Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are coming to Providence on Saturday, April 29th for an evening of “deep talk and shallow tales” in what is promoted as an unscripted, uncensored and unforgettable night of conversation.
Ken Oringer’s restaurant, Toro Boston, first opened in Boston’s South End in 2005. Despite being open for more than a decade, getting a seat at this casual dining Spanish tapas restaurant can be tough to put it mildly so it has been a while since my last visit. However, Toro occasionally has deals on Gilt City Boston so we purchased an 8-course dinner with wine pairings for two.
I’m happy to write Toro Boston continues to tempt with uniquely delicious dishes and a lively vibe most restaurants would die to have even for just one night a week. Our eight course tasting created by our very able, friendly and not to mention handsome waiter, Jesse, was so delicious that I’ll be thinking about it for weeks to come.
Rhode Island fluke crudo is new to Toro’s menu and worth trying
Our server started our meal with lighter, refreshing seafood plates that included local oysters with fennel and lemon juice, offering a nice texture and burst of citrus. Sergio even tried it (his first time eating an oyster) and gave it a thumbs up. Following the oysters we were treated to tuna tartare served in what looked like a small anchovy tin. It was served with a green curry, red onions and shallots. However, it was a new dish that Toro had added that day which I really loved – fluke crudo with white soy sauce. It was paired with the Portuguese wine, Nortico Alvarinho 2014, (one of my favorite wines that night), which is very affordable and worth buying if you see it in your local wine shop.
One of our favorite plates was the Spanish octopus
Two more seafood options followed. First, fried cod tempora croquettes with aioli. I really enjoyed these but Sergio’s response made me laugh, “everything fried tastes good.” Both of us preferred the next plate, Spanish octopus served with olive tapenade, orange, potatoes, and saffron aioli. The seared flavors permeated the meat, making each bite taste better than the last.
Braised mushrooms with egg yolk is very rich and paired nicely with Portuguese Baga (similar to a Pinot Noir)
Jesse’s next few plates were some of the most flavorful vegetable plates I’ve had in recent memory, starting with roasted pumpkin that had been cooked with maple syrup and was served with squash, wild mushrooms and topped with a liberal helping of pine nut muhammara on grilled lettuce. It struck me as a plate you’d be more likely to see in the fall. I preferred the next course which was braised mushrooms in a broth with herbs and an egg yolk in a spoon. That was just so damn good with the runny yolk of the egg coating the mushrooms.
Our favorite plate of the evening was the smoked duck drumettes
The final few plates started with seared foie gras, which is the first time I’ve ever tried it and left me thinking “what’s all the hype about?”. The next two plates however more than made up for my lackluster response. Hanger steak with an onion marmalade and blue cheese butter followed by smoked duck drumettes with a quince glaze. These last two dishes were hearty, flavorful and in the case of the duck, finger-lickin’ good. The smoked duck, octopus and steak proved to be our most favorite plates so if you find yourself at Toro in the coming weeks, try one of the plates we did and let me know what you think.
BosGuy rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Wicked Awesome.
Toro Boston
1704 Washington Street
toro-restaurant.com
Credit: Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is putting down their microphone and picking up a wine glass on Sunday, January 29th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA for a “tasting” to benefit the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
BGMC wine tasting
Sunday, Jan. 29 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA in the South End
Facebook Event Page
The tasting will feature an outstanding selection of wines presented by The Wine Emporium along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and each paid attendee receives a $15 gift card. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door.
Date and location unknown Source: zestyblog.tumblr.com
I dedicate this weekly post, featuring vintage gay photographs, to the men and women who lived in a more critical time where being true to yourself and loving who you want wasn’t always an option and came at a great price. Do you have a photo you would like to share? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.
The winter months in Boston can be tough – even for natives like me. In years past I’ve posted tips on How to survive a Boston winter, but this year I thought I’d suggest some ways you can pamper yourself.
For those who are unfamiliar with MiniLuxe, it is a Massachusetts-based company that provides nails, waxing and beauty services; salons are also in Los Angeles, Texas and Rhode Island. The company has plans to open five more locations in Boston in 2017 including one in the South End. For more details on that location read my post MiniLuxe to move into Emilio’s Pizza space.
MiniLuxe Seaport pedicure stations
On this visit Sergio and I opted to try the MiniLuxe “Foot Facial” which costs $59 and took a little longer than 90-minutes from start to finish. In addition to the typical treatment associated with a traditional pedicure of scrubbing, clipping, and removal of dead skin (which by the way they did an exceptional job doing), they incorporate a “facial” component to treat your feet that starts with a scrub followed by a fragrant green peppermint lotion that makes your feet tingle as they wrap them not once, but three times – first in plastic baggies, followed by a heated black footie and finally with a white cotton-like sock.
The “facial” component of the MiniLuxe Foot Facial takes some time but it is very pleasurable and leaves your feet feeling warm and tingling.
The administration of the lotion and then the warm booties takes time as they let the process go to work on your feet, which I have to admit is wonderful pampering for the feet. After the MiniLuxe clinician removes the lotion from the facial portion of the service they rub into your feet and lower legs their Be Natural facial cream to further moisturize your legs and feet.
While the entire process is a bit over the top, it is a great pampering option if you want to elevate your pedicure experience, and it is a fun treatment to get with a friend since you’ll have plenty of time to catch up. When one goes to MiniLuxe part of what you are paying for is their all-natural products, the minimalist and clean environment and the feeling that you are here to enjoy yourself. On our visit all of the above was accomplished.
Happy Feet
BosGuy Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Wicked Awesome.
While paying $59 for a pedicure may seem high, the entire experience was pleasurable from start to finish and left our feet tingling for quite a while. If you like getting a pedicure, this is a treatment I can assure you that you will appreciate. My only tip would be to pick a MiniLuxe location that isn’t busy so the process is not rushed.
Other Spa Reviews
bliss spa Boston 75-minute massage a.k.a. “blissage”
Cabral Wellness Institute massage
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKWhVVqB_48/?taken-by=chrisjmarchant
If you are reminiscing about summer something to get through the winter, I’m featuring Chris Marchant’s account to help you. Chris is one fourth of the quartet, Well Strung, who perform each summer in Ptown. Chris posts quite a bit about his life in Well Strung and has many shirtless photos like this which are sure to help warm your cockles. Check out and follow his Instagram account. Be sure to leave a comment or two on some of your favorites photos.
Do you like this weekly post? Check out previously featured IG accounts here.
Each Wednesday morning I post a photograph and ask readers to offer a funny caption. This week’s photo has been inspired by President Trumpf. Hopefully the caption below inspires you to share a few of your own for my readers to enjoy.
Grab ’em by the what!?!
Did you participate in last Saturday’s Women’s march? An estimated 3.3 million to 4.2 million people marched and protested from coast to coast. I was unable to participate but I was inspired by the collective message. However, for that historic march to make an impact continued action is required.
Organizers have published 10 Actions for the First 100 Days on their website, pledging that every 10 days organizers and their supporters will take action on an issue we all care about. I hope this post helps nudge some of you to channel the excitement from this past weekend into ongoing political engagement.
Women’s March Boston on the Boston Common || Photo Credit: Stephen Naso
Write a postcard to your U.S. Senators about what matters most to you – and how you’re going to continue to fight for it in the days, weeks and months ahead. We’re offering printable postcards for you to download. Consider inviting some friends, neighbors over for a drink or dinner sometime in the next ten days to talk about your experience and fill out your postcards.
Link to the Women’s March website to print official Women’s March postcards and to find out the mailing address of your elected officials.
Mates Leather Weekend – 2017 Snowbound (the Winter edition) will take place in Provincetown one month from today, February 24-26. On the event’s website the following are listed as places you can book for accommodations: The Crown & Anchor, The Gaslamp, The Gifford House, The Watership Inn and The Shank
For more details about the weekend visit their website, matesleatherweekend.com/snowbound.
Looking for something to do after work? Want to meet new, interesting people in Boston? Check out Opus Affair’s monthly cocktail social after work tonight at Tapestry in the heart of the Fenway.
There is no cost to join, but Opus Affair does asks you to RSVP so they can keep count and ensure the bar has enough staff – this group is very popular and attracts a large, friendly crowd.
Opus Affair Cocktail Social 6-9PM
Tapestry
69 Kilmarnock Street in The Fenway
RSVP – Yes, I’m Going
About: Opus Affair is a mix of artists and art appreciators who get together each month for cocktails and to chat about the arts scene in Boston. Some come for serious networking, others come for fun. There’s no agenda—just a chance to have a few drinks with other like-minded folks. Bring some friends or come make some new ones.
Oh. My. Gawd.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get out, do more, be more active? Did you tell yourself that you want to meet more / new people? Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club might be something you should check out. They will have their first practice on Saturday, January 28th and newcomers are welcome. No prior experience is necessary.
Practice will take place at the BSC Medford (easily accessible from the Orange Line – Wellington Station stop). Head to the basketball court on the second floor and arrive ready to get sweaty by 2:00 PM. Comfortable workout clothes (shorts, t-shirt, sneakers, etc) as well as a water bottle is highly recommended Following practice the club will be hosting an informal meet-and-greet with pizza.
If you have any questions email: bostonironsidesinfo@gmail.com.
You can also check out the Facebook event page for more details here.
Sergio and I typically go somewhere warm at the end of January to give us something to look forward to after the holidays and to break up the winter months, which can be pretty bleak in Boston. This year we decided to take a break from our routine of going to The Caribbean and visit Miami. I’ve never been to Miami, and I’m curious to see what all the hype is about.
Sergio and I are staying at two different hotels: The Standard and The Gaythering. Aside from plans to connect with friends and enjoy the warm weather, we have little else planned. For those who like Miami, share some suggestions on what you think we should do / places we should go while there.
BosGuy 