Rarely do long johns look so darn good.
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Furry Friday
John F. Kennedy
Fifty years ago today in Dallas, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The Kennedy family which calls Boston home is no longer the political dynasty it was in the previous century, but JFK remains one of America’s most admired Presidents. His words of wisdom may now be a half century old but they still ring true. Let’s hope that today we will pause, reflect and learn.
Medical marijuana dispensaries in Massachusetts
Today is the deadline for 158 qualified applicants seeking to open medical marijuana dispensaries in the state to submit their proposals.
Under the law, each county will have at least one and a maximum of five dispensaries; a total of 35 locations for the state have been approved. Cities and towns are not allowed to permanently ban dispensaries, but they can zone where they can be located. This second phase of the application process will now go before a committee that will score applicants on such factors as ability to meet the health needs of registered patients, appropriateness of the site, geographic distribution of dispensaries, local support, and plans to ensure public safety.
The chosen applicants will be notified early in 2014.
My new favorite color
In keeping with the fall season.
Looks like 28 degrees may become Merrill & Co.
So Eater Boston reported that The BiNA Family Hospitality’s latest newsletter (the owners of: jm Curley’s, Bogie’s Place, Bin 26 Enoteca and Lala Rokh) has recently added a logo for a new space called Merrill & Co. This leads one to believe that the South End rumor I reported earlier this month is more than just neighborhood gossip. According to the newsletter this new restaurant in a yet to be named location (cough, cough 1 Appleton Street) will open in the Spring of 2014.
Restaurant review: UpStairs on the Square
After 31 years co-owners Mary-Catherine Deibel and Deborah Hughes have decided to close their successful restaurant in Harvard Square. When word of their closing was announced, I spoke to my very good friend and fellow blogger, 40-Something Life about having a last hurrah at UpStairs.
I suppose this isn’t quite a review as much as it is a tribute to a restaurant that has been uniquely true to itself over its 30+ years in business. For my final dinner at UpStairs on the Square I made reservations for the Soirée Dining Room and we were seated near the beautiful fireplace in the back third of the room – sometimes called the Jewel Box because of the round windows and champagne bubbles in silver leaf that decorate the walls.
Dinner was superb from start to finish with flawless service that was attentive without being intrusive. We started our meals sharing the beet trio $17.00 and grilled oysters $18.00. While both starters were delicious the half dozen grilled oysters served on a bed of salt were so good that I kicked myself for not having ordered them before. The oyster shells were hot to the touch, but the meat of the oysters only warm providing a uniquely delicious dining experience.
For our main plates we opted to try some of the house favorites. Tracey (40-something life) ordered the crescent duck served with beets and the juice of blood oranges $33.00. The duck was succulent with a salty exterior that made it impossible not to devour. 
I opted for the monkfish which was served with mushrooms and sauce that was so addictive my dining partner had to dip her bread into it a second time to enjoy it again. I had contemplated ordering the salmon but our waiter had suggested I try the monkfish and I’m happy he did. The fish was delicious with the bottle of Laroche Chablis we had ordered with our dinner.
Following our meal, we were provided complimentary glasses of sparkling wine served in classic champagne glasses. Perhaps it was the bubbles or just knowing that we’d not return again but neither Tracey nor I wanted the dinner to end so we ordered a cheese platter $15.00 and glasses of Sauvignon Blanc. The cheese plate included (from left to right) Charmoix – a cow’s milk cheese from Belgium, Gran Pyramide de Chevre – a goat’s milk cheese also from Belgium and a Comte (my favorite) from France.
I will miss this restaurant and would encourage anyone in the area to make one final reservation – preferably for their Soirée Dining Room before they close for good on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2013.
UpStairs on the Square you will be missed.
Posted in Cambridge, Dining, Restaurant Review
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, Restaurant Review
“Sex Ed.” monologue
There are many reasons why I’m thankful I’m not a parent but discussing sex ed with my 8 year old daughter would probably rank up there. This YouTube video of Julia Sweeney sharing her discussion about the birds and the bees with her eight-year-old daughter is absolutely hilarious. This clip is completely safe for work; I actually teared up at one point from laughing so hard.
Future Beauty: Avant-Garde Japanese Fashion
Calling all Fahsionistas… You may want to plan a trip up to Salem, MA to visit the Peabody Essex Museum (P.E.M.) new exhibit Future Beauty: Avant-Garde Japanese Fashion.
The P.E.M. exhibit is the exclusive East Coast venue for Future Beauty: Avant-Garde Japanese Fashion, an exhibition of nearly 100 dresses, skirts, gowns and suits that celebrate the ingenuity and innovation of contemporary Japanese fashion designers.
The exhibit opened this past weekend at the P.E.M. and will run through the holidays, closing on January 26, 2014.
Forget about Jesse’s girl
Have you met my shy friend, Jesse? Funny, I’ve known him for more than 15 years, and in that time I’ve never known him to have a girl. 😉
South End restaurant gossip: Barcelona Wines eyeing Sibling Rivalry’s space
Persistent rumors suggest that Sibling Rivalry’s plum location in the South End will soon be a Spanish tapas and wine bar.
Word on the street is the owners behind the popular Spanish tapas restaurant, Barcelona Brookline, will go into the space formerly occupied by Sibling Rivalry at 525 Tremont Street in the South End.
When I reached out to the ownership, I received neither a confirmation or denial, but a promise that more information would be shared soon. It is hard to say what may happen, but when I hear more, I’ll be sure to pass it along.
Dick of the Week: Lorenzo Garcia, Young Conservatives of Texas
Dick of the Week: Lorenzo Garcia
Earlier this week Lorenzo Garcia – chair of the Young Conservatives of Texas – announced the game “Catch an Illegal Immigrant”.
The gist of this “game” is to encourage students to track down other illegal students and in exchange they will get a $25 gift card. The game was to take place tomorrow, Wednesday – November 20th, but the Texas University has stepped in. Not sure if this “game” will continue but the fact that Garcia felt comfortable enough to create such a vigilante-like game says a lot about the campus and student life at University of Texas.
“It made me think about illegal immigration in general and how much they put into the system and how much they take. I thought it would be a good way to spark the debate at UT by having an event such as this.” – Later Garcia
It makes me so angry when people characterize illegal immigrants like this. I know many people who fall into this category and all of them are hard working – giving more than they take; paying taxes, paying into social security (even though they will not receive these benefits), and often doing jobs many Americans have turned their nose up and refuse to do. These people come to the US for a better life not for handouts. The courage it takes to risk so much is a testament to their determination and drive; two characteristics that are incompatible with lazy individuals looking for a free ride.
This guy is such a dick. Full story here.
Did you get your pie?
Have you bought your pie yet? You can help those in need when you purchase a Community Servings pie for $25. Proceeds go to help feed the critically ill. So this year, if you are visiting a friend or family for Thanksgiving, offer to bring dessert and buy a pie (or two).
Buy a Pie for Thanksgiving Here
Not familiar with the great work that Community Servings does for the sick and hungry in Massachusetts? Watch this video.
Temptation Tuesday
Something may be wrong with me because my first thought was, “I love that faucet and sink.”
BosGuy 