https://www.instagram.com/p/BI5UKxDDY1s/?taken-by=destinyboston
Destiny Boston is one of those people who nearly everyone in the LGBTQ community recognizes. She is uniquely her own person and adds a lot (IMHO) to Boston’s gay scene. Check out and follow her Instagram account. Be sure to leave a comment or two on some of your favorites photos.
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. Hopefully the caption below inspires you to share a few of your own.
Sports are sooo gay
Photo courtesy of Weiner Ventures
Did you hear? A developer has asked the city to review a proposal to build two residential towers over the Massachusetts Turnpike where Mass Ave and Boylston Street meet. According to the article on Curbed Boston, one building would be 39 stories and the second would be 24 floors; combined they would include as many as 330+ condominiums / apartments.
Boston has a checkered past approving developments that span air rights because the cost often requires developers to build towers taller than neighborhood groups like. I’m curious to see how this proposal is received because I would LOVE to see the pike covered all the way down to Fenway.
NOTE: The shorter S-shaped image next to the proposed 1000 Boylston is not part of the developer’s proposal. That is a separate development called The Viola that is expected to start construction in 2019 and will include a 156-room hotel, 88 condos, 138 parking spaces, community areas and 26,000 square feet of retail space. The building’s footprint will stretch from Mass. Ave to Dillon’s Restaurant & Bar on Boylston Street and would feature a distinctive s-shape.
The winter months in Boston can be tough – even for natives like me. In years past I’ve posted tips on How to survive a Boston winter, but this year I thought I’d suggest some ways you can pamper yourself. To that end I’m going to review different spas in Boston to try and identify my favorite.
I started my ‘research’ at the full service spa, bliss Spa Boston on the second floor of the W Hotel Boston. The spa is clean, spacious and very welcoming. Whimsical stenciling throughout the second floor greet you as you walk into the spa. My only knock against bliss Spa Boston is how tiny the men’s facilities are and the fact they only have one male masseur (his name is Vincent BTW).
Vincent gave me what bliss calls a 75-minute “blissage” their version of a Swedish massage. When I met Vincent I asked if he would also incorporate some deep-tissue techniques in particular on my legs and back, which he obliged. The massage also included a paraffin wax treatment on my feet that left them feeling warm and softer than most of my pedicures.
The knocks against the bliss Spa Boston is a lack of male masseurs and the tiny men’s lounge, which felt cramped. Having only one shower (that was being used) meant I was unable to wash off after my massage and changing back into my clothes proved a bit tight with others also using the lockers at the same time. However, the facilities in general are very nice, the masseur gave an excellent massage that had me sleeping like a baby later that night.
Rates
Blissage 75 minute / 100 minute cost $160 / $225
Extreme Sports 60 minute / 85 minute cost $155 / $220
BosGuy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, Awesome.
While the bliss spa rates may seem high, they are in line with most hotel spas and other full service spas in the city. To help defray the cost, look for coupons on sites like Groupon. At the time I booked my massage the bliss website offered $25 coupon for any treatment more than $150.
Other Spa Reviews
Miniluxe 60-minute pedicure a.k.a. “foot facial”
Cabral Wellness Institute massage
It has been a while since I’ve included a restaurant review and I wanted to start this year by giving some love to those places that I most enjoy. I thought I’d start with The Elephant Walk. It is easily one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants and a place I consistently recommend and bring friends who visit.
Nataing is a delicious appetizer made with ground pork simmered in coconut milk with garlic, peanuts and served with crispy rice cakes that add a lot of crunch to each bite.
The Elephant Walk is a neighborhood gem for several reasons. First, the food is consistently good and the menu is always changing. The staff know most people have no idea what Cambodian cuisine is, and they do an excellent job explaining the menu. While I have successfully convinced even the least adventurous eaters I know to try Cambodian cuisine, nearly one third of the menu is also French so you can always order the steak frites if you can’t bring yourself to try Cambodian.
Khar Saiko is boneless beef short ribs braised in herbs that are so tender you can cut them with your fork; served w/ Shanghai noodles (which taste like a garlicky linguine).
Another reason I love this place is that the staff is quirky and friendly. They take their job seriously answering endless questions about the menu, ingredients and how everything is cooked so don’t be shy – ask away. I can guarantee you won’t be the first or the last person that day to ask whatever your question is about the food, its prep or what it tastes like.
Shown above is a half portion of the Loc Lac Salad: beef tenderloin caramelized in black pepper, garlic and mushroom soy, fresh lettuce, lime garlic dipping sauce.
A third reason for the praise is the price is right. Few items on the menu are more than $25, making it one of the most affordable options in the neighborhood. Many dishes are even more affordable if you order their half portions (like the Loc Lac shown above) and their menu has more gluten free options than most restaurants in town, likely due in part to the Cambodian diet.
The Elephant Walk is a restaurant to put on your list to try or to return to if you’ve not visited them recently. The food is great but you don’t have to take my word – read the consistently excellent reviews they get on sites like Open Table and Yelp. If you’ve not ventured to The Elephant Walk in the South End recently, add them to your list and make a reservation. You’ll have a great time and you’ll thank me for the suggestion.
Elephant Walk South End
1415 Washington Street
(617) 247-1500
Note: Photos were not my own and were taken from the Elephant Walk Facebook page.
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.
Queer Trans Liberation Rally is on Saturday, January 14 at 2PM at the State House
What to do this week: January 9th – 15th
Men’s Group of JP hosts their monthly social is at Sofia Italian Steakhouse from 7PM-9PM on Monday, January 9 in West Roxbury
What She Said join South End resident and celebrity chef Kristen Kish who will moderate a discussion aimed to inspire and empower women on Monday, January 9, starting at 6:30PM at the Gallery at the W Hotel in Boston
Fascination Mondays is a gear / kink / fetish party hosted the second Monday at Jacques in Boston
All Star Monday: George Michael Tribute is at Machine on Monday, January 9th – doors open at 10 the fun starts at 11:30PM in Boston
Every Dog Has Its Day is David Costa’s photography exhibit from 7-9PM on Monday, January 9 at Ashmont Grill in Dorchester
Geek Trivia is guaranteed fun and has lots of prizes (trivia starts at 8PM) hosted every Tuesday at Club Cafe in Boston
OUTBreath LGBTQ Meditation Community hosts an evening of meditation at 7PM on Tuesday, January 10 at the Arlington St Church in Boston
Show Tune Tuesday is hosted every Tuesday at dbar in Dorchester
Tuesday Night Trivia is at The Alley Cat every Tuesday starting at 8PM in Providence
Karaoke Night starts at 10PM every Tuesday at Jacques in Boston
November Project: Stair workout at Harvard takes place at the Harvard Stadium from 6:30-7:30AM every Wednesday in Boston
Boston Gay Professionals Meet Up starts at 6:30PM on Wednesday, January 11 on the mezzanine at the Liberty Hotel in Boston
Stump Trivia impress your friends with all the trivia you know from 5 – 10PM every Wednesday at Cathedral Station in Boston
Worcester Gay Professionals Networking starts at 6PM at Sweet Kitchen & Bar in Worcester
ICA Boston every Thursday from 5PM – 9PM admission is free to the public
Thump Thursdaes! takes place every Thursday at Peggy O’Neil’s Pub in Dorchester
Queer Inclusive Climbing Klub (QuICK) Pizza night and climbing club at Brooklyn Boulders on Friday, January 13 in Somerville
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf opens at the Lyric Stage Co. on Friday, January 13 (and runs through February 12) in Boston
Twerk Fridays at is an 18+ night at Ego in Providence
The Coolidge After Midnight Presents: The Running Man starting at 11:59PM on Friday, January 13 & Saturday, January 14 in Brookline
Trans Queer Liberation Rally at the State House starts at 2PM on Saturday, January 14 in Boston
Saga Saturdays is Boston’s newest gay night featuring some of the best DJs and plenty of great dancing at Paradise Saturday, Janaury 14 in Cambridge
ICRI Halves Show hosted by the Imperial Court is a benefit for AIDS Care Ocean State and Alzheimer’s Assoc RI on Saturday January 14 in Providence
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
Send me information about your upcoming programs and events in my blog’s comment section or message me the details on Facebook.
Posted in Boston, Ogunquit, Providence, Provincetown
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Ogunquit, Providence, Provincetown
OUCH! Last month J.D. Power and Associates released their annual North American Airport Satisfaction Survey and Boston’s Logan Airport ranked 28th out of 32 large airports. One reason cited for Boston’s dismal ratings are the disruptions caused by renovations. However, Logan Airport has some unique issues that in the near term seem likely to continue to frustrate travelers.
About the Study Now in its 11th year, the study measures overall traveler satisfaction with large and medium North American airports by examining six factors (in order of importance): terminal facilities; airport accessibility; security check; baggage claim; check-in/baggage check; food, beverage and retail. The 2016 North America Airport Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 38,931 North American travelers who traveled through at least one domestic or international airport with both departure and arrival experiences (excluding connecting airports) during the past three months.
See more results here.
One of Boston’s cheekier traditions, The No Pants Subway Ride, is happening today on the MBTA so don’t be surprised if you see a fair number of men and women commuting in their underwear this afternoon.
Want to join last minute? Check out the details here.
Enjoy brunch from one of the many restaurant partners on January 28 or 29, and every $1 you spend will provide 3 nutritious meals to those in need across Eastern Massachusetts.
January 28-29, 2017
Be sure to purchase the correct amount for the restaurant of your choice ($25, $35, or $50) and note which day they are participating.
Once purchased, your gift certificates will be mailed to you. So visit gbfb.org/superhungerbrunch today for details and restaurant contact information. The website also provides a list of participating restaurants.
“Forever: Time it takes to brew the first pot of coffee in the morning.”
~Author Unknown
Click on the comic strip to enlarge
ADAM & ANDY is set in the fictional New England town of Woodfield, CT. You can learn more about this strip by visiting, adamandandy.com. To see previous Adam and Andy cartoons link here.
I hope you continue to enjoy this weekly post and wanted to say thank you for stopping by to check out my blog. Have a great weekend.
BosGuy 