Boston Northend (Episode #106)

This Taste of Life episode takes us on an epicurean adventure to the North End of Boston. Considered Boston's oldest neighborhood, it retains its 1630's web of narrow streets and proximity to the harbor side wharves where European immigrants arrived in ever-increasing numbers up to the early 20th century. The North End, in fact, brings to mind the New World phenomenon of an ethnic melting pot. Covering one square mile and always densely populated, it has been home to successive influxes of English, Polish, Russian, Jewish, Portuguese, Irish and ultimately Italian families. On this show, we take a walking tour of the North End with our host Michele Topor.

Taste of Life samples some home-style Italian cuisine at Mamma Maria's, where we talk to owner John McGee. We then head into the kitchen with executive chef Tim Hallama to sample some Oregano Mushrooms and learn how to make Lamb Sirloin with Monkfish Glaze. And finally, Taste of Life visits the Cheese Cave to learn about the world's finest cheese from owner Ihsan Gurdal.

click here for the recipe "Oregon Mushrooms with Poached Quail Egg"

click here for the recipe "Lamb Sirloin with Monkfish Glaze"