Boston on the Go - a Bostonian guide to keeping yourself busy and in the know. Ideas on things to do, places to shop & dine, and what to talk about when you're out and about in the Boston area.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Chocolate Lovers, this one's for you

Got nothing to do tonight? And you love chocolate? Well good, now you do. For $65 at Upstairs on the Square in Harvard Square, you can get a chocolate tasting menu that feature's locally made Taza chocolate. Delicious. Menu is below. Call 617-864-1933 for reservations. The $65 includes wine/beer. Event starts tonight at 6:30pm.

Chocolate Wine Dinner
with Taza Chocolate

M E N U

Foie Gras Terrine on Brioche
Sauce of Taza Vanilla Chocolate,
Concord Grape Jam & Balsamic Reduction

Acorn Squash Soup with Nibs of Spicy Cocoa
Biscotti Dipped with Taza Cinnamon Chocolate

Roasted Giannone Chicken
Seared Tuscan kale with Smoked Bacon & Radiccio
Sweet & Sour Chocolate Condiment

Hot Chocolate with Taza Almond Chocolate
& Housemade Marshmallow
Chocolate Almond Financier & Hot Fudge Sauce


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Friday, September 26, 2008

Circle: Plates & Dishes Opens Soon

Remember the awesomely good Bob's Southern Bistro? Yeah, me too. Well, since Bob's closing, a new kid is on the Columbus Street block. Near the end of October Circle: Plates & Lounge opens in Bob's old location of 604 Columbus Ave. The owner, Malcolm Aalder, is still going to play jazz, promising Miles Davis, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington will be played in the background. The chef on staff comes through Rialto (so you know the food is French) and the vibe, well very retro and trendy - red velvet and dot lights. It's sure to be another spot in the South End.


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Fort Point just got hotter

Barbara Lynch, mostly known for her famous restaurant No. 9 Park, has been gradually opening up a casual and fine dining experience in the hot Fort Point Channel District. The first part of the Lynch experience is the bar Drink, located at 348 Congress Street. Drink will have a vintage feel not only in drinks but also in decor, with pieces being picked up in flea markets and antique stores. Master Mixologist (yeah, this place has one of those) John Gersten has been stated to think of a 1950s throw back feel with new school techniques. In the recent Improper Bostonian, Drink has a cocktail recipe that includes multiple types of ice..brrr. For more info on this place, click here.


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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Globe Puts Out a New Weekly Sports Mag

As if this town wasn't sports crazy enough (myself, at times, included) the folks over at the Globe are bringing OT (and it stands for Our Town, Our Teams, not overtime) a new weekly sports mag. Look for more dirt on your teams every Thursday for 50 cents. Click here for the online version and blog.

Thankfully, for those of us who love Bob Ryan, we can still read the Globe. :)


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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Great Event Next Week!

Obama fans, check this out!


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Monday, September 22, 2008

Your TV Guide

So the Emmys were on last night. And some girls were dressed to impress, and some were Jennifer Love Hewitt. (Oh, I said it.)

Since premiere week is this week, here is your 411 on what you are already watching and what you should.

Mad Men won Best Drama last night cause, well frankly, it should. Sundays, AMC 10pm. It's already into its 2nd season, but its available on iTunes.

30 Rock - won Best Comedy last night, cause it's also awesome. Thursdays, 9:30pm starting in October.

The Office - starts this Thursday at 9:00pm, one hour special. Jim & Pam better have had an awkward engagement party.

How I Met Your Mother - starts tonight, 8:00pm. Barney hearts Robyn. Aww.

Heroes - starts tonight, 9:00pm, two hour special

Ugly Betty - 8:00pm, Thursday...who did Betty choose? Let's hope its not the accountant.

Grey's Anatomy - 9:00pm, Thursday, 2 hour special where the preview shows Rose saying she is having McDreamy's baby. Oh, snap Meredith!

House - already started last week

And for a new show, try out Fringe on Fox.


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Alec Baldwin at Downtown Crossing Borders on Thursday

Alec Baldwin may be coming to talk about his new book about his divorce, but he should be pretty happy after winning an Emmy last night and 30 Rock winning one as well. But, for those wanting to see a celeb in the flesh, check out Alec at Borders this Thursday - click here for more info.


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Friday, September 19, 2008

Franklin Cafe plans for a new location in Southie

Fans of Franklin Cafe in the South End and Gloucester will get a third location added to their favorite haunt. Globe food critic Devra First posted that the owners are planning to open a 3rd location in Southie in the new Allele condos. They are expecting to be open by mid-November. Enjoy!


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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Free Cold Stone Creamery

During the month of September, Cold Stone Creamery has been helping to raise money for the Make-a-Wish foundation.

As a thank you for everyone's contributions, they are having a free ice cream day on September 25th (details). Two flavors inspired by Make-a-Wish children will be available:


Jack's Creation - Marshmallow ice cream with OREO® Cookies,
Chocolate Chips and Fudge

Emily's Creation - Nutter Butter® ice cream with
White Chocolate Chips,
Kit Kat® and Yellow Cake


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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Check Out ICA's Fall Concerts and Events- starting this week

Want to be on the cutting edge? Look no further than the ICA on the Waterfront. ICA's not only giving us great concerts, but their first Halloween party. That's hott. Below is the list of events.

DITSON FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC: SONIC BOOM
The city's legendary ensembles and rising stars burst into the spotlight
Thursday, September 18- Firebird Ensemble – 6:30pm & Boston Musica Viva – 8:00pm
Friday, September 19- Dinosaur Annex – 6:30pm & Cantata Singers and Collage New Music – 8:00pm
Saturday, September 20- Callithumpian Consort – 6:30pm & The George Russell Living Time Orchestra – 8:00pm
Sunday, September 21- Matt Haimovitz, Geoff Burleson & DJ Olive – 1:30pm & Boston Modern Orchestra Project – 3:00pm

Tickets: Prelude concert $15 general admission; $10 members, students, and seniors; Main show $35 general admission; $30 members, students, and seniors

EXPERIMENT
Friday, September 26, 8:00pm - 12:00am. Featuring reConstitution by Sosolimited, a live remix of the presidential debate, plus DJs Soul Clap, Baltimoroder, Ptvn and Etan, art, food and drink. 21+. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 members and students with ID

SAVE THE DATE: ICA Masked 10.31.08 9:00pm - 1:00am
The ICA is pleased to present our first Halloween Party. Create your best costume and come dance the night away at the ICA. DJ Francesco Spagna will be spinning and handing out prizes for best costume. Open bar and light refreshments served throughout. 21+. Tickets $125 ($100 members) will go on sale on September 24.
Special thanks to in-kind sponsors Wolfgang Puck Catering, Party By Design and Svedka Vodka.


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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Free Event in Tech Square this week!

Check this event out in Tech Square on Thursday! (Kendall Square area for you non techie geeks).


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Mexican Independence Day

September 16, 1810 is when Mexico declared its independence from Spain.  In honor of our neighbors to the south (no, not Rhode Island), here's a list of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Boston:

Angela's Cafe
Today's Hours: 7 am to 9 pm
131 Lexington St
East Boston, MA 02128
(617) 567-4972


Tu y Yo
Today's Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm
858 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 623-5411


Ole Mexican Grill
Today's Hours: 5:30 pm to 10 pm
11 Springfield St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 492-4495

Casa Romero
Today's Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm
30 Gloucester St
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 536-4341

Sadly since Cinco de Mayo is (incorrectly) celebrated in the US as the big holiday of Mexico independence, none of these restaurants have any special events planned for today.  Casa Romero did have a celebration this past weekend.  

Note: trying to confirm that one of our favorites, Villa Mexico, is open today: 
Villa Mexico
296 Cambridge St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 957-0725


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Monday, September 15, 2008

Election on Sept 16

Tomorrow, September 16th, is Primary Day in Massachusetts.

To find out more information about who is on your ballot and where to vote, visit the MA Election Divisions webpage.

Massachusetts is not a state that allows you to register to vote on election day itself, so the deadline for registering for the primary was August 27th. If you are not registered, you are unfortunately out of luck. If you have moved since you last registered, you should still be able to vote at your old voting location.

And this also serves as an important reminder for those who are not registered to vote or have not updated their address with their local City Hall, that to vote in the general election in MA on November 4th, you must register by October 15th. The stakes are clearly high in this election - especially for President of the United States. And though you may feel your vote is not meaningful in the state of MA due to the Electoral College system that Presidential elections use, there is still tremendous value in voting. First, the President-elect might claim to have a 'mandate' if they win the popular vote (a la George W. Bush in 2004) even if that win is by the slimmest of margins. Casting your vote will help to support or diminish his/her ability to claim this. Second, there are always statewide and local races and ballot initiatives that impact issues like education, public transportation, Congressional (re)districting, and taxes. And lastly, having a large, well-informed electorate helps ensure that candidates will have to reach out to a broader audience rather than just focusing on the turnout of their 'base', which I think is a good thing.

I'm sure there's more reasons to vote ... feel free to add them through Comments.


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Ooh La La! Sel de Terre opens in the Back Bay

Feeling bad that I was in France a mere 24 hours ago I thought I would at least let our dear readers know that you too can get your French cuisine fix. Sel de Terre has opened their new 2nd location in Boston today, at least that is what the Globe is reporting. Click on the link for more info! Sel de la Terre, 774 Boylston Street, Back Bay (617-266-8800).


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Friday, September 12, 2008

Two things this weekend

Saturday, September 13th - head out for the German Dance Party and Open House. Germany has brought us, uh, many things...like Heidi Klume. But find an appreciation for the culture at this party. Taste authentic food and drinks from 4pm-7pm, enter the raffle, take a 5 min. German lesson and then dance to DJ Uwe who will be playing German hits from 1940s to the present. This is all free! The event is at the German House @ 170 Beacon Street and runs from 4pm-11pm. For more info, click here.



And on September 14th, go to the Shellfish Shindig. Seafood chefs will show their skills and demonstrate cooking techniques and give you some new recipes. This event will be held at the Sam Adams Brewery in JP from 12pm-5pm and costs $10, which gets you two Sam Adams beers. Click here for more info.


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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Truthiness and Wikiality 101

Everyone who spends hours reading Wikipedia articles on the Internets may be interested in going to a talk by Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia (or just founder, depending on who edited the entry most recently). It's happening at Suffolk University this Thursday and it free (as in beer).


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Monday, September 8, 2008

Jetting Outta Here

Not sure how long they've been doing this, but JetBlue has an eBay auction site for flights leaving from Boston. Some of the listings are still at 5 cents. While fall is an awesome time to be in New England, just think of how you'll be feeling about the weather in the middle of January...


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Elite Brunch

Taj Hotel has started offering Sunday brunches on the roof overlooking the Public Garden and Boston Common. They do this through November. Seating at specific times only.


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Sunday, September 7, 2008

Become Book Smart

So there is this new organization that is forming a new type of book club. Four Stories is the name of the group and their deal is to bring readers and writers together. For example, authors Steve Almond (Candy Freak) and Andrew Dubus III (House of Sand and Fog) are coming up at the Enroumous Room to read and chat with you. Click here for more information on upcoming events and the organization. Become cultured!


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Saturday, September 6, 2008

Roadhouse Craft Beer & BBQ Update

We stopped by Roadhouse Craft Beer & BBQ last night expecting long lines to accompany the delicious beer and BBQ, except there was one problem: they are not open yet.

Signs indicate that they will be opening on September 8th. The tipoff for the delayed opening perhaps were these Craigslist ads interviewing for line cooks and dishwashers this past Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (today).


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Friday, September 5, 2008

Check Out Ben Sloat's Photo Exhibit

At the OHT Gallery (South End), check out local artist's Ben Sloat's exhibit called "I'm Not Like Other Guys" a mixed-media investigation of Michael Jackson. Thankfully, the press on this exhibit has been saying that the artist highlights MJ's 80s years, when he really was the King of Pop. The exhibit is open from September 5-27. For more info, click here.


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Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Macallan Tasting - Multiple Sessions


Macallan is having a Celebrate the Macallan Scotch tasting event.  This event is by invite only but it looks like anyone can go to the link and reserve a spot (even though it says non-transferrable).

The event in Boston is being held at the Back Bay Events Center (map) from September 16-19 with 6:30-8:00 pm and 8:30-10:00 pm sessions.

As always, please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.  Thanks!


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Gap closes many doors

So first the Porter Square Gap closed, then through my grapevine I learned that the Central Square Gap will not be renewing its lease, and today, in the Globe, the Gap announced it is closing its Newbury Street location as well - so basically, the latter two stores will be gone by 2010. This is just two of 115 stores that the Gap will be closing. Here's hoping it doesn't leave the Copley Plaza.


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Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Roadhouse Craft Beer & BBQ Opens

So first we blogged about Publick House Provisions, a new beer and food store by the Publick House owners, and now they are expanding even more in Washington Square with a BBQ joint. Daily Candy reports that the new venue will have a custom-built 4,500-pound smoker from Texas which will be heating up brisket and ribs. Yum. As for the beer, there is 40 draught craft brews on tap, and the house will also feature a beer garden. Roadhouse Craft Beer & BBQ opens Wednesday, and is located at 1700 Beacon Street, Washington Square (Brookline).


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Monday, September 1, 2008

Disc Makers Office Opening Party

Disc Makers, a company that helps record and copy CDs and DVDs, are opening their New England office right in Central Square in Cambridge. In order to celebrate their new location, they are having a party at the Middle East - and guess what? You are invited.

Details:
Thursday, Sept. 4, Doors open @ 8pm
Open bar from 8pm-9pm, and complimentary hors d'oeuvers
Local acts performing: Jackelope, To the Masquerade, Black Betty and the Bad Habits, Static of the Gods and George Vala.

To rsvp for the event and learn more about the acts, click here. Enjoy!


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