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BOSTON

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE

On the Town: Minibar

Photo from Yelp, http://www.yelp.com/biz/minibar-boston-boston

True to its name, this small yet chic lounge offers a fun atmosphere to satisfy your nightlife cravings. Located on the ground floor of the Copley Square Hotel, Minibar has a trendy, modern interior with ample seating, making it an ideal spot for a casual date, meeting friends, or rubbing elbows with someone new.

I’ve been to Minibar more times than I can count and each time I enjoy trying a new cocktail, from the Tuscan Pear (Grey Goose Pear, Limoncello, Canton, Orange Juice), to the Mojito (Ron Matusalem, Mint, Ginger Beer, Lime) and the Bonaparte Bellini (Rain Lavender Lemonade, White Peach Puree, Champagne). I haven’t tried many of the mini cuisine menu items, but think its adorable that classic mini bar snacks and accessories are sold, including altoids, mixed nuts and playing cards. You never know when they’ll come in handy, especially the altoids!

Once Boston finally warms back up, try to snag a seat on Minibar’s coveted patio. Minibar is located at 51 Huntington Avenue, alongside Exeter Street in the Back Bay. There’s no cover. For more information, please visit: http://www.minibarboston.com/index.php

BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE, RECIPES, RESTAURANTS

Weekend Events in Boston Worth Braving the Bad Weather For

Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard by now that it is going to rain all weekend long. Repeat that – all weekend long. Allow yourself a sigh and invest in a sturdy umbrella because true Bostonians know that when the going gets tough, the tough go out on the town. Whether you have to trudge around in wellies, or splurge on a door-to-door taxi, here are a few weekend events that are worth fighting mother nature for:

 

splash !!! #1 by joe.laut from flickr

Saturday, March 13

Chocolate Bar at The Langham Hotel – 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Who needs lunch when you can eat sweets? I ask myself this daily. Nothing like 85 chocolate desserts to lift your spirits on a rainy day. Dubbed a “chocolate bar,” this all-you-can-eat sweet fest features everything from tiramisu to a North End inspired chocolate pizza. Calorie counters need not apply. Ticket prices are $38 for adults, $25 if you think you can pass yourself off as a kid.  For more information, click here.

Grand Opening of Royale Boston – 10:00 p.m. – Close

Located at 279 Tremont Street in the Theatre District, Royale Boston replaces The Roxy. Dubbed a nightclub and a live music venue, Saturday’s event boasts live music from All-American Rejects cutie Tyson Ritter, plus music from DJ Sizzahands. In case you thought that wasn’t enough, two playboy playmates will also be in the house. For more information about Royale Boston, please click here.

Sunday, March 14

Green Street in Central Square Host’s Boston Bartenders on the Rise – 7:00 p.m.

Imbibe is a delightful word, especially when paired with four up-and-coming Boston-area bartenders. If you’re able to handle four cocktails, plus a special welcome punch on a Sunday night, then pony up $40 to allow Carrie Cole of Craigie on Main, Evan Harrison of Deep Ellum, Bob McCoy of Eastern Standard and Emily Stanley of Green Street to pour, shake and serve to their heart’s content. Fear not, passed appetizers will also be dished out. Reservations are strongly suggested. For more information, please visit this highly informative article from DrinkBoston.com.

BOSTON, FASHION

The Good, The Bad, and The Muffin Top: Boston Men Comment on Women’s Fashion

Think that men don’t care much about what we wear?  Think again.  Inspired by a conversation I had recently with a male friend at the Liberty Hotel after a woman walked by in over-the-knee black leather boots, lacy black tights, and a skintight red mini dress, I sat down with a few guys to hear their opinions on women’s fashion.

Turns out that guys do pay attention to what we wear, and their opinions are actually pretty funny.  When the aforementioned scantily clad woman walked by us at Clink, I expected a leer, but instead I saw a look of shock and horror register on my friend’s face.  He even went so far as to joke that she may be a woman “on a mission,” or worse, a call girl.

Apparently, less is more.  The guys I spoke to do want to see evidence of a rockin’ figure, but they don’t need or want all of your goodies hanging out.  Save that for later, preferably behind closed doors.  One of their top pet peeves? The dreaded muffin top!  Not only do they notice, but it’s also a major turnoff.  Clothing that could pass for maternity wear was also highlighted as a frustration.

Basics aside, we delved deeper into fashion and trends.  One insightful male listed a gripe as, “fashion for the sake of fashion.”  Overly trendy is not appealing unless it also happens to be figure flattering.  He bluntly continued, “If your outfit doesn’t make me want to sleep with you, then game over.”  Doesn’t Patti Stanger of Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker say that in every episode?!

Then, things just got nit picky.  Take leggings for example – apparently these guys think skin is in when it comes to your gams.  Yes, even in the middle of a Boston winter.  Full tights aren’t horrible, but forget about three quarter length tights – these guys abhor them.  They also didn’t understand the appeal a fur coat, with one male saying that it reminded him of a, “Seventy year old Russian woman.”  Something else that men think prematurely ages you?  Too much makeup.  Yes, they do notice a caked on face.

Finally, the age old debate over women’s shoes began.  Most of the men at the table could care less about your choice in footwear, unless of course you happen to be sporting Uggs, which sparked a far too lengthy debate at the table.  One shining star, however, admitted that he thought women’s high heeled shoes were sexy, but then again, he is originally from Montreal.

Take these comments as you will, and by all means, let me know if there are any other trends that I should inquire about.  These guys are extremely eager to share their opinions and I love it.  Thanks for your help guys!!

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE

On the Town: City Bar, Vox

Photo by City Bar Boston, http://www.citybarboston.com/

This past Saturday, I met up with a friend for drinks to celebrate her brand new apartment.  We decided to meet at City Bar, a small, cozy lounge inside the center of the Lenox Hotel.  Although I was there to catch up with a friend, the dark, soft-lit interior also makes for an ideal date spot.

SavvyTip: With its proximity to MiniBar, Saint, and Vox, CityBar is a great spot to start your night.  To avoid wasting valuable time in line, arrive well before 10:00 p.m.  Celebrate your savvy-ness by indulging in one of their delicious specialty cocktails – I personally love their champagne drinks.

After City Bar, we took a short walk down Boylston Street to Vox.  In contrast to City Bar, Vox is a much larger space spread out across two floors, and gets very packed on the weekends.  It’s not a lounge bar, or a place for dancing, but it attracts a lot of young professionals, many of which are looking to socialize.  I can’t say that I’ve ever met the man of my dreams there, but my friends and I always have a fun time.

Savvy Tip: While the drink menu at Vox features a lot of tasty specialty martinis, I don’t recommend ordering one when the bar is crammed to capacity.  You will inevitably get bumped, causing your drink to slosh around precariously.  Nobody likes getting a drink spilled on them!  Try to snag a table with a cocktail server if you’re craving a martini later in the evening.

For more information about City Bar, in the Lenox Hotel, please visit: http://www.citybarboston.com/citybarboston/

For more information about Vox, please visit: http://www.voxboston.com/

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION

Saturday, March 6: BOLDFACERS, Neiman Marcus Host Socialite Pop Up Store at the Copley Place Mall

Curious what fabulous local philanthropists wear to Boston’s chicest events? Just in time for the spring social season, BOLDFACERS is hosting a Socialite Glamfest Pop Up event with Neiman Marcus to benefit Mass General Hospital, Boston Ballet and more.

From 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., browse gently used red carpet-worthy frocks from Linda Pizzuti Henry, former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and other inspiring local ladies.  Held in the Center Court at the Copley Place Mall, cocktails, light bites, complimentary nail polish changes and blowouts are also up for grabs.  For more information, please read the full article here.