This is the episode where The Wandering Bostonian plants its flag. Brian Pitcher walks the city he grew up in — starting with swan boats in the Boston Public Garden and ending with a carousel ride — and shows why the North End is one of America's great food neighborhoods.
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Where the episode goes
The day starts in the Boston Public Garden: crossing the historic 1867 bridge, riding the iconic swan boats, and visiting the Make Way for Ducklings statues (while keeping an eye out for the garden's notorious attack squirrels). From there it's Blue Bikes along the Esplanade, tracing Boston's past through gas lamps, old flags, and horse hitches.
Then the North End takes over. Brian digs into New England clam chowder with oyster crackers and cornbread, then works through the neighborhood's gelato, pastries, and Italian classics. At St. Leonard's Church, Father Michael shares stories honoring the neighborhood's Italian immigrants, and the Original Boston Mob Tour covers La Cosa Nostra's Boston roots — from Gaspari Messina to the Sacco and Vanzetti story. Along the way: a century-old restaurant that once hosted presidents Nixon and Clinton.
The main event is the cannoli rivalry — Mike's Pastry vs. Modern Pastry — settled over massive chocolate chip cannolis. Then Brian stops by Tresca to talk fandom, pre-game meals, and what makes the North End special with Bruins legend Ray Bourque.
Episode moments
- 00:28 — Swan boats and the Make Way for Ducklings statues
- 03:03 — Clam chowder tasting
- 08:41 — The Boston Mob Tour
- 17:55 — Cannoli wars: Mike's vs. Modern
- 24:28 — Ray Bourque at Tresca
Episode FAQ
What is the Mike's Pastry vs. Modern Pastry rivalry?
They are the North End's two most famous cannoli shops, a few doors apart on Hanover Street's neighborhood, and every Bostonian has a pick. In the episode, Brian tastes both sides of the rivalry over giant chocolate chip cannolis.
Who appears in this episode?
Host Brian Pitcher is joined by Bruins legend Ray Bourque at Tresca, plus North End locals including Father Michael of St. Leonard's Church and guides from the Original Boston Mob Tour.
Where was this episode filmed?
Entirely in Boston, Massachusetts — the Boston Public Garden, the Esplanade, and the North End neighborhood.
Behind the camera
This episode is a Nidhogg Studios production.
We film, edit, and deliver The Wandering Bostonian ourselves — the same crew and process behind our documentary and series work for clients. If your brand has a story worth an episode, let's talk.
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