Tag Archives: South End

2012 Taste of the South End

Posted on March 7, 2012 | 1 comment

You know how much I enjoy my food so the fact that I look forward to the Taste of the South End each year will not be a shock.  The event draws 40 restaurants from the neighborhood and consistently sells out. The proceeds go to the very worthy AIDS Action Committee.

The event includes plenty to eat and drink with more than a dozen different wines to sample.  Sam Adams was the brewer on hand this year and they were featuring their new cider, Angry Orchard.  If you like cider, its worth the try.  The VIP lounge which traditionally includes a specialty bar, restaurants from outside the South End and comfortable seating did not disappoint.  Restaurants in the VIP lounge included: Jasper White’s Summer Shack, Cambridge favorite – Upstairs on the Square and The Ritz Carlton’s – Artisan’s Bistro.  Below is a video that I created for AIDS Action Committee

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Dining, South End, Video

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Ink block

Posted on March 4, 2012 | 1 comment

Ink Block courtesy of BRA

Despite the South End’s gentrification, a corner of my neighborhood near the Mass Pike and Chinatown has remained a no-man’s land only notable for it’s tenant, The Boston Herald.  The Herald’s announcement last year that it would leave it’s home of more than 50 years has resulted in a recent proposal dubbed the “Ink block”.

The ambitious plan calls for replacing The Boston Herald building  with multiple buildings of mixed use space that would include 470+ rental residential units, retail space and 400+ underground parking space.

The Boston Herald building is scheduled for demolition in the fall of 2012 and based on the neighborhood’s enthusiastic response, I hope they can start building this welcome addition right away.

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Posted in Architecture, Boston, South End, SoWa

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Taste of the South End: March 6, 2012

Posted on February 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Next Tuesday is the Taste of the South End.  This event which draws 40 of the neighborhood’s restaurants and cafes to showcase some of their favorite bites and more than a few cocktails is an absolute must for Foodies. The fact that the money raised helps the AIDS Action Committee is a bonus.

As with years past, I’ll be in attendance; no doubt overeating and loving every minute of this very friendly and highly social event.  Several new restaurants will be joining the event for the first time, but I’m most interested in sampling the food from Cinquecento the new restaurant from The Aquitaine Group which will open this spring in the space previously occupied by Rocca.

Buy your tickets here

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Dining, South End

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South End Restaurant Gossip

Posted on February 7, 2012 | 3 comments

Changes are brewing in the South End, and for the most part they will appeal to all the Foodies out there.

First, as reported last week, The Aquitaine Group will soon open, Cinquecento, a mid-priced Italian restaurant. The new dining option will be in a completely remodeled space, formerly occupied by Rocca. Fingers crossed that “opening soon” means in the next month. I’ve  heard a March / April opening but maybe that’s just The Aquitaine Group’s way of playing coy.

The Chef and owner of Pops on Tremont Street, Felino Samson, is requesting to change ownership to Chef Scott Herritt, the current chef at the Grotto in Boston. Rumor has it the name of the restaurant will be Smithfield Kitchen.

Residents now know Brian Piccini (owner of Deuxave in the Back Bay and dbar in Dorchester) is opening a new steak house named Boston Chops in the space formerly occupied by banq and Ginger Park on Washington Street.  The 5,000+ square foot restaurant would also like to add a 29 seat patio for patrons to enjoy their dining al fresco. To this I say “Bravo” Brian.

 

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Posted in Dining, South End

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Cathedral of the Holy Cross

Posted on January 24, 2012 | 3 comments

I live just a couple of blocks from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross which is the heart of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.  Walking home this evening I snapped a few photographs of this church which according to Wikipedia is Gothic Revival Architecture.

The church which first opened its doors in 1875 is not significant, but it does inspire architecture enthusiasts to give pause, and I think it provides a lot of personality to the neighborhood.

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Posted in Architecture, South End

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Restaurant review: Metropolis Cafe

Posted on January 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Metropolis Cafe first opened in the South End in 1995 and is the first of what are several successful restaurants all owned and operated by The Aquitaine Group. Dinner for two including a shared appetizer, two main plates and shared dessert (not including drinks and tip) costs approximately $50-$60. Chef William “Billy” Nurse and the loyal and knowledgeable waitstaff provided a pleasurable dining experience.  Since we hadn’t been to Metropolis for dinner in nearly 5 years, we asked for and ordered some of their most popular plates.  We started with their green salad that came with two crispy crostini, toasted walnuts and a delicious Dijon vinaigrette ($7.95) as well as the roasted mushrooms ($7.95).  If you enjoy mushrooms, I really would suggest requesting extra bread, which the restaurant will happily bring to your table, and order the mushrooms.

For dinner we also ordered two of Metropolis’ favorite plates.  The salmon comes with a horseradish crust on the top which is surprisingly light and adds some great texture to the filet that sits on a bed of warm cucumbers and crème fraîche that really makes the dish sing ($18.95).  The chicken (may be the restaurant’s favorite plate) was seasoned and crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked.  The plate sits on a bed of oyster mushrooms and potato purée (19.95). Both dinners were more than satisfying in flavor and portion.Normally we refrain from ordering dessert but for the sake of “research” we opted to share something sweet to end what was a very savory meal.  Below is a photo of the chocolate pudding cake with vanilla ice cream ($7.95), which is served piping hot and best accompanied with a cup of the restaurant’s coffee.Metropolis Cafe 584 Tremont Street (617) 247-2931

Reservations are strongly recommended for this tiny Cafe on Tremont Street

Metropolis Café on Urbanspoon

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Posted in Dining, Restaurant Review, South End

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New restaurant to open in South End’s SoWa neighborhood

Posted on January 12, 2012 | 1 comment

MCSlimJB a Boston-based restaurant critic, tweeted that the Union Park Neighborhood Association was contacted by Deuxave / dbar owner with plans to open a steakhouse in the old Penny Savings building on Washington Street.

Back in August I listed this as a rumor that had been buzzing through the neighborhood in my post Dishing some South End gossip.  However, I thought Brian Piccini (owner of Deuxave and dbar) was unable to make this happen. There’s no word about what hurdles remain for this to happen or when the unnamed restaurant will open for business, but stay tuned.

Thanks to Adam and his hospitality blog for the tip.

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Posted in Dining, South End, SoWa

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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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Halloween in the South End

Posted on November 1, 2011 | Leave a comment

Unseasonably cool temps didn’t prevent thousands of children from trick or treating last night.  The neighborhood embraced the spirit of the holiday decorating their homes, sitting on their stoop (sipping alcohol-laced beverages to help ward off the chill of the evening), and doling out candy of every variety.   Residents on Waltham Street once again decorated their street with cobwebs, hanging bodies and statues as well as dry ice, giant spiders and spooky costumes of every variety imaginable.

Every year a neighbor on Union Park Street demonstrates his exceptional pumpkin carving skills.  This year he paid tribute to the late Steve Jobs, carving a series of Apple-themed jack-o-lanterns and lighting them beautifully.

The iconic iPod advertisement

Angry Birds

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Cheers to Union’s new menu

Posted on October 16, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend Union Bar and Grille shook things up by changing their menu, presumably to entice more patrons.  The new menu is essentially divided into four sections: Snacks ($2-$4), Salads and Appetizers ($6-$12), Main Plates ($15-$24).  The menu also has several sides (referred to as xtras) as well as a section noted by a large bold asterisk that includes a few raw options and a daily charcuterie plate. A number of new cocktails have been added, and I think tequila drinkers will definitely enjoy, Conquistador ($9), which is very smooth and fragrant with its citrus and clove garnish.

In an attempt to sample a bit of everything we ordered two “snacks” as the menu refers to them.  Maine crabmeat toast ($3) and pork & pickled onion taco ($4). The toast depicted bottom left was good but I preferred the taste of the grilled pork soft tacos which were served as a pair.We followed the “snacks” with another new plate, the squash gnocchi ($12), which is listed as a “first” (a.k.a. appetizers).  The buttery sauce combined with squash, “garlic fudge” and fresh cheese was to be my favorite plate of the night. Although this is listed as an appetizer, one could have this and a salad and leave very content for the night. It was refreshing to see so many new options, but I was curious to try the burger which had changed last year (they no longer include the ground sausage) and was one of the few items to be kept on the new menu.  I loved their original burger but found it hard to critique the option on the menu now.  Union still has one of the best burgers in town (albeit one of the more expensive ones too at $15).  We also tried a new entrant to the menu, the bourbon glazed pork chop with rice ($23).  I found this the least interesting of all the food we tried and a tad over cooked. While dining we were able to see several other plates served and the other options at least visually were far more interesting. The restaurant’s move is bold considering signature dishes like their 10K Tuna (which I thought to be one of the best in the city) is now gone.  Will long-time patrons be pleased with the changes? Will the new menu with a lower price point and more options win over new customers? Its hard to say, but the plates and price point puts Union more in line with many South End restaurants like the South End Gallows, Stephi’s on Tremont and Stella.

Union has a knowledgeable and friendly staff as well as a talented chef in Langlois so I’m hopeful that with a few tweaks the menu will be a hit.

Union is located at 1357 Washington Street (617) 423-0555                   Reservations are strongly recommended.

Union Bar and Grille on Urbanspoon

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Betsey Johnson Boston fashion show

Posted on October 13, 2011 | Leave a comment

Saturday, October 15th – Betsey Johnson Boston fashion show

Fashion designer Betsey Johnson will be in Boston to present her prêt-à-porter collection. Proceeds from the show will benefit the South End Community Health Center’s Breast Cancer Prevention Program.

The fashion show will be held at The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts on Tremont Street with a VIP reception starting at 6PM and admission at 6:30PM. You can purchase tickets here.

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Posted in Health, Philanthropy

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South End “Chill Dive” bars

Posted on September 23, 2011 | 2 comments

Earlier this week Matt McQuaid penned in the Boston Globe’s TNGG (The next great generation) 10 Chill Boston Dive Bars. The article which targets Boston’s students and 20-somethings got me to thinking what would be the equivalent for my neighborhood, the South End, which caters to 30- and 40-somethings. I’ve compiled a list based on my personal preferences.  Last month I wrote about some of my favorite S.E. bars, but only one of these would really qualify as a “Chill Dive Bar”.

Anchovies – at 433 Columbus Avenue  – I’m sure regulars may dislike me calling this a “chill dive bar”, but the entire place reminds me of the bar in my grandparent’s  basement.  Filled with regulars and serving good, cheap Italian home style cooking with a TV to catch local games makes this place a fantastic place to chill and relax.

JJ Foley’s Pub –  at 117 E. Berkeley Street – This bar has been in the South End for 99 years.  While the neighborhood has seen a lot of changes, I get the impression the bar has remained fairly consistent.  There’s nothing fancy here and patrons come here precisely for that reason.

Sister Sorel – at 647 Tremont Street – In the past I’ve described this place as “shabby chic” less the “chic”.  This tiny hole in the wall bar is one of the most friendly and cozy places you can belly up to a bar. I’ve made many visits that have extended far longer than anticipated at Sister Sorel.

*If I was cool enough I’d add Wally’s Cafe (427 Chester Square). This jazz bar which features live music 7-days a week has been a mainstay for nearly 65 years in the South End and is nationally recognized.  Despite its acclaim, it remains fairly humble in its nondescript appearance. Don’t be fooled – it’s a gem.

Related Post: My favorite bars in Boston’s South End

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Boston awakes after its sleepy summer slumber

Posted on September 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

There is nothing better than autumn in Boston.  For those from tropical climates the weather may be a bit brisk for there liking, but there is no doubting that this town comes back to life each fall.  After a sleepy summer where students say so long and residents slip away each weekend to the Cape, Islands and Coast, the fall injects life back into Boston.  As a result, each weekend is chalk full of activities.  This past weekend is the perfect example.

Boston Freedom Rally – Held the third Thursday of every September on the Boston Common is The Boston Freedom Rally which is the second largest rally to legalize marijuana in the United States.  Although official numbers are not available easily more than 100,000 come to enjoy the rally each year.  The photo above provides an idea of the size of the crowd.

MixFest Concert at Hatch Shell – This past Saturday a local radio station hosted a free concert along the Charles River to welcome students back to Boston.  Artists included Lifehouse, Michelle Branch and a host of others, and attracted tens of thousands to the esplanade.

South End Open Studios – The 25th annual celebration which occurred this past Saturday and Sunday included more than 250 artists in Boston and drew tens of thousands of art enthusiasts visiting local artists in their studios and neighborhood galleries which were open especially for the occasion.


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Posted in Free Stuff

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Dishing some South End restaurant gossip

Posted on August 31, 2011 | Leave a comment

There’s been a lot of whispering about several high profile vacant restaurant properties in the South End getting snapped up. While the rumors are still swirling, I figured I would share what I’ve heard in recent weeks.

CONFIRMED This has already been reported on other blogs, but it is worth repeating that the SouthEnd Buttery will be opening a second location this fall at 37 Clarendon Street in the space previously occupied by Tadpole. Thank you Richard for taking back a bit of the South End. I love the fact that a former toy store will be converted to a coffee shop. That area has been under served ever since the Nashoba Brook cafe and bakery closed on Columbus in 2008.

BUTTERY UPDATE: The original location on the corner of Union Park and Shawmut will temporarily close once the second location opens to undergo a remodeling to better use the space in the cafe.

CONFIRMED I first commented on the space previously occupied by Rocca at 500 Harrison Avenue this past May. While negotiations between GTI Properties and The Aquitaine Group took longer than expected, a deal was signed recently and the successful restaurant company which already owns and operates 4 South End properties will open their first Italian restaurant in the space formerly known as Rocca. There are no details to share about the name or exact opening, but a complete remodeling will occur. Look for the restaurant to open in early 2012.

RUMORED The space previously occupied by Pho Republique at 1415 Washington Street was of interest to neighboring Foodies Market so they could expand, but renovations may be more than the owners are willing to take on since construction will require significant work to bring this property up to code. However, the optimist in me still hopes if Foodies doesn’t snap up this space then someone else will come in, remodel and open a great restaurant – preferably one with a fun lounge.

RUMORED Space previously occupied by banq and Ginger Park at 1375 Washington Street is of interest to Brian Piccini owner of dbar in Dorchester and Deuxave in the Back Bay. Word on the street is this would be a high end steak house. However, nothing has been signed and negotiations continue.

Have you heard anything about these or other properties? Let this South End foodie know.

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