Fort Point: An Innovative Itinerary?

Boston is growing, and part of that growth includes a push by the city to become a greater hub for innovation. Kendell gets a lot of attention on this front, with Microsoft, Google, and now Twitter opening up offices.  But Boston proper is also involved, and it’s pushing the Fort Point neighborhood as the city’s “official” innovation center.  It’s even gone out of its way to christen Fort Point as the “Innovation District,” so you know it’s true.

Fort Point is a subsection of the larger Seaport District, all of which has a lot going on these days.  No longer just the shitty part of town with ample parking, the Seaport District has quickly developed into a cool mix of start-ups and happening bars nestled between classic brick buildings and modern skyscrapers. Truly innovative. Home to museums, parks, fine dining, my dentist, and the best post office in the whole city, there are plenty of things to do here.  Here we go!

Itinerary:

1. Morning: Boston Tea Party Museum
2. Afternoon: Lunch at Lucky’s Lounge, followed by a brewery tour at Harpoon
3. Evening: A nice seafood dinner, then drinks at … Drink 

Morning: Tea Party

Everyone knows that the Boston Tea Party took place in Boston, but do you know where?  You can probably guess with reasonable certainty that it was in Fort Point, and you’d be right. High five. Of course, back then it wasn’t called Fort Point – the event took place at what was formally known as Griffins Wharf.  That wharf no longer exists, but a museum fully dedicated to this celebrated act of vandalism has been built near that former location.

The obvious question everyone asks when they hear about the Boston Tea Party is,
“how many fish were killed by this senseless act?”  No one at the museum answered my question when I went this past weekend, so I can’t tell you.  But I did learn lots of other interesting facts during my trip, including the fact that George Washington condemned the Boston Tea Party when it occurred.  Psh, what does he know.

The Beaver

Open seven days a week, museum tours run every 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 am.  Tickets cost $25.00, but Massachusetts residents receive free admission when accompanied by an adult guest who has purchased a regular price ticket.  All you need to do is a.) find a friend, then b.) signup for and print your free hometown pass prior to going.

Afternoon: Lunch and Beers

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably famished after throwing all that tea overboard and while screaming “Huzzah” and frightening children with your over-exuberance for history. Time for lunch.

There are a lot of places around here to eat here, but since we’re looking for a quick bite at a reasonable price, I’m going to throw in Lucky’s Lounge as my recommendation.  You’re probably thinking, “hey, isn’t Lucky’s that bar that’s impossible to find on Congress street?”  Sure is!  Often mistaken for an entrance to a crack den, Lucky’s is a cool bar that also serves up a fine lunch.  Once you’ve managed to find the place, sit yourself in one of their casual booths on the near side of the restaurant (I prefer this brighter area to the darker part of the restaurant) and order a pulled pork sandwich and whatever’s on their rotating tap.

Yeah … it’s somewhere in there.

Did those lunchtime beers whet your whistle for more beer? Then get ready for a powerwalk, because we’re heading to Harpoon Brewery for a tour.  It’s about a mile away, so I suppose you could cab it over if you’re lazy.  Or, you can get ALL FANCY and green on everyone and rent a HubWay bike.  Just keep in mind that you’re going to be drinking, and nobody likes a drunk bicyclist.

The Harpoon Brewery tour is a good time, but the real reason to come to here is for their beautiful new beer hall. I’ve been back a few times since it opened last year, and always have a good time. They keep it simple here, with a long bar in the center and plain wooden picnic tables surrounding it. Bartenders here are the brewers themselves, so you’ll see the guy who just poured your draft run over after to operate the keg machine.  Lots of great beer is available (so long as you like Harpoon), but the food selection is pretty limited (I hope you like pretzels!).  You can even mix-and-match here: order a “Storm Trooper” and they’ll serve you a mix of Harpoon’s Leviathan IPA and their UFO White.

Harpoon’s Beer Hall

Evening: Dinner and Drink

Where to eat now that you’ve spent the afternoon imbibing?  Again, there are tons of places you could eat around here, but since we’re by the water I think it’s time to get some seafood.  There are several pricier places in the area, but you can get a decent bite to eat at the reasonably priced Yankee Lobster Company, which just so happens to be right next door to the Harpoon Brewery.  You could also walk a little further down Northern Ave. and check out Legal Harborside, located in a much nicer building (with a water view!) than Yankee Lobster Company.

Enough with the food review – it’s time to wrap this itinerary up with a drink.  Like in my Fenway itinerary, we’re going to end this evening with cocktails.  We’re heading back towards Lucky’s, but this time we’re going across the street to the famous mixologist destination: Drink.  Drink is a very cool establishment – the whole schtick here is they have no cocktail menus, and display no alcohol behind the bar. Instead, you’re expected to speak with the bartender (oops, sorry, mixologist), tell them the flavors and spirit bases you enjoy, and then they will make you something based off their interpretations.   You can, of course, request a specific drink but that’s not as fun as discovering something new.

Drinks at Drink

Come early or be prepared to wait.  There is no cover charge, and while I generally refuse to wait in line this is one of those places where I’ll make an exception.  I’ll do that for a bar that was a finalist for “World’s Best Cocktail Bar” at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail.

Anything you would have done differently if you were writing a one-day itinerary for Seaport / Fort Point?  Share your thoughts with us in our comments section.  Cheers!

Alex: I like to make the most of my day, especially when visiting a new place. My itineraries tend to pack in as much as possible – attractions, museums, etc. – with stops for a drink between destinations. I love visiting main sites, but do my best to locate something off the beaten path that other tourists may not know about.

Boston’s North End: Pizza and people watching on a sunny day

I was tasked with laying out a day of relaxed fun in one of Boston’s most beloved and unique neighborhoods, the North End. I have lived here on and off for the past 9 years, and it is hard to see it through fresh visitor eyes, but although the new has worn off, it is still one of my favorite places in the city. It is the quintessential Italian neighborhood, which satisfies all the stereotypes you think belong in such a place: the overweight jumpsuit wearing, flashy men who popped straight out of “Donnie Brasco,” the loud Italian grandmas yelling at each other, their grandkids, or their husbands, the grandpas lining up the store fronts catching up and gossiping, the endless lines of visitors outside of Mike’s Pastry and Giacomo’s … if you are looking for good “people watching,” this is the place to be.

My category/stereotype – Due to it’s proximity to the Financial District and the Back Bay, the North End is also home to a high percentage of young professionals, especially women who find the area safe, central, yet still affordable. WE have great busy jobs, are active, well-dressed, highly stressed and we love our wine. But overall, we have very good lives. You know you’ve spotted one of us if you see individuality mixed with one of the following staple items: Lululemon gear, LL Bean boots, Longchamp purses…

Itinerary:

1. Morning: Coffee @ Thinking cup, Mani/Pedi @ Ashasie Nails & Spa
2. Afternoon: Lunch @ Antico Forno, Dessert @ Mike’s Pastry
3. Evening: Wine pick up @ The Wine Bottega

A good Saturday morning starts with choosing the Thinking cup 5 minutes away over the Starbucks across the street. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Starbucks, but this other place is in a league of its own. What got me addicted was their hazelnut latte, and if you’re thinking, “Well, how special can a hazelnut latte get?”, let me explain: the quality of the coffee alone is enough to turn anyone into a believer, but then they use a hazelnut homemade paste instead of syrup, mildly sweetened – perfection in a cup, with foam in the shape of hearts = coffee art. Their food and pastries are all made in house with high quality ingredients, the atmosphere and music just fill you with happiness. Most weekends I sit down and eat as well but this time I am in a hurry and on a mission to meet my friend for mani/pedis.

As mentioned in the opening, there are lots of young professional ladies in the North End, which means there is enough clientele to keep approximately 5 nail salons busy at all times. Depending on my mood, time constraints and outside temperature, I gravitate between two main ones. On this day my friend happened to be blessed with a much needed parking spot right on Hanover street, so Ashasie was our choice. There isn’t much to say about a nail place, especially when they get everything right and do a great job. Often times they are packed, but when they aren’t, you can sit in a massage chair as long as you like, while your nails are drying. And if you’re there for any celebrations they let you bring your own champagne.

Moving on to lunch, since I knew I was going to write about the North end, I wanted lunch to be relevant, and happened to be in the mood for pizza. Now, there are many types of pizza places in the neighborhood: you have your Sicilian cheese only, worth your 15 minutes in line at Umberto’s, there are the huge delicious slices at Ernesto’s, and the celebrity status pizzeria turned into a chain at Regina’s. But if you want brick oven pizza, the best place to go is Antico Forno on Salem street.

They are constantly busy, and usually I’ve had to wait at least 15-20 minutes, and way more in the summer, but this time we get lucky and get seated 5 minutes later. The food is as expected, amazing … the arancini appetizer comes perfectly sharable for 2. We follow that up with our own individual pizzas, which although neither could finish, made for great leftover dinner. As mentioned, it is busy, so don’t expect the service to blow your mind, they just take the order and deliver your food/drinks as fast as possible while still being attentive to your needs. But they definitely don’t make you feel uncomfortable if you’re just sitting there finishing your drink like Giacomos servers do, that’s all.

Although we were at capacity for food intake, it was unanimously decided we couldn’t end this perfect outing without dessert, so we headed towards Mike’s Pastry, a North End fixture. This place is constantly busy and the line outside their door gets in the way of locals, so here is a little tip, which might get me in trouble if this blog actually reaches the masses and too many people find out that… no matter how long and thick the line, you can bypass all of it, and go straight up to the counters and you will be taken care of. Please don’t misinterpret this as rudeness (although I can see it is a special form of it), but really this the way of the locals, who are not on vacation and don’t have the time, nor the patience to stand in a 30 minute line for cannolis (the Florentine is my favorite along with the red velvet cupcake). Insert another opinion, hope it does not offend or ruin it for anyone: Mike’s is more about the experience than about the delicious desserts, if you want quality I would again send you to Thinking cup or for an Italian type place, Modern Pastry down the street has less options but makes up for it in yummyness.

I said goodbye to my friend and decided I was going to take a nap, to let all this food settle. But on my way home I hit up one of my favorite wine stores in the city, The Wine Bottega. This is the kind of shop whose owners have traveled the world drinking and tasting wine. You will not find a single mainstream bottle in here, not even for the rare or expensive ones. You can ask for anything, and they will give you knowledgeable options. I usually go for interesting barnyard/farm like, funky wines, lots of gamays and biodynamic types, and they have never disappointed me. This time around I had an extra special request, they had to be light, interesting and… be in a regular bottle as opposed to a pinot noir bottle, because those guys don’t fit in my wine rack. Needless to say I will be purchasing a new wine rack in the near future. The bottega is as affordable as you want it to be, with a wide range of offerings and special deals during their weekly Friday cellar tastings.

I think this is it for me. Do you have a North End experience you’d like to share?

Mihaela: I’m a free spirited female originally from Romania but officially an American as of last year. I love Boston, despite my lack of appreciation for cold weather. I find my health through great good and drinks in the company of great friends. Boston is the kind of city that suits any mood, whether you are a foodie or a dive bar aficionado. Boston has it all and I enjoy it all.

CHARLESTOWN : Beyond the Freedom Trail

Hey guys, Maggie here!  I’m very excited to have my first official itinerary for Boston Party of 6. I live in Charlestown here in Boston and while its a small part of town there is more than enough to do to keep anyone entertained. I love a day that is active, paired with some light to not so light day drinking.  If you are nodding your head right now … I think you are going enjoy what I have planned!

Itinerary:

1. Morning : Navy Yard and brunch at Pier 6
2. Afternoon : Bunker Hill Monument and Warren Tavern
3. Evening : Figs then drinks at Sullivan’s

If you know anything about Charlestown you probably know it’s had its fifteen minutes of fame recently in the movie, The Town.  There is a lot of talk in the movie about a “Toonie” or a “Townie.” I am, for better or worse, a Toonie. For lack of a better description its Charlestown’s version of a yuppie. The yuppies have definitely come to Charlestown. We now now have a Whole Foods, a yoga studio, and even a group of trendy coffee shops. I like to spend my time in Charlestown combining both the old and the new traditions which exist in our historic town.

How to Get Here: By public transportation? Orange Line to Bunker Hill Community College or  92/93 Bus.

Morning : 

A separate area of Charlestown altogether, The Navy Yard is home to the US Constitution and many new waterfront homes.  The city of Boston has put in a harbor walk which has made its way to Charlestown and is a lovely oceanside walk with an excellent view of downtown Boston. The walk takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on how much time you take and covers many parts of the freedom trail.

After you finish taking in the fresh air you can stop in for brunch.

Over the summer a popular waterfront bar was revamped into what is now Pier 6. The interior was not the only thing given a facelift, as the menu is now filled with delicious and inventive dishes.

Currently it is my favorite place to eat in Charlestown. Brunch is the best here. The prices are reasonable with a great mix of breakfast and lunch items. The real selling point is the Bellini bucket. For under 25 dollars you get four splits of champagne in a bucket and two fruit purees to mix them with. It makes any brunch an event.

Afternoon: 

After a few drinks at brunch you are going to need to work up an appetite, so its off to Bunker Hill you go! The walk from Pier 6 to Bunker Hill will lead you throw the historic neighborhood of Charlestown where I especially like, called the Gas Lamp. I often refer to it as a movie set as often the architecture can transport you back in time.

At 200 feet tall Bunker Hill Monument stands on the top of Bunker Hill and is the symbol of the revolution. During the day you can visit the monument and walk all the way to the top! Come on, its time to work those quads and earn your beers!

After you walk up Bunker Hill its time to visit Warren Tavern. Founded in 1780, this rumored watering hole of Paul Revere and other revolutionaries is a cozy local favorite. Now-a-days I think it is best known for a place to hide during snow storms or try to meet Mr. Right or Mr. Right now on Thursday night.

With many bar tables and a long bar its a great place to rest your legs and plot out the rest over your day over a cold pint.

Dinner: The great part about Charlestown is that everything is located within half a mile of everything else. About five doors down from Warren Tavern you will find Figs. Figs is a Todd English restaurant. While we know Todd may not be the most popular guy around here in Boston these days, he still can manage to throw together a damn good pizza place. One of Charlestown’s more high end restaurants, Figs is still priced very reasonably. You can split a tray of pizza and a bottle of wine without breaking the bank. There is almost always a table available but the atmosphere remains lively and inviting.

At this point if you haven’t had to unbutton your pants from all the food you have had, its time to go next door (I said things were close to each other!) and have a couple beers at Sullivan’s. This place is the closest you are going to get to experiencing where the locals drink. The bartenders are from Charlestown and the people drinking here are as well. Enjoy a few beers, maybe pick a couple songs on the juke box (try not to play Miley) and get home safely!

What did you think of my take on Charlestown? Do you think it can live up to Diana’s DOT?

Until next time !!! Signing off

Maggie – My perfect day in Boston involves finding a new place with a little bit of known to it . I love to eat natural whole foods. My goal is to stay active and burn off last nights wine and cheese plate. #fitfluential #zen  #workhardplayhard #eatclean #naturalwinemovement #travelsavvy

Dorchester: Adventures in “The Dot”

Yes, I know Dorchester sometimes has a bad rap. I was born in Dorchester and moved when I was five to Braintree, but you can’t help but embrace the hidden gems of “The Dot.” My itinerary will keep you on the move, visiting some of Dorchester’s finest bars, restaurants and places to enjoy yourself, just make sure you bring your street smarts with you.

1. Morning: Ledge Kitchen & Drinks
2. Late Morning: Franklin Park Zoo (weather permitting)
3. Afternoon: Boston Bowl
4. Evening: Blarney Stone

One of the up and coming areas of Dorchester is “Lower Mills.” I would be amiss if I did not give a quick shout out to my hair dresser, Karen, at Curl up & Dye in Lower Mills somewhere in this blog post. Located just steps away from the salon is one of my favorite restaurants in Dorchester, The Ledge Kitchen & Drinks. I try to spend as much of my time outdoors, however, the winter has put a damper on things. But when spring arrives and the sun is shining, The Ledge’s outdoor area is something you must experience. When you enter their outdoor bar area you immediately forget you are in Dorchester and the police and ambulance sirens seem to disappear. It is a great place to go for brunch. Their Sunday Jazz Brunch is amazing. It is a great way to unwind and prepare for the dreaded work week. Also, many people do not know and would not expect, but The Ledge maintains its own rooftop garden full of fresh herbs and vegetables used in their menu. So grab a bloody at the build your own bloody bar and the cornflake crusted french toast to soak up the booze.

Delicious Bloody Mary at The Ledge

Now a little Boston history…Boston has been fortunate to host many movie sets over the last 10+ years. Many people may not know, but the Zookeeper with Kevin James was filmed at the Franklin Park Zoo. In addition, Ben Affleck’s famous, Gone Baby Gone was filmed in the streets of Dorchester. Many extras in the movie were Dorchester’s own “townies.” Mystic River was also filmed in Dorchester. Now, if the weather was about 40 degrees warmer, I would suggest a visit to the Franklin Park Zoo. So save this activity in your back pocket for when spring arrives and time can be spent outdoors.

Once afternoon hits, you may be getting hungry, need a drink and some competitive activity to get the blood moving, so I suggest visiting Boston Bowl. Many people, even my family that grew up in Dorchester, did not know that Boston Bowl is a 24/7 bowling alley! Yes, it’s open 24 hours a day, I kid you not. Sooo if you feel like bowling at 3 A.M. or 3 P.M., or 3 P.M. – 3 A.M., YOU CAN! And to sweeten the deal, Boston Bowl has its own brewery and café, Deadwood Café and Brewery, nestled conveniently next to the bowling alleys. The beer selection is somewhat limited but it does the trick and if you are hungry they have your basic chicken fingers and french fries that I myself will never outgrow. If you are one that enjoys a brew while cranking out strikes, this is your place. I would suggest going around 6-8 PM when the children are not running around screaming at birthday parties. Don’t forget your free, Boston Bowl logo socks when you are leave, you paid for those gems!

Deadwood Cafe & Brewery

4th place..woo!!

After dominating in bowling, you will most likely be ready for a good meal in a comfortable atmosphere. I would suggest you visit the Blarney Stone. This bar is located on Dorchester’s infamous “Dot Ave.” A street that does not lack in the watering hole department. My personal menu favorites are the coconut calamari to start, the grilled salmon fillet as an entree and paired with a glass of wine. The Blarney Stone hosts trivia on Wednesday nights so if you don’t catch it this time, make sure to come back to test your random knowledge.

Now don’t let the Blarney Stone be your last stop for the day. Definitely feel free to explore more of Dot Ave’s other fine establishments, The Banshee, The Harp & Bard, Tom English Bar, Peggy O’Neils, etc., many of which host live music and serve delicious pints. And if you get ambitious as you make your way down Dot Ave, you will eventually enter South Boston where you can explore one of the locations on James’ itinerary. The only thing I would suggest, don’t visit this area solo. I am not responsible for your safety at this point.

Enjoy!

Diana’s Bio:
I enjoy spending as much time outside as possible even if that means finding a bar with a roof deck. I am always up for a challenge, whether it’s hiking a mountain, bowling or singing karaoke in front of complete strangers, I will do it. As long as the day involves a glass of wine, family or friends and a good laugh at the end of it, it’s alright in my book.

ALLSTON/BRIGHTON: ALL BRIGHT IN A COLD WINTER DAY

Speaking of Allston/Brighton, what’s the first thing that came to your mind? The old apartments filled with drunk college students, or the fucking B line that you have to squeeze yourself like the sardine in a can just to get in? Damn right, that’s what I experience every day as a Allston/Brighton resident. But seriously, there’s the quiet and relax side of Allston/Brighton that I am going to show you. When I am exploring a city that I have no knowledge about, I like to hop on a subway or a bus and get off whenever I feel like, I will do the same for my trip to Brighton. Make sure you have a daily T-pass, or you are in for some serious walking.

Itinerary:
1. Late Morning: Lunch at Seoul Soulongtang @ Harvard Avenue
2. Afternoon: Jogging at Chestnut Hill Reservoir/Visit of Historic Boston College Campus @ Chestnut Hill Avenue
3. Evening: Dinner at Ittoku @ Warren Street

First Stop: Harvard Avenue

Harvard Avenue is at the heart of Allston/Brighton area. There are more than four thousand people hopping on and off the T in the Harvard Avenue station daily. There are also tons of restaurants in the area that creates the magnetic power to attract me here every week. According to my unofficial research (i.e. Counting), there are at least 50 restaurants in the walking distance of the Harvard Avenue Station, so there must be something you are craving for. Too many selections? Make up your mind already! No? Fine, I will give you a recommendation.

Seoul Soulongtang is one of the many Korean restaurants in the area, but it’s also one of the few that I would actually go back to after dining there once. Soulongtang is the Korean ox bones soup, so it’s pretty obvious soup is the signature dish of this place. For those who are allergic to options, this place is perfect for you. You choose one of the soups you want, tag on an entrée if you are hungry, then you are done! I always have their Galbitong and LA Galbi (BBQ short ribs) combo. As an Asian who always has soup before a meal, I really like the smooth taste of the soup. It’s so comforting that I feel like it resembles the soup my Mom makes for me. However, don’t forget to put salt, pepper, and scallion in the soup as they intentionally left them off so that you can customize the flavor of your soup. Their Galbi is awesome too as they are perfectly done and juicy. Every time when I finish my meal here I feel super satisfied, not only because of the high quality of food I just consumed, but also for the low price I pay for ($30ish for two).

Galbitong from Seoul Soulongtant

If you are an Aerosmith fan, you can stroll to 1325 Commonwealth Ave, the birthplace of their first song. In 2012, Aerosmith held an outdoor concert in front of their old apartment, which drew a big crowd to the area. You can be here to be inspired, and dream about being the next Steven Tyler or Joe Perry.

Second Stop: Chestnut Hill Avenue/Boston College

Now you are full and satisfied, it’s time to hop on the train again and make it to the next stop, Chestnut Hill Avenue. You can find the historic Chestnut Hill Reservoir in the area. I know, I know it’s freezing now, but if you are an advocate of a healthy style like me, this is a great place for you. There’s a 1.56 mile jogging loop surrounding the reservoir. In here, you don’t have to avoid all the pedestrians, stop for traffic night, or inhale all the unpleasant smell while running, just enjoy the relaxed scenic view of the reservoir. If that’s not enough, you can make your way to the nearby Boston College campus. BC is an intriguing place for you to visit if you are interested in architecture and history, as the BC main campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places. (As a BU student, it pains me to write good things about our arch rival in BC, so I just stop here before I become a hater and ruin the itinerary, you can explore the campus as you make your way there).

Beautiful Chestnut Hill Reservoir covered with snow

Third Stop: Warren Street

After an afternoon of walking/jogging, I bet you are hungry again. As you make your way back to the city, make a stop at Warren Street for a restaurant called Izakaya Ittoku. To help you better understand, izakaya is equivalent to a bar that Japanese would go to for Happy Hour after work. It serves sake (in Japan) and other exotic alcoholic drinks (in US), accompany with delicious food (grill meat!!!) I have been to a couple izakayas in NYC and really loved it so I am ecstatic when Ittoku opened as the first izakaya in Boston last November. Ittoku has a relatively large menu as it offers many selections that you will normally find in a Japanese restaurant. Of course you can order the usual suspects with the likes of sushi, sashimi, or ramen, but as an adventurer, I am a big fan of the Yakitori (grill meat) since not many restaurants in Boston have it. Drinking the warm sake, while enjoying the grilled meat melt in your mouth, that’s the perfect way to end your day in Allston/Brighton.

Yakitori in Ittoku, yum!

What? I can’t believe you don’t have enough fun following my itinerary. Oh, my itinerary is too healthy for you, and you didn’t have enough alcohol, just like you will find in James’ itinerary? Okay, I will leave that to my colleagues so that they can introduce awesome bars in the area. But hey, this is Allston/Brighton, a diverse neighborhood with a lot of hidden gems. You will definitely be able to find one itinerary that suits your style.

Dennis Gao – Born and raised in China, I offered perspectives blended with my Asian root. I enjoy any unknown adventure, whether it means trying new restaurants, meeting strangers, or wandering in to undiscovered neighborhood of the city. I am too laid back to follow a plan and will rather allow my feeling to dictate what I would do on any given day. 

Cupid’s Questions for Boston Party of Six – Where to go in Boston on Valentines Day

This year Cupid is coming to Boston and he has some questions for the Boston Party of 6 about where to shoot his bow and arrow.

 

What Boston destinations would you recommend for Valentines Day ?

Diana: The Improv Asylum for a show.

Alex: Go to the aquarium, watch the seals for free!

Dennis: Desert at Finale, you can’t have too much sweets on the V-day, can you?

Maggie : This year I’m going to the Cantab Lounge for drinking , dancing, and live music  !

Baby Seals At the Boston Aquarium

What do you think is the most romantic spot in Boston?  

Diana: The Public Gardens.

Alex: Biddy Early’s.

Dennis: The frog pond, this is romantic.

Maggie: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (as mentioned here in Alex’s Post) has a beautiful indoor garden which brings summer to you all year round. Also, the unsolved case of stolen paintings adds an element of mystery !

Garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

What is one thing to avoid in Boston on Valentines Day?

Diana: One thing to definitely avoid on  Valentine’s Day is not having a reservation.

Alex: Being late, for anything.

Dennis: Driving to downtown hoping to find a street parking spot, keep dreaming!

Maggie : Expensive restaurants like Mistral or Sandrines , save it for a time when its not so busy and cheesy !

Happy Valentine’s Day from the BP6 and good luck in the snow whatever your plans may be !

Sunday in Southie: Eat, Drink… Repeat

Well, 2013 was an interesting time in South Boston. The neighborhood we know as Southie enjoyed a brief and, let’s face it, pretty unfortunate few minutes in the national spotlight last year, spawning not one but two of the very worst, most embarrassing indictments against humanity “reality” shows on tv. (Mercifully, neither seems to have been renewed for the 2014 season.) On a more hopeful note, Hollywood seems to have loftier goals for Southie, with two films set to start filming here in the next few months. (Though neither seem likely to elevate South Boston’s national reputation as a hardscrabble crime den.) But, none of that is the South Boston I recognize. The thing nobody tells you about Southie is just how livable and suburban it feels despite being a part of Boston proper. Though the high rise towers of Back Bay and Copley Square peer down silently from the other side of I-93, South Boston retains the kind of quasi-Norman Rockwellian charm of small town America. So, I wanted to put together a real, lazy guy’s guide to having a perfect Sunday in Southie.

First, though, as you may have gleaned from our bio page, my whole “deal” around here is that I like to keep things simple. Between a full time job, a part time MBA program and long term relationship (that’s getting dangerously close to “where’s the ring” territory), my weekdays are pretty regimented. So, I like to keep my weekends as devoid of structure as I possibly can. So, though I give major props to those who like to get out there and seize the living shit out the day during the weekend, that just ain’t my style. (For instance, just reading Alex’s recap of his Kenmore expedition wore me out. I could, however, probably get onboard with the pub crawl. Though, how can a blog made by BU MBA students put together an impromptu bar crawl through Kenmore/Fenway and not include Cornwall’s? Sacrilege!) So, my version of a great day out won’t include a trip to a museum or any attempt at becoming a more well-rounded, self-actualized human being. Instead, I’m going to tell you how to eat amazing food, find a great beer and where to watch whichever of Boston’s myriad world-beating pro teams are playing that Sunday. Sound good? Great. Join me, won’t you?

Itinerary:
1. Morning: Sleep in like the good Lord intended
2. Late Morning: Brunch at Local 149
3. Afternoon: Lunch and a game at Stats
4. Evening: Dinner at Lincoln

There is really no reason to get out of bed, well, at all on Sundays. (Blankets are warm. I have a tv right there. I mean, c’mon.) But, if I absolutely have to (and this happens pretty much every Sunday, which is really annoying) I like to leave all the work to someone else. Namely the work involved in feeding myself. Luckily, I live in Southie, which is a pretty great place find a great meal.

After I muster up the strength to wash up, throw on some clothes and head out into the world, my favorite place to grab brunch (because, let’s be honest, by this point it’s probably 1:30pm or so) is Local 149. It’s located a few blocks off of Broadway – just far enough to keep its status as a relatively hidden gem – and offers a killer brunch menu. My recommendation? Chicken and Waffles.

Chicken ‘n Waffles – Southie Style

As a recovering Southerner (Georgia), chicken and waffles have definitely made a dinnertime appearance at several of my most favorite get togethers. But, Local gives it a nice twist that elevates it from being a novelty and into something totally their own. If that’s a little too heavy, you kinda can’t go wrong with the pancakes. Oh, and since this is me and brunch is nothing without a little booze, order up a bit of The Antidote and thank me later.

Now, even though I’ve been pretty militant about keeping things low-energy on Sundays, I do believe in a healthy lifestyle. That’s why, for the next stop on the itinerary, I suggest that you walk the half mile or so between Local 149 and our next stop, Stats. (That is, once you’ve had a couple drinks and, you know, are ready for your next meal. And even then, I mean, just call a cab. Who needs that kind of hassle, right?) You’ll find Stats tucked right in the crook of the road where Broadway becomes West Broadway. Like Local 149, it’s popular with the locals, so be prepared to wait in line on game day. The décor is pretty standard for a sports bar if I’m being absolutely honest. You can catch pretty much any sporting event on the planet on one of the dozen or so HD flatscreens that form a tight, digital rind around the top of the bar. But, there’s something about the location, the locals and the atmosphere that makes this place special. If you’ve timed your day just right, you’ll be hungry enough to take on their signature dish, the Pretzel Crusted Chicken Sandwich.

After an afternoon spent yelling at the screen and dropping your R’s, it’s time for dinner. Luckily, one of the best new restaurants in Boston is about a block away. As more and more young professionals make their way out of the South End and into Southie, Lincoln has quickly become the go-to haunt for “new Southie.” Though the place really gets goin’ on Friday and Saturday nights, Sundays offer up a slightly more low key place to unwind before the work week. (Or, in this case, cap off a long, meandering day of eating and drinking your way through the neighborhood.) The menu has a little something for everyone whether you’re the mood for something fancy and filling (i.e., the oven braised short ribs with a side of truffle mac and cheese) or down for something simple and satisfying like wood-fired margherita pizza.

A simple and delicious take on Margherita Pizza.

Plus, the bar is stocked with a fairly wide assortment of beers either on tap or in a bottle, making it the perfect place to wrap up a lazy man’s day out in Southie.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s much more to do in Southie than simply eating and drinking. But, I’ll leave that to my colleagues. But, if you’re looking to really earn those gym days during your next work week, take a trip through my South Boston itinerary. Once again, you’ll thank me later.

Fenway / Kenmore : A Toast to History

The Fenway / Kenmore of today looks very different than even a few years ago. Major construction highlights include Boylston West (currently under construction, and the future home of Boston’s first Target), the recently approved expansion of the Landmark Center (which would house Boston’s first Wegman’s and likely be the final death kneel for the area’s shitty Shaw’s), and the potential construction of Fenway Center (which would help bring together the neighborhood after the Mass Pike effectively split it in two).

Of course, plenty of changes have already occurred and left Fenway as one of the fastest growing and trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Ugly garages and parking lots? Replaced with beautiful, new apartment buildings. Transportation issues? How about a brand new commuter rail station. Johnnies Foodmaster? Gone, recently replaced by a new Whole Foods. Rats? NOPE FUCK YOU WE’RE STILL HERE.

Despite all the changes, Fenway has a lot of history left to it. For example, did you know that Audubon Circle was designed in the 1860’s by Frederick Law Olmsted? Have you even heard of Audubon Circle before this post? No? Don’t worry, a lot of people visiting Fenway make a beeline straight off the T to Fenway Park without exploring the rest of the neighborhood. This itinerary will give you a day’s worth of things to do in Fenway / Kenmore beyond the typical day at the ballpark.

Itinerary:
1. Morning: Breakfast at Tatte
2. Late Morning: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
3. Afternoon: Lunch at Tasty Burger, then walking the Emerald Necklace
4. Evening: Dinner at Thaitation, then “classy” bar crawl to Citizen Public House, Eastern Standard and The Hawthorne.

Morning: Breakfast at Tatte
Since we already brought up Audubon Circle, this seems as good a place as any to start our day. Audubon Circle straddles the Brookline / Boston line, and is a rough midpoint between Kenmore Square and Coolidge Corner. Get off at St. Mary’s T stop (on the C Line) and you’re right there.

Tatte is a great bakery with a couple of locations around Boston, but the Audubon Circle location was their first shop. It’s small (only a few tables indoors), but on a warm summer morning you can usually find outdoor seating available.

So what should you get here? This particular location doesn’t have a full brunch menu like their other locations (although on the weekends they offer breakfast sandwiches and Israeli breakfast, but I haven’t tried these), so I would recommend going with one of their many pastries. Their Croissants are delicious, and you can’t go wrong with their Danishes. Apparently Tatte’s specialty is something they call a “nut box,” which I’m sure is delicious but I can’t vouch for that since it would kill me instantaneously (the only thing more deadly would be sprinkling cat hair on top).

The Nut Box. Anaphylactic delight.

Order yourself a delicious coffee to go with the pastry and enjoy. Don’t forget to pick up one of those cards for stamps while you’re there so you can get free coffee in the future!

Late Morning: Get cultured at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Google Maps tells me this museum is in Fenway (it is located on Fenway Street …), so I’m adding it to this itinerary. Either way, it’s only a 15 minute walk from Tatte. You can get there by walking along the Emerald Necklace, which is the famous chain of parks designed by … Frederick Law Olmsted! HISTORY!

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is housed in a gorgeous building that is every bit as impressive as the art collection itself. In the center of the building is an indoor courtyard and garden – you can look out onto the courtyard from arched balconies lining each floor of the museum. While there are many well-known artists on exhibit here (including Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and Sargent), my favorite part of the museum is just relaxing alongside the courtyard. Plan to spend a few hours here.

The museum is usually open until 5PM, but on the third Thursday of every month they offer something called … wait for it … Third Thursdays. As their website describes it, this is a late-night program “full of music, art, and conversation designed to connect young professionals, artists, and college students with each other and the Gardner.” I’ve been and it’s worth checking out. They have live music, food and a cash bar. If you bring your student ID its $5, unless you are a participating school in which case it’s free to get in. Otherwise this will set you back $15, but still worth checking out.

Afternoon: Lunch, then more walking!
You’re probably tired of all this art and culture and educating yourself business, so it’s time for lunch. Fenway / Kenmore has a ton to offer

when it comes to food, but if you’re like me and looking for a quick meal that won’t break the bank I’d recommend Tasty Burger. Ask what their special burger of the day is … you may end up with a treat like that bad boy pictured below. That was something they called a “State Fair,” and yes, that’s a deep fried burger. Gave me the meat sweats real bad, but how often do you get to eat fried burgers in Boston? Wash that down with one of their many craft beer options and a side of onion rings, all for around $15.

Oohh baby!

Boston is a walking city, and after eating 1000+ calories of Tasty Burger you’ll probably want to walk it off. The Emerald Necklace that I mentioned earlier wraps through the entirety of Fenway, and there are some real nice parks to explore there. Part of it includes the Fenway Victory Gardens, which I’ve always enjoyed walking through (especially in the summer). You could also consider walking from Tasty Burger through Kenmore and towards Storrow Drive, where you can walk along Charles.

Evening: Dinner, then drinks
Like I said, there are lots of fantastic food options in Fenway / Kenmore to choose from, but for this itinerary I’m going to go with one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Boston: Thaitation. In addition to a fun name, this place has my favorite shrimp fresh rolls. I normally get Pad Thai (without ground peanuts but with peanut sauce, because I’m annoying like that), and Thai iced tea. Dinner for two will cost around $30-$40.

By now you probably want to get a drink. Lucky for you, Fenway has a mix of everything from sports bars to dive bars to classy cocktail joints. Let’s keep things classy and go with cocktails tonight. From Thaitation, make your way to Citizen Public House (lots of whiskies to choose from), then continue on for a mini bar crawl towards Kenmore Square, where you can finish with drinks at Eastern Standard and the Hawthorne. Drinks at each are around $13 each, but you’ve earned it.

Enjoy the rest of your night!

Alex: I like to make the most of my day, especially when visiting a new place. My itineraries tend to pack in as much as possible – attractions, museums, etc. – with stops for a drink between destinations. I love visiting main sites, but do my best to locate something off the beaten path that other tourists may not know about.

You’re invited …. to meet the Party of 6.

Welcome to Boston, Party of Six!  We’re excited to kick off this new blogging project, offering you a unique go-to guide to the many different neighborhoods of Boston.

We recognize that everyone has different tastes and there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” itinerary.  Variety is the spice of life, and that’s why we’re aiming to provide our readers with a variety of choices when it comes to exploring Boston.

While we do hold some commonalities (we’re young business professionals, have a similar budget, live in Boston, etc.) the six writers of this blog embrace our different tastes and preferences, and want to pass along our unique voices to each of you.

Every week, we’ll post our own reviews and perspectives on different areas of Boston and provide one-day itineraries based off our tastes.  We encourage you to check back regularly – we’ll add new itineraries to each neighborhood throughout the year.  Spend some time getting to know each writer, and soon it’ll be easy to mix and match a day plan that’s right for you.

Have ideas or suggestions on how we can improve our blog?  Are there neighborhoods in Boston you’re eager to get our take on?  Feel free to contact us via email (bospartyof6@gmail.com), or follow us on Twitter (@BOSParty6).