SpeakEasy Stage: Clybourne Park

Posted on March 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

SpeakEasy Stage BostonFollowing my own advice from my earlier blog post, Boston’s Theater Scene, I went to check out The SpeakEasy Stage production of Clybourne Park, earlier this week.  For those unfamiliar, this show won a Tony for Best Play in 2012.

The two act show which runs just over two hours will fly by (I promise).  The opening act takes place in a sleepy suburban neighborhood just on the outskirts of Chicago in 1959, but tensions erupt when the neighbors learn a “negro” family will be moving there. The racial tones of the conversation are as shocking as they are uncomfortable.  The second act takes place in the same home but fifty years later in 2009 when a young, white couple looking to start a family move into what is now a predominantly African American neighborhood.  The “political correctness” of the era challenge all parties to address their concerns in more diplomatic terms, but for some the challenges are too great.

This play has everything you want: believable acting, riveting dialog and just enough humor – especially in the second act to allow you to run the gamut of emotion. While this may not make for the perfect 1st date, it is definitely a great show to see with friends or perhaps on the 2nd date.  Make plans to grab a drink or bite to eat somewhere nearby to talk about what you just saw. I know Aquitaine appreciated the huge bar tab we racked up talking about the show.

You may buy tickets at the Calderwood Pavilion ticket booth or online here. 

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Posted in Theater, Video

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Boston Residents Play Daily Game Of ‘Big City’

Posted on March 7, 2013 | 3 comments

Boston MapThe Onion is at it again, tweaking the noses of Bostonians with an hilarious article they published yesterday entitled, Pretty Cute Watching Boston Residents Play Daily Game Of ‘Big City’.

BOSTON—Boston residents once again hustled and bustled their way into the nation’s hearts this week as they continued playing their adorable little game of “Big City,” a live-action role-playing adventure in which Bostonians buzz about their daily routines in a delightful hubbub of excitement as if they lived in a major American metropolis.

My favorite line in the article is this quote, “My favorite part is when those little guys and gals head out to bars on the weekend like they’re experiencing real nightlife! Gets me every time.” OUCH! So true…  If you’d like to read the full article in The Onion, link here.

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Boston Ballet All Kylián opens tonight

Posted on March 7, 2013 | 1 comment

kylian_boston_balletTonight marks the opening for The Boston Ballet’s latest performance All Kylián, which is based on the choreography of Jirí Kylián that includes some of Kylián’s most iconic ballets: Wings of Wax, Tar and Feathers as well as Symphony of Psalms.

Performances start tonight at the Boston Opera House and will run through Sunday, March 17th.  I am very excited to see the show later next week. Below I’ve included a video of an excerpt from a dance he choreographed called Falling Angels. You may purchase tickets to All Kylián here.

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Are you a runnah

Posted on March 7, 2013 | 3 comments

RunnahAm I trying to encourage you to get up and be more physical as a follow up from my personal fitness post yesterday? Am I looking for a thinly veiled excuse to post this handsome, young, sweaty guy? Who’s to say. I hope I got your attention though and thank you for visiting my blog today. Have a good one.

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Fitness update

Posted on March 6, 2013 | 3 comments

FitnessI’ve been quiet lately about my personal fitness regimen, but I feel like I’m making some personal gains at the gym thanks to the work I’m doing with my trainer, Kris.

Starting in mid-February we decided we’d try to increase my weights and drop my reps to help change things up and create a more intense workout.  Without a doubt, the change in the workout is showing improvement.  I can feel my back muscles in the days that follow my workouts in a way I have not previously.  It is up to me to get in a few extra sessions at the gym to push my cardio and I need to make better choices in the evening by curtailing how much I eat and opting for healthy alternatives when I’m snacking late at night.  However, with spring now around the corner, I feel pretty good about the progress I’m making. How are you doing? Hopefully with warmer weather now being forecast you can come out of your semi-hibernative state of mind and join me at the gym or shoot me an email / comment to let me know how you are doing.

The first day of spring officially starts two weeks from today.

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Spirit Magazine LGBT networking night postponed

Posted on March 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Spirit Magazine Networking NightBoston Spirit magazine’s 6th Annual LGBT Executive Networking Night which was scheduled for Thursday, March 7th at the Boston Marriott Copley Place has been postponed in light of the bad weather expected in Boston tomorrow.  The event will take place two weeks from today at the Boston Marriott Copley Place from 6-9pm as originally scheduled. Please spread the word.

Spirit Magazine LGBT networking night
Postponed to Wednesday, March 20th

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Help build the bridge

Posted on March 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Bridge Repertory TheaterBridge Rep of Boston Theater Company

A new theater company called Bridge Rep of Boston has produced their first show, The Lover, now being performed in the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston’s South End.  Shows run Wednesday thru Sunday until March 17th.  Want to purchase tickets to The Bridge Rep of Boston’s show The Lover? Link here. 

More about Bridge Rep of Boston:  

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Taste of the South End 2013

Posted on March 6, 2013 | 2 comments

Taste of the South EndAIDS Action deserves a lot of credit for hosting another successful Taste of the South End.  I’ve attended many tasting events put on by different neighborhoods and organizations and this annual event held in the South End remains my favorite.  The number and variety of food and drink is impressive, the crowd is always friendly and the money goes to such a worthy charity.

Taste of the South EndAs usual, there were some real stand outs, my favorite was the tuna tartare with soy and ginger served on cripsy wontons from Mistral. The tuna melted in the mouth and I had all I could do not to swipe one of the platters holding a dozen or more of these treats from their table.  Additionally, Myers + Chang’s served their restaurant’s popular salmon + honeycrisp apple tartare with spicy soy, spinach and sesame crisps; mental note to order it on my next visit there.

Taste of the South EndOn the sweeter side, PICCO wowed me for the second year in a row with their “adult float” which combines a fruit flavored lambic (this year was peach) poured over either vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Also adicting was The Gallows miniature fluffernutter pies which were conveniently next to PICCO.

In addition to eating great food and getting the opportunity to chat with friends, attendees find out about changes at neighborhood restaurants.  For example, did you know Estelle’s has started serving lunch on Saturdays and Aquitaine has a newly expanded lunch menu which they offer weekdays. 

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Dining, South End

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Boston’s November Project

Posted on March 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

The November Project Show above is a photo of The November Project Wednesday workouts, taken last summer. This group, which was started by two Northeastern University graduates, organize free, fun ways to work out with others in Boston.

The November Project uses free, public land to exercise.  For example, each Wednesday morning The November Project meet at 6:30am at Harvard’s Stadium to run up the big seats and come down the small steps.  With winter (in theory) concluding later this month, I wanted to write about this amazing group to inspire groups in other cities to emulate their model of using public space and bringing people together to exercise.  With no gym membership required, one only needs the discipline to show up and the appropriate workout gear.

Learn more about this amazing group here.

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Tweet of the day: Carly Rae Jepsen

Posted on March 5, 2013 | 2 comments

Carly Rae Jepsen

Yesterday GLAAD reported that the band Train has also pulled out of the Boy Scouts of America event after GLAAD asked performers to reconsider supporting an organization that bans gay boys / young men.

While I’m hardly a Jepsen fan, I’m sure there are many who will be attending the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree who were excited to have her perform and perhaps her public decision not to join will help raise this issue again.  Well done Carly and thank you to all the performers who have showed their support.

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Boston Chops menu will tempt meat lovahs

Posted on March 5, 2013 | 1 comment

Boston Chops South EndBoston Chops opened yesterday in Boston’s South End neighborhood, and it’s opening may be the best evidence the recession is behind us.  Owners, Brian Piccini and Executive Chef, Chris Coombs, are betting they can lure clientele from the neighborhood and beyond to keep this space busy beyond the opening week buzz.  With a price point that averages between $30 – $39 for most main dishes, this also marks a departure from recent restaurant openings that had lower price points, but then again the menu prices are consistent with the city’s other steak houses even if they are higher than neighboring restaurants.

Since so much has been written about the restaurant already, I thought I would focus on their menu which centers around their signature plate, Steak Frites. At Boston Chops you may select the cut of meat you would like and you may enjoy  as many frites you may consume. The cuts available make this signature plate range from $24 for the flat iron cut to $39 for the filet.

Starters – with items like sushi grade fluke ceviche for $11, Caesar salad for $9 and mussels for $14 there is a little of something for everyone.

Rarely Celebrated – this section of the menu concentrates on parts to the cow not usually served in steak houses, like bone marrow for $9.

Entrees / Ocean & Other – these two sections combine to provide patrons with a wide range of meals including cuts of beef, seafood, chicken and pasta plates.  Prices range from $19 – $39.

Sides – like many steakhouses there is plenty to tempt you, but what caught my eye was the poutine style twice baked loaded potato for $12; definitely not a low-fat option but one I know I’ll be trying.

Look for pictures of these tempting items and a restaurant review in the weeks that follow.  Should you have a chance to stop by Boston Chops, let me know your thoughts about the new restaurant.  My congratulations and best of luck to the owners and staff.

Boston Chops (617) 227-5011 / 1375 Washington Street in the South End

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Posted in Dining, South End

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Dinner with the SBN

Posted on March 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

sbn-massachusetts-logoLast week I was invited to attend an event hosted by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) at The Granary Tavern.  This nonprofit’s mission is to build a Massachusetts economy that is local, green, and fair.  They currently organize several programs but are probably best known for the Boston Local Food Festival held each fall. 

Chef Keenan from The Granary Tavern was tasked by the SBN to pull together a tempting 3-course dinner for a crowd of approximately 50+ people using only locally sourced ingredients (down to the flour and salt used).  For those who live outside of New England you may not realize how difficult this can be during the height of our winter, but I have to tip my hat to Chef Keenan who did an admirable job.  The dinner was both social and educational – driving home the point that even here in the winter, one may buy locally grown foods and prepare nutritionally balanced, delicious meals.

Dinner started with a salad made with assorted lettuce, parsnips, apples, and cheese.  The crunchy parsnip strips, cubed apples and tangy vinaigrette  contrasted nicely with the soft goat’s cheese and buttery lettuce flavors.  And as you can plainly see in the photo below – everything looked fresh.SaladFollowing the salad, I had high hopes for the main course which I had ordered.  The second course was a grilled Angus hanger steak served on a bed of root vegetables with a rich sauce; I believe it was a hollandaise – it was delicious.Angus Hanger SteakThe final course of the evening was a baked Alaska made with maple syrup ice cream and drizzled with extra maple syrup for additional flavoring. I’d never had a baked Alaska before but this was light and sweet.  I love real maple syrup and it was the inclusion of this local ingredient more than any other that tempted me, while I scraped my plate clean, finishing off the baked Alaska. Baked AlaskaIn the past I’ve written about local farmer’s markets and my interest in purchasing food that is locally sourced (for example The Foodery post in January) .  Do you purchase food from a farmer’s market? Do you notice a difference in the quality / freshness of that food? How important is this to you?

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Posted in Cooking, Dining, Health

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Andrea Hope Fight the Power

Posted on March 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

I can’t recall how I found this video of Andrea Hope (a poet living in the northwest) but I liked the poem and thought I’d share it.

If you like Andrea, you can find her online at andreahope.tumblr.com or search by her name on YouTube for more poems.

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Temptation Tuesday

Posted on March 5, 2013 | 3 comments

Temptation Tuesday Looks like someone is losing his shorts. I could have lent a helping hand. I’m very considerate and helpful like that.

Past Temptation Tuesday Posts

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Ben Cohen says Reebok dropped Gareth Thomas because he came out

Posted on March 4, 2013 | 5 comments

Gay RugbyBen Cohen, a rugby world cup champion and founder of The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, made news this past weekend speaking at a debate at Britain’s National Student Pride when he said Reebok dropped rugby star Gareth Thomas for being gay.

Whether this is true or not is hard to say, but I have a feeling it won’t be the last time we hear these type of allegations.  Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about why there are not any homosexual athletes in America’s major sports leagues.  I chalk up the fact that the only reason we find out about gay athletes after they retire is due to homophobia.  If there is truth to Ben Cohen’s comments about Reebok’s decision to drop a prominent and popular rugby athlete because he came out, I find that troubling.  You may read more about Ben Cohen’s comments about Reebok and Gareth Thomas here.

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Posted in Gay, Sports

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