Even Lady Gaga Loves Inman

Check out this story.

Apparently last night Lady Gaga was living it up at Bukowski's Tavern right across the street from my apartment.

Everyone loves Inman Square!!!!!!!!!!

Yoga at the Lily Pad

I've been doing my fair share of relaxing on this vacation, but I've also been trying to recommit myself to a healthy lifestyle by doing more exercising. I've been hitting up the gym and using the Couch to 5k app to make my time there more productive. I don't envision running a 5k but I do like the routine.

I've also been wanting to get back into yoga for a while now. The problem is my gym doesn't offer any classes and most of the classes around here are pretty expensive. I finally found an interesting option at the The Lily Pad in Inman Square. The Lily Pad is a small performance space in the heart of the square. There are always neat shows going on there and one of these days I will go to one. They also host an array of yoga classes throughout the week. I chose a teaching class because it was only $5. I looked up the style of yoga and it seemed to focus on lots of stretching and breathing.

I showed up to the class and one of the instructors offered to place my mat for me. Sounded good to me. I was sitting on my mat, waiting for the class to begin, when one of the instructors offered me a foam block. I looked around and most of the other participants had one so I figured I should take one. The class really filled up. I think there were about 20 of us in there and I started to get a little nervous. Most of the other people looked really experienced. They were doing stretches I have never seen before and it looked like Lucy and Athletica threw up in there. I felt a little bit better when the woman next to me asked me why she would need a foam block.

The instructors lit a bunch of candles and shut off the lights. I became very aware that there was no air conditioning in the room. The instructor started talking in a very calm, gentle voice. She talked about doing this for yourself, and letting your breathing take over. I felt very focused and relaxed and then all of a sudden she started using words and phrases that made no sense to me. This was definitely not a class for beginners.

I stretched and held poses for long periods of time and I'm pretty sure the tree and eagle stuff is going to prevent me from walking straight tomorrow. I tried to copy the people around me as best I could. I really started to panic because it was getting so hot in there I started to wonder if it was hot yoga and I just couldn't figure out how to go from a dishango push up to a downward dog without falling. I also was a bit freaked out by all of the heavy breathing. I've taken yoga classes before but this was crazy. It sounded like monks chanting. I started to wonder what my favorite author Jen Lancaster would do in this situation.

Then, magically the air conditioning and ceiling fans came on and I snapped out of my panic. Sure I still couldn't do most of the moves, but because it was a teaching class there were several instructors walking around giving help on alignment and reach. The main instructor also talked about owning the time for yourself. So often we don't think we have an hour but you know what? Almost always we do have that hour, we're just afraid of letting go. I totally fell into the tranquil music and forgot about my aching muscles although I'm sure I'll remember them in the morning. I thought about how great I would have felt all last year if I did something like this once a week.

Depending on how much pain I'm in tomorrow I might go back next week. If not, I'm going to find a class in the neighborhood that I could take. Just another bonus of living in Inman- local yoga!

Summer Days!

I have so much to write about after an amazing city weekend.

Friday
I spent Friday morning reading in the Square and doing a little shopping. I was back in the Square at night for dinner. Thanks to amazing timing by our good friends we got a roof deck table at Daedalus. It's hard to get a roof deck table at Daedalus at any time during the day, but for dinner on a Friday night it's pretty impossible... but there we were! As usual, the food and drinks were delicious and the company great.

After dinner we wanted to continue to enjoy the beautiful summer evening weather so we headed over to Legal Seafood's Outdoor Bar at The Charles Hotel. This is one of the real Harvard Square gems and luck was on our side again as we were able to get a four person table with no waiting.

Saturday
Saturday night we headed into Boston for a good friend's birthday. Unfortunately she had to cancel the event. Since we were already in the city we decided to hit up Alibi at the The Liberty Hotel. I have recently developed quite an obsession with this place.

Sunday
JO and I headed into Harvard Square with the specific goal of hitting up the Farmer's Market that is held at The Charles Hotel on Fridays and Sundays. As we walked pass Grafton Street we realized that the England vs. Germany game was on. We were a bit disappointed to be missing it. Since I had just bought an iced coffee we couldn't really eat anywhere so we walked over to the Farmer's Market. After checking out the delicious looking fruits and vegetables we realized that there was a crowd forming at the outdoor bar at Legal's. The bartenders were prepping the bar for the afternoon and were letting people watch the game on the flat screens. We grabbed a couple of seats at the bar. One side was English fans, the other side German fans. It was a lot of fun.

At the half we headed over to Tory Row to grab an early lunch and watch the second half. Oddly enough, Tory Row was full of German fans. It was a lot of fun to watch the game there and my salad with pickled shallot "pink" dressing was very yummy!

We left with just about ten minutes to go in the game so it was over by the time we got back to our apartment. Just as we arrived home a group of disgruntled English soccer fans started a mini melee across the street. Luckily this older woman took charge, clapped in their faces, and gave them a look!

We spent the rest of the day at Jordan's Furniture shopping for a new sectional. Back when we started this quest a month ago we didn't think this would be that difficult. Unfortunately, most furniture is super-sized. This poses a lot of problems for us since we have four large windows in our living room. Not only do we love the light, but if we block the windows how are we supposed to soak in the neighborhood. We actually spend a lot of time watching the goings on. From goat deliveries, to soccer fights, to people falling in the snow, a lot of fun stuff happens out there and we don't want to miss any of it. We've been so frustrated by our couch shopping we were getting real close to learning how to build our own couches! Luckily today's trip left us with some options so we won't be signing up for woodworking classes anytime soon :-)

New Camera and Casa de Portugal

I just got a new camera in anticipation of our amazing road trip through the National Parks of Utah and Colorado. I tested out the camera on my morning walk to Harvard Square. So far summer vacation has included a lot of Harvard Square, watching soccer, going to the gym, and relaxing!
I couldn't help but take a picture of these. Blue is my favorite color!


This was my old reading spot. I'm really hoping the chairs and tables come back!

My current reading spot. A bit to loud for my liking but it will have to do.
I might try this spot tomorrow...but I don't love it being on the grass.... to much potential for bugs :-)


I spent some quality time at The Coop today trying to figure out what I should put on my summer reading list!

Earlier this week JO and I tried Restaurant Casa Portugal, a neighborhood restaurant here in Inman. I've walked by this place a hundred times and I can't believe we just now tried it out. The best word to describe the food was clean, crisp flavors. I got the shrimp in butter and garlic and it was served with homemade potato chips and a rice pilaf. JO got a chicken and vegetables dish that was also quite scrumptious. Everything was very simple but beautifully cooked. I will definitely be headed back there. The atmosphere reminded me of a small restaurant in the North End and would be a perfect place for a celebratory dinner or night out with good friends. I'm definitely excited to add this place to our restaurant repertoire!

Summer Vacation Resolutions

Ahhh....Sweet Summer Vacation is finally here! With summer vacation comes lots and lots of free time. I resolve to do the following:

• Spending most mornings in Harvard Square
• Once a week I plan on doing some Urban Hiking from the Public Gardens, down Newbury Street, and back home
• We have to eat at East Coast Grill and Tupelo because we've lived in Inman for a year and half and I'm embarrassed to say we haven't eaten at either of these neighborhood favorites
• Spending some lovely days at the rooftop pool at The Colonnade Hotel
• Mega road trip to Utah and Colorado
• Spending quality time at Daedalus, Small Plates, and my other favorite Harvard Square restaurants
• A boat trip to the Boston Harbor Islands
• A day trip to Martha's Vinyard
• And most importantly.... relaxing, relaxing, relaxing!
  

Harvard Square in the Morning

After celebrating a great friend's birthday at The Precinct Bar last night I was looking forward to an early morning coffee in Harvard Square.

This is something I started doing a few summers ago when I was living in Watertown. Harvard Square was a quick 10 minute bike ride from my house and when I was on summer vacation I started going into the Square every morning for coffee. Back then I used to grab my coffee and head over to Winthrop Park, the small "park" area in front of Upstairs on the Square, or JFK Park behind the Charles Hotel. I would enjoy my coffee and do some summer reading. These spots were fine but one day I happened to walk through Harvard Yard and found the perfect place to spend my mornings. Outside the large library is a small courtyard with wrought iron tables and chairs. Ever since I have spent most of my summer vacation mornings, and many fall weekend mornings, there. I relish the calm and tranquility.

There used to be a time when spending any time in Harvard Square meant a 20 minute car ride, a 30 minute train ride, and $8.50 in parking and fees. Having the ability to spend so many mornings, and afternoons and evenings, in Harvard Square is something I treasure and not something I want to ever waste.

Here's to a summer filled with Harvard Square memories!

Just What the Doctor Ordered

After a long and stressful week that ended with more waiting I was really in need of a great city night!

On Thursday night JO and I decided that we should plan an evening out for Friday night. I've been waiting to hear about something at work and I was either going to have something to celebrate or need some cheering up. I wanted to make sure the evening was great so that either way I would have fun. I started to panic about finding a restaurant to go to. I really wanted to go into Boston and I was having "Restaurant Block." Everything I thought off just didn't seem like the right place to ensure success and I was really getting frustrated.

That's when JO had a great idea... Marliave. The Marliave is the sister restaurant to one of my favorite Boston restaurants Grotto. I've written before of my love for the Grotto. We had been to the Marliave for lunch back in November and had really enjoyed the experience. I also loved the fact that the Marliave is really close to The Last Hurrah at the Omni Parker House Hotel, a great bar with great drinks. Our plans got even better when our good friends were able to join us for a night out.

Unfortunately there wasn't a decision after all, so I really needed the night out to unwind. We headed into Boston around 7:30 and I was slightly worried that we wouldn't get a table. We were in luck! We got a great table in the upstairs dining room. The decor is simple but very elegant. The upstairs is split into two large dining rooms separated by an exposed white brick wall. Normally I don't like painted brick but it works in this case. One whole wall of one of the rooms is floor to ceiling windows which overlook the outskirts of Downtown Crossing. The vibe is casual sophistication.

The Marliave's concept is a French inspired speak-easy. The drink menu is really vast and the menu has way too many choices so we will definitely have to go back soon! Each us got a different meal and we each raved about how delicious they were. I love how they draw on the flavors from the Grotto but with unique, French twists. The macaroni and cheese appetizer is reminiscent of the garlic soup, the Yankee pot roast has those delicious short ribs, and the pan roasted chicken with risotto mirrors the sirloin dish. It was so nice to be out in the city with good friends and forget about being stressed!

We were having such a good time that we stopped over at the Last Hurrah for drinks. I love that they have a variety of champagne cocktails! I really enjoy the bar for it's relaxed atmosphere. It's in a really sophisticated, fancy hotel but it just feels so relaxing and I love the views of Tremont Street. We had fun talking about the summer and living in the city.

We ended up taking a cab back to Inman and for some reason I mentioned the name of the small town I grew up in on the South Shore. Apparently our taxi driver was from the same town and I loved what he said, "There's nothing to do there." He's definitely right! I'm glad I don't have that problem anymore :-)

A Rare Miss

Last night was the first time I can remember that a Harvard Square restaurant disappointed me. The next few weeks are super busy so JO and I decided to head into the Square last night for a dinner.

Since we had recently been to our go to restaurant Daedalus we decided to go to the Russell House Tavern. We had been there once before, during opening weekend, and it had been enjoyable. We weren't able to get a table outside but they did have seats downstairs in the dining room.

That was strike one. We followed the hostess downstairs and she sat us at a high-top table for two even though there were lots of empty tables. There was even a table for two in the corner. I'm not a huge fan of high-top tables and I especially don't like them when I'm trying to relax on a Friday night. This table was removed from any of the funky lighting they have down there so we were also in the dark. What really got to me was that a few minutes after we sat down they sat a party of two at a big four person table.

We had a very strange waiter, at one point he referred to JO as a "puppy" because he thought he looked so young. He even acted surprised when we said we had been to the restaurant before responding, "And you came back?" Most of the complaints on yelp are about the service. This guy wasn't bad but he wasn't good either.

We decided to order the "wine on tap" just because we couldn't pass up the chance to say we had tried wine on tap. We didn't have very high expectations for it but it was really horrible. It was like drinking a wine cooler. It really shouldn't be on the menu but I can't blame our bad wine on the restaurant... we knew better than to order wine on tap.

I really like the idea behind this restaurant, fresh local ingredients and all domestic drinks. I can really appreciate that, but it seems like most of the dishes sound delicious except for the one "strange" ingredient like sumac honey. I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to eating out but this place pushes my limits. I ordered a burger and JO got some sort of yogurt chicken and cucumber sandwich. We got a short-rib wellington appetizer.

The appetizer was cooked very nicely, the meat was super tender. That being said I had to give the place a second strike for the amount of salt they used in the dish. Unfortunately, the rest of the food was also overly salty. I could feel my insides puckering up. Even my pickle was extra salty and super spicy.

Third strike came when my burger arrived. It was also rather pink but the strange lighting made it hard to tell for sure. I loaded up on fries and ate the bits of the burger I felt were safe. When we got outside with the leftovers we realized just how pink it really was.

I don't remember the last time I left the Square disappointed in an evening. I might go back to this place in the winter to enjoy the bar, but I don't think I'll be eating there much.

The 47 Bus

I had to take a trip to Boston University today to clear up a mistake with a tuition bill I received. I had absolutely no interest in driving there at 3:30 in the afternoon, and it was way to gross out to urban hike over there, so I took the 47 bus from Central Square.

As I was riding on the bus I got this strange feeling. It took me a while to place it but I finally realized that this was the bus I took to school everyday when I was little. My mom and I would walk to the corner of our street, hop on the bus, and get off at the Morse School. I remember being super scared that I would need to take the bus by myself, but that never happened :-) I called my mom to confirm, and indeed I was right.

It was a fun little trip down Memory Lane and made the annoying trip over to BU somewhat more tolerable.

Cape Escape

Typically I like to take advantage of the city on long weekends, but this Memorial Day weekend we rented a house on the Cape with our good friends. I'm so glad we did. It was a weekend filled with flip flops, the beach, and lots and lots of relaxing! I haven't been so excited for a get away in a long time.