Yet Another Boloco

Downtown is getting overrun with Boloco stores. At the old Kabloom location on School St in Downtown Crossing, a new Boloco is being constructed at a rapid pace.

On the weekends downtown Boston (like most downtowns) has a very dead feel to it with all the office buildings and work week restaurants boarded up for the weekend, so let's hope, unlike the other downtown Bolocos, this one will be open all week.

Follow-up: As you can see in the comments, there is a response from the CEO and co-founder of Boloco and so this is in hopes of answering his question. I actually love the smoothies from them and enjoy the occasional burrito as well. I am incredibly surprised though that there is that much burrito demand for them to have so many stores downtown - but apparently there is. The main concern, however, is what happens to downtown when stores and restaurants are not open on weekends. It seems without places to go, people won't come downtown, but without people coming to downtown there's no demand for restaurants to be open. Alas, an endless cycle. Sounds like the new store will be open on weekends so that is a definite plus.

Read more...

Review of Bond Restaurant and Lounge

Boston on the Go had the opportunity to swing by Bond Restaurant and Lounge at the Langham Hotel last Friday. We did not make it to the DJ hours, however, so a more extensive review will have to be posted at a later date. Our impression thus far:

It was definitely a crowded after-work scene with a lot of attractive young professionals gracing the couches and the bar area. While the average age is probably under 30, there is a good mix of ages and everyone should feel comfortable there. The music was not overpowering (at least pre-DJ hours), which allowed for relaxed conversations and a general buzz was in the air from all the different conversations mixing.

The menu is pretty much all appetizers, but priced under $20. Mixed drinks are in the $15 dollar range, while beer (bottles only) are in the $5 to $6 range. There is a complimentary coat check.

The biggest downside is definitely the long line at the bar ... quite a few of their drinks involve a blender which slows down service. Also, the bar area is also not overly large, causing the bar crowd to spill over between the couches.

The beautiful building the Langham is in is not overly evident while at Bond, but the decor and design provide for a really nice atmosphere. Overall it was definitely a great experience and is a nice lounge spot downtown.

If you make it to the DJ hours before we do, please let us know what you think!

Read more...

Bond Restaurant and Lounge Now Open

Bond restaurant and lounge has finally opened up at the Langham Hotel (Pearl and Franklin St). Featuring a menu with items under 20 dollars and a DJ on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights after 10 pm, the Langham Hotel is clearly trying to get rid of its stuffy (and expensive) image - once we get a chance to go for after-work dinner and drinks, we'll let you know if they've succeeded.

As a side note, the Langham building used to be the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston and is beautiful from the outside and absolutely incredible from the inside.

Read more...

Cold Stone Creamery closed

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)

Read more...

Boston Pumpkin Festival

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.

Read more...

Voting Registration Deadline

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.

Read more...

Free Cold Stone Creamery

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

Read more...

Mexican Independence Day

September 16, 1810 is when Mexico declared its independence from Spain.  In honor of our neighbors to the south (no, not Rhode Island), here's a list of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Boston:

Angela's Cafe

Today's Hours: 7 am to 9 pm

131 Lexington St

East Boston, MA 02128
(617) 567-4972

Tu y Yo

Today's Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm

858 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 623-5411

Ole Mexican Grill

Today's Hours: 5:30 pm to 10 pm

11 Springfield St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 492-4495

Casa Romero

Today's Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm

30 Gloucester St
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 536-4341

Sadly since Cinco de Mayo is (incorrectly) celebrated in the US as the big holiday of Mexico independence, none of these restaurants have any special events planned for today.  Casa Romero did have a celebration this past weekend.  

Note: trying to confirm that one of our favorites, Villa Mexico, is open today: 

Villa Mexico

296 Cambridge St.

Boston, MA 02114

(617) 957-0725

Read more...