Photo by Le Pain Quotidien
SavvyBostonian Note: I traveled to NYC the weekend before Hurricane Irene.
I cannot resist the thrill of a jam-packed weekend in New York City, so when my favorite dynamic duo invited me for a visit, I jumped at the opportunity. Before I knew it, I was hopping aboard the Acela with visions of wine bars, sightseeing adventures and lots of amazing food.
Photo Courtesy of Eastern Standard
I feel like a broken record because I constantly say that summer in the city of Boston is like no other. That’s because it’s true! Between long strolls or jogs along the Charles, the multitude of sidewalk cafes, patios and roofdecks, Boston truly comes alive during the summer.
Another reason Bostonians cherish summer in the city is the abundance of fresh cuisine, innovative cocktails and chilled vino. Lately, I’ve been looking at the city through rosé colored glasses courtesy of delicious rosé wines. One of my favorite Boston restaurants, Eastern Standard, introduced a great rosé by-the-glass menu back in June and I jumped at the chance to speak with Wine Director Colleen Hein.
I certainly don’t pretend to be a wine expert, but Colleen was great with explaining the differences in rosés to me. She’s very knowledgeable and a delight to speak with, so definitely ask for her the next time you’re in if she’s available!
As a frequent guest at Eastern Standard (one of my top 5 patio’s in Boston), I asked Colleen to share three of her favorite food and rosé pairings. Here are her recommendations:
1) 2010 Chateau Commanderie de Peyrassol ($11 per glass) is described as a quintessential Provencal rosé and pairs perfectly with lighter faire, including grilled seafood and freshly shucked oysters (note: ES has a great raw bar!). Colleen mentioned that this was one of the first rosé wines to come in and it’s absolutely delicious. So magical, apparently, that it could make you think that you’ve actually left Boston and arrived in Provence. Sounds good to me!
2) 2010 Domaine Magellan Cinseault Rosé “Le Fruit Défendu,” ($8 per glass) is a touch sweeter, Colleen said, with a lift of wild strawberry as well as an herbaceous note of garrigue — a term used for a variety of herbs that sprout wild along the roadsides of Southern France. For this reason, it is perfect to order with grilled jumbo prawns, or dishes that feature pesto, as the flavors compliment the herbaceousness of the wine. From the sounds of it, I’d imagine that ES’s Moules Provençale would be good with this rosé.
3) 2010 Margerum Rosé ($12 per glass) is the newest addition to Eastern Standard’s rosé list. Interestingly, this rosé is a more complex, deeply flavored wine and it pairs well with heartier dishes. Colleen recommends ordering this rosé with ES’s Steak Tartare, or Charcuterie board (which changes daily at the restaurant). I adore a great charcuterie board, so this rosé is very tempting to me!
Eastern Standard’s Rosé By-The-Glass menu is available through October 10, 2011. I highly recommend scoring a spot on their coveted patio while enjoying a leisurely meal with friends.
Photo Courtesy of the Newbury Street Agent Provocateur
‘Tis the time of year when sales abound. While I love the idea of a proper sale, nothing disappoints me more than when markdowns are hyped, only to arrive at the store to find a meager rack with random sizes. In hopes of helping local fashionistas find sales worth their time and hard earned dollars, I recently got a sneak peek of the upcoming sale items at the luxurious lingerie boutique Agent Provocateur.
The cheekily named ‘Reduce ‘n’ Seduce Sale’ kicks off on Thursday, June 30, and I can verify that an ample amount of exquisite lingerie and nightwear will be marked down. Reductions will be up to 50% off and are available while in stock. Sale options range from classic and refined, to the (ahem) more flirty.
During a recent visit with the nice gals at Agent Provocateur , I got a firsthand look at the sale items and the overall boutique experience. Located at 123 Newbury Street just below the street level, stepping into the boutique makes one feel like they’re in a glam pink and black boudoir. From the overly plush carpeting, to the lacy motif on the walls and black chandeliers, I couldn’t help but appreciate the thought that went into creating a signature experience for Agent Provocateur shoppers.
Helpful associates, like the lovely Betsy and Nicole, add to that experience. Decked in figure flattering coats and hosiery, their job is to make even the most shy customers feel comfortable. Only one size of each lingerie item is displayed throughout the store, allowing associates to best help shoppers select the correct size and recommend similar options. It’s this personalized attention, combined with in depth of knowledge about lingerie construction and fabric choices, that keep well heeled Bostonians coming back each season.
Agent Provocateur is located at 123 Newbury Street, between Clarendon and Dartmouth. For more information about the sale, please visit the Agent Provocateur website. Happy shopping!
During The SavvyBostonian’s visit, she was given the deliciously smelling Agent Provocateur Maitresse fragrance as a gift.
Zara Lepoard Scarf, $38
You may or may not have seen me strolling the streets of Boston, San Francisco, New York, or London with my favorite oversized Zara leopard scarf this past winter and spring. Call it a fashionable security blanket if you will, but I couldn’t resist the charms of this lovely half chestnut brown and half leopard scarf, $38, at Zara on 214 Newbury Street.
While immersed in my oversized leopard scarf bliss , never once did I realize I would have to part with my beloved scarf as the mercury rose. Luckily for me, the kind folks at Chico’s solved that problem for me. They gifted me with a lightweight, summery leopard print scarf that’s sure to travel in style with me throughout the summer. And, with the number of trips I have on the horizon this summer, I’m thrilled for a new, versatile accessory to jetset with.
Interior of The Grove by Jessica Gioglio
It probably won’t come as a surprise to the more frequent readers of this blog, but I adore charming little restaurants and boutiques. When traveling, I purposefully seek out places like San Francisco’s Fillmore Street that contain a mix of both. Delightful, yet not overly posh, this street is situated in the city’s beautiful Pacific Heights neighborhood, and is perfect for a lunch and shopping jaunt.