Boston on the Go: May 2009

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Friendly Toast Review

The new Kendall spot, The Friendly Toast is still working out the kinks of its new location, but is a nice and much needed addition to the area.

The Friendly Toast offers a variety of breakfast (the green eggs and ham and pancakes were enjoyed) and lunch specialities (the grilled cheese with an olive spread, was definitely unique). Be prepared for large, greasy portions of diner food you love and new concoctions too - like sweet potato fries with tabsco sauce and brown sugar. (Think of it it as your own "Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives" episode.)

You should expect a little bit of a wait on Sunday for brunch and be patient with the staff. I would recommend calling before heading over if you can - they are opening some nights of the week (they have a full bar), but not all - again, they are just trying to get the kinks worked out. Nonetheless, take a chance on this diner before or after a flick at the cinema.

The Friendly Toast is located at One Kendall Square, right near Flat Top Johnny's. For more information, call 617-621-1200.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Restaurant News

Good news: some places are opening. Bad news: Icarus closed.

Icarus, a South End favorite, has closed. After 31 years in the neighborhood, the restaurant is saying goodbye. No word on what's replacing it.

In October, plan to see the new Clarendon Bldg (corner of Clarendon and Stuart) to have a new restaurant - Post 390. The former chef at the Excelsior will be taking over the new restaurant menu which is going to be cheaper than his former restaurant.
In the old Excelsior spot, the owners of Grill 23 and Harvest are planning to open a Mediterranean/French restaurant in the fall as well.

Lastly, the old Last Drop location is a new tavern - The Corner Tavern. They will be surving food until midnight, offering 17 wines by the glass, and a selection of whiskey, single malts and tequilas. Sounds like that may be dangerous. Corner Tavern is located at 421 Marlborough Street. Click here for more.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Upper Crust opens in the Fenway

Some businesses do well in a down economy - and Upper Crust is one of them. Upper Crust opens it newest location in the Fenway.

Located at The Upper Crust Pizzeria Opens in FenwayThew new location is at 1330 Boylston Street and open from 11:00am-11:00pm. Another bargain before a game at Fenway? Check plus.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

MFA Features Film Noir

Boston gal loves a good noir. I actually tend to head to the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, so I was surprised to see this new series at the MFA.

Nonetheless, for the month of June they are feature Humphrey Bogart, Janet Leigh, Rita Hayworth films. My pick? Bogart's Maltese Falcon. If you can't get your classic film fix at the MFA, check out the Brattle's upcoming flicks.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Really cheap eats

Check out the list of $1 eats on boston.com. Boston gal's favorite? Estragon in the South End's $1 tapas from 5:30-7pm, Monday-Thursday. Excellente. Click here for the full list

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Tomorrow: MFA's Open House

After all the BBQs this weekend, get your art on. Tomorrow (Monday) is the MFA's Open House.

That means free admission (not to just the general exhibits, but also the special "Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice" (available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other free events includes performances by the ANIKAI Dance Company and film shorts. For a full list of activities, click here.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

List of Places to Drink Outside - Downtown Boston

On beautiful days like today, there's always a desire to grab some adult beverages outdoors after work. With Puma City having left town, it's time to return to the old favorites.

Hopefully there's enough options in downtown Boston that I won't be fighting you guys off in the future for that last outside table. If you have your own favorite spots, please let us know through comments!!

Click on the 'read more' link for the list ... see you out painting the town red.

In order of this blogger's favorite to least favorite places:
The Living Room
The Intercontinental Hotel
Houstons
Bond (at the Langham, patio is brand NEW, opens on Tuesday May 26!)
Brandy Pete's
The Times
Faneuil Hall places (Ames Plow, McCormick & Schmick's, Salty Dog)
The Kinsale
The Landing
Tias

Note: Some of these places require the purchase of food to be seated outside

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Death Match ... Literary-style?

What's a Literary Death Match? Well, their website describes it: "marries the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idol’s judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare."

When: Thursday, May 21st at 8pm
Where: Paradise Lounge
Cost: $10

For more details, visit the website for
Opium's Literary Death Match.

Article on Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's expansions

Check out this article about the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's expansions

Globe is reporting that the 1903 carriage house will be torn down...but for what? More space? Hmm.

All You Can Eat Rib @ KO Prime - Tonight!

So there are some good things out of the recession - high end restaurant dinner deals. Tonight, that's at KO Prime for a all you can eat rib special.

The prime rib buffet costs $25 per person and is offered Monday & Tuesdays Enjoy.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Friendly Toast Opens @ Kendall Square

Those who love a good diner, have no fear - Friendly Toast (which we blogged about earlier) has opened at The Friendly Toast, 1 Kendall Square, bldg. 300.

Daily Candy reports that the 50's themed diner has 150 seats and will includes the following on its menu - Almond Joy pancakes, a chorizo burrito with Cuban beans and spicy mashed potatoes, and classic New England frappes. Faboo. For hours or additional information, call Friendly Toast at 617-621-1200.

School's Out Party Tonight

Some of us may not be in school anymore, but that doesn't mean we can't remember. Mantra's hosting a school's out/gossip girl season ender party tonight.

Head over to Mantra from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. to catch up the last two episodes and stay around for a showing of the finale. While commenting on Blair's antics, enjoy French-Indian food samples while sipping Svedka vodka cocktails like “Frenemies Forever,” “Double Trouble,” and “Future Ex,” all inspired by the show. Sounds delightful.

xoxo bostongal

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Special Election Tuesday

This Tuesday is a special election for the 3rd Suffolk District State Representative. This primary election is to determine the final candidates that will vie to replace former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi. Candidates include ...

Democrats:
Aaron Michlewitz
Susan M. Passoni
Lucy Rivera
Brian V. Ross

Republicans:
David Trumbull

To determine if you live in this district and are able to vote, check the state's website.

Check Out Ticketmaster's Concert Deals

The Globe today wrote about some deals Ticketmaster is providing this summer, such as No Doubt tickets for $25.

Gwen Stefani for that cheap? That's a deal breaker. Click here for all the discount opportunities.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

South Washington Art Walk is this weekend!

Check out local artists and designers showcasing their works in boutiques, studios, galleries, and restaurants throughout the South End this weekend. The events run SAturday & Sunday from 11:00am-6:00pm. Click here for more info.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Pottery Barn leaves Newbury Street

Click here for the Globe story on Pottery Barn leaving Newbury Street. Seems like the once shopping lane of Boston is getting hit hard by the economy. What store do you miss? What store would you like to see on Newbury Street?

Head to Noir's 4th Annual Patio Party - Friday!

Head to Noir in Harvard Square for their annual Patio Party from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Enjoy complimentary food and music and Stella drafts for only $3.50.
Click here for more.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Check out this website for discounts

So in this economy, we are all looking for deals - whether its going to free events or getting services for a cheaper rate. So I was glad to come across this site, Groupon. How the site works - each day they feature something cool at a huge discount (today - Zipcar membership); then you get the discount if enough people join that day (so email your peeps); and then the cycle begins.
Check it out!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

New Vintage Furniture Store Opens In Cambridge

Metamorphosis has opened along Mass Ave (1693 Mass Ave) in between Harvard and Porter Squares recently.

The store, according to Yelp (Boston gal has yet to find a website) is apparently stocked with reworked vintage furniture. Everything from bookshelves and china cabinets, to framed posters, and completely reupholstered chairs. Prices have been rumored to be a on the higher side, but it sounds like it's worth the artistic effort.
In addition to the furniture in the store, you can bring them your items to get refurbished. Sounds like a nice addition to the 'hood.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Cinco de Mayo Events

Hola chicas y chicos. Let's celebrate cinco de mayo, shall we?

Here are some of the events. As always, I will recommend grabbing a shot of tequila at your local Mexican restaurant and cheering to not having swine flu. :)

Boston:

Burrito de Mayo @ PUMA City - Qdoba and PUMA team up for a burrito eating contest. Each team of four will race against the clock in a relay race style format with the fastest team crowned winner! In addition to the competition there will be live music, giveaways, prizes and plenty of complimentary food from Qdoba Mexican Grill. To Register your team of four, email BurritodeMayo@puma.com. Get to PUMA City by 6pm.

Mi Casa Bee Casa - Beehive is hosting Cinco de Mayo. 5:30pm-2:00pm. Live music. Reservations are recommended for diners. Click here for more info.

Cambridge:

Basha Cafe up in North Cambridge is having tons of activities, like salsa dancing and drink specials. To top that off, Basha Cafe will also offer a free 'Make-your-own-taco' station.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Check out the new Photography Exihibit at MOS

So on a rainy day, I am recommending that you all go check out the new exhibit over at the Museum of Science called "Manufactured Landscapes: Photographic Works by Edward Burtynsky."
Birtynsky is a Canadian photographer known for his images of landscapes altered by industry, aka human activities, such as mining, quarrying, manufacturing and oil production can transform the natural environment.

The exhibit is free with museum admission and is at the MOS until September 7, 2009. Click here for more info.

Images copyright Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Charles Cowles Gallery, New York / Nicholas Metivier Gallery, Toronto.

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