Boston on the Go: January 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Atomic Bean Cafe Opens in Cambridge

Near Plough and Stars between Central and Harvard Squares, a new coffee shop has opened - Atomic Bean Cafe. Former home to local record store Mojo Records, the new cafe has exposed brick, hardwood floors and did I mention FREE Wi-fi?

If good coffee rings you in, Daily Candy has reported that the owner is brewing espresso from fresh beans and serving it in recycled cups. Coffee and baked goods (Boston Baking, to be exact) are coming from local vendors as much as possible. How very Cambridgian. Atomic Bean Cafe is located at 904 Massachusetts Ave. Photo courtsey of Daily Candy.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Go check out the DeCordova

It may be slushy and sloppy outside, but all of us need to be outside even in the winter. I am recommending that you head out to Lincoln and check out the DeCordova Museum. Why? well, two exhibits look like they are worth the trip. First one is Folie que la Nouveaute which displays large-scale graffiti art and urban-design pieces. Second, is Nina Levy's "Big Baby". It's a big baby sculpture - need I say more? DeCordova is open Tuesdays-Sundays, 11:00am-5:00pm. Click here for more admission info.

Right: Nina Levy's "Big Baby". 2003.

Dame opens in JP

Vintage shoppers, check out another new place on Jamaica Plain's South Street, DAME. Recently opened, this place looks like a great place to stop in and shop. Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

New Addition to the Blog - Volunteering

Dear readers, it seems all of America, heck the world, has been inspired by our new President. With that, we have added a new list, right after "what to listen" that says, "where to volunteer." We hope that you take the call the President gave and give back to your community, whether it be through Project Place, Good Samaritans or another organization. If you don't have much time to give, consider joining Boston Cares' email list, to hear about opportunities to volunteer when you can. And if you are single, and interested in meeting like-minded folks, may I offer Single Volunteers Boston? We'll add more organizations as we go, but go out and help your community!

Basha Cafe opens in Cambridge

Who says Alewife isn't becoming the new eat, drink and play area for Cambridge? If you are, well, your wrong. Basha Cafe opened at 26 New Street, right behind the Fresh Pond Plaza. The restaurant has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, and apparently has a Greek band and belly dancing as live entertainment. Click here for more info!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Review of Mini Bar

So I headed over to MiniBar on Friday night with a gal pal and let me tell ya folks, it's a nice addition to the Prudential/Back Bay scene. We were there pretty early, so we are able to grab a small slice of a sofa and table for some martinis and kobe beef burgers. The crowd around 7:30pm was definitely the after work scene, but you could definitely see it hopping around when we left. There are TVs at the bar for those who don't want to lounge, and if you have a small vip group, there was a room already reserved for what looked like a birthday party. Drinks were reasonable (maritinis ran max of $12-13) and the menu wasn't that expensive, considering all your other options around. The menu also featured snacks (sun chips, anyone?) and playing cards, so if you get bored of the suits around you, you can play some texas hold 'em. I wouldn't recommend going with a large group of people unless you make a reservation, since it's not that large of a venu. But definitely a great place to start a night (Saint is right around the corner) or for a date. Mini Bar is located at 51 Huntington Ave. T stops: Copley, Prudential and Back Bay.

Heads Up Obama Fans

Love this image? Yeah, us too. So, head on over to the ICA on the Waterfront and view the exhibit based on the artist Shepard Faiery. The exhibit features over 80 works by Shepard Faiery and starts February 9th. Remember, thanks to Target the ICA is FREE after 4pm on Thursdays!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Filene's Basement to close 11 stores

Before times get better, times have to get a little rougher. With that, Filene's Basement has announced it's closing 11 stores nationwide, including the Framingham store here in Boston. Click here for the Globe article.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Inauguration Day Events

Here are some top picks for events around the city.

River Gods - 125 River Street, Cambridge. T stop: Central.
Celebrate Obama with video footage of the new president.
Music by Captain Tipsy & the Hannanima. Fun starts at 9:00pm.

Obamarama On Ice - Charles Hotel Skating Rink, Cambridge. T stop: Harvard.
From 5:00pm-9:00pm, Virgin America, HSBA, and The Charles Hotel are sponsoring an Inauguration Day Party at The Rink at The Charles. Enjoy Free Skating and Rentals, Hot Chocolate, a DJ, and a Raffle (chance to win Tickets to Fly Around the World).

Upstairs on the Square is celebrating with treats all around - starting at 8:00am on Tuesday.
Click here for all the info.

Inauguration Throw Down at the Good Life Bar, Boston, T stop: Downtown Crossing.
Apparently for $5 you can ring in history with a full blown party.

Go Obama!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Two new spots open in Boston

On top of the new Lounge at the Langham Hotel that G funk told us about, there are two new spots that have also recently opened - Sensing Restaurant on Battery Wharf in the North End and Mini Bar on Huntington Ave.

First, Sensing is a new restaurant from chef Guy Martin, and Daily Candy spills that the menu is a mix of Asian, French and American flavors, while using local meat products and cheese from Formaggio Kitchen (bostongal fave!). Something tells me this place will be a must go to with a dish of duck foie gras creme brulee. Sensing is located at 3 Battery Wharf.

Second new spot is the Back Bay, called Mini Bar. Mini Bar has mini bottle service and a panini style menu, according to reviews so far. Though it is a lounge, fellas, fear not, a yelper mentioned that there is a TV at the bar. Boston gal will be sure to check it out soon and give you a review. Mini Bar is located at 51 Huntington Street in the Back Bay.

Bond Restaurant and Lounge Now Open

Bond restaurant and lounge has finally opened up at the Langham Hotel (Pearl and Franklin St). Featuring a menu with items under 20 dollars and a DJ on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights after 10 pm, the Langham Hotel is clearly trying to get rid of its stuffy (and expensive) image - once we get a chance to go for after-work dinner and drinks, we'll let you know if they've succeeded.

As a side note, the Langham building used to be the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston and is beautiful from the outside and absolutely incredible from the inside.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Miss playing Rock, Paper Scissors?

Well, don't worry because PA's Lounge in Union Square Somerville has the contest for you. On Wednesday, January 14, Union Sq is hosting the first annual Rock Paper Scissors Tourney.

According to the Union Square folks, the deal is to bring a $4 battle fee, and either play or watch others fight their battles. Registration begins at 7:00pm, and battles start at 8pm. What could you win? Well, some prizes and pride that you won an argument without kickin' someone's ass. PA's Lounge is located at 345 Somerville Ave. If you need something to do before 8pm non participators, I recommend hitting up the Grand Store on Jan. 14th from 7pm-9pm for a free yoga demo and sake tasting with a local yoga studio. Grand can be located across the street from PA's at 374 Somerville Ave. Enjoy!

Don't You Just Love a Bargain? Winter Sales Around Town

Thanks Daily Candy for this bit of news!

What: The Louis Winter Sale
Why: The entire fall/winter stock is 50 percent off; it drops to 60 percent tomorrow.
When: Thru Jan. 17. Tues. & Wed., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: 234 Berkeley St., Back Bay (617-262-6100).

What: Envi New Year Sale
Why: Get 50 percent off ecofriendly lines like Kelly B and Stewart + Brown.
When: While supplies last. Sun.-Thurs., noon-6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 164 Newbury St., Back Bay (617-267-3684).

What: Looc Winter Sale
Why: Discounts get steeper (up to 75 percent) as the month goes on. Look for Nili Lotan, What Comes Around Goes Around, and Lerario Beatriz dresses.
When: Thru Jan. 31. Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 12 Union Park St., South End (617-357-5333).

What: Nomad’s Economic Stimulus Sale
Why: Clothing by Gary Graham and Hazel is 40-50 percent off; jewelry and homewares are 20 percent off.
When: Thru Feb. 1. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where:1741 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square (617-497-6677).

What: Matsu Annual Winter Clearance
Why: All fall/winter clothes are up to 75 percent off; print out this online coupon
When: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Where: 259 Newbury St., Back Bay (617-266-9707). for 20-60 percent off jewelry.

What: Mint Julep’s January Sale
Why: Get 25-75 percent off sweaters, dresses, and jackets at both locations.
When: Thru Jan. 31. Brookline, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Harvard Square, Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 1302 Beacon St., Brookline (617-232-3600); 6 Church St., Harvard Square (617-576-6468).

What: Leokadia Winter Sale
Why: Boots, shoes, and handbags are 50 percent off; prices drop again on Jan. 23.
When: Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 667 Tremont St., South End (617-247-7463).

What: New Year Sale at Viola
Why: Snag up to 75 percent off Missoni and Nili Lotan dresses; 40-60 percent off accessories by Loeffler Randall, Bettye Muller, and Anya Hindmarch; 50 percent off wraps by Leigh & Luca; and 25 percent off sunglasses by Tom Ford, Barton Perreira, and Oliver Peoples.
When: Thru Jan. 31. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 15 Walnut Rd., South Hamilton (978-468-1775); 38 Main St., Concord (978-287-0775).

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Game Night at Noir

Miss playing Connect Four and Risk? Me, too. Have no fear, the wonderful folks at Noir in Harvard Square have answered our prayers. Starting Sunday, Jan. 11th, from 4pm-2am, enjoy playing your childhood (and adult) board games. Games and and corner tables are first come, first serve, and those interested in playing must place an order of $15 to play. Considering their delicious cocktails cost $12 a piece, that won't be hard to do. Enjoy this fun night, as Noir will only host it until Mad Men comes back to AMC on Sunday nights!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Free Friday Movies at the MOS

Head over to the Museum of Science for free IMAX movies on Jan 9, 16 & 23. Click here for more info. Tickets are given out day of at the box office.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Equal Exchange Cafe Opens in the North End

Alright hard core fair trade lovers, you now have a location for caffeine in the North End. Equal Exchange opened a cafe at 226 Causeway Street in December, and apparently, it's the place to go. Since most of the area between the North End and North Station is sports bars or gross bars (hello, Hurricane O'Reily's?!) this sounds like a much needed spot for locals and office workers.

Monday, January 5, 2009

New consignment store opens along Mass Ave in Cambridge

Want to trend up your wardrobe during a tight economy? No fears, fellow fashion fans - Raspberry Beret has opened along Mass Ave in Cambridge, between Porter and Harvard Squares. The store specializes in consignment, vintage and unusual items, with some new merchandise including shirts, dresses, bags & jewelry. Click here for the store's website. Raspberry Beret is located at 1704 Mass Ave and is open Monday-Tuesday 11am-7pm, Wednesday-Friday, 11am-8pm, Saturday, 10-6 and Sunday 1-4pm. The store will also host shopping parties for groups 6 or more. Enjoy!

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)