South End restaurant gossip: Jamie Bissonnette

Posted on November 27, 2011 | Leave a comment

The Boston Restaurant Talk blog is adding more fuel to the rumor mill that Columbus Cafe is closing shortly with their recent post from Wednesday, November 23rd.

On my walk by Columbus Cafe this morning to the South End’s newest coffee shop, Render Coffee, I saw the Columbus Cafe filled with brunch patrons.  While I would welcome another restaurant by Jamie Bissonnette (this would be his third in the South End neighborhood). I would be sorry to see Columbus Cafe — a solid cheap eats, casual restaurant — close its doors.

From Boston Restaurant Talk
“We had written about an upcoming breakfast and lunch spot from the chef and one of the owners of Coppa on Shawmut Avenue and Toro on Washington Street (both of which are in the South End), but have not been able to confirm where exactly the eatery may open. It was mentioned on the chat that the space where the Columbus Cafe currently resides might be where it opens, but no definitive word on whether this Columbus Avenue restaurant is even closing for sure (we had also written about their possible closure awhile back).”

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Posted in Dining, South End

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SoWa winter farmers’ market each Sunday

Posted on November 27, 2011 | Leave a comment

The SoWa Winter Farmers’ Market is an extension of the SoWa Open Market which in recent years has grown to include a Farmer’s Market.  Unlike the SoWa Open Market which runs from Spring through the end of October, this market will provide South End residents with food products from the New England region through the winter months.

Market Location: Held indoors at 485 Harrison Ave, Boston MA

Days and Hours of Operation:  Every Sunday from 10AM-2PM through through April 29, 2012. Excluding December 25, 2011 and January 1, 2012.

There is ample free parking.

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Posted in South End, SoWa

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BosGuy humor

Posted on November 27, 2011 | 4 comments

I know its bad form to laugh at someone else misfortune, but I blame my cruel sense of humor on my family. We all seem to chuckle when we see someone fall, trip or get hurt.  As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to check my emotions so people do not see my diabolical sense of humor.

When my sister shared this video clip after our Thanksgiving meal, I nearly doubled over laughing. If you share the same perverse sense of humor check out the clip of this unfortunate FOX News correspondent from Atlanta. The real humor kicks in around the 50 second mark, but watch the full clip.

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Posted in Humor, Video

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Here comes the sun

Posted on November 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

Since September I have been adding a monthly post entitled “How to survive a Boston Winter”.  I figure these posts can share some wisdom for people both new to Boston and new to colder climates (no matter where you may call home).

This past week I included my November post on the subject after a string of days with weather in the low 60s had concluded. I assumed that was the last of the mild weather (yes, that qualifies as mild in Boston at this time of the year).  However, Thanksgiving weekend has continued the trend of what has been a fairly mild and absolutely delightful autumn.  Yesterday Boston temps were in the low 60s and when I went out at night the temperature had hardly budged.  Today and through the next few days forecasters are predicting equally pleasant weather.  I know this will quickly become a distant memory so I feel the need to get out and enjoy the weather as much as possible.

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Posted in GetMeTheHellOutOfHere Syndrome

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Degas and the nude

Posted on November 26, 2011 | 1 comment

The Musee d’Orsay in Paris and The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston have two of the best collections of French painter Edgar Degas. Lucky for Bostonians and those visiting Boston the two museums have collaborated on a show that is here in Boston through early February 2012.  I’ve yet to see the exhibit but it has garnered national attention and been written about extensively.

I love museums but loathe to go to them during our warmer months when it is so pleasant outside.  However, with the holiday season now upon us, the sun setting so ridiculously early and such a celebrated exhibit just blocks from my home, I’m feeling the pull of the MFA.   I was lucky enough to have a tour of the Chihuly exhibit that was at the MFA earlier this year.

This exhibit, Degas and the Nude, could not be more different from Chihuly, and I think I may take a personal day to visit this collection. Taking a weekday off in early December might be the perfect Christmas gift to myself.  The MFA exhibit Degas and the Nude runs from October 9, 2011 – February 5, 2012. If visiting, perhaps you too may enjoy seeing this exhibit.

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Posted in Art & Film, Boston

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A moment to pause and reflect: Immigration

Posted on November 25, 2011 | 6 comments

The national debate on immigration has taken a nasty turn in recent years, and with a Presidential election in 2012, I assume the rhetoric will only get nastier.  First the State of Arizona passed an immigration law that was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to legalize discrimination against Mexicans in the spring of 2010.  Then in June 2011, Alabama passed an even more restrictive immigration law, which interestingly has resulted in an excellent article by NPR called, “Have the crackdowns on immigration gone too far?”

Strangely, many who support these extreme (if not illegal) new immigration laws use very patriotic language. However, I always am tempted to ask these supporters if they’ve forgotten what is etched on our very own Statue of Liberty.

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

I recognize that the United States cannot simply open their doors and must better track people, but at our core – our national identity was built upon what is etched on the Statue of Liberty and we’d be wise to remember that.  The AZ and AL laws seem to forget or find that an inconvenient truth.

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Posted in Poltics

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BosGuy’s Black Friday

Posted on November 25, 2011 | 3 comments

“Black Friday” refers to the Friday after Thanksgiving Day and traditionally signifies the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the United States.  As a result, Black Friday is routinely the busiest shopping day of the year.

However, I loathe the holiday shopping mania that Black Friday represents so this year I’ve decided to post a picture of this handsome guy. Now that is a Black Friday I’d support.

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Posted in Gay

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Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 24, 2011 | 3 comments

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States.

All week long Americans have been traveling so they can spend this day (and if they are fortunate, the remainder of the week) with friends and family.

Blogging will be limited while I spend time with my parents up at their lake house  on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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Posted in Family

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Thanksgiving Eve

Posted on November 23, 2011 | 2 comments

Since Thanksgiving is so widely celebrated and significant to Americans it makes me wonder why we don’t have “Thanksgiving Eve”.   After all, we have Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and any American will tell you Thanksgiving ranks right up there with those holidays; many actually will tell you they prefer Thanksgiving.

Even though we don’t officially call it Thanksgiving Eve, there is a subdued demeanor with everyone I’ve talked to today. The inevitable lines and chaos at the airports are not apparent from where I sit and the traffic snarls of tomorrow are not a concern. This afternoon has been far more quiet than normal.

Sitting at home, I’m enjoying the peace and solitude which comes on the eve of each Thanksgiving.  For all those who celebrate this most uniquely American holiday, I wish you a lovely Thanksgiving Eve.

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Posted in Family

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Restaurant review: Atlantic Fish Co.

Posted on November 23, 2011 | 2 comments

Last week I met my close friend and fellow blogger, Tracey, for lunch at one of my favorite seafood restaurants in Boston.  For years, this restaurant has consistently provided excellent seafood in a pleasant setting with skilled servers. When I lived in the Back Bay (where this establishment is located) I think I went here weekly.

Atlantic Fish Co. has been serving the public since the late 70s and is part of the Back Bay Restaurant Group, which also owns establishments like Abe & Louie’s which happens to be a few doors down on Boylston Street.  Despite the fact that I think this place may serve the best New England Clam Chowder in the city, I had not been here in quite awhile.  If you are on a budget and are afraid Atlantic might break your budget, consider joining them for lunch.  Day menus always seem to be cheaper than their evening counterparts and it is the same food.

Complementary bread / cup of New England clam chowder $5.00

Immediately after ordering lunch, a basket of warm breads arrived and shortly thereafter the chowder which I referenced previously.  The bread was soft and warm and the chowder was creamy with large chunks of potatoes and clams.  The combination of the two together was so satisfying I wished I had ordered a bowl rather than the cup. However, considering I ordered my standby “Fish and Chips” it was probably best since I can only ingest so many calories without feeling some pinch of guilt.  Like Atlantic’s chowder, I think their Fish and Chips is among the best in the city, but I’ll let the picture tell the full story.

Fish and Chips $13.00

We opted to lunch at Atlantic’s beautiful bar rather than requesting a table. Often one sacrifices a bit of attention and service when dining at the bar since bartenders can be harried making drinks for the floor while serving patrons who “belly up to the bar”, but this is one of the few places I’ve dined regularly and feel no slight.  The bartenders were friendly, attentive and extremely helpful going the extra distance by calling the kitchen when I had a question about an item not on their lunch menu. If you are looking for some delicious New England seafood on your next visit to Boston – check out Atlantic Fish Co.

Located at 761 Boylston Street in the Back Bay, (617) 267-4000

Reservations are strongly recommended
Atlantic Fish Co. on Urbanspoon

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Posted in Back Bay, Restaurant Review

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Tweet of the day: Homophobes

Posted on November 22, 2011 | 3 comments

Tweeted by @aurosan a self-proclaimed loud, opinionated homo (my favorite variety).  In light of my previous post about the lecture I attended last night, I figured I’d share this “enlightening” (I know – feel free to groan at my corny choice of wording) tweet.  Perhaps you’d like to follow this witty New Yorker.

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Posted in Gay, Twitter

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An evening with Elie Wiesel

Posted on November 22, 2011 | 1 comment

For those unfamiliar, Elie Wiesel is an holocaust survivor of Hungarian decent who moved to the US after WWII. He is also an author, political activist, Nobel Laureate and professor at Boston University.

Last night we attended the final of a three part lecture series open to the public by Professor Wiesel.  The lecture was entitled, Today: Reflections on Good and Evil. 

Elie Wiesel’s life and experiences could not be more different than mine.   However, one of the reasons I enjoy evenings like this is because I draw a great deal of inspiration and respect listening to a man like Professor Wiesel who is willing to share his thoughts.  The lecture started with an introduction from B.U.’s rabbi that included Anne Frank’s famous quote at the end of her diary.

“It’s really a wonder that I haven’t dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

As we all know, Anne Frank’s story is not a happy one and she was ultimately taken to the Nazi death camp, Buchenwald, where Elie Wiesel and his family were.  With her famous quote still ringing in my ears, Professor Wiesel started his lecture on the difference between good and evil. His lecture on good and evil was partly allegory, partly references to other great thinkers, partly theological, and 100% thought provoking.

The lecture closed with an impressive story, which left no doubt in my mind that whatever your religious convictions or feelings are with regards to good and evil in this world, we are all individually empowered to come to our own conclusions.  Despite our incredible differences, despite the incredible atrocities history has recorded as well as ongoing injustice in the world, I share the same conclusion as Elie Wiesel – I believe in the innate “goodness” of all people.

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Posted in Religion

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Sergio cooks: Gnocchi

Posted on November 21, 2011 | 9 comments

My partner has an obsession with gnocchi.  If gnocchi is on a restaurant menu he’s likely to order it.  Earlier this year food blogger and friend, Tracey, asked if he would show her how to make gnocchi.  The video below was originally created for her blog 40-something life.

The end of the video includes ingredients followed by a quick description of the preparation and cooking process.  I hope you enjoy, bon appétit.

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Posted in Cooking

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How to survive a Boston winter

Posted on November 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

Each month I’ve been providing a bit of advice on how to survive a Boston winter, but really the suggestions are applicable to anyone residing in the northern hemisphere coping with shorter days and cold temperatures.

In September, I suggested one way to survive a Boston winter was to plan ahead by scheduling a trip someplace warm.  In October, I offered a more economical option by identifying a ‘cuddle buddy’ you can turn to for body heat. My advice in November is not as economical as last month but need not be as extravagant as September’s suggestion.

This month, I’m suggesting that you embrace the fact that you are living in what resembles  a frozen tundra and make the best of it by adopting the “if you can’t beat’em then join’em philosophy.” Book a trip to one of the many Gay Ski Weeks that are held around the world.  There are many options through out North America and Europe so choose a local option to avoid costly airfare and extra travel / vacation time.  In the northeast, the Stowe Gay Ski Week is a great local alternative.  If interested you can read more about the Gay Ski theme week many in New England attend, here.

Sadly, I cannot promise that the three friends above will be attending your specific ski week rendez-vous.

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Posted in GetMeTheHellOutOfHere Syndrome, Sports

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Men of Twitter

Posted on November 21, 2011 | 2 comments

Each Monday I post #MenOfTwitter profiles of men who catch my eye and whom I think you may enjoy following. As always, suggestions for profiles to feature are welcome. If you’d like to follow me on twitter, you can find me @BosGuy. Below are this week’s #MenOfTwitter.

This week I’ve decided to put a naughty spin on my normally PG-rated profiles by including three Twitter profiles that interact in different aspects of the gay ‘adult’ industry.  The profiles below are all work safe, but their Twitter profiles are not necessarily so be forewarned if you are tempted to follow any links.

Manhunt – I’m making an exception to my own rule by featuring an organization rather than an individual, but before we even knew what an app was, Manhunt was helping gay men connect. While Manhunt has taken a backseat to Grindr and Scruff, I wanted to acknowledge this Boston-based (well Cambridge to be specific) organization which is active on Twitter and their blog, manhuntdaily.org. #Blog

JesseJackmanXXX – Relatively new to the industry, Jesse is working exclusively with TitanMen.  As a result his Twitter handle is also new, which would normally exclude him from consideration, but since I’ve known Jesse for more than a decade, allowances are made for friends. Plus he’s so devilishly handsome in his profile pic. Check him out at jessejackmanxxx.com. #Newbie

ChrisYosef – This 30-something fetish performer, writer and promoter joins a growing list of very sexy Canadians that I’ve featured in this weekly post. Chris splits his time in the Northwest between Seattle and Vancouver and is married to TonyBuff.  For those with a kinky side follow Chris – he’s on Twitter virtually 24/7.  #Fetish

BTW if you like this post, retweet it. If you love this post, follow me, @BosGuy. Link here to see past #MenOfTwitter postings.

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Posted in Gay

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