ArtsUnion - Cultural Tours 2007

The purpose of our cultural tours is to highlight the historical, architectural and cultural diversity of Union Square.

As part of the ArtsUnion Project, the Somerville Arts Council has developed a guide to Union Square’s diverse ethnic markets. This guide will tell you where to find squid ink pasta, coxinha (Brazilian cheese dumplings) and 30-pound fish from Bangladesh called Lakka—just for starters. The ArtsUnion Ethnic Market Guide provides lively short descriptions and key information about the following 8 markets: Capone’s Foods, Casa de Carnes, Halal Market, La Internacional Foods, Little India, New Bombay Market, Pao de Acucar & Brazilan Buffet and Reliable Market. Whether you’re looking for exotic, hard-to-find ingredients or simply want to learn more about the cultural and culinary diversity of Union Square, pick up one of these brochures and take a self-guided tour! Brochures are available at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) and at markets featured in the brochure.

About the ArtsUnion Ethnic Market Group Tours
We will lead three group tours in upcoming months; each tour will visit three markets. Shop owners will share stories about their market— relating to history, culture, clientele and, of course, food!—and share a favorite recipe (tour goers will receive printed copies of these recipes).

To sign up for a tour, email rachel@somervilleartscouncil.org or call 617-625-6600, x2985. Space is limited so reserve a spot early!


All market tours/dates below are full!
Call or email to be placed on a waiting list or to have your name on the list as we add new tours.

Thur., Jan. 25 2007: Halal Market (Bangladesh/India), Internacional Market (Latin American and Haitian goods), Casa de Carne (Brazilian butcher)
Meet at Halal Market, 380 Somerville Ave., 6pm

Thur., Feb. 15 2007: Little India, Capone’s (Italian), Reliable Market (Asian)
Meet at Little India, 77A Bow Street, 6pm

Thur., March 8 2007: Pao de Acucar (Brazilian), New Bombay (Indian), Internacional Foods (Latin American and Haitian goods)
Meet at Pao de Acucar, 57 Union Square, 6pm

Additional Tours:
Thursdays, April 19; May 3; May 17; June 7; June 21; all at 6 p.m.

If you cannot attend one of our guided tours, download ethnic food market brochure here and take a tour on your own.

The Ins and Outs of Union Square
Sun., May 6th, 2-4pm (Rain date: Sept. 23)
We’ll explore Victorian churches, industrial buildings and Queen Anne homes, as well as recent adaptive reuse projects, future zoning and Green Line plans. Led by
Edward Gordon, President of the Victorian Society of America. Refreshments from India Palace. Meet at Conway Playground on Somerville Ave., opposite Central St.
Questions? Contact SHPC at 617-625-6600, x2525
or bwilson@ci.somerville.ma.us

From the Summit to the Square
Sun., May 20th, 2-4pm (Rain date: Sept. 16)
Explore Prospect Hill with its Victorian era homes, with one interior tour, and Prospect Hill Monument, the site of Washington’s revolutionary war encampment. Also Led
by Edward Gordon. Refreshments at the Neighborhood Restaurant. Meet at Somerville Central Library, 79 Highland Ave.
Questions? Contact SHPC at 617-625-6600, x2525
or bwilson@ci.somerville.ma.us

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