A Century of Tradition: Tasty, Fun and Anything but Stuffy

The world has been playing in Boston this summer especially those in football jerseys (of the soccer variety) and/or kilts. To the rest of the world, 100 years may not be that old, but for New England that is ancient. This summer two Boston institutions: Regina Pizza and Boston Harbor City Cruises are celebrating 100 years and they decided on a joint party. Whether a tourist or a tourist in your own city, a visit to The Landing at Long Wharf is a summer-in-Boston experience that should not be overlooked.

Regina Pizza has brought their pizza oven to The Landing at Long Wharf to be able to offer slices on the menu for the rest of the season. The Landing is an outdoor summer vibes snack bar that is open through October serving up lunch, dinner or snack fare as well as drinks to quench your thirst and more. A slice of Regina’s cheese pizza and a bag of chips is $7, the perfect pre-boat ride snack/lunch or post boat ride refreshment just steps from the dock. The Landing at Long Wharf has all you need to hydrate and prep for your boat ride. I was invited to have a slice and hop on Codzilla for the launch of this special partnership between these two centenarians. It made for the perfect day and an extremely fun way to cool off on a hot summer’s afternoon.

I didn’t expect so many of my peers to mention that they have all be chomping at the bit for a ride on Codzilla. What I do know for sure is that whenever they go, I will be joining them. I had too much fun not to go again and again… and again!

Not to take away from the thrill of it all, but I have to admit I was a little concerned with how much of a thrill ride Codzilla would be, but found it just right! I am glad I opted not to wear a summer dress that day (I’m not sure it would have stayed on my body.). The legal warning to not ride if you have any back issues (and who doesn’t these days) did give me pause, but in the end it was much tamer than life itself. The wind whipped through my hair, which felt amazing, the bumps over the wake and waves were only slightly more severe than a ride along Boston’s pot-hole laden roads at full (okay fine beyond the) speed limit. I did get drenched. My fellow passengers managed to stay quit a bit dryer. I however, chose to sit by the rail. For context, I am a person who enjoys roller coasters.

All In the Family(ish)

In 1926, when Regina Pizzeria was established in the North End, the founding family bought wine, beer, tomatoes and cheese for the restaurant from the Polcari family. John Polcari Sr.owned the grocery store across the street that supplied the restaurant. By the early 1940s, the Polcaris purchased the pizzeria but the oven and the recipe has pretty much not changed.

I have had some amazing pizza in and around Boston. The pizza scene is hot right now, and it is something worth checking out. There are pop ups and newly established highly rated pizza shops slinging pizzas that rival a NYC pie, a Neapolitan pizza, a Detroit pan, and such. They have their unique twists, interesting toppings, and secret sauces. Sometimes though, an old simple classic hits the spot and that’s when I will go for a slice of Regina Pizza by the water waiting for my ride on the harbor.

100 Years of Cruising

Let’s go back to 1926, this time for when Matthew “Matty” Hughes was the youngest licensed captain in the port of Boston. Hughes launched 30-minute cruises along the Charles River for just 10 cents. Being on the water is one of the privileges of living in Boston. These 10 cent cruises offered Bostonians a way to escape the summer heat on the water. The same is true of today’s city cruises, but the options are much greater. A few options include: Codzilla, fireworks cruises, historic landmark cruises, lunch, and dinner cruises. Right now, City Cruises is offering 20% off some cruises in celebration of the 4th of July weekend.

Getting to The Landing at Long Wharf is easy. There is parking nearby in lots that you can reserve on your favourite parking app. The T Aquarium stop on the blue line takes you right there as well. So book your boat, get to the Landing at Long Wharf, grab a slice of pizza and enjoy a summer’s day solo or with family and friends.