shopping

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT –  A Place to Laugh Til You Cry
Improv Asylum ranked #1 at 216 Hanover

BEAUTY –  Barber  
Boston Barber Co ranked #5 at 113 Salem

BEAUTY -   Cosmetics  
A Matter of Face ranked #1 at 425 Hanover

DINING  - Al Fresco
Fiore ranked #3 at 250 Hanover

DINING  - Place to impress a client
Bricco ranked #5 at 241 Hanover

DINING  - Special Occasion
Tresca ranked #16 at 233 Hanover

DINING  -  ”Nouveau” Italian Cuisine
Lucca NorthEnd  ranked #5 at 226 Hanover

DINING  -  Traditional Italian Cuisine
Bricco ranked #1 at 241 Hanover
Terramia Ristorante ranked #2 at 98 Salem
Davide Ristorante ranked #4 at 326 Commercial
Strega Ristorante ranked #7 at 379 Hanover St
La Famiglia Giorgio ranked #9  at 112 Salem St
Artu ranked #11 at 6 Prince St
Pomodoro  ranked #12 at 319 Hanover
Dolce Vita Ristorante ranked #14 at 221 Hanover Street
Al Dente Ristorante ranked #15 at 109 Salem St

FOOD  - Bakery
Bova ranked #8 at 134 Salem

FOOD  -  Cupcakes
Lulus Sweet Shoppe ranked #6 at 57 Salem

FOOD -  Gelato
Gelateria ranked #1 at 272 Hanover.  Caffe Paradiso ranked #2 at 255 Hanover

FOOD   - Liquor Store
V.Cirace & Son ranked #9 at 173 North St

FOOD -  Pizza/Slice
Pizzaria Regina ranked #1 at 11-1/2 Thatcher.  Ernestos ranked #5 at 69 Salem

FOOD -  Pizza/Upscale
Ducali Pizzeria ranked #2 at 289 Causeway.  Antico Forno ranked #9 at 93 Salem

FOOD - Reason to Cheat on your Diet
Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe ranked #3 at 57 Salem.  Lucia ranked #8 at 415 Hanover

FOOD - Sandwich
Volle Nolle ranked #11 at 351 Hanover

SHOPPING  - Cigars
Stanza dei Sigari ranked #1 at 292 Hanover

SHOPPING –  Costume Jewelry
Filthy Rich ranked #1 at 236 Hanover.  High Gear ranked #6 at 204 Hanover

SHOPPING –  Designer Denim
in-jean-ius ranked #1 at 441 Hanover

SHOPPING  - Home Goods
Acquire ranked #7 at 61 Salem

SHOPPING –  Hostess Gifts
Shake the Tree ranked #7 at 95 Salem

SHOPPING - Menswear
Ball & Buck ranked #1 at 3 Lewis Street

SHOPPING  - Women’s Wear
Savas ranked #7 at 456 Hanover.  Twilight ranked #11 at 12 Fleet St.

SHOPPING –  Women’s Shoes
Nahas ranked #13 at 285 Hanover

Welcome to our neighborhood’s Virtual Table.  Every few weeks we will present you with a menu comprised of special dishes from some of the best restaurants in Boston … all here in the North End. As you read below, you’ll see that we present you with the name of the dish, that you can “click” on the restaurant logo to visit their own website and menus and that each restaurant has graciously shared  the recipe.

Now, here is this Edition’s Menu.

Primi:         Cantina presents Crostini e Gamberi
Entree:       Waterfront Cafe presents Lamb Chops
Dessert:     Villa Francesca presents Cannoli

Crostini e Gamberi from
Cantina Italiana

Pan-seared shrimp, sauteed leeks, prosciutto, wild mushrooms, sun-dried tomatores and Marsala wine, served with crostini bread.
Ingredients
5 peeled shrimp
2 oz sliced leeks
3 oz mushrooms
1 slice prosciutto, julienned
3 pieces sundried tomatoes
1/2 cup marsala cooking wine
1/3 cup fish or vegetable broth
1 oz butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 piece grilled bread
salt/pepper to taste

Instructions:  Saute butter, oil, leeks and mushrooms in a frying pan for 2 minutes.  Add the shrimp and sundried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.  Then add the marsala wine and fish/vegetable broth and cook for another 5 minutes.  Place bread and prosciutto in a dish, top with the cooked ingredients and serve.

Grilled Lamb Chops from Waterfront Cafe

Ingredients
5 pieces, tender lamb chops
salt, pepper and olive oil
Directions:  lightly season the chops with salt, pepper and the olive oil.  Place on the grill and cook until they’ve reached your preferred perfection.  Simple, easy and delicious.

Cannoli  from Villa Francesca

First, start with the freshest cannoli shells you can find.  Villa Francesca makes their own.  (We go to Maria’s Pastry at the entrance to the North End.)  They combine Ricotta cheese and vanilla.  (Villa Francesca says “the best ricotta comes from Purity Cheese Co. which was once located on Cross Street in the North End, and is now made in Quincy.”  They believe that other ricottas are often “too watery.”)

Villa Francesca fills the cannoli shells fresh at each guest’s table.  A perfect finish to a delicious meal.

We are pleased to offer this new source for your dining experience … the Favorite Dishes for Chefs and Restaurant Owners in our North End neighorhood.  Every week or so, the “favorite” dish will change.  Be sure to check back regularly.

Who knows … their Favorite Dish just might become yours.

This week we highlight Lucca

Lucca Restaurant is situated on bustling Hanover Street and the historic Freedom Trail in Boston’s North End.

Named for the Tuscan town renowned for its extra virgin olive oil, Lucca offers Northern Italian classics, combined with creative innovations that are sure to tantalize the most discriminating palate.??Its attention to detail and focus on superior service make Lucca Restaurant the desired destination for an intimate dinner, business meeting, or casual gathering. Four elegant function rooms render Lucca a popular meeting place for large groups and family gatherings. Upon entering Lucca, the mood is set by stylized music, Italian granite floors, and alluring candlelight. The mahogany bar displays an award-winning array of exotic liquors, Port wines, grappa, and more. This, combined with the century-old granite walls and stained glass, lends the room an aura of warmth and intimacy.

Thanks to culinary inspiration derived from his regular trips to Italy, Lucca’s executive chef Ed Hoffey presents acclaimed regional Italian cuisine, homemade breads, authentic pasta dishes and of course succulent desserts. Time spent in the region has taught him the value of the freshest produce and ingredients. Chef Hoffey works closely with local farmers and the finest purveyors in the Northeast to ensure that nothing but the highest quality components enter his kitchen. His commitment to providing the most enticing Italian dishes is what makes Lucca Restaurant one of Boston’s finest dining experiences.

Now as to a favorite dish …  Sean Williams, one of the owners, has cited the Rigatoni.  Fresh rigatoni pasta, slowly braised wild boar, sweet and sour tomato ragú, ricotta salata.  

Made by Hand: a celebration of exceptional work from the North Bennet Street School – Examples of hand-crafted work by school students and alumni of North Bennet Street School. The exhibit features dozens of examples of elegant furniture and cabinetry, musical instruments, one-of-a-kind jewelry, hand-bound books and more.

When:  Monday, May 7 through Friday May 18, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Where:  In the main lobby of 125 High Street, Boston financial district.

Free admission.
For more information, call  617-227-0155 or visit
http://www.nbss.edu/alumni/alumni-and-student-exhibit/index.aspx

Let’s not forget to appreciate one another.
I know we try to do it every day and a holiday is a good reminder.

 How better to show appreciation but taking your Mom for a quality lunch-dinner at Terramia.

 We are offering an amazing new menu!!!! & We will be open early at 2pm!!!!

 So, treat your Mom. Or Mom treat yourself!

When the temperature hits 50 degrees, head up stairs to the fresh air and vibrant scene at the North End’s only open, heated rooftop.  Voted “the hottest place to drink and dine,” it’s the place to rise above the hustle and bustle and experience a side of the North End that’s refreshingly different.

So, join the folks at Fiore for a “refreshingly different” place to dine.

4 Battery Wharf, 4501 Battery Wharf

South Facing Luxurious Home With Views
Offered Exclusively by Carmela Laurella and Travis Sachs

617.624.9700 | CL Waterfront Properties
carmela.laurella@wpboston.com | www.wpboston.com

PRICE $1,095,000

Details:

ROOMS: 1+ Bedrooms / 1.5 Bathrooms

SIZE: 1,147 +/- square feet

CONDO
FEE $1,273.48*

TAXES FY12 – $11,950.55**

PARKING 2 Deeded Valet***

* Fee Includes: Heat, AC, Hot Water, Gas, Water/Sewer, Health Club, Concierge, Master Insurance,  Telephone, Building Maintenance
** This does not include a residential exemption.
*** $91.05/month/vehicle
**** Average Electric Bill:  $60/month

FEATURES 

- South Facing w/ Harbor & City Views

- Large 25’ Private Balcony

- Ceiling-to-Floor Windows in the Living Room/ Dining Room

-State-of-the-Art Kitchen w/Breakfast Bar

-Master Suite w/ Wall of Closets and Study/Office w/ Ceiling-to-Floor Glass Windows

-Luxurious Marble Bathroom

-“Plus” Room can be a Second Bedroom

-2 Valet Deeded Parking

-24 Hour Concierge

-Luxury Services of The Fairmont

DESCRIPTION 

South facing home with Harbor & City views and a large 25’ private balcony. Ceiling-to-floor windows in the living room/dining room and a “plus” room which can easily be used as a second bedroom. State-of-the-Art Kitchen with matching Breakfast Bar. Master Suite includes wall of closets, luxurious marble bathroom and a Study/Office with ceiling-to-floor glass windows. 24-Hour Concierge, 2 Valet Deeded Parking, Health Club, Exhale Spa and luxury services.

The Residences at Battery Wharf (2008) consist of 104 apartments. Battery Wharf is the home of the Luxury Fairmont Hotel and enjoys full services, a fitness center, fine dining and Exhale Spa. This property is located on Boston’s Harbor, steps to the historic North End and minutes to Downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall, The Garden and all major transportation points

Below is a brief summary of the day’s events.  For more detailed information go to our “News”tab at the top of the page or click here for a direct link to NorthEndWaterfront.com for all the details of the day thanks to our friend, Matt Conti.

Want to be entertained, learn more about the North End and all its many secrets and history, then be sure to read all our fascinating and intriguing information on the tab “Our North End” … history, anecdotes and more.  Feel like walking the neighborhood with someone in the “know” then try a tour with Old Boston Tours …and the original NorthEnd Secret Tour.    With all this information available to you, you’ll be one of the neighborhood experts in no time.

Taste of the North End Celebrates 18 Years

 WHAT:       The Taste of the North End – one of Boston’s most popular festivals of food, charity, and the rich history of the neighborhood – is turning 18 this year, and with this rite of passage, is asking guests to vote for the best taste for the first time. Guests can sample from more than 35 popular North End eateries showcasing a wide array of delectable appetizers, cheeses, entrees and desserts, and sip on refreshing libations from area wine and beer distributors. There will also be a high-end silent auction with hotel and restaurant packages, Boston sporting tickets, memorabilia, and more, along with a special ceremony honoring Dennis Seidenberg of the Boston Bruins for his charitable work with North End organizations.

All proceeds from the event are split between multiple non-profit organizations in the North End including elderly, education and health programs to help better then entire community; last year over nearly $100,000 was raised. This is the third year that North End Waterfront Health has partnered with the Frattaroli family to put on and host the event.

 WHO:   This year’s event co-chairs are event founder Donato Frattaroli, owner of Lucia Ristorante, and James Luisi, CEO of North End Waterfront Health. The Master of Ceremonies for the 15^th year is KISS-108 and NECN’s Billy Costa, who will receive a special honor for his commitment to the event. Also being honored this year will be Boston Bruins Player Dennis Seidenberg.

In celebration of the event turning legal, more restaurants than ever are participating, including but not limited to: Accardi & Son, Al Dente, Albert A. Russo Imports, Inc., Antico Forno, Aragosta, Artu, Bricco, Cantina Italiana, Carmelina, Dante, Ducali, Espresso Plus, Filippo, Fiore, Il Panino, J. Pace, La Summa, Lucca, Lucia Ristorante, Mamma Maria, Massimino, Mercato del Mare, Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry, Neptune, Pagliuca, Paul W. Marks, Pellino, Perkins, Piantedosi Baking, Sysco, Taranta, Terra Mia, The Living Room, Tresca, and Vito’s.

WHERE:   DCR Steriti Memorial Ice Rink
561 Commercial Street
Boston, MA 02109
WHEN:      Friday, May4.  7 p.m. until 11 p.m.

OTHER:    Tickets are $79 until April 20, and $99 from then until time of event. Tickets can be purchased in advance by logging onto www.tasteofthenorthend.org.
Tickets are $75 with military identification.

About Taste of the North End

The Taste of the North End was founded by Donato and Nancy Frattaroli in 1993 as a benefit for Casa Monte Cassino. The Frattarolis became aware of Casa Monte Cassino when a family from Italy came into their North End restaurant. The family was staying at the CMC while their four daughters received medical attention at Boston’s Children’s Hospital Boston. The Frattarolis were touched by their story and inspired by the mission of the Casa; to provide a place to stay for impoverished families from around the world while their children receive serious medical attention in Boston. Over the next few weeks, as the Frattarolis developed the idea for the Taste of the North End to raise

We are pleased to offer this new source for your dining experience … the Favorite Dishes for Chefs and Restaurant Owners in our North End neighorhood.  Every week or so, the “favorite” dish will change.  Be sure to check back regularly.

Who knows … their Favorite Dish just might become yours.

This week we highlight Tresca

Spend your evening in a Tuscan styled villa with its cozy wood bar, exceptional meals and a glass of wine from one of the North End’s most extensive wine lists.  And if the ambience needs that little something extra for you, try their second floor balcony.  The combination between the atmosphere and the food is divine.

Meet Jake Pease, Executive Chef.

Now the owners, the General Manger and other friendly helpful staff keep the restaurant top-notch and humming.  But … who do you think get’s the credit for the food, glorious food …   why Jake of course.

Now as to his Favorite?    It’s the Tagliatelle Bolognese, Tresca’s signature dish.   … a traditional northern style veal and pork ragout enriched with pancetta and tomatoes.

As they say in this neighborhood, mange, mange.