Food: Taste Gloucester
Featured in North Shore Art Throb
The history and culture of a city is often reflected in the aromas and flavors of the foods prepared in its homes and restaurants. Gloucester is no exception. The culinary delights of Gloucester can be experienced through a food tour, aptly named, “Taste Gloucester.” The 2.5 mile walking tour, which begins at 11:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. almost daily, is designed to unlock the history and culture of America’s oldest working seaport through an appreciation of its exceptional cuisine.
Led by Gloucester native Patrick Halloran, our tour began on the hilltop of the Fitz Hugh Lane House, an excellent location for viewing both the bustling fishing industry and the breathtaking beauty of Gloucester Harbor. From this vantage point Fitz Hugh during the 1800s painted the harbor and became a renowned maritime painter working in the style of Luminism.
Descending the hill, we proceeded to the Topside Grill where we were welcomed to a table set just for our tour. There we sampled a bowl of creamy clam chowder, “the staple of New England,” not to be confused, we were told, with its tomato-based rival, Manhattan clam chowder. Both Halloran and our wait staff entertained us with colorful stories about the fishermen from National Geographic’s television show “Wicked Tuna,” who often can be seen at the Topside enjoying a meal. A juicy scallop wrapped in flavorful bacon completed the sampling.
Our next stop was the newly opened Cape Ann Olive Oil Company.We quickly became experts at distinguishing various types of olive oil from mild to more flavorful. In addition to the hundreds of varieties of olive oil, which include many blended with fruit flavors and chocolate, the store features scented olive oil soaps.
Heading to our next destination, we arrived at Virgilio’s Italian Bakery and Deli, a landmark that serves as a reminder of the influx of Italian immigrants who came to Gloucester during the late nineteenth century looking for work in the fishing industry. We sampled Virgilio’s famous St. Joseph’s sandwich named for the “patron saint of working men” and made with flavorful Italian cold cuts and spices on a sub roll.
Fortified after sampling the sandwich, we moved on to Intershell Fish Market, which sells fresh fish as well as sushi and salads. Our tour guide introduced us to an exotic seaweed salad, which was seasoned with oils and the mild flavor of sesame. Continuing on we paused at Gloucester Harbor to view the site of the “Greasy Pole,” where daring contestants participate in the tradition of trying to walk down a greased wooden pole to capture a red flag.
The bustling Cape Ann Brewing Company was next on our visit. With live music in the background, we sampled the Fisherman’s Platter, overflowing with fried calamari, clams, and haddock. We could choose from a variety of hearty beers brewed on the premises.
The tour ended on a sweet note—a visit to Turtle Alley where the aroma of handmade chocolates greeted us. We sampled delicious nonpareils and caramel-filled chocolates. I left this last stop on our tour with a small bag of fudge, an awareness of Gloucester’s rich culture, and thoughts of returning soon to enjoy a full-course meal.
Tickets are $47.50 and advanced reservations are required.
Andrea Le is a sophomore at Endicott College, majoring in English with a focus in creative writing and a minor in Studio Art. Art Throb is a way for her to combine both areas of study. Le has won several awards for her drawing and painting and has danced most of her life and taught at the Boston Ballet School in Marblehead.