A Benefit of Cities, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA

As I've traveled around the Boston area and blogged about its rich history in the beginning of the United States in the 1700's, I am reminded that people had very little variety or choice in their diet back then. New England was a harsh environment and the growing season was short - survival was always a challenge. But today, in dozens of squares and neighborhoods, one of the great benefits of cities is revealed: you can choose a place to eat from a dizzying array of cuisines from around the world.

Davis Square is a hip, artsy, edgy community in Somerville (as evidenced by the slinky black dress and the slanted sidewalk of course).

Street musicians entertain in the square.....  And restaurants - wow!  What a choice! Within just a few blocks one can find.........

Italian

Diner

Tibetan

Mexican

Indian

Chinese

Sushi

Bar-B-Q

Japanese

Irish

Gourmet wraps and sandwiches

Drinks

Crepes

And if you don't want to just eat, you can eat and listen to live music.


And if you only want dessert .....there is an ice cream shop.  I might add it was the only place that had a waiting line.


Saving the best for last, there is a Vegan restaurant near the square, the Pulse Cafe, and another one, True Bistro, up the street from the square!  Follow the links for the sample menus. What an incredible day it will be when, in the future, we as a society decide to stop killing animals for our food - when the factory farming, wholesale slaughter, and general mis-treatment of billions of animals is not acceptable behavior.
 

 I bet all restaurants in heaven are Vegan.

And if you want movies or live performances...........here's the theatre.

We complain about the traffic and the congestion and the crime and practically everything else in cities but, having the range of choices available is a truly great benefit when you think about it.