W Lounge Review

W LOUNGE @ W HOTEL BOSTON 

My Opinions:  The bar scene is quite fun (even after all these months) and boasts an interesting mix of well-dressed local professionals, travelers, and socialites.

The drinks are decent with a stocked bar of all the higher-end bottles, and the service is great if you sit at the bar, but expect to wait if you're at one of the lounge tables or couches. The food is tasty, and it's nice that you can order Market's restaurant menu in addition to the bar bites.

To note: the valet pricing has become more reasonable! Make sure you get your ticket validated if you eat here for a reduced price.

Desirability: 5 of 6 acclamations

     Try:  Salmon Sashimi - Scallop Sashimi
     Skip:  Desert

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Shrimp Salad - Salmon Sashimi - Scallop Sashimi - Lobster Pizza - Cheddar Fritters - Truffle Fontina Pizza – Mozzarella Pizza - Rice Tuna - Cookies and Confections – MARKET Cheeseburger – Warm Chocolate Cake

Most Recent Visit: 6/11/2011
Amount Visited: 50+
Experiences: Bar

Address: 100 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116
Website: starwoodhotels.com/whotels  Phone: (617) 261-8700
Social Networking:  Twitter @WBostonHotel  -  Facebook /W Hotels

Older Posts:  April 2010  -  February 2010  -  January 2010

Outside Dining Picks in Boston (2011)

Now that the warm weather is here and it's staying lighter out later, all people want to do is shed clothing layers, people watch and dine outside. Open windows/doors are great, but here, I'm only talking about my favorite outside dining spots that have it all - delicious food, beautiful views, attentive service, and me!

Eastern Standard  :  528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 02215 (617) 532-9100 (easternstandardboston.com)
     Because: It's opened year round, has lots of tables, hosts fun social events, and attracts a classy professional crowd.

Ristorante Fiore's Roof Deck  :  250 Hanover St., Boston, 02113 (617) 371-1176 (ristorantefiore.com)
     Because:  The best roof deck spot in the North End that has a bit of everything - outside dining tables, bar high-tops, a dedicated bar, and an assortment of naturally infused spirits.

Gaslight Brasserie du Coin  :  560 Harrison Ave., Boston, 02118 (617) 422-0224 (gaslight560.com)
     Because:  For lunch or an after-work drink this is a popular South-End spot. The free parking and occasional social events are an added bonus.

Hamersley's Bistro  :  553 Tremont St., Boston, 02116 (617) 423-2700 (hamersleysbistro.com)
     Because:  You'll feel like your in a Parisian Bistro. They usually have happy hour events, they do a great job with the layout (adorned with lights and greenery), and the service is still as good as it is inside.

Rowes Wharf Sea Grille at the Boston Harbor Hotel  :  70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, 02110 (617) 856-7744 (roweswharfseagrille.com)
     Because: Blues Barge is one of the biggest things I look forward to in the summer that provides fabulous entertainment and cultivates a very fun crowd.

Sam's at Louis  :  60 Northern Ave., Boston, 02110 (617) 295-0191 (samsatlouis.com)
     Because: The beachy-feel with a view of Rowes Wharf is wonderful ... especially at sunset!

Stephanie's on Newbury  :  190 Newbury St., Boston, 02116 (617) 236-0990 (stephaniesonnewbury.com)
     Because:  It's a classic spot with the best people-watching perches around.

The Yard at the Liberty Hotel  :  215 Charles St., Boston, 02114 (617) 224-4000 (libertyhotel.com)
     Because:  This is the place to mix, mingle and shine. It's one of the few places Bostonians still get dressed up to go to and I love that! The chic lounge furniture is a nice add-on too.

Radius Bar & Restaurant Review

RADIUS

Notables:
* Formal	* Excellent Service	* Excellent Food & Wine
* Pricey	* Valet	* After-Work Hot Spot

My Opinions: This is one of my choice bars to enjoy an after work drink at! During the week, from 5-7pm, you'd think it was Saturday night - the places fills as quickly as it empties though, so plan to get there around 5 for optimal mingling.

I was able to snag a lounge table and enjoy some great dishes ... the burger is amazing (with multiple food awards to backup my opinion), but the oysters on the half shell and cheeses were not my favorite. I was pleased that the service in the lounge was just as good as in their dining room. And, I enjoyed their mixed drinks tonight (strong & fresh ingredients) just as much as I enjoy their impressive wine/bubblies list.

Radius remains to be a Boston-Classic in the Financial District, and one of my favorite restaurants around. The service is impeccable complimented by excellent food quality and elegant flavors. An added plus is the sexy rotund room layout, simple/clean decor, and private room option downstairs.

I'm a big fan of Via Matta and Altastrada (MGM Grand location) as well, members of Michael Schlow's restaurants, so try them all!

Desirability: 6 of 6 acclamations

     Try:  Burger - Seared Cod

     Skip:  Cheese Plate - Rice Pudding

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Radius Burger - Tuna Sashimi - Cheese Plate - Steak Tartare - Buffalo Mozzarella Salad - Pan Seared Cod - Lamb Ravioli - Maine Crab Salad – Sweetbreads – Foie Gras – Chilled Maine Lobster – Bass – Organic Chicken – Rib Eye - Loin of Lamb - Boston Creme Donuts - Cookie Plate - Sorbets - Chocolate Cake - Oysters on the Half Shell

Most Recent Visit: 5/12/2011
Amount Visited: 80+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 8 High Street, Boston, MA 02110
Website: www.radiusrestaurant.com/  Phone: (617) 426-1234
Social Networking:  Facebook /Radius Restaurant Group  -  Twitter @RadiusBoston

Older Radius Posts:  March 2011  -  July 2010  -  March 2010  -  November 2009

Broad Street Bistro Review (Formerly Caliterra)

BROAD STREET BISTRO @ the Hilton

My Opinions: CH-CH-CH-Changes. Oh to list the changes they have made would be to highlight the things that have made me fall out of love with this place.

To be fair, it's not all bad, but here's what I will miss most:

1. Wine Glasses: They have substituted their tall, delicately clinking, swirling-friendly stemware with tiny chintzy glasses (one size fits all) that have an obvious marker to guage the size of the pour.
2. Wine list: I guess to compliment the cheaper glasses, they had to get cheaper wines ... no more Louis Martini Cabernet for me.
3. Menu: How I will miss the delicious herloom tomato salad and spinach tortellini the most. 
4. Bottled Water: I always looked forward to being refreshed by a large bottle of Pelligrino - now I dread a glass of water carbonated by a machine that pumps in bubbles bigger than marbles.
5. Salt & Pepper: I liked the grinders, and sea salt is all the rage now because its healthier and tastes better, but those are gone and you're stuck with small plain shakers.
6. Napkins: Watch out for the lint ... the white cloth got all over my black pants ... and stuck on my lips (gross).
7. Breakfast: Say goodbye to the nice buffet spread they hosted every morning.
8. Portion Size: It went from satisfactorally-filling to guess-I'm-being-forced-to-diet.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Breakfast Buffet - Sliders - Cheese Fries - Spinach Tortellini Pasta - Chicken lettuce Wraps – Mediterranean Pizza - Wild Mushroom Pizza – Pepperoni Pizza – Heirloom Tomato Salad – Filet Mignon Sandwich – Penne with Shrimp - Chicken Panini – Turkey Panini - Cookies & Ice Cream - Tiramisu - Strawberry Shortcake

Patronage Inclination:  Fleeting

Most Recent Visit:  5/03/2011
Amount Visited: 75+
Experiences:  Breakfast, Dinner, Bar

Address: 89 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02110
Website: http://www.caliterrarestaurant.com/  Phone: (617) 348-1234
Social Networking: Twitter @CaliterraBoston 

Older Caliterra Posts:  February 2011  -  January 2011  -  December 2010  -  August 2010  -  June 2010  -  March 2010  -  February 2010  -  September 2009

Kupel's Bakery Review

KUPEL'S BAKERY

My Opinions: When on the hunt for some Kosher food, this place is IT. Though small and unassuming, and ignoring that I was relentlessly hit on by the employees (my appetite went down a bit), the baked good were delicious!

I did have a bagel, and, yes, they are good - moist and flavorful with a large variety of cream cheese options. The coffee was decent, but you should only go out of your way to come here if you want some traditional baked goods. I am looking forward to my next bagel run!

As a plus: they had some pastry for sale that supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month through Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer!

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Poppy Seed Homentaschen - Apricot Homentaschen - Raspberry Homentaschen - Cinnamon Bubkie - Chocolate Muffin - Black and White Half-Moon - Everything Bagel w/Plain Cream Cheese - Chocolate Chip Rugallah

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit:  5/03/2011
Amount Visited:  1

Address: 421 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Website kupelsbakery.com  Phone: (617) 566-9528
Social Networking:  Facebook /Kupel's Bakery  -  Twitter @Kupels

Menton Restaurant Review

MENTON 

My Opinions: Before dinner, I really like stopping by Drink bar, below next door - it helps me get my appetite going before the foodfest in Menton begins.

Tonight, the service was perfectly formal (per usual) and the food was delicious. They have added another layer to their pre-fix. Now you can choose from a 3, 4 or 7 course dinner. The 4-course plus cheese plate is the perfect pick for me. And, they have a wonderful wine list complete with a hearty champagne section - I have been very pleased with all the bottles I've tried. I must note that the desserts are getting better, but still an afterthought that I taste but never finish.

I had a tour of the Chef's Table before dinner and thought it was "okay". To have a seating here, you need to meet a customary food/beverage minimum, but it doesn't seem like there's much room to customize your dinner menu, which is disappointing. I had all unique dishes prepared for my dinner party at Asana's Chef's Table, an element that made it truly special. You will get a decent view of the action going on in the kitchen, but there's a lot of space to the right that you don't have a clear view of from the table. I found the room a little bland, and I didn't like the long rectangular layout for conversational/mingling reasons. Also, I was surprised that the chairs lining half of the long table were not as nice as the ones out in the main dining room (they didn't even have seat cushions). Hmmm, I'm not going to go out of my way to book this room, but I certainly wouldn't complain if I ended up here either.

     Try:  Kataifi Wrapped Langoustines - Cheese Plate
     Skip:  n/a

Most Recent Visit: 5/01/2011
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Dinner

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Address: 354 Congress Street Boston, MA 02210
Website: mentonboston.com  Phone: (617) 737-0099
Social Networking:

Older Posts:  February 2011  -  November 2010  -  April 2010

Mooo Restaurant & Bar Review

MOOO @ XV Beacon Hotel

My Opinions:  Had a great casual Friday evening here with some good wine, good-looking company, and satisfying eats. I know this is considered a meat restaurant, but their seafood is always sooo good! I had the tower of seafood tonight and the crab meat was sweet, the lobster tail was cooked to perfection, and I went crazy over the jumbo shrimp cocktail - YUMMY.

The bar was not as busy as my last visit, probably because Fridays are typically date nights, but during the week it can get quite crowded with an after-work, "mature" crowd, who is looking to blow off steam.

This place is a bit expensive, but worth it. It has a great variety of menu items, an extensive wine list, a soothing decor, and wonderful service.

     Try:  Tuna Tartare - Steaks
     Skip:  Hamburger - Beet Salad

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Seafood Platter - Truffle Fries - Hamburger - Sushi Grade Tuna Tartare - Beet Salad - Kobe Beef Dumplings - Filet Mignon - Dry Aged New York Sirloin 35 Days – Endive Salad - Heirloom Tomato, Creamy Blue Cheese, Bacon - Caviar - Exotic Mushroom Mix - Side Flight

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Most Recent Visit: 4/29/2011
Amount Visited: 15+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
Website: http://www.mooorestaurant.com/  Phone: (617) 670-2515
Social Networking:  Facebook /Mooo Restaurant

Previous Posts:  January 2011  -  December 2010  -  January 2010

Andalus Pizza & Cafe Review

ANDALUS PIZZA & CAFE

My Opinions: It's been a challenge to find a good pizza place in the Allston/Brighton area that had good pizza, fresh clean salads, and plump subs all in one place. Finally, I found a spot that delivers ... literally.

I was exhausted from celebrating Easter, and just wanted something to counter balance my sugar high, and Andalus was one of the few places whose menu looked appetizing and was still opened for delivery. I was pleasantly surprised to get quick and friendly delivery service, warm food that tasted good, and a great salad (something that most places I've tried in the area have failed miserably at getting right).

I'm looking forward to ordering take-out from here again!

     Try:  Greek Salad - Pizza - Steak & Cheese Sub

     Skip:  Chicken Fingers

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/24/2011
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences:  Delivery

Address: 153 Sutherland Rd, Brighton, MA 02135
Website: andalusbrighton.com  Phone: (617) 277-5400
Social Networking: Facebook /Andalus Pizza & Cafe

Sportello Restaurant Review

Sportello 
My Opinions:  I'm slowly fulfilling my Dining Dreams 2011 - tonight was my first place to check off of the list.

This dining-area layout (bright white, stools and a diner-style countertop) definitely wakes you up and makes you take notice. I was excited to have a casual meal, then ... holy sodium overload! The food was good, you could tell everything was fresh, but there was so much salt on everything that my tongue got numb - it didn't do the food justice. Even the salad (that had dressing on the side) was a salt lick.

I did really like their bakery section (this, I would frequent)! I may come back to try lunch, but I'm not interested in doing another dinner here. Oh well, I'll stick to Menton for dinner ... in fact, I'm headed back there May 1st!

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Fennel Salad - Spicy Tomato Soup - Tagliatelle

Patronage Inclination: Fleeting

Most Recent Visit: 4/21/2011
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences: Dinner

Address: 348 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Website: http://www.sportelloboston.com/ Phone: (617) 737-1234
Social Networking: Twitter @SportelloBoston

Exhale Spa (Boston) Review

EXHALE SPA

My Opinions:  Congrats on opening up its newest location in Battery Wharf! I am looking forward to trying out the extra large yoga studios.

As a whole, this spa has impressed me. The layout is serene, the products used are quality, and the facilities are exceptionally maintained. They offer a great variety of services including yoga classes, acupuncture, lash extensions (what I primarily come here for), herbal cleansing, and more. The staff is always formal, well trained and kind. I am not impressed with the front desk's professionalism, but it's probably due to having a high turnover rate. Thankfully, they are a minimal part of the experience here.

To be fair, if you're looking for a wide variety of lash types and add-on products, then this place is not the right fit for you. If you're looking for luxurious surroundings, then opt for Exhale. Also, they can accept American Express cards and their lash fills are significantly cheaper than what's charged at LuxLash.

Experiences: Lash Application, Deep Tissue Massage, Body Glow, Yoga

Address:  28 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: exhalespa.com  Phone: (617) 532-7000
Social Networking: Twitter @ExhaleBoston  –  Facebook /ExhaleSpa

Previous Posts:  September 2010  -  August 2010

Dining Dreams - Restaurants to Experience in 2011

There are some restaurants that have eluded me for one reason or another ... a delayed opening, a difficult location, not enough room in my stomach, etc ... but this year I want to purge the excuses and put my mouth to work. Here's what I plan to conquer:

1. Temazcal Tequila Cantina (http://www.temazcalcantina.com/) in the Seaport District at 250 Northern Ave, Boston MA 02210
• Why: They tempted me with their sleek interior, extensive tequila list and yummy menus ... their reduced-price parking validation at LAZ doesn't hurt either.
2. Nubar (http://www.nubarcambridge.com/) in the Harvard Sq. area at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, 16 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
• Why: The interior looks sleek and there aren't many upscale options in the area.
3. 5 Napkin Burger (http://www.5napkinburger.com/) in the Copley Plaza at 105 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199
• Why: We all know I'm a sucker for a good burger, it's maintained a good reputation in New York, AND where else can you get sushi and a milk shake on the side?
4. Sportello (http://www.sportelloboston.com/) in the Seaport District at 348 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
• Why: Because I love carbs, I love Italian everything, and even though I don't have a huge sweet tooth, I love a good bakery counter ... oh, and I love all of Chef Barbara Lynch's ventures that I've tried.
5. Deuxave (http://www.deuxave.com/) in Back Bay at 371 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
• Why: I am a huge supporter of neighborhood gems, and this spot is close to an apartment I used to rent just out of college so it would be nostalgic to visit.
6. New England Soup Factory (http://www.newenglandsoupfactory.com/) at 2 Brookline Pl, Brookline, MA 02445
• Why: I heard that eating here warms your heart and feeds your soul ... they're also famous from-scratch soups that have won Best of Boston multiple times.

Now, who's dining with me?!?

No. 9 Park Restaurant & Bar Review

No. 9 Park

My Opinions: Tonight, I had the luxury of dining at the bar, and it was a wonderful experience - the service and formality was not sacrificed at all. You can also get most of the pre fix offerings a la carte, so I was well fed. The only thing that you can't get is the cheese cart wheeled over to you for its glorious presentation (disappointing, but not the end of the world).

Not only is the wine list comprehensive, the mixologists are phenomenal! They make creative cocktails with unique and quality ingredients. Don't miss out on getting a drink with the huge round ball of ice that fits perfectly in their old-fashioned glasses. I heard Citizen Public House in Fenway is now offering this cool treat too.

I've been coming here for years, and the food is consistently delicious - Chef Barbara Lynch does a great job (I am also a huge fan of Menton). The view by the windows overlooks the Boston Common, so request one of those tables when possible.

     Try:  Foie Gras - Pekin Duck

     Skip:  Bete Noire - Cremeux

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Salmon Carpaccio w/Quail Eggs - Terrine of Foie Gras - Oysters on the Half - Hearts of Palm – Chicken Foie Gras – Pekin Duck Breast – Petite Sirloin – Venison – Prune Stuffed Gnocchi - Chocolate Gateaux – Glace du Jour - Cremeux - Chocolate Bete Noire - Artisanal Cheeses

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/16/2011
Amount Visited: 20+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 9 Park Street, Boston, MA 02108
Website: http://www.no9park.com/  Phone: (617) 742-9991
Social Networking:

Previous Posts:  February 2011  -  January 2010

Clink Bar Review

Clink @ Liberty Hotel

My Opinions: This is a great spot for cocktails (the bartenders are on point), just get ready to be aggressive on approaching the bar, then order as many drinks as you can hold, tip well and start mingling! Thankfully, they do open up an additional smaller bar during the busy nights - you'll find it lining one of the walls and offering all the basic mixed drinks.

The crowd is handsome, well dressed, and diverse. The opened circular floor plan is liberating and encourages socializing. I like that the hotel still hosts a variety of special events all week long to keep it interesting and lively.

Update: The upper tier that looks down over the front desk is now opened to guests of the hotel and private parties.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Sampler of American Charcuterie – Frisee Salad – Wild Boar – Pappardelle Pasta – Organic Chicken - Vueve Clicquot Bar

Most Recent Visit: 4/14/2011
Amount Visited: 100+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Address: 215 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
Website: http://www.libertyhotel.com/  Phone: (617) 224-4004
Social Networking: Twitter @LibertyHotel - Facebook /Liberty-Beacon-Hill

Previous Posts:  November 2010  -  January 2010

Scampo Bar & Restaurant Review

Scampo at the Liberty Hotel

My Opinions: I had another chance to hang at the bar before dinner and noticed that some of the bartenders were using a jigger (a measuring tool) to make drinks ... that never sits well with me for a few reasons. The main reason is it looks like the bartender is inexperienced and insecure. The runner-up reason is that a drinker doesn't want to feel like they're not going to get a good drink. Let's be real, perception is a powerful thing, so when someone sees a little silver measuring cup in Boston, we roll our eyes and move on. When we see a long fluid pour that arcs into a glass, our eyes widen and wallets open (even if it's still the same alcohol content). Bartenders working here should know how to do a perfect pour without jigger training wheels.

On the upside, this was the first time I didn't have to wait to be seated past my reservation. The food is good, the service is okay (plan to exercise patience), and the patrons are a classy mix of Boston's who's who. Don't miss checking out the mozzarella bar.

To note: They offer a gluten free menu.

     Try:  Artichoke & Prosciutto Pizza
     Skip: Pork Chop

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Naan – Artichoke & Prosciutto Pizza – Lobster Pizza - Duck - Mahi Mahi - Spaghetti Bolognese – Brick Chicken – Mozzarella Bar w/Vine Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes

Patronage Inclination:  Fleeting

Most Recent Visit: 4/14/2011
Amount Visited: 25+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 215 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
Website: http://www.scampoboston.com/  Phone: (617) 536-2100
Social Networking:  Facebook /Scampo  -  Twitter @ScampoLiberty

Previous Posts:  November 2009

RumBa Bar Review

RumBa at the InterContinental Boston

My Opinions:  When I eat here, I usually order from the main menu and keep it to the sliders and salty snacks. Tonight, I was here to catch up with my friend and belatedly celebrate her birthday, so we decided to try some plates from Sushi-Teq and ... we were all disappointed by the quality and prep. The maki and sushi was chewy and served above room temperature, but to end on a better comment, the edamame was average! I'd stick to the RumBa bar menu ... next on my to-try-list is the Crab Cake.

I've been coming here since it opened and it's a great place to drink and socialize with an attractive mix of successful Bostonians and visitors. You can trust there will be a decent weekend crowd, just expect a smaller local group during the week. Though RumBa focuses on rum, and their mixed drinks tend to be on the too-sweet side, they do offer a full bar of all the high-end spirits so you can concoct your own glass of poison!

I still have yet to do an event in the Champagne Bar, the red-themed private room off of the bar that comfortably hosts a group of about 30 people, but I think I'll wait until they revamp their sound system and flat screen (to be done in the next few months).

     Try: Sliders 

     Skip: Sushi-Teq

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Brie Salad - Kobe Beef Sliders - Lobster Hush Puppies - St Tropez Crispy Calamari - Cairipirnhas - Mojitos - Pomme Frites

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/13/2011

Amount Visited:  45+

Experiences: Bar

Address: 510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

Website: www.intercontinentalboston.com/  Phone: (617) 747-1000

Social Networking:  Twitter @InterConBOS  -  Facebook /icboston

Previous Posts:  December 2010

Davio's Bar & Restaurant Review

Davio's

My Opinions: Any place that filters their water (yes, ice cubes and coffee included) is a friend of mine. Truth be told, I come here for the food, but the open kitchen, great service, and high-ceilings are a nice touch. I'm picky about where I order seafood, so when I come here I try to be a pescatarian because everything is fresh and cooked to perfection.

Tonight, I sat at the beautiful bar and had a delicious unhurried dinner and drinks. They have a great wine list and their mixed drinks are always well made. I look forward to coming back soon to see how scene is for after-work drinks.

P.S. They offer a comprehensive Gluten-Free Menu for lunch and dinner.

     Try:  Everything (really)

     Skip:  Risotto

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Roasted Golden Beet Insalate - Grilled Swordfish - Baked Eggplant - Winter Squash Risotto - Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls – Fried Calamari - Bufala Mozzarella and Vineripe Tomatoes Salad – Gnocchi – Lobster Risotto – Free-Range Chicken – Prime Top Sirloin - Tagliatelle Bolognese - Braised Short Ribs - Apple Crostata

Most Recent Visit: 4/10/2011
Amount Visited: 60+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 75 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: http://www.davios.com/  Phone: (617) 357-4810
Social Networking: Facebook /Davio's Boston  -  Twitter @daviosboston 

Older Posts:  August 2010  -  January 2010

Cigar Masters Bar Review

Cigar Masters

My Opinions:  Saturday nights are hopping at Cigar Masters!

I was lucky to get a seat at the bar and enjoy a fairly-priced bottle of prosecco, a spicy cigar and great company. I was hoping they had my Classic Mint Nat Sherman cigarettes in stock, but I was out of luck on that one.

They have a decent wine/beer list, there's good conversation, comfy couches in the front and back, a handsome male-heavy crowd, and friendly cocktail waitresses. Also, the humidor sells a nice variety of smoke accessories, cigars and cigarettes with a knowledgeable attendant that can assist you with any questions.

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 1/09/2011
Amount Visited: 80+
Experiences: Bar

Address: 745 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: http://www.cigarmasters.com/  Phone: (617) 266-4400
Social Networking:  Twitter @Cigar_Masters  -  Facebook /Cigar Masters Boston

Previous Posts:  February 2011  -  September 2010  -  August 2010  -  June 2010  -  February 2010  -  January 2010

Towne Bar & Restaurant Review

Towne Stove and Spirits

My Opinions:  This place was slammed full tonight - WOW! I barely made it upstairs to the 3rd bar to get a drink and some food. Once served, I noticed that they have cut back on the quantity of menus they hand you - phew! Also, they did an overhaul of their desert menu ... the choices all sound good, so perhaps I'll dip my spoon in for one more try.

The bartenders are great, and I had great service (again!).  The crowd is still hopping every night of the week, so come get your flirt on! You'll find that people here also frequent Abe & Louie's and Sonsie.  Speaking of, I've actually been wondering how Sonsie is doing ...

     Try:  Bacon Sandwich - Lobster & Corn Pizza - Tadiq
     Skip:  Foie Gras - Mosaic

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Raw Bar - Tadiq - Iceberg/baby - Tuna Belly - Tartare - Crostini's - Lobster Popovers - Ravioli - Duck Crisp - Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza - Bacon Sandwich - Lobster & Corn w/Honeyed Ricotta Pizza - Foie Gras - Beet Carpaccio - Salmon - Peking Chicken - Beef Short Ribs Crisp Tender - Pavlova - Warm Dark Chocolate w/Cherry Gelato - Toasted Hazelnut - Baja Breeze - Frozen Vanilla Mosaic - Chocolate Pudding - Sorbet

Most Recent Visit:  4/09/2011
Amount Visited: 50+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215
Website: http://www.towneboston.com/  Phone: (617) 247-0400
Social Networking: Facebook /Towne Stove and Spirits  -  Twitter @TowneBoston

Older Posts:  December 2010  -  September 2010  -  August 2010

Bistro du Midi Bar & Restaurant Review

Bistro du Midi

My Opinions: I had another relaxing dinner here before my early morning flight to Colorado.

I wish they would go a bit easier on the sodium in the food, but everything still tasted great. (Yes, I got my standard order of Barbajans, a Beet Salad, and the Beef Daube.) The wine list was obliging, and I was excited to see that the gratis nougats have been replaced with a cute lollipop presentation (yay!).

The service was fantastic, per usual, so I had a wonderful time. To try: their Angus Burger ... I just believe it would be delicious!

     Try:  Barbajans - Beef Daube
     Skip:  Cheese Plate (go to Troquet instead) - Soufflés - Eggplant & Olive Dip

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Pork Belly - Barbajans - Parmesan & Black Olive Shortbreads – Fried Artichokes with Aïoli – Chestnut Soup – Calamari - Marinated Beet Salad – Poached Maine Lobster - Filet of Beef – Classic Provençal Beef Daube - Trio of Sorbets - Grand Marnier Soufflé - Chocolate Soufflé - Anis Pot de Crème - Warm Chocolate Fondant w/ Nougat Ice Cream - Eggplant & Olive Dip with Crostini - Croque Monsieur - Roasted Chicken Breast with Polenta - Chocolate and Pistachio Tart

Most Recent Visit: 4/05/2011
Amount Visited: 60+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination:  Occasion

Address: 272 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Website: http://www.bistrodumidi.com/  Phone: (617) 426-7878
Social Networking: Facebook /Bistro du Midi  -  Twitter @BistroDuMidi

Previous Posts:  January 2011  -  September 2010  -  June 2010 - May 2010 - March 2010 - January 2010

Eastern Standard Bar & Restaurant Review

EASTERN STANDARD

My Opinions:  Dinner here was great tonight. The food here is very good, and the service is attentive, but the star of this place is the bar and outside seating. It was busy per usual, boasting an extensive and (overly) creative drink list, a good looking mature crowd, and ever-patient, professional and friendly bartenders. They even have a tasty virgin drink list for the non-drinker or designated driver.

Insider hint: if you want a bar table, try to snag the 1st corner table by the host stand (it has the most booth seating and best view).

     Try:  ES Cubano
     Skip: Seared Salmon

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Oysters - Steak Tartare - Eggs Benedict - Frisee aux Lardons - Chicken Chopped Salad - Cubano - Standard Burger - Foie Gras - Charcuterie Plate - Breakfast Breads - Grilled Cheese - Fried Calamari - Grilled Swordfish - Roasted Chicken Breast - Hanger Steak Frites -  Pear, Duck Confit Flatbread - Chocolate Hazelnut Terrine - Panna Cotta - Steak and Cheese Sandwich

Most Recent Visit: 4/04/2011
Amount Visited: 100+
Experiences: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar

Patronage Inclination: Frequent

Address: 528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Website: easternstandardboston.com  Phone: (617) 532-9100
Social Networking: Twitter @ESKDboston  -  Facebook /Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks

Older Posts:   December 2010  -  July 2010  -  October 2009