Exploring Boston as a Tourist

Ok lets get real about two things.  Foremost I should coin the travel slogan 'travel as a local but also explore your home as a tourist". Money.

Secondly, I should confess Boston isn't reaaaally my city. Heck until senior year of high school I probably had been to disneyworld more times than I'd ventured the 40 minutes north into Beantown. I can fondly remember taking the T in for my first Red Sox game (dawning a johnny damon shirt of all things!) and feeling so overwhelmed with the looming buildings, maze of one way streets and the air of sophistication and purpose the passerbys exuded.   Don't even get me started on my confusion at switching t lines.

Of course I would scoot into the big city for special birthdays and fancy outings, but I was always a Halifax girl at heart.  Occasionally over the next four years of college we would slip off to the city for drunken escapades, but even then I felt like I was always just along for the ride, not that I had any real stake in this mysterious string of brick laden bars.

Before my graduation cap hit the ground I was already planting my roots in Los Angeles. Backing up a little more, when I studied abroad in Spain, I always said I was from Boston and never got more than a nod for a response.  Well here I am in LA, hanging with some pretty well traveled company and not being able to even hold a conversation about the city I call home. Always mumbling the same poor excuse that I actually grew up 40 min south in some podunk town so remote we didn't even have any fast food restaurants besides a Subway... that went out of business after three months.

Push comes to shove and I end up moving (grudgingly) back home to pursue a career as a talent agent.  All of a sudden I was switching t lines 6 times a day and navigating through Copley to get to the Back Bay in time for work. When the clock hit 6, I was off to dinner in the North End and drinks in Beacon Hill. And if it was the weekend I might even be posting up in Southie to get a head start on day drinking for the next days game.  My friends from home and college had infiltrated the city and there wasn't a night I didn't spend getting my heel stuck in the brick and cobblestone sidewalks while I rushed from a work fashion show to a dinner on the water only to follow it up in some exposed brick loft overlooking the Boston. I quickly fell in love with the city I never really knew, but always called home.

There's a magic about Boston. A comrodery unsurpassed by any other place I've ever visited. The proud home of diehard sports enthusiasts, real clam chowda, and a rich history that rivals no other.  Every winding one way street you stroll down drops you off at yet another monument, old church or historic harbor viewpoint. This is a city of soul. Of real honest to God down to earth people who fight to maintain their Bostonian heritage.  These are proud people who don't judge based on labels or price tags, but on character, sports alliances and what corner bah you call home.

My year in Boston was a year of self discovery.  I made a point to learn the history, visit the sites (yes even take a duck tour!) and view the city as an open minded tourist.  I learned not only to be independent but also to appreciate true friendship. I did everything from hobnob with the fashion and entertainment world to shucking my own crab legs, and I can truthfully say I am now more proud than ever to call Boston home.


10 thinks you have to do when you visit -or live!!!- in Boston


1.  My favorite area is the North End. Visit the old church, walk the freedom trail, eat some authentic pasta and top it off with a trip to the infamous (and rightfully so) Mikes Pastries for a cannoli or 7 (they are that good)

2. Duck tour? Dont even think about skipping this foolishly silly but informative tour!  Pick it up in front of the prudential center, it's a better route than the Charlestown pick up. Quack quack!

3.  Cambridge is memorizing. Not only are you strutting around with the worlds most intelligent youth, you'll be amazed by the zeal and enthusiasm these budding geniuses exude. Everyones on the break of something big- and consequently optimistic about their bright futures. Hidden gem restaurants tucked into every corner and charming art galleries and boutiques line the streets.

4. Oh Newbury, how I wish I could afford you. If the North End is my favorite, the Back Bays hanging onto a close second.  Swing by Stepanie's on Newbury for some lobster mac and cheese then hit up Second Time Around for fabulous vintage finds.

5. Fenway is a priority. Fenway franks are a must.  Pats season? Throw on a jersey and head to southie to forge some lifelong friendships over buffalo chicken wings and bud lights.

6. Catch a show at the historic Wang theater - then stroll through the theatre district

7.  Seaport in the summer is u surpassed.  Hit the convention center for a harpoon or marathon festival then bar hop along the water.  Plan on stopping by the roof of Legal Seafoods for a lobster roll and a cup o' clam chowda.

8. Boston gardens.  Swoon.  Take your camera and capture the breathtaking arrangements of flower gardens, swan boats and lazy willowing trees. cold weather? Enjoy a tea time at the Ritz and watch the soft blanket of snow tuck in the garden, or the last leaf lazily drift to the ground.

9. The museum of fine arts, aquarium, science museum and contemporary arts museum are lovely ....but if you only have a day just swing through the library in Copley square then visit the Copley church and enjoy a frozen lemonade (or a Dunkies hot cocoa) before ducking into the Copley square hotel to try the original Boston creme pie (delicious but arguably rivaled by the Park Plaza hotels)

10.  Embrace the simplicity. The ease of navigating through a city you can walk from one side to another, but don't have to because the public transportation is too straightforward not to take advantage of.  No finding parking, no valet, no heels that are going to get stuck in the cobble stones and leave you limping for the next week anyhow.  Leave your cell phone in the car and really feel the history and engage in a conversation about who you are not what you do or the paycheck that accompanies it.  And I'll let you in on one last secret. We don't JUST love our sports teams, we love disguising a little belly we proudly acquired via chowda, fish an chips, buff chix, Boston creme pie and the like.  Wear your stretch pants and a tshirt and relish in the life of a true Boston native.

Christmas 2012 Recap

Since I neglected my blog for the month of December, I decided to picture montage my Christmas to segway into my New Years resolutions.   I had the most fabulous time at 21 Elm Street; it really doesn't get any better than family at Christmas.

Turtle Cheesecake bites

Alright, I had a little Christmas cheer in LA too:

A Beverly Hills Christmas

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade

Lessons learned:

1. Christmas trees in Beverly Hills are so sickeningly overpriced I had to give up grocery shopping for 2 months to purchase even the most pitiful oversized bush.   The same Christmas tree in Halifax cost $100 dollars less.

2. You're only as good as your gift.  And you cannot go wrong with scratch tickets for Yankee Swaps.  Score.

3. They call Yankee Swap parties "White Elephants" in Los Angeles.  I know. Morons.

4. Jews in Hollywood celebrate Christmas. ...but they still hate Jesus.

5. Latkes taste delicious! gefilte fish doesn't.

6. You're never too old to squeal over your pile of presents.

7.  Your parents are never too old to spoil rotten.  They squeal too if you do it right.

8. Eggnog induced hangovers are quite the stomach ache.

9. Just because someone gives you a box of See's candies, doesn't mean you have to finish the box that same day.  Remember, sharing is caring.

10.  Don't underestimate the power of a suburban housewife on the prowl at target. 

11. It's not Christmas without a few flurries. 

12. More importantly, it's not Christmas without your Mama, Papa and two dogs.  I cannot believe how blessed I am to have been raised at the farm that is 21 Elm Street.  Talk about a real upbringing by the two best friends anyone in the world could ask for.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.

Temezcal Review

The sophisticated hotspot Temezcal in Seaport truly has an unbeatable atmosphere.  From the bamboo beam tunnel entrance to the completely open dining area overlooking the harbor, you couldn't ask for a better place to unwind with friends.

When seated, each member in your party receives an ipad instead of a menu.  A little unnecessary, but I did enjoy having access to all of the ingredients as well as a vibrant image for each menu item and drink.  A more practical use for the ipad menu would be replacing the waitress with ordering straight from your ipad. But then again, I can only imagine the stress my dad would feel trying to navigate the "computer board".  He'd end up ordering a $100 shot of tequilla while trying to get a plain cheese quesadilla.

The food is fancy mexican, which never fails to disappoint me.  The guacamole was too healthy and lacked flavor.  An order of 18 dollar tacos came with two measley hard shell tacos and no accompanying rice or beans.   When I am craving mexican I want to stuff myself with cheese, salty meats and creative sauces, not daintily nibble on a grilled chicken breast lightly drizzled with mole sauce.

Food aside, the margaritas are something to rave about. I would come back everyday of the summer for these 16-18 dollar delights.  The raspberry marg is made with fresh squeezed lime and raspberry puree in place of triple sec and sugary prebottled mixes.  The white sangria, while very sweet, was absolutely delightful as well. 

Skip the food, and go for the margs (and possibly an order of ceviche) and you will feel the weight of the work week melt off your shoulders in no time.   :)

Paint Nite: Boston's BEST date idea!

So I discovered something so amazing that if my blog had any followers (really even just one) I wouldn't post about this hidden gem.

Drum roll.  Keep it rolling..
Ok. Paint Nite.

Expecting nothing more a few paint brushes and pieces of paper, you can imagine my delight when I walked down the stairs of Clerys bar toting my glass of red sangria.  Three rows of easels with large blank canvases propped made me so giddy I nearly bumped into the girl handing me my bundle of well kept paint brushes.  Giggling like school children, Sarah and I let ourselves be guided over to the paint station where we pumped the appropriate squirts of acrylic paint onto our palate (ok the palate was just a white plastic plate, but I'm claiming 100% accuracy for the rest of my description).  We chose a seat next to the little radio pumping out Michael Buble and anxiously awaited our first instruction.

I immediately wished the instructor was my bff with her stark humor and calming sense of assurance as our brave leader. (ok that was dramatization too - but she was wicked cool).  She had painted a brightly colored depiction of flowers shining in the moonlight - something that seemed completely impossible upon first glance.  Step by step she walked us through our painting, all the while cocktail waitresses buzzed about refreshing our palates (heh heh).

I can't say mine was the best, but the sense of accomplishment was beaming off all 30 of our faces after the two hour class was through.  I truthfully would have bought the painting for $35, which makes the class fee much more than justifiable in my eyes.   While everyone's painting came out a little different, the camaraderie felt among the group was unparalleled.

Paint Nite is the perfect date or the perfect place to reconnect with a friend.

Boston: Spring Fashion Donts!

Oh spring.  What a beautiful time.  Everyone stretches their arms and comes out of hiding.  The lilys start blooming, birds start singing and smiling becomes more commonplace.

Despite the magic of the birds and the bees, spring in Boston makes me downright cringe.

 Eager to kick off their uggs, Bostonians make spring fashion faux paus to the highest degree. And while I have fallen victim to these same critiques time and again, I'd feel a lot better venting my biggest spring fashion peeves.



Lessons Learned from my stark observations:

1. Don't be afraid of sunless tanner. Or maybe some tinted jergens.  I can't compliment your skirt if I'm gawking at the paleness of your legs.

2. If you're going to wear peep toes, commit to it.  Please don't jam your feet into tights then let your covered toes slink through the sandal opening.

3. Beach bags are for the beach.

4. Buy a spring trench, or a rain jacket, or a cardigan - anything to get you to stop wearing your winter wool or down jacket with a dress and flip flops.

5. Don't wear flip flops unless it's predicted to be 70 degrees.  This is still New England and we all know the weathermen are right less than 10 percent of the time.

6.  Again, it's New England, and it's windy.  We live on the water, remember?  Flowy skirts are not wind resistant.

7. White is see-through.

8.  Plastic sunglasses should not have jewels glued to the side of them.  You know who you are.  Suck it up and buy some Ray bans, you'll thank me later.

9. Platform flip flops can be thrown out now, they're not coming back.

10.  Lets not kid ourselves.  No one's dieting.  No need to write, "getting ready for bikini season" on facebook and make the rest of us sweat it.  I know you posted that while waiting in line for your 1000 calorie coolata and everything bagel from dunkies.

11.  No self respecting woman should start spring without a pedicure.  Or at the very least, please take off the left over dark red from Christmas that is only still visible on a corner of one big toe.

12.  Ok big guys.  Tevas will never be ok.  If you happen to wear flip flops, fine.  But your feet aren't getting by my scrutiny.  Please trim your toe nails, it's the least you can do.

13. Embrace color, smile more, wear a silly spring hat, try coral lipstick, go neon for your nails, get an extra scoop of ice cream, smell the flowers and sip a margarita - it's spring in Boston, and we deserve to give it a proper and long over due welcome :)

SPRING DON'T - CHECK THE FORCAST!

SPRING DOS!

Sugar Cane Restaurant, Bridgewater, MA

Small and cozy with a burbling exotic fish tank and clean simple decor, I was very pleased with the atmosphere at Sugar Cane in Bridgewater, MA.

The menu is expanisve and virtually unconquerable.  A mix of Thai, Asian and chinese dishes, you should arrive with an appetite!

The drink menu is less than impressive, offering a few beers and house wines.  They do however have a few low priced sakis to chose from, including my personal favorite - plum wine.  

In an attempt to slow the expanding of my waist, I ordered a house salad with ginger dressing and the steamed veggies and tofu with peanut sauce.  The salad was disappointing - with a creamy dressing and dry lettuce.    I was equally unsatisfied with my meal, which came with an oily peanut sauce on the side. Nonetheless, I blame myself for trying to order healthy over getting what I really wanted - the crispy orange chicken followed by a friend honey banana sundae.

My mom ordered the lemongrass veggies with grilled shrimp in a house brown sauce over sticky rice.  The flavor was nice and not overpowering.  I also enjoyed the presentation of her dish - with small carrots cut into the shape of flowers.

I would definitely return to Sugar Cane, especially on a date, but I wasn't impressed with my choices this time around.

2 stars.

Happy Birthday Papa

My best friend turned 62 today. 

Born into a dirt poor family comprised of a single mother, 4 siblings and dozens of cats, chickens and rabbits, Dennis didn't last more than a few days past his 18th birthday before moving out.  

That year, he watched his number flash across the television screen... and spent birthday number 19 in the rice paddies of Vietnam.

The next few birthdays were in Colorado, followed by a birthday sailing the Greek isles before settling in and spending every birthday since in Mass.  These birthdays were sometimes parties with friends, sometimes quiet dinners with his daughter and wife and sometimes, sadly, forgotten. 

Which brings us to birthday number 62.  The number seems insignificant, especially after I completely forgot the big 60, but sixty two years of living is no feat to shrug off with a card and hug. 

Papa drove into the North End, where I treated him to Antico Forno.  Eggplant rollatinis, wood plank grilled swordfish, shrimp salad, wine and a fluffy tiramisu with 1 candle.  The meal was cooked to perfection and served in a cozy yet elegant environment, but the real enjoyment was sharing a very special birthday meal with my dad. 

As we strolled over to Mike's Pastries for a cannoli or three, I couldn't help but shake my head in amazement.  His 63 year old eyes have seen nearly every crevasse of the world.  He's got more gumption, more heart and soul, than anyone I have ever met.  Groaning and creaking about with not a colored strand of hair left on his head, there is really no denying Papa for the senior discount.  Yet despite his bafflement at the "world wide web" and insistence that white bread is nutritious, he still has a youthful fire burning strong in his heart.  

Though he will probably never learn how to use the internet well enough to read this blog, I want to dedicate this post to him. Thank you for being an inspirational role model and my biggest and most supportive fan. Happy 62nd Birthday Papa, I love you.

Valentines Day

What a fabulous holiday.
    A day dedicated to celebrating love and appreciating the special bond you share with another person.  A bond held together by a mutual love for one another's idiosyncrasies ...a bond that creates inside jokes out of mundane occurrences and breathtaking memories out of the ordinary, a bond that's so wonderfully unique that you couldn't possibly describe it in a way that makes sense to an outsider.
  Okay, so I'm a hopeless romantic ..who is also hopelessly in love with someone who still makes me blush, giggle and pop my leg mid kiss after three years of dating. But still, Valentine's day is a jubilation of love ..and underneath the overpriced singing cards and the blind robbery by edible arrangements, there is something so raw and beautiful about that.
As I have so stealthily hinted above, if you're not careful, it's easy to let Valentines Day turn into a commericalized nightmare.
Price fix says it all.  Taking a perfectly good restaurant, hiking the prices, cramping in seating and turning waitstaff into zombie-like fast food churning engines can transform a once elegant restaurant into a glorified wendy's at noon ...with linen napkins. I personally prefer a romantic home cooked meal or a small quaint hidden gem.  I'd even opt for a ordering an appetizer and pizza at the bar, but as the dinner hour neared we finally succombed to the Vday pressure and bokoed a last minute reservation.

We chose a Back Bay Italian restuarant I've been meaning to try - Sorellina.  The decor is gorgeous - extremely modern and spacious with eyecatching artwork strewn half hazardly on the walls.  i love how the restaurant is so unimposing, you have to really know about it to find the tucked away entrance facing copley square. 

While the decor was nice and the menu intrigued me - I couldn't shake the feeling that we were at a speed dating event. As a former waitress, it takes a lot to pull criticism of waitstaff out of me - but our server was extremely pushy and demanding.  She left me rushed when I was craving relaxation and romance.  I thought the food was absolutely delicious, and while expensive, I enjoyed the small but  creative dishes.

I ordered the Endive Salad, which consisted of  8 or so delicate endives with large wedges of a sweet and creamy gorgonzola, apples and walnuts. The dish was petite, with a beautiful presentation and a rich flavor.  I also tried the bucatini pasta - eggs, crisp pancetta, smoked bacon and we subbed a pink vodka sauce for the creamy white sauce. The flavor was bold and I enjoyed the texture of the crunchy meats against the soft pasta.

Matt was less than impressed, especially when our meager meal and 3 glasses of prosecco still brought us over $100.  We ended up grabbing drinks at City Table and Matt ordered the Ragu he had been eyeing.  Back up to the hotel room for cake and champagne in front of a real fire place.  I'm smiling just remembering it now.

 To be showered with affection and surprised (and okay.. the best present I could ever ask for!) by someone who I am still so incredibly head over heels in love with does make me a little biased, but Valentines Day is still magical to me - and this year was no exception. A day to make me stop and remember that I am the luckiest girl in the world <3

<3

Wearing my Valentines day present :) :) :)

Sorellina!

Ragu at City table.  Yes, Matt was still hungry!

Superbowlin' in Southie

Friday morning I chucked all of my precious belongings into an oversized tote and caught the train to Boston.

Initially, I planned to revisit Vegas for a superbowl weekend of binge drinking, gambling and trolling the clubs for Scott Disicks, but the New England fever got the best of me.

Maybe it was the prospect of trading stilletos and fake eye lashes for jeggings and flat boots.  Or cosmos and sushi for bud lights and buffalo chicken dip.  Or maybe my blood does have that NE pride running think no matter how much I deny it.   Whatever the reason, it seemed illogical, and even wrong, to spend superbowl Sunday anywhere other than Southie.

Friday flip cup with neighbors folded into putting in a 10 hour shift at Stats Bar & Grille. Stats is both horrible and fabulous at the same time.  You'll run into everyone you had forgotten about from college, or high school, or that random time you drank keg beer on an E street rooftop party. Its cozy and clean (somewhat of an anomaly), the food is scrumptious -- of course especially the pizza, nachos and buffalo chicken, and they serve pitchers of bud light for cheap!  I still spent $80, but two meals and a dozen drinks at $80 is qutie the bargain. Sat night at Whiskey Priest, of course.  We had to get classy at least one night, right?

Gameday started off at Cranberries, which I have to give a bunch of stars to.  This healthy and affordable cafe has everything from protein smoothies to homemade mufins to eggwhite omelettes and fresh soups.  The antique decorations, white washed walls and friendly baristas give a southern vibe to this hidden little gem. To experience the superbowl southie-style, we decided the only option was beer and making any appetizer we could douse in franks hot sauce.
                      Pats - epic loss.   Chelsea & Mary's southie superbowl party experience - big W.

Exposed brick? so southie.

slugging mimosas? not so southie. 

Buying your own andre champagne & generic brand oj to save money on mimosas? perhaps a little more southie.

Lessons Learned:
1.  If you're at a bar long enough to order brunch and dinner, you've been there too long.
2. You must fake a Boston accent or you will be demonized. ok fine, well you'll be suspiciously questioned about your origin.
3. Even if bars in southie have drink menus, they're going to snicker at you if you ask for one.  Don't do it.  If you did it anyways because you can't follow directions, then when the bartender does roll her eyes snort and say you're kidding you'll have a pitcher of pbr. with one glass.
4.  Southie makes everything buffalo.  And thus, everything tastes so good.  Just get the buffalo chicken wings/pizza/bites/omelettes and feel bad about it some other time.  Southie gals aren't calorie counters.  And they aren't particularly receptive to the non-southians who order plain salads with grilled chicken or (gasp) get egg whites.

Birthdays in Boston

Nothing quite as depressing as aging in Boston; Beantown is seriously lacking a venue for 20 somethings to celebrate their big days.

This past weekend, to honor my dear friend Camille's 24, we headed off to Howl at the Moon promptly at 9pm to beat the rush. I mean really, is there anything better than slurping green fruity (and overpriced) concotions out of giant buckets while singing along to quirky piano renditions of the Blacked Eye Peas? In all seriousness, I am mesmerized by the talent of the pianists who collaborate to churn out hit and after hit.  I have a hard enough time getting through "Blackbird" on the piano when I'm staring right at the music.  That they can even decipher the drunken scribbles from patrons' requests is talent enough, but to actually be able to sing and play ...together.. all of those songs?  And it's this remarkable talent that kept me outside in below freezing temperatures for 45 minutes until succumbing to the sweaty-sock closet, formally known as Down.

   Down is the sorriest excuse for a club I have ever seen. My car is more spacious ..and I drive a Passat. I suppose it was fun the time or two I went and sat at a table, but most nights with free flowing vodka and the luxury of judging grinders from the comfort of a table usually is.   The place is so small and crowded that you literally are being watched by the 5 tables looking onto the "dance floor".  The music calls for nothing short of bumpin' and grindin' and you're bound to spill 80-90% of your drink on you the second you turn from the ominous sunken bar.  I give this place less than zero stars, but I still end up here every single time I attempt a night at Howl with the glimmer of hope that I'll be able to sneak upstairs just in time to request "No Diggity" before last call.

  Night two I took matters into my own hands and weaseled us onto the guest-list for Bijou.  The club vibe is energizing, every house music fanatics dream. Loved the Los Angeles/Vegas set up, the euro crowd, the strobe lights, the vodka.  Embarrassingly enough, I spent the majority on the first, and much less fun, floor ..unaware that there was an entire upstairs begging to be danced on. What I don't like is the $20 REDUCED cover, and the pompous air of some slinky club goers, but this truly is a Boston gem.  The first, and hopefully not the last of its kind.  five glittery stars for Bijou.

Lessons learned:
1. Don't chose Howl for your birthday ...everyone does and they're not about to let you cut the line just because you have a crown on.

2. If you're still dumb enough to chose Howl, get there before 8, yes 8, and secure a table. Put on your crown when you get inside and let the buckets never go below half-full (you see that, there's another lesson - don't say half empty on your birthday). Request "No Diggity".

3. Bijou has an upstairs (palm to forehead).  Don't waste more than the 5 minutes it takes to coat check on the first floor.  Bring cash but still act cute in line, just in case someone with a table wants to select you as one of their plus 4 (only 5 free guests per table, absurd).

4. Don't go to Down.

5. You didn't listen and you went to down anyways.  You're even dumber than you were in number 2.  Drink enough tequila shots and grab the first guy you see who looks like he won't try to grab your ass while dancing (I know, needle in a haystack).  Dance shamelessly with your hands in the air until you collapse from exhaustion. Hopefully by then, Howl will be close to last call and you can run upstairs to request "No Diggity".

Boston Birthday Hotspots

As a non-celebrator of my own aging, I usually avoid throwing myself a Boston Birthday Bash.  BUT I absolutely get giddy over planning for someone else's big day and stress for ions over where to have the hooplah!

here are my top favorites based on the personality of the honoree.  I broke it down specifically like this because, contrary to popular practice, the birthday party should be centered around the person actually having the birthday, not what will please the masses.  Just because the birthday girl/guy was nice enough to keep lazy, jobless Eddie as a friend, doesn't mean you can't go somewhere classy for the party because your worried Eddie won't be able to afford it.  Screw Eddie!  If he's smart he'll use this as an opportunity to make some money and he'll drive everyone to the bar in his Corsica at $10 bucks a head.

Anyways, 

For the Eddies (lol); the friend who doesn't like to spend a lot of money, favorite show is STILL South Park, and who thinks buffalo chicken is a food group.  We all have, and we all love (sometimes) our Eddies. 

• Coogans, Financial district. Dollar drafts, enough said. 
• Stats or Playwright in Southie 
• Sullivans Tap on Canal Street
• Whiskeys on Boylston
• Harvard Gardens
• FOR DINNER: The Fours, Cheers, Sidebar, Boston Beer Works, Tommy Doyles, Fajitas and Ritas
• WEEKEND GETAWAY: Vermont, Maine, NH 
• ACTIVITY: bowling at Kings, karaoke bar

This person has a large group, and variety, of friends.  He/she is laid back, prefers beer to martinis, and doesn't like to miss a New England sporting game.  Works hard, plays hard. Chose someplace with a little bit of a dance floor, plenty of room and affordable drinks.

• The Harp  
• Clerys  
• Northstar 
• Market
• Greatest Bar, across from the Garden
• Dillons on Boylston
• Jerry Remys, Whiskey Priest, ABG
• ACTIVITY: Medieval Manor dinner show, Howl at the Moon, F1 racing in Braintree
• WEEKEND AWAY: Cape Cod, Newport
• FOR DINNER: Dicks Last Resort, Fire & Ice, Brownstone, 

For the friend who is classy but not a club goer.  He/she likes nice things and owns their own suit (fellas) or a nice designer bag or 4 (ladies).  This is the guy who brings the specialty seasonal beers when everyone else gets a bud light and the girl who makes impeccable desserts for holiday parties that look too good to eat (my women's studies professor would have puke if she read that, but you get the idea).

• Towne
• Liberty hotel -- Alibi or Clink
• City Bar 
• Drink
• 28 Degrees
• The W lounge 
• ACTIVITY: A show - flower show or car show in the expo center, play or concert, hypnotism show in Back Bay
• WEEKEND AWAY: Marthas Vineyard, Nantucket, PTown 
• FOR DINNER: Legal Seafoods, Strega, Tias, Toro, Cafeteria, The Butcher Shop, 

This Birthday Brat is wild.  They love house music, dancing, think youtube videos are a suitable hobby and spend too much time getting ready and worrying about appearances (yes guys too)

• Bijou
• Bond
• Royale
• Estate
• Gypsy Bar (least club-like)
• If it's nice weather head down to Marina Bay
• For Dinner: Red Lantern, Sonsie, Umbria, Le Petit Robert
• ACTIVITY: Pole dancing class, Comedy show, Improv Show
• WEEKEND AWAY: Go to Foxwoods and get a table at shrine! Or skip off to NY and get wild at Pasha!

Legal Seafoods

A true Boston staple.

  With their new flagship 3 story emporium in Seaport, it's no secret that Legal Seafoods has established itself as Boston's premier fish eatery.   With dozens of locations throughout the bay state -- all with differing menus -- you can't go wrong if you go legals.

  If you happen to be lucky enough to visit a restaurant featuring the thai calamari, you absolutely have to get it.  Mango chunks, peanuts, scallions, and a sweet thai chili sauce over lightly battered rings of calamari. To die for.  At any location, youre sure to enjoy the clam chowder and the creamy lobster bisque but they often feature other seafood bisque and soup variations that are worth trying.  Their chowder is good - a little less thick than some of the more traditional seafood spots in Boston, but it has a rich and bold flavor. 

ok ok, i didn't take this.  But the calamari is so good that I couldn't put down my fork long enough to snap a photo so I snagged this off line :)

Ecco Trattoria, Weymouth MA

Well, what do you think? Lets get to crossing off s'more bucket listers! Food blog? Check!

I have been dismissing Ecco Trattoria for years.  As a rule of thumb, I generally avoid restaurants that are attached to other stores in those horrid little "shopping mart" set ups.  Breakfast places and coffee shops are exempt from this rule, but a wine bar? i don't know..

The decor is simple, inviting and warm.  With the candles lit and a soft murmer of couples enjoying a slow Tuesday wine-down (ha ha, ok that was bad), I immediately felt relaxed.  With a 10 or so person bar against the back wall separated from the dining area by a free standing 4-5ft divider and a window to see into the kitchen prep nestled in the right corner, it felt much like a restaurant you would actually find in Northern Italy.  My mother and I cozied up to a high top table, where we were warmly greeted by our server.

Decent wine list - you'd go here for bargain, not quality.  There are a lot of inexpensive bottles of wine and most wines can be poured by the caraf for as little as $11.  They also have a creative drink list with a variety of martinis ranging from espresso-tinis to lemoncello drops.   I tried the red and white sangria - both a little too fruity with too much peach shnapps and not enough fresh fruit, and a glass of the Covey Run Reisling (always delightful)

I was tempted by the mussels or medeterranean shrimp with pancetta and white beans for an app but opted for a dinner special instead.

Sunday, Tuesday and Wed Ecco offers 10 of their most popular pasta dishes for only $11.95, and they throw in a caeser or mixed greens salad as well! If you happen to be unlucky enough to stop by on a Monday instead, that same pasta meal would cost between $16 and $20 with an extra $4-5 for the salad.   While I wanted to order the seafood scampi (with Mahi Mahi, shrimp, scallops and lobster) to get the most bang for my buck, I was wooed over by the carmalized onions in the chicken cacciatore. I ordered the meal over broccoli (because I'm skinny like that!) for an additional $2 charge.

The mixed salad was fresh and light, with a handful of kalamata olives and roasted tomatos.

My entree was a very hearty portion of two large pounded chicken breasts.  They were incredibly moist and flavorful.  I asked for roasted garlic to be added to the meal, and the garlic combined with the roasted tomatos, peppers and large carmalized onions was heavenly.  Broccoli was nice and firm too.    I also sampled the pasta primavera.  The light white wine sauce was tastey and heavy on the garlic, but i'm skeptical that the vegetables were drenched in butter, making the dish a lot less appealing to me.

My only vice is the bread was served with butter packets instead of olive oil.  Of course i could have simply asked for some evoo and perhaps a little balsamic for bread dipping, but that's not the point.  How are you going to call yourself an Italian restaurant and put butter packets on the table?  deplorable.   There was also a chair in the one person women's bathroom that seemed largly out of place and made me feel as if I had walked into someones private dressing room.

Overall, Ecco would be good for dates, girls nights or a lovely dinner with your mom.  I would definitely advise going during the pasta special nights or on Thursdays, when they offer 10 lobster dishes for $17.95. If I went back on a Fri or Sat I would probably order a salad or chicken pesto pizza. As another rule of thumb, italians don't really kill-it in the dessert department, and this especially applies to American attempts at the classic cannoli, tiramasu and napoleon.  I don't think I've seen a restaurant in Italy serve a dessert to anyone besides American tourists -- Italianos finish off their hearty meals with a few nibbles of fruit or a digestivo shot of lemoncello.

On the healthy rictor, it's definitely feasible to come here and eat a healthy well-balanced meal. They offer salmon, a few salads, raw bar, and you can sub any pasta dish to put over the vegetable of the day.  I would recommend requesting no butter and DEMANDING olive oil.

I'll give Ecco 3 out of 5 stars. Bravo.

Boston's Best Eats!

Sure Boston doesn't quite top the charts as a culinary destination beyond clam chowder... but that doesn't mean you should chalk your trip up as a foodie loss and eat subway the whole time you're here.

...There are some hidden gems in Beantown, and lucky for you I'm going to share their whereabouts. Tell your stomach your welcome for me... and your waist line sorry.  Unfortunately while Boston has come quite far in expanding their culinary palate... they really haven't jumped on the healthy bandwagon yet. (or maybe ever). Oh well, it's freezing anyways, you could use the extra body heat.

Without further adieu...

Boston's Best Eats:

Breakfast:
Okay, well you can't beat the Taj brunch on their rooftop terrace overlooking the city.  And the Four Seasons brunch is definitely a close second. Both hotels outdo themselves, with carving stations, make your own omelet, raw bar, dessert after dessert, and flowing champagne -- but you do pay for what you're getting, and it's not cheap.  Both brunches run around 50-60 per person.
For a fraction of the price (and by fraction I honestly mean 1/20th) head to J Paces and Sons. It is a deli counter, but they makes the most incredible bacon egg and cheese sandwiches ever. You have to get it on a homemade bagel. Oh god and their italian subs.  I can honestly taste it now.
Friendly Toast - Located in Kendall Sq. the joint is littered with bizarre antiques and signs that give it an almost fun-house feel.  I could never order anything besides The King Cakes (2 pancakes with bananas and choc chips inside, peanut butter between, encircled by bacon) but their menu is ridiculously fun and imaginative. It reminds me of the Griddle in LA, but better!  I've also tried the cayenne cheddar toast (delicious), herb omelette (ok, but there is way better on the menu), kitchen sink quesadilla and shrimp (4 fried coconut shrimp and a quesadilla filled with spiced pecans, jalapeno jack and cheddar, spinach, fried onions, sweet potato fries and topped with mango sour cream and balsamic-- Odd combination, I know.. but this dish is A.ma.zing), and cheese fries with strawberry habenero dip. NOTE: if you had ADHD, take an extra dose of aderall before picking up their menu; it's overwhelming -- but everything tastes so fabulous that you'll already be planning what you're getting on your next visit before you've even ordered your Red Bull frappe.  While friendly toast isn't particularly diet friendly, they do guarantee that their menu is trans-fat free.

Seafood:
Why, Legal Seafoods, of course.  Hit the flagship in Seaport for some Thai style calamari and the fresh catch of the day.  Save the lobster and chowder for James Hook & Co, which is honestly just a free standing shack before the bridge to seaport.  But, well, that's all they really need when they have held their best chowdah ranking for decades.

Italian:
You can't experience Boston correctly without dining at least once in the North End. ...And of course getting a canoli at Mike's Pastries.
You can't go wrong at any of these spots: Luccas, Lucia, Antico Forno, Bricco.
For pizza, don't even consider going anywhere besides Pompei.

Steaks:
I normally avoid chain restaurants, but the Capital Grille in Boston does steak right.  Go for lunch and get the steak sandwich with havarti. You'll save money and be so pleasantly surprised you'll never have a power lunch anywhere else.
Del Friscos: In the same category as my all time favorites Maestros and Cut (in LA). Honestly this place gets five full stars! Not only is it romantic with a breath taking view, huge comfortable black couches with chandeliers and recessed lighting ..but they have a serve yourself jelly bean bowl at the hostess desk.  The sunken bar, lounge and make-shift wine cellar are also nice touches.  In terms of food, don't go if you don't plan on getting the crab cake appetizer, most amazing one i've ever had.  No bread crumbs just crab, peppers and spices in some tarragon heaven sauce.  I got the three petite filets with different sauces on each one as my main course and I was giddy with happiness.  the blue cheese is extremely flavorful and the candied scallop was out of this world and finished with a perfect bernaise.  The third sauce had crabmeat and a red cab demi glaze and was also, you guessed it, delicious.  I ordered carmalized onions to accompany my steak and I also got the brussel sprouts - both were good, but my eye was on the mac & cheese which i cannot wait to go back and try.  Although the steak and crab were fabulous, the real diamond here is the banana bread pudding.  Trust me. Best part, sign up for their emails and they'll send you a hand written letter saying thank you for coming in to eat with them.  Perfect touch.
Abe and Louies - Love em! Such a Boston staple.  You can't go wrong with anything on their menu.

Newbury:
Met Bar: The one on Newbury has a great feel.  Their outdoor seating is great and summer salads & cold plates are delightful.  The inside atmosphere is almost even better, I love the big booths and the clean white.  Don't get the cod lettuce cup - they're drenched in a not so tasty sauce.  Do get brussel sprouts, short rib tacos, and any burger.
Stephanis on Newbury: A staple to say the least.  Breakfast?  Get the pulled pork scramble and CEO mimosas.  Then go walk it off and come right back for lunch/dinner.  Their lobster and truffle mac and cheese is indescribably delicious. They also have the best ahi tuna I have had to date, and I've had my fair share of ahi tuna tartars.
Cafeteria: Amazing Sangria, possibly the best I've ever had.  Get the white and the red. Actually get a pitcher of both and sit outside on a lazy spring or summer day and enjoy every fruity crisp sip.  The menu is limited and food is sub par.  I'd save the calories and just go for one of their salads or split an app, the entrees are far from impressive and quite overpriced.

Stephanie's on Newbury

Lounges/Bars:
Drink Just all around best. This hidden gem is my favorite bar in Boston.  You just tell them what you like..what you feel like, etc. and the bartenders (i feel like they should have a fancier name -- like how starbucks calls their coffee pourers baristas) create a delicious and unique concoction. It has this inviting speak-easy, relaxed feel that makes you want to engage in pensive discussions on the meaning of life. The apps are good, but will leave you hungry.  I'd go for the olive mix and the bacon flavored nuts, then head upstairs to Sportella for something of more substance.  Don't go here if you're looking for fast service, the bartenders even chop their own ice cubes off of an enormous block, which takes about 5 minutes but is worth every second.
Back Bay Social Club & Town: Great drink menus and they are right across from one another in the Back Bay.  BBSC has meat candy (candied kilbasa=yes please), but the crowd can be hit or miss.

More laid back bars in the Back Bay area: Pour House, Dillons & Whiskeys - Go ahead go on the Boylston bar crawl! Hungry for bar food? Go for whiskey's buffalo tenders.

For a even more laid back bar crawl, hit faneuil hall. Bell and Hand will always reign as my favorite bar here, but I've never had a bad night at Ned Devine's either.  (well, I suppose we'd have to come to an equal agreement on the definition of 'bad' but you get my point).

Summertime you are going to Tias.  If you can't get in head to Whiskeys and ABG. 

If you're looking to get down and dirty with locals and are not a yankee fan, then there's no better place to get a real Bah-stan experience than Southie.  Get your fix at Stats and Lincoln.  Not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but I guarantee that the first person you strike up a convo with at either of these places will either know me or have a buddy that does.

Hotel Bars:
Langham. Bond is the best place to impress friends/clients. It's fabulously decorated and feels regal with a delightful cocktail menu. Don't eat any of the desserts, no matter how good you think the cheesecake lolipops sound, take my word, they're horrific.
Liberty Hotel. Amazing. No better place to enjoy a cocktail after work. Limited seating and overpriced, but SO worth it. History buff alert: The hotel itself is an old renovated jail that housed some pretty cool celebrities back in the day.   The bar is appropriately named Clink.  Get it.
Mandarin Oriental.  Lychee martini with champagne and grapefruit? yep.  Sure its a splurge at 18 dollars, but it really is that good.  Plus they give roasted nuts and olives to munch on at the bar.  This is a great place to find yourself in a deep conversation with a worldly traveler.  Older crowd and plenty of cougars, but I alway have a great time.
....I justified returning to the Mandarin bar & ordering the lychee martini on the grounds that it was blog research.  It really is that good I couldn't even wait to guzzle it before picture snapping!

Diners:
In my opinion, you'd have to drive an hour west to hit up Worcester for some real box car greasy delights. but South Street Diner has bomb buffalo tenders and omelets with suprisingly fresh ingredients.  It's not necessarily dirt cheap, but they have healthy options (which actually makes me not like them as a diner) and they're incredibly efficient, even with a packed house of drunks at 4AM.   Charlies on Dartmouth Street attracts local celebrities.  The owner is a jolly guy who works hard to make his diner efficient and welcoming to regulars and newcomers alike.  Greasy and border-line dirty, the atmosphere is perfect.  Everyone raves about the turkey hash scramble, but unless you're looking to waste 4 times your normal fat intake on mediocre flavorless food, I'd opt for a breakfast sandwich.


Desserts:
Omni Parker Hotel. The originator of the Boston Cream Pie.  This hotel is also a history geek land mind.
Mike's Pastries.  This place will ruin you... as you will never be able to enjoy a cannoli again after experiencing the ecstasy of your first Mike's pastry.
Del Friscos.  Oh that banana bread pudding.  Yum.
Max Brenners. A true dessert experience. Order the chocolate pizza.  The works.