Browsing Tag

Cambridge

BOSTON, RESTAURANTS

On the Town: Andala and Toscanini’s

I recently returned from a trip to the West Coast, where I frequently took comfort in cozy cafes and far too many sweet treats.  Still basking in vacation bliss, I was inspired to spend a weekend afternoon walking from the Back Bay, to Harvard Square.  During this jaunt, I popped into two local eateries in Central Square for small snacks or treats.  The result is a delicious snapshot of an afternoon savored in Cambridge.

Fresh Tabouli Salad Plate at Andala

I started the day by enjoying a light lunch at one of my favorite cafes, Andala in Central Square.  Inspired by Old Jerusalem, Andala has a great menu with light, yet flavorful plates for sharing, in addition to sandwiches, coffee and pastries.  It’s a great place for getting work done (don’t be surprised by the many local students lingering over their laptops), a casual date, meal with friends, or solo diner like myself.  As pictured below, I enjoyed a fresh Tabouli Salad Plate for $7.95.  Andala is located at 286 Franklin Street in Central Square, Cambridge.

Toscanini's Goat Cheese Brownie Ice Cream

Moving from savory to sweet, I celebrated (er, counterbalanced?) my day of walking with Toscanini’s Goat Cheese Brownie Ice Cream (see picture here).  Slightly tangy from the goat cheese yet sweet from the rich chocolate brownie chunks, I’d proceed with caution if you’re not a goat cheese fan.  Luckily, I adore goat cheese and really enjoyed this unique treat.  At $3.85 for one scoop, it’s a perfect treat for a foodie like myself who enjoys an opportunity to try unique flavors (next I want to try Salted Caramel and Bourbon).  Toscanini’s is located at 899 Main Street in Cambridge, near MIT.

BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE

The Weekend: October 8-11

Honk Festival 2009 by tshirtfiend from Flickr

With a long weekend upon us, there’s no time like the present to carve our a day or two to wander around Boston.  This weekend, my picks will have you rockin’ out with a great local band, rubbing elbows with fellow foodies, marching to the beat of a honk’n drum, and soaking up a ‘lil culture.  Sadly (or not so sadly), I’ll be on holiday in California wine country, which means that you’ll have to go out and enjoy these fab events for me!
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BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE

Thursday, April 1: Social Boston Sports Hosts 3rd Birthday Bash at Redline in Cambridge

by Frenchyme from Flickr

It’s their birthday and they’ll party if they want to!  Join Social Boston Sports (SBS), the community of young professionals who live, work and play in the Boston area, as they celebrate their third birthday at Redline in Cambridge on Thursday, April 1.

Kicking off at 8:00 p.m., Social Boston Sports will take over Redline for a private event featuring everything you’d expect from an adult birthday party – plus plenty of cake and raffle prizes.  Tickets to the event cost $10 and will not be sold at the door.  Tickets can be purchased at www.socialbostonsports.com.

Over the past three years, Social Boston Sports has grown from 50 friends and one sport league, to over 6,000 members, 13 unique sport leagues and numerous weekend adventure trips.

BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE, RECIPES, RESTAURANTS

Weekend Events in Boston Worth Braving the Bad Weather For

Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard by now that it is going to rain all weekend long. Repeat that – all weekend long. Allow yourself a sigh and invest in a sturdy umbrella because true Bostonians know that when the going gets tough, the tough go out on the town. Whether you have to trudge around in wellies, or splurge on a door-to-door taxi, here are a few weekend events that are worth fighting mother nature for:

 

splash !!! #1 by joe.laut from flickr

Saturday, March 13

Chocolate Bar at The Langham Hotel – 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Who needs lunch when you can eat sweets? I ask myself this daily. Nothing like 85 chocolate desserts to lift your spirits on a rainy day. Dubbed a “chocolate bar,” this all-you-can-eat sweet fest features everything from tiramisu to a North End inspired chocolate pizza. Calorie counters need not apply. Ticket prices are $38 for adults, $25 if you think you can pass yourself off as a kid.  For more information, click here.

Grand Opening of Royale Boston – 10:00 p.m. – Close

Located at 279 Tremont Street in the Theatre District, Royale Boston replaces The Roxy. Dubbed a nightclub and a live music venue, Saturday’s event boasts live music from All-American Rejects cutie Tyson Ritter, plus music from DJ Sizzahands. In case you thought that wasn’t enough, two playboy playmates will also be in the house. For more information about Royale Boston, please click here.

Sunday, March 14

Green Street in Central Square Host’s Boston Bartenders on the Rise – 7:00 p.m.

Imbibe is a delightful word, especially when paired with four up-and-coming Boston-area bartenders. If you’re able to handle four cocktails, plus a special welcome punch on a Sunday night, then pony up $40 to allow Carrie Cole of Craigie on Main, Evan Harrison of Deep Ellum, Bob McCoy of Eastern Standard and Emily Stanley of Green Street to pour, shake and serve to their heart’s content. Fear not, passed appetizers will also be dished out. Reservations are strongly suggested. For more information, please visit this highly informative article from DrinkBoston.com.

BOSTON, RESTAURANTS

L.A. Burdick, L’Aroma Most Coveted Cafe Tables in Cambridge and Boston

Following a piece on the do’s and don’ts of snagging a table at a busy cafe, Boston-based food and travel writer Gabi Logan shares her picks for the most coveted cafe tables in the city. These locals are so popular both for their coffee and ambiance that tables open up rarely and disappear quickly. If you can land a table here, you can land a table anywhere.

L.A. Burdick by Melissa Schneider, Flickr

L.A. Burdick (Harvard Square – Red Line)

The place is small, and the tables are smaller. Due to some persnickety next door neighbors, Burdicks’ tables have stools attached to the floor and no extra chairs are allowed, so unless you can squeeze several people into the booth side, you are in for an intimate one-on-one. However, the hot chocolate and pastries are some of the best in the city, so there really are few better cafes to get cozy with someone.

L’Aroma (Arlington – Green Line)

With its popular terrace closed for the winter, L’Aroma is another European-style cafe that maintains a very continental approach to personal space. Here you won’t even find stools at the terracotta inlaid cafe tables, but the curved window box area at the front is where you really want to plant yourself anyway. Order up a London Fog (steamed milk with vanilla and Earl Grey tea) or Affogato (espresso with gelato) and stay on the look out for a choice spot.

Luna Café (Central Square – Red Line)

But if you don’t want to battle to crowd, head to Luna Café in Central Square. They have wifi, solid food (especially the panini) and excellent coffee – be sure to take advantage of the special seasonal espresso beverages. Unless there is a band planning (late evening or sometimes on weekend brunch), you are practically guaranteed a table at one of the best secret spots in town.

Gabi Logan is a Boston-based food and travel writer. On the web, you can find her recommendations for affordable yet delicious food in Boston at the Examiner and The 30 Minute Dinner Party.