Category Archives: South End

The Urban Grape South End?

Posted on April 23, 2012 | 1 comment

Boston GuyRumor has it a popular wine shop in Chestnut Hill will petition the city to open in available retail space in the South End’s, trendy Bryant Residences at 303 Columbus Avenue.

Of course this is subject to receiving approval from the licensing board and contingent upon support from the community and surrounding neighbors, but with the closest wine shops blocks away lets hope both the licensing board and neighborhood associations will welcome them.

Proposed Hours
M-W 9:30am to 9:30pm
Th-Sat 930am to 11pm
Sun 12pm-6pm

When the Urban Grape South End would open is unclear since there are no signs of construction in the 2,200 square feet space.

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South End – South Boston Harborwalk Forestation Project

Posted on April 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Based on votes from the public, Odwalla will provide $10,000 grants to 10 of the 20 proposed projects listed on their Plant a Tree website.

I’d like to ask you to vote for a project that has been proposed near where I live called the Harbor Walk Forestation Project.

Follow the link below and scroll to the second  page where the vote for the Harborwalk Forestation Project is posted.

To show you exactly what I’m talking about you can watch this quick video of Bob Gleason which shows where these trees would be planted.

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Dusk in Boston

Posted on April 10, 2012 | 2 comments

This is a picture of West Springfield Street (looking west) from Washington Street in Boston’s South End neighborhood at dusk on Easter Sunday.  In the distance you can see the dome of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, which is approximately a mile away.

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Spring in bloom in the South End (sort of)

Posted on March 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

The winter of 2012 was blissfully mild, and with temperatures earlier this week hitting 80+ degrees more than once there is a lot of hope that spring will make a lasting impression and banish any thoughts winter might have to make one last push.

Mother nature is schizophrenic in the South End.  Some trees are in full bloom while others appear to be just awakening from their winter slumber and only have tiny buds shooting forth as this photo from Shawmut Ave / Waltham St intersection shows.

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Restaurant review: Coda bar and kitchen

Posted on March 15, 2012 | 1 comment
Coda South End

Coda Kitchen & Bar 329 Columbus Ave.

Coda bar and kitchen has been a welcome and friendly addition to the South End since it first opened in 2007. Located just blocks from Copley Square on the edge of the South End, this casual bar and restaurant is a great destination to meet for a drink after work or for a quick bite.

Keep it simple and you won’t be disappointed

10oz. Angus burger Served on brioche bun w/ fries

Lunch and brunch on the weekends are affordable, and for a quick bite or a casual dinner, Coda is worth trying.  Their dinner menu can be a bit of a stretch with some entrees at or near $20, but the lower end options which are pure comfort like the mac & cheese ($15) and the even better priced 10oz Angus burger for $10 will not disappoint – and leave you pleasantly full.

No reservations are taken at this neighborhood bar and restaurant but there is rarely a long wait as the tables turn quickly and the bar staff can keep you distracted with their list of house cocktails and beer selection.
Coda Bar & Kitchen on Urbanspoon

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South End: Before and after

Posted on March 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

Earlier this week The Boston Globe posted a series of “before and after” photos of the South End.  Like many of Boston’s downtown neighborhoods, the South End was a lot tougher a few decades ago.

Depicted below: Washington Street from 1986 & present day

You can trace the turn around to the early and mid 1980s when many artists started moving to the South End to take advantage of the neighborhood’s cheap rent.  It was also around this time Boston’s gay community started to call the South End “home”.  It would take another 20+ years for the neighborhood to truly transition.  For the section of the neighborhood I call home (SoWa), you can still see that transition taking place (e.g. Ink Block).

You can see more “Before and After” shots by visiting Boston.com, here.

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2012 Taste of the South End

Posted on March 7, 2012 | 1 comment

You know how much I enjoy my food so the fact that I look forward to the Taste of the South End each year will not be a shock.  The event draws 40 restaurants from the neighborhood and consistently sells out. The proceeds go to the very worthy AIDS Action Committee.

The event includes plenty to eat and drink with more than a dozen different wines to sample.  Sam Adams was the brewer on hand this year and they were featuring their new cider, Angry Orchard.  If you like cider, its worth the try.  The VIP lounge which traditionally includes a specialty bar, restaurants from outside the South End and comfortable seating did not disappoint.  Restaurants in the VIP lounge included: Jasper White’s Summer Shack, Cambridge favorite – Upstairs on the Square and The Ritz Carlton’s – Artisan’s Bistro.  Below is a video that I created for AIDS Action Committee

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Dining, South End, Video

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Ink block

Posted on March 4, 2012 | 1 comment

Ink Block courtesy of BRA

Despite the South End’s gentrification, a corner of my neighborhood near the Mass Pike and Chinatown has remained a no-man’s land only notable for it’s tenant, The Boston Herald.  The Herald’s announcement last year that it would leave it’s home of more than 50 years has resulted in a recent proposal dubbed the “Ink block”.

The ambitious plan calls for replacing The Boston Herald building  with multiple buildings of mixed use space that would include 470+ rental residential units, retail space and 400+ underground parking space.

The Boston Herald building is scheduled for demolition in the fall of 2012 and based on the neighborhood’s enthusiastic response, I hope they can start building this welcome addition right away.

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Posted in Architecture, Boston, South End, SoWa

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New cafe in South End: Orange Corner Cafe

Posted on March 1, 2012 | 2 comments

The South End recently welcomed a new independent cafe to the neighborhood.  The Orange Corner Cafe is located at 374 Mass Ave, providing a cozy atmosphere where you can grab a coffee.  The menu also includes baked goods, sandwiches, paninis and soups.

Although there are 8 coffee shops within a 4 block radius of my apartment in the South End, the Orange Corner Cafe, tucked near the Back Bay and South End line is a great location that is under served. Check out this new business and let me know what you think.

Hint: coupons are available for download if you visit their website.

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Posted in Back Bay, Dining, South End

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Taste of the South End: March 6, 2012

Posted on February 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Next Tuesday is the Taste of the South End.  This event which draws 40 of the neighborhood’s restaurants and cafes to showcase some of their favorite bites and more than a few cocktails is an absolute must for Foodies. The fact that the money raised helps the AIDS Action Committee is a bonus.

As with years past, I’ll be in attendance; no doubt overeating and loving every minute of this very friendly and highly social event.  Several new restaurants will be joining the event for the first time, but I’m most interested in sampling the food from Cinquecento the new restaurant from The Aquitaine Group which will open this spring in the space previously occupied by Rocca.

Buy your tickets here

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South End Restaurant Gossip

Posted on February 7, 2012 | 3 comments

Changes are brewing in the South End, and for the most part they will appeal to all the Foodies out there.

First, as reported last week, The Aquitaine Group will soon open, Cinquecento, a mid-priced Italian restaurant. The new dining option will be in a completely remodeled space, formerly occupied by Rocca. Fingers crossed that “opening soon” means in the next month. I’ve  heard a March / April opening but maybe that’s just The Aquitaine Group’s way of playing coy.

The Chef and owner of Pops on Tremont Street, Felino Samson, is requesting to change ownership to Chef Scott Herritt, the current chef at the Grotto in Boston. Rumor has it the name of the restaurant will be Smithfield Kitchen.

Residents now know Brian Piccini (owner of Deuxave in the Back Bay and dbar in Dorchester) is opening a new steak house named Boston Chops in the space formerly occupied by banq and Ginger Park on Washington Street.  The 5,000+ square foot restaurant would also like to add a 29 seat patio for patrons to enjoy their dining al fresco. To this I say “Bravo” Brian.

 

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Posted in Dining, South End

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Cathedral of the Holy Cross

Posted on January 24, 2012 | 3 comments

I live just a couple of blocks from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross which is the heart of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.  Walking home this evening I snapped a few photographs of this church which according to Wikipedia is Gothic Revival Architecture.

The church which first opened its doors in 1875 is not significant, but it does inspire architecture enthusiasts to give pause, and I think it provides a lot of personality to the neighborhood.

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Restaurant review: Metropolis Cafe

Posted on January 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Metropolis Cafe first opened in the South End in 1995 and is the first of what are several successful restaurants all owned and operated by The Aquitaine Group. Dinner for two including a shared appetizer, two main plates and shared dessert (not including drinks and tip) costs approximately $50-$60. Chef William “Billy” Nurse and the loyal and knowledgeable waitstaff provided a pleasurable dining experience.  Since we hadn’t been to Metropolis for dinner in nearly 5 years, we asked for and ordered some of their most popular plates.  We started with their green salad that came with two crispy crostini, toasted walnuts and a delicious Dijon vinaigrette ($7.95) as well as the roasted mushrooms ($7.95).  If you enjoy mushrooms, I really would suggest requesting extra bread, which the restaurant will happily bring to your table, and order the mushrooms.

For dinner we also ordered two of Metropolis’ favorite plates.  The salmon comes with a horseradish crust on the top which is surprisingly light and adds some great texture to the filet that sits on a bed of warm cucumbers and crème fraîche that really makes the dish sing ($18.95).  The chicken (may be the restaurant’s favorite plate) was seasoned and crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked.  The plate sits on a bed of oyster mushrooms and potato purée (19.95). Both dinners were more than satisfying in flavor and portion.Normally we refrain from ordering dessert but for the sake of “research” we opted to share something sweet to end what was a very savory meal.  Below is a photo of the chocolate pudding cake with vanilla ice cream ($7.95), which is served piping hot and best accompanied with a cup of the restaurant’s coffee.Metropolis Cafe 584 Tremont Street (617) 247-2931

Reservations are strongly recommended for this tiny Cafe on Tremont Street

Metropolis Café on Urbanspoon

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New restaurant to open in South End’s SoWa neighborhood

Posted on January 12, 2012 | 1 comment

MCSlimJB a Boston-based restaurant critic, tweeted that the Union Park Neighborhood Association was contacted by Deuxave / dbar owner with plans to open a steakhouse in the old Penny Savings building on Washington Street.

Back in August I listed this as a rumor that had been buzzing through the neighborhood in my post Dishing some South End gossip.  However, I thought Brian Piccini (owner of Deuxave and dbar) was unable to make this happen. There’s no word about what hurdles remain for this to happen or when the unnamed restaurant will open for business, but stay tuned.

Thanks to Adam and his hospitality blog for the tip.

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Restaurant review: Masa

Posted on January 9, 2012 | Leave a comment

Masa is a restaurant in Boston’s South End which has stood the test of time (first opening back in 1999).  Because of its location near where Tremont Street crosses over the Mass Pike, I often overlook or forget about this restaurant with a southwestern inspired menu.   The dining room can get quite loud but oversized booths along the far side of the restaurant can provide a more private (less jostling) dining experience.

Masa’s dinner menu is divided into “First Course” with most options between $8-$14 and “Main Course” with most options between $18-$30.   They have a collection of tempting cocktails and some tasty appetizers which can boost one’s bill, but based on our recent dining experience – it was money well spent.  We enjoyed a delicious meal courtesy of Chef Philip Aviles and were well attended by our waiter, Shawn, who I have to credit with suggesting I try the hibiscous caipirinha ($12).  Props must also go to their bartender Greg Neises for creating this cocktail.  It’s been a hit since it was first introduced to their drink menu in the summer of 2010.  (PHOTO: Joeal Veak)

Photographed below is the dinner special – pork chop with ranchero tomato salsa, grilled baby corn, large chile onion rings, and garlic whipped potato for $26.95. And a signature dish at Masa, blackened rare ahi tuna steak on yellow mole and accompanied by potatoes and wild mushrooms for $24.95.  Both meals were very flavorful and filling.  The only knock against the food was the seafood special (not shown) it was so light and the portions so much smaller that the couple who ordered this left Masa still a bit hungry. By contrast the portions shown below were large and heavy enough that we were sated.Masa is not the place one visits for a serious conversation or a romantic “date night” but it offers a creative menu filled with options that tempt both in liquid and solid form.  If you have not tried Masa (or in our case if it has been a few years), I’d encourage you to give the place a try.  They also have a boisterous bar filled with several options again in liquid and solid form sure to tempt you.

Masa is located in Boston’s South End at 439 Tremont Street

Reservations are highly recommended.  Tel: (617) 338-8884

Masa on Urbanspoon

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Posted in Cocktails, Restaurant Review, South End

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