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BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE

On the Town: Clink at the Liberty Hotel

I never tire of taking in the sights at the Liberty Hotel – from the gorgeous interior design, to what my fellow Bostonians are wearing.  To celebrate the beginning of a long weekend, I met several friends this past Friday for drinks at Clink.

What a way to kick off the weekend!  This past Friday at Clink was especially great for people watching, as the Europeans in Boston facebook group was hosting an event on the third floor, which attracted a larger group to the venue than usual.  If you’re looking for more events to attend in Boston, I recommend joining their facebook group, as Europeans and non-Europeans alike are welcome.

Savvy Tip: Anytime you have an opportunity to attend a private event on the third, fourth, or fifth floors of the Liberty Hotel — do it!  I always gush about how beautiful I find the hotel, but seeing it from a higher floor left me with a greater appreciation of the hotel’s uniqueness.

The Liberty Hotel is located in Beacon Hill, next to the MGH T-Stop and Mass. General Hospital. Learn more about the hotel and price compare on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia.

 

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

Hotspot Update: Woodward, Ames Hotel

Margarita Cocktails Closeup by dotw from Flickr

Last night I braved subzero temperatures to check out Woodward, a modern tavern located inside the new Ames Hotel.  I’ve been wanting to try Woodward for what feels like ages (it just opened in November 2009), and was not disappointed.

Savvy Tip: Ask the host/hostess at Woodward’s entryway to check your coat – they will give you a coat check ticket and whisk away your bulky outerwear.  It’s not obvious that they offer this service, but I’m thrilled that they do.

When we arrived (about 9:30 p.m.), the downstairs bar was very crowded, so we ventured upstairs.  I highly recommend checking out the upstairs bar.  Not only do they have more seating available (bar chairs, plus several tables allocated for the bar crowd), but I enjoyed looking at the display cases filled with antiques alongside the staircase.

Once upstairs, we ordered two vodka tonics ($17), which is standard for a high end lounge/bar in Boston.  A gracious host helped my friend and I to snag a bar table, and we enjoyed two rounds of drinks.  By 11:00 p.m., the upstairs bar was packed!  It was a late 20s and up crowd, all dressed in a Saturday night city chic style (e.g. mix of jeans/blouses, dresses, and men in sweaters, button ups, jackets).

Overall, we enjoyed our time at Woodward.  It was a great spot for two friends to catch up, and had potential for those looking to mix and mingle with a nice looking Bostonian crowd.  I also found the second floor of Woodward cozier than the other scene-y spots around town, mostly because of its smaller size.  I wouldn’t mind going back for dinner, or to try some of their speciality drinks.  Upon reviewing the amazing drink menu, I’m slightly embarrassed that I drank a simple vodka tonic and not something with more personality!  ‘Till next time….

Woodward is located inside The Ames Hotel, 1 Court Street, Boston, MA.  For more information, please visit their website: http://www.woodwardatames.com/#/main

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION

Denim After Dark Event at Madewell on Newbury Street This Thursday

Looking for a discount on cute jeans? Madewell on Newbury Street is hosting a 20% off event this Thursday night (January 7) from 7-10 p.m.  In addition to the discount, denim experts will be onsite to help you pick out the perfect pair while groovin’ to a live DJ.  Free hemming and custom embroidery will also be available.

For more information, please call Madewell at (617) 424-0904, or pop into their store at 329 Newbury Street.

BOSTON, GOOD READS

The SavvyBostonian’s Book Club Hits and Misses

A few friends and I have a book club.  We don’t have an official name for it, but there are 8 fabulous ladies in the club (all late 20s), and we read a book every one to two months.  Each person submits two to three book recommendations, then we take a vote via email, and the book “winner” gets to select a fun restaurant in Boston to gather at and discuss the book.  Past restaurants have included 28 Degrees, City Table, Stephanie’s on Newbury, and more.

To be honest, once we’ve all gathered at the restuarant, we probably talk about the book for ten to fifteen minutes.  Our book club is an excuse for a few friends to get together, drink on a weeknight, and catch up.  We actually do read the books, even if we don’t discuss them for very long.

Since I’m being honest, I find it challenging each time I have to recommend a few good books to the group.  Therefore, to help others in my situation, I’m going to give you a rundown of our book club hits and misses, according to majority vote.

The Hits:

  • Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello – This book was incredibly cute, and a true story.  It’s about one man’s adventures earning a living through the Hermès resale market on eBay.  Based in glamorous locales around Europe, it’s a quick, easy read, that is filled with charm.
  • Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster – My friends warned me to be prepared to laugh out loud uncontrollably while reading this book.  Let’s just say that I didn’t believe them until I repeatedly made a scene in every public place that I read Bitter is the New Black.  Looking back on it, I wish someone was there filming other people’s reactions to my unexpectedly loud laughing outbursts. It was totally worth the occasional dirty look!  I now want to read all of Jen Lancaster’s books.  She also has a blog if you want to get a sense of her sarcastic, refreshingly honest, yet deliciously funny style of writing.

The Misses:

  • Confessions of An Internet Don Juan by Cameron H. Chambers – I really wanted to like this book.  This book feel under the, “Well the title sounds cool,” trap.  While parts of it were entertaining, I finished the book happy that I am not a mail order bride, an internet con artist, or dating on the internet.
  • All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janelle Brown – This book was selected after Bringing Home the Birkin.  While everyone enjoyed the “Birkin” (how could you not!?), they wanted to read something more “substantial” next.  Unfortunately, for me, substantial in this case translated into depressing.  If you enjoy characters going through an intense personal struggle (e.g. Mom’s on crack, daughter’s knocked up) until they hit rock bottom, then you will probably love this book.
  • The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty – The girls gravitated toward this book because of its endorsement from Jodi Picoult, who they love.  After reading this book, we discovered that while we like Jodi’s books, we don’t always share her taste in novels.  All of the ladies unanimously decided that this book was a miss for us.  We all found the plot to be lacking, and were also unhappy with the ending.  I closed the book after chapter two, so I’m going to take their word for it!  Sorry Laura!!
BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE

Last-Minute New Year’s Eve Events at Bars/Clubs by Faneuil Hall

New Year's Champagne Glasses by Jessica Gioglio

With New Year’s only a few days away, time is running out to decide where to spend the last few hours of 2009. Faneuil Hall, an area of Boston cherished by tourists and thirsty locals, is chock-full of bars that consistently cater to big crowds, making this spot a solid, if not rowdier, choice for New Year’s Eve.

Here are several recommendations on places to spend the big night at, with tickets still available: Market, Clarke’s, The Living Room, Ned Devine’s, and Sanctuary.  To learn more about these events, please read my examiner.com article: http://www.examiner.com/x-21772-Boston-Nightlife-Events-Examiner~y2009m12d28-LastMinute-New-Years-Eve-Events-Faneuil-Hall-Edition