Photo by: Michele Rae
People couldn’t believe their eyes as Broadway filled with people.
"Some of my friends that are long time residents told me that they hadn't seen Broadway bustling like that in 40 years," said Fergal O’Toole, an East Somerville resident.
A local Broadway merchant added, “I could not believe when I turned onto Broadway and saw that big crowd walking happily having a great time. I noticed that whole families, some with babies on strollers, were standing in line to try all the different foods. I’ve been in Somerville since 1975 and I never saw anything like this.”
And they couldn’t believe their taste buds either as they trekked along Broadway.
One Chowhound.com foodie wrote on their website: The highlights included, “Blessing Caribbean Restaurant: Rice (dark colored, made with mushrooms) and Turkey Stew. Both had nice flavor, and made me think I should definitely try this place again sometime. It was my first time ever inside.”
The writer went on to mention some of the other flavorful bites the evening had to offer including Fasika’s Lentils, Taqueria Montecristo’s Fried Plantains, and the Chicken Soup flavored with mint at Maya Sol Mexican Restaurant.
Restaurants participating in the event included: Mount Vernon Restaurant, Taco Loco, Los Paisanos, Vinny’s Ristorante, Tapatio Mexican Grille, Gauchao Brazilian, Ola Café, Taqueria Montecristo, Maya Sol Restaurant, Casey’s Tavern, Fasika Ethipian Restaurant & Bar, Brasil Steakhouse, Blessing Caribbean Restaurant, and Blanca’s Bakery.
Thalia Tringo, a local real estate broker and an East Somerville Main Streets Board Member, pointed to the other successes of the night “It showed off the best aspects of East Somerville - the camaraderie, the diversity, the affordability. I was thrilled.”
The night ended with a dessert reception, featuring East Broadway’s finest confections, at the newly renovated state-of-the-art Mudflat Studio. Desserts at the reception were provided by East Broadway’s Patsy’s Pastries and Boston Cookies, and featured everything from Patsy’s famous mini cannoli to Boston Cookies nationally renowned vegan cookies sold all over the United States. This was complemented by a chocolate tasting by Somerville’s own Taza Chocolate and a giant sheet cake donated by the East District Sub-Station of the Somerville Police.
The event also featured the launch of the new East Broadway Business District brand. The rebranding process for this business district, which took place over the past 6 months, was intended to shift outdated perceptions of East Broadway, aligning them with the positive reality of the area.
Ellin Reisner, East Somerville resident captured the evening perfectly, “People were so enthusiastic and really felt like they had discovered something special – and they did too – East Broadway!”
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