Red Wine Red Hearts by hlkljgk from Flickr
While it may be tempting to hibernate in your apartment in protest of the return to ‘normal’ March weather, there are a few fun events in Boston this week worth stepping out for. From sampling excellent cuisine, to wine tasting and a compelling workshop, these events are sure to perk up the work week.
I recently popped into Coppa on a Monday night for a light meal. I’d already been at an event with appetizers and was tempted with the prospect of a small, yet flavorful nibble. The problem was, after savoring one small plate of pasta, it just left me wanting more.
Coppa Restaurant, Boston by Bellyglad From Flickr
Coppa is located on Shawmut Ave., a quiet street in Boston’s South End. The restaurant itself has a neighborhood feel and a cozy atmosphere. Tables are aligned close to one another, making it an ideal spot to visit in parties of two. Plan to wait with a larger party, as Coppa does not take reservations. However, as discovered by savvy locals, you can swing by, put your name in and come back later when your table is ready.
Even on a Monday night, Coppa was packed with a lively crowd. My wonderful dining companion and I didn’t want to wait for a table, so we sucked it up and took quite possibly the worst two seats in the house, which are located along a small side bar directly to the right of the entrance. At first, we felt like we were encroaching on the hostesses space by the door, but they couldn’t have been more kind and gracious.
I ordered a small bowl of the fettuccine with a wild boar ragu and my friend the spaghetti alla carbonara with smoked pancetta, sea urchin, farm egg and scallions. Both were fantastic. I adored the fat fettuccine noodles and the leftover wild boar ragu was so good that we kept dipping our bread into it. We also appreciated the carbonara’s melt-in-your-mouth sea urchin. Similarly notable was their hot buttered rum, which put any other hot toddy I’ve ever tried to shame.
Coppa is located at 253 Shawmut Ave. in Boston’s South End. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.coppaboston.com/
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
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/
Thirsty Thursday just got classier. Transport yourself from Boston to Venice on Thursday, February 18 at 5:30 p.m., when the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum hosts a Carnevale themed After Hours event. From sketching in the galleries, to bellinis in the courtyard and a live DJ spining, it’s a fantastic excuse to soak up some culture while rubbing elbows with interesting Bostonians. The event lasts until 9:30 p.m. and tickets are free to Gardner members, $12 for adult tickets and $5 for student tickets.
For more information: http://www.gardnermuseum.org/afterhours/index.asp