Voice of Boston is our series where we interview local tastemakers on their favorite neighborhoods, restaurants and hangouts around the city. If you missed our last one, catch up on our discussion with Thomas Walsh, the Co-Owner and Head of Sales for Flying Tumbler Irish Whiskey.
This week we head to the South End to chat with Nina Festekjian, a local restauranteur who is best known for Anoush’ella, which happens to have a location in Time Out Market Boston!
What are your favorite neighborhoods in Boston?
I love the South End—which is why I opened my first restaurant Anoush’ella there.
Where is your favorite place to go for a walk in the city?
I love being near the water, so I enjoy the Harbor Walk along the Seaport and of course the Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway near Faneuil Hall is a great place to be as well.
Where do you go for a late-night bite?
A late-night bite is usually at home and I indulge myself with a bite of cheese and crackers or chocolate. I’m so happy Läderach is now open in the Prudential Center.
In general, what are some of your favorite restaurants and bars right now?
Giulia and Moeca are my two favorites right now. I also love all of Ken Oringer’s restaurants (Anoush’ella is also across from Toro), Contessa, with its great views of Boston and Ruka is great for before or after the theater. Raffi and I think Sichuan Garden at the Baldwin is great for delicious drinks accompanied by spicy food; we usually sit at the bar.
Name a “hidden gem” where you always take friends or family when they are visiting from out of town?
We love bringing people to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and then lunch at Bistro du Midi, and we sit outside when the weather permits.
What do you think is the best thing about Boston right now?
I love that Boston is small enough that you can go from one neighborhood to the other within 10-15 minutes.
What do you think is the worst thing about Boston right now?
The roads are awful for driving, with a lot of potholes, construction everywhere, and bicyclists who think they own the roads and drive in any lane they choose.
What is your go-to Dunkin Donuts coffee order?
I like Starbucks and usually get a tall, dark coffee in the mornings and a double espresso macchiato in the afternoons.