While Boston may be late to the dance (surprise!), the Hub of the universe became the hub of the food world for a moment when uber-chefs Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich came to town with their international retinue to open the latest Eataly restaurant/marketplace (www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/boston) in what used to be the entire Prudential Center food court.

In the 44,000 square foot space sit three sit-down restaurants (with a fourth pop-up that changes according to whatever is new and fresh in the marketplace), as well as separate spaces for wine, meats, produce, juices and salads, house-made cheese (including made-before-your-eyes Mozzarella), pasta (of all flavors and varieties), and pizzas (banana chocolate pizza, anyone? YES!), gelati, and so much more. With a coffee bar at each entrance of the multi-leveled space (not to mention the clever custom cannoli cart at the top of the stairs), it is easy to get revved up for a shopping and dining extravaganza in this and an eco-friendly shop you can find to purchase everything you need.

As this is Eataly Boston, there is a special focus on seafood and locally-based legend Barbara Lynch has been brought on board as Chef Collaborator to help keep the local fare shipshape. Everywhere you look, however, the food is fresh and enticing and encyclopedic ceiling-level signs help you learn about what you are about to enjoy.

For those who may need a bit more education, the space hosts its own cooking school, overseen by Dean Bastianich. Here, guests can enjoy free live demonstrations and ticketed hands-on classed with some of the best chefs in the region (that “region” including Italy, of course). For those who need even a bit more hand holding, walking tours of the space can be arranged so guests can plan their “eat-interaries” more efficiently.

In addition from everything from zuppa alle noci, Eataly also offers “favorite” (often read branded) items from the founders as well as everything one may need top prep and serve their new favorite meal. And if you cannot decide just what that is, Eataly offers pre-packed gift boxes that can get you and any party or event you attend on its way.

So whether you just want un morso veloce or an entire cena per dodici, the world of Eataly is finally here to open up new worlds of flavor and freshness to you and all your friends.