This article definitely gives one a lot to think about and posed a lot of questions. Like why did Starwood Hotels bring in a NYC based pr guy (who rubbed people the wrong way) to promote the W instead of going local? Also what happened to the subterrarean bar Descent that was supposed to open at the W Boston? Will the W take a cue from the Liberty Hotel playbook and begin to more aggressively embrace the city which surrounds it? Also what was Boston Magazine thinking when they used the W sign spell out "WTF" on the opening page of the article (as in WTF happened)?
Also what the heck happened to Boston Magazine? When I got it in the mail it felt more like the Improper Bostonian. I first thought it was just a specialty supplemental issue but then I realized it was the January one. I guess they are hurting from the economy, just like the residences at the W.
One thing is for sure though: The W is a vast improvement to the Theatre District neighborhood (it was a vacant parking lot before). Market by Jean-George is an excellent restaurant, and the W bar is a hot spot with talented bartenders. Even 7-11 has moved from the corner the article writes about. Boston is lucky that someone had the vision to build it and supply 200 jobs that weren't there before (even though it was harder to get a job there, than get into Harvard). I think over the W will sell all of those condos, even if its to wealthy families of the medical and dental students nearby. - Adam
Boston Magazine / What Happened to the W Hotel?
What Happened to the W Hotel?
Fourteen months ago, the W Hotel was the hottest property in the city. Today it has filed for bankruptcy protection.
By Michael Blanding
Posted on 12/26/10
WALK INTO THE RESTAURANT of the W hotel on a Thursday night, and the place is a cross section of status. The other marquee Theater District restaurants have only a few stragglers, but Market — opened by celeb chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten — is packed. Crossbeams throw shadows on clusters of white shirts and ties straight from the office. Three women in head-to-toe black are doing a girls’ night out over miso halibut. A Japanese businessman eats dinner solo, against floor-to-ceiling windows and netted curtains that are left open not so diners can look out on the tired flash of the Theater District, but so passersby can envy the privileged throng inside.
The abutting lobby bar is even more crowded. “Come on, let’s go get drunk,” announces one thirtysomething emerging from the bathroom. “I’m already too drunk to fix my makeup,” whines her companion, a bright-red streak of quite fixable lipstick on her cheek supporting her claim. Liquidy techno drips from the speakers above the bar, drowning out the banter as finance guys hit on cocktail waitresses while lovelies in skirts too young for them lounge immodestly against purple feathered pillows. The Patrón flows.
To the out-of-towner — and there are many here — this is as cool as it gets in Boston. Indeed, when the W Boston Hotel and Residences opened in October 2009, it was the most anticipated debut in the city since the new Ritz-Carlton nearly a decade earlier. Among “lifestyle” brands, the W is the global king, sought out by scenesters in cities around the world for its blend of cheeky, sexy sophistication. So when the hotel opened here at a crossroads in the Theater District, pundits saw it as proof that Boston had finally shaken off its Puritanism and sashayed proudly down the runway alongside New York, Miami, and L.A.
Then something happened. Less than a year after the hotel opened, in April 2010, the company that built it — an affiliate of old Boston firm Sawyer Enterprises — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. And its lender, Prudential Real Estate Investors, began pushing for foreclosure, the first step toward taking over the hotel. How could it be that the hottest spot in town was suddenly in danger of closing its doors? It turned out that while the W’s glamour and bustle were supplied by its restaurant and hotel operations, the profit required to keep the whole thing afloat was supplied by something else: the sale of the high-end condo residences. That was the plan, anyway. The W was meant to have sold half of its 123 condos before it even opened, but by the time of its Chapter 11 filing- on April 28, it had sold exactly 12.
In part, the economy was to blame; the W couldn’t have opened at a worse time for home sales. Then again, other luxury condo complexes that opened at the same time have managed to be successful. So why not the W? The customers at the hotel’s bar provide a clue. The only thing missing from that uproarious scene are local regulars — the sort that crowd the bars at competing new hotels like the Liberty and the Mandarin Oriental. The latter sold out its own residences a year before the W opened. And while it’s true that the Mandarin caters to a more-upscale clientele than the W, it does so by projecting prestige rather than trendiness. To a Boston buyer, this distinction is crucial — the difference between a one-night stand and a relationship. High-living Bostonians seem happy to stop into the W for the occasional post-show cocktail or dinner at Market, but the question is, Do they actually want to live there? continued
Friday, December 31, 2010
Prudential Center owner buys Hancock Tower
It's interesting that now the two tallest buildings in our city and two of the largest commercial properties are under the same ownership! - Adam
The Boston Globe
Around the region
The Associated Press
Deal for Hancock Tower complete
Associated Press / December 31, 2010
Boston Properties Inc. said Wednesday it has completed the acquisition of the 62-story John Hancock Tower and Garage in Boston for $930 million, including the assumption of debt.
The real estate investment trust purchased the skyscraper from a joint venture comprising affiliates of Normandy Real Estate Partners and Five Mile Capital Partners.
Under the terms of the deal, Boston Properties paid $289.5 million in cash for the office tower and assumed $640.5 million in debt in the form of a securitized senior mortgage loan.
The mortgage has a fixed, 5.68 percent interest and comes due in January 2017.
Boston Properties anticipates it will incur about $3 million in acquisition-related costs from the deal. The company plans to record $1 million of the costs in the fourth quarter.
The John Hancock Tower has roughly 1.7 million square-feet of rentable space.
The garage spans eight levels and has more than 2,000 parking spaces.
Shares of Boston Properties closed up 2 cents yesterday at $86.53.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
The Boston Globe
Around the region
The Associated Press
Deal for Hancock Tower complete
Associated Press / December 31, 2010
Boston Properties Inc. said Wednesday it has completed the acquisition of the 62-story John Hancock Tower and Garage in Boston for $930 million, including the assumption of debt.
The real estate investment trust purchased the skyscraper from a joint venture comprising affiliates of Normandy Real Estate Partners and Five Mile Capital Partners.
Under the terms of the deal, Boston Properties paid $289.5 million in cash for the office tower and assumed $640.5 million in debt in the form of a securitized senior mortgage loan.
The mortgage has a fixed, 5.68 percent interest and comes due in January 2017.
Boston Properties anticipates it will incur about $3 million in acquisition-related costs from the deal. The company plans to record $1 million of the costs in the fourth quarter.
The John Hancock Tower has roughly 1.7 million square-feet of rentable space.
The garage spans eight levels and has more than 2,000 parking spaces.
Shares of Boston Properties closed up 2 cents yesterday at $86.53.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Devra First's New Years Eve snack crawl
There are some excellent choices here, I love the idea at the end about going to watch the fireworks from East Boston with a slice of Santarpios! - Adam
New Year's Eve dining
The Boston Globe
No reservations: Do the snack crawl this year
By Devra First
Globe Staff / December 31, 2010
Eating out on Dec. 31 can be a commitment. Restaurants have decided people want to usher in the new year with multicourse extravaganzas, champagne toast included. This may be more in their interest than yours: It makes the night a lucrative one. For the customer, it means advance planning, to get the right reservation at the right spot. But sometimes the evening just sneaks up on you. Sometimes you’re more in the mood for jeans than dress-up. And sometimes you don’t feel like toasting the health of a roomful of strangers at the stroke of midnight.
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You don’t have to tie yourself to one table. What’s fun about New Year’s Eve is the energy of it. The city is alive until the wee hours. People are out who are usually in. So why not take to the streets? It’s a great night to gather a small band of your favorite mischief makers and wind your way through the neighborhoods of Boston, noisemakers in hand. There’s people-watching to be done, and a million urban tableaux to take in. And the eating is, as always, excellent. Snack your way from one spot to the next, from one year to the next, with this New Year’s Eve crawl.
Note: This isn’t meant to be a dine-and-dash. It would be difficult to hit all these spots in one evening. Feel free to customize. And do consider ditching the car. This route is easy to navigate without it, and the T is free after 8 p.m.
Start the evening off on a swank note at L’Espalier. The restaurant is pulling out all the stops with a seven-course menu in the dining room, but you’re just popping in for a taste. Take a seat in the salon area, where you can enjoy one of maitre d’ and fromager Louis Risoli’s decadent cheese flights, with names such as “My Blue Heaven,’’ “Soft and Gooey,’’ and “That Stinks!’’ There’s caviar and oysters, too, if you really want to get into it. 774 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston. 617-262-3023. www.lespalier.com. T: Copley (Green Line).
What will 2011 bring? If the suspense is killing you, head a few blocks east to Post 390, a stylish take on ye olde tavern. Here, a fortuneteller is giving free readings from 6 p.m. to midnight. I predict you’ll have some crab dip or fried clams and a cocktail while you’re there. 406 Stuart St., Back Bay, Boston. 617-399-0015. www.post390restaurant.com. T: Arlington (Green Line) or Back Bay (Orange Line).
Toro is always festive. (The tapas bar is a mile away; if you don’t feel like making the chilly trek, a cab is your best bet.) Counter to its usual policy, it’s taking reservations for New Year’s Eve, but you can still have a drink and a bite at the bar. Small plates of hot green peppers with sea salt, garlicky shrimp, and tortilla espanola would be delicious right about now, and you know you’re going to order Toro’s famous grilled corn. But what you’re really here for is cava. You can get the Spanish sparkler in a porron, a glass wine pitcher with a long spout. The goal is to pour the cava into your mouth from a height, stretching your arm as far as it can go. Nothing says New Year’s like getting drenched in bubbly. 1704 Washington St., South End, Boston. 617-536-4300. www.toro-restaurant.com. T: Worcester Square (Silver Line).
Hop the Silver Line to Chinatown. At Chinese New Year, noodles are eaten to ensure longevity. They couldn’t hurt now either. Head to Gourmet Dumpling House for a steaming, warming bowl of noodle soup. There are more than a dozen kinds to choose among, from noodle soup with shredded beef and longhorn peppers to pig’s feet noodle soup. Get some dumplings while you’re at it — try the mini juicy dumplings with pork, delicious parcels filled with broth. Bite and slurp. 52 Beach St., Chinatown, Boston. 617-338-6222. www.gourmetdumpling.com. T: Chinatown (Silver Line, Orange Line).
Time for more slurping, at Neptune Oyster. The small North End seafood spot is always crowded, but someone is going to get a seat, and it might as well be you. The restaurant serves a killer lobster roll (hot with butter or cold with mayo) and some nice raw fish preparations. But the oysters are the best part. Get a sampler and savor the amazingly different flavors of each variety. 63 Salem St., North End, Boston. 617-742-3474. www.neptuneoyster.com. T: Haymarket (Orange Line).
There was a lot of talk about food trucks in 2010, and they’re rolling into 2011 on City Hall Plaza tonight. It’s been at least an hour since you last ate cheese, so perhaps it’s time for a sandwich from roving restaurant Grilled Cheese Nation. For something a little healthier, head to the Clover truck for vegetarian fare. 1 City Hall Square, Government Center, Boston. T: Government Center (Green Line, Blue Line), State Street (Orange Line, Blue Line).
Cap off the evening with a Boston classic. Take the Blue Line to East Boston and head to Santarpio’s. Get a pie or some barbecued lamb and sausage to go. Then walk down to the East Boston waterfront, where you can watch the midnight fireworks in relatively crowd-free peace. If there’s a better way to ring in 2011 than eating a slice in the freezing cold with your favorite people while the sky explodes with colors, I don’t know it. 111 Chelsea St., East Boston. 617-567-9871. www.santarpiospizza.com. T: Maverick (Blue Line).
Devra First can be reached at dfirst@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter at @devrafirst.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company
New Year's Eve dining
The Boston Globe
No reservations: Do the snack crawl this year
By Devra First
Globe Staff / December 31, 2010
Eating out on Dec. 31 can be a commitment. Restaurants have decided people want to usher in the new year with multicourse extravaganzas, champagne toast included. This may be more in their interest than yours: It makes the night a lucrative one. For the customer, it means advance planning, to get the right reservation at the right spot. But sometimes the evening just sneaks up on you. Sometimes you’re more in the mood for jeans than dress-up. And sometimes you don’t feel like toasting the health of a roomful of strangers at the stroke of midnight.
* Tweet Be the first to Tweet this!
*
* Yahoo! Buzz ShareThis
You don’t have to tie yourself to one table. What’s fun about New Year’s Eve is the energy of it. The city is alive until the wee hours. People are out who are usually in. So why not take to the streets? It’s a great night to gather a small band of your favorite mischief makers and wind your way through the neighborhoods of Boston, noisemakers in hand. There’s people-watching to be done, and a million urban tableaux to take in. And the eating is, as always, excellent. Snack your way from one spot to the next, from one year to the next, with this New Year’s Eve crawl.
Note: This isn’t meant to be a dine-and-dash. It would be difficult to hit all these spots in one evening. Feel free to customize. And do consider ditching the car. This route is easy to navigate without it, and the T is free after 8 p.m.
Start the evening off on a swank note at L’Espalier. The restaurant is pulling out all the stops with a seven-course menu in the dining room, but you’re just popping in for a taste. Take a seat in the salon area, where you can enjoy one of maitre d’ and fromager Louis Risoli’s decadent cheese flights, with names such as “My Blue Heaven,’’ “Soft and Gooey,’’ and “That Stinks!’’ There’s caviar and oysters, too, if you really want to get into it. 774 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston. 617-262-3023. www.lespalier.com. T: Copley (Green Line).
What will 2011 bring? If the suspense is killing you, head a few blocks east to Post 390, a stylish take on ye olde tavern. Here, a fortuneteller is giving free readings from 6 p.m. to midnight. I predict you’ll have some crab dip or fried clams and a cocktail while you’re there. 406 Stuart St., Back Bay, Boston. 617-399-0015. www.post390restaurant.com. T: Arlington (Green Line) or Back Bay (Orange Line).
Toro is always festive. (The tapas bar is a mile away; if you don’t feel like making the chilly trek, a cab is your best bet.) Counter to its usual policy, it’s taking reservations for New Year’s Eve, but you can still have a drink and a bite at the bar. Small plates of hot green peppers with sea salt, garlicky shrimp, and tortilla espanola would be delicious right about now, and you know you’re going to order Toro’s famous grilled corn. But what you’re really here for is cava. You can get the Spanish sparkler in a porron, a glass wine pitcher with a long spout. The goal is to pour the cava into your mouth from a height, stretching your arm as far as it can go. Nothing says New Year’s like getting drenched in bubbly. 1704 Washington St., South End, Boston. 617-536-4300. www.toro-restaurant.com. T: Worcester Square (Silver Line).
Hop the Silver Line to Chinatown. At Chinese New Year, noodles are eaten to ensure longevity. They couldn’t hurt now either. Head to Gourmet Dumpling House for a steaming, warming bowl of noodle soup. There are more than a dozen kinds to choose among, from noodle soup with shredded beef and longhorn peppers to pig’s feet noodle soup. Get some dumplings while you’re at it — try the mini juicy dumplings with pork, delicious parcels filled with broth. Bite and slurp. 52 Beach St., Chinatown, Boston. 617-338-6222. www.gourmetdumpling.com. T: Chinatown (Silver Line, Orange Line).
Time for more slurping, at Neptune Oyster. The small North End seafood spot is always crowded, but someone is going to get a seat, and it might as well be you. The restaurant serves a killer lobster roll (hot with butter or cold with mayo) and some nice raw fish preparations. But the oysters are the best part. Get a sampler and savor the amazingly different flavors of each variety. 63 Salem St., North End, Boston. 617-742-3474. www.neptuneoyster.com. T: Haymarket (Orange Line).
There was a lot of talk about food trucks in 2010, and they’re rolling into 2011 on City Hall Plaza tonight. It’s been at least an hour since you last ate cheese, so perhaps it’s time for a sandwich from roving restaurant Grilled Cheese Nation. For something a little healthier, head to the Clover truck for vegetarian fare. 1 City Hall Square, Government Center, Boston. T: Government Center (Green Line, Blue Line), State Street (Orange Line, Blue Line).
Cap off the evening with a Boston classic. Take the Blue Line to East Boston and head to Santarpio’s. Get a pie or some barbecued lamb and sausage to go. Then walk down to the East Boston waterfront, where you can watch the midnight fireworks in relatively crowd-free peace. If there’s a better way to ring in 2011 than eating a slice in the freezing cold with your favorite people while the sky explodes with colors, I don’t know it. 111 Chelsea St., East Boston. 617-567-9871. www.santarpiospizza.com. T: Maverick (Blue Line).
Devra First can be reached at dfirst@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter at @devrafirst.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company
Thursday, December 30, 2010
MA liquor sellers dump water in harbor to celebrate repeal of alchol sales tax!
Boston.com
Toasting the end of a tax on alcohol
Posted by Martin Finucane December 30, 2010 04:10 PM
Liquor and wine sellers poured water into the Boston Harbor at the site of the Boston Tea Party on the Congress Street Bridge as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the repeal of the sales tax on alcohol, which goes into effect on Jan. 1.
Question 1, which passed in November, removed the 6.25 percent sales tax placed on liquor, beer, and wine last year.
State officials said the repeal would cost the state about $110 million in lost revenue, but storeowners said the tax was causing them to lose customers to tax-free New Hampshire.
Toasting the end of a tax on alcohol
Posted by Martin Finucane December 30, 2010 04:10 PM
Liquor and wine sellers poured water into the Boston Harbor at the site of the Boston Tea Party on the Congress Street Bridge as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the repeal of the sales tax on alcohol, which goes into effect on Jan. 1.
Question 1, which passed in November, removed the 6.25 percent sales tax placed on liquor, beer, and wine last year.
State officials said the repeal would cost the state about $110 million in lost revenue, but storeowners said the tax was causing them to lose customers to tax-free New Hampshire.
Devra First's most memorable dishes of 2010
Boston.com
Most memorable dishes of 2010
by Devra First, Globe Staff
In 2010, poutine and Scotch eggs colonized Boston menus. Hamburgers went high-end, and hot dogs went off the deep end, topped with kimchi or wrapped in bacon and deep-fried. Chefs Jasper White and Lydia Shire reunited to open Towne, and Barbara Lynch aimed haute with Menton. Good food was just as likely to be found at arrivals like the midpriced Bergamot, the Brookline outpost of Sichuan Gourmet, or on wheels — this was the year the city got behind food trucks. From upscale restaurants to simple sandwich spots, there were dishes that stood out — for the thought that went into composing them, for the perfect combinations of flavor and texture, for the single-syllable appreciation that first bite elicited. Wow. Yum. Unprintable. Here are some of the most memorable.
Most memorable dishes of 2010
by Devra First, Globe Staff
In 2010, poutine and Scotch eggs colonized Boston menus. Hamburgers went high-end, and hot dogs went off the deep end, topped with kimchi or wrapped in bacon and deep-fried. Chefs Jasper White and Lydia Shire reunited to open Towne, and Barbara Lynch aimed haute with Menton. Good food was just as likely to be found at arrivals like the midpriced Bergamot, the Brookline outpost of Sichuan Gourmet, or on wheels — this was the year the city got behind food trucks. From upscale restaurants to simple sandwich spots, there were dishes that stood out — for the thought that went into composing them, for the perfect combinations of flavor and texture, for the single-syllable appreciation that first bite elicited. Wow. Yum. Unprintable. Here are some of the most memorable.
Boston Phoenix previews cheaper restaurants on the horizon for 2011
The Boston Phoenix
On The Cheap
Hotly anticipated budget-dining openings for 2011
A look ahead on the cheap
By MC SLIM JB | December 29, 2010
Critics often struggle to keep up with new restaurants, let alone worthy, unreviewed ones that have been around a while. Yet as we approach another new year, it's hard not to get excited about certain pending cheap-eats openings. Here's a small sample:
THE WHOLY GRAIN | 275 Shawmut Ave, Boston | Opening in a former mobster's social club, this South End bakery/café will focus on takeout of made-to-order and prepared healthy meals, including sandwiches of artisan breads and house-roasted meats. A small outdoor patio will offer seating in nicer weather.
FLOATING ROCK | 485 Mass Ave, Cambridge | Now that the original in Revere has closed, lovers of traditional Khmer cuisine are understandably anxious to have a place in town to get their fix of tiger's tears, squid salad, fried quail, spicy chili pork, and the occasional hit of prahok.
DELUXE STATION DINER | 70 Union St, Newton Centre | The second outlet from the folks behind Watertown's beloved Deluxe Town Diner will feature extraordinary breakfast foods (notably fantastic jonnycakes, ployes, pancakes, and waffles) and upscale versions of American diner fare.
BULL | 57 JFK St, Cambridge | Located in the bottom floor of the Galeria in Harvard Square, the focus here will be Korean barbecue, where customers cook marinated meats and seafood over tabletop gas grills.
POE'S CHESTER SQUARE PUB | 728 Tremont St, Boston | Taking over a former video-rental store (remember those?), this outlet from the Parish Cafe crew is a new casual neighborhood playground for talented chef Brian Poe, who elevated the food at the Rattlesnake out of chain-level hell.
BOSPHORUS | 1164 Cambridge St, Cambridge | I've often called Turkish one of the world's great cuisines, and think it's a bit underserved and underrated in Boston. This new spot will help remedy that shortfall for folks in and around Inman Square, right next door to forthcoming artisanal butcher Akimenko Meats.
SPEED'S FENWAY | Boston | Coming to an as-yet-unspecified storefront location near Fenway Park, the king of Boston dogs is expanding beyond its small truck in Roxbury's Newmarket Square. Speed's monster frankfurter with house-made condiments and chili ought to become an essential pre-Sox stop.
STAFF MEAL | Boston's food-truck renaissance rolls on, thanks in part to a newly friendly city bureaucracy. The mobile cuisine at Staff Meal, the brainchild of veteran fine-dining chefs Adam Gendreau and Patrick Gilmartin, will center on cured, pickled, stewed, fried, and roasted meats and offal, like a swank-meat-blend burger, oxtail sandwiches, and chicken-liver lasagna.
Watch this space for detailed reviews as these places get rolling!
Read more: http://thephoenix.com/boston/food/113484-hotly-anticipated-budget-dining-openings-for-2011/#ixzz19cCJ4DAy
On The Cheap
Hotly anticipated budget-dining openings for 2011
A look ahead on the cheap
By MC SLIM JB | December 29, 2010
Critics often struggle to keep up with new restaurants, let alone worthy, unreviewed ones that have been around a while. Yet as we approach another new year, it's hard not to get excited about certain pending cheap-eats openings. Here's a small sample:
THE WHOLY GRAIN | 275 Shawmut Ave, Boston | Opening in a former mobster's social club, this South End bakery/café will focus on takeout of made-to-order and prepared healthy meals, including sandwiches of artisan breads and house-roasted meats. A small outdoor patio will offer seating in nicer weather.
FLOATING ROCK | 485 Mass Ave, Cambridge | Now that the original in Revere has closed, lovers of traditional Khmer cuisine are understandably anxious to have a place in town to get their fix of tiger's tears, squid salad, fried quail, spicy chili pork, and the occasional hit of prahok.
DELUXE STATION DINER | 70 Union St, Newton Centre | The second outlet from the folks behind Watertown's beloved Deluxe Town Diner will feature extraordinary breakfast foods (notably fantastic jonnycakes, ployes, pancakes, and waffles) and upscale versions of American diner fare.
BULL | 57 JFK St, Cambridge | Located in the bottom floor of the Galeria in Harvard Square, the focus here will be Korean barbecue, where customers cook marinated meats and seafood over tabletop gas grills.
POE'S CHESTER SQUARE PUB | 728 Tremont St, Boston | Taking over a former video-rental store (remember those?), this outlet from the Parish Cafe crew is a new casual neighborhood playground for talented chef Brian Poe, who elevated the food at the Rattlesnake out of chain-level hell.
BOSPHORUS | 1164 Cambridge St, Cambridge | I've often called Turkish one of the world's great cuisines, and think it's a bit underserved and underrated in Boston. This new spot will help remedy that shortfall for folks in and around Inman Square, right next door to forthcoming artisanal butcher Akimenko Meats.
SPEED'S FENWAY | Boston | Coming to an as-yet-unspecified storefront location near Fenway Park, the king of Boston dogs is expanding beyond its small truck in Roxbury's Newmarket Square. Speed's monster frankfurter with house-made condiments and chili ought to become an essential pre-Sox stop.
STAFF MEAL | Boston's food-truck renaissance rolls on, thanks in part to a newly friendly city bureaucracy. The mobile cuisine at Staff Meal, the brainchild of veteran fine-dining chefs Adam Gendreau and Patrick Gilmartin, will center on cured, pickled, stewed, fried, and roasted meats and offal, like a swank-meat-blend burger, oxtail sandwiches, and chicken-liver lasagna.
Watch this space for detailed reviews as these places get rolling!
Read more: http://thephoenix.com/boston/food/113484-hotly-anticipated-budget-dining-openings-for-2011/#ixzz19cCJ4DAy
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Jerry Remy's to play host to Craigslist killer movie viewing party
Michele McPhee is no doubt a talented writer, but a viewing party to watch a tv movie about this terrible tragedy just seems to be in bad taste. I'm surprised to hear that Jerry Remy's would consider hosting such an affair.
The Boston Herald
We Hear: Dane Cook, Nicolas Cage, Chris O’Donnell and more...
By Inside Track | Tuesday, December 28, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | The Inside Track
# And finally, that “A Date With Death” scribe and Herald contributor Michele McPhee will throw a viewing party Jan. 3 at Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill at 8 p.m. to watch Lifetime’s “The Craigslist Killer.” The TV flick is based on her true-crime account of medical student Philip Markoff’s alleged murder of Julissa Brisman, an erotic masseuse he found on Craigslist.org Markoff committed suicide Aug. 15 while in custody awaiting trial.
The Boston Herald
We Hear: Dane Cook, Nicolas Cage, Chris O’Donnell and more...
By Inside Track | Tuesday, December 28, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | The Inside Track
# And finally, that “A Date With Death” scribe and Herald contributor Michele McPhee will throw a viewing party Jan. 3 at Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill at 8 p.m. to watch Lifetime’s “The Craigslist Killer.” The TV flick is based on her true-crime account of medical student Philip Markoff’s alleged murder of Julissa Brisman, an erotic masseuse he found on Craigslist.org Markoff committed suicide Aug. 15 while in custody awaiting trial.
Durgin Park makes Forbes' list of Amrica's great historic restaurants
Forbes.com
Travel
America's Great Historic Restaurants
John Mariani, 11.24.10, 10:00 AM EST
These famous eateries are worth a special trip.
Although America has had its taverns and inns serving food ever since the Pilgrims got here, the restaurant as we know it--a place where you can sit at your own table, have your own waiter, and order from a menu--is of rather recent origin.
None is more famous than Boston's Durgin-Park café, still serving much the same kind of New England fare, although you'll sit just as they did when it opened in 1827, at common tables with visitors from all over the world.
Full-fledged restaurants began to open in Paris after the fall of the monarchy (the royal cooks needed the jobs), but the word "restaurant" doesn't even appear in American print until 1824 when novelist James Fenimore Cooper made note of the "renowned Parisian restaurants."
Seven years later, a Swiss sea captain named Giovanni Del-Monico brought the concept to New York's Wall Street area and named it after himself, Delmonico's. Its success made him and his family rich, and he opened successive Delmonico's further and further uptown, the last at 44th St. and Fifth Avenue. The second of these, opened on Beaver Street in 1832, is to this day one of the most popular restaurants in lower Manhattan.
By then the restaurant had become synonymous with fine dining, and just about every important personage in New York and famous visitor to the city, including Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray, dined at "Del's," as its competitors, like Rector's and Louis Sherry, became equally notable for the grandeur and scale of their décor and cuisine.
Other restaurants took their lead from the New York model, and in 1840 Marseilles-born Antoine Alciatore opened Antoine's Restaurant on New Orleans' Rue St. Louis in 1840, becoming so much a fixture of the city's social life--surviving the Civil War, Prohibition, and Hurricane Katrina--that local food writer Gene Bourg contends, "New Orleans without Antoine's would be like Giza without the Great Pyramid." It was at Antoine's that dishes like oysters Rockefeller were created, and generations of New Orleanians claimed not only their favorite dining rooms but the same waiters over decades.
As American expanded westward so did the restaurant concept, most often in grand new hotels like the Palmer House in Chicago, the Sinton Hotel in Cincinnati, the Planters Inn in St. Louis, and The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, which opened in 1892. Still the best hotel in the city, with four stars from the Mobil Travel Guide, The Brown Palace has maintained the glorious Gilded Age décor of its Palace Arms restaurant, a richly paneled, sumptuous place whose wine cellar has a "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator. Every U.S. president since Teddy Roosevelt, except Coolidge, has visited The Brown Palace.
Ethnic restaurants--German beer halls, Jewish delis, Italian pizzerias, Mexican chili parlors--proliferated at the end of the 19th century, including many that are still going strong, like Katz's Delicatessen (1888) in New York, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (1925) in New Haven. The Mexican eatery El Cholo debuted in Los Angeles in 1923 as one of the first to attract a Hollywood celebrity crowd. The original, on South Western Avenue, has kept most of the décor and all of the leafy garden ambiance of those days, and finely honed the hospitality for which it has long been famous.
Travel
America's Great Historic Restaurants
John Mariani, 11.24.10, 10:00 AM EST
These famous eateries are worth a special trip.
Although America has had its taverns and inns serving food ever since the Pilgrims got here, the restaurant as we know it--a place where you can sit at your own table, have your own waiter, and order from a menu--is of rather recent origin.
None is more famous than Boston's Durgin-Park café, still serving much the same kind of New England fare, although you'll sit just as they did when it opened in 1827, at common tables with visitors from all over the world.
Full-fledged restaurants began to open in Paris after the fall of the monarchy (the royal cooks needed the jobs), but the word "restaurant" doesn't even appear in American print until 1824 when novelist James Fenimore Cooper made note of the "renowned Parisian restaurants."
Seven years later, a Swiss sea captain named Giovanni Del-Monico brought the concept to New York's Wall Street area and named it after himself, Delmonico's. Its success made him and his family rich, and he opened successive Delmonico's further and further uptown, the last at 44th St. and Fifth Avenue. The second of these, opened on Beaver Street in 1832, is to this day one of the most popular restaurants in lower Manhattan.
By then the restaurant had become synonymous with fine dining, and just about every important personage in New York and famous visitor to the city, including Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray, dined at "Del's," as its competitors, like Rector's and Louis Sherry, became equally notable for the grandeur and scale of their décor and cuisine.
Other restaurants took their lead from the New York model, and in 1840 Marseilles-born Antoine Alciatore opened Antoine's Restaurant on New Orleans' Rue St. Louis in 1840, becoming so much a fixture of the city's social life--surviving the Civil War, Prohibition, and Hurricane Katrina--that local food writer Gene Bourg contends, "New Orleans without Antoine's would be like Giza without the Great Pyramid." It was at Antoine's that dishes like oysters Rockefeller were created, and generations of New Orleanians claimed not only their favorite dining rooms but the same waiters over decades.
As American expanded westward so did the restaurant concept, most often in grand new hotels like the Palmer House in Chicago, the Sinton Hotel in Cincinnati, the Planters Inn in St. Louis, and The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, which opened in 1892. Still the best hotel in the city, with four stars from the Mobil Travel Guide, The Brown Palace has maintained the glorious Gilded Age décor of its Palace Arms restaurant, a richly paneled, sumptuous place whose wine cellar has a "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator. Every U.S. president since Teddy Roosevelt, except Coolidge, has visited The Brown Palace.
Ethnic restaurants--German beer halls, Jewish delis, Italian pizzerias, Mexican chili parlors--proliferated at the end of the 19th century, including many that are still going strong, like Katz's Delicatessen (1888) in New York, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (1925) in New Haven. The Mexican eatery El Cholo debuted in Los Angeles in 1923 as one of the first to attract a Hollywood celebrity crowd. The original, on South Western Avenue, has kept most of the décor and all of the leafy garden ambiance of those days, and finely honed the hospitality for which it has long been famous.
Strega Waterfront NYE party to feature Shaq, tickets still available for other parties
The Boston Herald
How hub will spend their money on New Year’s
Clubs, bars ready for big bashes
By Donna Goodison | Wednesday, December 29, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets
With the recession officially over, some Boston venues want to party like it’s 2007 on New Year’s Eve.
While restaurants and bars continue to offer scaled-down packages to attract revelers wary of splurging amid still-tough economic times, others are pulling out the stops with pricier options.
For a blowout on the 13th floor above his new Strega Waterfront on South Boston’s Fan Pier, Nick Varano is advertising Celtics [team stats] star Shaquille O’Neal as his special guest. The party also will feature entertainment by the Deney Terrio Dance Party, Maxine Nightingale and DJ JJ Wright along with dinner, an endless champagne bar, valet parking and a continental breakfast after midnight.
But prices that were $279 a person were knocked down to $199 this week, even though Varano described sales as “very good.” The price is $75 after 10 p.m.
“We lowered it just to create more buzz . . . just to have more people experience it in a tough economy,” Varano said. “There are other venues doing $279, $299, $350.”
6one7 Productions is hosting parties at the new Cure Lounge, District Lounge, Gypsy Bar, Rumor, Venu and Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale. General admission runs $60 to $75 a person.
Instead of lower prices, 6one7 took the economy into consideration with a more proactive marketing approach in the days before New Year’s Eve, president Ace Gershfield said. Promotional teams have been giving special discount codes to their social networks on Twitter and Facebook.
The clubs also are offering VIP packages - reserved tables for eight that run $600 to $800 for line privileges, a personal server and bottle of champagne.
“New Year’s is a lot of your amateur customers - ones that are once a year or once every six months,” Gershfield said. “The VIP packages are for our regular VIPs, and they’re used to the pricing.”
Meanwhile at Erbaluce, an Italian restaurant in Boston’s Bay Village, Chuck Draghi is letting customers choose between his nightly menu, an $85 chef’s prix fixe menu ($125 with truffles), and lower-priced tasting menus at the bar.
In 2008 in the wake of the Wall Street meltdown, Erbaluce’s first New Year’s Eve party fizzled by 11 p.m., when customers weren’t into celebrating. But that mindset appears to have changed.
“We’ve had more calls for truffles and champagne and things like that,” Draghi said. “We’re fairly heavy with reservations.”
How hub will spend their money on New Year’s
Clubs, bars ready for big bashes
By Donna Goodison | Wednesday, December 29, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets
With the recession officially over, some Boston venues want to party like it’s 2007 on New Year’s Eve.
While restaurants and bars continue to offer scaled-down packages to attract revelers wary of splurging amid still-tough economic times, others are pulling out the stops with pricier options.
For a blowout on the 13th floor above his new Strega Waterfront on South Boston’s Fan Pier, Nick Varano is advertising Celtics [team stats] star Shaquille O’Neal as his special guest. The party also will feature entertainment by the Deney Terrio Dance Party, Maxine Nightingale and DJ JJ Wright along with dinner, an endless champagne bar, valet parking and a continental breakfast after midnight.
But prices that were $279 a person were knocked down to $199 this week, even though Varano described sales as “very good.” The price is $75 after 10 p.m.
“We lowered it just to create more buzz . . . just to have more people experience it in a tough economy,” Varano said. “There are other venues doing $279, $299, $350.”
6one7 Productions is hosting parties at the new Cure Lounge, District Lounge, Gypsy Bar, Rumor, Venu and Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale. General admission runs $60 to $75 a person.
Instead of lower prices, 6one7 took the economy into consideration with a more proactive marketing approach in the days before New Year’s Eve, president Ace Gershfield said. Promotional teams have been giving special discount codes to their social networks on Twitter and Facebook.
The clubs also are offering VIP packages - reserved tables for eight that run $600 to $800 for line privileges, a personal server and bottle of champagne.
“New Year’s is a lot of your amateur customers - ones that are once a year or once every six months,” Gershfield said. “The VIP packages are for our regular VIPs, and they’re used to the pricing.”
Meanwhile at Erbaluce, an Italian restaurant in Boston’s Bay Village, Chuck Draghi is letting customers choose between his nightly menu, an $85 chef’s prix fixe menu ($125 with truffles), and lower-priced tasting menus at the bar.
In 2008 in the wake of the Wall Street meltdown, Erbaluce’s first New Year’s Eve party fizzled by 11 p.m., when customers weren’t into celebrating. But that mindset appears to have changed.
“We’ve had more calls for truffles and champagne and things like that,” Draghi said. “We’re fairly heavy with reservations.”
Upscale Boston hotels offer First Night packages
The Boston Herald
Ease into 2011
Swanky Hub hotels offer irresistible First Night deals
By Lauren Beckham Falcone | Monday, December 27, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Travel
Photo
If New Year’s Eve is your big chance to get out of the house and get your revelry on - why not take it one step further and make First Night an overnight? Boston’s hotels are offering sweet deals to ring in the new year.
The Colonnade Hotel, colonnadehotel.com, 120 Huntington Ave.
Plan an Overnight Escape at the Back Bay hotel. For $249 per night, the package includes deluxe accommodations for two and a full American breakfast at Brasserie Jo. For more information, call 617-424-7000
Boston Harbor Hotel, bhh.com, 70 Rowes Wharf.
Indulge yourself with the Boston Harbor Hotel’s New Year’s Eve First Night Celebration package, which includes luxurious accommodations for two, a four-course dinner at Meritage on Dec. 31 (liquor not included), two First Night admission buttons, New Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet for two in the Atlantic Room, use of the Spa at Rowes Wharf, including health-club facilities and lap pool, valet parking, and extended checkout until 4 p.m. on Jan. 1. Rate is $695 per couple. For more information, call 617-439-3995
XV Beacon, xvbeacon.com, 15 Beacon St.
Spend a romantic evening dining in front of the fire at XV Beacon or venture out for a festive evening reveling in Boston’s First Night. The New Year’s Eve package includes a bottle of Taittinger champagne and brunch for two in-room or at Mooo, the hotel’s signature modern steakhouse. And if you want to stay the weekend, you’ll get 15-percent-off the best available rate. Packages start at $515.
The Langham Boston, boston.langhamhotels.com, 250 Franklin St.
Need a break? Try the Langham Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Rest & Recovery Package, which includes an overnight stay, Recovery Brunch in Cafe Fleuri, late checkout, valet parking and use of the fitness facilities and indoor pool. Rates vary. Call 617-451-1900, Ext. 7125
Back Bay Hotel, doylecollection.com, 350 Stuart St.
Book the 2011 First Night Revelers package at the Back Bay Hotel New Year’s Eve and get overnight accommodations, two First Night buttons, extended checkout, complimentary in-room water bottles and an optional Saturday night stay for $99. From $279. For reservations, call 877-587-9774
Ames Hotel, ameshotel.com, 1 Court St.
Get it all at Ames with their Room, Dinner and Brunch Package, which includes overnight accommodations, in-room movie, complimentary upgrade, extended checkout, prix-fixe dinner for two at Woodward and VIP access to dinner and dancing after 10 p.m., a Re-Tox Brunch the next morning, and 40-percent-off the next night if you decide to stay. Rate is $495. For more information, call 617-979-8120
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/travel/view.bg?articleid=1305587
Ease into 2011
Swanky Hub hotels offer irresistible First Night deals
By Lauren Beckham Falcone | Monday, December 27, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Travel
Photo
If New Year’s Eve is your big chance to get out of the house and get your revelry on - why not take it one step further and make First Night an overnight? Boston’s hotels are offering sweet deals to ring in the new year.
The Colonnade Hotel, colonnadehotel.com, 120 Huntington Ave.
Plan an Overnight Escape at the Back Bay hotel. For $249 per night, the package includes deluxe accommodations for two and a full American breakfast at Brasserie Jo. For more information, call 617-424-7000
Boston Harbor Hotel, bhh.com, 70 Rowes Wharf.
Indulge yourself with the Boston Harbor Hotel’s New Year’s Eve First Night Celebration package, which includes luxurious accommodations for two, a four-course dinner at Meritage on Dec. 31 (liquor not included), two First Night admission buttons, New Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet for two in the Atlantic Room, use of the Spa at Rowes Wharf, including health-club facilities and lap pool, valet parking, and extended checkout until 4 p.m. on Jan. 1. Rate is $695 per couple. For more information, call 617-439-3995
XV Beacon, xvbeacon.com, 15 Beacon St.
Spend a romantic evening dining in front of the fire at XV Beacon or venture out for a festive evening reveling in Boston’s First Night. The New Year’s Eve package includes a bottle of Taittinger champagne and brunch for two in-room or at Mooo, the hotel’s signature modern steakhouse. And if you want to stay the weekend, you’ll get 15-percent-off the best available rate. Packages start at $515.
The Langham Boston, boston.langhamhotels.com, 250 Franklin St.
Need a break? Try the Langham Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Rest & Recovery Package, which includes an overnight stay, Recovery Brunch in Cafe Fleuri, late checkout, valet parking and use of the fitness facilities and indoor pool. Rates vary. Call 617-451-1900, Ext. 7125
Back Bay Hotel, doylecollection.com, 350 Stuart St.
Book the 2011 First Night Revelers package at the Back Bay Hotel New Year’s Eve and get overnight accommodations, two First Night buttons, extended checkout, complimentary in-room water bottles and an optional Saturday night stay for $99. From $279. For reservations, call 877-587-9774
Ames Hotel, ameshotel.com, 1 Court St.
Get it all at Ames with their Room, Dinner and Brunch Package, which includes overnight accommodations, in-room movie, complimentary upgrade, extended checkout, prix-fixe dinner for two at Woodward and VIP access to dinner and dancing after 10 p.m., a Re-Tox Brunch the next morning, and 40-percent-off the next night if you decide to stay. Rate is $495. For more information, call 617-979-8120
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/travel/view.bg?articleid=1305587
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Local restaurants make list of 100 most twittering restaurants
Friends Eat
Cragie on Main and Upper Crust have made Friendseat's list of the Top 100 restaurants on Twitter! Check out the whole list here
#57
Craigie On Main
2414 followers. 1030 tweets.
Craigie On Main menu is a combination of Chef Tony Maws trademark French-inspired “refined rusticity” with an unyielding passion for the best local, seasonal and organic ingredients. It is located in Cambridge, MA. Their our A la Carte Dinner Men and Prix Fixe Menus and Tasting Menus change on a daily basis it all depends on which ingredients are the best of the best.
Here's one of their tweets:
Ring in New Yr w our New Yr’s Day Lucky Brunch craigieonmain.com/?page_id=370. A great 2011 will not be far behind!-@craigieonmain
#56
Upper Crust Pizzeria
3181 followers. 1151 tweets.
The Upper Crust Pizzeria has been serving award-winning pizza to Boston-area residents since 2001. Their menu has evolved from classic combos to more unique and daring pairings, however one thing is for sure and that they use only the freshest ingredients to create mouth-watering pizzas. It’s also a great place for parties like birthdays; for sure the kids will be delighted to make their own pizzas by rolling dough and picking out their favorite toppings.
Here's one their tweets:
This Fri & Sun: Bring in your receipt from our neighbors at East Coast Alpine & receive 1/2 off any pizza at our #BU /Comm Ave location.-@UpperCrustPizza
Cragie on Main and Upper Crust have made Friendseat's list of the Top 100 restaurants on Twitter! Check out the whole list here
#57
Craigie On Main
2414 followers. 1030 tweets.
Craigie On Main menu is a combination of Chef Tony Maws trademark French-inspired “refined rusticity” with an unyielding passion for the best local, seasonal and organic ingredients. It is located in Cambridge, MA. Their our A la Carte Dinner Men and Prix Fixe Menus and Tasting Menus change on a daily basis it all depends on which ingredients are the best of the best.
Here's one of their tweets:
Ring in New Yr w our New Yr’s Day Lucky Brunch craigieonmain.com/?page_id=370. A great 2011 will not be far behind!-@craigieonmain
#56
Upper Crust Pizzeria
3181 followers. 1151 tweets.
The Upper Crust Pizzeria has been serving award-winning pizza to Boston-area residents since 2001. Their menu has evolved from classic combos to more unique and daring pairings, however one thing is for sure and that they use only the freshest ingredients to create mouth-watering pizzas. It’s also a great place for parties like birthdays; for sure the kids will be delighted to make their own pizzas by rolling dough and picking out their favorite toppings.
Here's one their tweets:
This Fri & Sun: Bring in your receipt from our neighbors at East Coast Alpine & receive 1/2 off any pizza at our #BU /Comm Ave location.-@UpperCrustPizza
Food trucks to hit City Hall Plaza on NYE!
12/28/10 at 3:58 PM
Food Trucks Will Be At City Hall Plaza for New Years' Eve
Good news. We just got word that a handful of food trucks will indeed park on City Hall Plaza to ring in the new year. We hear Buffalo Bo's (chili, ribs, etc.), Clover (vegetarian stuff), and Grilled Cheese Nation (uh, grilled cheese) are slated to serve.
Food Trucks Will Be At City Hall Plaza for New Years' Eve
Good news. We just got word that a handful of food trucks will indeed park on City Hall Plaza to ring in the new year. We hear Buffalo Bo's (chili, ribs, etc.), Clover (vegetarian stuff), and Grilled Cheese Nation (uh, grilled cheese) are slated to serve.
Post 390 to offer feature psychics on Friday evening
Grubstreet Boston
Post 390 to Offer Psychic Readings on New Years' Eve
12/28/10 at 11:43 AM Comment
New Years' Eve promotions—tales of specialty cocktails, exotic prix fixe menus, and lounge singers—tend to flood our inbox this week. But one promo in particular caught our eye: Post 390 will offer prime rib, sea scallops wrapped in bacon ... and psychic readings. In the best tradition of Miss Cleo, the readings are free. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m.; the psychic arrives at 6 p.m. And to think: Until now, we were planning to tempt fate with a frisky new eggnog recipe.
Post 390 to Offer Psychic Readings on New Years' Eve
12/28/10 at 11:43 AM Comment
New Years' Eve promotions—tales of specialty cocktails, exotic prix fixe menus, and lounge singers—tend to flood our inbox this week. But one promo in particular caught our eye: Post 390 will offer prime rib, sea scallops wrapped in bacon ... and psychic readings. In the best tradition of Miss Cleo, the readings are free. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m.; the psychic arrives at 6 p.m. And to think: Until now, we were planning to tempt fate with a frisky new eggnog recipe.
Phantom Gourmet says restaurant business could not survive without illegal labor
Server Not Servant
“Without Illegal Aliens, There is No Restaurant Business”
By: Patrick Maguire
Book Chapter: Human-to-Human Service
Posted: 12/28/2010
That’s a pretty bold statement made by Phanton Gourmet on facebook.
A firestorm was ignited when a recent front page Boston Globe story reported that Upper Crust Pizza, a rapidly-growing local chain, hired and exploited illegal immigrant workers from Brazil.
According to the Globe:
The promise of a job at an Upper Crust shop, passed by word of mouth from one villager to the next, offered the possibility of wages unheard of in Marilac [Brazil], a community of 4,140 people in the mountains of southeastern Brazil.
Over the past decade, dozens of men from Marilac have made the 7,500-mile trek, risking arrest, deportation, and in rare cases, death. And Upper Crust, founded by Sharon [MA] native Jordan Tobins in 2001, welcomed them.
Tobins needed lots of kitchen help; the Brazilians worked hard and didn’t complain about workweeks that routinely stretched to 80 hours. Marilac prospered as Upper Crust’s immigrant employees sent thousands of dollars home, and the company swiftly expanded from its original store in Beacon Hill to one upscale suburb after another.
Over time, however, this amicable but unlawful relationship would unravel. Documents from a recent class action lawsuit show that as Tobins expanded his pizza empire, he began to exploit his immigrant workers. The employees took their complaints to the US Department of Labor, which ordered the chain to dole out hundreds of thousands of dollars in back pay. The department is now investigating wage violations at Upper Crust for a second time.
As always, comments in response to the Globe report, as well as on a related Boston Yelp Talk thread exploded with hundreds of missives ranging from the typical anonymous hate and vitriol to some very thoughtful and insightful observations.
In the midst of Sunday night’s blizzard, the debate continued on facebook after The Phantom Gourmet posted the following:
Let’s name restaurants that deliver. I’ll start: Upper Crust Pizza.
“Without Illegal Aliens, There is No Restaurant Business”
By: Patrick Maguire
Book Chapter: Human-to-Human Service
Posted: 12/28/2010
That’s a pretty bold statement made by Phanton Gourmet on facebook.
A firestorm was ignited when a recent front page Boston Globe story reported that Upper Crust Pizza, a rapidly-growing local chain, hired and exploited illegal immigrant workers from Brazil.
According to the Globe:
The promise of a job at an Upper Crust shop, passed by word of mouth from one villager to the next, offered the possibility of wages unheard of in Marilac [Brazil], a community of 4,140 people in the mountains of southeastern Brazil.
Over the past decade, dozens of men from Marilac have made the 7,500-mile trek, risking arrest, deportation, and in rare cases, death. And Upper Crust, founded by Sharon [MA] native Jordan Tobins in 2001, welcomed them.
Tobins needed lots of kitchen help; the Brazilians worked hard and didn’t complain about workweeks that routinely stretched to 80 hours. Marilac prospered as Upper Crust’s immigrant employees sent thousands of dollars home, and the company swiftly expanded from its original store in Beacon Hill to one upscale suburb after another.
Over time, however, this amicable but unlawful relationship would unravel. Documents from a recent class action lawsuit show that as Tobins expanded his pizza empire, he began to exploit his immigrant workers. The employees took their complaints to the US Department of Labor, which ordered the chain to dole out hundreds of thousands of dollars in back pay. The department is now investigating wage violations at Upper Crust for a second time.
As always, comments in response to the Globe report, as well as on a related Boston Yelp Talk thread exploded with hundreds of missives ranging from the typical anonymous hate and vitriol to some very thoughtful and insightful observations.
In the midst of Sunday night’s blizzard, the debate continued on facebook after The Phantom Gourmet posted the following:
Let’s name restaurants that deliver. I’ll start: Upper Crust Pizza.
Improv Asylum hopes to score big with Doritos Superbowl ad
The Boston Herald
Improv inmates hoping to score big at Super Bowl crunch time
By Inside Track | Tuesday, December 28, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | The Inside Track
The New England Patriots [team stats] aren’t the only ones keeping their eyes on the Super Bowl prize.
The wacky inmates at Boston’s Improv Asylum hope to make a big splash during the Big Game with their TV spot for Doritos and pick up a cool $1 million!
But first, they’ve got to get you to watch their ad about a man more in love with his spicy chips than his sexy lady.
“The more traffic the spot gets, the easier it is to get to the finals,” top inmate Norm Laviolette told the Track, adding that Jan. 3 is D-Day for the finalists.
The big payout comes the day after the Super Bowl — a la the game’s MVP award — if the commercial trends in the top three on USA Today’s Super Bowl Ad Meter.
The TV spot was written, directed and stars Norm’s partner Chet Harding, improv gal Molly Schreiber and lots of Doritos!
So, um, did Chet base the premise of the spot on a real-life situation?
“I like when Chet works through some of his issues on camera,” Norm said. “We all are better for it.”
Check out the spot at: crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/?video=3073
Rah, rah, rah . . . !
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1305778
Related Articles:
Improv inmates hoping to score big at Super Bowl crunch time
By Inside Track | Tuesday, December 28, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | The Inside Track
The New England Patriots [team stats] aren’t the only ones keeping their eyes on the Super Bowl prize.
The wacky inmates at Boston’s Improv Asylum hope to make a big splash during the Big Game with their TV spot for Doritos and pick up a cool $1 million!
But first, they’ve got to get you to watch their ad about a man more in love with his spicy chips than his sexy lady.
“The more traffic the spot gets, the easier it is to get to the finals,” top inmate Norm Laviolette told the Track, adding that Jan. 3 is D-Day for the finalists.
The big payout comes the day after the Super Bowl — a la the game’s MVP award — if the commercial trends in the top three on USA Today’s Super Bowl Ad Meter.
The TV spot was written, directed and stars Norm’s partner Chet Harding, improv gal Molly Schreiber and lots of Doritos!
So, um, did Chet base the premise of the spot on a real-life situation?
“I like when Chet works through some of his issues on camera,” Norm said. “We all are better for it.”
Check out the spot at: crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/?video=3073
Rah, rah, rah . . . !
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1305778
Related Articles:
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sheraton housekeeper faces possible eviction
The Boston Globe
Home / Business
At housing court, final pleas to head off evictions
By Megan Woolhouse
Globe Staff / December 27, 2010
In the midst of the holiday season, no one wanted to be here.
Yet hundreds of people — homeowners, tenants, landlords — mobbed the fifth floor of Boston Housing Court on a recent Thursday, shuffling into courtrooms on what is unofficially known as eviction day.
The homeowners facing eviction have already lost their houses to foreclosure but will not move willingly, clinging to a desperate hope that they can stave off eviction and find a way to buy back their homes.
The prospects are dim. Few, if any, can even afford a lawyer.
If foreclosure is the final chapter of homeownership, a court eviction hearing is the weary epilogue.
Just two years ago, hearings involving foreclosed homeowners were relatively rare, occurring once a month or less. But soaring foreclosures, which have continued to rise in recent months, have flooded the court with such eviction requests.
On this Thursday at Boston Housing Court, there were nearly 30 cases, involving people from many walks of life, from a single working mother to a 75-year-old retiree to a city police officer.
Some manage to postpone eviction, while others are not so lucky.
Joan Williamson, a 44-year-old housekeeper at a Sheraton hotel, appeared in court for the third time to fight eviction from her Dorchester home, which she lost in March because she could no longer stretch her $32,000-a-year salary to make the $3,200-a-month mortgage payments.
By then, she had been in the house for four years. Leaving meant uprooting her two teenage daughters and her pregnant stepdaughter, who lives with them. It also meant abandoning the yard where her 5-year-old grandson, who lives in a nearby housing project, plays ball each day.
Each time she goes to court, she worries it will be the day her family is forced from their home. For now, after gaining another postponement, she still has hope that Boston Community Capital, an agency that buys foreclosed houses and sells them back to their former owners, will help. She prays the agency will accept her case.
“I been drained,’’ she said in a thick Jamaican accent. “I been senseless.’’
Usually, foreclosure is a kind of death sentence for homeowners. While state law protects renters living in foreclosed apartments from sudden eviction, banks are under no legal obligation to let former owners stay. After the auction, residents get notices from the banks giving them 72 hours to move or face court-ordered evictions. continued
Home / Business
At housing court, final pleas to head off evictions
By Megan Woolhouse
Globe Staff / December 27, 2010
In the midst of the holiday season, no one wanted to be here.
Yet hundreds of people — homeowners, tenants, landlords — mobbed the fifth floor of Boston Housing Court on a recent Thursday, shuffling into courtrooms on what is unofficially known as eviction day.
The homeowners facing eviction have already lost their houses to foreclosure but will not move willingly, clinging to a desperate hope that they can stave off eviction and find a way to buy back their homes.
The prospects are dim. Few, if any, can even afford a lawyer.
If foreclosure is the final chapter of homeownership, a court eviction hearing is the weary epilogue.
Just two years ago, hearings involving foreclosed homeowners were relatively rare, occurring once a month or less. But soaring foreclosures, which have continued to rise in recent months, have flooded the court with such eviction requests.
On this Thursday at Boston Housing Court, there were nearly 30 cases, involving people from many walks of life, from a single working mother to a 75-year-old retiree to a city police officer.
Some manage to postpone eviction, while others are not so lucky.
Joan Williamson, a 44-year-old housekeeper at a Sheraton hotel, appeared in court for the third time to fight eviction from her Dorchester home, which she lost in March because she could no longer stretch her $32,000-a-year salary to make the $3,200-a-month mortgage payments.
By then, she had been in the house for four years. Leaving meant uprooting her two teenage daughters and her pregnant stepdaughter, who lives with them. It also meant abandoning the yard where her 5-year-old grandson, who lives in a nearby housing project, plays ball each day.
Each time she goes to court, she worries it will be the day her family is forced from their home. For now, after gaining another postponement, she still has hope that Boston Community Capital, an agency that buys foreclosed houses and sells them back to their former owners, will help. She prays the agency will accept her case.
“I been drained,’’ she said in a thick Jamaican accent. “I been senseless.’’
Usually, foreclosure is a kind of death sentence for homeowners. While state law protects renters living in foreclosed apartments from sudden eviction, banks are under no legal obligation to let former owners stay. After the auction, residents get notices from the banks giving them 72 hours to move or face court-ordered evictions. continued
Taranta wins MassRecyle award
Northendwaterfront.com
Taranta Restaurant Receives MassRecycle Award
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
by Matt Conti
Jose Duarte’s Taranta Restaurant has received the MassRecyle award in the restaurant category.
Every year MassRecycle recognizes a select group of individuals, businesses, municipalities and organizations for their leadership and innovation in promoting recycling and waste reduction by presenting them with the “Green Binnie’ Recycling Award. Winners are selected through a peer review process and receive their award at a gala award ceremony.
Read more about Taranta’s recycling and composting efforts on their website.
For more information on the MassRecycle awards, see http://www.massrecycle.org/awards.
Taranta Restaurant Receives MassRecycle Award
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
by Matt Conti
Jose Duarte’s Taranta Restaurant has received the MassRecyle award in the restaurant category.
Every year MassRecycle recognizes a select group of individuals, businesses, municipalities and organizations for their leadership and innovation in promoting recycling and waste reduction by presenting them with the “Green Binnie’ Recycling Award. Winners are selected through a peer review process and receive their award at a gala award ceremony.
Read more about Taranta’s recycling and composting efforts on their website.
For more information on the MassRecycle awards, see http://www.massrecycle.org/awards.
MA liquor store owners to gather Thursday at Boston Tea Party site
The Boston Herald
Toasting sales tax repeal
Owners plan ‘Tea Party,’ hope for boost in alcohol biz
By Donna Goodison | Wednesday, December 22, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets
They won’t be disguised as American Indians, and they won’t be protesting taxation without representation by the British. But they will visit the site of the Boston Tea Party - this time to herald the repeal of taxes.
Massachusetts package store owners will gather at the Congress Street bridge next Thursday to ring in the new year that’ll see the lifting of the state sales tax on alcohol that took effect only last year.
There they’ll stage a ceremonial dumping of “alcohol” into Boston Harbor - sans the real stuff because “revolutionaries” 237 years after the fact don’t want to run afoul of open container laws.
Voters in November passed a state ballot question that called for repealing the 6.25 percent sales tax on alcohol, but many consumers aren’t aware the tax will disappear on Jan. 1, according to Tina Messina, co-owner of the Wine Connextion in North Andover.
Messina estimates her store - a 13-mile drive from the New Hampshire State Liquor Store in Salem - lost 10 percent to 15 percent of its business from Bay Staters seeking tax-free booze.
The New Hampshire Liquor Commission announced in August that its annual sales of liquor and wine topped the half-billion-dollar mark for the first time.
“I think an awful lot of that had to do with Massachusetts consumers taking advantage of no sales tax,” Messina said. “We’re hoping that the repeal of this will bring those customers back here and keep them back here.”
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue, meanwhile, estimates that it collected about $97 million in alcohol sales taxes in fiscal 2010. The state expected to rake in $110 million this fiscal year from the tax, but now will lose about $46 million of that due to its repeal.
The two Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors stores in Waltham have seen low double-digit drops in business since the state sales tax on alcohol was enacted.
“When people are having parties, weddings or bar mitzvahs or company outings, and they’re purchasing a significant amount of beverages, the trip is worthwhile to go to New Hampshire,” owner Rick Gordon said.
At next week’s Tea Party-like party, he added, “We’re just going to show that the citizens of Massachusetts have spoken, and that through a lot of hard efforts of the package stores and Massachusetts Package Stores Association, we were able to get this tax repealed.”
Toasting sales tax repeal
Owners plan ‘Tea Party,’ hope for boost in alcohol biz
By Donna Goodison | Wednesday, December 22, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets
They won’t be disguised as American Indians, and they won’t be protesting taxation without representation by the British. But they will visit the site of the Boston Tea Party - this time to herald the repeal of taxes.
Massachusetts package store owners will gather at the Congress Street bridge next Thursday to ring in the new year that’ll see the lifting of the state sales tax on alcohol that took effect only last year.
There they’ll stage a ceremonial dumping of “alcohol” into Boston Harbor - sans the real stuff because “revolutionaries” 237 years after the fact don’t want to run afoul of open container laws.
Voters in November passed a state ballot question that called for repealing the 6.25 percent sales tax on alcohol, but many consumers aren’t aware the tax will disappear on Jan. 1, according to Tina Messina, co-owner of the Wine Connextion in North Andover.
Messina estimates her store - a 13-mile drive from the New Hampshire State Liquor Store in Salem - lost 10 percent to 15 percent of its business from Bay Staters seeking tax-free booze.
The New Hampshire Liquor Commission announced in August that its annual sales of liquor and wine topped the half-billion-dollar mark for the first time.
“I think an awful lot of that had to do with Massachusetts consumers taking advantage of no sales tax,” Messina said. “We’re hoping that the repeal of this will bring those customers back here and keep them back here.”
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue, meanwhile, estimates that it collected about $97 million in alcohol sales taxes in fiscal 2010. The state expected to rake in $110 million this fiscal year from the tax, but now will lose about $46 million of that due to its repeal.
The two Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors stores in Waltham have seen low double-digit drops in business since the state sales tax on alcohol was enacted.
“When people are having parties, weddings or bar mitzvahs or company outings, and they’re purchasing a significant amount of beverages, the trip is worthwhile to go to New Hampshire,” owner Rick Gordon said.
At next week’s Tea Party-like party, he added, “We’re just going to show that the citizens of Massachusetts have spoken, and that through a lot of hard efforts of the package stores and Massachusetts Package Stores Association, we were able to get this tax repealed.”
Developer eyes city-owned North End sites for boutique hotel
The Boston Herald
Builder eyes North End Site
By Thomas Grillo | Monday, December 27, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Real Estate
A North End developer said he wants to turn a pair of rundown city-owned buildings on North Street into a boutique-style hotel.
Matteo Gallo - who recently purchased a vacant five-story, 16-unit condominium building at a foreclosure auction in the North End for $5.1 million - said he has had his eye on the city-owned properties on North and Richmond streets for more than a year. He has talked to lenders about financing the project.
“I can’t think of a better location for what I would call the Hotel Italia,” Gallo said. “It’s a beautiful building at the gateway to the North End at the edge of the Greenway.”
Gallo said if he can’t get approvals for a hotel, he would turn the property into apartments for North Enders who have been forced to leave the neighborhood due to high housing prices.
“Most North End property owners push the Italian old timers out, but I’ve gone out of my way to rent to Italian seniors at a discount to keep them in the neighborhood,” he said.
The Herald reported last week that the Boston Finance Commission is raising questions about the pair of mostly vacant buildings at 150 North St. and 130 Richmond St.
In a letter to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the commission said it was concerned that the properties have only been shown to the North Bennet Street School, a nearby nonprofit that offers training in the trades. The school has been seeking larger space.
But the Finance Commission said the city should seek proposals in an open, competitive bidding process for the shuttered printing department and the former police station, to get the highest bidder.
Victor Brogna, vice president of North End/Waterfront Residents Association, said he understands why issuing a request for proposals is important to the city.
“But what’s important to the North End is to see that we work very hard to keep the North Bennet Street School in the neighborhood,” he said.
Builder eyes North End Site
By Thomas Grillo | Monday, December 27, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Real Estate
A North End developer said he wants to turn a pair of rundown city-owned buildings on North Street into a boutique-style hotel.
Matteo Gallo - who recently purchased a vacant five-story, 16-unit condominium building at a foreclosure auction in the North End for $5.1 million - said he has had his eye on the city-owned properties on North and Richmond streets for more than a year. He has talked to lenders about financing the project.
“I can’t think of a better location for what I would call the Hotel Italia,” Gallo said. “It’s a beautiful building at the gateway to the North End at the edge of the Greenway.”
Gallo said if he can’t get approvals for a hotel, he would turn the property into apartments for North Enders who have been forced to leave the neighborhood due to high housing prices.
“Most North End property owners push the Italian old timers out, but I’ve gone out of my way to rent to Italian seniors at a discount to keep them in the neighborhood,” he said.
The Herald reported last week that the Boston Finance Commission is raising questions about the pair of mostly vacant buildings at 150 North St. and 130 Richmond St.
In a letter to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the commission said it was concerned that the properties have only been shown to the North Bennet Street School, a nearby nonprofit that offers training in the trades. The school has been seeking larger space.
But the Finance Commission said the city should seek proposals in an open, competitive bidding process for the shuttered printing department and the former police station, to get the highest bidder.
Victor Brogna, vice president of North End/Waterfront Residents Association, said he understands why issuing a request for proposals is important to the city.
“But what’s important to the North End is to see that we work very hard to keep the North Bennet Street School in the neighborhood,” he said.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
US encourages hotels, malls to step up security in wake of terror threat
Yahoo News
US to step up security at hotels and malls
Sun Dec 26, 11:45 am ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States is stepping up security at "soft targets" like hotels and shopping malls, as well as trains and ports, as it counters the evolving Al-Qaeda threat, a top official said Sunday.
A year after a foiled plot to bomb a US-bound passenger plane, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told CNN's "State of the Union" program that other places and modes of transportation must now be scrutinized.
"We look at so-called soft targets -- the hotels, shopping malls, for example -- all of which we have reached out to in the past year and have done a fair amount of training for their own employees," Napolitano said.
Since an attempted bombing on a packed Saturday night in Times Square in May, New York, for example, has installed hundreds of security cameras as part of a plan to triple the number of cameras to 3,000.
In September, the city activated some 500 new surveillance cameras at its three busiest subway stations -- Times Square, Penn Station and Grand Central.
"The overall message is everything is objectively better than it was a year ago, particularly in the aviation environment. But we're also looking at addressing other areas," Napolitano said.
As extremists struggle to circumvent tighter security at airports and search for new avenues, she said US officials were looking to step up broader measures.
"What we have to do is say, well, what other ways are they thinking to commit an act, because our job is not only to react, but to be thinking always ahead, what could be happening," Napolitano said.
"And so we have enhanced measures going on at surface transportation, not because we have a specific or credible threat there, but because we know, looking at Madrid and London, that's been another source of targets for terrorists."
Suicide bombers killed 52 people aboard a bus and three London Underground trains in 2005.
And in Europe's worst terror attack, 191 people were killed and nearly 2000 injured in Madrid in March 2004 when 10 backpacks filled with nails and explosives went off on four trains during morning rush hour.
"It means, as we make the land borders harder to cross from a land border crossing standpoint, that we need to be looking out into our coasts and to the waters," said Napolitano.
Last Christmas, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a young Nigerian who claims to have been trained by Al-Qaeda operatives in the Yemen, failed to detonate explosives concealed in his underwear on a packed transatlantic airliner as it came in to land in Detroit.
The US authorities responded by installing new screening machines and initiating draconian body searches at airports.
Napolitano said international travelers in the United States also face tight intelligence screening even before they reach the boarding gate.
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
US to step up security at hotels and malls
Sun Dec 26, 11:45 am ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States is stepping up security at "soft targets" like hotels and shopping malls, as well as trains and ports, as it counters the evolving Al-Qaeda threat, a top official said Sunday.
A year after a foiled plot to bomb a US-bound passenger plane, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told CNN's "State of the Union" program that other places and modes of transportation must now be scrutinized.
"We look at so-called soft targets -- the hotels, shopping malls, for example -- all of which we have reached out to in the past year and have done a fair amount of training for their own employees," Napolitano said.
Since an attempted bombing on a packed Saturday night in Times Square in May, New York, for example, has installed hundreds of security cameras as part of a plan to triple the number of cameras to 3,000.
In September, the city activated some 500 new surveillance cameras at its three busiest subway stations -- Times Square, Penn Station and Grand Central.
"The overall message is everything is objectively better than it was a year ago, particularly in the aviation environment. But we're also looking at addressing other areas," Napolitano said.
As extremists struggle to circumvent tighter security at airports and search for new avenues, she said US officials were looking to step up broader measures.
"What we have to do is say, well, what other ways are they thinking to commit an act, because our job is not only to react, but to be thinking always ahead, what could be happening," Napolitano said.
"And so we have enhanced measures going on at surface transportation, not because we have a specific or credible threat there, but because we know, looking at Madrid and London, that's been another source of targets for terrorists."
Suicide bombers killed 52 people aboard a bus and three London Underground trains in 2005.
And in Europe's worst terror attack, 191 people were killed and nearly 2000 injured in Madrid in March 2004 when 10 backpacks filled with nails and explosives went off on four trains during morning rush hour.
"It means, as we make the land borders harder to cross from a land border crossing standpoint, that we need to be looking out into our coasts and to the waters," said Napolitano.
Last Christmas, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a young Nigerian who claims to have been trained by Al-Qaeda operatives in the Yemen, failed to detonate explosives concealed in his underwear on a packed transatlantic airliner as it came in to land in Detroit.
The US authorities responded by installing new screening machines and initiating draconian body searches at airports.
Napolitano said international travelers in the United States also face tight intelligence screening even before they reach the boarding gate.
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Q review
The Boston Herald
Hot pot hot spot
By Mat Schaffer
Friday, December 24, 2010
Q: B
Heading to Chinatown over Christmas weekend? Check out Q. This new hot pot spot is the swankiest restaurant in the ’hood.
Hot pot, also known as shabu-shabu, is a cook-your-own meal of meats, fish and vegetables that you poach in savory broth. It’s fun, delicious and healthy.
Q is the fourth hot pot eatery in Chinatown and the only one with a full liquor license. It is also the priciest and least varied in terms of combination-plate options. Despite such shortcomings, it is already attracting crowds. Decide for yourself whether the glam decor and high-octane martinis are worth the extra bucks.
Ingredients are top-notch.
Q offers nine different poaching stocks - from dried-chili-pepper-and-medicinal-herb-studded mala ($5) to lemony Thai tom yum ($3). The stocks are flavorful, if not as spicy hot as they could be. Unlike other Chinatown hot pot restaurants, there is no gratis default broth.
And, unlike similar eateries, there’s no extensive selection of combination platters, which typically include multiple meats and/or seafood, an assortment of vegetables and rice or noodles. Oh, the supreme seafood combo ($17) of shrimp, littlenecks, squid, mussels, flounder, scallops and salmon is fab. And so is the surf and turf ($19) of shrimp, scallops, squid, mussels, flounder and your choice of beef, lamb, chicken breast and/or pork (pick two).
But there’s no combo that lets you mix and match different meats (lamb and pork, or beef and chicken, for example) and thus take advantage of the free veggies (baby bok choy, napa cabbage, corn, tomato, spinach, enoki mushrooms) and starches. That means carnivores seeking multiple meats must order a la carte - which adds up.
What to do? For every two people, order either the supreme seafood or the surf and turf combo plus a handful of a la carte items. Then, share everything.
We had pleasantly rubbery dried-bean-curd sticks ($3), cubes of fresh tofu ($3) and spongy fried tofu ($3). Thick slices of taro ($3), which turn soft the longer they cook. Acorn-squashy pumpkin ($3), snow pea pods ($3) and Chinese broccoli ($3). And an impressive mushroom platter ($6) of shiitake, button, trumpet, enoki and wood ear.
Plus, plates of shaved chicken breast ($6), Angus sirloin ($7), lamb ($7) and pork ($6). The meats arrive frozen - the easier for the kitchen to slice them thin.
A server places a metal hot pot (divided down the middle to hold two different simmering broths) on a ceramic burner in the center of your table. Make a dipping sauce of soy, Chinese sa cha barbecue sauce, chili paste, minced garlic, diced scallion greens and chopped cilantro.
Using chopsticks, a scoop strainer or a ladle, poach your ingredients in broth, then dunk into your individualized sauce. Be careful not to overcook - most everything is done in seconds (although tubers and broccoli stems take considerably longer).
Be forewarned: It’s easy to lose track of what you’re poaching. Especially, after a cocktail from the Q bar, or a bottle from the restaurant’s small wine, beer and sake list. The bartending staff couldn’t be more accommodating - when we requested a mango smoothie ($4) with a shot of Goslings rum ($7) they happily obliged.
Service is friendly, but not forthcoming enough about the complexities of ordering and the specifics of how to cook your food. On busy evenings, patrons get forgotten. There’s dessert, but we were never offered it. Located on the ground level of the new Archstone Boston Common apartment complex, Q is a gorgeous space with an electric-blue, water-walled entranceway, soaring ceilings and faux alligator booths. There’s a granite-topped sushi bar, but no one ever seems to sit there.
Hot pot hot spot
By Mat Schaffer
Friday, December 24, 2010
Q: B
Heading to Chinatown over Christmas weekend? Check out Q. This new hot pot spot is the swankiest restaurant in the ’hood.
Hot pot, also known as shabu-shabu, is a cook-your-own meal of meats, fish and vegetables that you poach in savory broth. It’s fun, delicious and healthy.
Q is the fourth hot pot eatery in Chinatown and the only one with a full liquor license. It is also the priciest and least varied in terms of combination-plate options. Despite such shortcomings, it is already attracting crowds. Decide for yourself whether the glam decor and high-octane martinis are worth the extra bucks.
Ingredients are top-notch.
Q offers nine different poaching stocks - from dried-chili-pepper-and-medicinal-herb-studded mala ($5) to lemony Thai tom yum ($3). The stocks are flavorful, if not as spicy hot as they could be. Unlike other Chinatown hot pot restaurants, there is no gratis default broth.
And, unlike similar eateries, there’s no extensive selection of combination platters, which typically include multiple meats and/or seafood, an assortment of vegetables and rice or noodles. Oh, the supreme seafood combo ($17) of shrimp, littlenecks, squid, mussels, flounder, scallops and salmon is fab. And so is the surf and turf ($19) of shrimp, scallops, squid, mussels, flounder and your choice of beef, lamb, chicken breast and/or pork (pick two).
But there’s no combo that lets you mix and match different meats (lamb and pork, or beef and chicken, for example) and thus take advantage of the free veggies (baby bok choy, napa cabbage, corn, tomato, spinach, enoki mushrooms) and starches. That means carnivores seeking multiple meats must order a la carte - which adds up.
What to do? For every two people, order either the supreme seafood or the surf and turf combo plus a handful of a la carte items. Then, share everything.
We had pleasantly rubbery dried-bean-curd sticks ($3), cubes of fresh tofu ($3) and spongy fried tofu ($3). Thick slices of taro ($3), which turn soft the longer they cook. Acorn-squashy pumpkin ($3), snow pea pods ($3) and Chinese broccoli ($3). And an impressive mushroom platter ($6) of shiitake, button, trumpet, enoki and wood ear.
Plus, plates of shaved chicken breast ($6), Angus sirloin ($7), lamb ($7) and pork ($6). The meats arrive frozen - the easier for the kitchen to slice them thin.
A server places a metal hot pot (divided down the middle to hold two different simmering broths) on a ceramic burner in the center of your table. Make a dipping sauce of soy, Chinese sa cha barbecue sauce, chili paste, minced garlic, diced scallion greens and chopped cilantro.
Using chopsticks, a scoop strainer or a ladle, poach your ingredients in broth, then dunk into your individualized sauce. Be careful not to overcook - most everything is done in seconds (although tubers and broccoli stems take considerably longer).
Be forewarned: It’s easy to lose track of what you’re poaching. Especially, after a cocktail from the Q bar, or a bottle from the restaurant’s small wine, beer and sake list. The bartending staff couldn’t be more accommodating - when we requested a mango smoothie ($4) with a shot of Goslings rum ($7) they happily obliged.
Service is friendly, but not forthcoming enough about the complexities of ordering and the specifics of how to cook your food. On busy evenings, patrons get forgotten. There’s dessert, but we were never offered it. Located on the ground level of the new Archstone Boston Common apartment complex, Q is a gorgeous space with an electric-blue, water-walled entranceway, soaring ceilings and faux alligator booths. There’s a granite-topped sushi bar, but no one ever seems to sit there.
Theatre workers union fears loss of jobs at Colonial next summer
Union chief fears it’s curtains for his workers at the Colonial
By Thomas Grillo | Saturday, December 25, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets
A local union president is worried that Emerson College could cut member jobs at the Colonial Theatre next summer when the school’s contract ends with Broadway Across America.
“We have concerns anytime a college takes over a commercial theater,” said Christopher Welling, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local #11 in South Boston.
At issue is whether the Colonial, which Emerson purchased in 2006 for $35 million, will continue employing union workers for productions at the 1,705-seat theater on Boylston Street. Typically, national touring productions such as “Wicked” and “Jersey Boys” use union labor, but the smaller productions opt for cheap, unskilled labor, Welling said.
Broadway Across America presents major touring musicals and plays nationwide.
Andy Tiedemann, an Emerson spokesman, said it’s unclear what will happen next year when the school’s contract with Broadway Across America ends.
He said the school leases the three theaters it owns - the Majestic, Paramount and the Colonial - and if the production is union, then union labor is used.
“Are our theaters exclusively union? No, but we bring in many productions that have union actors and staff,” Tiedemann said.
But Welling said the school’s response is a way to opt out of any responsibly for guaranteeing fair wages and benefits. He suggests that Emerson and other nonprofits insist that anyone using their space pay fair wages and benefits.
“Without unions, the workers don’t get paid fair wages or health benefits and makes it very difficult for our members to get work,” he said. “We’re saying that schools like Emerson insist that any production agree to pay the area standard wage based on collective bargaining. That’s the right thing to do.”
By Thomas Grillo | Saturday, December 25, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets
A local union president is worried that Emerson College could cut member jobs at the Colonial Theatre next summer when the school’s contract ends with Broadway Across America.
“We have concerns anytime a college takes over a commercial theater,” said Christopher Welling, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local #11 in South Boston.
At issue is whether the Colonial, which Emerson purchased in 2006 for $35 million, will continue employing union workers for productions at the 1,705-seat theater on Boylston Street. Typically, national touring productions such as “Wicked” and “Jersey Boys” use union labor, but the smaller productions opt for cheap, unskilled labor, Welling said.
Broadway Across America presents major touring musicals and plays nationwide.
Andy Tiedemann, an Emerson spokesman, said it’s unclear what will happen next year when the school’s contract with Broadway Across America ends.
He said the school leases the three theaters it owns - the Majestic, Paramount and the Colonial - and if the production is union, then union labor is used.
“Are our theaters exclusively union? No, but we bring in many productions that have union actors and staff,” Tiedemann said.
But Welling said the school’s response is a way to opt out of any responsibly for guaranteeing fair wages and benefits. He suggests that Emerson and other nonprofits insist that anyone using their space pay fair wages and benefits.
“Without unions, the workers don’t get paid fair wages or health benefits and makes it very difficult for our members to get work,” he said. “We’re saying that schools like Emerson insist that any production agree to pay the area standard wage based on collective bargaining. That’s the right thing to do.”
Friday, December 24, 2010
JetBlue to launch NYC-Martha's Vineyard service
Boston.com
JetBlue to launch NYC flights to Martha's Vineyard
December 23, 2010 01:07 PM
Katie Johnston Chase, Globe Staff
JetBlue Airways is adding seasonal nonstop service between Martha's Vineyard and New York beginning next summer.
The daily flight on a 100-seat plane, offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, will be the only full-size jet service to the Vineyard, according to JetBlue.
The airline currently offers year-round service between Martha's Vineyard and Boston in cooperation with Cape Air. JetBlue also operates seasonal flights from Boston to Nantucket through Cape Air. Schedule and fare information for the new Martha's Vineyard service will be released in January.
"This service will have a wonderful impact on the number of people from around the world who will be able to reach Martha's Vineyard and enjoy all its beauty," said Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce.
JetBlue to launch NYC flights to Martha's Vineyard
December 23, 2010 01:07 PM
Katie Johnston Chase, Globe Staff
JetBlue Airways is adding seasonal nonstop service between Martha's Vineyard and New York beginning next summer.
The daily flight on a 100-seat plane, offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, will be the only full-size jet service to the Vineyard, according to JetBlue.
The airline currently offers year-round service between Martha's Vineyard and Boston in cooperation with Cape Air. JetBlue also operates seasonal flights from Boston to Nantucket through Cape Air. Schedule and fare information for the new Martha's Vineyard service will be released in January.
"This service will have a wonderful impact on the number of people from around the world who will be able to reach Martha's Vineyard and enjoy all its beauty," said Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Boston sports personalities to appear in ice on New Year's Eve
The Boston Globe
Names
Five for First Night
By Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein
Globe Staff / December 23, 2010
Ice sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick told us yesterday that he has already started work on his ice sculpture for First Night, which will be displayed at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and will feature five Boston sports personalities — Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, Wally the Green Monster, and David Ortiz. “I’m working on Shaq’s head,’’ said Fitzpatrick (inset), who is making only a head for Shaq but a full-body sculpture of Brady. Asked how he plans to depict Brady’s hair, Fitzpatrick told us he’s avoiding the issue altogether by sculpting our QB wearing a helmet. “His locks blowing in the wind? No,’’ Fitzpatrick said, laughing. The sculptor said he guesses that if anyone shows up to see themselves in ice, it will probably be Wally — or maybe Shaq. “He’s just that type of guy.’’
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Names
Five for First Night
By Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein
Globe Staff / December 23, 2010
Ice sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick told us yesterday that he has already started work on his ice sculpture for First Night, which will be displayed at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and will feature five Boston sports personalities — Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, Wally the Green Monster, and David Ortiz. “I’m working on Shaq’s head,’’ said Fitzpatrick (inset), who is making only a head for Shaq but a full-body sculpture of Brady. Asked how he plans to depict Brady’s hair, Fitzpatrick told us he’s avoiding the issue altogether by sculpting our QB wearing a helmet. “His locks blowing in the wind? No,’’ Fitzpatrick said, laughing. The sculptor said he guesses that if anyone shows up to see themselves in ice, it will probably be Wally — or maybe Shaq. “He’s just that type of guy.’’
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
New restaurant coming to North End
Boston Restaurant Talk
Thursday, December 23, 2010
La Sosta da Maria Is Apparently Coming to Boston's North End
It looks like a new Italian restaurant is coming to the North End of Boston, moving into the space where a hairstyling shop had been.
According to the EveryBlock Boston site, La Sosta da Maria is planning to open on Salem Street in the spot formerly occupied by Michael's Hairstyling and Tanning Salon (where Stillman Street meets Salem Street, about two blocks from the Rose Kennedy Greenway). There is currently no other information available about this upcoming dining spot; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.
If all goes as planned for this restaurant, the address will be: La Sosta da Maria, 78-80 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.
posted by Marc at 11:30 AM
Thursday, December 23, 2010
La Sosta da Maria Is Apparently Coming to Boston's North End
It looks like a new Italian restaurant is coming to the North End of Boston, moving into the space where a hairstyling shop had been.
According to the EveryBlock Boston site, La Sosta da Maria is planning to open on Salem Street in the spot formerly occupied by Michael's Hairstyling and Tanning Salon (where Stillman Street meets Salem Street, about two blocks from the Rose Kennedy Greenway). There is currently no other information available about this upcoming dining spot; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.
If all goes as planned for this restaurant, the address will be: La Sosta da Maria, 78-80 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.
posted by Marc at 11:30 AM
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
European weather problems ground many in Boston
The Boston Globe
Holiday travel plans grounded by storm
Disruptions spread, stalling flights into Germany, Ireland
By Katie Johnston Chase
Globe Staff / December 22, 2010
Winter storms in Europe are causing more disruptions at Logan International Airport, with flight cancellations spreading beyond London to Frankfurt and Dublin, and some travelers learning they won’t be able to get to their destinations until after Christmas.
Heyd Firth, stuck in Boston, found a way to get home to England before Christmas, but not without other complications. After Virgin Atlantic Airways said it couldn’t get her to London until Sunday, she shelled out more than $4,000 apiece for two business-class tickets on British Airways to arrive in London on Christmas Eve.
Firth, 80, and her brother came to Boston for her aunt’s 90th birthday party and were due to fly out of Logan last Sunday.
Firth is glad she’ll be with her children and grandchildren on Christmas, but getting the tickets caused other problems. The huge purchase raised suspicions, she said, and “The bank has now stopped my credit card.’’
Yesterday, American Airlines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic together cut nine inbound and outbound flights between Logan and Heathrow Airport in London, which is operating only about a third of its scheduled flights through tomorrow. Lufthansa scrapped an inbound and outbound flight between Boston and Frankfurt Airport; and Aer Lingus canceled an inbound and outbound flight between Logan and Dublin Airport, which was shut down.
British Airways flights between Heath row and Logan are being canceled through the end of the week, said spokesman John Lampl: one inbound to Logan and two outbound to Heathrow today, and one each way on Thursday and Friday.
Only five inches of snow fell in London, but Heathrow isn’t properly equipped to deal with it, Lampl said.
“Boston, you get two feet of snow and everything’s running,’’ he said. “This is the second year in a row this has happened [at Heathrow]. And today is only the first day of winter.’’
Heathrow is among the world’s busiest airports, and cancellations at one of the year’s busiest travel periods provoked anger from hundreds of thousands of affected travelers.
As a result, British Prime Minister David Cameron offered to put troops on snow-clearing duty at Heathrow, which airport authorities declined.
Europe’s top transport official, meanwhile, threatened tougher regulation of airports unable to cope with unusually wintry weather.
Aviation consultant Chris Yates said that after many years without heavy snowfall, short-term thinking and underinvestment had left Heathrow and dozens of other airports across Britain and Ireland without enough equipment or personnel to cope with big storms.
“They have concluded they don’t need snow clearance equipment, so we don’t have the capability when bad weather comes in,’’ he said.
Airport operators in Helsinki, Stockholm, and other snowy climes have the equipment and manpower to clear runways within 30 minutes and to remove ice and snow from aircraft stands quickly, he said, while Heathrow lags far behind.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. Katie Johnston Chase can be reached at johnstonchase@globe.com.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Holiday travel plans grounded by storm
Disruptions spread, stalling flights into Germany, Ireland
By Katie Johnston Chase
Globe Staff / December 22, 2010
Winter storms in Europe are causing more disruptions at Logan International Airport, with flight cancellations spreading beyond London to Frankfurt and Dublin, and some travelers learning they won’t be able to get to their destinations until after Christmas.
Heyd Firth, stuck in Boston, found a way to get home to England before Christmas, but not without other complications. After Virgin Atlantic Airways said it couldn’t get her to London until Sunday, she shelled out more than $4,000 apiece for two business-class tickets on British Airways to arrive in London on Christmas Eve.
Firth, 80, and her brother came to Boston for her aunt’s 90th birthday party and were due to fly out of Logan last Sunday.
Firth is glad she’ll be with her children and grandchildren on Christmas, but getting the tickets caused other problems. The huge purchase raised suspicions, she said, and “The bank has now stopped my credit card.’’
Yesterday, American Airlines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic together cut nine inbound and outbound flights between Logan and Heathrow Airport in London, which is operating only about a third of its scheduled flights through tomorrow. Lufthansa scrapped an inbound and outbound flight between Boston and Frankfurt Airport; and Aer Lingus canceled an inbound and outbound flight between Logan and Dublin Airport, which was shut down.
British Airways flights between Heath row and Logan are being canceled through the end of the week, said spokesman John Lampl: one inbound to Logan and two outbound to Heathrow today, and one each way on Thursday and Friday.
Only five inches of snow fell in London, but Heathrow isn’t properly equipped to deal with it, Lampl said.
“Boston, you get two feet of snow and everything’s running,’’ he said. “This is the second year in a row this has happened [at Heathrow]. And today is only the first day of winter.’’
Heathrow is among the world’s busiest airports, and cancellations at one of the year’s busiest travel periods provoked anger from hundreds of thousands of affected travelers.
As a result, British Prime Minister David Cameron offered to put troops on snow-clearing duty at Heathrow, which airport authorities declined.
Europe’s top transport official, meanwhile, threatened tougher regulation of airports unable to cope with unusually wintry weather.
Aviation consultant Chris Yates said that after many years without heavy snowfall, short-term thinking and underinvestment had left Heathrow and dozens of other airports across Britain and Ireland without enough equipment or personnel to cope with big storms.
“They have concluded they don’t need snow clearance equipment, so we don’t have the capability when bad weather comes in,’’ he said.
Airport operators in Helsinki, Stockholm, and other snowy climes have the equipment and manpower to clear runways within 30 minutes and to remove ice and snow from aircraft stands quickly, he said, while Heathrow lags far behind.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. Katie Johnston Chase can be reached at johnstonchase@globe.com.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Fox 25 report compares Boston and NYC's holiday atmospheres
When they aired this tonight on the news, they interviewed Mayor Menino and he was none too happy when the question of Boston's inferiority to NYC in Christmas celebrations was raised! This report does bring up some legitimate questions about Downtown Crossing, the Rockettes, and the lights on the Common. The Pops are still better than anything in NYC, but they could put more lights on the Common. Our hotels could definitely use more business in December. Adam
Fox 25 News
Who Stole Boston's Christmas?
Updated: Tuesday, 21 Dec 2010, 10:33 PM EST
Published : Monday, 20 Dec 2010, 9:13 PM EST
Bob Ward
BOSTON FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Boston, can we talk?
I have a simple question: Who stole Boston's Christmas?
I have been wondering this question for a long time.
I wasn't happy when the Rockettes supplanted the Nutcracker at the Wang a few years back. Then there was the issue of the Enchanted Village living a nomad's existence, bumped from City Hall Plaza, then over to the Hynes, and now completely out of the city, in Avon.
And that's just the big stuff.
Maybe it happened when the Christmas Pops became the Holiday Pops, but somewhere along the line, Boston's Christmas was stolen. Sure, there are still Christmas lights on the Common, but what I see in Boston at Christmastime today is just a pale shell of Boston's Christmas Past.
Last weekend found me, of all places, in New York City. As the sun set last Saturday, I was with my family marvelling at Macy's animated window displays at the company's flagship store in Herald Square. Even though the line to see these windows was four people deep, I stood on my tip toes in the cold. I was transfixed. Afterwards, we ventured inside. We climbed escalators all the way to the 8th floor to see something called Santaland. As the modern metal escalators gave way to old fashioned well worn wooden escalators, I began to get an odd feeling of deja vu. That feeling of familiarity only intensified when we reached the 8th floor: Santaland! Here in all its Christmas glory, a place teeming with hundreds of kids and parents waiting in a huge Christmas train, just to see the Big Guy. A nearby cafe served hot chocolate and treats. Christmas music, with real honest to goodness Christmas carols played on overhead speakers. And that's when it hit me: I've been here before. Only not in New York, but in Boston.
When I was a kid, the biggest day of the year came when my Mom and Dad would dismiss my brother and me from school, and we would take the train into Boston to spend the day in a place that wasn't afraid to celebrate Christmas, or to mention its name. And the absolute highlight of the day came when we would visit Jordan Marsh (now Macy's), ride the escalators (some of them wooden) all the way to the top floor, and visit the original Enchanted Village (not the one in Avon now). Santa and treats were nearby.
Outside, Jordan Marsh and Filene's (directly across the street) competed with impressive window displays that I still remember to this day. All of Downtown Crossing was one immense Christmas festival. The sweet smell of roasting chestnuts and pretzels cut through the cold December air. The entire city of Boston, for once, seemed to be on the same page.
You remember that, right Boston?
I know you must. The Boston Globe recently published a series of photos from Boston's glory years of Christmas celebrations, and it was not only impressive, it was exactly as I remembered it. And judging from the readers comments, many others remember it too.
Boston, I know you haven't totally turned your back on Christmas. The Frog Pond is nice. The Christmas trees in Copley Square and the Common are nice too. But you have to admit, it's nothing like it used to be. Right now, there is literally, a giant hole in Downtown Crossing (where Filene's used to be). FAO Schwarz, the toystore, is gone, and we've already talked about the Enchanted Village.
Let me put it another way. This past weekend, I drove four hours to New York City to see how Christmas can be celebrated. I spent hundreds of dollars in hotels, restaurants, and the NYC subway system. All of it, to recapture a taste of what used to be in Boston. I was not alone.
I wanted to visit Rockefeller Center. I wanted my teenaged kids to see that Christmas splendor in person. But we couldn't. So many other people had the same idea, the NYPD closed down several city blocks in the area. The sidewalks were stuffed ten deep. Nobody could move, but nobody seemed to care. It was amazing.
I think of all the money spent in NYC during Christmastime, and I can't imagine why you, Boston, don't try to do something similar. I know you need the money.
Boston, I want to know who stole your Christmas? Back in the day, driving to New York, for anything, let alone Christmas, was unthinkable. How did you let it all slip away? Is Christmas really that politically incorrect? Are people really offended by the idea of Christmas? I remind you, the song is called Joy to the World, not Joy to the Christian World.
Or was it the rush to create the secular and safe First Night that began the decline of Boston's Christmas?
It's not too late, Boston. I'm sure public-private partnerships can be formed to turn this all around, so that Boston can compete with New York. Theo did it. You can too. You don't have to go all Gotham City and transform Downtown Crossing into Times Square (though I think that'd be incredible), but you could do it Boston style.
You may not remember, but in 1867/68 Charles Dickens began AND ended his last US tour (which included public readings of A Christmas Carol) at the Tremont Temple on Tremont Street. Dickens, the Ghosts, surely there's something there you could use.
That's my idea, off the top of my head, I'm sure there are many more that could make your celebration, Boston's Christmas celebration, unique, special, and popular. To steal a quote from a great movie: "If you build it, they will come."
So, Boston, I say this to you as a friend. Why let New York have all the glory? Why not bring Christmas back? To Boston.
Fox 25 News
Who Stole Boston's Christmas?
Updated: Tuesday, 21 Dec 2010, 10:33 PM EST
Published : Monday, 20 Dec 2010, 9:13 PM EST
Bob Ward
BOSTON FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Boston, can we talk?
I have a simple question: Who stole Boston's Christmas?
I have been wondering this question for a long time.
I wasn't happy when the Rockettes supplanted the Nutcracker at the Wang a few years back. Then there was the issue of the Enchanted Village living a nomad's existence, bumped from City Hall Plaza, then over to the Hynes, and now completely out of the city, in Avon.
And that's just the big stuff.
Maybe it happened when the Christmas Pops became the Holiday Pops, but somewhere along the line, Boston's Christmas was stolen. Sure, there are still Christmas lights on the Common, but what I see in Boston at Christmastime today is just a pale shell of Boston's Christmas Past.
Last weekend found me, of all places, in New York City. As the sun set last Saturday, I was with my family marvelling at Macy's animated window displays at the company's flagship store in Herald Square. Even though the line to see these windows was four people deep, I stood on my tip toes in the cold. I was transfixed. Afterwards, we ventured inside. We climbed escalators all the way to the 8th floor to see something called Santaland. As the modern metal escalators gave way to old fashioned well worn wooden escalators, I began to get an odd feeling of deja vu. That feeling of familiarity only intensified when we reached the 8th floor: Santaland! Here in all its Christmas glory, a place teeming with hundreds of kids and parents waiting in a huge Christmas train, just to see the Big Guy. A nearby cafe served hot chocolate and treats. Christmas music, with real honest to goodness Christmas carols played on overhead speakers. And that's when it hit me: I've been here before. Only not in New York, but in Boston.
When I was a kid, the biggest day of the year came when my Mom and Dad would dismiss my brother and me from school, and we would take the train into Boston to spend the day in a place that wasn't afraid to celebrate Christmas, or to mention its name. And the absolute highlight of the day came when we would visit Jordan Marsh (now Macy's), ride the escalators (some of them wooden) all the way to the top floor, and visit the original Enchanted Village (not the one in Avon now). Santa and treats were nearby.
Outside, Jordan Marsh and Filene's (directly across the street) competed with impressive window displays that I still remember to this day. All of Downtown Crossing was one immense Christmas festival. The sweet smell of roasting chestnuts and pretzels cut through the cold December air. The entire city of Boston, for once, seemed to be on the same page.
You remember that, right Boston?
I know you must. The Boston Globe recently published a series of photos from Boston's glory years of Christmas celebrations, and it was not only impressive, it was exactly as I remembered it. And judging from the readers comments, many others remember it too.
Boston, I know you haven't totally turned your back on Christmas. The Frog Pond is nice. The Christmas trees in Copley Square and the Common are nice too. But you have to admit, it's nothing like it used to be. Right now, there is literally, a giant hole in Downtown Crossing (where Filene's used to be). FAO Schwarz, the toystore, is gone, and we've already talked about the Enchanted Village.
Let me put it another way. This past weekend, I drove four hours to New York City to see how Christmas can be celebrated. I spent hundreds of dollars in hotels, restaurants, and the NYC subway system. All of it, to recapture a taste of what used to be in Boston. I was not alone.
I wanted to visit Rockefeller Center. I wanted my teenaged kids to see that Christmas splendor in person. But we couldn't. So many other people had the same idea, the NYPD closed down several city blocks in the area. The sidewalks were stuffed ten deep. Nobody could move, but nobody seemed to care. It was amazing.
I think of all the money spent in NYC during Christmastime, and I can't imagine why you, Boston, don't try to do something similar. I know you need the money.
Boston, I want to know who stole your Christmas? Back in the day, driving to New York, for anything, let alone Christmas, was unthinkable. How did you let it all slip away? Is Christmas really that politically incorrect? Are people really offended by the idea of Christmas? I remind you, the song is called Joy to the World, not Joy to the Christian World.
Or was it the rush to create the secular and safe First Night that began the decline of Boston's Christmas?
It's not too late, Boston. I'm sure public-private partnerships can be formed to turn this all around, so that Boston can compete with New York. Theo did it. You can too. You don't have to go all Gotham City and transform Downtown Crossing into Times Square (though I think that'd be incredible), but you could do it Boston style.
You may not remember, but in 1867/68 Charles Dickens began AND ended his last US tour (which included public readings of A Christmas Carol) at the Tremont Temple on Tremont Street. Dickens, the Ghosts, surely there's something there you could use.
That's my idea, off the top of my head, I'm sure there are many more that could make your celebration, Boston's Christmas celebration, unique, special, and popular. To steal a quote from a great movie: "If you build it, they will come."
So, Boston, I say this to you as a friend. Why let New York have all the glory? Why not bring Christmas back? To Boston.
Glass eating women sentenced for scamming local hotels. restaurants
Universal Hub
Woman who ate glass in restaurant, supermarket scams gets four years in prison
By adamg - 12/21/10 - 8:35 pm
Mary Evano, a former Weymouth resident who scammed restaurants, hotels and supermarkets in Boston and elsewhere out of more than $200,000 in bogus glass-in-food claims was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison, the US Attorney's office reports.
The FBI says Mary Evano actually did eat glass repeatedly between 1997 and 2005 - but at home, so she could show the food outlets hospital bills for hospital care - often for bloody stools and vomit. Hubby Ronald Evano, who pleaded guilty in 2007, was sentenced himself to more than five years in federal prison. In addition to the $200,000 in payments, the government says, the couple also racked up $100,000 in unpaid hospital bills.
Woman who ate glass in restaurant, supermarket scams gets four years in prison
By adamg - 12/21/10 - 8:35 pm
Mary Evano, a former Weymouth resident who scammed restaurants, hotels and supermarkets in Boston and elsewhere out of more than $200,000 in bogus glass-in-food claims was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison, the US Attorney's office reports.
The FBI says Mary Evano actually did eat glass repeatedly between 1997 and 2005 - but at home, so she could show the food outlets hospital bills for hospital care - often for bloody stools and vomit. Hubby Ronald Evano, who pleaded guilty in 2007, was sentenced himself to more than five years in federal prison. In addition to the $200,000 in payments, the government says, the couple also racked up $100,000 in unpaid hospital bills.
Former Upper Crust manager sues company for false accusations, retalition, death threats
Boston.com
Former Upper Crust manager alleges retaliation
December 21, 2010 01:28 PM
By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff
A former operations manager at Upper Crust has filed a lawsuit that accuses the Boston-based pizza chain of retaliating against him after he reported the company to the US Department of Labor for allegedly violating wage and hour laws.
Patrick Joyce claims Upper Crust’s owner, Jordan Tobins, falsely accused him of robbing the Commonwealth Avenue store, docked his final paycheck by hundreds of dollars, and threatened to kill him, according to a copy of a complaint filed in US District Court in Boston.
Joyce worked at Upper Crust for seven years. He is seeking about $150,000 in damages, said his lawyer, Elayne N. Alanis.
“Initially, it was a business with good intentions,’’ Joyce said. “I think greed and arrogance got in the way. [Tobins] was blinded by his own arrogance. As the company grew and his stardom grew, he felt he could do whatever he wanted.’’
George Regan, a spokesman for Upper Crust Pizzeria, said the allegations are not true.
Joyce is “angry that another employee received a promotion,’’ Regan said.
“He was not threatened, he was reprimanded for poor performance — not for being a whistle-blower. His version may sound more glamorous, but it is not true.’’
Upper Crust, which rapidly expanded over the past decade to 17 stores, has come under scrutiny by several state and federal agencies for its treatment of workers, many of whom arrived illegally in Boston from a village in Brazil. Joyce’s lawsuit is the second this year brought by former employees.
In July, two former cooks filed a lawsuit saying the popular pizza chain took back thousands of dollars in overtime payments that were ordered by the Department of Labor. The federal agency investigated Upper Crust’s pay practices in 2009 and required it pay nearly $350,000 in back wages to about 121 employees.
After making the restitution payments, management allegedly demanded the Brazilian immigrants surrender their overtime checks or lose their jobs. The two former cooks claim in court records that Upper Crust began drastically reducing weekly paychecks to recoup the federally ordered payouts, and then fired them.
The company, through Regan, has disputed all of the allegations.
“We appreciate our employees and are responsible for keeping more than 250 people in Massachusetts employed, thus we must run our business professionally,’’ Regan said.
In his suit, Joyce said he told Tobins’s business partner, Brendan Higgins, and general manager Barry Proctor that employees were routinely working in excess of 70 hours a week at a flat rate of $455, without any overtime pay.
In January, Joyce contacted the Labor Department and detailed what he believed to be illegal or unethical practices. The agency recently confirmed it has launched a new investigation.
In May, Joyce said, Tobins accused him of being involved in a robbery at one of the company’s restaurants and launched into a “tirade of obscenities,’’ according to the suit. In response, Joyce said, he resigned.
Regan, in a previous interview, said the company did not allege that Joyce was involved in a crime.
“If the company thought Mr. Joyce was implicated in the theft, he wouldn’t have remained with the company,’’ Regan said.
After discovering in June that several hundred dollars were missing from his final paycheck, Joyce said, he told Tobins he would report Upper Crust to the Labor Department if the money was not returned.
According to the suit, Tobins responded by saying “I will [expletive] kill you.’’
Joyce filed an incident report with the Boston Police Department in July that included the same accusations:
“Mr. Joyce feels that he is being targeted and is in fear of his safety because people from his company believe he went to the Department of Labor as well as the press to open up this investigation,’’ the report said.
Jenn Abelson can be reached at abelson@globe.com.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Former Upper Crust manager alleges retaliation
December 21, 2010 01:28 PM
By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff
A former operations manager at Upper Crust has filed a lawsuit that accuses the Boston-based pizza chain of retaliating against him after he reported the company to the US Department of Labor for allegedly violating wage and hour laws.
Patrick Joyce claims Upper Crust’s owner, Jordan Tobins, falsely accused him of robbing the Commonwealth Avenue store, docked his final paycheck by hundreds of dollars, and threatened to kill him, according to a copy of a complaint filed in US District Court in Boston.
Joyce worked at Upper Crust for seven years. He is seeking about $150,000 in damages, said his lawyer, Elayne N. Alanis.
“Initially, it was a business with good intentions,’’ Joyce said. “I think greed and arrogance got in the way. [Tobins] was blinded by his own arrogance. As the company grew and his stardom grew, he felt he could do whatever he wanted.’’
George Regan, a spokesman for Upper Crust Pizzeria, said the allegations are not true.
Joyce is “angry that another employee received a promotion,’’ Regan said.
“He was not threatened, he was reprimanded for poor performance — not for being a whistle-blower. His version may sound more glamorous, but it is not true.’’
Upper Crust, which rapidly expanded over the past decade to 17 stores, has come under scrutiny by several state and federal agencies for its treatment of workers, many of whom arrived illegally in Boston from a village in Brazil. Joyce’s lawsuit is the second this year brought by former employees.
In July, two former cooks filed a lawsuit saying the popular pizza chain took back thousands of dollars in overtime payments that were ordered by the Department of Labor. The federal agency investigated Upper Crust’s pay practices in 2009 and required it pay nearly $350,000 in back wages to about 121 employees.
After making the restitution payments, management allegedly demanded the Brazilian immigrants surrender their overtime checks or lose their jobs. The two former cooks claim in court records that Upper Crust began drastically reducing weekly paychecks to recoup the federally ordered payouts, and then fired them.
The company, through Regan, has disputed all of the allegations.
“We appreciate our employees and are responsible for keeping more than 250 people in Massachusetts employed, thus we must run our business professionally,’’ Regan said.
In his suit, Joyce said he told Tobins’s business partner, Brendan Higgins, and general manager Barry Proctor that employees were routinely working in excess of 70 hours a week at a flat rate of $455, without any overtime pay.
In January, Joyce contacted the Labor Department and detailed what he believed to be illegal or unethical practices. The agency recently confirmed it has launched a new investigation.
In May, Joyce said, Tobins accused him of being involved in a robbery at one of the company’s restaurants and launched into a “tirade of obscenities,’’ according to the suit. In response, Joyce said, he resigned.
Regan, in a previous interview, said the company did not allege that Joyce was involved in a crime.
“If the company thought Mr. Joyce was implicated in the theft, he wouldn’t have remained with the company,’’ Regan said.
After discovering in June that several hundred dollars were missing from his final paycheck, Joyce said, he told Tobins he would report Upper Crust to the Labor Department if the money was not returned.
According to the suit, Tobins responded by saying “I will [expletive] kill you.’’
Joyce filed an incident report with the Boston Police Department in July that included the same accusations:
“Mr. Joyce feels that he is being targeted and is in fear of his safety because people from his company believe he went to the Department of Labor as well as the press to open up this investigation,’’ the report said.
Jenn Abelson can be reached at abelson@globe.com.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Quincy Center redevelopment to include two new hotels, restaurant space
The Boston Herald
Quincy councilors approve deal for $1.3B downtown redevelopment
By Herald staff
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 - Added 13 hours ago
Quincy City Council has approved an agreement paving the way for the $1.28 billion redevelopment of Quincy Center.
The massive project, the largest private investment in the city’s history, includes more than 1 million square feet of office space, 700-plus housing units, a pair of hotels, an entertainment complex and 570,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
New York-based Street-Works Development LLC expects the project to create 4,100 construction jobs and 5,700 permanent jobs.
Quincy officials said the “land disposition agreement” with the developer includes a financing mechanism – hashed out over three years -- that reduces taxpayers’ risk. The city will purchase the public infrastructure, such as parking garages, only when “adequate revenue is flowing” from new buildings.
“We do not borrow any money until the project is producing revenue, and no money from our general fund or any increased property taxes on our homeowners will go toward this project,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, in a statement released after last night’s vote. “The financing is entirely project-based.”
The plan calls for $277 million in public infrastructure improvements such as underground utilities and parking garages with 3,500 spaces. New taxes on meals and hotel rooms as well as parking revenue would finance most of the improvements, with the city and Street-Works seeking $50 million in state and federal grant funds.
Ken Narva, co-founder and managing partner of Street-Works, called the city council vote “a huge milestone for the project.”
In December 2009, the Patrick administration committed $8.1 million in federal stimulus funds toward completion of a new road to connect Burgin Parkway to Route 3A through Quincy Center.
Street-Works hopes to finish the project by 2020.
Quincy councilors approve deal for $1.3B downtown redevelopment
By Herald staff
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 - Added 13 hours ago
Quincy City Council has approved an agreement paving the way for the $1.28 billion redevelopment of Quincy Center.
The massive project, the largest private investment in the city’s history, includes more than 1 million square feet of office space, 700-plus housing units, a pair of hotels, an entertainment complex and 570,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
New York-based Street-Works Development LLC expects the project to create 4,100 construction jobs and 5,700 permanent jobs.
Quincy officials said the “land disposition agreement” with the developer includes a financing mechanism – hashed out over three years -- that reduces taxpayers’ risk. The city will purchase the public infrastructure, such as parking garages, only when “adequate revenue is flowing” from new buildings.
“We do not borrow any money until the project is producing revenue, and no money from our general fund or any increased property taxes on our homeowners will go toward this project,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, in a statement released after last night’s vote. “The financing is entirely project-based.”
The plan calls for $277 million in public infrastructure improvements such as underground utilities and parking garages with 3,500 spaces. New taxes on meals and hotel rooms as well as parking revenue would finance most of the improvements, with the city and Street-Works seeking $50 million in state and federal grant funds.
Ken Narva, co-founder and managing partner of Street-Works, called the city council vote “a huge milestone for the project.”
In December 2009, the Patrick administration committed $8.1 million in federal stimulus funds toward completion of a new road to connect Burgin Parkway to Route 3A through Quincy Center.
Street-Works hopes to finish the project by 2020.
Union Oyster featured on "Sunday Night Football" broadcast
Names
The Boston Globe
Union Oyster House scores
By Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein
Globe Staff / December 21, 2010
Union Oyster House owner Joe Milano was busy yesterday fielding calls and e-mails from people who saw his place on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football’’ broadcast. The segment arranged by producer Fred Gaudelli and shot in the UOH kitchen featured a colorful seafood concoction known as “frutti di mare.’’
The Boston Globe
Union Oyster House scores
By Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein
Globe Staff / December 21, 2010
Union Oyster House owner Joe Milano was busy yesterday fielding calls and e-mails from people who saw his place on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football’’ broadcast. The segment arranged by producer Fred Gaudelli and shot in the UOH kitchen featured a colorful seafood concoction known as “frutti di mare.’’
New terrorist threat could target food in hotels and restaurants
Boston Restaurant Talk
Report: Do Terrorists Have Restaurant Salad Bars and Buffets in Their Sights?
A report has come out this week that hotels and restaurants may be a potential target of terrorists, with the poisoning of restaurant salad bars and buffets being a possible plan.
According to CBS News, a plot was uncovered earlier in 2010 where terrorists might be looking into the placing of ricin and cyanide into food within salad bars and buffets at restaurants. The report states that the plot may focus on attacks happening at a number of hotels and restaurants during a particular weekend. The article also mentions that a key intelligence source considers this threat to be credible, while earlier this month, the Secretary of Homeland Security implied that people who may be planning acts of terrorism on the United States may currently be in this country already, though it is not clear from the article whether she was talking about the plotters of this specific plan.
CBS says that federal officials have met with some corporate security officers from the hospitality industry about the possible plot, and that the hotel and restaurant industries is now on alert.
For more on this story, please go to the CBS news link below.
Latest Terror Threat in US Aimed to Poison Food
posted by Marc at 9:07 AM
Report: Do Terrorists Have Restaurant Salad Bars and Buffets in Their Sights?
A report has come out this week that hotels and restaurants may be a potential target of terrorists, with the poisoning of restaurant salad bars and buffets being a possible plan.
According to CBS News, a plot was uncovered earlier in 2010 where terrorists might be looking into the placing of ricin and cyanide into food within salad bars and buffets at restaurants. The report states that the plot may focus on attacks happening at a number of hotels and restaurants during a particular weekend. The article also mentions that a key intelligence source considers this threat to be credible, while earlier this month, the Secretary of Homeland Security implied that people who may be planning acts of terrorism on the United States may currently be in this country already, though it is not clear from the article whether she was talking about the plotters of this specific plan.
CBS says that federal officials have met with some corporate security officers from the hospitality industry about the possible plot, and that the hotel and restaurant industries is now on alert.
For more on this story, please go to the CBS news link below.
Latest Terror Threat in US Aimed to Poison Food
posted by Marc at 9:07 AM
Monday, December 20, 2010
Moe's Southwest Grill looks to open at Children's Hospital Boston
Boston.com - Your Town
Downtown,Fenway-Kenmore,Natick
Southwestern food chain coming to city amid major Mass. expansion
Posted by Matt Rocheleau December 20, 2010 11:52 AM
By Matt Rocheleau, Town Correspondent
Boston, “Welcome To Moe’s!”
And, vice versa.
The decade-old, southwestern food chain – well known for its trademarked employee-to-customer greeting “Welcome To Moe’s!” – is planning to add to its five existing Bay State locales and open its first Boston franchise as part of a comprehensive expansion effort across Massachusetts.
The Atlanta-based Moe’s Southwest Grill, with over 400 restaurants nationwide, has signed agreements with franchise partners to open nine locations across the state, including two in the city in next year, according to company executives.
The food chain, a member of FOCUS Brands, which also owns Carvel Ice Cream and Cinnabon, is seeking franchise partners and exploring some additional 35 areas in Massachusetts for new restaurants within the coming three to four years.
“Some of our highest-success franchises have been our Greater Boston locations,” said the restaurant chain’s President Paul Damico, listing the Boston area as a top market, similar to success the chain has seen in Chicago and Long Island. “The population density, the income levels and the demographics of Boston really fit with our model.”
Exact addresses for most new locations in the state have not been finalized. But during 2011, he said, the company hopes to open a franchise inside Children’s Hospital Boston and one downtown, along with others in Hadley, Leominster and in a recently closed Pizza Hut off Route 9 in Natick. Dartmouth and Hyannis are also among the areas being closely considered.
Damico said some college campuses in the country house their own Moe’s, and the high concentrations of college-aged students in Greater Boston and in Hadley, which borders the state flagship university’s campus in Amherst, are a major plus for expanding locally.
The chain first entered the state when its Shrewsbury location opened in 2004. After adding four spots – in Worcester, Plymouth, Chelmsford and Hanover – over the past six years, Damico said the company’s hope is to have around 50 total Moe’s in Massachusetts within the next several years.
“We are well-established and have a good local base to build off of,” he said in a phone interview Friday.
The chain is eyeing plans to open between 75 and 100 restaurants domestically, along with several internationally, next year, the chain’s president said.
“We have some explosive growth coming in 2011,” said Damico, who became company president about one-and-a-half years ago.
He said the chain has benefitted from being among two fast-growing, niche segments of the food industry – the fast-casual restaurant segment, in which the company operates as neither full-service nor as a fast-food business, and the Mexican and southwestern cuisine segment.
The typical Moe’s franchise is 2,500 square feet on the end cap of a shopping center in an urban or suburban setting, Damico said. Most locations employ around 25 workers and take over space left open by a former business.
The average meal price per customer is between $8 and $10, he said. The company says it has a focus on green sustainability and nutrition.
“To demonstrate their commitment to freshness, Moe’s has never used freezers, microwaves, animal fat, lard, or MSG,” the company says.
The menu of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads and fajitas are given pop-culture-inspired names, like the Art Vandalay burrito and Billy Barou nachos – “Seinfeld” and “Caddyshack” references, respectively. And, all songs heard at Moe’s restaurants are by deceased musicians, from Barry White and Johnny Cash to Michael Jackson.
“Everything about our brand is unique,” he said, mentioning the chain’s signature welcoming that employees say to each customer that enters a franchise.
“It resonates with every customer. It’s one of the most-talked-about things on our blogs and website.”
E-mail Matt Rocheleau at mjrochele@gmail.com.
Downtown,Fenway-Kenmore,Natick
Southwestern food chain coming to city amid major Mass. expansion
Posted by Matt Rocheleau December 20, 2010 11:52 AM
By Matt Rocheleau, Town Correspondent
Boston, “Welcome To Moe’s!”
And, vice versa.
The decade-old, southwestern food chain – well known for its trademarked employee-to-customer greeting “Welcome To Moe’s!” – is planning to add to its five existing Bay State locales and open its first Boston franchise as part of a comprehensive expansion effort across Massachusetts.
The Atlanta-based Moe’s Southwest Grill, with over 400 restaurants nationwide, has signed agreements with franchise partners to open nine locations across the state, including two in the city in next year, according to company executives.
The food chain, a member of FOCUS Brands, which also owns Carvel Ice Cream and Cinnabon, is seeking franchise partners and exploring some additional 35 areas in Massachusetts for new restaurants within the coming three to four years.
“Some of our highest-success franchises have been our Greater Boston locations,” said the restaurant chain’s President Paul Damico, listing the Boston area as a top market, similar to success the chain has seen in Chicago and Long Island. “The population density, the income levels and the demographics of Boston really fit with our model.”
Exact addresses for most new locations in the state have not been finalized. But during 2011, he said, the company hopes to open a franchise inside Children’s Hospital Boston and one downtown, along with others in Hadley, Leominster and in a recently closed Pizza Hut off Route 9 in Natick. Dartmouth and Hyannis are also among the areas being closely considered.
Damico said some college campuses in the country house their own Moe’s, and the high concentrations of college-aged students in Greater Boston and in Hadley, which borders the state flagship university’s campus in Amherst, are a major plus for expanding locally.
The chain first entered the state when its Shrewsbury location opened in 2004. After adding four spots – in Worcester, Plymouth, Chelmsford and Hanover – over the past six years, Damico said the company’s hope is to have around 50 total Moe’s in Massachusetts within the next several years.
“We are well-established and have a good local base to build off of,” he said in a phone interview Friday.
The chain is eyeing plans to open between 75 and 100 restaurants domestically, along with several internationally, next year, the chain’s president said.
“We have some explosive growth coming in 2011,” said Damico, who became company president about one-and-a-half years ago.
He said the chain has benefitted from being among two fast-growing, niche segments of the food industry – the fast-casual restaurant segment, in which the company operates as neither full-service nor as a fast-food business, and the Mexican and southwestern cuisine segment.
The typical Moe’s franchise is 2,500 square feet on the end cap of a shopping center in an urban or suburban setting, Damico said. Most locations employ around 25 workers and take over space left open by a former business.
The average meal price per customer is between $8 and $10, he said. The company says it has a focus on green sustainability and nutrition.
“To demonstrate their commitment to freshness, Moe’s has never used freezers, microwaves, animal fat, lard, or MSG,” the company says.
The menu of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads and fajitas are given pop-culture-inspired names, like the Art Vandalay burrito and Billy Barou nachos – “Seinfeld” and “Caddyshack” references, respectively. And, all songs heard at Moe’s restaurants are by deceased musicians, from Barry White and Johnny Cash to Michael Jackson.
“Everything about our brand is unique,” he said, mentioning the chain’s signature welcoming that employees say to each customer that enters a franchise.
“It resonates with every customer. It’s one of the most-talked-about things on our blogs and website.”
E-mail Matt Rocheleau at mjrochele@gmail.com.
The 2010 Devil's Dining Awards
You've got check out this great list of dining awards for 2010 from a talented and creative Boston are food writer. My favorite categories are the "The Horror Behind the Mask Award", the "Most Futile Hail-Mary Pass Award" and the "Burn Your Own House Down Award". - Adam
MC Slim JB
19 December 2010
The 2010 Devil's Dining Awards
2010 was both brutal and promising for Boston’s restaurant industry. I handed out my usual professional accolades: the annual Stuff Magazine Dining Awards (with my friend and frequent collaborator Ruth Tobias); some year-end highlights from Food Coma, my biweekly fine-dining column for Stuff; and a year-end retrospective (coming later this week) of On the Cheap, my budget-dining perch at the Boston Phoenix.
But there's never enough room to laud the praiseworthy or take a prose scimitar to the crass, the ridiculous, the fraudulent and the shameless -- except here, where space is free and no editor frets about whom I might offend. So for the second year running, here’s my personal take on the extraordinary, high and low, in Boston’s dining and drinking scene: the 2010 Devil's Dining Awards!
MC Slim JB
19 December 2010
The 2010 Devil's Dining Awards
2010 was both brutal and promising for Boston’s restaurant industry. I handed out my usual professional accolades: the annual Stuff Magazine Dining Awards (with my friend and frequent collaborator Ruth Tobias); some year-end highlights from Food Coma, my biweekly fine-dining column for Stuff; and a year-end retrospective (coming later this week) of On the Cheap, my budget-dining perch at the Boston Phoenix.
But there's never enough room to laud the praiseworthy or take a prose scimitar to the crass, the ridiculous, the fraudulent and the shameless -- except here, where space is free and no editor frets about whom I might offend. So for the second year running, here’s my personal take on the extraordinary, high and low, in Boston’s dining and drinking scene: the 2010 Devil's Dining Awards!
Interesting story about restaurants and Groupon
Server not Servant
Thank you to Universal Hub for the heads up on this!
The Perfect Restaurant Storm
By: Patrick Maguire
Book Chapter: Customer Hall of Shame
Posted: 12/20/2010
I’ve often described working in a restaurant as Improv Theatre. Every shift presents unique circumstances and challenges, and even the most experienced professionals can be taken aback by the audacity of the human condition.
A seasoned general manager of a popular Boston restaurant sent me a text last week requesting to meet. Based on his extensive hospitality industry experience, I knew his story would not be an every-day tale of woe. When we met for breakfast the next day, he did not disappoint.
The Wednesday lunch started out like every other day for the GM and his front of the house staff of one hostess, two servers, a bartender and a busser. About 11:15, a handful of guests walked to the podium and said, “We’re going to be at least 30 for lunch.” After welcoming the guests and confirming that the group did not have a reservation, the hostess told them she would seat them momentarily after the staff moved a few tables together.
Within seconds the GM, staff and kitchen were alerted, and the restaurant went into ‘all hands on deck’ mode, with everyone pitching in wherever needed. The GM became waiter/busser/food runner/kitchen expediter; the executive chef stepped in as line cook; the hostess hustled to help the servers while the bartender pitched in everywhere.
And here’s what happened:
Thank you to Universal Hub for the heads up on this!
The Perfect Restaurant Storm
By: Patrick Maguire
Book Chapter: Customer Hall of Shame
Posted: 12/20/2010
I’ve often described working in a restaurant as Improv Theatre. Every shift presents unique circumstances and challenges, and even the most experienced professionals can be taken aback by the audacity of the human condition.
A seasoned general manager of a popular Boston restaurant sent me a text last week requesting to meet. Based on his extensive hospitality industry experience, I knew his story would not be an every-day tale of woe. When we met for breakfast the next day, he did not disappoint.
The Wednesday lunch started out like every other day for the GM and his front of the house staff of one hostess, two servers, a bartender and a busser. About 11:15, a handful of guests walked to the podium and said, “We’re going to be at least 30 for lunch.” After welcoming the guests and confirming that the group did not have a reservation, the hostess told them she would seat them momentarily after the staff moved a few tables together.
Within seconds the GM, staff and kitchen were alerted, and the restaurant went into ‘all hands on deck’ mode, with everyone pitching in wherever needed. The GM became waiter/busser/food runner/kitchen expediter; the executive chef stepped in as line cook; the hostess hustled to help the servers while the bartender pitched in everywhere.
And here’s what happened:
Saturday, December 18, 2010
New Iphone app lets riders rate taxis on the spot
UrbanDaddy.com
Published December 17, 2010
Stay Safe
Rating Taxis Like Restaurants
UD - Safer TaxiTaxis: a necessary part of urban life.
What isn’t necessary: getting in one driven by a lunatic.
And until now, it was always a gamble.
Well, no more...
Presenting SaferTaxi, a taxi rating system that gives you some insight on the driver carting you around, now available in Boston for your phone.
So say you’re in the South End and headed to a holiday rager in Cambridge (known as ground zero for holiday ragers). As you step inside the cab, you’ll enter either the license plate or the cabbie’s registration ID into the app. In about five seconds, you’ll get the rundown: ratings, reviews and safety records (should a Dead Sea scroll–sized litany of infractions pop up, you may want to hop out and grab another one).
Once your ride is complete, you’ll have the chance to give it your own ratings, feedback and tales of smooth sailing/15 car pileups (let’s hope it’s the former).
And your account also stores reviews. Which means in the event you lost your wallet during a bourbon-fueled bender, you can trace the cab you rode in and hunt it down.
Although if you lost your phone, that creates something of a paradox.
SaferTaxi
official website
Published December 17, 2010
Stay Safe
Rating Taxis Like Restaurants
UD - Safer TaxiTaxis: a necessary part of urban life.
What isn’t necessary: getting in one driven by a lunatic.
And until now, it was always a gamble.
Well, no more...
Presenting SaferTaxi, a taxi rating system that gives you some insight on the driver carting you around, now available in Boston for your phone.
So say you’re in the South End and headed to a holiday rager in Cambridge (known as ground zero for holiday ragers). As you step inside the cab, you’ll enter either the license plate or the cabbie’s registration ID into the app. In about five seconds, you’ll get the rundown: ratings, reviews and safety records (should a Dead Sea scroll–sized litany of infractions pop up, you may want to hop out and grab another one).
Once your ride is complete, you’ll have the chance to give it your own ratings, feedback and tales of smooth sailing/15 car pileups (let’s hope it’s the former).
And your account also stores reviews. Which means in the event you lost your wallet during a bourbon-fueled bender, you can trace the cab you rode in and hunt it down.
Although if you lost your phone, that creates something of a paradox.
SaferTaxi
official website
Boston Globe editorial on Conneticut removal from regional tourism map
The Boston Globe
Globe Editorial
Connecticut: Yes, it still exists
December 18, 2010
Connecticut’s sometimes complicated relationship with the rest of New England mustn’t end like this. Discover New England, which touts itself as the region’s official tourism group, recently banished all mentions of Connecticut from its website and replaced the state on its brightly colored map with a gaping Connecticut-shaped void. The purge followed Connecticut’s decision to cut its tourism marketing budget from $4.3 million to a symbolic $1, which meant it wouldn’t pay the annual $100,000 fee Discover New England charges states to promote a state’s attractions.
Connecticut may not be a marquee travel destination — even if it is both the home of Pez dispensers and the birthplace of modern toothpaste — but tourism does bring in about $14 billion to the state each year. That cash flow, estimates the state’s tourism director, sustains around 170,000 jobs. So, the state’s budgeting decision may hurt Nutmeg State businesses that rely on the tourism industry. While Discover New England can’t be expected to promote those businesses aggressively if Connecticut isn’t kicking in, neither should the tourism group literally wipe them off the map.
Even if some fans in southwestern Connecticut do root for New York teams, the definition of New England is quite well established. Connecticut shares a common culture, a similar history, and the same inclement weather as Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For Discover New England, that’s apparently not enough reason even to acknowledge Connecticut’s existence. But being part of New England doesn’t come with a price tag.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Globe Editorial
Connecticut: Yes, it still exists
December 18, 2010
Connecticut’s sometimes complicated relationship with the rest of New England mustn’t end like this. Discover New England, which touts itself as the region’s official tourism group, recently banished all mentions of Connecticut from its website and replaced the state on its brightly colored map with a gaping Connecticut-shaped void. The purge followed Connecticut’s decision to cut its tourism marketing budget from $4.3 million to a symbolic $1, which meant it wouldn’t pay the annual $100,000 fee Discover New England charges states to promote a state’s attractions.
Connecticut may not be a marquee travel destination — even if it is both the home of Pez dispensers and the birthplace of modern toothpaste — but tourism does bring in about $14 billion to the state each year. That cash flow, estimates the state’s tourism director, sustains around 170,000 jobs. So, the state’s budgeting decision may hurt Nutmeg State businesses that rely on the tourism industry. While Discover New England can’t be expected to promote those businesses aggressively if Connecticut isn’t kicking in, neither should the tourism group literally wipe them off the map.
Even if some fans in southwestern Connecticut do root for New York teams, the definition of New England is quite well established. Connecticut shares a common culture, a similar history, and the same inclement weather as Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For Discover New England, that’s apparently not enough reason even to acknowledge Connecticut’s existence. But being part of New England doesn’t come with a price tag.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
Friday, December 17, 2010
New frozen dessert spot coming to Newbury Street
Boston Restaurant Talk
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tasti D-Lite Coming to Boston's Back Bay
A New York-based frozen dessert chain that features lower-calorie items is going to be coming to the Back Bay of Boston, opening its first shop in the city in March of 2011.
An email sent to us by Sanderson and Associates indicates that Tasti D-Lite will be opening on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, bringing to the neighborhood a place to get dairy-based desserts that are lower in calories, carbs, and fat than typical frozen treats. Tasti D-Lite, which first opened in New York in 1987, features an extensive list of flavors for their frozen desserts (which can be ordered in either a cup or a cone), including such flavors as apple pie, burnt sugar, German chocolate cake, papaya, peanut cluster, rice pudding, and toffee crunch.
The email mentions that the people behind the planned Tasti D-Lite in Boston will be opening three other locations in the area, with the second one opening sometime late in 2011.
The address for this upcoming dessert shop in the Back Bay will be: Tasti D-Lite, 205 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain can be found at: http://www.tastidlite.com/
posted by Marc at 10:17 AM
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tasti D-Lite Coming to Boston's Back Bay
A New York-based frozen dessert chain that features lower-calorie items is going to be coming to the Back Bay of Boston, opening its first shop in the city in March of 2011.
An email sent to us by Sanderson and Associates indicates that Tasti D-Lite will be opening on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, bringing to the neighborhood a place to get dairy-based desserts that are lower in calories, carbs, and fat than typical frozen treats. Tasti D-Lite, which first opened in New York in 1987, features an extensive list of flavors for their frozen desserts (which can be ordered in either a cup or a cone), including such flavors as apple pie, burnt sugar, German chocolate cake, papaya, peanut cluster, rice pudding, and toffee crunch.
The email mentions that the people behind the planned Tasti D-Lite in Boston will be opening three other locations in the area, with the second one opening sometime late in 2011.
The address for this upcoming dessert shop in the Back Bay will be: Tasti D-Lite, 205 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain can be found at: http://www.tastidlite.com/
posted by Marc at 10:17 AM
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Food Trucks may hit Boston streets for New Year's Eve
Mayor says New Year's Eve celebrations could involve food trucks
During an appearance this evening on WGBH's "Greater Boston" show Boston Mayor Tom Menino hinted that we could see some of the city's new food trucks in operation on city streets on New Year's Eve. "We're working on that," the mayor said in response to a question from host Emily Rooney towards the end of the interview. Rooney then put in a plug for one of the new grilled cheese trucks in the city. Mayor Menino also restated his full support for bringing more food trucks to Boston, citing his surprisingly delcious encounter with the soy BLT at the Clover truck by South Station. The Boston City Council last week proposed a plan to regulate the growing food truck movement here in Boston.
During an appearance this evening on WGBH's "Greater Boston" show Boston Mayor Tom Menino hinted that we could see some of the city's new food trucks in operation on city streets on New Year's Eve. "We're working on that," the mayor said in response to a question from host Emily Rooney towards the end of the interview. Rooney then put in a plug for one of the new grilled cheese trucks in the city. Mayor Menino also restated his full support for bringing more food trucks to Boston, citing his surprisingly delcious encounter with the soy BLT at the Clover truck by South Station. The Boston City Council last week proposed a plan to regulate the growing food truck movement here in Boston.
Boston Tea Party anniversary marked today; differences cited from modern day Tea Party
WBUR.org
Today In History: The Original Boston Tea Party
By Andrew Phelps (@andrewphelps)
Dec 16, 2010, 12:23 PM
On Dec. 16, 1773, Massachusetts revolted. Colonists disguised as Native Americans and steeped in British resentment destroyed three shiploads of tea by tossing it into Boston Harbor. From the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum:
To fully understand the resentment of the colonies to Great Britain and King George III, one must understand that this was not the first time that the colonists were treated unfairly. In previous years, the 13 colonies saw a number of commercial tariffs including the Sugar Act of 1764, which taxed sugar, coffee, and wine, the Stamp Act of 1765, which put a tax on all printed matter, such as newspapers and playing cards, and the Townshend Acts of 1767 which placed taxes on items like glass, paints, paper, and tea. The Tea Act of 1773 was the last straw.
On Jan. 19, 2010, Massachusetts revolted again — sending Republican Sen. Scott Brown to Washington and catapulting the libertarian Tea Party movement into the national spotlight.
Unfortunately for the museum, they field confused phone calls about the modern-day Tea Party. NPR’s Linton Weeks, quoting museum spokesman Shawn Ford:
Today’s Tea Party, Ford says, “has nothing to do with us. When I do get calls about the Tea Party movement, it is a simple misunderstanding.”
“The similarities are illuminating,” Fox News reports today. But the two Tea Parties are not the same.
“The current movement deals with big government and excess taxes, much like the colonials did, but … the colonials truly had no representation in the legislature that was instituting their taxes,” high-school history teacher Kathy Laughlin told NPR. “The present movement’s goal is to unseat incumbents and elect ultra-conservative members to congress.”
Today In History: The Original Boston Tea Party
By Andrew Phelps (@andrewphelps)
Dec 16, 2010, 12:23 PM
On Dec. 16, 1773, Massachusetts revolted. Colonists disguised as Native Americans and steeped in British resentment destroyed three shiploads of tea by tossing it into Boston Harbor. From the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum:
To fully understand the resentment of the colonies to Great Britain and King George III, one must understand that this was not the first time that the colonists were treated unfairly. In previous years, the 13 colonies saw a number of commercial tariffs including the Sugar Act of 1764, which taxed sugar, coffee, and wine, the Stamp Act of 1765, which put a tax on all printed matter, such as newspapers and playing cards, and the Townshend Acts of 1767 which placed taxes on items like glass, paints, paper, and tea. The Tea Act of 1773 was the last straw.
On Jan. 19, 2010, Massachusetts revolted again — sending Republican Sen. Scott Brown to Washington and catapulting the libertarian Tea Party movement into the national spotlight.
Unfortunately for the museum, they field confused phone calls about the modern-day Tea Party. NPR’s Linton Weeks, quoting museum spokesman Shawn Ford:
Today’s Tea Party, Ford says, “has nothing to do with us. When I do get calls about the Tea Party movement, it is a simple misunderstanding.”
“The similarities are illuminating,” Fox News reports today. But the two Tea Parties are not the same.
“The current movement deals with big government and excess taxes, much like the colonials did, but … the colonials truly had no representation in the legislature that was instituting their taxes,” high-school history teacher Kathy Laughlin told NPR. “The present movement’s goal is to unseat incumbents and elect ultra-conservative members to congress.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
GQ names Menton a one of the top ten new restaurants in the country
Grub Street Boston
GQ Says Menton's One of the Country's 10 Best: Barbara Lynch Lures A Well-Dressed Crowd in America's "Worst-Dressed City"
12/15/10 at 09:47 AM
Menton, where Boston's most well-dressed diners sup.
GQ just released their list of the country's top ten new restaurants, and Barbara Lynch's posh, polished Menton made the cut. But we had to smile and then cry at Alan Richman's review, which is one long back-handed compliment, rife with understatement and odd anthropological musings. Please, allow us to break it down for your quick perusal.
The subtitle: "A chef from the projects gets posh." Hard-hitting. But we're pretty sure Barbara Lynch didn't claw her way out of poverty to launch Menton. We soldier on.
As a young chef working for Todd English, Barbara from the block couldn't find her way to Cambridge. However: "Barbara Lynch has changed since growing up in the Southie projects." Apparently she now has a better sense of direction? Owns a GPS?
Note: She is now a "celebrated" chef with one of Boston's "fanciest" restaurants.
And, hallelujah! Diners are "living up to the restaurant." Richman "can't recall seeing such a nicely dressed dinner crowd in America's worst-dressed city." Hey now! Ever been to D.C.? Sheesh.
"Menton is gracious, serious, luxurious." And, in conclusion, "very un-Boston."
Uh, thanks? We think?
By: Kara Baskin
GQ Says Menton's One of the Country's 10 Best: Barbara Lynch Lures A Well-Dressed Crowd in America's "Worst-Dressed City"
12/15/10 at 09:47 AM
Menton, where Boston's most well-dressed diners sup.
GQ just released their list of the country's top ten new restaurants, and Barbara Lynch's posh, polished Menton made the cut. But we had to smile and then cry at Alan Richman's review, which is one long back-handed compliment, rife with understatement and odd anthropological musings. Please, allow us to break it down for your quick perusal.
The subtitle: "A chef from the projects gets posh." Hard-hitting. But we're pretty sure Barbara Lynch didn't claw her way out of poverty to launch Menton. We soldier on.
As a young chef working for Todd English, Barbara from the block couldn't find her way to Cambridge. However: "Barbara Lynch has changed since growing up in the Southie projects." Apparently she now has a better sense of direction? Owns a GPS?
Note: She is now a "celebrated" chef with one of Boston's "fanciest" restaurants.
And, hallelujah! Diners are "living up to the restaurant." Richman "can't recall seeing such a nicely dressed dinner crowd in America's worst-dressed city." Hey now! Ever been to D.C.? Sheesh.
"Menton is gracious, serious, luxurious." And, in conclusion, "very un-Boston."
Uh, thanks? We think?
By: Kara Baskin
Appleton Bakery Cafe in South End to expand menu
South End Patch
New Owners Plan to Expand Menu at Appleton Bakery Cafe
More healthy and fresh alternatives will be added.
By Stacey Leasca 11:12am
Appleton Bakery Café's newest owners, Kelly Shea and Lucia Viveiros, are looking to revamp the small restaurant into a neighborhood hot spot.
Kathy Emrich of the Ellis Neighborhood Association said she met with the pair to hear their plans for the corner shop, known for its apple-themed sandwiches. According to Emrich, the team plans to expand the menu to include more fresh fare, along with healthy alternatives.
In the future, a late night menu and takeout options may also be introduced, she said. The Appleton Street restaurant will remain an 18-seat establishment.
At the neighborhood association's meeting on Wednesday, Emrich recommended that the board right a letter of recommendation for the shop's new owners.
New Owners Plan to Expand Menu at Appleton Bakery Cafe
More healthy and fresh alternatives will be added.
By Stacey Leasca 11:12am
Appleton Bakery Café's newest owners, Kelly Shea and Lucia Viveiros, are looking to revamp the small restaurant into a neighborhood hot spot.
Kathy Emrich of the Ellis Neighborhood Association said she met with the pair to hear their plans for the corner shop, known for its apple-themed sandwiches. According to Emrich, the team plans to expand the menu to include more fresh fare, along with healthy alternatives.
In the future, a late night menu and takeout options may also be introduced, she said. The Appleton Street restaurant will remain an 18-seat establishment.
At the neighborhood association's meeting on Wednesday, Emrich recommended that the board right a letter of recommendation for the shop's new owners.
Tremont 647 seeks food inspired tattoo pictures for redesign of restaurant
South End Patch
Tremont 647 Wants Photos of Your Food-Themed Tattoo
Restaurant's new decor to feature photos of culinary body-art.
By Alix Roy
3:28pm
Want to be a permanent part of one of the South End's go-to neighborhood restaurants?
Do you have a cherry, ice cream cone or cupcake inked on your body?
Perfect.
Tremont 647's publicist recently announced the restaurant's newest remodeling concept, which includes a wall featuring some of Chef Andy Husband's favorite food-themed tattoos.
The project is being done to celebrate the restaurant's 14th anniversary.
Send a photo of your ink to askandy@tremont647.com to be "immortalized" as part of Tremont 647's unique decor.
Tremont 647 Wants Photos of Your Food-Themed Tattoo
Restaurant's new decor to feature photos of culinary body-art.
By Alix Roy
3:28pm
Want to be a permanent part of one of the South End's go-to neighborhood restaurants?
Do you have a cherry, ice cream cone or cupcake inked on your body?
Perfect.
Tremont 647's publicist recently announced the restaurant's newest remodeling concept, which includes a wall featuring some of Chef Andy Husband's favorite food-themed tattoos.
The project is being done to celebrate the restaurant's 14th anniversary.
Send a photo of your ink to askandy@tremont647.com to be "immortalized" as part of Tremont 647's unique decor.
Shaq to conduct Boston Pops on Monday
This is going to be awesome! - Adam
Boston.com
Music
Shaq to conduct the Boston Pops
Posted by Steve Greenlee December 15, 2010 04:46 PM
By now, everyone in Boston knows Shaquille O'Neal likes to have fun and be the center of attention. Since joining the team, the Celtics' new forward has posed like a statue in Harvard Square and handed out presents to kids as "Shaq-a-Claus." Now he's preparing for his debut as the conductor of the Boston Pops. The Pops announced this afternoon that Shaq will guest-conduct their performance of "Sleigh Ride" Monday night during the Holiday Pops concert.
Boston.com
Music
Shaq to conduct the Boston Pops
Posted by Steve Greenlee December 15, 2010 04:46 PM
By now, everyone in Boston knows Shaquille O'Neal likes to have fun and be the center of attention. Since joining the team, the Celtics' new forward has posed like a statue in Harvard Square and handed out presents to kids as "Shaq-a-Claus." Now he's preparing for his debut as the conductor of the Boston Pops. The Pops announced this afternoon that Shaq will guest-conduct their performance of "Sleigh Ride" Monday night during the Holiday Pops concert.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Globe weighs in on state's decision to relocate film office but not its director
Globe Editorial
The Boston Globe
Mass. movies dominate the fall, so why is film-office chief out?
December 14, 2010
THE FALL movie season has been a triumph for Massachusetts. That’s why it’s surprising, and almost inexplicable, that the Patrick administration would choose this moment to remove the hard-working head of the film office, Nick Paleologos.
Since the state’s film tax credit was enacted in 2006, many movies that would otherwise have been shot elsewhere chose instead to use iconic Bay State locations — from “The Proposal’’ to “Knight and Day’’ to “Edge of Darkness.’’ They produced a lot of free advertising for Massachusetts tourism and businesses, while also creating local jobs in film-production industries. But this fall, the state has been the source of enduring dramas that do something more important: Tell the stories of Massachusetts. Most also feature top-notch writers, directors, and actors who grew up here. It’s no surprise that talents like writer Dennis Lehane, actor Mark Wahlberg, and actor-director Ben Affleck reached new heights after the film tax credit took hold.
Come Oscar time, Bay State residents will watch nominations handed out to films as varied as “The Social Network,’’ set in the academic world of Cambridge; “The Town,’’ about Charlestown; “The Fighter,’’ depicting the rise of Lowell’s “Irish’’ Micky Ward; and perhaps also the forthcoming “The Company Men,’’ about a Boston financial-services firm. The staggering range of stories shows how important the commercial arts can be to promoting local history and identity. The benefits to Massachusetts are immense.
These films were all encouraged by Paleologos, a former state representative. As a producer himself of award-winning films including “Mississippi Burning,’’ Paleologos speaks the language of Hollywood with a Boston accent. His presence, both as a booster of the tax credit and a resource to outside producers, has been essential to putting Massachusetts on the movie-world map.
It makes no sense that his position would be eliminated at precisely the moment that his work is receiving its greatest attention. Yes, the Legislature decided last year to put the film office under the state’s Office of Travel and Tourism, but there’s still no realistic argument for giving Paleologos the boot — except, perhaps, that he fought Governor Patrick’s attempt to place a cap on the film tax credit earlier this year. The governor’s position — that the tax credit, like many worthy programs, should tighten its belt in the midst of a financial downturn — was an entirely responsible one. But so was that of Paleologos, who argued successfully to the Legislature that producers would be spooked by the cap, and fearful of planning Massachusetts productions without knowing for sure that they could get the tax credit.
It’s out of character for Patrick to remove a successful official over a perceived lack of loyalty. The governor should be a big enough figure to tolerate underlings who are outspoken advocates for their work. Patrick’s perceived magnanimity was, after all, a prime reason for his reelection. He should find a way to retain Paleologos — and keep the film office working at top capacity.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
The Boston Globe
Mass. movies dominate the fall, so why is film-office chief out?
December 14, 2010
THE FALL movie season has been a triumph for Massachusetts. That’s why it’s surprising, and almost inexplicable, that the Patrick administration would choose this moment to remove the hard-working head of the film office, Nick Paleologos.
Since the state’s film tax credit was enacted in 2006, many movies that would otherwise have been shot elsewhere chose instead to use iconic Bay State locations — from “The Proposal’’ to “Knight and Day’’ to “Edge of Darkness.’’ They produced a lot of free advertising for Massachusetts tourism and businesses, while also creating local jobs in film-production industries. But this fall, the state has been the source of enduring dramas that do something more important: Tell the stories of Massachusetts. Most also feature top-notch writers, directors, and actors who grew up here. It’s no surprise that talents like writer Dennis Lehane, actor Mark Wahlberg, and actor-director Ben Affleck reached new heights after the film tax credit took hold.
Come Oscar time, Bay State residents will watch nominations handed out to films as varied as “The Social Network,’’ set in the academic world of Cambridge; “The Town,’’ about Charlestown; “The Fighter,’’ depicting the rise of Lowell’s “Irish’’ Micky Ward; and perhaps also the forthcoming “The Company Men,’’ about a Boston financial-services firm. The staggering range of stories shows how important the commercial arts can be to promoting local history and identity. The benefits to Massachusetts are immense.
These films were all encouraged by Paleologos, a former state representative. As a producer himself of award-winning films including “Mississippi Burning,’’ Paleologos speaks the language of Hollywood with a Boston accent. His presence, both as a booster of the tax credit and a resource to outside producers, has been essential to putting Massachusetts on the movie-world map.
It makes no sense that his position would be eliminated at precisely the moment that his work is receiving its greatest attention. Yes, the Legislature decided last year to put the film office under the state’s Office of Travel and Tourism, but there’s still no realistic argument for giving Paleologos the boot — except, perhaps, that he fought Governor Patrick’s attempt to place a cap on the film tax credit earlier this year. The governor’s position — that the tax credit, like many worthy programs, should tighten its belt in the midst of a financial downturn — was an entirely responsible one. But so was that of Paleologos, who argued successfully to the Legislature that producers would be spooked by the cap, and fearful of planning Massachusetts productions without knowing for sure that they could get the tax credit.
It’s out of character for Patrick to remove a successful official over a perceived lack of loyalty. The governor should be a big enough figure to tolerate underlings who are outspoken advocates for their work. Patrick’s perceived magnanimity was, after all, a prime reason for his reelection. He should find a way to retain Paleologos — and keep the film office working at top capacity.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
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