The 10 Food Experiences Every Bostonian Should Have

I’d like to get a public conversation going—a community-generated list of the quintessential foods and dishes that define our city. Foods that you have to try at least once before you die (or move), and that you miss most when you go away.

It’s the foodie equivalent of a birder’s Life List. Only, because we’re talking about food, each list is a very personal thing, reflecting a hodgepodge of memories, everyday routines, and sentimental associations.

To get started, here are 10 of my favorites, in no particular order:

1) The first Fenway Frank of the season, washed down with Sam Adams, eaten in the bleacher seats.

2) Olive and onion pizza, well done (i.e. almost burned), from the original Pizzeria Regina on Thatcher Street.

3) Prune Stuffed Gnocchi at No. 9 Park.

4) Toscanini‘s micro-sundaes with hot fudge, whipped cream, and nuts.

5) Warm buttered hummus from Oleana.

6) Apricot-lime preserves from Hi-Rise Bread Co.

7) Fresh St. Joseph’s Day zeppole at Modern Pastry.

8) Toro‘s grilled corn on the cob.

9) Santarpio‘s sausage and peppers.

10) Craigie Street Bistrot’s ricotta gnocchi.

What’s in your top ten?