I spent Saturday managing factories and building railroads in Russia, aka playing Euro boardgames at Unity Games 20, so I was definitely looking forward to a girls night out in Harvard Square. It was our friend's birthday and she had two requests, a place where she could get a fun drink and dinner at Toscano's. I was more than willing to go along with these "demanding" requests!
Normally I would have suggested we meet up at Upstairs on the Square before dinner, but with it's closing at the end of the year, I was kind of stumped. Sure we could've gone to Park, which has a great vibe, but it didn't feel right for the evening. The Beat Hotel could've worked too, but it didn't seem to match Toscano's level of sophistication. The Red House was on my list for a while, but I felt like it was a little to "old fashioned" for a birthday. I continued to wrack by brain and that's when I remembered Noir at the Charles Hotel.
I've never been to Noir but I have always heard good things about it and after perusing the menu it offered plenty of options, and they all sounded so good. The atmosphere was perfect for the evening. Noir has a great modern, sophisticated atmosphere with dim lighting and a black and red color scheme. It's not stuffy at all so it strikes the right balance for three girls in their thirties! We all loved our drinks and I will definitely be going back.
After dinner we headed over to Toscano's. My friend and I had first visited Toscano's on Charles Street during Restaurant Week 2010. We loved everything about this place and both of us were excited when it was announced a year ago that they would be opening a second Toscano's in Harvard Square. Italian food is seriously lacking in the Square so Toscano's is a great addition. I also really didn't like the restaurant that used to occupy this space so it's especially nice for me. Toscano's is beautifully decorated with stone surfaces and dark engraved wood. The bar side is a bit more casual versus the more formal dining room side.
We were seated in the bar side and I actually really enjoyed the atmosphere. Our waitress was excellent and very helpful. My friend and I were torn between two pasta dishes, Rigatoni Norcina which featured homemade sausage with a black truffle, cream puree and the Rigatoni Toscano that has double smoked bacon, tomato cream, and herbs. Our waitress overheard this and let us know that she could order both dishes and have them split between two dishes. No need to make a choice! It actually worked out really well since the Norcina is very creamy and the Toscano is a bit spicy so they offset each other perfectly. Our other friend got the gnocchi and they were cooked perfectly, although I like a tomato sauce on my gnocchi. The waitress also heard me mention this and she said you can always ask for the tomato sauce with the gnocchi. I was really impressed with all of the options the restaurant allows and the overall quality of the food. The Norcina was delicious, perfectly accented with the black truffle. The Toscano was balanced nicely with the bacon and the delicious tomato sauce. Of course, we couldn't go to Toscano's without ordering the legendary meatball appetizer. It's a must get in my opinion.
It was a really fabulous night with great friends and reminded me once again how lucky I am that my life changed for the better when I lost my job unexpectedly eight years ago.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Snowed In Again
Last week we faced yet another winter storm. We lucked out and only got a few inches when the weatherman were predicting up to a foot of snow. Although we didn't have a snow day JO and I were able to enjoy some "SnoWin" in Inman Square.
JO worked from home due to a combination of the winter weather advisory and a furniture delivery so we were able to get an early start on the evening. As I've said before, I absolutely love that we don't have to stop living the city life just because of some snow. This is pretty much the only thing that has gotten me through the past few winters. Instead of stressing because of the snow, I've decided to embrace the "SnoWin" that is Inman in the winter!
We decided to go to Trina's because they always have a fun atmosphere on snowy days but we got distracted by Parlor Sports and before we knew it we were sitting at our usual table. Although there wasn't a UConn game on there was a great men's college basketball game on and our corner table gave us a great view of the winter wonderland.
After dinner we debated back and forth about going home and staying out a bit longer. Eventually the lure of an empty bar at East Coast Grill won out and we found ourselves enjoying a little bit more SnoWin. We very rarely go to East Coast Grill, and although it's not our favorite spot it's a great example of what makes Inman Square so awesome. A small, independent restaurant that loves the neighborhood and it's residents.
It's just so freeing to be able to go out and enjoy our neighborhood, no matter the weather. I remember all of those storms in my small South Shore town that we would have to stock up at the grocery store and watch lots and lots of tv to pass the time. I like the new and improved snow plan a lot more!
JO worked from home due to a combination of the winter weather advisory and a furniture delivery so we were able to get an early start on the evening. As I've said before, I absolutely love that we don't have to stop living the city life just because of some snow. This is pretty much the only thing that has gotten me through the past few winters. Instead of stressing because of the snow, I've decided to embrace the "SnoWin" that is Inman in the winter!
We decided to go to Trina's because they always have a fun atmosphere on snowy days but we got distracted by Parlor Sports and before we knew it we were sitting at our usual table. Although there wasn't a UConn game on there was a great men's college basketball game on and our corner table gave us a great view of the winter wonderland.
After dinner we debated back and forth about going home and staying out a bit longer. Eventually the lure of an empty bar at East Coast Grill won out and we found ourselves enjoying a little bit more SnoWin. We very rarely go to East Coast Grill, and although it's not our favorite spot it's a great example of what makes Inman Square so awesome. A small, independent restaurant that loves the neighborhood and it's residents.
It's just so freeing to be able to go out and enjoy our neighborhood, no matter the weather. I remember all of those storms in my small South Shore town that we would have to stock up at the grocery store and watch lots and lots of tv to pass the time. I like the new and improved snow plan a lot more!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Highball Lounge
After a great city night we thought we might lay low for the rest of the weekend. That didn't last long though. One of our really good friends wanted to get a group together for a night out and we were more than happy to join in.
After much discussion we decided to meet up at the Highball Lounge at Hotel Nine Zero. We had discovered this place back in November, and as I said then, this bar was specifically designed for thirty somethings. The atmosphere is great, the decor is rustic modern, and you certainly don't feel "old." In addition, they have a dj yet you can still talk to the people around you. Plus, the drink menu is a ViewFinder so they are working the retro angle too! I'm glad we met up at 8:30. We were able to get a large portion of one of the couches and a big table before the place filled up.
I only have two minor complaints about this place. First, I like my bubbles in a champagne glass. They served my Cava in a stemless champagne glass but I really found myself missing the stem of a typical champagne glass. I know this sounds weird but I am a stickler about glassware. Second, I know it was pretty busy but we never had enough water glasses at our table and we ran out of water a few times. These are very minor issues and I'm already trying to think of an excuse to go back soon.
While we were sitting there I couldn't help but think about how much my life has changed in the past seven years. I am so lucky and I don't want to waste any opportunities to enjoy the city life! We had a great time with great friends!
After much discussion we decided to meet up at the Highball Lounge at Hotel Nine Zero. We had discovered this place back in November, and as I said then, this bar was specifically designed for thirty somethings. The atmosphere is great, the decor is rustic modern, and you certainly don't feel "old." In addition, they have a dj yet you can still talk to the people around you. Plus, the drink menu is a ViewFinder so they are working the retro angle too! I'm glad we met up at 8:30. We were able to get a large portion of one of the couches and a big table before the place filled up.
I only have two minor complaints about this place. First, I like my bubbles in a champagne glass. They served my Cava in a stemless champagne glass but I really found myself missing the stem of a typical champagne glass. I know this sounds weird but I am a stickler about glassware. Second, I know it was pretty busy but we never had enough water glasses at our table and we ran out of water a few times. These are very minor issues and I'm already trying to think of an excuse to go back soon.
While we were sitting there I couldn't help but think about how much my life has changed in the past seven years. I am so lucky and I don't want to waste any opportunities to enjoy the city life! We had a great time with great friends!
A Classic Date Night
JO earned major husband points a few weekends ago when he attended the ladies figure skating championships with me and then a few days later spent the entire day at a baton twirling contest handling music and photography duties. As a thank you I planned a date night for the two of us. In reviewing my blog it seems we've gone on this date several times :-)
Our evening started at Teatro, one of my go to restaurants in the city. Whenever someone asks me for restaurant recommendations in the city this place is always on my list. The service and quality of food is so high quality and the prices are very reasonable. The ambience is great and the location makes it the perfect spot to start a fun city night!
The last time we came here, in June, they had taken my favorite dish off the menu. After a few Tweets and Facebook posts I was assured that the mushroom risotto would be back in the fall. I double checked the menu before our visit, just to make sure. I don't think I could've taken the disappointment if it wasn't.
We started the meal with the burrata and roasted red peppers. This was the perfect starter! JO doesn't even like roasted red peppers and he couldn't stop eating them. Of course I got the risotto
and JO got the rigatoni. The homemade pasta is a huge selling point of Teatro. When the manager stopped by our table to check in we told him how happy we were to see the risotto back on the menu. He laughed and said I wasn't the only one!
After dinner we headed over to The Last Hurrah. We got a window table and enjoyed the relaxing evening. We've both been so busy that it was nice to have a weekend with just fun plans and no real work. I love this place because of their extensive champagne cocktails. I went with the hibiscus infused champagne cocktail. The color is gorgeous, although it's a bit sweet, but it was a perfect end to our fun city night so no complaints here.
The whole evening was a great way to start a long weekend!
Our evening started at Teatro, one of my go to restaurants in the city. Whenever someone asks me for restaurant recommendations in the city this place is always on my list. The service and quality of food is so high quality and the prices are very reasonable. The ambience is great and the location makes it the perfect spot to start a fun city night!
The last time we came here, in June, they had taken my favorite dish off the menu. After a few Tweets and Facebook posts I was assured that the mushroom risotto would be back in the fall. I double checked the menu before our visit, just to make sure. I don't think I could've taken the disappointment if it wasn't.
We started the meal with the burrata and roasted red peppers. This was the perfect starter! JO doesn't even like roasted red peppers and he couldn't stop eating them. Of course I got the risotto
and JO got the rigatoni. The homemade pasta is a huge selling point of Teatro. When the manager stopped by our table to check in we told him how happy we were to see the risotto back on the menu. He laughed and said I wasn't the only one!
After dinner we headed over to The Last Hurrah. We got a window table and enjoyed the relaxing evening. We've both been so busy that it was nice to have a weekend with just fun plans and no real work. I love this place because of their extensive champagne cocktails. I went with the hibiscus infused champagne cocktail. The color is gorgeous, although it's a bit sweet, but it was a perfect end to our fun city night so no complaints here.
The whole evening was a great way to start a long weekend!
Polar Vortex be Damned!- Boston Night Out
After suffering through a week of the Polar Vortex, JO and I were jonesing for a Boston night out. The only problem was that we weren't the only ones. It was the first time in a week that the temps were over 20 degrees and I think the whole city was feeling a bit stir crazy. I tried all of my go to places: Marliave, Teatro, Il Piatini, etc. but no one had a dinner reservation. I was about to give up when I remembered Brassiere JO at The Colonnade Hotel. Sure enough, they had a 7:30 reservation and I snapped it up quickly!
I really like this restaurant. I'm a big Paris fan so it's perfect for me. I love the decor, huge champagne bottles and lots of French memorabilia. The waitstaff is so friendly and attentive without being annoying. The bread is authentic French bread, which is hard to come by and I love that they serve carrots dressed with vinegar and parsley alongside the bread. I'm also a big fan of their delicious mustard served in a simple white container with a small serving spoon.
I started with the escargot and it was spot on. I love the mixture of parsley, garlic, cheese, and oil. JO got the special salad- a warm spinach salad with pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and a raspberry dressing. It was pretty tasty, although I was afraid I would spill the pomegranate seeds on myself. We all enjoyed our main courses and had a lot of fun catching up after a busy week. We all agreed that since we live in the city we need to take advantage of the city!
After dinner we wanted the evening to continue so we decided to get drinks. The only problem is that the Copley Square area doesn't actually offer a lot of choices. We could've gone to the Oak Room but I'm not a fan of the way the place has changed since it was renovated a few years back. We decided to check out The Sidebar at the Sheraton Boston. The bar was not my favorite but the sparkling wine I got was delicious. I'm disappointed that they don't have their drink menu online because I really loved it. I might have to go back just to find out the name of it.
I had a really fun evening and it was so nice to be able to walk around the city without fear of frostbite!
I really like this restaurant. I'm a big Paris fan so it's perfect for me. I love the decor, huge champagne bottles and lots of French memorabilia. The waitstaff is so friendly and attentive without being annoying. The bread is authentic French bread, which is hard to come by and I love that they serve carrots dressed with vinegar and parsley alongside the bread. I'm also a big fan of their delicious mustard served in a simple white container with a small serving spoon.
I started with the escargot and it was spot on. I love the mixture of parsley, garlic, cheese, and oil. JO got the special salad- a warm spinach salad with pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and a raspberry dressing. It was pretty tasty, although I was afraid I would spill the pomegranate seeds on myself. We all enjoyed our main courses and had a lot of fun catching up after a busy week. We all agreed that since we live in the city we need to take advantage of the city!
After dinner we wanted the evening to continue so we decided to get drinks. The only problem is that the Copley Square area doesn't actually offer a lot of choices. We could've gone to the Oak Room but I'm not a fan of the way the place has changed since it was renovated a few years back. We decided to check out The Sidebar at the Sheraton Boston. The bar was not my favorite but the sparkling wine I got was delicious. I'm disappointed that they don't have their drink menu online because I really loved it. I might have to go back just to find out the name of it.
I had a really fun evening and it was so nice to be able to walk around the city without fear of frostbite!
U.S. Figure Skating Championships
Last summer, when I heard the US Figure Skating Championships were going to be held at the Garden I immediately made plans to go. I was lucky enough to go the last time they were held in Boston in 2001 and I remember how much fun I had had.
JO scored major points for accompanying me to the Ladies Short Program competition on Thursday night. It was so nice to be able to get to the Garden within a half hour of leaving our house. Last time I was spending lots of time on the commuter train and the timing was really difficult. No such issues this time around.
We had a great time. I met Tanith Belbin, 2006 Olympic Silver medalist in ice dancing, got to see Michelle Kwan inducted into the International Skating Hall of Fame, and witnessed a record setting short program.
On Saturday a good friend of mine joined me for the Ladies Long Program. Since the weather was so awful I thought it would be a good idea to take a cab but we had the worst luck and couldn't find a cab anywhere. Thankfully, JO was willing to drop us off on his way to his friend's house so everything worked out. It was a really fun night of skating!
JO scored major points for accompanying me to the Ladies Short Program competition on Thursday night. It was so nice to be able to get to the Garden within a half hour of leaving our house. Last time I was spending lots of time on the commuter train and the timing was really difficult. No such issues this time around.
We had a great time. I met Tanith Belbin, 2006 Olympic Silver medalist in ice dancing, got to see Michelle Kwan inducted into the International Skating Hall of Fame, and witnessed a record setting short program.
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| I loved this costume |
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| This costume says "Olympic Champion" |
On Saturday a good friend of mine joined me for the Ladies Long Program. Since the weather was so awful I thought it would be a good idea to take a cab but we had the worst luck and couldn't find a cab anywhere. Thankfully, JO was willing to drop us off on his way to his friend's house so everything worked out. It was a really fun night of skating!
Snowed in for the Weekend
After a great snowy night in Inman, JO and I were ready to do it all over again on Friday night. We spent Friday watching the snow fall across Inman and planning a fun night in the neighborhood.
After some debating, we settled on dinner at Casa de Portugal. We were able to get a window seat and enjoyed the wintery scene outside while staying warm inside. Casa de Portugal is one of the restaurants that represents our neighborhood so well. It's a small, independent restaurant with good food and great service. I've never had a bad experience here and we've gone here so much over the past five years that they know us now.
After dinner it was clear we couldn't cut the evening short so we decided to grab drinks. It was bitterly cold so we decided to go back to Puritan and Co. for the second straight night. We were lucky to get two seats at the bar. Any night that ends at Puritan is a good night in my book. JO went with the Slumbrew and I selected the sparkling Rose, which was delicious and very pretty!
After some debating, we settled on dinner at Casa de Portugal. We were able to get a window seat and enjoyed the wintery scene outside while staying warm inside. Casa de Portugal is one of the restaurants that represents our neighborhood so well. It's a small, independent restaurant with good food and great service. I've never had a bad experience here and we've gone here so much over the past five years that they know us now.
After dinner it was clear we couldn't cut the evening short so we decided to grab drinks. It was bitterly cold so we decided to go back to Puritan and Co. for the second straight night. We were lucky to get two seats at the bar. Any night that ends at Puritan is a good night in my book. JO went with the Slumbrew and I selected the sparkling Rose, which was delicious and very pretty!
It was another epic night in Inman. We've been going to a lot of open houses and touring some other neighborhoods but the more we explore the more we realize just how much we love our neighborhood for it's perfect mix of restaurants, shops, and small size.
On Saturday the fun continued. After almost a four month hiatus I returned to the rock gym and followed that up with dinner with a good friend at Trina's Starlite Lounge. The highlight of my night was the bartender stopping by our table to congratulate me on the big UConn women's basketball win earlier that day! Love, love, love!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Snow Days
After the great start, my vacation went down hill pretty fast. I woke up on Christmas Eve with a horrible headache and a lovely fever. By noon it was pretty evident that I couldn't participate in Christmas Eve with my dad or Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day with JO's parents. I was pretty much relegated to the couch for the next six days. Each night I went to bed thinking I would be able to go out and do something fun the next day but I just couldn't. I finally started to feel better on New Year's Eve, and was excited to visit our friends for a party, when JO got a mini-version of whatever I had. We spend New Year's Eve watching Hawaii Life and Perfect Strangers and going to bed before midnight. I was pretty disappointed over a vacation with very little city adventures when the weathermen started getting all crazy over a big storm headed our way. Could we possible extend vacation with two snow days?
The answer came around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and I loved what I heard. No school Thursday or Friday! One of the things I love most about our neighborhood is that even during snowstorms most places stay open. So we are able to go out and enjoy the snow parties the restaurants throw instead of being stuck inside.
On Thursday night, with the snow falling pretty heavily, we decided to go to Ole, because I was craving guacamole and margarita's and Ole does both really well. We definitely do not go here enough. The place was pretty empty so we were able to get a table by the window. We ordered the "made at your table" guacamole and I'm drooling right now thinking about it. Everything is so fresh, with just the right mix of tomatoes, lime juice, and guacamole.
JO ordered the new salmon dish and I got the enchiladas with salsa verde. To say the food was perfect would be an understatement. JO's salmon was the kind of food you eat and are left speechless afterwards. The chef even stopped by our table to ask how we liked our food and introduce himself. That's one of the things that is great about Inman Square. Every restaurant makes a real effort to get to know it's customers and community.
After dinner we decided we needed to extend our snow party with a visit to Puritan and Co. To say I love this place is not enough. Puritan has been a great addition to our neighborhood. It's a fancier restaurant so we can't eat here all the time but the drink menu is very reasonable and the bar area is quite fun. We had a great time getting back into the city groove and enjoying the city life during a snowstorm.
The answer came around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and I loved what I heard. No school Thursday or Friday! One of the things I love most about our neighborhood is that even during snowstorms most places stay open. So we are able to go out and enjoy the snow parties the restaurants throw instead of being stuck inside.
On Thursday night, with the snow falling pretty heavily, we decided to go to Ole, because I was craving guacamole and margarita's and Ole does both really well. We definitely do not go here enough. The place was pretty empty so we were able to get a table by the window. We ordered the "made at your table" guacamole and I'm drooling right now thinking about it. Everything is so fresh, with just the right mix of tomatoes, lime juice, and guacamole.
JO ordered the new salmon dish and I got the enchiladas with salsa verde. To say the food was perfect would be an understatement. JO's salmon was the kind of food you eat and are left speechless afterwards. The chef even stopped by our table to ask how we liked our food and introduce himself. That's one of the things that is great about Inman Square. Every restaurant makes a real effort to get to know it's customers and community.
After dinner we decided we needed to extend our snow party with a visit to Puritan and Co. To say I love this place is not enough. Puritan has been a great addition to our neighborhood. It's a fancier restaurant so we can't eat here all the time but the drink menu is very reasonable and the bar area is quite fun. We had a great time getting back into the city groove and enjoying the city life during a snowstorm.
Doesn't Anyone Eat Lunch on Sundays Anymore?
Cambridge is not immune to the recent brunch craze that seems to be sweeping the nation. In fact, I'm pretty sure Inman Square is the brunch capital of the city. Every restaurant here has a brunch on Sundays, and recently some have expanded their brunch offerings to Saturdays. It's so intense around here that if I go grocery shopping on a Sunday morning I often struggle finding a parking spot when I get home, since Sundays are a free parking day in Cambridge. Even on freezing cold days you will find a line outside at Tupelo or City Girl Cafe.
Don't get me wrong, I like brunch, but I want the option of lunch on the weekends too. JO's family came to visit us just before Christmas to celebrate his mom's birthday. We had an extremely difficult time finding a restaurant that offered a lunch menu on a Sunday.
Ultimately, we settled on First Printer for a few reasons. First, they had a few "lunch" type items on their brunch menu so at least there was a little diversity. Second, the decor is great and perfect for JO's mom. And finally, we were pretty sure we could easily get a reservation a few days out. I don't understand why this place doesn't do better business but it's nice to be able to pretty much count on a table or seat at the bar anytime you want it.
Ironically, I ordered the "make your own" omelet off the brunch menu. I love the fact that you could add pretty much anything you wanted into the omelet. My only complaint was that it was a bit dry but still delicious. JO ordered a side of truffle fries, and although I just heard truffle fries were out this year on Food Network, I beg to differ. Truffle anything is delicious and these fries did not disappoint.
After lunch we all agreed we should continue to the afternoon so we decided to try to get dessert and drinks at Upstairs on the Square. JO's mom had never been there before and I knew she would just love it there so I was glad we were able to get seats at the bar. Every table was taken, with diners trying to capture one last meal/memory at the iconic restaurant. I was right, JO's mom loved it and due to my impending bought with the plague, it ended up being our last time here. We had had plans to go one last time before it closed but I ended up being sick for the entire Christmas week, and then JO got sick on New Year's Eve so we never made it back. I'm glad we were able to visit with his family. I have a really sweet memory with JO and his family at such a special spot in the Square. One of the owners is planning on opening a new restaurant, after an extended break, somewhere in Cambridge and Somerville. I'm wishing upon wish that her new place will be in Inman Square! How great would that be?
Don't get me wrong, I like brunch, but I want the option of lunch on the weekends too. JO's family came to visit us just before Christmas to celebrate his mom's birthday. We had an extremely difficult time finding a restaurant that offered a lunch menu on a Sunday.
Ultimately, we settled on First Printer for a few reasons. First, they had a few "lunch" type items on their brunch menu so at least there was a little diversity. Second, the decor is great and perfect for JO's mom. And finally, we were pretty sure we could easily get a reservation a few days out. I don't understand why this place doesn't do better business but it's nice to be able to pretty much count on a table or seat at the bar anytime you want it.
Ironically, I ordered the "make your own" omelet off the brunch menu. I love the fact that you could add pretty much anything you wanted into the omelet. My only complaint was that it was a bit dry but still delicious. JO ordered a side of truffle fries, and although I just heard truffle fries were out this year on Food Network, I beg to differ. Truffle anything is delicious and these fries did not disappoint.
After lunch we all agreed we should continue to the afternoon so we decided to try to get dessert and drinks at Upstairs on the Square. JO's mom had never been there before and I knew she would just love it there so I was glad we were able to get seats at the bar. Every table was taken, with diners trying to capture one last meal/memory at the iconic restaurant. I was right, JO's mom loved it and due to my impending bought with the plague, it ended up being our last time here. We had had plans to go one last time before it closed but I ended up being sick for the entire Christmas week, and then JO got sick on New Year's Eve so we never made it back. I'm glad we were able to visit with his family. I have a really sweet memory with JO and his family at such a special spot in the Square. One of the owners is planning on opening a new restaurant, after an extended break, somewhere in Cambridge and Somerville. I'm wishing upon wish that her new place will be in Inman Square! How great would that be?
Calling All Crows
Another one of our December traditions, although not holiday related, is attending the Calling all Crows benefit show. Last year we were able to participate in the Marriage Equality rally the day after the show and go to a private acoustic show with Chad Stokes, the lead singer of Dispatch and State Radio.
I've been a big fan of Chad Stokes, and his bands, since seeing State Radio perform at a MayFair back in 2005. I love the way Chad is able to bring awareness to political and social issues through his music. I never miss a show, whether it's a solo show, a Dispatch concert, or a State Radio concert. The benefit show is always at a local venue and sells out super quick. Thankfully, JO was able to get on the ticket site while I was at work and secured us tickets to this year's show at the Paradise.
We headed over to the show after watching It's a Wonderful Life at the Brattle and were lucky to get seats pretty close to the stage. This show is always fun because you never know who Chad will bring on stage to perform with him. This year he had a brass section, and a guy in a crazy hat with a tambourine!
The show was excellent and Chad played my favorite songs from all of his different bands and albums. The highlight was one of the encores when he and his friends came out in matching suits and did a Doo-Wop number. Unreal!!!
It was such a fun night and I was thrilled that vacation was getting off to such a great start!
I've been a big fan of Chad Stokes, and his bands, since seeing State Radio perform at a MayFair back in 2005. I love the way Chad is able to bring awareness to political and social issues through his music. I never miss a show, whether it's a solo show, a Dispatch concert, or a State Radio concert. The benefit show is always at a local venue and sells out super quick. Thankfully, JO was able to get on the ticket site while I was at work and secured us tickets to this year's show at the Paradise.
We headed over to the show after watching It's a Wonderful Life at the Brattle and were lucky to get seats pretty close to the stage. This show is always fun because you never know who Chad will bring on stage to perform with him. This year he had a brass section, and a guy in a crazy hat with a tambourine!
The show was excellent and Chad played my favorite songs from all of his different bands and albums. The highlight was one of the encores when he and his friends came out in matching suits and did a Doo-Wop number. Unreal!!!
It was such a fun night and I was thrilled that vacation was getting off to such a great start!
It's a Wonderful Life
As I said earlier in December, I love all the holiday city traditions JO and I have. One of my favorites is watching It's a Wonderful Life at the Brattle Theater. The Brattle is really special to us since we went there on our first date and It's a Wonderful Life is one of the annual Brattle traditions we always make sure to go to.
This year it was a bit tricky to fit the movie in since this particular weekend was jam packed. We ended up spending the Saturday morning shopping in the Square and enjoying the 50+ degree weather. After a week of frigid temps and two snowstorms it was nice to just be wearing a fleece. We both were pretty far behind with our Christmas shopping so it was nice to be able to squeeze some shopping in before the movie.
It's a Wonderful Life is a perfect movie. Every scene, every piece of dialogue works perfectly and the movie really never has a slow section. And if you don't tear up at the end when Mary rallies the entire town to raise funds for George Bailey your heart is probably made of stone. The movie is all that much better when seen with a crowd on the big screen.
This year it was a bit tricky to fit the movie in since this particular weekend was jam packed. We ended up spending the Saturday morning shopping in the Square and enjoying the 50+ degree weather. After a week of frigid temps and two snowstorms it was nice to just be wearing a fleece. We both were pretty far behind with our Christmas shopping so it was nice to be able to squeeze some shopping in before the movie.
It's a Wonderful Life is a perfect movie. Every scene, every piece of dialogue works perfectly and the movie really never has a slow section. And if you don't tear up at the end when Mary rallies the entire town to raise funds for George Bailey your heart is probably made of stone. The movie is all that much better when seen with a crowd on the big screen.
The December Crazies Come to a Close
Unless you've taken a turn at teaching elementary school during December you can't fully understand the meaning of the December Crazies! Santa is coming and if there's snow mixed in you're pretty much in a whole lot of trouble. It's a long month of making kids try to stay on task when they really can't focus. At one point this year I overheard one of my most serious students explaining to another student that the snow that was falling from the sky was Santa's snow. He then proceeded to jump around my classroom doing 360s and yelling that Santa was coming soon.
By the time the final bell rang on Friday I was surprised to still be standing. If the day had lasted any longer I'm pretty sure I would've needed a spatula to scrape the kids off the ceiling. I was completely exhausted and really all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and go to sleep, but JO had heard about a pinball tournament at Lanes and Games so I rallied.
We met our friends in the game room and paid our $5 entrance fee. I'm not a huge pinball fan but it was actually a fun night. Basically, you play all nine machines and there's a target score. Your score is how many balls it takes to get the score. If you don't make it you get a four. Needless to say, I got a four on all nine machines but it was a fun way to spend the night.
We finished around 9:00 and were absolutely starving. I figured we would hit up the Bertucci's nearby but when our friend suggested Harvard Square it was an easy sell. The funny thing is that it is actually kind of hard to get dinner after 9:30 in the Square. We were all set to hit up Wagamama when Grendel's Den caught our eye. You can always count on Grendel's Den for inexpensive, good food. It's always packed in here so I was kind of surprised we were able to get a table but luck was on our side.
After dinner I was completely exhausted but when our friend suggested we grab a drink at the soon to be closed Upstairs on the Square I couldn't say no. By this point it was a bit late so we didn't have a problem getting seats at the bar. We had fun talking about upcoming city adventures and the fact that we were all on vacation for a week or more. Upstairs on the Square is really the perfect backdrop to evenings with friends and the Square is definitely going to miss this place. I was glad I could go with our friends one last time.
Overall, it was an excellent night and a great way to start vacation!
By the time the final bell rang on Friday I was surprised to still be standing. If the day had lasted any longer I'm pretty sure I would've needed a spatula to scrape the kids off the ceiling. I was completely exhausted and really all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and go to sleep, but JO had heard about a pinball tournament at Lanes and Games so I rallied.
We met our friends in the game room and paid our $5 entrance fee. I'm not a huge pinball fan but it was actually a fun night. Basically, you play all nine machines and there's a target score. Your score is how many balls it takes to get the score. If you don't make it you get a four. Needless to say, I got a four on all nine machines but it was a fun way to spend the night.
We finished around 9:00 and were absolutely starving. I figured we would hit up the Bertucci's nearby but when our friend suggested Harvard Square it was an easy sell. The funny thing is that it is actually kind of hard to get dinner after 9:30 in the Square. We were all set to hit up Wagamama when Grendel's Den caught our eye. You can always count on Grendel's Den for inexpensive, good food. It's always packed in here so I was kind of surprised we were able to get a table but luck was on our side.
After dinner I was completely exhausted but when our friend suggested we grab a drink at the soon to be closed Upstairs on the Square I couldn't say no. By this point it was a bit late so we didn't have a problem getting seats at the bar. We had fun talking about upcoming city adventures and the fact that we were all on vacation for a week or more. Upstairs on the Square is really the perfect backdrop to evenings with friends and the Square is definitely going to miss this place. I was glad I could go with our friends one last time.
Overall, it was an excellent night and a great way to start vacation!
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