Category Archives: Cocktails

Spencer Trappist Ale

Posted on January 19, 2014 | 1 comment

Spencer Trappist AleWhen people think of local brewers, Sam Adams most likely comes to mind although the region does have an excellent collection of  brewers that deserve attention.  Last weekend NPR reported that there is one more brewery out in Western MA that may be worth checking out if only for the novelty. Spencer Trappist Ale has started selling their ale in Massachusetts this week, although I’ve not been able to identify where. UPDATE: In Boston, you can get this at Social Wines in Southie.

I associate the Trappist monks in Western MA with making delicious preserves so I’m intrigued. Apparently St. Joseph’s Abbey is only one out of ten Trappist abbeys worldwide to make ale and the only one outside of Europe.  More about this story can be read here.

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Posted in Cocktails, Massachusetts, Religion

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Guinness: Phones down, Bottoms up

Posted on January 16, 2014 | 3 comments

BeerI’m not a Guinness drinker but I certainly do love their advertisements.  I think this latest campaign is fantastic; unintended double entendre and all.

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Posted in Cocktails

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Opus Affair tonight at MOKSA

Posted on November 25, 2013 | Leave a comment

Opus AffairOpus Affair is a social group that likes to support local arts organizations and artists by hosting monthly cocktail parties around Boston.  Some people come to Opus Affair events for networking, others come for fun, but each monthly gathering is informal and very social.  No plans tonight? Check out Opus Affair’s monthly get together.  This month they will be at MOKSA located at 450 Mass Avenue.

Monday, 25-November 6PM at MOKSA 450 Mass. Ave.

More details here.

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Posted in Cambridge, Cocktails

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Back Bay Harry’s opens Friday at 5PM

Posted on October 17, 2013 | 1 comment

Back Bay Harry'sLast week I mentioned that Back Bay Harry’s would open later this week in this post.  Starting Friday at 5pm you can check out this place first hand but tonight I stopped in at the restaurant as Back Bay Harry’s welcomed a lot of industry types and media to check out this new restaurant on the corner of the Back Bay and South End. Below are some photos from tonight’s celebration.  Let me know if you end up visiting Back Bay Harry’s and tell me what you think about the new space and Chef Santos’ food.

Back Bay Harry'sChef Jason Santos was in good spirits while he directed the capable crew who were busy feeding a lot of hungry guests who had come out to see the new restaurant on the eve of its opening.

Back Bay Harry's barThe friendly crowd was in good spirits and seemed to enjoy the opening party, while they drank from Back Bay Harry’s spacious bar.  The photo below gives you an idea of what to expect from the newly designed dining room which has lots of booths that look very comfortable.Back Bay Harry'sBack Bay Harry’s 142 Berkeley Street – Boston, MA

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Posted in Back Bay, Cocktails, Dining

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Blind Tiger

Posted on October 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

Blind Tiger made news earlier this month when food blogs around the city shared renderings of the space currently being remodeled and announced an early December opening. Conventional wisdom suggests if Boston Nightlife Ventures (BNV) is targeting an early December opening, one might realistically expect this to open in early 2014.

Boston Nightlife VenturesBlind Tiger is a self-described “craft cocktail speakeasy”.  The design shows a lot of dark wood, leather, red accents, and chandeliers. The look has more in common with the long-standing tenant, Icarus, that closed in this space in 2009, than the previous restaurant, Noche, that BNV first opened here.

Boston Nightlife VenturesThe images above of Noche Boston were a marked departure from the old Boston feel of the earlier tenant and one of the reasons I feel the bar scene was so vibrant initially.  Perhaps the change back with this redesign will have the same effect, but I prefer the sleek look of Noche to the speakeasy vibe, that was trendy 5-10 years ago but now seems a bit overdone in Boston.

I’m curious to see how this redesign turns out and wish BNV much luck. What are your thoughts on the redesign? 

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Posted in Cocktails, South End

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Opus Affair at Forum Boston tonight

Posted on September 24, 2013 | Leave a comment

Opus AffairWhile Boston’s unfriendly reputation is sometimes deserved there are a number of groups that have made a concerted effort to help people connect – like Opus Affair. This group defines themselves as a “community of artists and friends” who meet monthly for cocktails around Boston and each month Opus Affair attracts a large, friendly group worth checking out.

Some come for networking, others come for fun, but each monthly gathering is informal and very social.  No plans tonight? Check out Opus Affair’s monthly get together.  This month they will be at Forum in the Back Bay on Boylston Street.

Opus Affair at Forum Boston at 755 Boylston Street @ 6PM

More details about tonight’s get together is available here.

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Posted in Back Bay, Boston, Cocktails

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Dear $18 cocktail

Posted on June 27, 2013 | 3 comments

Philadelphia TourismJoe My God posted this photo from Penn Station earlier this week, and I have to admit I love the Visit Philly tourism banner. Maybe I need to book a trip to Philadelphia.

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Posted in Cocktails

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Noche to reopen as Blind Tiger

Posted on June 25, 2013 | Leave a comment

South End RestaurantEarlier this month Eater Boston reported that restaurant space formerly known as, Noche in the South End on Appleton Street, will open as a new venue called Blind Tiger in late August or early September.

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Posted in Cocktails, Dining, South End

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dBar Tea Dance today 4-8pm

Posted on June 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

dBarToday from 4 to 8 PM at dBar in Dorchester

Just a reminder that this afternoon dBar is hosting their summer tea dance with proceeds going to DotOut. DJ Gay Jim from Kiss 108 will be spinning the Tea Dance tunes. A $10 donation is suggested to benefit local Dorchester charities.

Never been before? Check out pictures from last year’s summer Tea Dance at dbar, here.

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Posted in Cocktails, Gay

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State cap on alcohol licenses for restaurants looks to be rescinded

Posted on June 19, 2013 | 3 comments

SterlingsToday, At-Large Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, filed a home rule petition to eliminate Massachusetts cap on alcohol licenses for restaurants.  

Currently, new licenses issued cannot be transferred and must return to the City if the restaurant is closing but it will grandfather existing licenses so that current owners may retain the ability to sell their license in the future if they choose. Lastly, this home rule will close the loophole that ties a license to a location rather than a business.

“The time for legislative action is now; cities should have control over the alcohol licensing process,” Pressley said. “It’s time for us, not the state, to determine how to economically revitalize our neighborhoods.” 

To this I can only say”Amen”.  Previous efforts to increase the number of licenses under the cap have failed.  This is the first time I’ve read about anyone trying to remove the cap.

Next Steps: The petition must be voted on by the City Council where it will hopefully pass and be signed by the Mayor.  Following that, both the State Senate and House will need to vote before being signed by the Governor.

Fingers Crossed.

For more information: Jessica Taubner (617) 635-4217

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Posted in Cocktails, Massachusetts

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Gardner After Hours tonight

Posted on May 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

Gardner MuseumThe third Thursday of each month the Isabella Gardner Museum hosts their After Hours series that allows you to experience the Gardner Museum’s new wing, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy live music, and cocktails.

Courtyard Bar featuring Bellini | 5:30 pm-9 pm
Rumor has it that when Giuseppe Cipriani invented this cocktail, the color reminded him of a pink toga in a painting by 15th century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini. We’ll drink to that!

Gallery Game: Italia! | 6 pm-8:30 pm
Try your hand at a lighthearted gallery game – focused on some of the exquisite Italian works in the collection.

Gardner After Hours costs $15 ($5 if you are a student).  For more information about tonight’s After Hours or to purchase tickets link here.

 

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Posted in Art & Film, Cocktails

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Gay night in East Boston at Ecco Boston

Posted on March 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

Ecco Boston gay nightAs much as I love Boston, I realize you will never hear someone say “I love Boston’s nightlife”.  My fair city’s nightlife ranks right up there (or should I say down there) with our weather. That doesn’t mean Boston lacks great bars, but it does mean you may have to go and hunt for them on occasion.  Keeping that in mind, I was pleasantly surprised to learn each Sunday night Ecco Restaurant and Martini Bar in East Boston gets a friendly gay crowd who sip martinis and chat with friends and acquaintances.  Who would’ve thunk it? East Boston?

Apparently there is a group on Facebook for anyone living in or near East Boston, that you may want to “like” (I did) to  keep you posted on updates like when the GLBT community in that neighborhood congregate to sip martinis.

GayEbo (East Boston / Jeffries Point) Facebook Page

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Posted in Cocktails, Gay

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Fur and Gold at The Alley tonight

Posted on March 8, 2013 | 2 comments

Fur and GoldTonight marks the three year anniversary of Fur & Gold at Boston’s gay bar, The Alley Bar, in Pi Alley near Downtown Crossing. For the past few years, the second Friday of each month has been designated “Fur and Gold” night.  The evening attracts a friendly gay crowd that varies depending on the month, but with the three year anniversary planned for this month, I’m assuming you may want to check it out and stop by for a drink.  More about Fur And Gold here. The Alley Boston

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Posted in Cocktails, Gay

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“Meet and Meat” mixer for gay men in Boston

Posted on February 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

Guys DrinkingTwenty-something, BostonMo, is collaborating with those wonderful people over at Urban Grape in the South End and The Salty Pig to host a fun and relaxed “Meet and Meat” mixer on Sunday, February 10th from 7-9PM.

Register for the “Meet and Meat” here

Space is limited for this event and there is a small registration fee, but take heart that you will be able to sample wine, beer, and spirits, as well as platters of meats from The Salty Pig.  Proceeds raised from this Sunday evening will go to benefit the Point Foundation – which empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.

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Posted in Cocktails, Gay

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The Whisky Advent Calendar

Posted on November 30, 2012 | 1 comment

This is a bit different from the Advent calendar I recall having as a kid growing up. Perhaps my parents had this discretely tucked away somewhere. Believe it or not, this is a legitimate gift that may be purchased for approximately $240.00. More information here.

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Posted in Cocktails, Humor

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