Bostonians have been holding our breathe watching the Bruins progress in post season play this spring. They’ve played remarkably well throughout and came out with their most aggressive play to date in game six, scoring four goals within minutes of the first period, sending the fans in the Boston Garden into an absolute frenzy.
The series is tied up once again and our guys need to pack up for one more trip out west to play the final game of the championship series back in Vancouver.
Okay I didn’t complain when the weather in Boston this weekend more closely resembled early April, but I’m starting to bristle with all these clouds and cold weather. Would someone with any pull please let Mother Nature know her cruel streak after a bitter winter and cold & raw spring has left me with little patience and a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I want temps in the 80s (or higher) and sun.
Once a year, I need to break out my gay card to get it renewed so I head out and partake in Boston Pride and its festivities.
Despite today’s cold temperatures and rain, it could not stop me from getting out and enjoying myself. I did not bother to watch the Boston Pride parade. In my opinion Dayton, OH probably has a more interesting pride parade. However, I did make a pit stop at the Chandler Street Block Party (the most popular event of the week and oddly not even a recognized event by the Boston Pride committee – doesn’t that speak volumes?)
The colder weather and intermittent rain finally made me beat a hasty retreat over to Club Cafe where I danced the afternoon away. As is to be expected there were many interesting outfits and costumes. I was given a big smooch by a Liza impersonator and asked Wonder Woman to strike a quick pose with me.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Gay
The Red Sox came back in dramatic fashion last night to beat the NY Yankees and sweep them. What a sweet start to their road trip.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Sports
The Boston Globe has a pretty cool listing on its Boston.com site today regarding the sudden popularity of food trucks. This trend first started out in southern California (as nearly all automotive trends seem to) and has over the past few years worked its way East. Starting a couple of years ago you’d have been hard pressed to name a food truck (unless your favorite ice cream truck counts). However, now they seem to be everywhere.
Beware, not all food trucks are equal either. Depending on your diet and preferences, some of these food trucks which often specialize in certain food preparations, can seem a bit kooky. I’m pretty lucky because there are always many food trucks attending SoWa Open Market. I have a couple of personal favorites now, but I’m curious to find out if you too have tried any of the food trucks you see around Boston. If you are not from Boston, do tell… Is this something you’ve noticed in your city or when I say food truck are you scratching your head wondering what the heck I’m referring to.
For more information about the phenomenon, check out Boston.com’s Guide to the best food trucks in Boston
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Dining, The Boston Globe
Earlier this week I mentioned that Seth McFarlane (creator of The Family Guy) is filming in the neighborhood with local boy, Mark Wahlberg, and Mila Kunis. While filming will continue throughout Boston and much of the South End, they were able to capture the scenes they needed out in front of my apartment.
Last night Sergio joined a throng of onlookers as they filmed another scene. They had to film this at night, but it is a day scene so they had the entire block filled with giant lights flooding the streets with artificial sunlight.
Posted in Video
Tagged Art and Film, BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Pop Culture, South End
Movie Director Seth McFarlane is filming outside my apartment for his movie Ted, which stars both Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis. This movie has been filming in Boston and in particular the South End for the past few months, but tonight they are filming a “day” scene at Gaslight. For those who have read my blog for awhile you may recall this restaurant was used for several weeks in the fall of 2009 for the Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz film “Wichita” which was later renamed Knight & Day.
Its not clear to me if Mark or Mila will be appearing tonight. I had hoped I would be able to capture some photos of the stars like I did of Tom & Cameron, but it seems unlikely so instead I’ve posted a picture of the view outside my window. If something more exciting manifests, I’ll be sure to share.
Tagged Art and Film, BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Pop Culture, South End
This year’s theme for Boston Pride is Equality: no more no less. The official calendar for this week’s festivities can be found on the Boston Pride site. However, I thought I’d share my favorite programs and the events I’ll be attending.
Tuesday, June 7: PrideLights This annual event which benefits The AIDS Action Committee (AAC) was the brainchild of the PrideLights organization which merged with AAC and was their signature event of the year to bring together the local community. The program has grown in recent years and is held at Club Cafe. This year’s program will be hosted by Verna Turbulence. Verna will be joined by a cavalcade of the Boston’s most talented drag performers. This event is always hilarious and something I look forward to attending.
Thursday, June 9: Circus or Noche Since I’ll be in Atlanta for work on Wednesday, I won’t likely go out until Thursday night after returning home. I’ve become a fan of heading to Noche Boston for cocktails on Thursdays. The bar staff is great and the crowd is both gay and friendly. I may also work my way over to Club Cafe (again) for their Circus night, which they now host each Thursday. Pride tends to bring out people who normally stay at home and with temperatures expected to hit the low to mid 80s on Thursday – I’m hopeful there will be a large crowd at both bars.
Friday, June 10: Machine I rarely go to Machine these days, but when I lived in the Back Bay this was my go-to bar on weekdays. I’m thinking I may head over to the party at Ramrod / Machine and hang out in the front room where Gay Jim from KISS 108 will be spinning hits. Shayne Ward will be performing songs from his latest CD, Obsession. If you are not familiar with Shayne you can check out his channel on YouTube. Just note, if you want to attend this event, you need to buy tickets and there is a slight discount if you purchase these ahead of time.
Saturday, June 11: Chandler Street Block Party (1:30 – 7:00) This event is not officially recognized by the Pride committee so all proceeds actually benefit AAC. The parade which precedes this event is so boring its filled with politicians and churches marching. There are virtually no flat bed trucks with elaborate floats so if you can only go to one event on Saturday definitely check out the block party. At night I’ll probably head over to Paradise.
Sunday, June 12: Stuart Street Block Party If the weather remains nice and I’m not completely shattered from the previous parties, I’ll definitely head over to this event; arguably the most interesting and best official Pride event from the Pride committee. If you’ve never checked this out, you should consider stopping by. The music is great and there is just something very nice about being able to mingle outside with a drink in hand. This event is generally more relaxed than the previous day’s block party (people are probably still exhausted).
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Gay
Last month I wrote about Sam Maden a 12 year old who created an online petition to ask the Boston Red Sox to make an It Gets Better video in support of bullied LGBT youth. You can read the post here.
After more than 9,000 fans signed the online petition Susan Goodenow, SVP of Public Affairs and Marketing for the Red Sox announced today that my home team will become the 3rd major league baseball team following the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs to make an It Gets Better video.
To celebrate, I’ve added this piece of baseball eye candy I swiped from the David Dust blog.
AIDS is the leading cause of death for people in MA (ages of 25-44)
Thank goodness for The AIDS Action Committee which hosts AIDS Walk Boston each year. Its too easy to forget and sometimes too uncomfortable to remember the legacy of AIDS. Its like an ugly blemish you want to hide and forget about. In the 80s while tens of thousands of people were afflicted with AIDS / HIV our government was too squeamish to provide either the support services or educate people on how to protect themselves. Now some 30 years later we know better but AIDS remains and continues to spread. Betty Byrnes a long time AIDS activist and mother reminds us why its important and how we can help make a difference.
If you can not join the 30,000+ who will join in the walk through Boston, Brookline and Cambridge on Sunday morning, won’t you consider sponsoring a walker or making an independent donation to the organization? You can set up your own page in just moments or make a donation here.
Tagged AIDS Action Committee, BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Gay
No plans this weekend or looking to try something different? The first Friday of each month Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar overtakes a traditionally straight bar and fills it with gay men. Since the Boston bar scene can sometimes seem somewhat restricting, Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar gives Boston gay men and women the opportunity to break out of their routine. Curious which bar will be overtaken on Friday? Check in on the group’s facebook page or its website, www.BostonGuerrilla.com
Is the bar scene not really your thing? Looking for something to do that won’t break the bank? More of the Artsy-Fartsy variety? Then come over to my neighborhood in Boston’s South End and join the thousands of others who will participate in First Friday. This event which runs from 5:00pm – 9:00pm at 450 Harrison Avenue allows you to walk through the many, many working art studios, view art and artisan crafts and chat with the artists. Its a great way to mingle and meet people and after you are done, there are literally a half dozen or more excellent restaurant options within 2-3 blocks to either grab dinner or enjoy some light bites while sipping your favorite beverage. Friday’s forecast is low-to-mid 70s and clear skies so it should be a beautiful night to stroll about.
With summer so close, bullying in schools may not seem as pressing, but that’s not how Sam Maden, a 12 year old from Nashua, NH sees it. This young man has started a petition asking the Boston Red Sox to make an “It Gets Better” video. Apparently the idea came after his 43 year old uncle Chris died unexpectedly. Chris had given Sam a necklace from the Trevor Project, and according to Sam’s mother, Sam wears it every day in memory of his uncle.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Gay, Sports
Thank you to my friend Lenny who alerted me to this video. You can check out his blog here. And thanks to Jay Asuncion who created this fantastic video montage of NOH8 Boston/New England.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Gay, Politics
Cape Cod, the islands and much of the New England coastline officially opens for the summer this weekend. It is also traditionally the last weekend most college students hang around in Boston.
The combination of the coastline welcoming summer visitors and college students leaving town is tough not to notice if you live in the city. Bostonians head for the coast in mind boggling numbers creating terrible traffic snarls up and down I-93 and filling ferries leaving from Long Wharf and the Seaport to the brim each Friday and returning late on Sundays or early each Monday morning. As the summer slips into full-tilt the city seems like its in a full slumber. Going out on Fridays I’ll be more inclined to bump into someone visiting from out of town who has flown in to head to the Cape for a week long rental (most rentals run from Saturday to Saturday).
This is just another side to my hometown – one which I’m very use to and look forward to every year. While it can still be tough to grab a clutch parking space on Newbury Street and reservations at good restaurants are still expected – its noticeably easier to do both, and the affect on Bostonians is palpable. We walk more slowly down the street, we’re more inclined (mind you I said more inclined) to say “Hello, how are you?” and genuinely mean it. This only lasts a couple of months each year, but it makes such a difference.
Tomorrow, Friday is the start of Memorial Day and although the summer doesn’t officially start until later in June – I’ll be dreaming of summer.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy
Residents of the South End will be quick to point out that I’m overlooking several beloved coffee shops, but after surviving what can only be described as a brutal winter followed by a cold, rainy spring, I’ve not ventured far to get my coffee fix. Fortunately, my neighborhood makes it easy to grab a cup of joe.
Within a two block radius, I have four coffee shops; each in their own right attract a strong and loyal following. The four profiled today are: Mohr & McPherson Cafe, The Greenlight Cafe, Wholy Grain, and The South End Buttery.
Mohr & McPherson Cafe
460 Harrison Avenue
This coffee shop is located inside Mohr & McPherson and is easily accessed from the parking lot. Furnished and decorated entirely with the beautiful Asian antiques from the store, this has the funkiest of vibes. The cafe serves good coffee (my favorite local tea MEM) and a variety of sandwiches, salads and treats. Best of all – they provide 50% off same day baked goods starting at 3PM. The free wireless and comfy seats makes this among the neighborhoods best kept secrets.
Greenlight Cafe
560 Harrison Avenue
Greenlight’s food is from the delicious kitchen of Gaslight Brasserie. As a result, this cafe offers a wide selection of food, snacks and treats. There is ample seating, great natural light and a patio in good weather to enjoy. The coffee is the same you would find at any of the Aquitaine Group restaurants and the staff is friendly and fun (I love Izzy). Greenlight provides 50% off all their baked goods starting at 4pm. Note that this cafe is only open until 5pm and is closed on weekends.
The Wholy Grain
275 Shawmut Avenue
This is the latest coffee shop to open near my house. Located just diagonally across the street from the Franklin Cafe, this tiny coffee house is cutely remodeled with outdoor seating in the front. The space also has a back which provides the owners the option of creating an additional, more private patio. Of all the cafes, this probably has the fewest options, but what they serve is delicious and worth trying. The sweets are all over sized and I’m a sucker for their Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins. Like their rivals, they too offer free wireless.
South End Buttery Cafe
314 Shawmut Avenue
This cafe which has expanded into a full-fledged restaurant was one of the first to open in the section of the south end that I call home. It replaced another coffee shop and thanks to the efforts of the owner it is completely transformed (for the better). The food options, coffees and teas are all delicious (they too serve MEM tea). In addition, they provide outdoor seating, wireless and a constant stream of patrons which make this the best of the bunch for people watching.
Other notable coffee shops
As I mentioned above, since there are so many places to choose from in my neighborhood, I only focussed on the four that are within two blocks of my place. However, other neighborhood favorites include: Berkeley Perk Cafe, Flour and Francesca’s. Now that the weather is a bit nicer out I might even venture beyond my two-block radius to be tempted by their flavorful brews and tasty treats.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, South End
BosGuy 