Yearly Archives: 2012

Boston Navy Week: June 29 – July 6, 2012

Magic Mike

Matt Boomer in Magic Mike

Boston Navy Week (a much smaller version of Fleet Week in NYC) is June 29 – July 6.  The news release says the U.S. Navy will “come home, giving area residents an opportunity to meet Sailors” – sounds like fun.

Will you be in Boston? While many will be escaping to the coast and islands for the 4th the week (like yours truly), staying in Boston suddenly has more appeal.  With DADT repealed, don’t be surprised if you see more men in uniform at the local gay bars.

There is more information on the Boston Navy Week official site.

DotOUT Summer Tea Dance at dbar

dBar Sunday, June 24th was the DotOUT Tea Dance at dBar in Dorchester.  Weather for the 5th Annual Tea Dance could not have been better and that is probably why most everyone who was not dancing spent a good part of the event on dBar’s patio.  Keeping with the Price is Right themed Boston float DotOUT had at Boston Pride, the Tea Dance had many props and games associated with the game show.

“Gay Jim” from KISS 108 FM kept everyone dancing all afternoon

Gay Jim DJ

Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to pose for a photo and apologies to any that may not have made this post.    I’d also like to thank dbar and their staff, all the sponsors and DotOUT for pulling together another wonderful Tea Dance.dbardbardbardbardbardbardbardbar

Nephew’s letter to the toothfairy

BosGuyI spent the weekend with my family up at my parent’s lake house in NH and my nephew Jack is at that age where he is losing his ‘baby’ teeth.  As it happened, he had pulled one of his teeth while at the lake this weekend and before heading to bed he left the tooth fairy a letter suggesting that he would very much enjoy a Pokemon deck of cards.

Yakitori Zai opens

Yakitori Zai has finally opened after much speculation and a lot of waiting. I had eagerly written about this tiny neighborhood restaurant with a lot of glee and thought it would be a great addition.

However, my opinion of the restaurant has soured without even stepping a foot in the door.  The restaurant’s website includes the following (very unwelcome message in my opinion), indicating that for the first two weeks it is open, walk-in service will not be permitted, there will be only two seatings Tuesdays through Fridays / three seatings on the weekends, and the cost per person will be $120 – less alcohol and gratuity.  It appears my hopes for a great neighborhood restaurant have been dashed yet again. 

Men of Twitter

BosGuyEach Monday I post #MenOfTwitter profiles of men who catch my eye and whom I think you may enjoy following.  This month I’m featuring Twitter profiles of men who are lending their voice and influence to fight for greater equality. Earlier this month I included names of actors and political activists.  This week I’m featuring two athletes who have raised awareness about homophobia.

Brian Sims for PennsylvaniaSims4PA – Brian Sims is originally from D.C. and this former college athlete has a unique distinction of being the only openly gay football captain in NCAA history.  After graduating he went on to get his J.D. and then serve as the President of Equality PA, and as the Chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP), until he stepped down from both positions in 2011.  He is now running for the PA House of Representatives.

Matt MitchamMatthew_Mitcham – Matthew is an  Australian diver who many first became aware of when he won 10M diving event at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.  Matthew was also one of the few openly gay athletes competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics. You will be able to see more of Matthew in a few weeks when he competes for Australia at the London Summer Olympic Games.

Restaurant review: Aragosta

Photo from Aragosta website

Last week I had dinner at Aragosta in Boston’s North End. This upscale Italian restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel is surrounded by Boston harbor which you can see from their beautiful patio. As the bar photo above shows, the restaurant has a sophisticated and modern decor.  The menu includes typical Italian fare mixed with many local ingredients like lobster, PEI mussels and George’s Banks scallops.

Main plates mostly range from $21 – $33 and while there are many tempting starters, I would suggest trying Aragosta’s shared plate of meats, cheese and fish for $29.  The platter was more than enough for our party of four and was a delicious beginning to our meal.AragostaI was tempted to try Chef Daniels daughter’s favorite plate, Orecchiette D’Olivia, Lobster “Mac & Cheese”, but I opted for the “Piatti di Giorno”, which was veal parmesan.  This is a staple plate at any Italian restaurant and a personal favorite.  The red sauce was fresh and flavorful and combined nicely with the perfectly prepared veal; it was my very definition of comfort food. AragostaThe one blemish to the dining experience was the lack of experience from our well-meaning but clearly green waitress.  When questioned about the menu her responses were stilted and unsure and when glasses ran empty she was slow to recognize or show herself to reorder another bottle (perhaps that’s best – it did save us some money).

I would enjoy returning and trying another dinner, but I think next time I’ll insist we dine outside on Aragosta’s lovely patio.  Aragosta is located at 3 Battery Wharf in the North End, and reservations are suggested, (617) 994-9001.

Aragosta Bar + Bistro on Urbanspoon

DotOUT summer tea dance at dBar 4-8PM

SoWa Open Market

SoWa Open MarketEach Sunday in Boston’s South End is the SoWa Open Market.  This market has been going on for several years and with each passing summer it seems the market gets larger and better.

The 2012 season started last month and each Sunday in addition to a dozen food trucks and hundreds of artists, there is a sizable farmer’s market.  The image above is just one of the items I purchased last weekend.  Check out the SoWa Open Market today which runs from 10am – 4pm each Sunday.

More information about the SoWa Open Market >> Here.

Restaurant review: Morton’s

Last week while I was in New York City I had dinner with my team at Morton’s Steakhouse on 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The service at this well respected national chain which claims to be the best steakhouse anywhere was flawless.  However, I find the Morton’s chain stuffy and the marketer in me thinks they seriously need a re-branding.

I started my meal with the bibb lettuce salad ($11.50), knowing I’d likely overeat since portions at steakhouses always seem large.  The salad is shown below along with the two sides we ordered to share, sauteed brussels sprouts and creamed spinach (each $13). I preferred the tender and flavorful brussels sprouts cooked with minced shallots, butter, salt and pepper.

Morton's Steak House

Since I prefer seafood, I ordered the honey-chili glazed salmon fillet which came on a bed of beans, corn and spinach ($38).  If the fillet looks large, it is not your imagination.  Despite the size, it was cooked perfectly.  Its been my experience that some of the best seafood dinners have been at steakhouses and this dinner did not disappoint.

Morton's SalmonAlthough I was full, the team went ahead and ordered two desserts to share.  I have to admit I tried not to be tempted, but I relented and while both desserts were very good, Morton’s Hot Chocolate Cake made with Godiva chocolate was beyond decadent. Once the fork had cut into the cake, melted chocolate oozed slowly over the plate.  Morton's RestaurantWith nearly 70 locations worldwide and a Morton’s in every major US city, there is likely a restaurant near you.  The Midtown location is at 551 5th Avenue – reservations are strongly recommended.
Morton's the Steakhouse on Urbanspoon

Weekend on Winnipesaukee

I’m spending the weekend up at my parent’s house on Lake Winnipesaukee. If you are familiar with the area, the home is not far from downtown Wolfboro.  I’ll be spending most of my time at the house, checking out Dad’s new boat and playing with my neice and two nephews.  Connectivity is not really great so I’ll probably be offline for most of the weekend.

Have a restful weekend.

Beware of Walmart bathrooms

Police in Monticello, Kentucky are investigating how a woman who used  a Walmart restroom found herself Super Glued to the toilet seat.  As if that is not bizarre enough, the same thing happened in a Maryland Walmart just prior to April Fool’s Day. The lesson here is never use a bathroom at a Walmart, but then again I thought that was just common sense.

Fascinated? You can read more on the WCPO Channel 9 website.

Happy Pride

Some of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States will be held this weekend with large parades and even larger crowds.

Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, and the Twin cities will all be celebrating Pride.  I wanted to wish all of you who will be celebrating this weekend a wonderful time with your friends and family.

Furry Friday

Boston Guy blogEach Friday I post a photo of a guy with a hairy chest and refer to it as my “Furry Friday” post. This slightly naughty picture of a man posing in his Calvin Klein briefs was a request from one of my readers.  I’m always flattered when a person takes time to leave a comment so I was more than happy to include this handsome guy in my growing pantheon of hairy chested hunks.  Thank you Kevin for the suggestion.

Past Furry Friday Posts

BosGuy brain teaser

Each Friday morning I pose a riddle for those who like that sort of thing.  Share this with friends and colleagues, and see if you can figure out this week’s “brain teaser”.

Left-handed people’s brains are organized differently as a result they often see and think differently and can get some very different results from various “brain tests”, usually doing very well on tests that involve creative thinking or unraveling complex images and manipulating 3D images.

Initially you may only see a hodgepodge of disconnected shapes, but find the connecting concept that makes sense of the shapes.

NOTE: The answer has been posted in the comments section of the post.

The Granary Tavern

The Glynn Hospitality Group opens their ninth property in Boston at 170 Milk Street along the Greenway and near Faneuil Hall today.  The two level restaurant includes lots of bar space, beautiful exposed beams, plenty of granite and exposed brick, as well as a large patio overlooking the Greenway.  The full menu will not be available until later next week.

My partner, Sergio Mazon, a Boston-based lighting designer, was tapped to help the Glynn Hospitality Group with the interior and exterior lighting of this 19th century building, which at one point operated as a granary.  I’ve yet to try the menu but here are a few snap shots of the basement level of The Granary Tavern.  You may visit The Granary Tavern at 170 Milk Street or check them out online hereGranary BostonGranary Boston