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RESTAURANTS

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

Closed! Three Hotspots I’m Missing in 2011

Rocca by SoWa Sundays from Flickr

As I look forward to many nights on the town in 2011, I can help but feel a twinge of sadness that three of my go-to hotspots – Rocca, Vox and Ginger Park – are no longer open.

Ginger Park closed in early December and according to the Boston.com blog Dishing, chef/owner Patricia Yeo is reportedly scouting out another space for a new restaurant concept in May.  What I’ll remember is the incredibly cool space framed by arched wood panels, fantastic drinks and a chill bar scene.

Following a New Year’s Eve dinner, Rocca surprised local foodies by closing its doors.  Adding to the buzz was whether the restaurant’s celebrity chef Tiffani Faison may be interested in opening her own place.  We can only hope that a fun new restaurant concept takes its place, because I’ll remember Rocca’s free parking lot, swanky interior and affordably priced menu for making it a great venue for meeting friends from all corners of the city for a workweek dinner.

Last, but certainly not least, Vox on Boylston Street has also closed.  Unfortunately, googling has not generated much background as to why the fun nightspot closed, but we can only hope that its prime Back Bay real estate will result in another fun bar/restaurant before we know it.  I’ll remember many lively happy hours and nights out on the town!

Got any scoop about soon-to-be restaurants and hotspots filling these venues? Leave a comment below and let me know!

BOSTON, RESTAURANTS

On the Town: Andala and Toscanini’s

I recently returned from a trip to the West Coast, where I frequently took comfort in cozy cafes and far too many sweet treats.  Still basking in vacation bliss, I was inspired to spend a weekend afternoon walking from the Back Bay, to Harvard Square.  During this jaunt, I popped into two local eateries in Central Square for small snacks or treats.  The result is a delicious snapshot of an afternoon savored in Cambridge.

Fresh Tabouli Salad Plate at Andala

I started the day by enjoying a light lunch at one of my favorite cafes, Andala in Central Square.  Inspired by Old Jerusalem, Andala has a great menu with light, yet flavorful plates for sharing, in addition to sandwiches, coffee and pastries.  It’s a great place for getting work done (don’t be surprised by the many local students lingering over their laptops), a casual date, meal with friends, or solo diner like myself.  As pictured below, I enjoyed a fresh Tabouli Salad Plate for $7.95.  Andala is located at 286 Franklin Street in Central Square, Cambridge.

Toscanini's Goat Cheese Brownie Ice Cream

Moving from savory to sweet, I celebrated (er, counterbalanced?) my day of walking with Toscanini’s Goat Cheese Brownie Ice Cream (see picture here).  Slightly tangy from the goat cheese yet sweet from the rich chocolate brownie chunks, I’d proceed with caution if you’re not a goat cheese fan.  Luckily, I adore goat cheese and really enjoyed this unique treat.  At $3.85 for one scoop, it’s a perfect treat for a foodie like myself who enjoys an opportunity to try unique flavors (next I want to try Salted Caramel and Bourbon).  Toscanini’s is located at 899 Main Street in Cambridge, near MIT.

BOSTON, RESTAURANTS

The South End Buttery: The Little Cafe That Could (and Does!)

South End Buttery by Don’t Wake Me, I Plan On Sleeping from Flickr

Casually cool with amazing sandwiches and pastries, the South End Buttery is exactly the kind of place you want to live within walking distance of.  Tucked into a quaint area of the South End filled with posh brownstone walk-ups and hip furniture stores, this neighborhood gem is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, allowing ample opportunity to satisfy cravings on a whim.

Upon entry to the restaurant, step into the bustling cafe space with cheerful yellow walls and a display case filled with pastries worth salivating over.  Though there are two quieter rooms, I prefer sitting in the main room, which gets fantastic natural light and presents a constant stream of Bostonians for people watching.  On a nice day, try and snag a seat on the tiny outdoor patio, which is pet-friendly.

While I’ve never been for dinner, I have tried – and loved – their plain croissant, pecan sticky bun and seven layer bar.  Their iced coffee is lovely, but fair warning – the large size is huge!  The sandwiches are truly the star of the show here, especially the Curried Chicken Salad, which is worth every deliciously messy bite.

Though the South End Buttery has many high points, I wish that they also made their salads to order instead of having them available at the takeaway counter.  I’m guessing that this is only a lunchtime issue, but after seeing the delicious made to order sandwiches arrive at our table, I would have swooned over a more innovative salad menu.

The South End Buttery is located at 314 Shawmut Avenue at the corner of Union Park in the South End.  For more information, please visit their website: www.southendbuttery.com

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

Outdoor Drinking and Dining: Five Delightful Boston Patios

True Bostonians know that summer in the city means enjoying the outdoors as much as possible.  With so many fantastic street level patios, it’s easy to get a warm weather fix while enjoying a fantastic meal or cocktails.  Here are five restaurant/bar patios in Boston worth checking out this summer:

Eastern Standard Entrance

European Flair at Eastern Standard

Located in the heart of Kenmore Square, Eastern Standard’s patio offers patrons a small slice of Europe in Boston.  Despite it’s location along busy Commonwealth Ave., the popular brasserie has cleverly designed their patio to minimize noise while offering guests chic tables for lounging and dining.  To round out the posh patio experience, enjoy one of the restaurant’s famed classic cocktails and sample fresh seafood from the raw bar.  528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston.

Divine Sandwiches at Parish Cafe

Patio or no patio, the mouthwatering sandwiches plucked from Boston’s top chefs are incentive enough to frequent Parish Cafe on Boylston Street in the Back Bay.  In the summer months, their sizeable raised patio becomes a coveted, yet welcoming enclave for Bostonians looking to satisfy their Zuni Roll cravings.  With the kitchen serving until 1:00 a.m. daily, it’s also a great venue for a casual date, or late night eats. 361 Boylston Street, Boston.

SoWa Chic at Stella Restaurant

Guilty about leaving fido home while indulging in delicious Italian food like Parmesan Arancini, Spicy Mussels, or Tagliatelle Bolognese?  Stella’s streetside patio, or “terrazzino,” allows ample seating alongside Washington Street in the fashionable SoWa neighborhood, plus ample water and railing space for your pup.  With the local dog park nearby, guests can venture over after playtime for a relaxing dinner, late night nibbles, or Sunday brunch. 1525 Washington Street, Boston.

Get Out of Jail Free at The Liberty Hotel

Visitors won’t require a “pass” from the famed Monolopy game to enjoy the Liberty Hotel’s happening outdoor patio.  Just off Alibi on the hotel’s ground level, appropriately placed shrubbery separates an outdoor lounge sanctuary filled with cozy couches and tables away from bustling Cambridge Street.  If rubbing elbows with stylish Bostonians is your scene, be sure to arrive early on the weekend, as this see-and-be-seen spot fills up fast and there’s nothing chic about waiting in line.  215 Charles Street, Boston.

Flirty Fun at Tia’s on the Waterfront

Single and ready to mingle?  Make Tia’s on the Waterfront a regular fixture in your Thursday-Saturday evening adventures.  With its proximity to the Financial District, Faneuil Hall and the North End, bumping into attractive locals on the L-shaped patio becomes part of the fun at this hotspot, which attracts area professionals during the work week and a larger sample of Bostonians over the weekend.  200 Atlantic Avenue, Boston.

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

On the Town: The Beehive

The Beehive by Amanda K. from Yelp

With its eye-catching entrance reminiscent of a vintage theatre, funky bohemian decor and live jazz, walking into The Beehive instantly transports you into an eclectically hip party. Located inside the historic Cyclorama on Tremont Street in the South End, this multilevel venue caters to the dinner, drinks and weekend brunch crowd.

Unless you have a dinner reservation, try to visit The Beehive before 10:00 p.m. on a weekend evening, or you may find yourself stuck in line outside. Once inside, there is a smaller upper level bar, but I recommend traveling downstairs, a vast former boiler room which has been transformed into a boho chic space.

Beehive Julep by sushiesque from Flickr

Once settled downstairs at the bar, be sure to grab a drink menu before ordering. In addition to its hip atmosphere, The Beehive boasts an innovative drink menu, from six different champagne cocktails, to my personal favorite – The Beehive Julep (all $10.50/ea).

The Beehive is easy to locate at 541 Tremont Street in the South End alongside the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA).  Open seven days per week from 5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., check The Beehive’s website for special weekend brunch and afternoon hours by clicking here.