Sunday, February 25, 2018
Post 390
JO's birthday was yesterday and we had a chance to celebrate with his parents and his brother. Five Oatleys in an Uber makes for an interesting ride 😀
JO's mom suggested Post 390. I was excited to try a new place. We headed over around 4:15 so when we got there it was pretty empty. We were able to get an awesome window table in the tavern area downstairs (they have a dining room on the second floor.) The beer menu was huge (and slightly overwhelming) and perfect for JO's birthday since he does enjoy a good beer. The waitstaff was super friendly and didn't mind that we stayed for almost three hours. I loved the caged fire pit. It added a lovely feel to the space.
The lighting was just right and the noise level was perfect. It wasn't too loud but had a certain buzz that kept things fun. It definitely fills up so going in the late afternoon is the way to go. We had some oysters, a flat bread, the calamari, and clam chowder. The food was really tasty and well prepared. I would love to go back and try the steak salad.
After dinner we strolled down Newbury Street. It's been a long time since I've walked down Newbury Street at night. It was so nice to see the lights on the trees and all the people out and about. It was a really great night!
JO's mom suggested Post 390. I was excited to try a new place. We headed over around 4:15 so when we got there it was pretty empty. We were able to get an awesome window table in the tavern area downstairs (they have a dining room on the second floor.) The beer menu was huge (and slightly overwhelming) and perfect for JO's birthday since he does enjoy a good beer. The waitstaff was super friendly and didn't mind that we stayed for almost three hours. I loved the caged fire pit. It added a lovely feel to the space. The lighting was just right and the noise level was perfect. It wasn't too loud but had a certain buzz that kept things fun. It definitely fills up so going in the late afternoon is the way to go. We had some oysters, a flat bread, the calamari, and clam chowder. The food was really tasty and well prepared. I would love to go back and try the steak salad.
After dinner we strolled down Newbury Street. It's been a long time since I've walked down Newbury Street at night. It was so nice to see the lights on the trees and all the people out and about. It was a really great night!
Saturday Morning in Kendall Square
Saturday morning was another lovely day to be outside. It was only in the low 50s but it was definitely "get out and explore" weather so that's exactly what JO and I did.
Earlier this winter we compiled a "Winter Bucket List" with things we could do to help pass the dreary winter months. We've been so busy that we actually hadn't gotten to any of the things on the list. We fixed that by going ice skating at the Kendall Square Community Rink. The rink is a small, outdoor rink, surrounded by trees strung with white Christmas lights (we need to go back at night because it really is pretty.) I had so much fun. Usually it takes me a long time to feel comfortable on the skates but not yesterday. I wish we hadn't waited so long to go skating, the season is almost over. Hopefully we can squeeze in one more trip before they shut down for the year.
After skating, we headed over to Tatte Bakery to grab some lunch. Tatte is everything you want a city cafe to be- great food, great coffee, and great atmosphere. They also have a little outdoor patio which was open. We enjoyed the short rib sandwich with horseradish beet slaw. In a huge breakthrough, JO even took a few sips of my Stumptown coffee and thought it was good.
After lunch we took the long way home, past the Kendall Hotel, which is a rather special place for us. It was looking lovely on this "spring" day.
Kendall Square has so much to offer. It's really worth exploring this part of the city!
Earlier this winter we compiled a "Winter Bucket List" with things we could do to help pass the dreary winter months. We've been so busy that we actually hadn't gotten to any of the things on the list. We fixed that by going ice skating at the Kendall Square Community Rink. The rink is a small, outdoor rink, surrounded by trees strung with white Christmas lights (we need to go back at night because it really is pretty.) I had so much fun. Usually it takes me a long time to feel comfortable on the skates but not yesterday. I wish we hadn't waited so long to go skating, the season is almost over. Hopefully we can squeeze in one more trip before they shut down for the year.
After skating, we headed over to Tatte Bakery to grab some lunch. Tatte is everything you want a city cafe to be- great food, great coffee, and great atmosphere. They also have a little outdoor patio which was open. We enjoyed the short rib sandwich with horseradish beet slaw. In a huge breakthrough, JO even took a few sips of my Stumptown coffee and thought it was good.
After lunch we took the long way home, past the Kendall Hotel, which is a rather special place for us. It was looking lovely on this "spring" day.
Kendall Square has so much to offer. It's really worth exploring this part of the city!
Kris Delmhorst at Club Passim
Club Passim has become a special place for us in just a short amount of time. It's only been about two years since we went to our first show and since then we've gotten to know several local artists and make sure to catch their shows when they play at Passim, or other local venues. This past Friday we went to see Kris Delmhorst.
Kris has a great stage presence and is really funny in between songs. Her songs are really well written and she performs them beautifully. With the candles twinkling against the brick, and the street light softly peeking through the windows, her music is a perfect match for Passim.
Going to see a show at Passim is a perfect Friday night (or any night for that matter) outing and is just another reason why living in the city is awesome.
Kris has a great stage presence and is really funny in between songs. Her songs are really well written and she performs them beautifully. With the candles twinkling against the brick, and the street light softly peeking through the windows, her music is a perfect match for Passim.
Going to see a show at Passim is a perfect Friday night (or any night for that matter) outing and is just another reason why living in the city is awesome.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Time to Break Out the T-Shirt and Shorts
Hey guess what? Remember when it was negative lots of degrees and I had to wear triple pants and two hats? Apparently it's spring now~ It was 65 on Tuesday and 75 on Wednesday and it was as glorious as you can imagine!
With plenty of warning about this beautiful stretch of weather I planned my entire vacation week around it. I did school work and errands before and after so that I could enjoy every minute of the early spring.
On Tuesday I headed into Boston for some urban hiking.
I started at Faneuil Hall and made my way down Newbury Street to Piattini Wine Bar. This is my go to place for patio dining. They have the perfect sunken patio that Newbury Street is known for, great food, and great prices. I was kind of shocked when I walked up and saw only one table set up on their patio. Luckily, no one was at it and I got the table 😀 It was a lovely day to be on the patio. I soaked in the sun and let all of my school stress melt away!
On Wednesday I got up early so I could go for a run before enjoying the beautiful weather. As I was on my run I realized just how warm it was. I decided I was going to have to break out the shorts for the remainder of the day. (let that sink in for a minute- shorts in the middle of February, shorts!)
I headed straight for the roof deck at Daedalus. Their roof deck is by far and away the best outdoor dining spot in all of Cambridge. It's super hard to get a spot on the deck so I didn't have my hopes up as I headed upstairs. (I had plenty of back up plans but I really had my heart set on this.) For the second day in a row, it was my lucky day and I landed a table on the deck. I ordered a mojito and reveled in that for a long while (continuous loop in my head- it's February, I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt, drinking a mojito on a roof deck) and texted JO that we should probably move to California so that this would be the norm.
After an extended lunch, thanks to a prosecco because really the day called for some bubbles, I made my way into the Square, found a place to sit, and read my book. It was truly vacation perfection!
With plenty of warning about this beautiful stretch of weather I planned my entire vacation week around it. I did school work and errands before and after so that I could enjoy every minute of the early spring.
On Tuesday I headed into Boston for some urban hiking.
I started at Faneuil Hall and made my way down Newbury Street to Piattini Wine Bar. This is my go to place for patio dining. They have the perfect sunken patio that Newbury Street is known for, great food, and great prices. I was kind of shocked when I walked up and saw only one table set up on their patio. Luckily, no one was at it and I got the table 😀 It was a lovely day to be on the patio. I soaked in the sun and let all of my school stress melt away!
On Wednesday I got up early so I could go for a run before enjoying the beautiful weather. As I was on my run I realized just how warm it was. I decided I was going to have to break out the shorts for the remainder of the day. (let that sink in for a minute- shorts in the middle of February, shorts!)
I headed straight for the roof deck at Daedalus. Their roof deck is by far and away the best outdoor dining spot in all of Cambridge. It's super hard to get a spot on the deck so I didn't have my hopes up as I headed upstairs. (I had plenty of back up plans but I really had my heart set on this.) For the second day in a row, it was my lucky day and I landed a table on the deck. I ordered a mojito and reveled in that for a long while (continuous loop in my head- it's February, I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt, drinking a mojito on a roof deck) and texted JO that we should probably move to California so that this would be the norm.
After an extended lunch, thanks to a prosecco because really the day called for some bubbles, I made my way into the Square, found a place to sit, and read my book. It was truly vacation perfection!
We Finally Made it Back to Aeronaut
Aeronaut, a local brewery near our rock gym, exploded onto the scene a few years ago. Back then it was easy to get in. We were the cool kids hanging out there after climbing. But with each passing year it's gotten more and more popular and harder and harder to get in. This is for good reason. It's everything you want a brewery to be- open, fun, lots of seating, board games encouraged, food can be delivered, lots of beer choices, and fun events all the time.
So last week, after climbing, when we noticed there wasn't a line at Aeronaut we raced over. I don't think the bouncer realized why we were so excited but trust me, we were!
So last week, after climbing, when we noticed there wasn't a line at Aeronaut we raced over. I don't think the bouncer realized why we were so excited but trust me, we were!
Fun Times at Parlor Sports
I love Parlor Sports! I don't think anyone can argue with that. Parlor Sports is exactly what city living is all about. A place, very much like Cheers, where everyone knows your name, your favorite team, and your drink order! (And if you become a true regular they'll even have all that stuff set up for you when they see you walking up the sidewalk.)
We missed out on the Parlor Torch (please watch this video, you'll thank me later) this year but we did make it in a few times for the Olympics (double tvs are key)
and once for a UConn brunch! (While we're talking about brunch- they nailed their brunch menu, good balance of breakfast and lunch so all bases are covered.)
We missed out on the Parlor Torch (please watch this video, you'll thank me later) this year but we did make it in a few times for the Olympics (double tvs are key)
and once for a UConn brunch! (While we're talking about brunch- they nailed their brunch menu, good balance of breakfast and lunch so all bases are covered.)
We even ran into out favorite bartender (who only works odd shifts) who made sure to tell me he really admired my UConn fandom on Instagram (which pretty much made my day!) Parlor Sports in the quintessential neighborhood bar!
Casa Portugal
I've blogged about Casa Portugal before but I feel like I need to do it again. A few Fridays ago we had time to kill before the Opening Ceremonies started so we headed around the corner for some delicious Portuguese food.
I cannot say enough good things about this place. It reminds me of going to the North End. It's cozy and quaint and oozes authenticity. The staff is super friendly and attentive. They also sell half bottles of wines which makes for a fun addition. Most importantly, the food is fabulous and super reasonably priced.
We branched out from our standard dishes this time and got the flaming sausage (they do a final sear right in front of you- it's pretty tame but makes for great presentation) and one of the seafood plates. We split the lobster, clams, and squid cooked in a garlic parsley sauce and it was as good as it sounds.
I always feel happy and relaxed when I leave this place and this night was no different! We always joke about the "long trip" home! We really are so lucky to live here!
I cannot say enough good things about this place. It reminds me of going to the North End. It's cozy and quaint and oozes authenticity. The staff is super friendly and attentive. They also sell half bottles of wines which makes for a fun addition. Most importantly, the food is fabulous and super reasonably priced.
We branched out from our standard dishes this time and got the flaming sausage (they do a final sear right in front of you- it's pretty tame but makes for great presentation) and one of the seafood plates. We split the lobster, clams, and squid cooked in a garlic parsley sauce and it was as good as it sounds.
I always feel happy and relaxed when I leave this place and this night was no different! We always joke about the "long trip" home! We really are so lucky to live here!
Love in the Square~ Valentine's Day
I love that JO and I have traditions for events like our anniversary and Valentine's Day. No need to stress over planning dinners or things to do.
Valentine's Day is always spent in Harvard Square at the Brattle watching Casablanca on the big screen (with the exception of one time when the Brattle couldn't play the movie.) Our first date was at the Brattle and so anytime we go there is special, but Casablanca is extra special (since our wedding song came from the movie.) If you've never seen Casablanca I highly recommend you see it. It's perfection from start to finish.
Before the movie we grabbed dinner at John Harvard's (where we went on our first date and rehearsal dinner). This place is always a solid dining option, although their beers have been better in the past. After dinner we wandered around the Square. Outside Petali Flower Shop we found this absolutely beautiful scene- rose petals scattered on the brick ground with this cool door and perfect lightning!
It was a lovely night in Harvard Square!
Valentine's Day is always spent in Harvard Square at the Brattle watching Casablanca on the big screen (with the exception of one time when the Brattle couldn't play the movie.) Our first date was at the Brattle and so anytime we go there is special, but Casablanca is extra special (since our wedding song came from the movie.) If you've never seen Casablanca I highly recommend you see it. It's perfection from start to finish.
Before the movie we grabbed dinner at John Harvard's (where we went on our first date and rehearsal dinner). This place is always a solid dining option, although their beers have been better in the past. After dinner we wandered around the Square. Outside Petali Flower Shop we found this absolutely beautiful scene- rose petals scattered on the brick ground with this cool door and perfect lightning!
It was a lovely night in Harvard Square!
Ali McGuirk at Bull McCabe's
After I saw Ali sing at Club Passim a while back I knew I had to get JO to one of her shows. JO knows his stuff when it comes to music and I was pretty sure he would like Ali's style, vocals, and lyrics. She has a "First Friday" residency at Bull McCabe's so we headed over there to see her show.
Neither of us had been to Bull McCabe's before so we didn't know what to expect. FYI- it's small. It's a really narrow bar that kind of reminds me of The Druid in Inman. The space is cool, with exposed stone and built in bookshelves with an eclectic collection of books. The food and drink menu is perfect for a bar and very reasonably priced. There are only a handful of tables and it was pretty full already when we got there. In a funny turn of events I saw the guy I sat next to at Passim and he remembered me so he let us hang at his table. It was kind of fun to get to know a complete stranger. We discovered we had a lot of common interests when it came to music. It helped pass the time since we got there at 9:00 and Ali didn't go on until almost 10:00.
Bull McCabe's is a perfect venue for her kind of music, although it gets really crowded and a lot of people think it's totally fine to talk through all of her songs. We ended up leaving after about an hour because the talking was really annoying. Despite that Ali lived up to my hype and her guitarist was unreal. She is really an up and coming talent on the local music scene and I highly, highly recommend you check out her music.
Neither of us had been to Bull McCabe's before so we didn't know what to expect. FYI- it's small. It's a really narrow bar that kind of reminds me of The Druid in Inman. The space is cool, with exposed stone and built in bookshelves with an eclectic collection of books. The food and drink menu is perfect for a bar and very reasonably priced. There are only a handful of tables and it was pretty full already when we got there. In a funny turn of events I saw the guy I sat next to at Passim and he remembered me so he let us hang at his table. It was kind of fun to get to know a complete stranger. We discovered we had a lot of common interests when it came to music. It helped pass the time since we got there at 9:00 and Ali didn't go on until almost 10:00.
Bull McCabe's is a perfect venue for her kind of music, although it gets really crowded and a lot of people think it's totally fine to talk through all of her songs. We ended up leaving after about an hour because the talking was really annoying. Despite that Ali lived up to my hype and her guitarist was unreal. She is really an up and coming talent on the local music scene and I highly, highly recommend you check out her music.
UConn
Obviously, I love the city life but between October and April my heart belongs to the Huskies! JO and I are season ticket holders which is awesome. We have tickets to all of the games at Gampel. The downside this year was that there was only one weekend game. Weekend games are the best because you make a whole day out of it and that's exactly what we did.
We had a blast cheering on our Huskies to a big win! (side note- it's so great to see them playing like they are having fun out there!)
After the game we took our time at the bookstore and walking around campus before heading over to Geno's Grille at Storrs Center. Storrs Center has been around for a few years and it's a great concept. It's a little "neighborhood" right across from campus. When I went to UConn there was one coffee shop, a Mexican place, and a Thai place off campus and that was all. This is a huge upgrade and I'm sure the students enjoy it. It was so fun to be able to hang out here on a game day! Everyone was psyched about the big win, especially because we had a huge game in a few days. The food was delicious and the prizes were really reasonable. Plus we had this guy hanging out in the background :-)
It was a perfect UConn day!
We had a blast cheering on our Huskies to a big win! (side note- it's so great to see them playing like they are having fun out there!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
