Boston Dining & Drinks
November 26th, 2007 by jamie a
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We know you love to stay connected during your travels, so here’s our list of Boston Wi-Fi hotspots to help you out! From hotels to ice cream parlors and Irish pubs, you can surely find a place that suits your surfing style.
To begin your trip, here are some hotels that offer free wi-fi so you won’t have to stray very far at all if you need to be connected. There’s the , , the in the heart of downtown, or the in Harvard Square.
If you’d like to grab some breakfast or a coffee, all locations are wireless, as well as and . If you’re a bit outside the metropolitan area, in Somerville is a favorite for studying, writing, or catching up on emails.
For lunch, there’s for delicious fresh burritos and smoothies and for the tastiest in healthy “fast food.”
To grab a pint of Guinness while you work, there’s which is just around the corner from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. To satisfy your sweet tooth, check out or the hip, new in Harvard Square which serves the most delicious frozen yogurt around.
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November 20th, 2007 by susan j
Garlic-chili salted edamame and chili beef ramen at Wagamama
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Boston may be famous for cream pies and clam chowder, but Beantown has definitely moved beyond the traditional New England fare to more innovative and interesting dining choices. These days you’ll find new restaurants popping up all over the city, giving locals and tourists a taste of sophisticated international cuisine. Here are a few new and notable openings:
As one of the most European cities in the US, it was only fitting that Boston welcomed the first North American location for this summer. A favorite among travelers in Europe, Wagamama features a minimalist decor and hearty noodle dishes served in a colorful communal environment. The first location is in Faneuil Hall near the New England Aquarium and second location recently opened in Cambridge near the Harvard Museum.
Another restaurant recently opened in Boston’s Mission Hill. started serving tapas in late September and has already drawn rave reviews from the diners on for its creative cocktail menu and loungy but unpretentious atmosphere. Mid-October brought the addition of , a combination restaurant and music venue near Fenway Park. Their “Seven Deadly Sins” cocktail list plays up the church theme.
And lastly, tonight is the grand opening for the newest addition to Boston’s restaurant scene. in the Back Bay near the Shops at Prudential Center “pairs global cuisine with an awe-inspiring architectural design,” according to their website. Menu items include tuna sashimi, ricotta tortellini, and grilled quail.
If you have a favorite Boston restaurant, leave a comment and let us know about it!
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November 14th, 2007 by jamie a
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While you’re touring around the great city of Boston during this chilly time of year, check out this list of coffee shops to stop in while you’re out and about.
If you’re in the North End visiting Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church, or the New England Sports Museum, we’d recommend stopping in to for a treat. The locals love their double mocha latte, house blend coffee, and their toasty grilled sandwiches while lounging on their comfy couches and enjoying free wifi.
Between walking from the to the , cozy up with a tasty beverage at . Known for their Chai and Mocha Slide, pair up one of these drinks with a freshly baked muffin or cookie, and it’s a perfect mid-day treat.
Right in Faneuil Hall, provide delicious Milky Way Lattes and chocolate croissants to warm your chilly family. Stop in here after your visit to the the , or the .
On chic Newbury Street, which is perfect for people-watching, has both delicious coffees and teas and a great book selection! The last independent bookstore in Boston proper, this darling cafe is near the , , and the .
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November 13th, 2007 by jamie a
Christopher’s Restaurant
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To complement our dinner guide for college parents, I present the luncheon edition! Stop at some of these fabulous places for some food between college tours or take your studious coed out for a noontime break from class. No matter which college or university your son or daughter attends (or is visiting), this guide covers all the academic centers in the city.
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For a perfect burger with a myriad of toppings complimented by sweet potato fries, is your place for lunch. There’s also signature salads and grilled chicken sandwiches to satisfy your mid-day hunger. If you’re of age, their brews are just as delicious as the food.
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With lovely gourmet sandwiches and delectable crepes and coffee, is a great spot to stop in for a rest. Be sure to admire the work of local artists that adorns the walls while sipping your cappuccino and listening to their great jazz selections.
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New to the Boston scene, has already warmed its way into the hearts of many. From truffled polenta logs and scallop ceviche to a sake drunken berry cup for dessert, you can certainly find something to treat your taste buds. Their drink menu is also quite innovative, serving concoctions like a burnt orange cosmo and Pimm’s cups.
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In the mood for some swell American comfort food? The head on over to right in Downtown Crossing. Order some Mac & Cheese or Grilled Cheese and tomato for the ultimate in childhood favorites for adults. There’s also a great selection of salads and always a delicious soup of the day.
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At , you’ll find the ultimate in create-your-own pizza pies! Choose from delicious toppings like thyme roasted mushrooms, dried cranberries, red bliss potatoes, basil, and caramelized onions. Then choose from traditional, rosemary, or olive oil sauce for your pie and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind lunchtime treat.
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With gourmet sandwiches named after local streets, you’ll have a grand Harvard Square experience at Known as a “bohemian shabby-chic cafe,” they have everything from lunch and baked goods to wonderful coffee and loose tea. Enjoy the atmosphere while you mingle with the locals at this neighborhood hot spot.
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Check out in Porter Square with their fabulous new lunch menu! Chow down on some Buffalo tofu, their renowned nachos, or some Ipswich clam chowder before having one of their 100% naturally raised beef burgers. This place is also known for being especially good to vegetarians, offering tons of menu options, rather than just a few.
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For a quick, cheap, yet delicious hot dog, is your lunchtime choice. Get their famous “junkyard dog” or find a new favorite on their extensive list of unique dogs. Grab an order of “poodle fries” to share while you deliberate whose dog wins best in show (for lunch, that is!)
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Offering the best in French cuisine, serves great down-to-earth food with the owner, Pierre, most often cooking in the kitchen. Try some of their steak tartare and escargot and finish your dinner off with some profiteroles that will knock your socks off.
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November 9th, 2007 by susan j
Inside Boston’s new Liberty Hotel
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The Onyx Hotel has a Britney Spears Suite (which they are now rethinking in light of Ms. Spears’ recent headlines). The Fairmont Copley Plaza has a 68 pound black lab named to greet guests. And now, the newest Boston hotel gimmick is the . Housed in the old (once home Sacco and Vanzetti and other famous inmates), the new luxury hotel uses much of the jail’s original architecture and adds some contemporary touches to create an elegant and slightly unusual environment.
Since my apartment is about ten minutes away from the Liberty, I haven’t stayed in one of their 300 guestrooms, but I did enjoy post-work drinks in both of their upscale bars. , the hotel’s bar and restaurant, serves an interesting assortment of international cuisine, including Japanese Wagyu Beef, Duck Confit Flatbread, and Octopus Cassoulet. The views inside the 90-foot atrium make for a swanky dining experience. As of my visit two week ago, did not serve food, but the dark, slightly eery bar and lounge has some inventive cocktail choices, including “Doing Thyme” and “Paddy Wagon” (the bar’s take on the traditional Side Car). For those who want to mix in a little sightseeing, the Liberty Hotel is right next to Mass. General Hospital and down the street from the Otis House Museum in historic Beacon Hill.
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November 7th, 2007 by jamie a
Stata Center at MIT
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Visiting your studious coed in the city or taking your high school student on college tours is the perfect opportunity for a great dinner out on the town to spend some time together. No matter which college or university your son or daughter attends, this guide covers all academic centers in the city.
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It’s a sure hit to enjoy some fresh seafood while you’re in New England, so check out restaurant. From seared scallops to spicy crab cakes and whole fried Ipswich clams, you can enjoy all the wonders of the sea!
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Savor some tasty tapas and Sangria at , a hidden gem on the B-line in Brighton. There’s live classic guitar on Thursdays to accompany your paella and Confit de pato (roasted duck with red cabbage and apples).
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With the breathtaking surrounding it, the is a perfect place to stop during a walk around the museum. Open from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm, enjoy roast Atlantic salmon or the thyme and onion quiche with Gruyere and top it off with their famous banana bread pudding with creme fraiche for dessert!
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With an extensive beer list and traditional German fare, is a great stop to warm up this winter. Try out some new brews imported from all over Germany to go with your authentic bratwurst and weisswurst in this Boston favorite since 1868.
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provides a charming night out with inventive drinks, eclectic atmosphere, and tasty tapas-style meals. Try the brie en crout and the mushroom risotto and then save room for bananas foster for dessert!
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At , you can enjoy some delicious beer brewed fresh on the premises while relaxing with your family. Enjoy some delicious “Patriot Burgers” while sipping some seasonal signature ale.
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For one of the best Cuban sandwiches that Boston’s has to offer, meander on over to , a cozy modern French bistro with Cuban flair. Voted as “Best of Boston” from 2002-2006, this is a wonderful stop for dinner and sophisticated drinks.
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On Boston’s famed Newbury Street, has “sophisticated comfort food” down to an art. With a cozy atmosphere including fireplaces and perfect people-watching seats, you can enjoy some lobster potpie or grilled tenderloin salad.
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Since 1937, in Beacon Hill has been a longtime favorite. With a classic neighborhood atmosphere, this is a local flavor hot spot known for their delectable brunch and comfy-classic dinners.
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November 6th, 2007 by susan j
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Often considered the most Irish city in America, Boston features a bounty of Irish pubs that would make even a native Dubliner feel at home. In fact, some longtime Irish Bostonians call the city “the next parish over from Galway Bay.” If you’re visiting Boston on bank holiday or just want to soak up the local Irish flavor, then head on over to these pubs:
- Between Government Center and the North End (Boston’s version of Little Italy), Union Street offers a taste of Irish tradition with cobblestones and good ol’ Irish pubs. Paddy O’s is the perfect spot for starting a pub crawl. Handcrafted beers and a laidback atmosphere welcome visitors from all over the world. Paddy O’s also serves Irish specialties like seafood and shepherd pie.
- Just a few doors away from Paddy O’s, Hennessy’s of Boston was voted “Best Irish Bar in Boston” five times by The Improper Bostonian. This multi-level bar hosts live music Thursday-Saturday, so expect a lively crowd (and a small cover charge) on weekends.
- Also near Hennessy’s and Paddy O’s, the Green Dragon Tavern was voted Best Irish Pub of 2007 by Boston Magazine. Legend has it that this historic pub was where colonists overheard British soldiers discussing their plans to invade Lexington and Concord. The tavern also hosts live music nightly.
- The nearby Mr. Dooley’s Boston Tavern features friendly service and an eclectic menu. Dooley’s hosts American or Irish bands and musicians Friday though Saturday, and Irish ex-pats tend to congregate there on Sundays.
- The Black Rose, also in the area, has been listed among America’s top ten Irish establishments. Rumor has that U2 played at The Black Rose before becoming an international rock sensation. Other notable musical performers include John Denver and members of The Chieftains. In addition to live music nightly, The Black Rose serves up traditional homemade Irish favorites including fish and chips, native lobster, and corned beef.
What’s your favorite Irish pub in Boston? Leave a comment and let us know!
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November 5th, 2007 by jamie a
Hologram at the MIT Museum
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For the inner geek who loves the periodic table and deciphering the minds of robots, here’s a guide to sites in Cambridge that you’ll love.
Known around the world as a hot-spot for the budding scientific and mathematical minds of the world, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a great spot to exercise your brain. Check out the MIT Museum, home of the world’s largest exhibit of holograms and the world’s first sociable robot, Kismet. Learn how MIT has gained their indisputable reputation for ingenuity through the museum’s historical exhibits as well as modern interactive ones. A new three-million-dollar renovation entitled the Mark Epstein Innovation Gallery has just opened.
Take home some books to brush up on all of your newfound knowledge at , an independent specialty technical bookstore in the heart of Kendall Square. From mathematics to software programming, this store has all your geek-reads covered.
is even interactive! When you’re in the station, be sure to check out The Kendall Band, created in 1987 by Paul Matisse. The band members (Kepler, Pythagoras, and Galileo) are named after Johannes Kepler, Pythagoras, and Galileo Gallilei. Kepler is comprised of a 125-pound metal ring whose hammer strikes an F-sharp and Gallileo is a sheet of metal that, when shaken, sounds like thunder. Pythagoras, the last of the three, is a series of metal tubes tuned to B-minor that when struck with a mallet that slowly builds momentum, they fill the station with lush musical sounds.
To quench those grumbling bellies, hang out with MIT students and professors alike at the . With a giant periodic table on the wall serving as the menu, you can have a laugh while ordering a jalepeno burger or a chicken quesadilla. Their roasted potatoes with tomato chutney are especially delicious as their signature substitute for fries. They also offer free wi-fi and lab stools to take a seat at the bar while you surf the ‘net.
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November 2nd, 2007 by susan j
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As this NY Times article points out, hotel bars around the country are shedding their stodgy, tired reputation and replacing it with inventive drink menus and cool new digs. This is especially true in Boston, where you’ll find plenty of locals frequenting the city’s many hotel bars. in the newly opened is a great example of this hotel bar phenomenon.
Whether you want a wild night on the town or a relaxing drink after a long day of sightseeing, Boston’s hotel bars have the recipe for what you’re looking for. Bottoms up!
If you’re feeling like a fruity cocktail… Foundation Lounge at the Hotel Commonwealth has a lively scene most nights of the week, especially when the Red Sox are playing at nearby Fenway Park. Other times, guests enjoy live jazz music as they sip Wild Mango Martinis and nibble on zensai (think tapas but with a Japanese twist). Foundation’s well-wheeled crowd includes business travelers, young professionals, and the occasional group of college kids flaunting their trust funds.
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October 29th, 2007 by jamie a
Jamie meets Spike, mascot of Spike’s Hot Dogs!
As a new resident of Cambridge/Somerville, I love exploring the neighborhood in my spare time. This time of the year is perfect for taking long walks, making time for tea, and enjoying all the autumnal scents and stunning foliage. I simply love living in a place where there’s always something to do and it’s no more than a walk away.
I hope you enjoy these highlights of my life on the Red line!
Proclaimed a “fiercely independent” bookstore, Porter Square Books is a great local spot with tons of personality. The shop is small, but brimming with an eclectic selection, including wonderful “staff picks” sections and impressively obscure literary magazines. Grab a spot of tea and a vietnamese spring roll and cozy into a seat for one of their weekly readings. The upcoming reading schedule can be found on the events calendar.
Ready for a hot dog like you’ve never eaten before? Head to Davis Square for a taste of Spike’s award winning dogs. From the “junkyard dog” (tomato, pickle, scallions, pepperoncini & Spike’s mustard) to the “samurai dog” (Teriyaki sauce & sauteed onions), everyone’s sure to find a dog to suit their fancy. I greatly appreciate Spike’s veggie dogs, which are some of the best veggie dogs I’ve ever tasted!
Right around the corner from Spike’s lies . You’d be hard-pressed to find a store as cute and as quirky as this one. Find the perfect gift for your unique friend or for yourself at this haven of hipster crafts. Supporting independent artists and crafters everywhere, Magpie deserves heaps of business and applause. From screen-printed tees to hand-painted birdhouses and brooches made from recycled bottle caps, this is definitely one of my favorite stores.
Up for catching a movie or a live show? The Somerville Theater is a fantastic venue right in the heart of Davis Square. A theater where both tea and beer are allowed to be savored while enjoying the film or performance is certainly one I want to frequent. Upcoming shows include fiddlers, comedians, indie bands, and first-run films.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Boston Harbor Cruise. Since I’m still a bit of a tourist to the city, I like to get to know more about different areas in Boston every chance I get. This cruise, which leaves from Long Wharf, was perfect for experiencing a part of the city I’d never seen before from the point of view of the water. Make sure and sit on the top deck and bring your camera for maximum boat-riding pleasure, but bring a coat and scarf for the journey, as this cruise gets chillier every day.
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