If you know me or have read the “About” section, you would know that I’m currently living in Boston, actually Cambridge, but that’s a minor detail. What you may not know is that I went to Tufts for my undergrad degree and spent four years plus a couple of summers in the Boston area.
School has been amazing so far (I got to drive one of the T subway cars for one of my team projects!), but unfortunately I’ve had limited free time to cook, let alone eat out somewhere besides the Au Bon Pain or Cosi near campus (and the transition back to a student budget isn’t helping).
I have managed to hit up a few good places, but my *favorites* as an undergrad have been more difficult to visit. I’ve been thinking about this for a little while now and there are actually a couple of reasons why I haven’t made a stronger effort to see some of these restaurants. The first is pretty obvious; I’m busy and somewhat lazy. Treking to Davis square to grab a sandwich just isn’t worth the effort sometimes and trying to get someone to come with isn’t the easiest thing either.
The second half of the reason relates more to nostalgia. I have such fond memories of certain places during college, whether it be related to the actual food or just the experience. To put it bluntly, I’m scared. I’ve been scared to return to my old stomping grounds to discover change. They places might be exactly the same, but I’m different. What if something isn’t the way I remembered it? Will that tarnish my beloved college memories? I know it’s silly to think my memories will be altered, but the thought has crossed my mind.
Well I am happy to report one place was exactly like I remembered. My friend Leah was in town from California and after grabbing dinner in Harvard Square, we couldn’t pass up the temptation of dessert at FInale. Lead ordered the famed, Molten Chocolate Cake, while I went ahead and had the Boston Cream. The dessert had yellow cake, vanilla Bavarian cream and chocolate ganache. Additionally there were mini-chocolate whoopie pies on the side and cherry almond florentines served with vanilla ice cream.
Yes, I got so excited I took out my camera and looked like a tourist visiting Boston for the first time.
Overall, it was rich (I couldn’t finish!) and delicious. I honestly have to say, my favorite part was the Florentine and vanilla ice cream. It was the right about of salty and sweet, crunchiness and smoothness. The Whoopie Pies were also really nice, although I think they could be better compared to high-end Oreos. They had a bite to them and were rich in chocolate flavor. The actual Boston Creme itself was not my favorite part of the dish. The ganache and cream were fantastic and very light. The cake wasn’t heavy, but dense. I would have preferred a little bit lighter style. The presentation was beautiful, although there could have been a bit more attention to detail. The Whoopie Pies were a little uneven and the corner of the Boston Cream was a little sloppy.
In the end, I’m glad I was able visit an old favorite and not be disappointed. I guess it’s time to dust off the food rolodex and hit up some other great places in Boston! As always, suggestions are welcome (and appreciated!)
