Boston on the Go: June 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

Good Time Emporium Closes for Good

Make way for the Somerville IKEA folks. Everyone has been hearing the rumors, but yes, it's true, after a lot of negotiations, an IKEA will be built in Somerville at Assembly Square (peace out Stoughton!).

But, this also means that deserted area where a gym, the old Loews theater (I think I saw Vanilla Sky there) and most importantly, the Emporium, are either closed or closing up. I guess we are all going to have to go to Chuck-E-Cheese for our kid fix. The Emporium closes today, Monday June 30.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Au Bon Pain - Free Iced Coffee (today only)

From Au Bon Pain ...

"If you are looking for a good excuse to stretch your legs, we've got one for you. Join us anytime after 2pm on Thursday, June 26th for a FREE Iced Coffee. Stop by for an afternoon break! Bring a friend and 'treat them' to an iced coffee as well. Offer good for one complimentary medium iced coffee per person on 6/26/2008 after 2pm only. No purchase necessary. No coupon required. Not redeemable for cash."

Find the nearest location to you.

It's a bit budget for them to do it only after 2pm and, truthfully, it would have been much better if they made their pastries or baked goods free. Mmmmm, Cherry Strudel ... drool.

And yes, we realize that the photo is not of an iced coffee.

Free Concert @ the Paradise - Tonight

I can't recommend the band, but...it's a FREE concert!

The 411:

Tonight! Miller Lite Great Taste Music Series hosted by Going.com and Miller Lite
The Hold Steady with Aberdeen City
doors at 8 PM; 21+ show
FREE with RSVP @ www.going.com/HoldSteadyParadise

Bored? Head over. Must See TV isn't on anymore!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Meat After Meat Joy

Mmm... Meat... Me hungry...

Sorry, I drooled a wee bit just thinking of about meat. What was I posting... Right, "Meat After Meat Joy".

What is "Meat After Meat Joy"? It is an interesting new art exhibition at Pierre Menard Gallery which is located in near Harvard SQ., Cambridge, MA.

According to the gallery's website, "Meat After Meat Joy investigates the paradoxical relationship meat has to the body. Meat combines flesh, skin, muscle, organs, blood — each with its own relationship to the body, yet meat’s only reference to the body is as a once-upon-a-time living biological thing. By putting these artists together, Meat After Meat Joy seeks to investigate the uncanny effect meat as a medium is for artist and viewer. This is not a show about meat as spectacle but about meat as signification, precisely because meat does not signify (a body) but its very annihilation".

The photo on this posting is pretty much the tamest one. Check out the gallery's website and you will be surprise to see what kind of other art works are included in this collection!

This exhibit will be running until July 20th, 2008.

The photo is a Tamara Kostianovsky, Abacus, 2008, clothing belonging to the artist, ink, shellac, polyester batting, meat hooks

Tales of Girls, Boys, and Marsupials

Once up on a time, there were girls, boys, and marsupials in the land far far away...

That’s pretty much all I got... Sorry to disappoint for those who expected to read about some fairy tale story involving girls, boys and marsupials. There is no story here.

But, there is an album released by The Wombats, titled “A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation” (<- iTunes Store link) and its first track is called “Tales of Girls, Boys, and Marsupials”.

It’s about time that this album got released here in the US. Damn the record companies for putting on DRM (For those who are not geeky enough to know what DRM is, click here) and not releasing albums quickly in different parts of the world! I guess better late than never.

Originally, this was release in UK last year as The Wombats’ debut album. Anyhoo, listen to tracks such as “Moving to New York”, “Let’s Dance to Joy Division”, “Kill the Director” and “Patricia the Stripper”. These folks are indie-rock-disco and a laugh! Lyrics maybe silly, but do you really need deep and meaningful lyrics when you are drinking and having fun?!

Photo from The Wombats' album

Monday, June 23, 2008

Restaurant News

What up foodies. Love Toro down on Washington Street in the South End? Me too. I could eat their corn all day. But get this - a new tapas joint is hitting the block. Around the corner at 700 Harrison Ave, Estragon has opened. The new restaurant also features a lounge and an adjacent store selling Spanish foods. Que bueno! Estragon will be open nightly until 1:00am and the kitchen closes at 12:30am.

Hampshire House is offering a fun hangover event for you and the "special person" in your life - on Saturday, July 5, the Hampshire House is offering Dinner and a Movie - Hitchcock's "Rear Window" and a three course dinner for $30. Not too shabby.

Boston Public has closed. RIP steak house.

Viva Pedro Series at the Brattle

I'm a bit biased, I know. Brattle is doing a Bette Davis Repertory Series this summer too, but Viva Pedro is my pick. This Boston gal really loves her weird Spanish films. Pedro Almodóvar, is the Spanish Hitchcock and they are showing some of the great ones - and Penelope Cruz's best work. The movies start July 24, with Volver and Talk to Her, July 31 - Bad Education, August 7 - All About My Mother - (Winner of Best Foreign Film), August 14th - Women on a Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, August 21 - Live Flesh and Flower of My Secret and ending on August 28th with Law of Desire and Matador.

If Pedro's not your scene, maybe sing-a-longs with Singing the Rain, Moulin Rouge and the Muppet Movie in August will get your fix. Either way, check out the fun series at the Brattle - the theater will be sure to keep you cool on those hot, hot nights.

Coolidge Corner Fans...

Your 'hood's having a Block Party! Stop by Finale, Mint Julep (bostongal's favorite rings are there!) and more to receive discounts, free desserts (with purchase) and more. The Coolidge Corner Block Party is happening Wednesday, June 25th from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Click here for the full list of promotions and participants.

Dot 2 Dot Opens in Dorchester

Dorchester is getting trendy - first D bar and Blarney Stone and now Dot 2 Dot. The new coffee shop (featuring the always bonus point of FREE wi-fi) is located at 1739 Dorchester Ave, between the Ashmont and Shawmut T stops on the Red Line. Go beyond your 'hood and check it out!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

MINDmatters

If you are in South End, try to pop by Laconia Gallery for an interesting show called “MINDmatters, Mechanisms and Mysteries of the Mind".

According to the Gallery press release, “This exhibition may show how science affects human experience and artistic expression. In this exhibition by 8 artists working in several disciplines there is new emphasis on brain mapping, identity stabilization, integration of self, and healing. Several of the participating artists have had intimate contact with dementia, brain surgery, and bi-polar disorder. Notably absent are reflections on Freud, dreams, sex or violence. Lingering references to visions, parapsychology, and spiritual disciplines (so pervasive in the 80’s) share space with the new imagery inspired by neuroscience.”

Better hurry though, it ends on June 28th, 2008.

Photo is from Laconia Gallery (Constance Jacobson, Tome Series, #20)

Friday, June 20, 2008

Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

Yeap, if you are scratching your head what the title of this post means then don't worry. You are not alone!

It's a title of a new album (<- iTunes Store link) from one of my favorite band, Sigur Rós. The new album will be released this coming Monday (23rd June, 2008).

In the meantime, you can listen to the new album via streaming. Song "Gobbledigook" can be download as an mp3 as well.

For this album, they are decided to sing in mostly Icelandic and few songs in English. No "Hopelandic" :( Also, they have collaborated with Nine Inch Nails' producer, Flood and they made very interesting transition from their previous album. Unlike their previous album, Takk... (<- iTunes Store link), this album is less rock oriented. More along the lines of acoustic guitars, but the sund is still the same: ethereal, grand, and complex layering. Just listen to the song "Festival". It's just brilliant!

photo from Sigur Rós album

Finally! Girl Talk drops a new album!

I have been waiting for some new music from Girl Talk since his last album ("Night Ripper" in 2006). Little birdie told me this morning (ok, it was an e-mail) that Girl Talk has released a new album called "Feed The Animals".

Definitely another classic from Girl Talk. Mashing with Faith No More, Sinead O'Connor, Busta Rhymes, Police, Radiohead, etc.! Overall, the album is very upbeat and fun! If you can dance then you will be dancing up a sweat storm listening to this album! So far, I have been non-stop head-bopping (This is the most extent of me dancing).

Also, Girl Talk is following Radiohead's great internet experiment of "name your price" for this album. I say it is well worth $9.99 (No need for physical CD. Digital download and reduce carbon footprint)! Give the man some of your hard earn dosh so that he can continue to make great mash ups!

photo from Girl Talk Album

Chefs in Shorts

On the off chance that you haven't had a chance to go to one of the many outdoor events with food, here's another one on June 27: The 11th Annual Chefs in Shorts

Tickets are $60 but include beer, wine, and food tasting from various chefs in the Boston area. And to make you feel better about going, proceeds go to the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Beer Fest!

I am afraid we have been downright negligent here at BostonOnTheGo, and for that I apologize, but too much beer has killed far too many brain cells.

This Friday and Saturday there will be the American Craft Beer Fest at the World Trade Center, located in the Seaport area.

Highlights include 75 brewers and 300 beers to sample, and the opportunity to talk to some really friendly and knowledgeable beer masters. The Extreme Beer Fest (where all the beers had high alcohol content) back in February was a huge hit, and this one surely will be as well.

Tickets are $40 dollars per 3.5 hour session. Time to get your drink on ... 2 ounces at a time.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Hotel Hub?

On the way to Chris Rock at the Wang on Saturday, I commented to some peeps that on the corner of Kneeland and Tremont the first "W" Hotel in Boston is being built for completion. We are getting another boutique hotel, in the old Ames building (Court St at State Street, across from the Old State House) and it's fittingly being called the Ames Hotel. The hotel building was office space and currently has the ground floor tenant of Newbury Comics. Check out the Globe article here.

Monday, June 16, 2008

True Religion Opens on Newbury Street

California-based True Religion opens its first New England apparel store on Newbury Street. (True Religion may sound familiar because Fergie mentioned it in "My Humps"). The store is located at 119 Newbury St and carries the company's men, women and children's collections, along with other products, like footwear, head wear and handbags.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Burritos of Beacon Hill

It appears the Boston Burrito War is spreading to Beacon Hill.

Anna's Taqueria has just opened up their latest store - this time in Beacon Hill (Cambridge St and Garden St). Indications are that Boloco is planning to open a store a mere block away at Cambridge St and Irving St. Could a Qdoba, Baja Fresh, Chipotle, or Boca Grande be close behind?

Prior to Anna's, burrito options in Beacon Hill consisted of Viva Burrito on Staniford St (large portions but kind of bland) and the hidden gem Villa Mexico. Why is Villa Mexico a hidden gem? It's a gem because the food is handmade and absolutely flavorful and delicious. And it's hidden because it's located in Grampy's gas station (on Cambridge St across from MGH). That's right ... a gas station. It's perfectly fine though because the restaurant and gas are staffed by different people. And while service can be a bit slow since things are handmade, it is definitely worth the wait.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

And to think they get paid for it

Now, our blog is not one for us to rant on, but I thought this article, especially for those of us who may pay taxes in Boston, is an interesting one. Apparently, a bunch of people from City Hall went down to NYC to take a look at how New York has redeveloped or planned their parks. Why? Because Boston Common is being used more for crime and drug use than the actual public use it was made for, many years ago. Click here for the article.

As someone with an urban planning background, perhaps this is why I find this to be dumb. Go around your own city, and check out PO Square in the Financial District or the new cafe at the ICA and see how successful they are...why? cause there is food, music and it's clean. The fact that officials took notes learning about wi-fi cafes, public events and concerts that happen in NYC is sad to me. Perhaps instead of wasting money on a trip, they could have saved Shakespeare in the Common or brought a new group there. Or better yet, giving the potential of a Frog Pond bar/cafe (already proposed many times before) some actual merit. Or, some more street lights, but similar to Menino's massive tower, maybe this is a pie in the sky dream.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Amtrak (update)

Quick update ...
Amtrak has postponed their bridge repairs between New York and Boston. There will be service between June 14th and 17th.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Friday the 13th is lucky!

Head over to JP Licks and get yourself a free, medium iced coffee tomorrow! Yum.

Harvard Art Museums

Did you know that if you head over to the Sackler or Fogg/Busch-Reisinger Museums on Saturdays from 10:00am-12:00pm and everyday after 4:30pm they are free? Well, now you do. And I have to recommend checking out these exhibits at the Fogg on 19th century art, black and white photography, impressionism and post-impressionism pieces, and a bunch of modern art. Some of these exhibits end this month, so hurry, before it's too late!

Yo foodies -new food by the folks behind Oleana

Ana Sortun, owner and renowned chef (James Beard Award winner) of Oleana in Cambridge, is opening up a new Middle Eastern bakery and cafe called Sofra. Sofra is a partnership with Oleana's pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick, and the menu will offer a hummus bar, sandwhich made with fresh flatbreads, fruits and herbs. Located in Cambridge near the Belmont line, at 1 Belmont St. Causal dining by the owner of Oleana? Score.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Smokin' in Boston

Didn't see any posts on this yet. Next week, Phantom Gourmet presents the best BBQ teams in the world.

Weekday admission is $5. It's $10 for the weekend. Check out the event website for discounted tickets.

June 18-22, from 10 AM to 11 PM

Farmers' Markets 2008

With everything more expensive than it was a year before, isn't it nice to know that the market season is here? It means you can probably walk to get cheaper organic food and baked goods. Hot? Totally.

Below is a list of local farmers' markets. Most markets either started this week or will next week. Ending time varies. Click here for more info.

Cambridge

Central Square, behind Harvard Co-op/Mass Ave. Mondays, 11:30am-6:00pm
Kendall Square, near the Genzyme bldg, at Kendall Street. Two blocks away from the T. Kendall's market is featuring Taza Chocolate and Christina's Ice Cream. Yum. Thursdays, 11:00am-2:00pm.
Cambridgeport, Morse School, Magazine St. & Memorial Dr., Saturdays, 10:00am-3:00pm
Harvard Square, Charles Hotel Plaza area, Fridays & Sundays, F: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Boston

Copley Square Market, Copley Plaza, across from BPL. Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:00am-6:00pm.
Haymarket, Fridays & Saturdays. You know where this is, right? Just a warning, this is good to go to if you are going to eat what you buy within 2 days.
Charlestown, Thompson Sq. at Main & Austin Streets, Wednesdays, 2:00pm-7:00pm
Jamaica Plain, Bank of America Parking Lot, Centre St. Tuesdays & Saturdays, T: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sat: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Mission Hill, Brigham Circle, at Huntington Ave. & Tremont St., Thursdays, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Roxbury, Dudley Town Common, Dudley St. & Blue Hill Ave., Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:00pm to 7:00 pm

Arlington, Somerville & Brookline

Davis Square, parking lot behind Starbucks, Wednesdays, 12pm until dark.
Union Square (features arts too), Saturdays, 9:00am-1:00pm
Coolidge Corner, Thursdays, 1:30pm til dusk.
Arlington, public lot behind Mass Ave, Wednesdays, 1:30pm-6:00pm

Monday, June 9, 2008

Two Music Bits

One, go to Starbucks (I recommend by Tuesday/Wednesday) and grab a business card that says "Pick of the Week." What is this you may ask? Well, Starbucks gives out, through iTunes, a free song or video each week. This week, it's Sia's video for the song "Day to Soon." Other artists featured are Duffy, Adele and Bitter:Sweet.

Two, this is a fun freakin' site. :) www.muxtape.com - make your own virtual mixtape. Forewarning though, it only takes MP3s, so iTunes lovers beware.

Amtrak Service - Boston to NY (and back)

For those traveling between Boston and New York, Amtrak has always been a nice alternative to buses and planes. With buses there is always the fear of being delayed by traffic jams and of possibly dying in a fiery rollover accident (yes, I am talking about Fung Wah buses). With planes there is always the hassle of security lines, not ending up quite in the city, and the guilt of a large carbon footprint.

In any case, there will be NO Amtrak service between Boston and NY between June 14 and 17th. Work will be done on a bridge during that time and, while this is probably a good thing, four days seems a bit on the short side.

Disclaimer: I have only ridden Amtrak once since an agonizing Thanksgiving weekend trip from NY to Providence back in 1999 ... but that's a story for another time.

Friday, June 6, 2008

More Free Ice Cream

Tomorrow is supposed to be a scorcher in Boston with highs into the low 90s. Sure there'll be rain too, but that's only going to add to the humidity and make the day more miserable.

Friendly's ... the restaurant with the little red sign that serves diner type food and the Happy Ending Sundae ... is offering free ice cream to customers tomorrow (details).

They're not the easiest to get to if you don't have a car, but when it's free, it's hard to complain.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Check out a new section

Instead of just giving a list of places we've heard about or been to (we blog about that too much anyways), we're going to add a new section called, "where to go...for ___" this week: brunch. Next week? Well, that's for us to know and for you to find out. ;)

93 Mass Ave gets revamped

Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approves of a mixed-use development along the corner of Newbury Street and Mass Ave. Click here for the boston.com piece and an image of the new building. 3 current restaurants currently are on the ground floor.

Hungry Mother Reviewed

A couple of months ago we brought you info about Hungry Mother (opening) and (review)

If you haven't had the chance to try out Hungry Mother yet, you may want to wait a couple of weeks. The Boston Globe just came out with a review today, and if history repeats itself, the line will be out the door for the next few weeks.

New Persian Restaurant Opens in Watertown

Watertown is the Boston area's own melting pot of sorts, as you drive down Rt. 16 (aka Mt. Auburn Street) you notice the variety of cultural bakeries and groceries. Local Iranians have also made Watertown a spot for foods from the homeland.

With that, I was happy to see that in additional to Molana, a new venue has opened - Shiraz Cuisine. Click here for the recent Globe review. And when you head out to Watertown, stop by Tabrizi Bakery from some delicious treats. And if you can't make it to Watertown, check out Moby Dick's on Huntington Street (near Symphony Hall) in Boston. The kabob wraps are delicious.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Rumor has it...

Four Burgers opened to the public today in Central Square. I have been dying to go and grab a milkshake from this new venture from the owners of the Paramount Cafe (Charles Street, Beacon Hill). 704 Mass Ave. Go check it out foodies. It's all we got since In-an-Out won't head to the East Coast. :)

PS- Milkshakes (vanilla and chocolate only) are good, burgers looked to be a good size and there are tons of different fries (regular, sweet potato). Beer and wine are also available. Food is available for eat-in or take out. I personally loved the sleek decor.

US Air Guitar Championships!

Sometimes, I really like the events in Sidekick. Today, would be one of them. The US Air Guitar Championship is being held at the Middle East in Cambridge on Thursday. Click here for the full details. Entry is $15. Worth it? Probably.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Time to Start Thinking of a Getaway

After Memorial Day, and this week's upcoming 70s-80s forecast, we here at the On-the-Go Team, finally made a list of our go-to "get away" spots. Maybe you just need a break from the city life or perhaps the most recent break up...whatever the reason, choose somewhere else besides the Cape to escape to.

New Hampshire: There is more to NH than skiing. You can spend a day trip going to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. About a hour and half from Boston (that's in traffic) Portsmouth is a great getaway. Check out the great restaurants and quaint shops in its downtown and the local harbor. Portsmouth is also home to three popular brewing companies: Portsmouth Brewery, Smuttynose Brewing Company and Redhook Brewing Co. Po rtsmouth Brewery is like out Boston Beer Company, as the brewery is located right inside the pub near downtown. Smuttynose & Redhook are off the beaten path, but both provide tours of their facilities.

Maine: There is the drive up to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, take the train to Portland or just do the quick drive up to York. York, with its quaint downtown and beach scene is great for a beach day trip (don't forget to hit up the Kittery outlets nearby). Bar Harbor and Portland make great weekend getaways for those who love seafood and the ocean. It's always great to go up to Maine when it's blueberry picking time, for another local experience.

Vermont: Vermont is definitely worth a weekend getaway. While there, you can experience Cabot cheeses, Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory, Magic Hat Brewery, Lake Champlain Chocolates, great state parks and more. On July 18th & 19th, check out the Vermont Brewers Festival. Over 15 brewers from the New England area will be in attendance. Definitely a must go for the beer aficionado.

Massachusetts: We're not forgetting Massachusetts. You can drive two hours into the Pioneer Valley and experience Northampton and Amherst without the college kids, hike Mount Holyoke, or visit the Quabbin Reservoir. Don't have a car? Don't worry, you can leave Boston for a day and still see it - take a $14 round-trip boat from Long Wharf (near the North End) and visit the Boston Harbor Islands. One of Boston best kept secrets.

Expect a post on a day in Providence, RI soon, too.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Crab & Shrimp Festival at Magnolia's

An Inman Square staple, Magnolia's is leaving Cambridge. After 23 years, the restaurant will be closing on June 14th. Until then, come by and say farewell and eat seafood. Perhaps their grilled shrimp with black mission figs? Whatever your choice, go eat some real southern, Cajun-style food before it's gone.

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