Boston Dining & Drinks
June 17th, 2009 by judy c
Farmer’s Market Poster Image ; Taken by Flickr user
Cambridge folks know that summer is officially on the horizon when the Farmers’ Markets in Harvard Square finally open for the season. So with the 2009 grand opening of the first market having occurred just yesterday, residents are now ready to indulge in all the local food, music, and fun that they can while it lasts!
is located right next to the Harvard Science Center at Oxford and Kirkland Streets, about 100 yards away from the and . It’s open every Tuesday until the end of October from 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm and features regional farmers and vendors – in fact, none are from more than 50 miles away from Harvard Yard! There is so much variety that there is literally something for every palette. Vendors hock everything from standard organic produce, to exotic cuts of meat like lamb and goat. There are also seasonal florals, locally grown herbs, fresh baked bread, and tasty jams. By public transportation, take the Red Line to the Harvard Square stop.
If you aren’t a local but want to partake in this local tradition, consider stopping by the Harvard Museum of Natural History to purchase a reusable souvenir bag. Then head over to the Market to fill it up with fresh local snap peas and strawberries. Trust me, the strawberries are to die for!
And here’s a fun idea: While you’re at the , check out their famous “” exhibit if you have never seen it before. These extraordinary glass models of flowering and fruiting plants (including cacao, coffee plants, cashew nuts, pineapple, mango, and blueberries) were created in the late 19th Century by father/son glass artists in Germany to teach botany before the days of photography. They are quite a sight to behold and it’s the perfect prelude to get your taste buds watering for the Market. Bon appetit!
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June 3rd, 2009 by judy c
Happy Hour; Photo taken by Flickr user
Everyone is looking to save a buck these days (or several bucks in my case), but why compromise your social life and sense of fun in order to do so? We can still plan a vacation and dine out with friends and family, we just have to be super savvy about how we do it. In that spirit, I’ve pinpointed a few of the hottest happy hour spots in Boston so that your appetite doesn’t feel the pinch of your purse strings! And if that’s not enough, I’ve also identified some nearby attractions, which are all included for free with the .
Area: Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Boston
Top Spot: – This popular eatery among tourists offers one of the best happy hour menus in the city. They have two happy hours – one from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm and the other from 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm. With each plate costing less than $5 a pop, you can choose from such items as a chicken sandwich and fries, grilled shrimp, fish tacos, and more. Beware of the cocktail prices though. Beer and wine are relatively inexpensive for the area, but martinis can end up costing upwards of $12 each.
Nearby attractions: , , and
Area: Back Bay, Boston
Top Spot: – Okay, okay. I know it’s a chain, but give this one a shot. Not only is the bar located in a completely separate area from the restaurant (making you feel like you are in an actual downtown bar), but the happy hour menu is the best for bar food. We’re talking cheese sticks, quesadillas, mini sliders and more. And you can’t beat the $2.95 beer special! Happy hour runs from 4 pm - 7 pm and 10 pm- close everyday except Saturday.
Nearby attractions: ,, and
Area: Harvard Square, Cambridge
Top Spot: – This is a favorite among locals because of the laid back attitude. You come in, seat yourself, and call the place home. Plus, EVERYTHING on the menu is half-price from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm every evening and from 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm Sunday – Thursday! Keep in mind that they can get very busy toward the end of the half price hours, so plan to arrive early.
Nearby attractions: and
None of these suggestions working for you? The Boston Globe has a great guide to . Do you think that anything was missed?
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December 4th, 2008 by admin
Once again the Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has rallied a wide variety of the best of Boston to insure locals and visitors alike have plenty of reasons to spend time in Boston this Holiday Season. The Go Boston Card is pleased to once again support this program by providing access to all of Boston’s best attractions for a single price.
To see all of the participating attractions, see the Go Boston Card attractions page. And be sure to check out the Mayor’s site to see additional savings on shows, hotels, and restaurants.
Special thanks to the Holiday Special’s generous media partners, the Metro
and Magic 106.7FM, for their in-kind contributions!
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April 10th, 2008 by will n
Kenmore Square’s infamous Citgo sign (near Fenway Park) Photo uploaded by
Besides getting tickets to the big game, the next important thing is figuring out where to eat. So have you thought about where or what you’re planning to eat at the park? Sure, there is always the typical hot dogs, pretzels and beer, but a nice meal can surely make or break any trip. So right after you take the and just before the big game, don’t think that the hot dog stand is the only place to eat.
The good news is that Fenway Park is offering a variety of new selections to their park menu. So if you’re tired of hotdogs and pretzels, try their new fish and chips, garlic fries or pasta dishes. However, expect to pay a premium for that little additional comfort. (more…)
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March 3rd, 2008 by jamie a
A Fine Selection of Cocktails Photo uploaded by
If you’re sick of staying inside on these chilly nights, never fear! For starters, it’s already March, so it’s got to be warmer…right? You can always just grab a scarf and mittens and head out for a night on the town despite the chill.
To get you started, From the traditional hot toddy at Alchemist Lounge to the new and inventive “snow globe” at Chez Henri, there’s plenty of ways to keep warm.
Cheers!
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February 29th, 2008 by jamie a
Dining at Grasshopper Photo uploaded by
Fellow bloggers over at Bostonist.com illuminate , cluing us in to places we never knew existed. If you or a friend is vegan, traveling within a group to dine out can sometimes be a difficult experience. You don’t always want to sit there and simply munch on some veggies…you’d like a warm and filling meal like the rest of your group!
From the much anticipated opening of , a 100% raw and vegan restaurant in the North End, to the tantalizing Asian fare of in Allston, Vegans can certainly dine happily in this city. There’s also with delectable pizzas in the heart of Harvard Square, with multitudes of Vegan and Vegetarian options, and , a traditional French restaurant with a couple Vegan offerings as well.
If you’re in the city on Wednesday, March 5, in Harvard has teamed up with the Boston Vegan Association to have a four course Vegan meal. Make sure to make reservations, as the seats are sure to fill up fast.
Have a recommendation for more Vegan fare in the Boston area? Let us know in a comment!
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February 5th, 2008 by jamie a
Table Setting at Clink Photo uploaded by
Boston.com has compiled a swoon-worthy slideshow of the in the city and beyond.
From , serving all local ingredients in Great Barrington, to delectable Cambodian specialties at in Allston, there’s something for every foodie in the bunch.
So, next time you’re looking for a night on the town and a delicious meal (guaranteed!), just hop on over to this list and pick a great place to try.
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January 25th, 2008 by susan j
Lobster tempura at Brookline’s Fugakyu Restaurant Photo uploaded by
Coolidge Corner is one of my favorite places in Boston. Well, technically, it’s not in Boston proper, but all it takes is a short ride on the C-Line to take you to this charming Brookline neighborhood. Coolidge Corner is home to an eclectic assortment of shops, restaurants, and an independent movie theater appropriately named the .
But one of the best reasons to visit is for the sushi. Located at 1280 Beacon Street, is consistently ranked as Boston’s best sushi. I recently had my first Fugakyu experience for my boyfriend’s birthday a few weeks ago. He is a sushi connoisseur, and I’m, well, not so much. But as soon as I stepped into the restaurant’s lavishly decorated entryway, I felt as if I’d been transported to a traditional Japanese teahouse. The waitresses float from table to table wrapped in elegant kimonos, and the expansive multi-floor restaurant features bamboo-enclosed booths, screen Tatami rooms, a cocktail bar, and more.
The menu offers plenty of selection for sushi and non-sushi lovers alike. All of the food comes plated elegantly like above. I ordered a plate of the yaki udon with fried tofu and, since I’m vegetarian, I thought I’d try the inari sushi (which is fried bean curd). My boyfriend got his sushi fix with the caterpillar maki, a whimsical concoction of eel, cucumber, scallion, and spicy mayo. We topped that off with glasses of Ume-Shu, Choya (plum wine) and a bowl of delicious tempura ice cream. All in all, a delightful dining experience, even for those who aren’t adventurous sushi-eaters.
For more on dining in and around Boston, check out these posts:
Dining with the Stars
New and Notable Boston Restaurants
College Parents Guide to Boston Dining
Brunch in Boston
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January 4th, 2008 by jamie a
Photo uploaded by
Welcome to the North End, better known as Boston’s “Little Italy.” There’s an abundance of historical landmarks, fantastic restaurants, and great people-watching all along these cobbled streets, which are also remarkably close to Fanueil Hall and the Financial District.
If you’re in the area, make a stop at , Boston’s oldest building. It was from this very spot that Paul Revere set out on his famous ride. is also in the area, immortalized by signaling the beginning of the War for Independence. It’s the oldest church building in Boston and still has a thriving congregation.
After you hit both of those stops, head over to for an authentic cappuccino or espresso shot. Cheer on the Italian football teams while you savor your beverage with friends and family. Now that you’re in the sporty mood, check out the for one of the greatest collections of sports artifacts and memorabilia all about Boston’s great sports history.
For dinner, there’s an amazing amount of choices. With a combination of Italian and Peruvian cuisine and many awards to boot, is a great pick for dinner. Try an antipasti sampler to start off and then the gnocchi with lamb sauce or one of the chef’s nightly specials for your entree. There’s also , known for taking traditional Italian cuisine to the next level. You can enjoy an elegant evening at Strega, complete with black and white clad waitstaff and classic Italian films playing on televisions at the bar.
To end your evening, grab a famous cannoli, torrone, or biscotti from . Even if the line’s out the door, stick it out! You’ll be so happy you did.
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November 30th, 2007 by amy c
Cameron Diaz
Photo uploaded by
Los Angeles and New York are not the only cities attracting celebrities, especially since hit movies with big name stars have been filming around Boston lately. Most recently, a movie starring Morgan Freeman, called The Lonely Maiden, is scheduled to be filming in the Allston area this week.
Undoubtedly, stars hit up the trendiest and most delicious restaurants, offering a guide to the places that deliver a little “scene” with their food. You may not see the likes of Matt Damon at a local pub, but you can follow these star tracks and dine like them too. And who knows– you may just get lucky and glimpse a celebrity sighting over a cup of New England Clam Chowder or a Sam Adams beer.
and The spotted these hot-spots. Now here is what you can expect from these celebrity-attracting restaurants:
: It is hard to believe that “Skinny Minny” Cameron Diaz has ever touched pasta but this is probably what she dined on in this elegant townhouse on Beacon Hill. The delicate pastas and combination of fresh Italian and French flavors has made Executive Chef Barbara Lynch and her restaurant famous. Named one of the “Ten Best Chefs in America,” Lynch has brought what she learned from cooking in Italy to the states with tasty success. The delicate and authentic, yet innovative food and timeless elegance of the atmosphere make this restaurant the cutting edge in fine dining in Boston. Old world elegance awaits you in the nearby at the , a classic home to the elegant governing class after the American revolution. Known for hosting lavish parties and being the height of comfort and glamor, you catch a glimpse of the celebrities of the past. (more…)
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