November 6th election results are behind us now and the LGBT community has so much to be happy about, but more work remains.
Each Friday morning I post a riddle or brain teaser. The idea is to get you to think outside the box and exercise your brain. However, since I am still abroad in Brazil with limited access to my blog, I thought I’d share an optical illusion, which I hope you enjoy.Comments or questions? Contact BosGuy
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Restaurant review: Cinquecento
The long awaited seventh restaurant from The Aquitaine Group, Cinquecento, has at last opened in the South End, and the pent up anticipation is apparent by the crowds rushing to get a table. The space is absolutely charming from the painted arcade entrance to the beautiful interior, which has been meticulously renovated drawing inspiration from Roman Trattorias.
On a recent visit we started dinner with the Calamari alla Griglia $8.75 and Cozze in Brodo $9.75 (both shown above). Even though I thought the lemon infused calamari was delicious it only comes with four pieces so I’d recommend the mussels, which is more filling and has an aromatic broth you may soak with the bread brought to your table.
Shown below is the Rigatoni alla Norcia served with fennel sausage, Marsala and Parmigiano $16.75 and Gnocchi al Sugo di Cinghiale served with wild boar, raisins, pine nuts and Pecorino $17.50. The rigatoni is delicious, but its the exact plate served at their sister restaurant, Metropolis Cafe, just blocks away. The gnocchi was “mezza mezza” as my Sicilian grandmother would say but the sauce is rich and delicious. I’d suggest Seth Woods’ nixes the gnocchi and uses the boar with the rigatoni; it would be a new, hearty plate perfect for the winter.
The menu does provide a number of other delicious options that we tried but unfortunately I didn’t photograph including the Ricotta Fresca $7 (two words: nom nom), Carpaccio Cabonizatti $13.50, and the Pollo alla Diavola $18.75 may be the heartiest portion on the menu.
There is a lot to like about Cinquecento, and I’m confident it will be a success, but give the staff time to work out the kinks and the management team to tinker with menu options. The service is inconsistent at the moment. On a recent visit our dinner arrived 90 minutes after our appetizers were cleared and two of the six in our party said their plates were served cold. Those negative comments aside, the menu is appealing and smartly priced with appetizers ranging from $6-$13; pasta dishes $14-$17; and meat and fish plates from $18-$28.
Cinquecento will be a neighborhood gem. The GM, Eric Hogan (formerly from Gaslight), is a knowledgeable, hardworking veteran who knows a thing or two about running successful restaurants.
Cinquecento is located at 500 Harrison Avenue. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call ahead at (617) 338-9500.
When elephants retire
Have you seen this two minute video from CBS America? It was posted on YouTube a couple of years ago and is a touching story worth the watch with a not so subtle message that strikes home.
Thanks to Sergio for sharing this with me.
Santa lives on Fire Island
Much thanks to Jesse B. for sharing.
Santa Speedo Run
This past Saturday was Boston’s annual Santa Speedo Run. Despite the rain forecast and the steady drizzle Saturday morning, more than 700 men and women braved the elements and ran through Back Bay in little more than a speedo and sneakers.
Every year the Boston LGBT community shows up but this year’s run resembled a Pride event. From the “pre-partying” at homes in Back Bay to the impromptu dance party on Boylston that broke out as runners congregated after the run – the city on Saturday afternoon had a Pride-esque feeling that warmed my heart even if I couldn’t quite feel my toes by the time I left the Back Bay.
Below is my annual video paying tribute to those who ran – enjoy.
Liked the video? Here is the 2011 video and 2010 video from the Boston Santa Speedo Run.
Hotel review: Renaissance Sao Paulo
I recently returned from a trip to Brazil, and the last two nights of my vacation were spent at the Renaissance Sao Paulo so I thought I’d share my thoughts about this Marriott property.
Americans accustomed to hotels in the United States will appreciate the comfort of the Renaissance Hotel as well as the location just a few blocks from Avenida Paulista and near the beautiful Jardins District. The rooms are well appointed and provide ample space as shown below. The higher rooms also provide amazing vistas to view Sao Paulo – one of the largest cities in the world. 
The property offers a lot more than just a convenient and comfortable room. The hotel gym is large and has helpful staff as does the pool and spa and there are several restaurants and bars for you visit should you not want to leave the property.
There happens to be a Starbucks just a block away, but I would encourage you to visit the gay-friendly cafe next door, Fran’s Cafe, which also provides a great option for a quick breakfast or lunch if you are on the go. If you will need the Metro, the hotel is just a couple of blocks from the Consolação metro station.
Rules to always being a gentleman
My Mom taught me this, but it seems like a few people need to have a refresher course since their Mom’s weren’t as awesome as mine.
Boston Santa Speedo Run
Today, Boston hosted the 12th Annual Santa Speedo Run. Inspite of the threat of rain, hundreds came out to run through the Back Bay. Above is a photograph of the top fundraising team Straight As A Candy Cane. These guys raised nearly $20,000 for this year’s beneficiary, The Play Ball Foundation. Check back later for more photos from today’s run.
Bistro Isadora Duncan suite
Built into a small hill in the Barra de Lagoa neighborhood is the Bistro Isadora Duncan. Above the restaurant is a treetop suite that is partly indoors, partly outdoors and 100% private. Co-owned by a friendly gay couple, Greg & Amauri, this 5 room suite complete with stunning views and a large jacuzzi to enjoy them.
Bistro Isadora Duncan is convenient to the local gay beach, Praia Mole. I first learned about the bistro and it’s one room suite in an old Passport Magazine article you may read here. If you are contemplating a trip to Florianopolis, this might be a good option depending on what you expect from your lodging and what your budget is like.
View from Isadora Duncan Suite
Despite the suite’s proximity to Praia Mole it is still quite a leg work out to get there and is about a 20 minute walk. All the hills you must navigate if staying in this part of the island are offset by the spectacular views and the fact that each morning Greg brings a delicious breakfast up the spiral staircase that leads to the entrance of the suite so you’ll feel the need to burn off some of those calories.
The amount of food Greg’s partner, Amauri, prepares is nothing short of a feast. While the space is a little worn, it remains very comfortable. Adding to the convenience is the very quaint Bistro below you, which serves delicious, albeit pricey dinners (~$150 per couple). Never fear, cheap eats can be found next door at Pacai, which is open Wednesday through Sunday and at other cafes.
Travel Tips: Owners Greg and Amaury don’t speak English so practice your Portuguese to see if you can communicate or grab a Brazilian friend to help.
To access the suite you must walk up a spiral staircase that is at the top of a very steep hill – this can be tricky if you have lots of luggage or are lazy.
Lastly, it can be tricky using a credit card over the phone and reservations may take more time than you anticipate so be patient and plan accordingly.
Medical marijuana center opens in Massachusetts
CannaMed, a California-based medical marijuana consultation center just opened their first location in Massachusetts in the western suburb of Framingham, MA. According to their blog they are now scheduling appointments for patients with debilitating medical conditions.
I’m sure I must have a debilitating medical condition.
Cannamed of Boston
945 Concord St.
Framingham Ma 01701
Boston Ballet Nutcracker production
The Boston Globe says that the Boston Ballet’s new production of the Nutcracker “shimmers”… I’m not really sure what that means, and I’ve not had a chance to see the show this year, but I’m assuming what Thea Singer was trying to say was Get Your Ass To The Nutcracker.
Thanks to the Boston Ballet for sharing this beautiful photo from the show. If you are tempted, you may purchase tickets to see the Nutcracker, which runs through December 30th.
Sao Paulo Brazil
Our visit to Brazil concluded with the final two days of our vacation in Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo. This city lives in the shadow of the more famous, Rio de Janeiro, because it lacks the natural beauty that Rio is so blessed to have. However, I love this city of 12 million residents, which by the way makes it the largest city in the southern hemisphere.
The key to having a good time in Sao Paulo is having someone to show you around, because the size of this city makes it too large for a tourist to wrap their head around. Previously, we’ve hit the clubs – Sao Paulo is home to my favorite gay club called The Week, but this was a more relaxing visit spent eating and visiting with friends and family.
Paulista’s (a resident of Sao Paulo) are famous for their many delicious pizzerias and thousands of pizzas are made and consumed each night in this sprawling urban jungle. On this trip we enjoyed the fantastic restaurants in the trendy Jardins District near our hotel including a pizzeria on Saturday night called Pizza na Mao.
Should you be planning a trip to Brazil and have any questions about Sao Paulo or another area definitely give me a shout and I’ll be happy to share what I know.
Furry Friday
Source: Pemovision
BosGuy 