"The Runners Are Coming!"

This was the ebullient shout from a child while we were waiting for the runners to show up at the Boston Marathon this weekend. The wheelchair participants had already been through and boy, were they inspiring. Daniella, Will and I were waiting on Commonwealth Ave between Charles Gate East and Massachusetts Avenue, just before the downhill underpass which leads to the the last uphill climb before the finish line. We watched the women finalists, including a triad of elites running together as they made their way to the last 400 meters. We watched the men, admiring two Kenyans in similar garb who chose to run together. And then we looked out for Rohit who was making his way to his own triumphant finish.
Rohit's goal was to make it under a 3 hour marathon and I say he accomplished his task. He finished in 3:00:25. I blame the 25 seconds on a water station, but we were so proud. So proud, in fact, that we went straight from the family meeting area to B&G Oysters, which has been voted the best lobster roll in the city. That is certainly a victorious meal. Daniella, Will, Rupa, Meenakshi, Arup, Rohit and I were settled into the seven seater banquette, ordering Harpoon IPAs, Pabst Blue Ribbons, and Radebergers. We ordered a selection of oysters, both from the East Coast and the West Coast. We deemed the East Coasters far more flavorful and succulent. We ordered a rather tame fried calamari to share. But then we got down to brass tacks. A sore, but beaming Rohit and I shared a Lobster BLT and the famous Lobster Roll. The lobster roll was excellent, if a little dry for our taste. Perhaps the roll itself would have fared with a dab of butter after it had been toasted. But it paled in comparison to the BLT, which was absolutely perfect. The bacon wasn't greasy, which helped balance out the richness of the lobster. The fries were cripsy and fragrant, having been fried with bits of parsley. Both dishes were served with pickles and the best cole slaw I have ever had. Not too soupy, not too mayonnaise-y. An excellent race with a well-deserved meal.