On January 24th Coppa hosted their first Goodfellas dinner and yours truly was there for all the fun. The tables were set with red and white checkered tablecloth, empty Chianti bottles with lit candles and the entire staff was decked out in black bow ties and suspenders. The look was a cross between the NYC gangster movies it was inspired by and Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.
The four course fixed price menu featured Italian-American favorites like Calamari, Lasagna, Veal Parmigiana and Cannolis.
Chef Ken Oringer happened to be on hand that evening, which was nice to see. I can’t recall the last time I saw him in the kitchen at Coppa and it definitely made the evening feel special. We started by ordering a bottle of Livio Felluga Vertigo Rosso, which is an Italian Merlot – Cabernet Sauvignon blend that was recommended to us by our server.
Our first plate was a heaping portion of Anitpasti that was delicious but unfortunately didn’t photograph very well. Fortunately my friend, Deborah’s starter, Scallop Piccata with lemon, capers, butter and white wine sauce was beautifully plated and absolutely delicious. We used the bread at the table to clean the plate before our server removed it.
For my Primi plate I ordered the Shrimp Scampi with sauteed garlic, EVOO, crushed red pepper, done “classic style”. This plate turned out to be one of my favorites of the night. The shrimp was cooked to perfection, picking up the flavors of the garlic and finishing with a nice kick thanks to the red pepper.
Deborah’s choice was equally as delicious and in my opinion our Primi plates were the best part of the dinner. Above is the homemade Rigatoni alla Vodka she ordered. I feel like the photo above does not do this plate justice. It was both delicious and a surprisingly large portion. However, that did not stop the both of us from cleaning the plate so by the time our waiter came to take it away it looked so clean he could practically see his reflection.
Beef Braciole is an Italian dish that consists of very thin slices of meat that are pan-fried in their own juice with a bit of olive oil and wrapped usually with bread crumbs and cheese. Coppa also stuffed the short rib with sausage which I think made the plate too heavy and while it was good – it didn’t live up to the previous course. It was simply too heavy, despite the tempting flavors.
We both opted to end our dinner with a ricotta and mascarpone and chocolate chip cannoli. As with the previous plate, it was good but in my opinion the best cannolis in Boston are from the North End’s Modern Pastry Shop and everyone else is a distant second. Mind you, that didn’t stop me from eating every last bite.
Despite the fact that some of the plates were not necessarily my favorite I would very happily go back to Coppa’s next Goodfella’s night, and I would suggest you do the same if you are a fan of Italian American cuisine.
BosGuy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, Awesome.
Coppa Enoteca
253 Shawmut Avenue, Boston MA 02118
617.391.0902
Posted in Restaurant Review, South End
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, Restaurant Review, South End
Boston hosts many LGBTQ fundraisers and events each spring that are worth your attention and support. Considering the changes in American politics, friends and allies are needed now more than ever.
I’ve compiled a list of LGBTQ events that will take place this spring that you may want to consider attending or supporting. If I’ve overlooked an event / fundraiser, leave a comment in the post, and I’ll do my best to update this list.
Point Foundation reception is Thursday, March 2, 2017
Point Foundation 2017 Boston Cornerstone Society Reception
Thursday, March 2, 2017 || Tickets are $125.00
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Join Point Foundation on Thursday, March 2nd for their annual fundraiser. The organization empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential. They do this through scholarships, mentoring, leadership and community service training. For more information visit, pointfoundation.org/bostonCS17.
Fenway Men’s Event is Saturday, March 11, 2017
Fenway Health Men’s Event
Saturday, March 11, 2017 || Tickets are $275.00
Boston Marriott Copley Place, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
The Men’s Event will bring together more than 1,300 gay and bisexual men, transgender people and allies to this black tie event to help raise money to support Fenway Health. For more information visit mensevent.org.
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Spring event is March 18 & 19
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus: Let’s Hear It For The Boys
Saturday & Sunday, March 18 & 19, 2017 || Tickets start at $25
New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus presents Let’s Hear it for the Boys. Featuring music from The Beatles, NSYNC, Kool and the Gang, One Direction, David Bowie, George Michael, The Jackson 5, Village People, Queen, The Beach Boys, Coldplay, Great Big World, Bruno Mars, Journey and Pharrell Williams. For more information visit Let’s Hear It For The Boys.
Taste of The South End is Tuesday, March 21, 2017
AIDS Action Taste of the South End
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 || Tickets start at $125.00
Boston Center for the Arts, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
This is easily the best tasting event of the season and one any foodie should not miss. I also think this is one of the best organized events of its kind in Boston. The fact that proceeds go to the AIDS Action Committee is a bonus. For more information visit tasteofthesouthend.org.
Boston’s Wicked Queer Film Festival runs from March 30 – April 9, 2017
Wicked Queer – Boston’s Annual LGBT Film Festival
March 30 – April 9, 2017 || Ticket prices vary
Multiple locations throughout Boston
The Boston LGBT Film Festival presents the past, exhibits the present, and develops the future by supporting and displaying LGBT media works that challenge, encourage, and educate through the medium of the moving image and the power of queer cinema. For more information visit wickedqueer.org.
The Dinner Party is April 8, 2017
Fenway Health Dinner Party
Saturday, April 8, 2017 || Tickets are $225.00
Boston Marriott Copley Place, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
The Dinner Party will bring together more than 1,000 lesbian and bisexual women, transgender people and allies to help raise money to support Fenway Health. For more information visit womensdinnerparty.org.
Dinnerfest is Sunday, April 23, 2017
The Victory Program’s Dinnerfest
Sunday, April 23, 2017 || Early Bird Tickets $50.00
Red Lantern, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
This is another delicious fundraiser to attend which has a large silent auction to tempt you into giving more to this worthwhile charity that is focused on helping individuals and families who are homeless and may have substance use disorders, often accompanied by chronic health issues like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and mental illness. For more information visit vpi.org.
Join Kathy Griffin on Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Spirit Magazine LGBT Executive Networking Night
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 || Admission is $15.00
Boston Marriott Copley Place, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Boston Spirit Magazine’s annual LGBT Executive Networking Night is always a great evening to connect with friends and meet professionals in Boston. This year Kathy Griffin will be stopping by so be sure to register before the event fills. For more information visit, bostonspiritmagazine.com.
Greater Boston PFLAG Pride & Passion is on Thursday, April 27, 2017
Greater Boston PFLAG Pride & Passion
Thursday, April 27, 2017 || Tickets are $200.00
Boston Marriott Copley Place, 6:00 PM
Greater Boston PFLAG chapter helps to change attitudes and create an environment of understanding so that LGBTQ family members and friends can live in a world that is safe and inclusive. For more information visit, gbpflag.org.
This year’s climACTS! event is Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Theater Offensive climACTS! Bounce
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Royale Nightclub, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
This party is easily the sexiest fundraiser you will ever attend. climACTS! is a unique party experience that explores and celebrates the rich diversity of queer lives through provocative themes and performances. For more information visit, thetheateroffensive.org.
◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈
If the cost of these events prohibit you from attending consider volunteering as a way to contribute. All of these events rely on the help of volunteers.
Date: 1919 From David Claudon collection
I dedicate this weekly post, featuring vintage gay photographs, to the men and women who lived in a more critical time where being true to yourself and loving who you want wasn’t always an option and came at a great price. Do you have a photo you would like to share? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.
A new political movement has unexpectedly been born in response to the divisive political rhetoric coming from the White House and the emboldened “alt-right”, which Donald Trump has courted and praised repeatedly. To everyone’s surprise this unnamed movement has been doing what no political adversary was able to do in the Republican Primary and general election, stealing the spotlight from Donald Trump and drawing massive crowds that dwarf his.
Perhaps the most amazing aspect of this new, emerging “alt-majority” as the New York Times called them is that demonstrations are happening virtually everywhere guaranteeing local news coverage throughout the country.
3.3 to 4.2 million people across the U.S. participated in the Women’s March
While these protests have provided populists like US Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and others with a platform to speak at massive rallies, the Democratic Party has largely been left behind. To date these rallies have been organized and supported by grass roots organizations and they are using word of mouth and social media to help spread the word. The real question is can this unnamed mass, which is repeatedly stealing the limelight from Donald Trump continue?
The bellicose bully in the White House has been repeatedly shouted down and over shadowed but can it continue or diminish with time?
Since election night, Trump has done more to rally the “alt-left” than Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders combined, but it is a long haul and to facilitate change, communities large and small from coast to coast will need to be energized as they go to the election booth each fall. It is unclear to me if the momentum can be sustained, but just in case, I’m wearing comfortable shoes and ready to march. I hope I’ll see you online, out in the streets and most importantly, talking to your friends, neighbors and elected officials.
Resources
aclu.org
glad.org
thesixtyfive.org
womensmarch.com
Josh is both a friend and up and coming artist who lives in Boston. He has a style that is uniquely his own and I think is incredibly engaging. His IG account mostly shows off his beautiful artwork (which is for sale if interested) but is also interspersed with personal photos as well. Josh happens to be showing some of his current work at the Kevin Day Photography studio located at 460-B Harrison Ave, Unit B-17 on Friday, February 3rd as part of SoWa Boston’s First Fridays.
Do you like this weekly post? Check out previously featured IG accounts here.
Each Wednesday morning I post a photograph and ask readers to offer a funny caption. This week I’m sharing this photo in honor of the upcoming Lady Gaga concert Super Bowl. Hopefully the photo above and my caption below inspires you to share a few of your own in the comments section.
First date
Perhaps you didn’t hear but this past weekend Roxy’s Central & A4cade opened in Central Square. They are marketing themselves as the areas only “hybrid destination for dining, drinking and diversion“. The appealing concept comes from restaurateurs James DiSabatino and Michael Krupp (the people behind Roxy’s Grilled Cheese and Area Four). The new space includes food, drinks and a lot of vintage arcade games to enjoy.
The entrance to the arcade is through Roxy’s Central at 292 Mass Ave in Central Square. You can enjoy Roxy’s food before passing through faux doors made to look like a walk-in refrigerator that will lead you to the A4cade where cocktails are the focus and vintage arcade games abound.
I’ve yet to check out the new space but it sounds like a great place to spend an hour or two with friends. Roxy’s Central/A4cade is located at 292 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge and is open seven days a week from 5PM-12AM.
I was inspired by the show of unity and the incredible numbers The Women’s March in D.C. and around the nation commanded earlier this month. I believe very strongly in the right to freedom of speech and assembly so when I heard about the National Pride March in Washington, D.C. in June Sergio and I decided we would skip Boston Pride, which happens the same weekend to travel to D.C. and add our voices to the chorus of protests.
I hope to see you in DC or marching in your home city this June
For those from Boston contemplating a similar trip, we were able to purchase American Airlines nonstop tickets for $153.00. Numerous affordable AirBnB options are also available if hotel room prices are too steep.
I hope this march inspires Pride celebrations across the United States to reach out beyond the LGBTQ community and draw in others to help make our voices heard through out the month of June. For those who in the past have reflected on the relevance of Pride and asked if it is still needed, I hope the disturbing rhetoric coming from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave makes it perfectly clear that Pride events remain relevant and important for our community.
If you have not already, contact your representatives in D.C.
Click here to contact your Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives
Click here to contact your Senator in the U.S. Senate
Regardless of the position of your elected representative (supportive of LGBTQ issues / community or not) never underestimate the impact your call will have.
Join the Boston chapter of Gay for Good this Saturday, February 4th as they help AIDS Action Committee’s Boomerangs sort through clothes donations at there warehouse in Dedham. Volunteers are asked to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and wear a few layers as it could be chilly in the warehouse. Parking is available in front of the building.
For more information visit their event page on Facebook and be sure to sign up.
Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Volunteering
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, Gay for Good
I’m unsure what it is about the kilt but gay men have an affinity for this article of clothing so I’m creating a new weekly post showcasing men in kilts.
Let me know what you think. Do you have a photo in a kilt that you’d like me to share? Forward it to me at bosguymail@gmail.com.
The Welcoming Committee’s ski weekend at Sunday River is Feb 3-5
What to do this week: January 30th– February 5th
Drag Bingo is every Monday starting at 7PM free to play at Club Cafe in Boston
ID Festival: ART of Human Rights is a FREE event at The Oberon on Monday, January 30 in Cambridge
Karaoke Night starts at 10PM every Tuesday at Jacques in Boston
Showtune Tuesday hosted by VJ Ryan Grow starts at 9PM every Tuesday at dbar in Dorchester
Geek Trivia is guaranteed fun and has lots of prizes (trivia starts at 8PM) hosted every Tuesday at Club Cafe in Boston
November Project: Stair workout at Harvard takes place at the Harvard Stadium from 6:30-7:30AM every Wednesday in Boston
White Out Weekend WoW is the annual ski weekend hosted by The Welcoming Committtee Thursday – Sunday, February 2-5 at Sunday River
Detention Thursdays! is hosted every Thursday starting at 9PM with shows at 10:30 & 11:45PM – No Cover – at EGO in Providence
Thump! Thursday is hosted every Thursday starting at 10PM at Peggy O’Neil’s in Dorchester
SoWa studios and galleries will be open Friday, Feb. 3. Check out Josh Wilmoth Opening Reception at the Kevin Day Photography Studio at 460 Harrison Avenue – B17
SoWa First Fridays allows you to peruse galleries and artist studios in the South End from 5 – 9PM on Friday, February 3 in Boston
Guerrilla Queer Bar takes place at a location to be named later this week on Friday, February 3 in Boston
Queer Inclusive Climbing Klub (QuICK) Pizza night and climbing club at Brooklyn Boulders on Friday, February 3 in Somerville
Spawn shows at The Coolidge starting at 11:59PM on Friday, February 3 in Brookline
Fearless in the Dark is hosted the first Friday of every month with DJ Cisco at Mirarbar in Providence
Super Bowl Weekend Dance Party with DJ Mary Alice starts at 10PM at Cathedral Station on Friday, February 3 in Boston
Join dbar for their Magnum Saturday dance party starting at 10PM
Magnum Saturdays is a weekly dance party at dbar every Saturday, starting at 10PM in Dorchester
So Hot Saturdaes is Boston’s no-attitude gay dance party hosted every Saturday at Peggy O’Neil’s in Dorchester
Saga Saturdays Boston’s biggest gay dance party on Saturday, Febraury 4 is at Paradise in Cambridge
The Punisher shows at The Coolidge starting at 11:59PM on Saturday, February 4 in Brookline
Sunday February 5 from 10AM-12PM (all welcome) location TBD
SnowBowl ’17: Millennials vs Gen Xers and Beyond is hosted by Flag Football Sunday February 5 from 10AM-12PM (all welcome) location TBD
OUTbreath LGBTQ Meditation Community hosts their morning sit and schmooze from 10:30AM – 12:00PM Sunday February 5 in Hanover
Back 2 Basics Tea Dance never has a cover and always has great music from 70s 80s & 90s, starting at 5PM no cover every Sunday at Club Cafe in Boston
Let’s Go Patriots Super Bowl Viewing at Boston’s biggest gay sports bar, Cathedral Station on Sunday, February 5 in Boston
Super Bowl Sunday Party starts at 5PM at the WAVE Video Bar at the Crown & Anchor on Sunday, February 5 in Provincetown
Super Bowl Party starts Sunday evening at Mainestreet Bar in Ogunquit
Send me information about your upcoming programs and events in my blog’s comment section or message me the details on Facebook.
Anal cancer is no laughing matter. Rates are rising and people living with HIV are at greater risk. The goal of the ANCHOR study is to find the best way to prevent anal cancer among HIV positive men and women. The Boston Medical Center needs HIV+ volunteers of all genders who are 35+ years old to take part in a paid study that is designed to prevent anal cancer.
To learn more about the study contact the Boston Medical Center at:
(617) 608-7020
amcstudies@bmc.org
anchorstudy.org/boston-bmc
The Museum of Science (one of my favorite museums to visit as a kid) often falls off my radar as an adult. How else can I explain that I had no idea there was an amazing exhibit underway called Da Vinci – The Genius until I learned about the Chocolate exhibit, which initially made me check out their website?
While the Da Vinci exhibit sounds interesting and I may go check it out, Chocolate: The exhibition sounds like something I could really sink my teeth into so to speak. The temporary exhibition which opens today and runs through May 7, 2017 will test your chocolate knowledge of this delicious food and help you appreciate the role it has played through history.
The exhibit shares interesting facts about the plant, the products and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of science, history, and popular culture. Tickets to the exhibit are $25 for adults and $20 for children if you are not a member.
BosGuy 