“Blood, sweat, and tears meets light, camera, action!”

7th Annual Independent Film Festival Boston is kicking off this week from April 22nd - 28th, 2009. Festival films will be shown across Boston (Somerville Theatre, Brattle Theatre, Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, and Coolidge Corner Theatre). There will be feature films, shorts, and documentaries as well as panel discussions. Check out the festival schedule here. There are few films that I am interested in seeing this year such as 500 Days of Summer, The Brothers Bloom and Boob. Yes, one of the shorts is titled “Boob”.

Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

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Sip Cafe Review

There's always a danger in going to restaurants within their first couple weeks of opening, and Sip Cafe is no different (hopefully).  

Sip Cafe opened earlier this week - close to their scheduled date of April 13 (prev post) - but definitely has some wrinkles to iron out in their lunchtime service.  The wait for sandwiches was quite long today, with many customers visibily annoyed, and sandwich orders didn't always come out correctly.  Nevertheless, the employees were quite nice and accomodating, offering free cookies or refunds to those waiting for a long time.  The sandwiches (option of cold or pressed) were nice and light and quite tasty.  Their iced chai is pretty standard and has the added benefit that it's not entirely full of ice.

In any case, a quick rundown:

It's billed as an independently owned cafe focusing on local and organic products and sustainable practices.

Hours: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm

Bagels, croissants, and muffins

Sandwiches and salads in the $6 to $7 range

Coffee (Terroir label), tea, hot chocolate, apple cider, and an assortment of bottled drinks

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The Boston Breakers are Back!

After the Women's World Cup Soccer tournament in 1999, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) launched in the United States, which included the Boston Breakers playing at Boston University's Nickerson Field. Unfortunately the league was not profitable and ended play in 2003.

But starting this Saturday, April 11th, professional women's soccer has returned to Boston! The Boston Breakers are back and playing in the Women's Professional Soccer League. Games this time will be played at Harvard Stadium and tickets are still available, so get in on the action.

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Craft Boston this Weekend

This weekend is the Craft Boston fair at the World Trade Center in the Seaport area. This show features artists from across the country selling their works of arts and crafts. Most items are of high quality and prices often reflect this. There are also, however, many affordable items for sale. Photos of some of the items available can be viewed through their website.

As of Friday afternoon, their website is having issues so details have been included below:

Hours:
Friday March 27, 2009 10-7
Saturday March 28, 2009 10-6
Sunday March 29, 2009 11-5

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and free for children under 12. Tickets allow for readmission throughout the weekend.

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Sip Cafe at Post Office Square

Signs are posted at the pavilion in Post Office Square for Sip Cafe, indicating that it will be opening on April 13.

For the past year Z-Square in the Park was at the location and prior to them was Milk Street Cafe.

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London Harness closing downtown

The London Harness store on Franklin St. in Downtown Crossing is sadly closing due to the tough economic times. They are having a closing sale with discounts on all items. The London Harness locations in Hingham and Wellesley are staying open.

London Harness has always been a great place to pick up various luggage and travel items, the indestructible umbrella, or an old wooden chess set. Visit them one final time before they close after 92 years at that location.

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Boston Symphony Orchestra

If you're looking to go to a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, below are a couple of great options (some of these have been around for awhile, so it may not be new info for you).

If you're under 40, the BSO has <40 = $20 offer. A maximum of two tickets per show can be purchased, these types of tickets are limited, and proof of age is required, but it's a great way to spend a night at the Symphony.

The other great option is going to an Open Rehearsal - either during the day or the evening. Tickets are $19 and seats are on a first-come first-serve basis. Open Rehearsals are a great way to hear beautiful music and see the musicians interact as they perfect their craft.

The BSO has other programs for classical music aficionados and novices alike. Check out their website for more information.

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State Street Bank Building

The old State Street Bank Building (225 Franklin St) has started taking off the wrap from its lobby renovation project.

New to the building is a glass extension to the lobby, a new glass enclosed structure above the fifth floor roof, and an Equinox gym.

Across Franklin St, another one of Equity Office's properties, One Post Office Square, has been undergoing a similar glass lobby extension with a similar white marble overhaul. No information yet though on who might be occupying some of that new lobby space.

And lastly, somewhere in the process, Clipper Hair Styling has moved from a large beautiful space at 225 Franklin to a smaller location in One Post Office Square.

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