Tag Archives: Boston Guy

Book Review: Empire by Steven Saylor

Posted on October 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

In truth, this is less of a review about Steven Saylor’s book, Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome, published in 2010 by St. Martin’s Griffin than it is a recognition of this gay author who writes superb historical fiction novels at a mind-boggling rate.

For those fascinated by ancient Rome, his novels are compelling reads.   Saylor is best known for his Roma Sub Rosa series, set in ancient Rome featuring a detective named “Gordianus the Finder” who lived during the time of Cicero, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.

Empire is nearly 600-pages and opens in Rome in 14 AD with Lucius Pinarius, a young man born into a prominent Roman family. The novel traces the Pinarius family for the next 100+ years.  With imperial Rome as a backdrop, Saylor weaves a story chalk full of intrigue, drama and action.

If you enjoy historical fiction or are fascinated with this era, I would recommend trying one of Saylor’s novels. He has an easy-t0-read writing style.  Should you opt to buy one of Saylor’s books, I’d recommend Calamus Bookstore.  Calamus is the last standing GLBT bookstore in Boston and you can purchase books online if you don’t live in the area.

Calamus Bookstore 92B South Street, Boston  Tel: (617) 338-1931

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Posted in Book Review, What'cha Reading

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Hey Sailor…

Posted on October 7, 2011 | 1 comment

Did you know that starting today the Charlestown Navy Yard will host the  USS Stephen W. Groves?

Size queens are certain to mutter under their breathe that they’ve seen bigger if they visit the destroyer, but you tell them to be quiet.  Should you see sailors walking around Boston do ask and let’s hope they will tell.  Okay – I’ll behave now and stop with all the double entendres.

If interested, the USS Stephen W. Groves will be open for public tours on Saturday from 1pm-4pm, Sunday from 10am-4pm and Monday from 10am-4pm.

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Posted in Boston, Free Stuff, Gay

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Can anyone relate?

Posted on October 6, 2011 | 2 comments

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Posted in People say the funniest things

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Union Bar and Grille

Posted on October 6, 2011 | Leave a comment

Union Bar and Grille, a signature fine dining restaurant owned by the Aquitaine Group, will be introducing a new menu that may take some by surprise and delight many.  This is not the typical summer to fall menu change Boston diners are seeing around the city as chefs substitute plates with ingredients more in line with the season.

The new menu which will roll out later this month will include more small plates and a lower price point. Why the change? Why now? Contributing factors are likely the soft economy and the fact that small plates is a dining trend that remains popular; especially in the South End.

Union has been a destination restaurant almost since its first day, but the landscape in the South End has changed and revamping their menu is a smart move. This foodie will be excited to sample the many new options and if you live in the area – I’d encourage you to do the same.

Union Bar and Grille is located at 1357 Washington Street in the South End.

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Posted in Dining, South End, SoWa

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Restaurant Review: Remi (NYC)

Posted on October 5, 2011 | 1 comment

On occasion work brings me to New York City and earlier today I had the difficult task of identifying appropriate wines for an important program that my firm would be hosting.   Sometimes, I’ll admit, I’m a very lucky man.

To make certain I didn’t fall over we combined the tasting with a lunch.  The place we went to is an Italian restaurant called Remi. The lunch menu is divided into anti pasti ranging from $11.50 – $17.50;  insalate ranging from $9.50-$12.50; main plates (primi piatta) of homemade pasta ranging from $18.00-$24.50; and signature plates & entrees ranging from $19.50-$39.50.

The place attracts a large lunch crowd of business men and women, and features a nice patio.  The main room which is depicted above is nicely designed and comfortable.

Salmone dell’Atlantico – $29.50 (for lunch)

For lunch I selected the Atlantic Salmon.  Generally I prefer my salmon slightly rare and with as little on it as possible, but Remi’s plate came with potato crust, which added texture that complimented the fish.  Under the fillet was a sweet bell pepper sauce that did little for my taste buds, but was visually appealing and a side of sauteed garlic spinach that was so unbelieveably good I inhaled it all: caveat emptor, if you’re not a fan of garlic stay away from the spinach.

I’m not sure if I would venture to Remi’s on my own since I rarely choose to spend time in midtown when visiting NYC, but based on my experience here I would suggest it for a business lunch or dinner.

Remi is located at 145 West 53rd Street (between 6th and 7th Ave)    Reservations are strongly recommended (212) 581-4242
Remi on Urbanspoon

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Posted in NYC, Restaurant Review

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Hump day: Alanis Morissette

Posted on October 5, 2011 | 3 comments

Although you may wish today was Friday, my calendar assures me that it is only Wednesday… A.K.A. “Hump Day”. So I thought I’d think a little outside the box and share this video of Alanis Morissette spoofing the Black Eyed Peas song “My Humps”.  If you’ve never seen the video, I hope you find it funny.  This is my lame attempt to interject some humor into the week.

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Posted in Music, Video

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BosGuy.com optimized for iPad

Posted on October 4, 2011 | 4 comments

One of the things I love about my new online home http://www.BosGuy.com is I am able to optimize my blog for iPad users.  The image above to the left shows the cover which features the most recent posting and the image to right shows the details of the most recent postings.   For those of you using an iPad, I hope you enjoy the enhanced interface.

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Posted in Uncategorized

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The Bangles perform in Boston tonight

Posted on October 4, 2011 | 1 comment

Okay, so technically I’m a day late and its more like a Traumatic Tuesday, but that wasn’t a song by The Bangles who are performing in Boston tonight.

Although I’m not going to see the show, I have no shortage of fond memories of this 80s girl band, who I first saw perform at the Orpheum in Boston back in <gulp> 1985. I’m not sure if tickets to see their show at the Wilbur are still available, but you can get more information here.

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Posted in Music, Pop Culture, Video

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ARTcetera 2011

Posted on October 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Every weekend in the fall there are large fundraising events but ARTcetera an event which raises funds for the AIDS Action Committee (AAC) always stands out.  The event started in the 1980s as a way for local artists and gallery owners to respond to the AIDS crisis which was ravaging the Boston arts community, and over the years it has developed into one of the largest art auctions in all of New England.

The charity fundraiser which was traditionally held in October on even numbered years took a temporary hiatus in 2010 so the AAC could rethink the program and breathe new life into the event.  Bryan Rafanelli and his events team did a beautiful job transforming The Castle and the new venue was a welcome change.

Below is a quick 3-minute video from the event which sold out and drew a record crowd of 800 supporters and art enthusiasts. ARTcetera 2011 is expected to raise more than $700,000 for the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Expand to full-screen for best viewing.

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Art & Film, Gay, Philanthropy

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Shameful

Posted on October 1, 2011 | Leave a comment

This quick video from the Democratic National Committee is a firm reminder of how perverse the Republican Party and those who seek that party’s nomination have become.

I understand there are many who vote Republican simply based on a perception that the money they earn will be taxed less, but the political posturing of these candidates and behavior exemplified by attendees at these debates is shameful.

Considering many Republicans speak in terms of “Christian” values and the lack of them in our society today, there seems to be a wide gap between the lip service paid and the actions they exhibit. Frankly, I find it embarrassing and shameful. However, if you are consumed in the pursuit of the Almighty Dollar and firmly believe “What’s mine is mine and to the hell with the rest of you”, such behavior shouldn’t be so surprising.

Thanks to WGB for bringing this to my attention.

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Posted in Video

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Have a good one

Posted on September 30, 2011 | 7 comments

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Collegefest 2011

Posted on September 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

This Saturday and Sunday is Collegefest in Boston. Collegefest is an annual event which has been a mainstay here since the mid-80s. This year more than 15,000 college aged men and women will attend the two-day event at the Hynes Auditorium. According to the website Collegefest “hooks you up” with all sorts of free stuff.  If you are of college age and want to learn more you can check out their facebook page here or visit them online at www.collegefest.com.

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Scary + Stupid = Tea Party

Posted on September 29, 2011 | 5 comments

Apologies to my non-US readership, but I need to digress into a quick political rant which requires a degree of familiarity with some of the more colorful characters currently running for the Republican Presidential nomination.

I am absolutely convinced that the Republican Party is engaged in some sort of race to try and “out-dumb” each other.  Signs like the one above have always been on display at every political rally you can imagine.  The problem is the Republican Party is now starting to resemble these signs.  Leading candidates seem to be bending over backwards to appeal to a growing minority of ultra conservatives who refer to themselves as the “Tea Party”.  These candidates are barely intelligible and increasingly staking scarier political ground in an attempt to out-do each other.  Disagree with me? I dare you to refudiate me.

Thanks Chris for sharing the photo.

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Posted in Poltics

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Tweet of the day: Fill up the glass

Posted on September 29, 2011 | 1 comment

Normally I feature tweets from other people as a way to profile others, but this tweet of mine resulted in so many responses I figured I’d share it here too.

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Posted in People say the funniest things, Twitter

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Restaurant Review: Temazcal Tequila Cantina

Posted on September 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

Temazcal is a trendy tequila restaurant located at Liberty Wharf in the Seaport District of Boston. The transformation of this block still surprises me when I visit Liberty Wharf, which also houses Legal Harborside (Legal Seafood’s largest restaurant), Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grille, and Del Frisco’s Steak House.

Temazcal is a visually appealing destination. The large bar, dining room and patio make the most of the waterfront views available from Liberty Wharf.  When seated, patrons are provided iPads to review menu items which include delicious looking photographs (all the more to tempt you with I suppose).  You can view their menu online here.  Main plates range from $17-$32; the tacos, tamales and quesadillas (which are also quite filling) range from $14-$16.   While I’ve admitted in past reviews that I’m no authority on Mexican cuisine, I do feel like I am an authority on Fish Tacos which is a personal favorite dish, and Temazcal’s take on this staple plate did not disappoint.  Their fish taco is a beer battered mahi-mahi in a soft corn tortilla and dressed with pickled cabbage, watercress chipotle aioli, Julienned pickled jalapinos and thinly sliced radishes. A meal which includes a shared appetizer, two main plates and a shared dessert (no drinks or tip included) would range from $60 – $75. However, if you opt to eat the complementary chips and order tacos and quesidillas in lieu of ordering a separate appetizer or ordering from the full entrees the price drops to ~$40+; more than reasonable in my opinion.  I’ve heard mixed things about this restaurant, and I was not crazy about the Red Snapper which I was able to try, or several of the other main dinner plates, but overall I like space and neither our food or service disappointed.

Temacazal Tequila Cantina is located at Liberty Wharf 250 Northern Ave.  Dinner reservations are strongly recommended – Tel: (617)439-3502
Temazcal Tequila Cantina on Urbanspoon

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