What do you buy the guy who has everything

Are you struggling to figure out what to buy that special guy this holiday season? Here are some suggestions from a seasoned gift giver.

Upstairs on the SquareFOOD: Even if you regularly dine out; picking a special restaurant and making a “date” with your friend, boyfriend or partner is always a welcome gift.  Schedule the night and ask the restaurant for a nice gift card or better yet make your own.  If you live in the Boston area, I might suggest Upstairs on the Square which will close at the end of the year but you might be able to make a reservation for the final week of December. Read about my recent visit here.

KrisFITNESS: Not really a foodie? Want to help someone help themselves? Perhaps the best gift my partner, Sergio, ever gave me was buying a few sessions with a personal trainer at my gym. Working with someone who’s focused on helping you achieve your personal fitness goal(s) is a great gift; esp for anyone making a New Year’s resolution to get into shape in 2014. Kris Kranzky: Cardio vs. Strength Training.

Milton Hill Sport and SpaPAMPERING: Perhaps hitting the gym isn’t your idea of a gift and pampering is more in line with your guy’s likes. Why not offer them the healing power of touch? If you live in the Boston area, check out Miro and Vlad who provide deep tissue massage at the Milton Sport & Spa.  More about Miro & Vlad here.

gayTIME: Maybe none of these gifts are striking the right chord or maybe your budget simply can’t manage it.  Nothing says you care about someone like spending time together. Cook that friend or special someone a dinner, go out to see a show / movie. Take the pressure off yourself and focus on the point of giving not the dollars you are spending.  Date Night.

Happy Holidays Guys

Dining in Rio de Janeiro

BrazilHaving just returned from spending two weeks in Brazil, I thought I’d share some thoughts about dining in Rio de Janeiro. The biggest difference I’ve noticed since my last visit is that prices have risen dramatically.  Kilogram restaurants (places where you pay by the weight of food on your plate) continue to be the most affordable.  Of all the kilogram restaurants my favorite remains, Frontera on Visconde de Piraja in Ipanema (approximately 2 blocks from the gay beach in Rio).

Le Ble NoirFor a nicer option check out a French creperie in Copacabana called Le Ble Noir on Rua Xavier da Silveira. The over sized crepes are delicious and is worth trying.

Confeitaria Colombo in Rio is in some ways what Cafe du Monde is to New Orleans.  In recent years they have opened a second location at the Fort in Copacabana Beach called “Cafe do Forte” near Posto 6 (where Copacabana ends and just before Ipanema). Making reservations and requesting an outdoor table for brunch or dinner will afford you fantastic views of Copacabana Beach and Sugar Loaf.

Zaza Bistro Tropical Rio de JaneiroA popular option in Ipanema is Zaza Bistro on Rua Joana Angélica.  I first ate here about 4 years ago and when I asked friends in Rio for dining suggestions for this trip, Zaza was repeatedly mentioned.

There also remain a handful of restaurants two blocks from the gay beach in Ipanema on Farme de Amoeda; starting with Si Senor, Cafeina, Rota 66 (Route 66), and To Nem Ai. Cafeina makes for a good breakfast option but for the most part the food at these places is best not discussed. To Nem Ai is  the most popular for grabbing a drink after the beach, to people watch or start your evening.

For additional tips about dining in Brazil contact me directly and I’ll be happy to provide additional insight.

Monday blues

Monday bluesI can totally relate.  Today is my first day back at work in two weeks. I had a fantastic time in Brazil and will write more about it later.  Right now I’m focused on sipping my coffee and going through all my email.

Boston to Beijing non-stop in 2014

travelEarlier this week both local papers reported that Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines has received federal approval to offer nonstop service from Boston to Beijing starting in June 2014.  According to The Boston Globe, Hainan Airlines still needs to sign an agreement with MassPort before it could begin service from the airport. 

Hainan Airlines would join Copa Airlines (from Panama), Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates Airlines as new airlines to start offering non-stop service from Boston’s Logan Airport.

As you start to think about travel plans for 2014, consider some of these new destinations that will become a whole lot more convenient.

You can read The Boston Globe article, here.

Boston Santa Speedo Run next Saturday

Santa Speedo Run 2010Mark your calendars and make sure you come down to Boylston Street to watch the annual Santa Speedo Run now in it’s 14th year. Seven hundred runners will participate in the fun fundraiser that supports the Play Ball Foundation.

Santa Speedo Run – Sat 14-Dec.

If you cannot join, never fear as I’m planning to be there to snap photos and write all about it.  Until then enjoy this video I made after the 2012 Santa Speedo Run.

Scruffy Sunday

handsome guyMuch thanks to Sean over at Just a Jeep Guy for posting this handsome image earlier this year. I’ve nicknamed this week’s post ‘tattoos’. Anyway, enjoy your Sunday morning.

Previous Scruffy Sunday Posts

Sudsy Saturday

Sudsy SaturdayThere are a lot of holiday parties going on this weekend.  Be sure you wash up before you head out tonight.

Toys for Joys is next Saturday

Toys for JoysHave you registered to attend this year’s Toys for Joys?  What you waiting for? Although the venue has changed and there is a small registration fee, it is still the same party but just better because they organizers have changed the venue to accommodate a larger crowd so more friends can join you.

Time: Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Location: 1 Black Falcon Ave. Boston
Registration: toysforjoys.org 

All I want for Christmas is…

Andrew Christian ModelJust in case there really is a Santa Claus.

Tchau Rio de Janeiro

BrazilAfter spending nearly two weeks in Brazil, Sergio and I are heading back to Boston (please don’t be cold, please don’t be cold…) It has been fun and I look forward to writing more about the vacation.

Travel and Leisure: America’s favorite cities

Travel and Leisure Americas Favorite CitiesTravel and Leisure magazine recently released the results of its annual survey of “America’s Favorite Cities”.  How did your home city rank?

Boston received high marks from visitors for its classical music, culture, professional sports and history.  It is also perceived as a city filled with intelligent and tech savvy residents.  Want to see how Boston ranked in the nearly 30 categories created by Travel and Leisure? Link here.

Furry Friday

Sexy GuyPast Furry Friday Posts

BosGuy brain teaser

riddle

Each Friday morning I post some sort of brain teaser to get you to exercise your brain, but I’m currently away on vacation so I’ve posted an optical test in lieu of my usual riddle.

Look at the chart above and say the color (not the word). See how quickly you and others can do this accurately. The right side of your brain wants to say the color but the left side of your brain is focused on reading the word.

Like riddles? Check out past week’s brain teasers.

GQB and First Friday

Guerrilla Queer BarI’m still in sunny, warm Brazil, but I wanted to get this post up for those of you contemplating what to do tomorrow night.

Open to doing  something different? The first Friday of each month Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar (GQB) overtake traditionally straight bars.  Since the Boston bar scene can be restricting, GQB gives you the opportunity to break out of your routine. Curious which bar will be overtaken on Friday? Check the group’s Facebook page or its website, www.BostonGuerrilla.com.

Is the bar scene not really your thing? Looking for something to do that won’t break the bank? Come over to my neighborhood in Boston’s South End to participate in First Friday. This event which runs from 5:00pm – 9:00pm at 450 Harrison Avenue allows you to walk through the many working art studios, view art and artisan crafts and chat with the artists. Its a great way to mingle and meet people and after you are done, there are literally a half dozen restaurant options within 2-3 blocks to either grab dinner or enjoy some apps and cocktails.

It’s a Horrible Life opens tonight

Ryan LandryBoston’s creative genius, Ryan Landry, is back this holiday season with a new show that is certain to have you laughing out loud. Tonight Ryan Landry and his Gold Dust Orphans open with their new show, It’s a Horrible Life.  

The show will run through December 29th, playing every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 8pm and every Sunday afternoon at 5pm. Tickets cost $35 for general admission and $45 V.I.P. seating and can be purchased online HERE.