Tag Archives: Back Bay

A new day

Boston Back Bay photoAlthough I’m still saddened by the senseless nature of Monday’s tragedy, it is a new day and I have to place my faith in the work our government will do to trace who did this and hope for the best for those injured.

This photo of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood was circulating on Twitter on Monday, and while I don’t intend to forget what happened, I’d like to start to focus on the beauty of my home rather than the horror of those memories.

Apologies – I can’t seem to find who captured this beautiful image.

Boston one week ago

Commonwealth AvenueLast Friday Boston was bombarded with what I hope was the last snow storm of the winter.  Spring officially starts next week, but you wouldn’t know it considering the plummeting temperatures here in Boston. Thanks for this pretty photo of Commonwealth Avenue in the Back Bay, snapped by OnlyInBos.

Restoration Hardware Boston opens March 7

restoration-hardware-back-bay-locationThe Boston Globe reported earlier this week that Restoration Hardware is opening its RH Historic Gallery on March 7 in the Back Bay space formerly occupied by Louis Boston.

The 40,000-square-foot landmark building has been completely restored and will feature the home furnishing chain’s largest full-line design gallery. This new flagship store will focus on selling luxury home goods, but more importantly will bring life to a building that has stood empty since Louis Boston moved to the Seaport District in 2010.

Restaurant review: Oak Long Bar and Kitchen

Fairmont Copley Plaza Last week a business dinner with my team allowed me the opportunity to have my first dinner at the newly remodeled Oak Long Bar + Kitchen.  This was the space formerly occupied by the iconic Oak Bar and Restaurant in the Fairmont Copley.

The dark wood paneling associated with the former restaurant is now gone and replaced with a brighter interior that also includes one of the largest bars (with some of the most comfortable seats you’ll find) in the Back Bay.  The opening of the new restaurant has coincided with the completion of a $20 Million renovation project for the entire property.

Dinner started with a delicious chopped shrimp cocktail – $16, served on a slate platter which includes a dash of horseradish on top, chili cocktail sauce, cucumber, red onion and charred lemon.

The highlight of my dinner was the main course, which was suggested to me by Adam, blogger for Adam’s Hospitality and Tourism blog.  I would certainly recommend the Tagliatelle dinner – $28, which comes with thick chunks of Maine lobster, braised short ribs, diced zucchini and cheese.  Nearly everyone at the table agreed this was the winning plate both in terms of flavor and surprise (who would’ve thought of pairing lobster and short ribs?).

Because I was out with colleagues we shared a few desserts.  Although there was a lot of loving terms associated with the cheesecake ordered, I ended up loving the fruit crumble topped with vanilla ice cream.

Overall the dining experience lived up to the hype and expectations. Main plates range from $19 (burger)  to $39 (bone out ribeye).  If that will break your budget, plan on coming for a cocktail and a few appetizers or flatbread which have a lower price point and are also very satisfying.   The Oak Long Bar + Kitchen is located in The Fairmont Copley Plaza in the Back Bay.
Oak Long Bar + Kitchen on Urbanspoon

A view of Back Bay

One of Boston’s prettiest neighborhoods is Back Bay. It is a testament to  the city of Boston and residents that such an important commercial center so full of businesses and restaurants also remains one of the best preserved examples of 19th century urban design filled with beautiful rows of Victorian brownstones to live in and call home.BosGuy

You don’t need to be a fan of architecture to appreciate the design and buildings.  Modern examples like I.M. Pei’s famous John Hancock Tower literally reflecting the city laid out before it.  Below I’ve included photos of a few buildings you might see if you were to stroll through Back Bay or dine out al fresco at one of the hundreds of restaurants located in this downtown neighborhood. BosGuyWill you be coming to Boston for work or pleasure anytime soon?

Back Bay – Boston

Back Bay is famous for its rows of Victorian homes, which according to wikipedia are considered one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century urban design in the United States.   The neighborhood’s name refers to when this now trendy part of the city was marsh. Now a shopping, business and residential district, fans of architecture will recognize most of the residential buildings date from the late 19th and early 20th century.

When I first moved into Boston, I lived in the Back Bay and I’ll always consider the neighborhood home.  Below are a series of photographs from Back Bay.

The neighborhood blends the old with the new beautifully.  The photos above are from opposing buildings at the intersection of Newbury Street and Massachusetts Avenue.  The modern building on the left was designed by Frank Gehry in 1989.  By contrast the re-purposed building across the street provides a glimpse of Boston’s past.

When I first moved to Boston the building above which dates back to 1899 was home to Waterstone’s Bookstore and was one of my favorite places to spend time when the weather wasn’t agreeable.  The building is now home to a Montessori school and a restaurant.

Above is a trompe l’oeil to add some interest to what otherwise would be the back of a concrete building that is home to the Boston Architectural College and behind it is the Prudential building which dominates the Back Bay skyline.