I’m closing in on my third year living in Boston, and 19th year living in Massachusetts. Despite the lengthy period of time I’ve spent in this beautiful state and city, I haven’t done a whole lot of exploring. I’ve fallen into a pretty comfortable pattern of eating and visiting tried and true stomping grounds. Add in the fact that I’ve been in a relationship for almost 4 and a half years, it’s pretty safe to say my life is defined by comfort and habit.
So, when my best friend (Karin) and my boyfriend (Andrew) both sent me Spoon University’s 50 Places to Eat in Boston Before You Die, I knew I had to take it on. I am planning on hitting up restaurants, cafes, and bars with both Karin and Andrew over the next year or so we both have left in our (okay maybe just my) favorite city.
Today, Andrew and I hit up The Painted Burro in Somerville. This cozy and bright Mexican eatery boasts a diverse menu filled with local and fresh ingredients. Andrew and I are always game for brunch, and have been saying for years that we need to explore the outer edges of Boston better, so this seemed like the perfect way to kick off our tour of Boston via food.
Photo Courtesy of Ava Marinelli
As a coffee addict, I couldn’t turn down The Painted Burro’s famed Ice Coffee Horchata. And let me tell ya…you shouldn’t either. But come with quite a thirst. This drink comes in a gigantic glass akin to what a knight might drink beer out of. But you’re going to want to drink every single last drop. This was quite possibly the best iced coffee I have ever had in my life. It’s a smooth, strong, nutty, sweet, and spicy blend of coffee, milk, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar, and the perfect compliment to my French Toast.
Photo courtesy of Ava Marinelli
And that French Toast…wow. Usually I’m more of a pancakes girl but this had me changing my tune. Thick slices of brioche bread smothered in maple syrup, caramelized plantains, mint, and mascarpone whipped cream…how can you go wrong?! I have to say, as delicious as the toast itself was, my absolute favorite part of the dish was the whipped cream.
Andrew took on the immense challenge of the Breakfast Taco plate. Two tortillas came piled high with scrambled eggs, cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, cream, cotija, and chorizo, plus home fries. He almost managed to finish the whole plate off, but in the end that second taco won. I snuck a bite of eggs, and was pleasantly surprised with how rich and creamy they were. Scrambled eggs aren’t always the best when you’re out, but these tasted fresh, fluffy, and fabulous. The chorizo added a great bite of spice, and the avocado was perhaps one of the freshest avocados I’ve tasted.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Olson Evans
Overall, it was an amazing brunch that left us both in a food coma for the 45-minute trip back to campus. I would 10/10 recommend this adorable spot for anyone in the mood for getting out of Boston and into the different, hip, friendly neighborhood of Davis Square. If you can, snag a window seat and enjoy the people watching and warm sunshine while you wait for your food. And make sure you bring a friend to help you finish the giant delightful portions!
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