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Jimmy Buffett–Lovers Parrothead Party at Dick’s Last Resort

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:03:00 GMT

THURSDAY, MAY 8
Oh, Jimmy - if only you could squeeze in a little surprise appearance. Dick's Last Resort (Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, 617.267.8080) and the Parrothead Club of Eastern Massachusetts (yes, that's an actual organization) are throwing their annual Jimmy Buffett-Lovers Parrothead Party tonight beginning at 7 p.m. There'll be music provided by the most die-hard attendees - in the form of a Parrothead Karaoke Contest - as well as abundant Buffett-centric trivia. Snack on the night's dinner special, a Cheeseburger & A Pair of Dice ($6.99), and sip the adult beverage of the evening: the Ka 'Mana Wana Lei-a ($9.99), a blend of banana rum, peach schnapps, blue Curaçao, and tropical fruit juices. Patrons tend to arrive in quite colorful garb, so you may want to break out your best Hawaiian florals or risk being singled out as the lame one of the bunch.

Eat, drink, and be preppy

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:59:00 GMT

Trust us: it's not like we need convincing to jet (or ferry) off to Nantucket for an extended springtime weekend. But the 12th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, held May 14 through 18, is the perfect excuse to do so. The event features an extensive sampling of world-class wines paired with cuisine from many of the area's top chefs and enjoyed against a picturesque seaside backdrop. The grand tasting is always the festival's signature event, the gala is a can't-miss, and new this year is a Luncheon Symposia series that features hour-long discussions and four-course meals with wine. Seminars of note include "Entertaining with Sparkling Cocktails," "Bargain Hunting for Fine Wine Treasures," and cooking demonstrations hosted by local chefs including Jody Adams (Rialto) and Anthony Susi (Sage). Prices vary, and ticket packages are available. For a complete schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit www.nantucketwinefestival.com or call 508.228.1128.

Girls Night Out at Vinalia

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:10:00 GMT

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 & 17
We admit that our favorite nights out tend to involve chatting up cute (and, ideally, eligible) boys. But every once in a while we crave a little QT with our female friends. Luckily for us, every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., Vinalia (34 Summer Street, Boston, 617.737.1777) hosts Girls Night Out in their Cabernet Room. The evening is every girly-girl's dream: Godiva chocolate martinis flow like water, and a lush chocolate fountain has fresh fruit for dipping. (We say calories don't count when you're hanging with friends.) The event is in the midst of Vinalia's "Retailers Series," so it partners each week with a local business - Lia Sophia Jewelry on April 10, Habit on April 17, and Catalina Fashion on April 24 - for a trunk show, fashion show, or general display. Admission is free; just RSVP at www.going.com/vinaliagirlsnightout.

[Written by Heather Bouzan and Sarah Shanfield]

If it ain't Oak ...

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:48:00 GMT

You gotta love a wunderkind. Just 20 years old, Keara Sexton is already running her own retail shop in Back Bay. Oak (31 Gloucester Street, Boston), which stands for "one of a kind," is committed to supporting local and international artisans and selling environmentally-conscious handmade goods. Inside the inviting, homey space, Sexton stocks everything from silk-screened T-shirts made by students from Mass Art to natural bath and beauty products to coasters made from recycled magazines. And starting mid-month, the store's spacious lower level will be home to workshops in knitting, sewing, book-binding, and more. Browse an edited selection of Sexton's goods online at www.oakboston.com.

[Photo by Ion Sokhos]

Take me out to the Bristol

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:31:00 GMT

There's something to be said for the culinary perfection of a hot dog and a cheap beer. But while baseball food has its place in our hearts, our stomach can only take it on occasion. The rest of the time, our sophisticated palates will lead us to the Bristol Lounge (Four Seasons, 200 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.338.4400), where executive chef Brooke Vosika has whipped up a Bristol Ballpark Menu. Kicking off with the Red Sox home opener on April 8, Vosika's dishes put a "Four Seasons spin on ballpark classics" like buttery popcorn and Fenway franks. Snack on the Four Seasons Frank-ona ($19), a lobster roll topped with savory onions; the Yaz's Triple Crown ($18), three mini crabcake sandwiches served with house-made chips; or the decadent, truffle-scented Papelbon's All-Star Popcorn ($13). And since watery cups of beer are nowhere to be found at the luxe hotel, wash down these haute bites with cocktail "Closers" such as the Tickle-Ortiz-Me ($15) and the Sweet Caroline ($15).

College, with a side of concerts

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:23:00 GMT

Who says all college students do is drink beer and hook up at parties? Over at Berklee College of Music, the new Café 939 (939 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.747.6038), a state-of-the-art music venue and coffee house, not only features Berklee talent (plus local artists and national acts), it's also student-run. And don't worry about ever getting bored with the programming: Café 939 showcases all kinds of musical genres, from folk to hip-hop, rock to electronica. Evening programming runs Wednesdays through Sundays, while the New Brew series features performances by student artists on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Visit www.cafe939.com for information.

Garden variety

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:27:00 GMT

You might say the owners of DJ’s at the Garden (222 Friend Street, Boston, 617.723.3222) are obsessed with the old Boston Garden. But really, is that such a bad thing? DJ’s, which opened in the West End, is determined to bring exceptional eats, a great selection of beer (70-plus choices), and a personable staff to the neighborhood. Dave Greaney, who also runs Southie favorite the Junction, owns the place, which serves lunch, dinner, and a late-night menu Thursday through Saturday as well as game nights. Key menu items include Guinness-braised short ribs ($16.95) and a Paddy melt burger ($8.95). You won’t recognize the former Hooters space — the new owners closed in the kitchen, put up some walls, and ripped down the façade, adding some windows that’ll open onto the street in warmer months. Game-night ticket giveaways abound, and plans are in place to launch live music in mid-April.

[Photo by Kelly Davidson]

South End sampler

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:10:00 GMT

We keep a running tally of restaurants we've still yet to try tucked in our planner. But no matter how frequently we dine out, the scribbled list keeps growing and growing. Our solution? This year's Taste of the South End, which features generous samples from more than 40 of the neighborhood's best kitchens, including Rocca, Gaslight, Myers+Chang, Stix Restaurant & Lounge, and The Beehive. The March 11 event at The Cyclorama (Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.426.5000) from 6:30 to 9 p.m. benefits the AIDS Action Committee. General-admission tickets ($95) are available at www.aac.org/taste and at the door the night of the event. Or spring for a VIP ticket: it'll run you $250, but it includes admission to a 6 p.m. chef's reception, a VIP Lounge, a demonstration featuring chefs Joanne Chang and Andy Husbands, and an after-party at The Beehive (541 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.423.0069).

Blunch 'n' munch

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:47:00 GMT

We love secret little neighborhood joints, but we just can't keep Blunch (59 East Springfield Street, Boston, 617.247.8100) to ourselves any longer. Local restaurant veteran Nikki Christo fixes fresh, casual breakfast and lunch dishes, including egg sandwiches, house-made granola, soups, salads, and pressed sandwiches like the Wilbur ($6.50), a cheesy BLT, and the Bird ($6.75), sliced chicken breast with fontina cheese, oven-roasted tomatoes, and artichoke aioli. Blunch is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. As word spreads, Sundays may be in the cards, too. The restaurant seats 12 (with outdoor space once the weather permits), and airy windows make for great people-watching. Don't fault Christo for closing shop early; she's up at 5 a.m. every day adding "Today's Whims" to http://www.eatblunch.com/.

[Photo by Melissa Ostrow]

Service with a style: Local restaurants get fashionable

Erica Corsano — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:16:00 GMT

DEVELOPING A restaurant concept is no easy task. From menu and location to interiors and staff, everything is expected to fall seamlessly into place — and it’s clearly not just about the food. In fact, sometimes food becomes a forgotten understudy to the design, style, and overall vibe of a dining establishment.

So what about fashion? What role does it play in the restaurant biz? Savvy restaurateurs have to keep their eye on style, especially when it comes to their staff. Some use the services of designers to create trendy getups for their employees. Great Bay, RumBa, Sushi-Teq, and newcomer Lobby all enlisted the help of local fashion stylist and Habitboutique owner Leila Moore to create signature uniforms for their staffs. RumBa had red-and-black cocktail dresses custom-made for their female servers, while Great Bay opted for navy wrap tunics with black leggings. The Lobby ladies were given shimmery, silver V-neck tops; Sushi-Teq played it safe and simple and opted for all-white attire (definitely not the most challenging gig for Moore).

For other locales, style is in the smaller details — like sneakers. Via Matta’s staffers wear footwear from Puma, while employees at Cafeteria sport Converse sneaks. Cafeteria’s GM Eric Santiago also pieced together blue fitted dress shirts and Guess jeans to accompany the sneakers that are reminiscent of a comfortable high-school lunchroom — the overall theme of the casual eatery.

If you’re married to a local fashionista, piecing together a chic look for your waitstaff is simple. Jon Cronin, owner of about-to-open adjoining Financial District venues
Central 37 and Market, has left the style aspect of his business to his wife, Nicole, who happens to know a thing or two about fashion — she owns Ku De Ta, a trendy boutique in South Boston. Cronin’s servers will be asked to dress in black, but their tops will vary, and Nicole plans to adorn the female staff with chic accessories from her store. On the other hand, the South End’s Beehive and Pho Republique have a completely different approach when it comes to employee attire. Both venues strive to promote self-expression — a mantra that translates into a lenient dress code for staffers. Employees are encouraged to wear their own clothing in which they feel comfortable. “We purposely set out to create an environment of individuality with our staff,” says Jack Bardy, co-owner of Beehive and owner of Pho Republique. “I find allowing the staff to express themselves leads to a happier and more productive work environment.”

12 Beers for 12 Years at Cambridge Common

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:28:00 GMT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29
Cambridge Common (1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.547.1228) is celebrating its 12th birthday (though technically the beer bar is only three, seeing as it's a leap-year baby: its opening day was February 29, 1996). Questions of age aside, the craft-brew-obsessed bar is throwing a 12 Beers for 12 Years extravaganza tonight, complete with beers brewed in its honor and, on tap, selections from 12 breweries that have helped make Cambridge Common the beer institution it is today. The event begins at 5 p.m., and there'll be passed appetizers in the bar area until they run out. The folks in charge will also be handing out free commemorative T-shirts as long as supplies last.

Publick domain

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:15:00 GMT

We've long enjoyed sipping our way through the lengthy beer list at the Publick House (1648 Beacon Street, Brookline, 617.277.2880), so we're overjoyed at the prospect of stocking our fridge with the pub's eclectic brews. The result of years of customer requests for an at-home experience, Publick House Provisions (1706 Beacon Street, Brookline), a specialty craft-beer and gourmet food shop, is about to open just a block away from the mothership. The store will stock all 200-plus beers available at the Publick House, including hard-to-find Belgians like Koningshoven and De Dolle, as well as the unique, beer-specific glassware into which the pub's brews are so lovingly poured. As for sustenance, Publick House Provisions will peddle gourmet cheeses, Belgian chocolates, pâtés, and sauces; staff will be on hand to answer questions and suggest beer and food pairings based on their nearly encyclopedic knowledge. And if you're not in the mood for spending the night barside, there'll always be something to sample at the shop's tasting bar.

Heaven & Hell at Vox Populi

Heather Bouzan — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:37:00 GMT

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Sure, it's a bit of a cliché, but could there exist a more perfect Valentine's Day theme than Heaven & Hell? If you have a significant other, the holiday's all nougat-filled chocolates and lacy lingerie, but for single folk, it's booze-fueled one-night stands. Vox Populi (755 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.424.8300) is capitalizing on the holiday with two floors of relationship-status-appropriate festivities: upstairs in "heaven," it's a refined four-course meal ($65 per person; $85 paired with wines) for couples from 5:30 p.m. to midnight; downstairs in singles "hell," there'll be free passed appetizers, lounge music, and Broken Heart cocktails ($11) from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. If it's love at first sight over drink number one, you can head upstairs for a romantic meal; conversely, if dinner takes a turn for the worse, there's a whole roomful of singles downstairs with whom to drown your sorrows.

Vee Vee is for veggie

Heather Bouzan — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:23:00 GMT

It's one of those restaurant-biz dreams that'd be cliché if it wasn't so heartwarming: a husband and wife who've worked in the industry for years finally save up, find the perfect spot, and open their own place. For Dan and Kristen Valachovic, that place is Vee Vee (763 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, 617.522.0145), a small, JP "new-American bistro." The name comes from a nickname of Dan's, and the space has a simple, modern aesthetic that's clutter-free and comfortable. Chef Brendan Wood, most recently of Lucca and Sasso, heads up his own kitchen for the first time, focusing mostly on seafood, veggies, and grains; options you're likely to see on the opening menu include herb-basted cod served with wheatberries and mushroom ragout, stuffed delicata squash, and filo turnovers made with wild mushrooms, leeks, and gruyere.

[Photo by Melissa Ostrow]

Frightful weather, delightful deals

Heather Bouzan — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:18:00 GMT

When the snow starts falling, our inclination is to hole up at home in our fuzziest pair of PJs. But local restaurants are tempting us to forgo hibernation with deals that are worth a minor case of frostbite. Pigalle (75 Charles Street South, Boston, 617.423.4944) offers customers a complimentary cup of soup and glass of wine (or, sometimes, hot chocolate and dessert) during blizzard conditions, while Craigie Street Bistrot (5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, 617.497.5511) says a portion of dinner is on the house for diners who show up during a sizable storm. The folks at Prezza (24 Fleet Street, Boston, 617.227.1577) have been known to serve up a comfort-food dish and a gratis glass of wine when it gets blustery outside, and dessert empire Finale (various locations) gives special treats to patrons willing to brave the elements. At the Beehive (541 Tremont Street, Boston 617.423.0069), free cocoa is doled out to those waiting in line whenever temps dip below 30 degrees. The deals aren't just limited to restaurants, either: members of the InTheKnow Club at Gypsy Bar (116 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.482.7799) were texted with instructions to show their phone at the door for free admission on an exceptionally frigid night not long ago. (Text GYPSY to 25827 to join.) Of course, it's up to organizers to determine what constitutes prize-worthy foul weather. When in doubt, call ahead.