Boston on the Go: July 2008

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Take a Hike!

Did you know that right outside your little city here there is so much to do and see? Well, there is. You don't have to go far to feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.

Here are some places to go check out.

The obvious: Minuteman Bike Trail. There is actually a lot of cute shops in Lexington Center folks. Not a bad bike ride at all. Also on this list is the Charles River Walk/Bike ways. It's 17 miles! That's like, a half marathon!

Southie sometimes gets a bad rap. That's obviously cause they haven't spent a date on Castle Island. Click here for the main site. But this park area is great for the historic geek and the family looking for a playground.

Cambridge's underutilized resource is Danhey Park, up in the Alewife/Fresh Pond area and accessible by T or by the Minuteman Trail. PS, it used to be a dump. Cambridge knows how to reuse and recycle. :) And if you really want to walk around the area, head over to Fresh Pond Reservoir.

The Middlesex Fells is 2500 acres of outdoor goodness. Whether you like to bike or hike, there is something for everyone, and it's a quick drive away. On Sunday, August 31, from 10:00am-1:00pm, DCR is hosting a hike, too. :)

Walden Pond is a great little area to stop by whether you want a little beach experience or just a quick hike. Out in Concord, you can go explore more by hitting up the historical areas too.

Lastly, I CANNOT get enough of the Boston Harbor Islands. Boston on the Go heard about a new book, called Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands: A Guide to the City's Hidden Shores By Christopher Klein. The guide is 224 page, has over 150-full color photos and historical images, a foreword by Mayor Menino, maps, and a resource section listing recreational activities on and around the islands. Like, did you know there is options such as scuba sailing lessons, kayak rentals and summer programs for kids all around the islands? Well, you will! The book is $17.95 , and you can learn and order it through Amazon.com or www.unionparkpress.com. For the author's blog, click here.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Check Out Dr. Horrible

What is Dr. Horrible? Um, a sing-a-long featuring Neil Patrick Harris and directed by Buffy creator Josh Weadon. It's on iTunes. Or here for free. It's lengend-wait for it-dary.

Got Cheesecake?

Apparently, Cheesecake Factory is turning 30! Happy B-day C-Factory!

To celebrate, the are kickin' off with the commemoration of National Cheesecake Day on July 30th (aka tomorrow/Wednesday), The Cheesecake Factory restaurants will offer every delicious slice of its more than 30 varieties of cheesecake with a dollop of nostalgia by featuring all cheesecakes at $1.50 per slice, limit one per guest, on that day--as they were when the restaurant first opened in 1978.

In addition, a special, limited edition cheesecake, the 30th Anniversary Chocolate Cake Cheesecake, will be introduced on July 30th with $0.25 from the sale of each slice sold this year benefiting the national hunger-relief organization, America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network. Additional activities will be announced throughout the year.

That is the sweetness.

Can't get enough of the Bard?

Well, fear not old English fans! If you already saw Shakespeare on the Common (ahem, that would not be me), head over to Harvard Square this weekend and soak in some Shakespeare! The American Reportory Theater and other local theater groups will be around the Square all weekend long (Friday 8/1- Sunday 8/3) performing and dressing up in garb. Apparently, some of the restaurants will have some Elizabethan dinner specials too. That's way old old school. Click here for more info.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Metrosexual Movers!

So there is a new moving company in town, and they are trendy and hip. And they want to make sure your move is too. Daily Candy reports that the new company, Metrosexual Movers, based out of Arlington is here to help you have a fashionable move. I personally enjoy their slogan, "Your Sh#* ain't Sh#*!". So, next time you need a mover, looking into these stylish boys.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Can the Amazon be saved?

Amazônia, a free photography exhibit on the Amazon, is happening at the Wilson International Center for Scholars through August 29th. Check out their catalog. Not open on the weekends though.

Did you know that the Amazon rainforest has 200 species of mosquitoes?!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

So You Think You Can Dance?

Prove it! Head over to the ICA this August for their popular series YOU DANCE! Below is the information on the first few, but I think I want to try bellydancing, cause my hips don't lie.

YOU DANCE FRIDAYS IS BACK!
Last summer's popular series combining dance lessons and live music returns with four new dance styles. Free with museum admission. Admission is $12 for general and $10 for students and seniors.

Swing
August 1, 6 pm
Start with an hour of instruction, then put your new moves to the test with music by Russ Gershon’s Swing Vote, featuring musicians from the Either/Orchestra.

Samba
August 8, 6 pm
Start with an hour of instruction by André Carvalho and Rosangela Santiago, then move to the rhythm of the Brasilis quartet, led by award-winning flutist and composer Fernando Brandão

Coming up: Tap and Bellydance!

Port Authority May Be Getting a New Look

I know, it's not South Station, and the rumors of the building they want put on top of that, but for those of us who use the bus to get to NYC, this is will our entry portal into the Big Apple. All three proposals for buildings above Port Authority are pretty interesting...click here for the New York Times piece.

Will the I.M Pei Fountain be no more?

Boston Business Journal reported this afternoon that Mayor Menino and the BRA are asking residents of the Back Bay/Fenway area for input on the future of the Christian Science Center. Click here for the full article. Sadly, it is a underutilized public space...but I would hate to see it become another massive office/luxury condo building.

Picture by Nehal N. Sanghvi

Milky Way always has good events

Check out the following event on Monday night at the JP hang out. Free bowling and an Ice Cream person, I think. Too bad Bella Luna and the Milky Way have to leave Centre Street.

On a side note, I also heard around town that North Shore Mall is getting an H&M store this fall. And the old Magnolia's site in Inman Square in Cambridge may have some southern comfort food offerings from another local favorite chef soon, too. When I know more I'll let you know!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Dating Scene

So, Yelp recently emailed me about where to go on dates, and unless they make 6 figure Gs, some people were recommending a lot of places I thought (and know) are expensive. So, here is my choices (low end and high end), besides the obvious stroll down North End's Hanover Street and a bowl of soup at Wagamama. PS- these places are also great for a night out with your peeps.

In Cambridge, Temple Bar fondue is romantic, no? At least after a couple of dates...after all, fondue is a type of oral fixation... :) Casablanca in Harvard Square after a movie at the Brattle is classic and grabbing a pizza at Cambridge 1 will also do the trick. If you are at Kendall and want to discuss the cultural impact on the independent you just saw, grab a beer and fried oysters at Hungry Mother. Enormous Room in Central Square will always be a good spot to share kabobs and get up close and personal on the rug platforms. And for off the beaten path in Cambridge, head over to River Gods. Food and atmosphere are definitely inviting for a little somethin' somethin'.

In the South End, you could go crazy with all the nice, high-end restaurants, but a lunch date at Flour Bakery is always a good time (cause if you're just not that into him or her, you can watch all the fabulous people walking down Washington Street). Pops, especially in their back room, is definitely a fun place as well as grabbing a drink at Beehive. If you want outdoor dining, consider tapas and sangria at Toro. Also, Coda is a great first date spot, too. And for the architect aficionado, bring him/her to Banq, where the interior is sure to give you something to talk about.

In the new Fort Point District, if you want to woo your lovah's musical heart, hit up Legal Test Kitchen and ask for the iPod dock, so you can serenade with your own playlist. Or, stop by Lucky's, with its dim lighting you are sure to look good even with bags under your eyes. Lastly, if you just hit up the MFA and are looking for a good place for a beer or dessert, check out the Savant Project where the churro dessert will definitely make you hot (the chocolate is spicy!). Savant also has board games for those who lack in conversation...maybe a game of Ghettopoly is in order?

And in Somerville, there is always Gargoyle's on the Square in Davis. Whether it be grabbing a martini or a nice anniversary dinner, it's the nicest restaurant in the immediate area. If you want to just watch the game together, check out Redbones. If you want to grab tapas Indian style, look at Diva Lounge. For a quick date over sushi? Yoshi's in Powderhouse Square has reasonable prices. Over in Teele Square, hit up Rudy's for Mexican or Sabur's for Mediterranean atmosphere and fare. Lastly, if you really want to look romantic (or maybe just get some) try out Dali on Washington Street. Just walk in there and you'll get what I'm taking about.

Did I miss any? It's been awhile since I've been on a good date folks, so share your tips. If you need tips on things to do on dates, also leave a comment and I'll add those too. And if you just need to hear about some sketchy dating stories, click here and here.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Summer In The Parks

This Thursday at 8PM, film "The Princess Bride" will be showing at
Devotion School in Coolidge Corner as part of the Summer In The Parks
series.

There are other films and locations left for this series. Checkout: www.coolidge.org/park

Friday, July 18, 2008

Starbucks Closing Stores in MA

Starbucks announced recently their plans to close up to 600 of their stores in the US. The list of stores closing has been made available, which includes 7 stores in MA. None in Boston, but one each in the towns of Burlington, Dartmouth, Newton, North Attleboro, Sharon, Stoughton, and Worcester.

The loss of jobs at Starbucks is obviously unfortunate, but their closure of stores really was inevitable after years of over-expansion in the US with new stores cannibalizing sales from existing ones. The weak economy clearly has not helped matters either.

All of this brings to mind an article from The Onion a few years back titled, 'New Starbucks Opens in Rest Room of Existing Starbucks'.

Maybe I shouldn't tell you, but I will...

So, The Phoenix emailed me about an event they are doing next week and maybe you have to be special (i.e. sign up for their newsletters) but my dear readers, you are special to me, hence I'm passing it along to you.

What is the event? Amstel Light Lounge, 1870 Amsterdam. Featuring, Amstel Light, Dutch appetizers, live music and other trendy things. Where? Grand Canal near North Station. When? July 24, 8:00pm-Midnight. RSVP to: amstelboston@mirrorball.com.

New Beer Garden @ Charlie's Kitchen

So, Harvard Square wants to become the patio mecca of the Boston area. And to add to that roster of patio and outdoor dining, local spot Charlie's Kitchen just added a Beer Garden. Daily Candy reports that the bar/restaurant added more outdoor seating, a full dinner menu and an in situ bar serving sixteen draft beers. I could use one of those right now, right? :) Charlie's Kitchen is located on Eliot Street, near by Brattle Square and the Charles Hotel.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Midnight Bike Tour of Boston

For those of you who are interested in Boston architecture or have always wanted to be part of a biker gang, the Midnight Bike Tour of Boston is fast approaching.

This Tour started back in 1989 and is an opportunity to bike around Boston at night viewing historic and architectural sites around the city. The ride is usually around 30 miles or so (and from our understanding is at a rather leisurely pace and occurs rain or shine). In recent years the Tour has started with anywhere from 130 to 170 bikers.

This year it will be starting the night of August 9th and ending the morning of August 10th.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Last Day to be a Part of Art

So, you may have read about the new initiatives at that the City is doing in Downtown Crossing. New logos, new neighborhood organization name (Downtown Crossing Association is now Downtown Crossing Partnership) and new public art. The neighborhood is on the upswing, with 45 Province Street condos and the new Suffolk dorms coming online soon and of course, the new One Franklin Bldg, home to the old Filene's and new Filene's Basement.

But before we can be shocked with buildings, the City wants us to be shocked and awed by...YOU! Tomorrow (Thursday, July 17th) is the last day you can go downtown and be a part of the new public art project entitled "HAVE WE MET YET?" By fall 2008, hundreds of “street-portraits” - all of people who visit Downtown Crossing - will wrap the construction site of One Franklin. Click here for more on that project.

So, tomorrow, stop by the corner of Summer and Washington Streets (aka Boston's 100% corner) from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm and become art history!

Arrgh - Hate Fox Sports

An amazing Major League Baseball All-Star game tonight at Yankee Stadium. Low-scoring, clutch hits, great defense (besides Dan Uggla), the drama of another potential tie, and an incredibly close finish.

A 4:50 minute game over 15 innings. It was worth seeing every minute of it. But now at 1:40 stinking AM, before announcing the MVP of the game, Fox Sports has taken two full commercial breaks.

Finally, for the love of all that is holy, they tell us. The MVP is JD Drew (although he really should be DJ Drew) of the Boston Red Sox. Well deserved for his 2-run tying HR and getting the key walk that moved the eventual winning run to third base with less than two outs.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Business News

The Globe reported that Boloco is closing its Davis Square location...that building (where Carberry's once was) has now gone through 3 tenants in the past 5-6 years...and Saladworks, a salad chain from Pennsylvania, is targeting the Greater Boston area, specifically Cambridge and Back Bay. Lastly, the BBJ is reporting that L’Espalier will close at 30 Gloucester Street (last day is August 30th) and move to the new Mandarin Oriental Boston Hotel & Residences on Sept. 15, 2008. This is where the new Sel de la Terre will also be opening.

Heads Up!

Art Beat, the Somerville Arts Council's annual block and craft party, is this upcoming weekend, from Friday July 18th- Saturday July 19th. Head over to Davis Sq, and take a look at some of the independent artists on the streets, or perhaps the local live acts (I want to see Afrobatik on Friday night - he's the hip hop guy who does the Sports Rap on 94.5fm). And while you are enjoying the outdoor activities, remember to stop by Magpie or Poor Little Rich Girl for some goods. By next year, you will also enjoy Bowl and Board, since the houseware store is leaving is Mass Ave/Harvard Sq location for Davis Sq (the old McIntyre and Moore space). Oh, and these events are all FREE. Click here for the schedule.

P.S. - Streets in Davis close down for this event, so avoid driving in the area on Saturday.

Two New Stores Open in Harvard Square

Daily Candy had to remind me this morning that I forgot to tell you, dear readers...Market in the Square, a 24-hour gourmet deli/food store opened in Harvard Square. Located on the corner of Brattle and Church Streets (right near by the new Tannery) the market features a hot and salad station, a deli, some grocery items and tons of candy...like Japanese favorites to be exact.

In addition to the Market, as I reported before, the new Upper Crust has officially opened on Brattle Street in Harvard Square, near by the Market actually. Today is their unofficial, official opening. I was getting tired of getting Upper Crust only in Boston. :)

Monday, July 14, 2008

As We Like It...

After many rumors that Shakespeare on the Common was dying, it's coming back this year on July 18th with As You Like It (it's a comedy - click here for the synopsis).

As You Like It will be staged at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common July 18 through August 3, 2008, with two dress rehearsals open to the public on July 16 and 17. Remember - it's FREE!

Click here for the full schedule, grab some take out and enjoy a great Boston tradition under the stars. If you need food recommendations near by, just comment and I'll give you a bunch.

Oh it is ladies night...

The Good Life (not the Kanye song, the Downtown Crossing bar/restaurant) is featuring a monthly ladies night called Party Music Suppliers (aka PMS). PMS is the female-only DJ night at the Good Life (sorry playas) and DJ Ms. Thang and Just Joan (mixers from the Enromous Room and the Milky Way) will play your favorite dance, house and hip-hop.

But drinks and disco aren't the only bonuses. My favorite JP boutique, Salmagundi will also be at this event showing off new collections and giveaways! The event is from 9:00pm-2:00am. Eat, drink and shop crazy.

Photo from www.thegoodlifebar.com.

Cheap Eats

Cheap Eats:

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Bone Up (they said it)

Chicken Bon e in Fenway in doing a wing eating contest on the 24th. Prizes include beer and gift certificates for more wings...woohoo. Sign up early to participate.

go check out the SMFA

If you want to be on the cutting edge of art and really impress your art geek date, (for example, me) check out the SMFA. Located right near the MFA, the School has not only classes for the public but also student and faculty art sales and exhibits. So maybe on your way from the MFA to the Isbella next weekend, stop by here first. :)

http://www.smfa.edu/

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Restaurant Gossip

Owner of Dorchester's Ashmont Grill is opening a new Italian project with pizza, paninis and pastas. Tavolo (the project's name) is slated to open in August and will be located @ 1900 Dorcester Ave, and the kitchen will be open from 11:00am-11:00pm, daily.

South End Buttery (on Shawmut Ave.) will be expanding in August with a full bar and a committment to keeping dishes under $20. Hangar steak for under $20? Sign me up! The Buttery will also have brunch and lunch menus. The cafe is also dog friendly, too!
photo from South End Buttery

Stella (Washington St.) in the South End has opened Stella Cafe right next door. Open from 6am-6pm (Monday-Friday), the cafe will feature breakfast, lunch & pasteries (like cupcakes!). The cafe is also planning to sell prepared foods.

Keep your eyes open for the new North End hot spot Nico Restorante.

Sel de la Terre already is located near the Aquarium here in Boston (and @ the Natick Collection), but they are planning to open a second location in Back Bay @ 774 Boylston St and it will be open in September.

And lastly, heads up foodies, Boston Restaurant Week is coming up! The two weeks this August are: August 10th-15th and 17th-22nd. Click here for the list.

No more Bitten line?

SJP should have gone with Target, but what do I know. Well, I know this - BBJ is reporting that Steve & Barry's, known for being uber cheap (a new store just opened at the Liberty Tree Mall) and for carrying SJP's Bitten line, and Amanda Bynes Dear line just filed for Chapter 11. Click here for the Journal's piece.

Icarus 30th Anniversary Menu

One of my favorite South End (and high-end) restaurants, Icarus is hosting its 30th Anniversary menu from July 7-August 2nd. The menu is a 3 course menu for $30. Click here for the details and here for the special menu. The polenta appetizer is to die for! It's a great place for a date, too. I should know, I used it. :) Icarus is located at 3 Appleton Street.

Downtown Food Update

The Z-Square in the Park , the Park being Post Office Square Park, is now officially open.

In other news, it looks like the finishing touches are being put on the latest incarnation of The Littlest Bar. The new The Littlest Bar is located on the corner of Broad and Franklin streets (next to The Times and across the street from JA Stats) and appears to be quite a bit bigger than the old one. The old one was located on Province Street in Downtown Crossing but was torn down to make way for a condo project (45 Province).

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Free Slurpee Day @ 7-11

On Friday (7/11/08), stop by a local 7-11 (there are three in Downtown Crossing, one on Beacon Hill, one in Central Square) and get a free slurpee. If the heat is like it is today, y'all should go get two. :)

Monday, July 7, 2008

Summer 2008 Radio Hits

We all have our guilty music pleasures, and they seem to all come out more during the summer. Here's a list of those songs you hate to love, love to hate so far this summer.

Already overplayed, but still catchy...

-Usher - "Make Love in this Club"
-Danity Kane - "Damaged"
-Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake - "4 Minutes to Save the World"
- The Ting Tings - "Shut Up and Let Me Go"
-Lil Wayne - "Lolipop"
-Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"
-Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl"
-Chris Brown - "Forever"
-Maroon 5, feat. Rihanna - "If I Never See Your Face Again"
-Jesse McCartney - "Leavin"
-Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"
-Britney Spears - "Break the Ice"

Songs I forgot (thanks Meredithk1981):
-Ray J - "Sexy Can I"
-Jonas Brothers - "Burnin' Up" (do people really listen to them?) :)

Two songs I'd like to see get on this list: Ne-Yo's "Closer", Lindsay Lohan's "Bossy"

Did I miss one? Click comment and let me know.

Local Summer Film Series

So the weather reports for the Boston area this week are for hot, and more hot..aka, summer is finally here! Which basically means for those of us who don't have air conditioning, movie theaters will be a great venue to cool off. After you've checked out WALL-E and the other summer hits, check out these local theaters' summer series.

Brattle Theater, Harvard Square.
I already blogged about the Viva Pedro! series, but there is another series this summer I'd like to mention to you dear readers - Disturbed Suburbs Series on Wednesdays. Starting July 16th, the series features Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Gender Redesigner, American Teen (Sundance hit), The Breakfast Club, The Swimmer, The Ice Storm (one of my favs), Halloween and Juno! There are more, but this list will do. And don't forget, for $75, you get a yearly memebership to the Brattle Theater which includes 12 free admission passes and more.

My recommendations for drinks/food after the show: The new Upper Crust (across the street on Brattle St), Casablanca (downstairs from the theater), the new Creama Cafe, Cambridge 1 (Chruch St.), Wagamama, Z Square (both on JFK Street) and Upstairs on the Square.

Museum of Fine Arts, Huntington Ave.
You may not be taking French classes anymore, but that doesn't mean you can't get your study on. Why not check out the new French Film Festival at the MFA, running from July 10-27. My pick is "Hunting and Gathering" with "Amelie" actress Audrey Tautou. You could also stop by the MFA in August for the New Japanese Cinema series. There is more to that country than anime, and this series will just show you what.

Perhaps you want to stay outdoors? Well, look over on our free list to your left and check out the Boston Harbor Hotel Summer Movie Series on Friday nights at Rowes Wharf. My choice would be "Some Like it Hot" on July 18th. There is also the family friendly WBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatchshell. At sunset, head over with a picnic basket and watch some of your secret (or not so secret) favorite family movies.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

WhereTheHellIsMatt.com

Every now and then we come across something that isn't entirely Boston related, but is cool nevertheless. Matt Harding has been traveling the globe sharing his dance moves and pure unadulterated joy. He was in Boston at ROFLCon at the end of April, but no indication where he chose to get his dance-on. Enjoy the video and the music (music is Garry Schyman's Praan).

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Free Bowling and DJ Series @ the Milky Way

Milky Way loves to give us cheap eats (Taco Wednesdays) and free bowling. Starting Monday, July 7th, every 1st Monday of the month you can enjoy free bowling at 9pm and music to the likings of indie rock, pop and more. Good times, especially if they play some "SexyBack". ;)

See ya on the lanes.

The 4th of July 411

So in case you are not escaping the city this weekend (Happy 4th!) here is the Pops deal. First, you could avoid the crowds and go to the rehearsal performance at the Hatchshell tonight. That starts at 8:30pm.

Second, the fireworks tomorrow start at 8:30pm as well, and the fireworks will begin at 10:30pm. The green opens to the public at 9:00am, and trust me, folks show up at that time.

Third, do not use the Longfellow Bridge as a viewing point. The bridge cannot hold the pedestrian capacity...aka, if you all go stand there, Longfellow Bridge will be falling, falling down.

Enjoy your 4th of July folks. Click here for the official Hatchshell site.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Downtown Crossing restaurant news

So Boston Business Journal is giving us some good gossip recently. Brad Fredricks, owner of the Fajitas & 'Ritas chain (locations in Quincy and Downtown Crossing) is opening a new venue in the West Street Suffolk dorm building. The word is that chef Chris Schlesinger (owner of East Coast Grill and founder of All Star Sandwich Bar) is helping out with the concepts.

In addition to that, the owners of Lala Rokh, the Persian restaurant in Beacon Hill are opening a restaurant called Bina Osteria and a market, Bina Alimentari on Washington Street near the Ritz Carlton that is slated for a fall opening. If the cuisine at Lala Rokh is any basis, we all may be piling into Downtown Crossing before the Basement reopens again after all.

FREE Summer Events

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