Ritz Carlton offers Nutcracker Suite during the holiday season

The Ritz Carlton, Boston Common, in partnership with The Boston Ballet, is set to unveil its Nutcracker Suite tomorrow evening. The luxurious suite, which was inspired by the hotel's ten year partnership with The Boston Ballet, will give families the ultimate Nutcracker experience. The rooms (even the bathrooms) of the suite are adorned with Nutcracker and holiday decorations including the Dew Drop Fairy's tutu.

The suite, which includes a master bedroom with a king bed and a connecting room with two double beds creatively decorated for children, was designed in collaboration with Be Our Guest, Michael Barnum Studio and Neiman Marcus.

Guests booking the suite will receive overnight valet parking, a satin pointe shoe autographed by a Boston Ballet dancer, a CD recording of The Nutcracker (performed with the Boston Ballet Orchestra), a Sugar Plum inspired bubble bath from the Land of Sweets drawn by the Ritz Carlton Bath Butler, a make-up consultation at Neiman Marcus for Mom with a special theatrical makeup session for the children inspired by their favorite performer from The Nutcracker, and (perhaps the best part of the package) tuck-in service for the kids from The Dancing Bear, who will also deliver bedtime holiday treats from Neiman Marcus and The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common’s pastry chef.

Tickets to the show at The Opera House (just steps away from hotel) are not included in the package, but can arranged through the hotel's concierge desk. Guests booking this package will also receive a special behind the scenes tour at The Opera House following the performance they attend.

The Nutcracker Suite at the Ritz Carlton, Boston Common sells nightly until December 31st for $895 (plus taxes and gratuities).

Dennis Lehane appointed to Boston Public Library board

Universal Hub reports tonight that Boston author Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, Shutter Island) has been appointed to the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees by Mayor Menino.

J.P. Licks could soon open in Beacon Hill

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that J.P. Licks is eyeing a Beacon Hill location in a former law office on Charles Street, near the Cambridge Street end. A lease has reportedly been signed with landlord the Mass. Eye & Ear Infirmary, though the company is awaiting a favorable stance on a zoning variance from the Beacon Hill Civic Association which will meet on December 7th.

Park for $11 all day on weekends in downtown Boston

If you are looking for an economical place to park while enjoying Boston on weekends this holiday season, the Boston Common Garage offers an $11 daily parking rate on Saturdays & Sundays. The garage is located near Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, the Theater District, The Boston Common Frog ice skating rink, Downtown Crossing, and the green line subway if you are going anywhere else. The Boston Common Garage is also close to many hotels if you are staying in town on a Saturday night and don't want to pay $40 plus dollars to park your car ($22 if you enter after 6am Saturday and exit by 8 am on Monday).

Boston Convention Center to host art event this week

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will host an Art Open House on Thursday December 1st from 5:30pm-8pm. This free event will feature Don West's Portraits of Purpose, sculptures from L'atitude Gallery, Face to Face by Lennie Peterson, guest sculptors Donna Dodson and Chris Williams, Cambridge studio artists, and Ethnic Ties, established and emerging African America.

There will be complimentary light appetizers and a cash bar along free parking.

RSVP to artprogram@massconvention.com is required.

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority established an art program to showcase artists from Greater Boston in the mid-90s at the Hynes Convention Center and expanded the program to the BCEC in 2005, where there are six exhibition locations.

Frog Pond now open for ice skating

After the unseasonably warm November weather delayed the opening date, The Boston Common Frog Pond skating rink is now open. The skating rink is open Monday from 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Thursday from 10am-9pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am-10pm, and Sunday from 10am-9pm. Daily admission for adults (14 and older) are $5, with children 13 and under free! Adult skate rentals are $9, kid skate rentals are $5, and locker rentals are $2. Skate sharpening is also available on site for $8 per pair.

The Frog Pond will host its first college night (sponsored by WERS) this Tuesday November 29th from 7pm until 9pm. Show your college id for $2 admission which will be available every Tuesday evening during the 2011-2012 season.

The Frog Pond Café is also open during all skating hours and this year will offer made to order Belgian waffles under a large heated umbrella. There is also free Wi-Fi!

New app helps to locate bartenders

Steve Annear of the Metro reported last week on new app called OntheBar that helps you find when your favorite bartender is working at a particular establishment.

Bartenders use the app to check in when their shifts start, said Connelly, allowing regulars to plan their night accordingly.

Isaac Sussman, bartender at The Independent in Somerville, said it’s a great tool for both the customer and the drink maker.

Is Shake Shack coming to Chestnut Hill?

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today on speculation from the Phantom Gourmet that The Shake Shack is looking to open a Boston area location in Chestnut Hill.

North End Holiday Stroll set for Friday

The 5th annual Buon Natale holiday stroll will take place Friday December 2nd from 7pm-11pm in Boston's North End. Over twenty of the neighborhood's shops will be offering special discounts and refreshments during this annual event. If you visit all of the stores (and get your postcard signed at each) you will be eligible to win an incredible gift basket.

Participating shops include Shake the Tree, A Matter of Face, Acquire, Ball & Buck, Ecletics, Ensemble, Exhale Spa, Fairmont Battery Wharf, Filthy Rich, Heart & Sole, High Gear Jewelry, Injeanius, LIT Boutique, Luke Aaron, Lulu's Sweet Shoppe, Nahas Shoes, North Bennett Street School, Savas Studios, Sedurre, Sol Optics, Studio 164, Twilight, and The Wine Bottega.

Tuba Christmas coming to Faneuil Hall

The annual 'Tuba Christmas' concert at Faneuil Hall Marketplace will take place this Saturday November 26th, from 2pm-3pm on the West End Promenade. More than 140 tuba players will perform all of your favorite Christmas songs. The players, who range in age from 8 to 85 years, will help to usher in the holiday spirit with the enchanting sounds of this glorious instrument.

Sam Adams Brewery to host holiday market this Saturday

The Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain will host its 2nd annual Small Business Saturday Holiday Marketplace this Saturday from 10am-2pm. The open market will feature businesses supported by Sam Adams' Brewing the American Dream initiative along with business owners from the brewery's next door neighbor, the culinary start-up incubator, Crop Circle Kitchen.

The small business owners participating in the Holiday Marketplace will be selling specialty sausages, jams, caramels, homemade breads and other locally made products. Last year, over 1,000 beer lovers toured the Boston Brewery the Saturday after Thanksgiving and even more are expected this year, guaranteeing lots of shoppers supporting small business at the Holiday Marketplace. (Sam Adams website)

The brewery is a located a short walk from the Stony Brook station on the orange line.

Forbes Travel Guide honors Boston hotels and restaurants

The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental Boston was recently named a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Spa, making it the only such five star spa in Massachusetts. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel also earned Forbes Five Star status for the first time. The Four Seasons and The Boston Harbor Hotel were the other hotels in Boston earning five stars status from Forbes Travel Guide. XV Beacon, The Ritz Carlton Boston Common, and the Taj Boston were awarded four star rankings.

Menton by Barbara Lynch was only Massachusetts restaurant to earn a Forbes Five Star rating, while Asana, L'Espalier, Meritage, No. 9 Park, and Rialto earned Four Star ratings from the magazine.

The Boston Herald highlighted the local winners in an article this past week.

The Forbes Travel Guide — formerly the Mobil Travel Guide, which has been evaluating hotels, spas and restaurants since 1958 — puts properties through a rigorous inspection with more than 500 standards. Properties must score higher than the 90th percentile on the incognito evaluation to even be considered for a five-star rating.

Globe's 'Munch Madness' targeted by NCAA

The Boston Globe reports today that the NCAA is seeking to block the paper from using the term "Munch Madness" for its annual March restaurant competition in which 64 restaurants are chosen to square off in bracket-style tournament in which people vote for their favorites in each round. East Coast Grill won in 2010 and Hungry Mother was the last one standing this year.

They’re so upset, in fact, that NCAA lawyers have petitioned the US Patent and Trademark Office to prohibit the Globe from trademarking “Munch Madness.’’ Their issue? The NCAA is worried that people may confuse our “Munch Madness’’ contest with its multimillion-dollar “March Madness’’ basketball tournament. The March Madness Athletic Association, which coordinates the licensing of the “March Madness’’ trademark for the NCAA, says its brand could be “damaged’’ by the Globe’s use of “Munch Madness.’’

Four Seasons to offer holiday cooking class

The Four Seasons Boston Executive Chef Brooke Vosika will offer a special holiday cooking class entitled A Charles Dickens Christmas on Monday December 12th from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Four Seasons kitchen. Participants will learn to prepare a Christmas goose with all the appropriate sides. The cost is $150 per person.

Chef Vosika's cooking class series will continue in 2012 with classes taking place monthly in the Four Seasons kitchen. These classes are $180 per person and include a hands-on cooking experience with lots of food and drink along with an apron, recipe cards, and hotel-made treats to take home.

Haute French
Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Couple's Valentine's Dinner
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

All-American Classics
Monday, March 26, 2012, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Best of Italy
Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Year-Round Vegetarian Favourites
Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Street Food Around the World
Monday, July 23, 2012, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Jimmy Tingle coming to Regent Theater Saturday

Comedian Jimmy Tingle will be at The Regent Theater in Arlington to screen his new documentary film "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream." After the film there will be a Q&A session with Jimmy, along with a live performance to feature highlights from his newest one man show Jimmy Tingle for President: The Funniest Campaign in History. The film is an exploration of what the American dream means in our society.

As he weaves his stand up comedy career into the fabric of the American Dream, you’ll meet Oscar winners and comedians, historians and the homeless as he aspires to make us laugh, to make us think, and encourages us to dream.

Featuring the Interviews and opinions of Howard Zinn, Robert Altman, Mort Sahl, Janeane Garafalo, Sean Hannity, Lewis Black, Margery Eagan, Jim Braude, Bobcat Goldthwait, Sister Lena Divey, Al Franken, Robert Reich, Colin Quinn, Barry Crimmins, Jimmy’s mother Frances and more. (jimmytingle.com)

Tickets are $25 and more information is at www.jimmytingle.com.

Omni Parker House to host "A Christmas Carol" reading

WBUR hosts its annual public reading of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" on Tuesday December 20th at 7pm at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston, where Dickens himself gave the work its first American public reading in 1867. Participating WBUR hosts include Robin Young, Tom Ashbrook, Bill Littlefield, Bob Oakes, and Meghna Chakrabarti. Holiday cookies and hot cocoa will be provided during intermission.

All proceeds benefit Rosie’s Place, a sanctuary for poor and homeless women. Tickets are $40 each and may be ordered by calling Rosie’s Place at 617-318-0232 or online at www.rosiesplace.org

Santa to appear daily at the Prudential Center

Santa will be appearing daily in the Belvidere Arcade of the The Shops at Prudential Center beginning this Friday, November 25th. There will be a variety of photo packages for purchase, starting at $19.99. Santa will be at the Prudential Center Friday and Saturday from 11am-8pm along with Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-7pm. Extended hours begin on December 17th. For more information visit wwww.prudentialcenter.com.

XV Beacon to support food bank this month

Boston's XV Beacon Hotel tweets today that the hotel will donate $15 per night to the Greater Boston Food Bank for every one their guests stays in November. This a most generous move by the XV Beacon Hotel and should make one definitely consider a stay there before the end of November.

New restaurant coming to downtown Boston

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that Big Night Entertainment Group (Red Lantern, The Estate, Shrine, High Rollers, & Scorpion Lounge) is opening a new restaurant on Province Street in Downtown Boston.

I wonder if this restaurant could be opening at the 45 Province condominium building? The upscale condo high rise has restaurant space, though earlier this year the Boston Licensing Board pulled the developer's liquor license for inactivity. The developer could be still fighting in court to keep the license, which would be needed in attracting a restaurant to the building.

Big Night Entertainment group is also planning to open a Boston location of Shrine in the Seaport District.

Sonesta to offer monthly cocktail classes

ArtBar at The Royal Sonesta Hotel is now offering cocktail making classes on the third Thursday of every month. The forty-five minute classes, taught by the hotel's director of food and beverage Troy Clarke, will also include a sampling of ArtBar's appetizers. The next class on December 17th will feature rum and participants will learn how to make a classic daiquiri (without a blender) along with a version that Ernest Hemingway favored highly. The January 19th class will be all about making classic punch, including milk punch and bubbly punch.

The classes are held at 5:30pm and 6:30pm and are $20 per person. Stay after class to dine at ArtBar and you will get a 10% discount off your check (not including alcohol).

Reserve your spot by calling 617-806-4122.

Sonesta to host tree lighting ceremony Friday

The Royal Sonesta Hotel will host its first ever tree lighting ceremony on Friday November 25th from 5pm to 7pm. The public is invited to enjoy hot chocolate & spiced cider along with other delicious treats on the hotel's terrace which offers a breathtaking view of the Boston skyline. There will even be an appearance from Santa Claus. The Royal Sonesta is located just steps from the Cambridgeside Galleria and is home to two restaurants, ArtBar and Restaurant Dante.

Police seek suspects in attack outside Symphony Hall

Universal Hub reports today that Boston Police are looking for help in identifying suspects in an attempted robbery and beating this morning on Huntington Avenue outside of Symphony Hall. Police are looking for the attackers and the victim from the attack which were captured on a surveillance camera.

Ramen pop up restaurant coming to Boston

Boston Magazine's Chowder Blog reports today that a pop-up Ramen restaurant called "Guchi's Midnight Ramen" is coming soon to Boston. Chowder also reports it is project of O Ya chefs Yukihiro Kawaguchi and Mark O’Leary.

Hawthorne to open tonight

Hawthorne, a craft cocktail bar run by Jackson Cannon and the team behind Island Creek Oyster Bar & Eastern Standard, is set to open tonight at 5pm at The Hotel Commonwealth reports Boston Magazine's Chowder blog.

As for the folks who will be making these drinks, The Hawthorne is stacked with talent: ES longtime barwoman Nicole Lebedevitch is head bartender, and former Drink bar manager Scott Marshall plays a large role behind the bar as well. Matthew Schrage, opening service manager for Menton, will serve as general manager. Food-wise, expect booze-friendly, easy-to-eat fare like kraut-topped reuben toasts, robiola du latte grilled cheese, and soft pretzels with bourbon mustard from ICOB and ES chef Jeremy Sewall.

Grub Street Boston has a preview of the menu and UrbanDaddy also profiles Hawthorne today.

Boloco launches kids menu

Boloco launched a children's menu last week at its Concord, New Hampshire and Natick, Massachusetts locations. For $4.95 kids can choose a burrito (chicken & cheese, pizza, or pb&j), a side (organic applesauce, steamed broccoli, or tortilla chips), and a drink (organic milk, organic chocolate milk or apple juice). A kids-size shake or smoothie can be substituted for $1.50 more.

The meal comes in a funbox with crayons. The two locations will also have burrito themed coloring sheets (featuring burrito adventure cartoons designed by Sean Boyce) along with mini Rubik's cubes and etch-a-sketches for children to use.

The kids menu is set to expand to other locations in December.

City officials call for Theater District club to be held accountable for shooting

The Boston Herald reports today that city officials are calling for the owners of Venu to be held accountable for a shooting that left four men wounded early Friday morning outside the Warrenton Street nightclub. Venu, along with the adjacent club Rumor, have been cited by the city 15 times since 2008. City Councilor Mike Ross was particularly pointed in his comments.

“The licensing board needs to get tough with these venues. Many a warning’s been issued by the licensing board but not much concrete action’s been taken for some heinous activity that’s occurred there.”

Ross said the licensing board’s paper record system prevents city officials from keeping tabs on trouble spots.

“It’s high time the licensing board, A, took action on some of these bad offenders and, B, computerized its records,” said Ross.

Joey McIntyre to sing in Christmas Tree lighting ceremony

Universal Hub reports tonight that New Kids On The Block star Joey McIntyre will be a part of the City of Boston Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony December 1st at 7pm on the Boston Common. He will be joined by Siobhan Magnus, the Radio City Rockettes, Rockapella, the Boston Ballet, the Boston Children's Choir and saxophonist Grace Kelly for the annual event in which Mayor Menino Mayor Menino, Santa Claus, and Deputy Nova Scotia Premier Frank Corbett officially light up the tree along with the lights on the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Bill Clinton to visit Prudential Center tomorrow

Bill Clinton will be at Barnes and Nobles in the Shops at the Prudential Center at 10am tomorrow to sign copies of his new book Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy. Purchase of the book from Barnes and Nobles on November 21st is required to have it signed (only one book per person will be signed). The store will open at 7am tomorrow to allow attendees to purchase the book. No photographs or other memorabilia will be allowed.

Boston cruise business on the rise

The Boston Herald reports today on how the newly refurbished Black Falcon Cruise Terminal has helped to increase the cruise ship business in Boston. Next year 113 ships will leave from Boston, with a total traffic of 300,000 passengers.

Home port vessels can have a bigger multiplier effect on the local economy than port of call vessels, since the ships need to be worked and restocked with supplies for the next voyage.

MBTA to offer free public tours

The MBTA is offering free public tours (for the first time ever) of its Operations Control Center in Boston, its Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility in Somerville, and its Everett Shops Subway Main Repair Facility. This pilot program is designed to help the public become familiar with the behind the scenes workings of the T and the people who keep the system moving everyday.

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at the T? Now you can experience it for yourself - the MBTA is inviting customers to explore what it′s like to keep America′s First Transit System up and running — from maintaining vehicles, to trafficking subway cars during rush hour, to maintaining over a thousand miles of tracks — all in an effort to get you where you need to go every day. (mbta.com)

Advanced sign up is required. More information on dates and times is at www.mbta.com.

Venu to open tonight despite City request for closure

WBZ reports tonight that City of Boston asked the nightclub Venu, outside of which four people were shot last night, to voluntarily surrender its license and close while an investigation of the incident is ongoing. A spokesperson for Venu says the club intends to be open for business tonight.

Copley Place condo tower approved

The Boston Redevelop Authority last night approved plans to build a 47 story condominium tower above Copley Place. The Boston Herald reports today the BRA heard testimony from twenty people on both sides of the issue before giving its unanimous OK to the Simon Properties project. Despite the fact that the project is projected to create 1700 construction jobs, 270 permanent jobs, and bring the city $7.2 million in property tax revenue, protesters were out in force at the meeting.

Some two dozen people staged an “Occupy the Mayor’s Office” protest at Boston City Hall prior to the BRA’s meeting. After the vote, project foes shouted “Shame, shame.”

Four shot, one stabbed in Theater District last night

Four people were wounded late this morning in a shooting on Warrenton Street outside the popular nightclubs Rumor and Venu just as the clubs were getting out reports Universal Hub. All were expected to survive. Another unrelated stabbing took place later outside The Estate nightclub and that victim was found on Charles Street by the Boston Common tweets Brian D'Amico. This is not the first incident of violence in the area of these clubs reports Universal Hub.

A riot at Venu last November that took police from across the city to break up cost Venu its license for 11 days. Earlier this year, a Venu club goer beat up another patron and threatened him with a gun. A Rumor patron was stabbed in July, 2010. Last month, police say, an argument that began at Venu ended with a shooting at a Roxbury gas station. In another incident, police watched bouncers run across car roofs in pursuit of men the bouncers say had jumped them with knives and brass knuckles.

NECN has more on the shootings here.

Sullivan's open until November 27th

Sullivan's at Castle Island will close for the season on Sunday, November 27th. There's ten more days to take advantage of their half price hot dog special for the month of November, in which all hot dogs are 80 cents. Congratulations as well to Sullivan's manager Jim Barron who is retiring this year after 45 seasons with the restaurant.

BRA approves Stuart Street apartment project

John Keith tweets tonight that the Boston Redevelopment Authority has approved a 29-story upscale apartment complex to be developed by AvalonBay for 45 Stuart Street, currently a parking lot located between Jacob Wirth and Bijou in the Theater District.

Governor urged to veto casino bill

The Boston Globe urged Governor Patrick today to veto the casino bill passed by the Massachusetts Legislature yesterday.

The worst change in the final agreement is the increase in the share of gambling revenues that will go to the politically connected horse-racing industry instead of to local aid. The initial proposal embraced by Patrick and legislative leaders earmarked 9 percent of slots-parlor revenue to boost purses at tracks. That was bad enough, but the final bill gives the tracks even more, providing them a 5 percent cut of the initial casino license fees and a 5 percent cut of casino taxes, too. This last provision — which caught the governor by surprise — could add up to tens of millions of dollars in additional subsidies for a single small private industry, when there are a host of far worthier public needs.

No money from this bill should go to support the operations of Suffolk Downs. Why not give all of the money to local aid for cities and towns or to help the MBTA with its finances? Another good way to allocate the money would be to put it towards the expansion of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. It would also be helpful to see a detailed analysis of the 15,000 jobs this bill is intended to create.

Hyatt Boston to again host rappelling event

The Hyatt Regency Boston announced today on its Facebook page that the hotel's Over The Edge rappelling event to benefit The Special Olympics will return next year. The date is to be announced soon.

Prudential to host weekly indoor farmer's market

The Shops at Prudential Center will host an indoor farmer's market every Thursday through May in the Belvidere Arcade.

Prezza tempts Bruins fans with offer

Prezza tweets today that if the Bruins win their seventh game in row tonight the North End restaurant will offer free dessert at the bar to anyone with a game ticket stub.

Boston to attempt to set new caroling world record on December 3rd

Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus invite the public to join them in a Holiday sing-along on Saturday December 3rd at noon in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest group of carolers gathered in the same place at the same time. The world record attempt will take place on the Christian Science Plaza along Huntington Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and Belvidere Street.

The current record belongs to Adelaide, Australia, where 9100 people sang carols on November 15th, 2010. To beat this record in Boston, more than 9100 carolers must sing continuously for 15 minutes.

The event will be emceed by the WROR's Wally Brine and Lauren Beckham Falcone from the Loren and Wally Show. Prior to the world record attempt, several local music groups will perform.

This special Guinness World Record event kicks off a Prudential Center celebration of the Holiday Pops season at Symphony Hall which takes place from December 7-24. The Prudential Center event will include performances by the Beacon Brass Quintet, the Boston Children’s Chorus, musicians from Project STEP, and Beantown Swing, as well as other special performances and events.

Two arrested in Public Garden robberies

Universal Hub reports that two people were attacked and robbed in separate incidents in the Public Garden last night around 8:30pm. Police arrested two juvenile suspects by the George Washington statue shortly after talking to the victims. During both robberies the suspects mentioned having a gun.

Blue Angels to make Boston appearance Thursday

The City of Boston tweets this afternoon that the US Navy's Blue Angels will make a flyover of Boston Harbor at approximately 12:30pm on Thursday November 17th.

Joe Tecce's hits the auction block

The contents of the former Joe Tecce's restaurant in Boston's North End were auctioned off yesterday as part of its bankruptcy proceedings reports The Boston Herald today. A condo development is planned for the former restaurant site on North Washington Street.

Flat-screen TVs above the bar went for as low as $40, while sculptures of bathing goddesses fetched as little as $100.

The bar itself — “built with wood from Walter Cronkite’s father’s home or something like that,” said Crown Auctions managing partner Klia Crisafulli — sold at a bargain $167

Barrington Coffee to open in Fort Point neighborhood

The Friends of Fort Point Channel tweets today that Barrington Coffee will soon be opening on Congress Street!

Casino bill approved by Massachusetts lawmakers

A final bill authorizing the construction of three resort style casinos and one slot parlor in Massachusetts passed the state Senate and the state House of Representatives today. The casino bill now awaits Governor Patrick's signature for final authorization, which will occur in the next ten days. Supporters say the bill could create up to 15,000 new jobs in Massachusetts.

What do you think of casino gambling coming to Massachusetts?

Fairmont Copley to celebrate Catie Copley's birthday

The Fairmont Copley Plaza will celebrate the tenth birthday of its canine ambassador Catie Copley on Saturday December 10th at 11am. The public is welcome to join in on the celebration which will include a reading of one of Catie's books, followed by birthday cake for people and special treats for canines. Catie Copley is Boston's most well known dog and was recently named Fairmont's Cutest Canine.

W Boston developer to exit bankruptcy protection

The Boston Herald reports today that a judge has approved a plan allowing SW Boston Hotel Ventures, the developer of the W Boston Hotel & Residences, to exit bankruptcy protection. As part of the plan SW Boston Hotel Ventures will use sales from the remaining 71 unsold units to pay back its creditors in full, which include Prudential Insurance and The City of Boston. The 239-room hotel portion of the project was sold off earlier this year.

Ground broken for Downtown Crossing residential building

Ground was broken today for Hayward Place, a new upscale residential development in Downtown Crossing reports Boston.com today. Hayward Place, which is being developed by Millennium Partners-Boston, will have 256 units (a mix of rentals and condos) and 9700 square feet of retail space in its 15 stories. There's no word on if that retail space would be for restaurant use, as the neighborhood already has a plethora of empty retail space.

Hayward Place, designed by Handel Architects of New York, will complete Millennium Partners’ revitalization of a section of Washington Street known as the Combat Zone for the collection of seedy strip clubs and bars that once dominated the area. In 2001 and 2002, Millennium completed the Ritz Carlton Hotel & Towers project that helped spur other development in the area.

Local comedian assaulted in club

Popular local comedian Steve Sweeney was assaulted in a Revere club Saturday night reports WCVB Channel 5 tonight.

Sweeney said he was approached by Porzio who told him she was offended by a comment he made concerning her sexuality during the show.

He said he offered an apology, but she threw the glass, which struck him in the shoulder, according to the police report.

The Otherside Cafe sets closing date

Boston Restaurant Talk reports tonight (via a tweet from Hubway) that The Otherside Cafe is going to be closing December 23rd. There's no official word on what will be going into the restaurant's space, but it was reported last week that the Midwestern furniture chain Room & Board was close to signing a lease for the space that is currently occupied by The Otherside Cafe, Island Hopper, Bhindi Bazaar, and a futon store.

If this furniture store is successful in moving into this spot, it will be a big loss for Boston's restaurant scene. Three successful and moderately priced spots will be lost a giant furniture chain that will do nothing to enhance the vitality of the area. All three of these restaurants are popular with local residents, especially the city's large student and young adult population. This is not the direction this part of the city should be going in. I hope the city will be able to use its leverage to stop this furniture store from moving in and allow the restaurants to continue to operate. At the very least the city should actively help the displaced restaurants find new locations in the neighborhood.

Kenny Chesney to return to Gillette Stadium

Kenny Chesney is returning to Gillette Stadium next August 25th to headline the New England Country Music Festival with Tim McGraw reports The Boston Herald today. Here's hoping the MBTA will run a special train to Gillette next year for the show as they did this past summer. Tickets go on sale December 3rd!

Boston Latino Film Festival coming this week

The 10th annual Boston Latino International Film Festival is coming November 17th-22nd to venues at Harvard University and MIT. There will be sixty films from 17 countries shown at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies At Harvard (1730 Cambridge Street), the MIT Sloan Latin American Club (MIT Building 54, Auditorium Room 54-100, 21 Ames Street), and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (Weiner Room, 79 John F. Kennedy Street). There will be 15 local, national, and international directors at the festival. All of the films will have English subtitles.

Could Fairmont Copley renovations close city's last hotel piano bar?

The Boston Globe reported Sunday on the decline of piano bars in Boston's hotels. The last remaining one is at The Oak Bar at The Fairmont Copley Plaza, which is set to undergo changes this coming January.

As the Irving Berlin standard suggests: Count your blessings. Potter and her colleague Bob Baughman, who share the three-nights-a-week Copley gig, are the last piano players standing in what used to be Boston’s thriving piano bar scene. Their perch is unsteady at best. In January, the Plaza is planning a soup-to-nuts renovation of the bar and the adjoining high-end restaurant, the Oak Room, merging the two spaces into one large “American brasserie.’’

The article goes on to mention that the Fairmont Copley management indicates that no decision has been made about whether to retain the live piano music in the new restaurant space. I would strongly hope that they keep the live music going. It is nice to go to a place where there's no televisions and you can just relax and enjoy live music with good food and a drinks in an elegant atmosphere. No matter what age you are there's something nice about hearing live jazz in a place like The Oak Bar. The Fairmont management would do well to honor this tradition in whatever new concept takes the place of The Oak Bar & The Oak Room.

New York perspective on Happy Hour debate in Massachusetts

The New York Times had an interesting piece Sunday on the situation involving the recent discussion of the legalization of Happy Hour in Massachusetts.

This city has a robust bar culture, with trivia nights, $1 oyster specials and plenty of other perks to keep patrons coming. But not since 1984, when “Cheers” was new to television, has Massachusetts allowed bars to hold happy hours.

Thanks to Universal Hub for the heads up on this.

Could former Cambridge courthouse become hotel?

The state is putting the former Middlesex County Edward J Sullivan Courthouse up for sale. The 22-story building has a gross square footage of almost 595,000 square feet and is located a short walk from the Lechmere green line station. The property is zoned for office and laboratory uses, residential including multi-family, various institutional and educational, social services, health care, local government, hotel, retail, restaurant, theater, and art studio uses.

Rehabbing this building into a hotel or upscale residential complex would require a great deal of investment, but imagine the views it could afford.

Ultimate Tailgate party Sunday to support Lovin' Spoonfuls

Sam's at Louis Boston will host The Ultimate Tailgate Party Sunday November 13th from 5pm-8pm to benefit local hunger relief organization Lovin' Spoonfuls.

There will be food from Ming Tsai, Joanne Chang, a pig roast from Jamie Bissonnette, Will Gilson, Island Creek Oysters, Mary Dumont, Sam’s, Del Frisco’s and Ristorante Nebo along with beer from Peak Organic.

Tickets for the main event are $100. VIP tickets are $250, which includes early access from 4-5 pm, a meet & greet with the chefs, early access to silent auction items, specialty cocktails, & oysters from Island Creek Oysters. 100% of the proceeds go to Lovin’ Spoonfuls.

Red Lantern to host fashion show Monday

Red Lantern will host a Charlotte Ronson fashion show with the boutique Sells & Co. on Monday November 14th. The show will highlight Charlotte’s latest spring line.

There will be a VIP reception from 6:30pm-8pm which includes passed hors d'oeuvres and Double Cross Vodka cocktails along with the opportunity to meet the designer. VIP tickets are $50 for individuals and $500 for tables of eight.

General admission runs from 8pm-9:30pm and tickets are $20.

Bakey's in downtown Boston to close today

The Boston Herald reports that today is last day of operation for Bakey's a downtown Boston restaurant that has become sort of an institution for Financial District workers. It's building was bought recently by developer Ted Raymond and the space will be renovated into a new restaurant and bar to be called The Warehouse on Broad, to be run by the Endever Hospitality Group.

Instead of looking over each other’s shoulders at flat-screen TVs, patrons actually talk and, if necessary, rely on a 10-pound unabridged 1951 Webster’s Dictionary to settle debates, instead of using Google.

Bakey’s horseshoe-shaped bar and unique mahogany booths were designed by restaurant founder George Bateman to afford patrons privacy, but also give them a chance to be seen.

Bakey's will be missed. The new place doesn't sound like it will be anything special.

Freedom Trail smartphone app launched.

The Freedom Trail Foundation has launched a smartphone and tablet app to help tourists and locals navigate their way around Boston's Freedom Trail reports The Boston Herald today.

The Official Freedom Trail App features descriptions and photos of the 16 historic sites on the trail. It uses your phone or tablet’s GPS to point out on maps how close you are to points of interest along the trail.

The app sells for $4.99 and proceeds will go toward preservation efforts for the trail’s historic sites.

This is a great idea. Perhaps Sarah Palin will be able to use it on her next visit to Boston. I hope some of the money raised will be used to repair the parts of the red line that really need attention.

Vitos eat for free at Vito's Tavern

Vito's Tavern in the North End is offering anyone named Vito (proper ID required) who brings in a picture of themselves for the restaurant's new "Vito Entrance Wall" a free meal. While only actual Vitos will receive a free meal, owner Damien DiPaola encourages people to submit photos of any Vitos (friends, family members, and even pets) they want memorialized on the wall. Vito's menu also now includes a hearty chicken noodle soup, a cheddar and jalapeno stuffed bison burger and crab rangoon.

Daryl Settles a partner in new Boston boutique hotel

The Boston Herald reports today that Boston restaurant owner Daryl Settles is one of the partners in the development of the new Boston Boutique Hotel, which is scheduled to begin construction next spring on Arlington Street.

The Dartmouth Co. is looking for a restaurant to lease the 2,000-square-foot, first-floor space. A deal with the South End Buttery Cafe fell through after the owner got tired of waiting for the space to become available, Schwartz said.

McCormick & Schmick's sold

Landry's Restaurants will acquire the seafood restaurant chain McCormick & Schmicks for $131.6 million reports Nation's Restaurant News today. Locally Landry's owns The Chart House at Long Wharf and The Oceanaire on Court Street. There are McCormick & Schmick's locations in Faneuil Hall and The Park Plaza Hotel.

El Pelon reopens in the Fenway

El Pelon Taqueria has reopened on Peterborough Street in the Fenway reports Boston Restaurant Talk today. The popular Mexican spot was destroyed, along with an entire block of restaurants in a January 2009 fire.

Casino could be next big project in Seaport District

Boston Magazine's Colin Kingsbury calls into question the benefits of legalizing casinos in Massachusetts in a piece in this month's issue. He also makes the point very eloquently why a casino would make the most sense in the Seaport District (not Suffolk Downs), specifically at the World Trade Center.

Boston could always use another large hotel, and the World Trade Center, with a name that recalls the worst day in living history and a purpose no one is quite sure of, offers an ideal location. It’s yards away from two major highways, a five-minute ferry ride from the airport, and a short walk from the convention center, which weekly fills with a revolving cast of thousands of balding midwestern salesmen practically begging for a game of blackjack. Visiting oligarchs could dock their mega-yachts right alongside the high-stakes baccarat tables, and a $20 cover charge could keep the place from becoming a daily stop for the locals.

Proposed casino bill called out as flawed

The Boston Globe on Tuesday called the casino bill, which is currently in conference committee in the Massachusetts legislature, flawed and in need of changes to better protect the public interest. Issues raised by the editorial include who will be able to vote on a casino in a particular town and limits on lawmakers taking jobs with casino companies as well as other things.

Still more telling are key issues that are no longer on the table. While Patrick’s original vision was for three destination casinos, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who has long shown a special interest in Suffolk Downs, wanted to let the state’s ailing racetracks have slot machines. Last year’s negotiations stalled on the issue. This year, Patrick, DeLeo, and Senate President Therese Murray agreed on a plan to license three casinos and a slots parlor - and to set aside some of the proceeds to prop up the racing industry. At this point, writing this kind of favoritism into law isn’t even up for debate, and there are ample grounds for public cynicism. Is there much doubt that Suffolk Downs will come away with either a casino or a slots license, no matter what?

Turkish food truck to return to Boston's streets in December

Meatballs and Etc, the Turkish food truck that recently hit Boston's streets, tweets today that they will be off the road until December due to technical issues. I haven't been able to yet try them yet but I'm eagerly awaiting the truck's return to Park Square.

Back Bay restaurants could give way to furniture store

The Boston Globe reports today that The Other Side Cafe and Island Hopper restaurants could be forced to close if the Midwest furniture chain Room & Board is successful in negotiating a lease for their current space.

“Expansion in the home furnishing category has been on hold for some time now, so we are thrilled to hear that Boston is attracting these top-notch brands,’’ said Susan Elsbree, a spokeswoman for the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

It's great that Boston is able to attract upscale retailers but this location is not the right spot. Why not put Room & Board in the Filene's Basement or Borders space on Boylston Street and let the restaurants stay? It's not as though the Back Bay area needs another upscale furniture store. These moderately priced restaurants do much more to keep this area vibrant than any retail store, especially Room & Board would do. Also there is no mention of what would happen the Bhindi Bazaar restaurant, located in the same block.

Thanks to Boston Restaurant Talk for the heads up on this!

Sweet Cheeks eyes November 11th opening

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Sweet Cheeks, Tiffani Faison's new barbecue restaurant, is eyeing a November 11th opening on Boylston Street in the Fenway. Some of the top ten things you should know about the new spot.

4. Our soon-to-come late-night menu will have an item called "Fat Kid's Dream." (FYI, that's mac 'n cheese with burnt ends.)

3. We don't have glasses. We have jars.

UrbanDaddy also previews Sweet Cheeks today.

Some of your meaty options: Berkshire pork belly, Great Northern brisket, St. Louis–style Berkshire pork ribs, homemade hot links, collard greens and even a smoked one-pound Pineland Delmonico steak. All served Texas-style on a long metal tray lined with butcher paper (kind of like how you serve your houseguests their cereal, only with BBQ).

Boston Harbor Hotel to host Girls Night Out event

The Boston Harbor Hotel is hosting a Girls Night Out event at Meritage on Monday November 14th from 6pm-8pm. Ladies will enjoy "Femme Fatale" inspired wines with Boston Harbor Hotel wine director Besty Ross along with specialty bites from chef Daniel Bruce.

Tickets are $40.

The Fairmont Battery Wharf hosts a similar weekly event for ladies called Bella Notte Thursdays at its restaurant Aragosta.

Proposed Copley Place condo tower inspires protest song

Universal Hub reports that a Boston man who lives next to the proposed 47 story Copley Place condominium building has written a song in protest of the development. I think it's pretty clever move on his part. I especially like the line about "the big hole we'll be stuck with" if the developers run out of money. Perhaps Simon Properties needs to collaborate with a local artist on a song praising the development? What do you think?

MJ O'Connors to host Guinness dinner

MJ O'Connors at the Park Plaza Hotel will host a Guinness beer dinner Tuesday November 15th, at 8pm.

The cocktail hour includes corned beef spring rolls with Guinness mustard, Irish boxty wedges with cheese dip, and cocktail sausage with Guinness mustard, all paired with a Guinness Black Stout. The first course is a salad complete with Boston Bib lettuce, roasted spicy walnuts, blue cheese, cranberries, and lemon basil vinaigrette paired with a Smithwicks. The second course consists of Guinness braised short ribs with whipped potatoes, roasted root vegetables topped with Guiness reduction paired with a Guiness Draft. Dessert is Guinness peanut butter ice cream with butter finger crumble and chocolate sauce paired with a Guinness Foreign Extra Stought.

Tickets are $40 per person, which includes tax and gratuity.

Sunset Cantina expanding

Grubstreet Boston reports this week that the Sunset Cantina is expanding its bar area, adding forty seats to the restaurant, and a new outdoor patio to the popular Commonwealth Avenue spot. This is great news for beer lovers, BU students, and anyone attending an event at Agganis Arena.

Kika Tapas to open this month in Kendall Square

Boston Magazine's Chowder blog reports this week that Kika Tapas in Kendall Square is set to open the week of November 21st. Kika, which will be run by group behind Tapeo and Solea, will be located at 350 3rd Street.

The name “Kika” comes from the title character in a Pedro Almodovar film; as a result, there will be a mural that’s an homage to Almodovar films (which include All About My Mother and Volver). Reverendo says that the space is seeking a retro feel, with red accents and a quartz bar.

Revolution Rock Bar closes, Julep Bar to take its place

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that Revolution Rock Bar at 200 High Street in downtown Boston has closed its doors and will be replaced soon by a place called Julep Bar.

"Happy Hour" amendment to casino bill may be amended

CBSBoston.com reports today that supporters of the "Restaurant Protection Amendment" to the casino bill (which called for current alcohol laws to be changed to enable restaurants to compete fairly with the offerings casinos proposed in the bill) have called on the bill's conference committee to instead to reword the amendment to order a review of all of the alcohol laws in Massachusetts.

Many advocates against bringing back "Happy Hour" mobilized and made their opinions known to their state legislators. Senator Robert Hedlund, one of the senators who supported the original amendment explained the compromise.

The compromise proposal now being offered would call for the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) to review Massachusetts’ alcohol laws over the course of a year and suggest changes for the Legislature to implement that would help local bars and restaurants compete with casinos.

The House and Senate versions of the casino bill are currently in a conference committee which is working out the differences in to present a final bill to the Governor.

So happy hour is not coming back as previously thought but we will get an thorough and fair review of the current laws governing alcohol in Massachusetts. That sounds like a good compromise to me. What do you think?

Stone Hearth Pizza now open in Allston

Universal Hub reports today that Stone Hearth Pizza has opened its long awaited fourth location in a renovated Citgo station in Lower Allston. The other Stone Hearth Pizza restaurants are in Cambridge, Belmont, and Needham.

Sonesta Hotels sold for $174 million

Boston.com reports today that Boston-based Sonesta International Hotels Corporation is being sold to Hospitality Properties Trust, a Newton-based real estate investment trust with over 288 hotels in the United States, for $174 million. Sonesta will continue to operate the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, along with its hotels in New Orleans, Miami, the Caribbean, Egypt and South America.

The Boston Business Journal has more on the Sonesta sale

Sonesta Hotels is lead by Stephanie Sonnabend and the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge is home to Restaurant Dante and Art Bar. The hotel is well known for its extensive art collection which is displayed around the property.

There is a growing trend in the hotel industry for hotel companies to operate hotels, not own them. Real estate investment trust companies (REITS) are good match for major hotel brands because they can invest the capital needed to improve infrastructure while leaving the operations in the hands of brands with well established reputations and expertise.

Trattoria di Monica customer not happy with free meal

Universal Hub reports on an alleged September 4th altercation between an angry patron and one of the owners of Trattoria di Monica on Price Street in the North End.

A North End diner who didn't think the free meal he got in exchange for a restaurant's mistake was good enough got the place hauled before the Boston Licensing Board today - even though he's now refusing to cooperate with the board or police.

Hard Rock casino could come to Massachusetts

Boston.com reports today that Hard Rock International is partnering with a Massachusetts developer to explore building a casino in Holyoke if casino gambling is approved by the Massachusetts Legislature.

Both the Massachusetts House and Senate have passed bills allowing casinos in the state. The bills are currently in conference committee to settle differences before the final bill is presented to Governor Patrick. The final plan is expected to authorize the construction of three resort-style casinos in different geographic regions of state, along with one slot parlor.

Hard Rock chairman Jim Allen said the company will partner on a casino proposal with Paper City Development LLC, pledging to build a “state-of-the-art facility with a wide range of non-gaming amenities that will provide a world-class entertainment experience unique to the region.

New Japanese restaurant coming to Kendall Square

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that Fuji at Kendall will open this month at 300 Third Street in Cambridge.

Pats player arrested at Storyville

Universal Hub reports today that Patriots receiver Julian Edelman will be arraigned today after being arrested early this morning for allegedly assaulting a female patron in Storyville, a recently opened nightclub at The Copley Square Hotel.

The Boston Globe has more.