Chef Jody Adams first made a name for herself in the kitchen at Rialto in Harvard Square. Earlier this year, she announced she was leaving Rialto to focus on her other restaurant, Trade on Atlantic Wharf, Saloniki, a casual Greek concept near Fenway Park and her latest Mediterranean venture, Porto in Back Bay.
We caught up with Adams recently to find out what she loves most about Boston.
Where were you born: Boston
How long in Boston: Many Years
Neighborhood: Lives in Dorchester
Occupation: Chef/Restaurateur
Favorite Restaurant: There are too many to list here. I have a fondness for so many places in Boston and Cambridge. Many are friends and I love supporting them all!
Best Sushi: O Ya
Best dessert: I really like the Baked Alaska at Trade
Best place for a romantic date: O Ya. My husband took me there for my birthday and he had an opera singer serenade them at the dinner. It was such a romantic surprise.
Best Sunday brunch: My perfect Sunday is actually just grabbing a delicious coffee and croissant and going for a three hour bike ride.
Best place for a power business meeting: Bristol Lounge
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Mandarin Oriental. Their level of service and location are wonderful for out of town visitors.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: I actually like all of the stores on Ring Road because they are conveniently located next to each other. Lord & Taylor and Saks have everything!
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: MDF in Harvard Square
Best Spa: Intercontinental Hotel Spa
Favorite Charity Event: Pan Mass Challenge
Favorite Cultural Event: Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation to Benefit No Kid Hungry
Favorite Cultural Institution: The ICA
Best Steakhouse: Grill 23
Best Pizza: Picco in the South End
Best Lunch: Trade’s lunch is pretty great. Can I say that?
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Healthworks
Best Massage: Healthworks
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Boston Car Service
Best Museum/Exhibit: The ICA
Describe Boston in three words: Smart, dynamic and timeless.
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Boston Athenaeum. My father collected rare books, so this holds a special place in my heart.
All-around favorite spot in Boston: I love the diversity of the neighborhoods and so I can’t pick just one. Riding my bike through the different neighborhoods in the city, I hear the sounds and smell the different cuisine of so many cultures and I really love that.
Best Aspect of Boston: It really is a walkable (and bike rideable) city.
