If you are interested in heading to a concert at the Paradise, starting Friday (Jan. 2nd) you will have to go to Live Nation's website, not Ticketmaster. My two cents? Go to the box office. For more information on this new ticketing system, click here for the Globe article.
In case us bloggers get tied up with the holidays, just wanted to share a bit on places to go on NYE on boston.com...great places to grab dinner and drink. If I was going out, I'd go to Beehive! :)
Happy Holidays everyone!
The Wine Gallery is bringing a new trend to the area - beer and cookies tastings. Head over to Brookline on Saturday, December 20th from 3:00pm-6:00pm for a free tasting. Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar & Oatmeal Cranberry Butterscotch Cookies? Yum. Click here for the 411. Wine Gallery is located at 375 Boylston Street.
Baby, it's cold outside. So get ready to go ice skating - outdoors. Frog Pond, Kendall Square and Charles Hotel rinks are all open. For a full list of public skating rinks (in and outdoor) click here. Many places offer a snack bar and private lessons.
Kendall Square
Admission:
One day: $5 adult, $3 student/seniors & $1 for children 10 and under.
Season Passes: $70 adults, $50 students/seniors & $20 for children.
Rentals: $5 for rental skates (hockey or figure skates), or $70 for a season pass.
Hours: Mondays - 12pm-8pm (unless special event, then 5pm), Tuesday-Thursday, 12pm-5pm, Friday: 12pm-9pm, Saturday: 11am-9pm, Sundays & Holidays: 11am-6pm
Boston Common Frog Pond
Admission: $4 per person, children under 13 free. Season passes: individual: $100, family: $150, lunch: $60 (Monday-Friday only, non holidays).
Rentals: $8, children under 13 $5. Lockers: $1.
Hours: Monday: 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Thursday: 10am-9pm, Friday & Saturday: 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-9pm.
Charles Hotel
Admission: adults: $5, children (12 and under) $3, family (consisting of 2 adults and 2 children) $10. 10 day pass: $30 adult, $20 children and $70 family.
Rentals: $5 adults, $3 children & $10 family.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 2pm-8pm, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 10am-8pm
The folks at Lululemon Athletica store in the Prudential Center are offering complimentary yoga classes on Sundays. Instructors are from Life in Synergy. Mats are provided and the class is held from 9:30am-10:30am. Click here for more info.
Our urban neighborhoods are not letting us forget how important it is to shop locally this holiday season. Remember, your local coffee shop or gift store isn't getting any government bailout.
With that, stop by Inman Square tonight (6:00pm) in Cambridge for their holiday shopping event (almost everywhere has music & snacks, as well as a FREE Walk Boston walk. If tonight doesn't work, stop by the North End, where for the first time Bostongal has heard, they are hosting their own holiday event. Stores participating tomorrow night include: Moda, in-jean-us and The Velvet Fly. North End event starts at 7:00pm. Click here for more information.
Go Anne Hathaway! Not that Bostongal is biased... :)
Best Motion Picture - Drama:
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"Frost/Nixon"
"The Reader"
"Revolutionary Road"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama:
Leonardo DiCaprio, "Revolutionary Road"
Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"
Sean Penn, "Milk"
Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler"
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:
Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"
Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"
Meryl Streep, "Doubt"
Kristen Scott Thomas, "I've Loved You So Long"
Kate Winslet, "Revolutionary Road"
Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:
"Burn After Reading"
"Happy-Go-Lucky"
"In Bruges"
"Mamma Mia!"
"Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:
Javier Bardem "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Colin Farrell, "In Bruges"
James Franco, "Pineapple Express"
Brendan Gleeson, "In Bruges"
Dustin Hoffman, "Last Chance Harvey"
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:
Rebecca Hall, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Sally Hawkins, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
Frances McDormand, "Burn After Reading"
Meryl Streep, "Mamma Mia!"
Emma Thompson, "Last Chance Harvey"
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:
Tom Cruise, "Tropic Thunder"
Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"
Ralph Fiennes, "The Duchess"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"
Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:
Amy Adams, "Doubt"
Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Viola Davis, "Doubt"
Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler"
Kate Winslet, "The Reader"
Best Animated Feature:
"Bolt"
"Kung Fu Panda"
"WALL-E"
Best Foreign Language Film:
"The Baader Meinhof Complex" (Germany)
"Everlasting Moments" (Sweden/Denmark)
"Gomorrah" (Italy)
"I've Loved You So Long" (France)
"Waltz with Bashir" (Israel)
Best Director - Motion Picture:
Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"
Stephen Daldry, "The Reader"
David Fincher, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Ron Howard, "Frost/Nixon"
Sam Mendes, "Revolutionary Road"
Best Screenplay - Motion Picture:
Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire"
David Hare, "The Reader"
Peter Morgan, "Frost/Nixon"
Eric Roth, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
John Patrick Shanley, "Doubt"
Best Original Score - Motion Picture:
Alexandre Desplat, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Clint Eastwood, "Changeling"
James Newton Howard, "Defiance"
A.R. Rahman, "Slumdog Millionaire"
Hans Zimmer, "Frost/Nixon"
I just had to share this deal over at VeeVee on Centre Street, especially considering it's one of my favorites down there.
Sunday & Tuesday Night Prix Fixe:
$19 vegetarian or $24 non-vegetarian
Select any appetizer from our regular menu*, then choose your entree. The price is determined by your entree selection.
Special prix fixe for dining in only.
*lobster sausage appetizer an additional $4
So Boston Public wasn't even open that long, but Daily Candy is reporting that the restaurant inside Louis Boston has closed and Restaurant L has opened.
Restaurant L is the baby to Pigalle (yum) and Marco chef, Marc Orfaly. Features of the new place is the stand-and-go cheese and wine bar, and the menu included Kobe beef and foie gras dumplings. The bar menu features Asian snacks. As Daily Candy states, "For now, it’s open only during store hours (till 7 p.m.), but rumor has it the place will transform into an acoustic lounge once a month on weekend nights." Newbury Street could use a "lounge" but it could also afford some cheaper options for shopping and dining (H&M and Filene's Basement excluded). Head on over before Louis Boston moves to its new digs. Restaurant L is in Louis Boston store located at 234 Berkley Street.
In the Globe today, they finally gave us some news about the JP neighborhood fave, Milky Way lounges & lanes. When the Milky Way heads over to the brewery area, it will get a snazzy red bar, more dancing space, a jukebox and possibly skeeball (hooray! it's about time someone brought skeeball back, yeah!).
What will be missing - yes, bowling. Milky Way cut its size in half, which means there is no space for 6 or 2 lanes of bowling, if you still want to have latin, afro-beat and other fun nights of diverse music. For the full Globe article, click here.
Apparently, if you take the Red Line during rush hour on Monday, you may not be able to get a seat...and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Check out this Boston.Com article. The new "Big Red" trolley photo is on the left. Courtesy of MBTA.
In the midst of all these wonderful local holiday events (see what to do) and craft shows, another one hits the streets of Union Square. On Saturday from 11:00am-4:00pm, check out Holiday Market. I should actually say markets, because there will be 3 individual markets plus shops in the Square that will be offering great gift ideas. Some of those ideas include: sculpture, jewelry, knitwear, photography, handbags, greeting cards, and more. Click here for more info.
Apparently, Wednesdays are becoming free event days. After the Downtown Crossing Wine Crawl (see below) head over to the MFA for some holiday cheer. On December 3rd, not only is the general exhibit halls free (after 4:45pm on Wednesdays, they always are) but the MFA is giving you an extra gift - free admission into the Assyria exhibit. That's normally a $23 ticket! Holy bananas! While at the MFA, also check out the rumored gingerbread house exhibit...bostongal is already salivating at the idea. Enjoy!
After work you need to chillax. Well, why don't you stop by the restaurant and bars of Downtown Crossing (Ivy, Kennedy's Midtown to name a few) and grab some free glasses of wine? Click on the image to get the 411. Enjoy and don't spill red wine everywhere!
On Saturday, from 7:00pm-9:30pm, head to Allston for this art gallery opening. It's called Citrus, one Lemon. One Lime. A design firm revolving around an element of magic, stylized in an array of limitless forms to showcase an imaginative and unique new world. Please rsvp to citrisdesign@gmail.com. Enjoy!
Now that Thanksgiving is over, don't you want to get into the holiday spirit? Glad to hear it! Well, head over to Beacon Hill, specifically 75 Chestnut. On Friday Nov. 28, Saturday Nov. 29, Saturday Dec. 8, 13 & 20th, between 12pm-3pm you can sip on holiday themed martinis (personally, vanilla-frosted gingerbread sounds delish) and make your own edible house. $10 per house. 75 Chestnut asks you to call and reserve a house, so call them at (617)227-2175 after 5:00pm.
From the folks behind Bin 26, comes the new Italian restaurant and take out shop. Right around the corner from the Loews Boston Common (on the corner of Washington and Avery Streets) the new two new joints - an Italian restaurant and a neighborhood shop. Just what the doctor for that neighborhood ordered. For more info, check out the website here.
Unfortunately call for desperate measures. Especially for the small business owner. So with that note, it's with sad news I have to post that Out of Town News (a magazine/newspaper) Stand in the heart of Harvard Square may be closing for good. It's one of those iconic pieces of Harvard Square that we will all miss if, and when, it goes. Click here for the boston.com piece.
So, West Roxbury is getting a new Sports Club/LA. How trendy. Boston Business Journal reports that the BRA approved plans for a new $6 million LA/Fitness Club in West Roxbury. Located on the VFW Parkway the project includes the renovation of an existing retail space previously occupied by Stop & Shop into a new 48,000-square-foot fitness club. Damm.
Secondly, the BRA approved a new development for MGH in Beacon Hill. The gas station and convenience store currently located at 296 Cambridge Street will now be redeveloped into a $9.5 million office building with retail on the first floor. Here's hoping Villa Mexico can stay in business as the retailer.
So the bloggers love the BBQ. Blue Ribbon (West Newton and Arlington) and Redbones are particular faves, with Hen House Wings & Waffles being a new fave. But the Roadhouse (1770 Beacon Street, past Washington Sq) in Brookline disappointed us a bit. The appetizers (wings, turkey legs with red mash potatoes) were good, but my brisket lacked sauce and was dry, the cornbread tasted more like cake than bread and overall the only thing it really had going for it was a short wait and a great beer menu. Thankfully, you can get many of those beers next door at the Publik House Provisions Store. The beer selection is awesome. I am beginning to think I may drive to Brookline just to get beer there. But I will admit, amid the variety of cheeses and snacks, I was hoping for more meat products - like Irish breakfast favorites or just sausage. So, if the owners are reading, put that on your buyer's list.
PS, for a new variety on BBQ, try Rio's Brazilian BBQ in Arlington Center. Plates filled with great flavors and a all-you-can-eat buffet starting at $15.95.
PPS, g funk would also like to give Soul Fire in Allston a big shout-out for their ribs and other bbq fare.
Head over to Simmons College tomorrow (Tuesday) for the Fashion with Impact Fashion Show. The Fashion with Impact Fashion Show will raise awareness to brands setting a new trend in the fashion industry - the trend of organic, fair-trade and sustainable clothing and accessories. The show will feature major brands as well as independent designers. Models of all shapes and sizes will adorn the runway. Lastly, it's free!
Famous Asian designers strut their stuff in Harvard Yard for Artists for Humanity? In the immortal words of Paris Hilton's new slogan, that's ice! The event starts up at 7:00pm on Saturday. You will need tickets ($15) so click here for a ticket, and for more of the designers, click here.
One, Craigie on Main is officially open on Main Street in Central Square. Sounds like the $80 6-piece prixe fix meal is your best bang for your buck. Two, totally forgot to mention it, but Nordstorm off the Rack opened up at the Liberty Tree Mall last week. We could all use some cheap high-end deals. So go and enjoy!
Ladies, head over to the Design Salon's Annual Holiday Sale in the Back Bay this Saturday. Local female designers will be selling their work from 10am-5pm with 20% of the proceeds going to the Kingsley Montessori Scholarship Fund. For details, click here.
Some of you who live in East Cambridge may have noticed last week that the B-Side Lounge on Cambridge Street closed. Not to fear, it's only closing for a little while - the new owner is mixing it up a little bit. Hopefully the fan favorite of blue cheese fries stays on the menu!
Walking through Union Square in Somerville today, I hit up the new antique home store called Hope & Glory. Filled with inexpensive vintage housewares, it's definitely worth a trip. There is quite a variety of goods and the staff was friendly. I picked up an adorable coffee pitcher from the 60s that is just the trick. Great spot for gifts! Hope & Glory is located at 253 Washington Street.
The Cold Stone Creamery in the Charles River Plaza closed last week. Signs on the door are directing customers to their location in the Landmark Center near Kenmore Square (Brookline St). That location, however, was not the nearest other store. Does this mean that their locations in Charlestown, Park Plaza, and Huntington St are also closed?
Update: The Charlestown location is still open (11/10/2008)
Restaurant Dante is hosting a Balls Battle...a meatballs battle. Chefs from Temple Bar, Toro, dante, Sel de la Terre, Harvest, Tremont 647 and Sage (just to a name a few) are going to fight for best meatball in town. And fear not veggie eaters, the invite says that you will be rewarded as well. So come by dante's riverside patio on Sunday and eat some balls, watch the Pats game and have some warm cider. Rain or shine, the event starts at 2:00pm and costs $20. For more info, click here.
Three little factoids of information - one, Max & Dylan's, Downtown Crossing's new mac & cheese spot, is already franchising - well, they are planning to open a second location in Charlestown's City Square. Plan for mid-November opening. Two - the Kolbeh of Kabob restuarant at 1500 Cambridge Street in Cambridge (in between Inman & Harvard Squares) is open again! So go support some yummy freakin' kabob wraps. Three, famous Boston chef Barbara Lynch is opening before Thanksgiving her new restaurant - Sportello. Improper Bostonian says that it's like a sleeked-up Itatlian version of a neighborhood lunch counter. Sounds pricey. But, there will also be a bakery and retail space with house made breads and jams. Yummo. Sportello will be located at 348 Congress Street.
I hope you have listened to us and went and registered or got an absantee ballot. Cause on Tuesday, not only will I be happy you voted, but Starbucks and Ben and Jerry's wants to thank you too. Go into any Starbucks on election day and say you voted, and you can get a FREE tall coffee. At Ben & Jerry's you get a free scoop, when you say the same thing. Best places in the Boston area to take advantage of this deal? Newbury Street and Harvard Square. But wherever you do, remember to get out and vote.
Interested in expanding your musical horizons? At 38 Cameron Gallery on this Sunday November 2 at 4pm, enjoy a live solo performance by Markus Schwartz, showcasing his singular approach to traditional Haitian rhythms and songs. Haitian dance performance by Nadia Dieudonne of the folkloric dance troupe "Feets of Rhythm". Art exhibit by Haitian artist Colette Bresilla. 38 Cameron is on Cameron Ave in Cambridge, right on the Somerville line. The event is $20. Click here for the full 411.
One, looking to start holiday bargain shopping early? Or maybe you want a new outfit for that holiday office party. Either way, head over to Design Hive Market, which is opening November 1st. The Design Hive features one-of-a-kind handmade locally made items including: handbags, clothing (modern/vintage), housewares, stationary and jewelry. Design Hive will be open 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturdays, starting this Saturday. For more information on designers and directions, click here. Design Hive is located at the Maria Baldwin School at 28 Sacramento Street (North Cambridge).
Two, did you know that Formaggio Kitchen does BBQs every Saturday (before the snow starts)? From 11:00am-2:00pm, you can get brisket, ribs and whatever else you may crave. Click here for more info. Formaggio Kitchen Cambridge is located in Huron Village. They also have a location in the South End.
Three, try out Zing Pizza, the new joint in Porter Square. This little spot (located at 1925 Mass Ave) will have daily pizza specials, salads and stuffed Trinidadian bread called roti. Yum. Zing is open Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00am-9:00pm.
Head over to the Aquarium for a pre-party and screening of the Dark Knight tomorrow (Thursday October 30t). Those goers who dress up in costume get half off admission (that's $6.95 instead of $12.95 folks). Pre-party starts at 7:00pm (cash bar, but you get a "trick or treat" bag!) and the movie is at 8:45pm. Click here for more info.
Look at Sweet's Halloween Cupcake! So cute. And most likely, delicious. Their current seasonal flavors are pumpkin, smores and election night ones! Sweet is located at 49 Mass Ave in Back Bay.
Don't have a house party to hit up? No worries, there is a lot going on around town.
This Saturday, October 25th - Sinners & Saints Bash @ Vinalia. 8:30pm starting time. Cover is $10-20. Party includes snacks, dancing and prizes!
At the Middle East on 10/31 - Halloween Hip-hop Dance Party with Ali Shaheeed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest
At the ICA - ICA Masked, 9pm-1am on Halloween. Tickets may cost $125, but you get food and drinks. Click here for tickets.
At the Liberty Hotel - Liberty Lockup. Another event sponsoring a cause - for $125 you get free snacks, open bar and get to help out Camp Harbor View. Click here for more info.
At Redline - Bipartisan Boogieman Bash. Free admission with costume! Dress as your fave pundit and compete for prizes. You could win $250!
At Rumba (Intercontinental Hotel) - Did you know Mass had a Rum trade? Well, Rumba is paying homage to it with this party.
And at the Clubs...
Apparently, at Liquor Store, Felt & Gypsy Bar on Friday night you can win $500 for you costume...and if you do win, head over to the Halloween Hangover at Tequlia Rain on November 1st...you could score yourself another $500.
Cambridge & Somerville have Spark on Mass Ave for craft material and classes, and now the South End has Bead & Fiber. Located at 460 Harrison Ave inside a fine art gallery, Bead & Fiber offers both day and evening classes, and until November 1st, head over to see VOUDOU-Flags of Haiti exhibit, which features the work of Yves Thelemaque and other prominent Haitian bead artists. Maybe you will get influenced.
Heads up for those who haven't been in Davis Square in awhile - Blue Shirt Cafe is getting a much needed expansion into the old dollar store next door. More smoothies and sandwiches for everyone!
Not ready for Halloween parties just yet? Fear not, Daily Candy gave some good recommendations for those of us wanting to be out and about this weekend.
One, grab brunch. They say Masa, for their $7.95 brunch special, but I say Vee Vee in JP or Union Street in the South End. Or Johnny D's in Davis, and hope they have their pumpkin pancakes as the special.
Two, check out the Bueno Queso Social Club at the Middlesex Lounge in Central Sq. It's a Sunday cheese-tasting group that has a Rocks and Riesling theme this Sunday. Great thing is, it starts at 2:30pm. For tickets and more info, email: roberto@buenoqueso.org
Three, support your local Farmers Markets at the Urban Barn Dance and Harvest Supper in Davis Square. the VFW Hall is hosting tomorrow (Friday) from 7pm-10pm a fun event with sure to be healthy, yummy treats. For tickets, email: staff@massfarmersmarket.org
Check out this Phoenix sponsored event at the Living Room Wednesday night from 8:00pm-10:00pm. Looks like fun!
Sam Adams and The Milky Way Lounge are coming together to host a free bowling tournament and beer tasting, Tuesday night (October 21st). The tourney is first come, first serve, with a 4 bowlers per team, 12 team max. Starts at 9pm.
Walking by Government Center this evening, it was hard to miss the tower of lit jack-o-lanterns, the bins of pumpkins, the tents being erected, and the pumpkin themed orange port-a-potties.
All of this though is to get you in the Halloween spirit, while helping out a good cause, Camp Sunshine.
Saturday, October 18th is the Boston Pumpkin Festival at Boston City Hall Plaza from 12pm - 8pm.
In 2006, Boston set the Guinness World Record of 30,128 carved and lit jack-o-lanterns. Unfortunately the record could not be surpassed last year, with a still impressive 21,000 pumpkins being carved and lit. Perhaps with your help a new record can be set this year.
So the new restaurant taking over the old Bob's Southern Bistro is now open. Located at 604 Columbus Ave, Circle Restaurant (and lounge) is open for business. Daily Candy reports that all dishes are made with as many local, organic/sustainable ingredients as humanly possible, and some items are the famous mac & cheese to a roast suckling pig. Yikes and yum at the same time. head over to this new hot spot.
TONIGHT: Check this FREE event out!
Pho Republique is offering from 8:30pm to 1:00am free dim sum, creative, thematic cocktails, a lion dance performance, and kung fu demos. There will also be kung fu movies playing around the bar. Cause everybody was kung fu fighting...RSVP to kungfukitchen@gmail.com. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Pho is located in the South End on Washington Street.
Please note that tomorrow, October 15th, is the last day to register to vote in MA for the November 4 elections.
For more information, please visit the Election Commissions website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/
Forms must be postmarked (mail-in) or dropped off at your local City Hall by tomorrow.
So here's hoping the Sox last more than the next game for more reasons than one. :) According to the Globe Sidekick today, during the 7th inning streach, Masa will be offering free tapas at the bar, which includes shredded chicken taquitos with ancho chile aioli and ahi tuna ceviche with avocado. Masa is located in the South End on Tremont Street.
Hard Rock Cafe (now wear the old Rack stands - 22 Clinton Street) is having an election party, November 4th, called, Hard Rock the Vote. The 411: sponsored by The Phoenix and FYE music stores, the party starts at 7:00pm, invitation says there will be food and drinks, prizes and big screen TVs...oh my! Click here to RSVP. Let me know how it is...as I will be in my living room praying for some change we can all believe in. :)
Looking for some fun shoes or snazzy boots this fall? Check out the Goka Design Trunk show this Friday & Saturday at Suneri Boutique in Davis. The show will be held from 5:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, and 1:00pm-7:00pm on Saturday. Hop to it!
So some fans of West Street Grille must be sad that it's gone, but no worries folks. The new spot has the same atmosphere with some fun new twists. A friend and I popped in there early tonight, and not only was the staff attentive, but there was a pretty large menu. I mean, they have a diverse amount of sliders and five different mac & cheeses! In addition to those pub faves, there was a variety of salads, sandwiches and flatbreads. Our only complaint was that there was only one vegetarian appetizer. (Though, it was goat cheese, and yummy.) I personally could not resist the lobster mac & cheese and it hit all the right spots.
Max & Dylan's comes from the same people who brought you Charlestown favorite Tavern on the Water. Prices are pretty reasonable (lobster mac & cheese was $15, regular mac & cheese was $9). Max & Dylan's is located in Downtown Crossing, at 15 West Street, near the corner of Washington and West Streets.
This Sunday, October 12th, Harvard Square will shut down for bands, beer and vendors galore. Check out over 30 restaurants out in the streets for a good old fashioned fall street party. Best of all, mingling is free. Click here for more info. See you in the Square!
Those who love the Fort Point Channel area will be happy to hear that Drink opened. Drink Cocktail Bar is local chef Barbara Lynch's new place. The space features its own mixologist (which I blogged about earlier, a white oak bar and a 50 pound ice block at one end of the bar. Snazzy. According to Daily Candy, there is no drink menu, but more that you request your favorite flavor or liquor, or in my case, something sweet. There is also a selection of gourmet lolipops, in flavors such as foie gras. Drink is located at 348 Congress Street, and is open from Monday-Wednesday 4pm-midnight, Thursday-Saturday 4pm-1:00am.
Also recently blogged about, Italian restaurant Erbaluce opens at 69 Church Street in Bay Village.
We are all watching are wallets lately, and the folks at Dunkin are hear to help out. The Globe reports from the hours of 2:00pm-5:00pm, you can get lattes for 99 cents each. Considering a small latte usually goes for over $2.50 (at minimum) this is a good deal. You can also get the egg & cheese sandwich all day with the purchase of a medium or large hot coffee. Both deals end on November 11th.
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.
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
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.
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
Check this event out in Tech Square on Thursday! (Kendall Square area for you non techie geeks).
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).
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.
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).
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...
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.
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!
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).
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.
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.
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).
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!
Cafe Marliave, the 4th oldest restaurant in town, has reopened under the management of the Grotto (Beacon Hill) to the new name of Marliave. Located at 10 Bosworth Street in Downtown Crossing, the revived restaurant will have two levels, the upstairs featuring classic American cuisine such as butter-poached lobster and beef wellington, and downstairs will be a throw back to the late 1800s, where it will serve cocktails and modern takes on the old, old school dishes one would find at Marliave back in its hay day. All dishes will be made with fresh, locally farmed produce and meat. Click here for the restaurant's website.
Whether you like to look at the boys or can identify with them, we all have a soft spot for the Entourage crew. And who better yet of the cast to hang out with than...Lloyd! Head over to McFadden's in downtown this weekend and kick off the new season of Entourage Hollywood style.
Photo courtesy of hbo.com.
No, not really make out. But that is the name of one song by the hot band called, "Does it Offend You, Yeah?" who are playing at the Great Scott in Allston on Sunday night. And you can't use the excuse "I have to work tomorrow" this weekend. The ticket is $12. And in these times, if that is still a little steep for you, download the single you've been hearing on FNX - "Dawn of the Dead", cause it kinda does makes you want to make out...ok, or at least rock out. :)
Marina Bay Beach Club is hosting an all day electronic festival aka "Shake that Shit" on Saturday, August 30th. Check out NYC and beyond's finest for what is sure to be a hot and heavy event. For more information on who will be there (Junior Sanchez, for one), click here. Prices are $20 online.
Sofra, the new venue by Ana Sortun of Oleana fame, is a great addition to the Fresh Pond/North Cambridge area. Located at One Belmont Street (at the corner of Belmont and Mt. Auburn near the Watertown line), Sofra features a little bit of what every bakery and cafe should have - there are fresh veggies (heirloom tomatoes were the rage) from Siena Farms, and there were also some great bread spreads for take out, such as the potato, garlic and almond spread I picked up. Sofra offers Rao's coffee and a mix of Middle Eastern sandwiches such as shawarmas, stuffed flatbreads and a delicious looking hummus bar. The best has to be the sweets though, with a delicious looking chocolate hazelnut baklava with cocoa honey and what will become famous - the "earthquake bars" which are what a a brownie should taste like (it's amazing I bought only one). Prices are quite reasonable, nothing on the menu is above $10. I will also add that Sofra will be adding a patio area on the side of the cafe. Click here for Sofra's website.
So, I'm assuming my hip readers have heard of all the deals Starbucks has been doing recently. For example, if you buy a grande drink (preferably iced, I believe) before 2:00pm any day, save your receipt and bring it back after 2:00pm and get your next iced grande drink for only $2.00. Which is cheap in Starbucks culture. With that, the chain is bringing a new coffee machine into the market. Click here for the Globe article about the new Clover machines...cause it may mean more mulah for your morning coffee.
As mentioned in the Globe's Sidekick today, head over to Diablo Glass & Metal Studio for their Glass Friday events. The studio is located in Roxbury, right near the JP line and near the Jackson Square T stop. I've worked with this organization before, trying to promote their classes, and this one definitely seems fun - i.e., it includes wine! :) So when you are looking for something to do Friday night, check this out. By the way, there is also this wine goblet making course too. Tres chic.
So Passport Boutique on Brattle Street has officially opened at 43 Brattle Street in Harvard Square. The store features a variety of up and coming designers. Click here for the website.
Between Tis-tik, American Apparel, the new Tannery, Passport and Mint Jelp, you can do some fun shopping ladies (and gents) in the little Brattle Square and Church Street area. Don't forget to stop by Upper Crust for a snack. :)
The old West Street Grille in Downtown Crossing (15 West Street) has been boarded up for awhile...but fear not, a new kitchen & bar called Nax & Dylans is going into the location. Internet folks have said that the new place is from the Charlestown Tavern on the Water folks and the food is to be "hip American casual food" or as I like to say, a salad and a a burger will be on the menu.
Banq in the South End is now offering brunch Saturday and Sundays. Brunch will be offered from 11:00am-2:30pm.
Lastly, I am going to recommend checking out the Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne. If you haven't been able to go to a game this season (aka, like me) or ambivalent about the season (aka, like me) then check out this new bar that is open all season. You get the feeling of being in Fenway whenever you'd like. Nice.
Where is the first one? That was my thought when I heard and saw the second one. The first one is in Reading, and the second one is opening where the old Bolocco was on Elm Street in Davis Square. According to Daily Candy, it's supposed to open this weekend, but after a drive by this morning, I would say Sunday over Saturday. :) The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will have both indoor and outdoor seating like previous establishments. Click here for the restaurant's website.
Looks like there will be no Boloco opening up in Beacon Hill after all.
Newest rumors on the Hill though are that b.good, the "healthy burger" restaurant will be opening up in the old Paris Creperie location on Cambridge Street near the Red Line overpass. Since the days of the Creperie, the Spotted Apron was briefly in business at that location (their still hanging signage is almost the only proof that they ever existed).
It's interesting that this photo exhibit is opening as President Bush heads down to New Orleans for his 11th trip down there since Katrina. With that, check out this interesting exhibit that features "quiet images of the homes, churches, and other buildings that were destroyed by Katrina accompanied by haunting views of ordinary objects left behind by the ward's former residents." Like the piano ravaged by water, left. The exhibit is at the Panopticon Gallery located in the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square. The Gallery is open: Tue - Fri: 10 am - 6 pm, Sat: 11 am - 5 pm, Sun & Mon: closed. The exhibit is up until September 29th, with an opening reception on September 18th from 5-7pm.
Photo copyrighted by Johnathan Rosenthal, courtsey of the Panopticon Gallery.
Yes folks a favorite Boston On the Go haunt, The Savant Project in Mission Hill, is hosting a NYE in August. Buy tickets for this dinner and wine pairing event on Saturday, August 23rd - the menu looks delish and is cheaper than Restaurant Week. Tickets are $25.09. For more info, click here.
I blogged about this before, but my dear fans of Oleana, Ana Sortun has opened Sofra Bakery in Cambridge. As in, you can go stop by today. Staying true to her Mediterranean background, you can savor a Turkish breakfast or grab flat bread sandwiches. Yum. Sofra's hours are: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 8:00am-2:00pm and is located at 1 Belmont Street (Fresh Pond area). Daily Candy heard that next door a wine store is also opening, so talk about a 2 in 1 stop.
Photo courtsey of Daily Candy.
Ok, so maybe I cannot guarantee you will get a little somethin', somethin', but apparently over at Bella Luna in JP (above the Milky Way on Centre Street) there is a blogger meet and network tonight. In addition to that, I'd like to add that Tuesdays at Bella Luna are Tapas Night, and all tapas are $8 below. I would love to say to my fellow bloggers that you would see this face behind the name, but I got some kayaking to do.
I love how all these local artists are coming together and making these great events...it's like being in New York without having to see Yankee hats. It's awesome. With that, head over to the VFW in Davis Square tomorrow (Friday) night (it's past Rosebud, near Wings) for a fashion meets dance party extravaganza fabulously named "Paradosaurus Wreck." Click here for event info. The basics: $10 at the door, and 21+ and it starts 9:00pm. Look sharp and be ready to rock.
Maybe you don't want to invest in Restaurant Week, but you still want to be on the scene. Well, next week is for you, folks. JP Centre/South Main Streets is hosting Iron Chef JP from August 18-24th. Participants include: The Alchemist, Ten Tables, Bon Savor, JP Licks, Blue Frog, Centre Street Cafe, JP Seafood, Vee Vee's, Fiore's , and James's Gate. You know, JP's good stuff.
Sadly my knowledge of Swedish cuisine only consists of a dinner that a co-worker made 8 years ago and the Swedish meatballs that I've had at IKEA. After next Wednesday, my knowledge of Swedish cuisine will still, sadly, be from those two sources.
The IKEA in Stoughton will be having an all-you-can eat crayfish party on August 20th from 6pm to 9pm. Their (in)famous meatballs will also be making an appearance.
JP favorite City Feed and Supply opens a new location on Centre Street. Daily Candy reports that the new spot has 4,000 sq ft of space (with some outdoor seating) and serves breakfast, sandwiches and soups and desserts from local favorite Sel de la Terre and produce from Allandale Farm in Brookline. How awesomely local.
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