Zipcar has a fleet of new Honda Insights with a unique accessory: For each hour they are on the road, the company will donate $1 worth of free drive time to to GLAAD, a national LGBT advocacy group.
More details about the program and partnership here.
On a particularly hot and humid August weekend, I was returning from Provincetown via ferry, when I realized nearly every island in Boston’s harbor seemed to be practically empty.
I started to wonder why these islands were not used more by the public. It seems like a missed opportunity that could be easily rectified with the proper investment.
Limited investment has already been made in Spectacle Island, and with more development one can envision this transforming into large urban beach complete with all the services associated with other beaches but with a one of a kind skyline view. Such investment would require expanding the beaches on the more protected western and southern portions of the island; building more and larger docks to encourage boaters, more ferries and water taxis; better facilities to accommodate more dining options; and of course businesses that rent kayaks, ski jets, etc…
Certainly there must be some enthusiastic MBA students who are looking for an audacious business plan. What do you think?
28 degrees Boston is no more. A sign posted on their front door indicates that after serving the neighborhood for 8 years they are now closed. This sign validates my post on Facebook this past Tuesday when I mentioned I had been hearing that the space was rumored to have been sold. Of course, considering the restaurant’s history it was hard to take the rumors seriously but the sign on the front door of 28 degrees sort of says it all. If you have any details – shoot me an email at bosguymail@gmail.com.
Thanks for the memories 28 degrees. I won’t lie – I had some fun evenings there.
Today, the Boston Globe reports that a forgotten and unused train track that was used to carry freight about 100 years ago could potentially connect the Seaport District to the Back Bay.
“The state, with no fanfare, has set aside tens of millions of dollars to launch an innovative train service on a dormant rail line between a pair of the city’s most vital neighborhoods: the Seaport District and the Back Bay.
The service should be ready to go in just two years, the planning done without any of the drawn-out permitting processes or neighborhood histrionics that impede so much progress in Boston.“
Read more about this in today’s Boston Globe, here.
I would LOVE to see this happen. What are your thoughts?
This week’s Furry Friday was a former Yummy of the Day from my fellow bloggah, MAC. Thanks MAC for bringing this handsome guy to my attention.
This past July Aaron Krug opened 3 Squares at 669 Highland Avenue in Needham, MA. Krug remodeled the space so nicely you’d be hard pressed to recognize the building was once a Bickfords. Three Squares, which takes its name from the concept of having three square meals a day, is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you live nearby or are looking for a convenient place to meet in the area, try this comfortable, family friendly restaurant that mostly caters to local residents. Dinner plates range from an affordable $12 for a plate of their Truffle Mac & Cheese to their most pricey item, Pan Seared Salmon for $18.
We started our dinner with the 3 Squares Chopped Salad ($11.50) which is large enough to split or have as a main plate. We ate only half of the salad before trying the Pesto Arancini ($6.99) that are shown above. The pesto, if added, was so subtle that I’d suggest either adding more or renaming it. Regardless, these fried balls of risotto and cheese were satisfying and great for sharing.
The dinner menu includes a combination of fish, meats and pastas with a selection of burgers that looked good. However we opted to try the Braised Short Rib Pappardelle ($13.99) and the Baked Atlantic Cod ($14.99). The braised short rib made the pappardelle a heartier plate – probably better for the upcoming fall weather than the summer. Far lighter – and better in my opinion – for a dinner on a warm summer night was the cod.
In the name of research, we sampled two desserts from 3 Squares menu; Star Spangled Berry Shortcake and Adam’s Apple ($6.95 each). I loved the presentation of the shortcake and the warm apple dessert was delicious. I was rather proud of myself for showing restraint by not devouring all the melting whipped topping as it oozed into the apple and sharing with Sergio.
With the start of the academic year, the city of Boston has come back to life with an influx of tens of thousands of college and graduate students. In the weeks that follow a series of free music concerts / festivals will take place. Here are a few you may want to check out.
Following the success of the first Boston Calling Music Festival in May, a second show, featuring 18 artists / bands over two days returns to City Hall Plaza on Saturday, September 7th and 8th.
More information about the artists / bands can be found on their website, www.bostoncalling.com.
Although The Boston Freedom Rally on The Boston Common is all about legalizing marijuana, there is more than just a haze of pot to take in at this two day festival on September 14th and 15th.
Venture down to The Boston Common and check out the more than a dozen bands that will perform.
Details about the two day rally and music acts can be found on the organizer’s website, masscann.org.
The Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival celebrates its 13th season.
Head down to the South End on Saturday, September 28th along Columbus Avenue between Mass Ave and Burke Street in the South End from noon to 6 PM to check out this festival.
Outdoor performances are open to the public and free of charge. More information about the artists / bands can be found on their website, http://www.beantownjazz.org.
What do you think of my latest purchase? While I was walking around the neighborhood this past weekend I stumbled upon this t-shirt at Motley, and I couldn’t resist buying it.
Motley | 623 Tremont Street | 617.247.6969
The massively successful two-day music festival, Boston Calling, that was hosted this past May returns to City Hall this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
To celebrate the return of the music festival, Gilt City is hosting a kick off party called Better Than Backstage the night before on Friday, September 6th at Royale, located at 279 Tremont Street in Boston.
Friday, Sept 6th at Royale 7:30 – 10:30 PM
The Gilt City party looks to be a lot of fun and will include cocktails and bites, as well as great music that includes a live performance by cult indie-rock favorite Okkervil River, who will also be performing at the festival on Saturday.
Purchase your tickets in advance here.
Darth Vader’s daughter, Liz Cheney, is making a run against conservative Republican incumbent, Sen. Mike Enzi. Last week Liz threw her lesbian sister, Mary Cheney, under the proverbial campaign bus when she went out of her way to say, I’m not pro-gay marriage.
I have to admit I enjoyed reading Mary Cheney’s response to her sister, For the record, I love my sister, but she is dead wrong on the issue of marriage…It’s not something to be decided by a show of hands.
The second location of Five Horses Tavern at 535 Columbus Avenue in the South End opened a little more than two weeks ago, and this past weekend I stopped by for lunch. Extensive renovations by Owner Dylan Welsh, GM Sarah Hanson and Chef Aaron Parsons have transformed the space. With the kitchen now in the basement, Five Horses Tavern can seat 74 inside and 20 on their patio in good weather.
The redesigned space will give you pause upon entry. You’ll first notice the new bar featuring 40 taps that seats 11 followed by a comfortable dining area filled with tables and booths. The decor has rich colors like hunter green walls, dark brown molding and exposed brick. The large windows facing Columbus Avenue helps to make the space feel open so the effect is more cozy than cramped.
The menu is exactly what I would like to see more of in the South End (and especially in SoWa). It is filled with comfort food created with a twist that makes it distinctly their own and priced so one can visit again and again. The menu’s most expensive item is $19 but most items range between $11 – $18.
Chef Parsons has some favorite ingredients that reappear through out the menu. Leveraging the abundance of lobsters in Boston, he has four plates that include this crustacean. Pork belly, avocado and spicy ingredients like chilies and jalapenos also appear repeatedly on the menu.
We started with the Grilled Brie ($10), served with frisee, pomegranate seeds and honeyed almonds sprinkled with togarshi for additional flavor. The brie nicely spread over the lightly toasted bread, and I layered the frisee and almonds with the cheese to enjoy all the flavors and textures this plate offered.
Sergio ordered the Fried Chicken Sammy sandwich ($12) with a side of cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes (as shown above). The sandwich was very satisfying and the potatoes lived up to their hype, but the wilted greens under the chicken and the bland bun could be improved upon.
I opted for the Tuna Tacos (3 for $16) served on flour tortillas with greens, jicama, avocado, and a blood orange chili glaze. These proved to be addicting. Upon biting into the taco I first tasted the blood orange glaze but the flavors of the seared tuna and shichimi dusting quickly follow. I loved the tacos and will definitely order these again.
Five Horses Tavern is a neighborhood pub that serves some delicious (and affordable) food with a friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff. Our server, Richelle, proved to be very helpful which only enhanced what turned out to be a favorable first visit to Five Horses Tavern. I’d suggest giving the South End’s newest restaurant a try.
Five Horses Tavern – 535 Columbus Ave. – 617.936.3930
What an interesting interpretation of this Mean Girls inspired color choice. I’ve never wished that every day was Wednesday til now.
Is this too soon? Sorry, if you are still savoring the last few weeks of summer, but last month New England’s version of gay ski week announced they are now taking reservations.
Locally, this event is known as the Winter Rendez-Vous and it takes place in Stowe, Vermont early next year, January 22-26, 2014.
All different packages are available on the event website, www.WinterRendezVous.com.
BosGuy 