A Culinary Journey Begins

A Culinary Journey Begins

Having lived in a suburb of Boston for decades, I’ve often been asked, “What’s your favorite restaurant here?” Yet, I’ve always struggled to answer. I’ve heard countless stories about the Italian cuisine in the North End, the exquisite oysters, and pizzas that rival those of New York. However, I’ve also been warned about the need to book months in advance and the long lines that come with it.

During my weekend getaway at The Dagny hotel, I shared these concerns with the front desk staff. “Don’t worry,” a woman said reassuringly. “John is our concierge, and he’ll make sure you have an amazing culinary experience this weekend!”

Discovering the Beauty of the Hotel

As I stepped into the Art Deco lobby of the hotel, I was captivated by the gilded ceiling mural from 1928, featuring Atlas holding the globe against a backdrop of Boston’s skyline. My room was incredibly spacious, with large windows overlooking the city. It was only when I lazily sank into the sofa to take in the view that I wondered, “What exactly is Les Clefs d’Or?”

Les Clefs d’Or, or “The Golden Keys,” is a prestigious and exclusive association for hotel concierges. Members are recognized for their extensive knowledge of the city, their ability to provide excellent recommendations, and their vast network of connections that enhance guests' experiences.

Meet John McKinnon - Your Guide to Boston

John McKinnon, the concierge at The Dagny, shared that becoming a member of Les Clefs d’Or is a challenge greater than making it onto an All-Star team. Candidates must work at a hotel for at least five years, obtain a recommendation letter from the hotel’s director, and be sponsored by two Les Clefs d’Or members. They also have to pass a written exam covering local history, culture, and cuisine.

It’s easy to see why, out of approximately 65,000 hotels in the U.S., there are fewer than 400 Les Clefs d’Or members. When I first approached the concierge desk to kick off my culinary adventure, I felt a bit nervous. I’m not one to bother others, so I rarely ask for help. But within five seconds of meeting John, I realized he genuinely enjoys being “bothered.”

First Stop: Broadside Tavern

John first took me to Broadside Tavern, just a block away from the hotel. He confidently claimed it had “the best clam chowder in Boston.” Immediately, I could sense John’s familiarity with the bar. He chatted jovially with the bartender and congratulated one of the owners.

As I savored the clam chowder, John continued to explain his work. “Many people hesitate to bother the concierge,” he said. “They don’t want to put us out. But I always tell them, that’s what we’re here for! If you’re not excited about helping others, you might be in the wrong job.”

Next Up: Regina Pizzeria

Our next stop was Regina Pizzeria, a renowned pizza joint. It was a pleasant 15-minute walk along the waterfront from Broadside. What struck me most was how the atmosphere seemed to have hardly changed since 1926. The aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting from the oven instantly made my stomach growl.

Upon entering, I felt a cozy ambiance, more like a small neighborhood eatery than a bustling urban spot. However, we only stopped for a few slices, as the day’s menu had many other tempting dishes awaiting us.

Carmelina's: Where Culinary Quality Shines

John led me to Carmelina's, a small restaurant with a long line of eager diners waiting outside. Somehow, we were seated right by the window without any wait. We enjoyed the Bronx Tale pasta and chicken parmesan. John spoke enthusiastically about the intricacies of a concierge’s job, making me realize that a great concierge is akin to a master sociologist.

“If you want to get into any restaurant, just ask me,” John said confidently. “I can make that happen!”

Exploring Bricco and Neptune Oyster

Next, we stopped by Bricco, a warm spot with outdoor dining tables. Here, John ran into an old acquaintance who had previously worked at The Dagny. They chatted for quite a while, reminiscing about old times. After that, we made our way to Neptune Oyster, famous for its Connecticut-style lobster roll.

Upon arrival, we found a long line waiting to get in. John continued to impress me, using his phone to secure a reservation, and I felt a surge of excitement for the delicious meal ahead.