The Beantown Bloggery

Hiatus

2013-07-28T22:37:00.001-04:00

The 'ol day job is interfering with things. So, i'm going to be taking a break from the Bloggery. Will be back soon, hopefully.

Taste of Provincetown - 7/20

2013-07-15T23:26:00.000-04:00

The Taste of Provincetown

Boston chef Tiffani Faison, contestant on Season 1 of Bravo's Top Chef and chef/owner of highly-praised Sweet Cheeks BBQ, will sample food from 20 different Provincetown restaurants and judge a live cooking challenge featuring secret ingredients, at the annual event The Taste of Provincetown on July 20.

Date:

Saturday, July 20, 2013 - 6:00pm

Location:

Provincetown Town Hall 260 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657

Click (here) to get tickets.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

The Wizard of Oz @ North Shore Music Theatre - Starts 7/16

2013-07-14T20:14:00.000-04:00

I watched that new Wizard of Oz movie a couple weeks ago. The one with James Franco. It wasn't very good. I thoroughly enjoyed Wicked, though, back in the day when I saw it. Kind of makes me want to rewatch the original. Or, perhaps swing by the North Shore Music Theatre's upcoming production.

Click (here) to get tickets.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

1000 Words: Tanglewood Opening Night - 7/5

2013-07-07T19:29:00.000-04:00

The Boston Symphony Orchestra celebrated the start of the 2013 season at Tanglewood with an All-Tchaikovsky Opening Night concert at Tanglewood on Friday, July 5, at 8:30 p.m. in the Koussevitzky Music Shed. The gala summer event featured renowned violinist Joshua Bell.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

All You Can Eat BBQ at Tico - 7/14

2013-07-07T19:28:00.002-04:00

So I'm trying out the new Fast Diet (the one where you fast 2 out of 7 days a week). It's more so because I want to see if it will finally help me go from "slightly high" cholesterol to "normal" but it's also helped me lose a few lbs so far a well.

I'm going to get blood work done in about two months (I will have been on the diet for 4) and see how it goes. But I digress. What I wanted to say was, 7/14 is not going to be one of my fasting days. $25 for all you can eat bbq? I'm going to crush it.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Shakespeare on the Common: Two Gentlemen of Verona

2013-07-01T19:55:00.002-04:00

One of Greater Boston's most beloved traditions, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's “Free Shakespeare On The Common” celebrates its 18th season with the comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Inspired by Rat Pack-era Vegas, this production brings together the talents of CSC’s Artistic Director Steve Maler, music director Colin Thurmond and choreographer Yo-el Cassell. Playing July 6 - 28, 2013, performances are free and open to the public.

The production will feature 12 actors, a five piece jazz combo 24 acting apprentices, and 4 dogs. A jazz trio comprised of NEC students led by pianist Evan Allen (B.M. ’13), will be integrated into the narrative of the play, performing classic jazz standards inspired by Rat-Pack era Vegas, including “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fever,” “Change Partners” and “Witchcraft.” During the course of the play, the actors will sing and play along with this core trio, telling the classic Shakespeare story with a twist bringing new meaning to line “What happens in Milan, stays in Milan.”

William Shakespeare’s The Two Gentleman of Verona tells the tale of two friends who leave their hometown of Verona to find their happy fortunes in Milan. Instead, they find temptation, trickery, and trouble as they vie for favor with the high-society Duke... and his debutante daughter. All are drawn into a web of disguise and secrecy where the last thing anyone wants is for the truth to surface - least of all the dog.

Click (here) for more info.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Presale: Beyonce - Friday 6/28

2013-06-27T22:56:00.000-04:00

Click (here) to get tickets.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

15th Annual Roxbury International Film Festival - Starts 6/27

2013-06-25T22:06:00.001-04:00

Boston, MA – Celebrating its 15 Film Festival, New England’s largest film festival of celebrating people of color premieres Thursday, June 27 and runs through Sunday, June 30, 2013.

“It is always exciting to hit a milestone and 15 years of providing amazing films celebrating people of color to the Boston area is one that makes us very proud," said Lisa Simmons, Director of RIFF. “It’s been a long road to get to where we are today and this year’s festival especially honors those films and filmmakers who were with us in the beginning while also celebrating the next crop of talented filmmakers."

Screenings will be held at the following venues:

• Northeastern University
• The Haley House Bakery Café
• The Massachusetts College of Art and Design
• The Museum of Fine Arts
• The Coolidge Corner Theatre

Click (here) for more info.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Boston Meatball Takedown @ The Armory - 6/30

2013-06-24T21:45:00.004-04:00

I'm back. Finally. New apartment, nicer apartment. And will do my best to get back to blogging. First order of business: Meatballs!

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Moving Apts = No Posts

2013-06-12T08:23:00.001-04:00

In the midst of packing my life into boxes. No posts til sometime next week when I have Internet again. Sorry!

Free: Donut from Dunkin Donuts - 6/7

2013-06-04T23:15:00.002-04:00

My boss drinks tea from Dunkin' Donuts literally every morning. On his way in, without fail, he gets his tea. Coming up on Friday, he may as well get a donut with his tea ... (and then give me the donut).

Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee, donuts and baked goods, today announced that it will be honoring National Donut Day, celebrated this year on Friday, June 7, with a sweet offer to make the holiday extra special and fun. On June 7, participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide will offer guests a free donut of their choice (while supplies last) with the purchase of any beverage. This special donut offer is also available to Dunkin’ Donuts guests in 31 countries across the globe, marking the brand’s first-ever worldwide donut celebration.

Donut lovers have other reasons to look forward to June at Dunkin’ Donuts, as the brand today also unveiled new Summer Fruit Donuts to celebrate the season. Dunkin’ Donuts’ new Summer Fruit Donuts are available in two fun fruit flavors: Lemonade, featuring a yeast shell filled with lemon flavored filling, frosted with white icing, and topped with lemonade bark; and Key Lime, featuring a yeast shell, filled with key lime flavored filling, frosted with white icing and finished with a graham cracker topping. Both new donuts are available through August at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, beginning June 3.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

1st Ever Cambridge Food Truck Festival - 6/8

2013-06-03T22:35:00.001-04:00

Food Truck Festivals of New England will be rolling into Kendall Square on June 8^th!

Food Truck Festivals of New England is pleased to announce the first-ever Cambridge Food Truck Festival at Kendall Square on Saturday, June 8^th. Over 20 of the area’s best food trucks will all be there serving everything from gourmet grilled cheese to lobster mac & cheese to brown sugar marinated hotdogs to spicy Asian noodles and homemade ice cream sandwiches. Cambridge will also kick-off the Food Truck Festivals of New England season, which includes 6 festivals in total, throughout the state of Massachusetts and concluding in Newport, RI in October.

The Cambridge Food Truck Festival will run from 11:00am – 5:00pm and will feature children’s activities, sampling tables and entertainment, in addition to food trucks from all over New England. Partial proceeds from the Cambridge Food Truck Festival will benefit the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts.

Participating trucks* include:

Area Four Lobsta Love

Baja Taco Truck Mei Mei Street Kitchen

Bon Me M&M BBQ Ribs

Boston Super Dog Newburyport Crab Cake Company

Chubby Chickpea Mobile Pennypackers

Compliments Roxy’s Grilled Cheese

The Dining Car Sweet Tomatoes

Frozen Hoagies Taco Party

Fugu Trolley Dogs

Grilled Cheese Nation The Whoo(pie) Wagon

Kickass Cupcakes The Sweet Truck by Flour Girls Baking Co.

All trucks will be serving sample portions as well as full meals. Menu items will be announced next week.

Click (here) for more info.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Oyster Monday @ The Barking Crab - 6/3

2013-06-02T23:35:00.002-04:00

Someone emailed me last week asking why I don't post many reviews anymore, or personal anecdotes about me being out and about. And instead just post events that get sent to me.

First off, apologies for shifting the blog in that direction. But, the 'ol day job (which i switched into about two years ago) has been getting increasingly time consuming. It leaves me little time to get out there and really do any field reporting, let alone get thru the 300-400 emails I get each day.

As many of you know, Bostonist shut down about a year and a half ago. They were a lot more 'business' oriented than I am - and probably realized they couldn't make enough money to sustain it as a business. For me this has been a hobby, one that I started six years ago. I'm going to try to do the best that I can to keep things going.

Enough whining, let's go get some oysters!

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Review: Exec Cleaning & Coupon Code for $40 Off

2013-05-29T20:47:00.001-04:00

The folks over at Exec Cleaning contacted me recently and asked if I'd be willing to check out their new cleaning service. My apartment, always in some state between "sorta dirty" and "filthy", needed a cleaning, so I readily agreed to give it a whirl.

The signup process was simple, the website was clean and easy to navigate, and I enjoyed the convenience of being able to schedule the cleaning using their online calendar. My cleaning was schedule for this past Sunday morning at 9am. Here's a play by play

At 8:15am, I received a text message saying that the cleaners were on the way.

At 8:50am, I received a call from an Exec employee saying that one of the two cleaners was going to be a little late. And that they may have to stay longer than originally scheduled. I said that was fine.

At 9:00am. one of the cleaners arrived. She was professional and apologized that the other person was going to be late. I didn't mind too much, it just meant more work for the first person.

At 10:30am, the second cleaner arrived. She apologized profusely for being late and got to work. Again, it didn't really bother me that much; it wasn't me doing the cleaning

At noon, they both told me that they needed to leave for their next job, but had not yet finished cleaning my apartment. There were still two bathrooms that had not been cleaned yet. They assured me, though, that they would come back afterwards to finish.

I appreciated their commitment, but was a little bit annoyed because I had plans in the afternoon that I had to cancel so that I could be back in the afternoon to let them in again.

At 4pm, they returned and finished the job.

Overall, they were professional and courteous and did a good job cleaning the apartment. Obviously, the timing thing was a bit of a pain - but I'm sure it was an isolated incident. In comparing them to my usual cleaners, I think they did just as good of a job cleaning. A few things weren't done, like the windows, but those are mostly details that I don't really care that much about. In terms of cost, my usual cleaners charge $150 and Exec was $177. Disclaimer: they comped this cleaning for me as part of the review. I think Exec has a great service. I particularly like that they've brought cleaning into the 21st century with an easy and convenient online scheduling system.

Click (here) to check out Exec and see if they're right for you.

PS. They gave me a coupon code for $40 off for you guys, coupon code: beantown

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

1000 Words: Ben & Jerry’s and Samuel Adams Tasting

2013-05-27T20:31:00.000-04:00

From 5/22. Two of New England’s cherished companies – Ben & Jerry’s and Samuel Adams – came together for a tasting event that featured wicked good pint pairings, including icy cold Beer Floats.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Burger Bash @ Watertown Friendly's - 6/2

2013-05-27T12:26:00.000-04:00

Friendly’s in Watertown to Host ‘Burger Bash’
Enjoy Music, Face Painting, Balloon Artists and Burger Samples as Local Celebrity Judges Choose the Winner of Friendly’s Build Your Own Burger Contest

WHO: A panel of local celebrity judges including Bridget Blythe, Co-Anchor of NECN’s “The Morning Show,” Kirk Minihane, Co-Host of WEEI’s “Dennis and Callahan,” and Scott Kearnan, Writer for Zagat.com; three burger contestants, who will be competing to be named the winner of the Burger Bash, and hundreds of local residents.

WHAT: On Sunday, June 2, Friendly’s on Arsenal Street in Watertown, MA, will host a Burger Bash where three pre-selected contestants will present their own burger creation to a panel of local celebrity judges, while competing to win a $100 gift card to Friendly’s and the opportunity to have their burger creation featured as a limited time offering at their local Friendly’s restaurant.

During the month of May, National Hamburger Month, Friendly’s hosted an online “Build Your Own Burger,” contest where fans of Friendly’s were encouraged to submit an original burger creation by selecting their preferred bread, protein, cheeses and toppings from an approved list of ingredients and accompaniments. Friendly’s chose their three favorite contestant creations to participate in the official Burger Bash, where they will make their burger for a panel of judges. The winning burger will be determined on the judging criteria of creativity, taste, and presentation.

Friendly’s invites local residents to attend the Burger Bash and enjoy complimentary mini burgers (during the first hour of the event), face painting, balloon artists and music from a live DJ, as they watch the three contestants prepare their burger creations for the judges.

WHEN: Friendly’s Burger Bash, Sunday, June 2, 2PM-4PM
**Complimentary mini burgers will only be served from 2PM-3PM**

WHERE: 560 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

16th Annual Chefs in Shorts - 6/14

2013-05-21T22:52:00.001-04:00

16th Annual Chefs in Shorts event
Friday, June 14, 2013
7:00-9:30pm
$70 per person

The 16th annual Chefs In Shorts event brings together a group of the area’s leading chefs who will fire up the grills and create their favorite dishes during this outdoor, summer-in-the-city barbecue. Join some of the city’s most talented chefs for a night of grill-offs and fun.

This year’s confirmed chefs include the following:

Paul Wahlberg
Robert Tobin
Tim Cuniff
Jay Silva
Joshua Smith
Mark Sapienza
Nicholas Calias
William Kovel
Jonathan Gilman
Justin Winters
Rodney Murillo
Derek Barragan
Corey Johnson & Jeffrey Stevens
Eric Campbell
Sara Ross
Andy LaVallee
Luke Beardslee
Ranveer Brar
Philip Rotondo
Karen Hodsdon
Richard Rayment
Jose Duarte
Mark Porcaro
Adie Sprague
Andy Husbands
Keenan Langlo

Click (here) to get tickets.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

1st Annual Taste of Faneuil Hall - 5/23

2013-05-20T21:13:00.005-04:00

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

30% Off at Puma - 5/23

2013-05-19T20:05:00.003-04:00

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

1000 Words: StyleFixx 2013

2013-05-19T20:02:00.003-04:00

Bloggery media rep MG swung by the Stylefixx (here) event earlier this month. Here's what she had to say:

Upon arriving at Cyclorama for the StyleFixx event, my girlfriends and I were immediately blown away by the amazing atmosphere. With great music and complimentary cocktails, this event puts the party in shopping. After grabbing a glass of champagne from the bar, we picked up our Swag bags filled with fun goodies and headed to explore all the featured boutiques, brands and designers. There was plenty to see and try! We found some cute summer dresses and tasted desserts from Finale. There were also vendors offering free makeovers, manicures, and massages. StyleFIXX was the perfect way to spend an evening. Definitely worth checking out with your girlfriends!

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld Concerts in the Courtyard Summer Series 2013

2013-05-13T21:14:00.000-04:00

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) has opened ticket sales for its 2013 Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld Concerts in the Courtyard Summer Series. The series of outdoor, evening concerts offers an exciting range of music from local favorites to bands with international roots. All concerts take place outside in the MFA’s Calderwood Courtyard on evenings as listed from June 26–August 28, 2013 (if it rains, concerts are moved inside to Remis Auditorium). Bravo Restaurant also opens their outdoor balcony for premium seating.

June 26: Orfeas
July 3: Emeline Michel
July 10: Yemen Blues
July 17: Fatoumata Diawara
July 31: Patty Larkin
August 7: Peter Yarrow
August 14: C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band
August 15: Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge
August 21: La Santa Cecilia
August 28: Juanito Pascual

Tickets are $24 for members, seniors, and students and $30 for nonmembers.

More information here.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Taste of Somerville - 5/21

2013-05-12T16:28:00.000-04:00

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce’s Dining & Nightlife Group has announced that part of the proceeds from the annual Taste of Somerville will benefit RESPOND, Inc., the nation’s second oldest domestic violence agency. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 21^st at the Holiday Inn in Somerville. It features more than 30 area restaurants that provide samples of appetizers, entrees, pastries, desserts, wine and beer.

“As a nonprofit that’s been a part of Somerville since 1974, we love taking part in an event that allows people to experience the incredible flavors and cultures offered by this city’s dining scene while also supporting our mission to end domestic violence,” says RESPOND, Inc. Executive Director Jessica Brayden. “The Taste of Somerville is the perfect way to support both the important work that RESPOND does and the local restaurants that make this city a dining destination.”

“We are pleased to produce this event to benefit RESPOND, Inc. this year,” says Dave Flanagan co-owner of Foundry on Elm and Saloon, and Chair of the Somerville Chamber Dining & Nightlife Group. “The Taste of Somerville is a true community event. The restaurants serve amazing food, beers, and wines, and every ticket purchased benefits an important nonprofit that has served Somerville and its surrounding area for 39 years.”

Event Information

Tuesday, May 21^st, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Holiday Inn Somerville, 30 Washington St., Somerville

Click (here) to get tickets.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Free: MFA Memorial Day Community Weekend

2013-05-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

10 am–4:45 pm
Free all three days.

Join us for the MFA's Memorial Day Community Weekend to celebrate "Boston I Love." The MFA opens its doors—free of charge—to visitors from Boston and beyond for three days, May 25 to 27. Enjoy special exhibitions—including three paintings on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art—art making, gallery tours, family activities, and a community art project. All on-site contributions this weekend will be donated to The One Fund Boston.

Click (here) for more info.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

United Way's 6th Annual Spring Gala - 5/18

2013-05-08T21:22:00.002-04:00

UNITED WAY EMERGING LEADERS TO HOST 6th ANNUAL SPRING GALA

“EVENING WITH THE STARS”

Greater Boston’s highly anticipated emerging professionals event goes Old Hollywood and honors

Emerging Leaders Ambassador and New England Patriot Steve Gregory

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and its Emerging Leaders Steve Gregory, New England Patriots Player, United Way Emerging Leaders Ambassador and Honorary Event Chair
Rich DiMare, DJ, KISS 108 FM personality and event emcee

Space 57 at the Revere Hotel
200 Stuart Street, Boston

Saturday, May 18, 2013, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

TO ATTEND:
Purchase tickets online at http://el.supportunitedway.org/gala13 or
email el@supportunitedway.org for more info
$100 single; $90 for two (each); $85 for group purchase of 6 or more

Old Hollywood (1920s-1950s) formal wear encouraged, but not required. It's time to evoke Hollywood glamour by stepping out in your best formal wear! United Way Emerging Leaders and Honorary Event Chairs, New England Patriots player Steve Gregory and his wife, Rosanne, are inviting civic-minded young professionals from Greater Boston and the Merrimack Valley to join the Emerging Leaders on Saturday, May 18th, at The Revere Hotel’s Space 57 -- a grand event venue that will host more than 400 of Boston's most fabulous young philanthropists.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Ministry of Supply Sample Sale - 5/11

2013-05-07T22:32:00.003-04:00

Just found out that Ministry of Supply is a menswear company out of MIT and you guys all know how much I love MIT and local business. So if you're around this weekend, check out their sample sale.

PS. To my unborn children, you're all going to attend MIT.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com