Here's a quick primer: Boston is much more than its tea party historical footnote. This city, rich in amazing architectural character, also brims with culinary options from mom-and-pop home comfort eateries to fine dining restaurants. It's also immediately identifiable with lobster, Sam Adams beer and the famous Boston Cream Pie.

Our recent trek to the city, compliments of PepsiCo, found us on the hunt for the sinfully delicious cream pie. The search was made less problematic given the tour-guide-like shuttle with Massachusetts native Renato Pardo-Guitierrez at the wheel. A reservoir of information on the city's dining hot spots, and off-the-beaten path culinary delights, he was insistent that if cream pie was going to be savoured, nowhere would be better than the Parker Hotel. It is after all, he explained, the very place where the pie -- the official dessert of the state -- was created.

Not one to argue with sensible logic, our party including gregarious Rock-born Pepsico Franchise Manager Veniese Whittingham, long-time friend of Pardo-Guitierrez, is soon finding parking space adjacent to the hotel.

Our taste buds' heightened anticipation is soon rewarded. Brian Chiappa, assistant director of restaurants at Omni Parker Hotel , presents us with the pastry, which proves well worth the wait. Though called a pie, the pastry is, in fact, two layers of sponge cake filled with vanilla-flavoured custard or crème patissiere. The cake is topped with a chocolate glaze and, sometimes, powdered sugar or a cherry.

Chiappa informs us that French chef M Sanzian is the creative mind behind the beloved pie, which was originally made in a tin.

As we sip cappuccinos between glorious forkfuls of pie, the table's verdict is unanimous: heavenly!

When visiting Boston, be sure to enjoy the Boston Cream Pie at The Omni Parker House at 60 School Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

Telephone: 617-227-8600