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I’ve been in Beantown for almost a year…and my time is nearing an end. This week is dedicated to some of my favorite dishes over the past 12 months.

First Prize
Pan Roasted Diver Scallops from Grotto: You will not find a better deal in town than at this restaurant. I speak, of course, of their 3-course prix fixe dinner for $36. I’ve ordered/sampled several dishes and none is better than the scallops. Prepare to eat three jumbo-sized, briefly cooked jewels of the sea. I recommend savoring every bit. These scallops are just as sweet and fresh as can be.

A Close Second
Island Creek Raw Oysters (Duxbury, MA) from Island Creek Oyster Bar: I love raw oysters, and these are THE best oysters I’ve ever had…anywhere. At $2.25 a pop, they’re not cheap but worth every single penny. I recommend that all Boston tourist oyster lovers should get off the plane, take a cab over to ICOB, and wolf down a dozen (or two) of these bad boys. You’ll be looking at the rest of the city through rosy colored glasses.

Honorable Mention
Fresh Tuna at Taranta: I’m pretty sure this a “special” and not part of Taranta’s regular menu. But just look at it…I vote they make it a staple. It’s as beautiful as it is tasty, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better piece of fish in town. The key to any great piece of tuna is to keep it simple (barely cooked and lightly seasoned)…mission accomplished!