Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog

JFK Library to host Boston Lyric Opera production

2012-01-27T17:21:00.017-05:00

Boston Lyric Opera will present Peter Maxell Davies' The Lighthouse this coming February 8th-12th at the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, the company's third annual Opera Annex production.

A dark storm rages … a mysteriously deserted lighthouse. A court of inquiry into the unnatural disappearance of three keepers. The only remaining living beings … a swarm of black rats. The table carefully set … all neat and orderly … nothing amiss except a chair lying on its back and a broken teacup. Verdict: death by misadventure. The truth? (www.blo.org)

Previous Boston Lyric Opera Annex productions have been held in the Park Plaza Castle and the Calderwood Pavilion. The view of Boston Harbor from the Kennedy Library should provide quite the appropriate backdrop for this production. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 5pm.

Boston's Top Tourist Attractions on Four Square named

2012-01-26T19:09:00.010-05:00

BostInno's Lisa Decanio has an interesting post today about the top twelve tourist attractions in Boston, based on the number of check-ins they have accumulated on Four Square.

Some are obvious, others are awesome, and most are just plain lame (ahem, #7 and #9). Check it out.

Not surprisingly Fenway Park comes in first. I'm looking forward to reading her upcoming piece on Boston area tourist spots with the least amounts of Four Square visitors.

Wichit to open Newbury Street location

2012-01-26T13:12:00.006-05:00

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that Wichit, a former Lawrence breakfast and lunch spot, will soon open a Boston location at 244 Newbury Street in the Back Bay. Here's a peek at the sandwich spot's philosophy, from the restaurant's website.

A sandwich is a sacrament. A sandwich is artisan breads, hand made condiments, hormone-free and anti-biotic free meats, organic vegetables, herbs, and heaps of creativity. A sandwich is coaxing complex flavors from the simplest, purest ingredients. A sandwich is a craving, a desire fulfilled, a comfort, a remembrance, nourishment and a ritual.

Three arrested at Radisson Boston

2012-01-23T20:57:00.009-05:00

Three people were arrested at the Radisson Boston Hotel early Sunday morning following a fight that involved fifteen people in the hotel's lobby reports The Boston Globe today.

Leguisamon then fought with arriving officers and was arrested for assault and battery on a police officer, police said. A crowd gathered following the confrontation and some people “continued to verbally disparage and disrespect the officers.’’

The Radisson Boston Hotel is currently undergoing renovations to transform it into an upscale boutique hotel.

The Yard House coming soon to Boston

2012-01-20T10:40:00.007-05:00

The Yard House will open a Boston location this March in the Fenway Triangle area of Boston. @BostonTweet reports today that The Yard House will hiring next week for all positions at the new restaurant. The restaurant's website does not indicate it's exact address but it was reported in July of 2010 that The Yard House had signed a lease for the former Boston Billiards space at 128 Brookline Avenue.

And as is the case with the Dedham location, well over 100 beers will be available on tap. Food will be a mix of Asian and American cuisine, with possible dishes being grilled Korean BBQ beef, bernaise sliders, Thai chicken pizza, New Zealand lamb chops, and roasted turkey pot pie.

The Yard House opened its first New England location in Legacy Place in Dedham in 2010.

TV Diner Platinum Plate Gala coming to Boston

2012-01-19T15:54:00.009-05:00

The 5th Annual TV Diner Platinum Plate Gala will take place this Friday January 20th at 7pm at Commonwealth Hall at the Seaport World Trade Center. Join TV Diner's Billy Costa and Jenny Johnson to sample food and drinks from over thirty of New England's best restaurants and vendors. Along with the delicious food and drinks, there will be an award winning dance band and a high end charity auction.

Participating restaurants include: Taranta, Aura, Brasserie Jo, Davio's, Descent, Bricco, Smith & Wollensky, Haru, Stephanie's, Stephi's on Newbury, Lucca, Lucia, Tasty Burger, Market, Not Your Average Joe's, Top of the Hub, RumBa, Temazcal Tequila Cantina, Modern Pastry, and Red Lantern.

Tickets are $125 in advance and $135 at the door. Hotel packages with The Seaport Hotel are also available. For tickets and more information visit www.necn.com/pages/tvdiner_gala_home. This is event is 21 plus.

Brunch coming to Area Four this weekend

2012-01-19T14:53:00.007-05:00

Area Four in Kendall Square will begin serving brunch this Saturday reports Grubstreet Boston, which previews the delicious-sounding menu today.

Some of the offerings: bananas foster brioche french toast (rum caramel, crème fraiche, peppered walnuts) and the A4 breakfast sandwich (house made english muffin, A4 maple/black pepper/sage sausage, herbed egg frittata, aged cheddar).

Downtown Mexican restaurant may get ok for 2am closing time

2012-01-18T22:54:00.007-05:00

The Metro reports that several city representatives spoke against allowing Tequila Mexican Grill to stay open until 4:30am at a Boston Licensing Board hearing on Wednesday.

“This is quite a change in hours,” said Nicole Murati Ferrer, the board’s chair. “This is almost like a 24-hour request.”

A representative from the mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services said they were opposed to the 4:30 a.m. closing time, but were trying to work out a compromise with Rivas to allow the shop to stay open until 2 a.m.

Thanks to Universal Hub for the heads up on this. I'd like to know what downtown residents opposed this at the hearing. Don't they know that having late night dining would make their neighborhood more attractive?

L.A. Burdick opening Boston location this month

2012-01-18T17:29:00.006-05:00

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that L.A. Burdick will open its Back Bay chocolate store at the corner of Newbury and Clarendon Streets on January 30th. A posting on the LA Burdick Facebook page indicates that the cafe portion of the location will open later in the year.

Pot Belly coming to Boston

2012-01-18T10:24:00.005-05:00

Chicago's Pot Belly Sandwich Shop is coming soon to Boston's Logan Airport and to multiple locations in the Boston area thereafter reports Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston Magazine's Chowder blog.

This is great news. I can think of several locations where a Pot Belly could do good business in the city, such as the Seaport District, and City Place in the Theater District. Where do you think Pot Belly should open in Boston?

Ames Hotel to host theatrical production

2012-01-18T00:31:00.007-05:00

Company One will present the Boston premiere of Tennessee William's "Green Eyes" in a suite at The Ames Hotel January 18th-February 12th. Performances are

Written in 1970 but unpublished for almost 40 years, this “lost” erotic thriller graphically reveals the impact of war through the sexual fantasies of a newlywed couple honeymooning in New Orleans. He’s a soldier, traumatized by his participation in the war; she's a ravenous woman determined to satisfy the darkest recesses of her most deviant desires.

There are only 25 tickets per show with performances running Wednesdays, Thursday and Sundays at 7pm & 9pm along with Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm & 10pm. All tickets are $35.

Handel and Haydn presents Vivaldi's Four Seasons

2012-01-16T21:14:00.020-05:00

The Handel and Haydn Society will present a concert entitled Vivaldi's The Four Seasons at Symphony Hall Friday January 20th at 8pm and Sunday January 22nd at 3pm. The program will include Handel's Overture to Agrippina, Corelli's Concerto Grosso in C Minor, J.C. Bach's Symphony No. 6 in G Minor, Handel's Overture to Rodrigo, and Corelli's Concerto Grosso in D along with Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

After the Friday evening concert Handel and Haydn will host an H2 Young Professionals reception at Lucca Back Bay. Meet the staff and musicians of the H & H along with many other young arts enthusiasts. The event is free with a concert ticket but an RSVP is required.

Four Seasons kicks off cooking class series this week

2012-01-16T20:54:00.004-05:00

The Four Seasons Boston Executive Chef Brooke Vosika will offer monthly series of cooking class beginning Tuesday January 17th in the Four Seasons kitchen. The 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. The schedule is as follows:

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

Suffolk student arrested at Mandarin Residences

2012-01-13T22:39:00.008-05:00

Universal Hub reports that a Suffolk University student was arrested Thursday night in the lobby of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Boston after assaulting a hotel worker and threatening to harm the responding officers.

During the booking process, the suspect was asked if there were any medical issues the officers should be aware of. To which, the suspect replied, “Just cocaine and plenty of it.”

The report does not indicate if the student was a resident of the Mandarin or a guest at the time of arrest.

Four Seasons to host Super Hunger Chef event

2012-01-13T21:04:00.008-05:00

As part of the Greater Boston Food Bank's Super Hunger Month the Four Seasons Hotel will host the sixth annual Super Hunger Chef on Wednesday January 25th from 6pm-9pm. The event will allow guests to enjoy delicious international fare from some of the city's top chefs along with beer and wine.

The participating chefs (with the cuisines they will prepare) are Jody Adams from Rialto & Trade (Italian), Brooke Vosika from The Bristol Lounge (American), Michael Schlow from Tico (Spanish), Tim Cushman from o ya (Japanese), Gordon Hamersley from Hamersley’s Bistro (French), Allan Rodriguez from El Centro (Mexican), Rodney Murillo from Avila & Davio’s (Mediterranean), and Jatinder Singh from Mela (Indian). Tickets are $125 per person.

South End Buttery expansion gets city approval

2012-01-13T09:16:00.006-05:00

The South End Buttery has obtained two common victualler licenses from the city that will enable it expand its current Shawmut Avenue location and open a new location on Clarendon Street reports Boston.com.

The new location, just blocks from its Shawmut Avenue, location will be take-out only. Along with the usual baked goods and sandwiches, the store will also feature a grocery aspect to give shoppers the chance to pick up high quality ingredients and groceries.

Downtown Mexican restaurant seeks to extend closing time

2012-01-12T20:18:00.005-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that Tequila Mexican Grill on Bromfield Street in Downtown Crossing will seek permission from the Boston Licensing Board next week to serve food until 4:30am. Currently its license allows it to serve until 7pm. I hope the board approves this request so our city will have another spot downtown to get reasonably priced food late in the evening.

Jerry Remy's Fall River to open in late summer

2012-01-12T20:04:00.008-05:00

Jerry Remy's Sports Bar & Grill plans to open at Fall River's Commonwealth Landing complex in late summer of this year reports The Boston Herald today. The city's mayor hopes eventually to also attract Emeril Lagasse, another native of the area, to open a restaurant in the town.

Flanagan said the city has invested $250,000 in improving the roadways and sidewalks surrounding the waterfront property, while exploring other job growth opportunities such as casino gaming. The new Jerry Remy’s would create an estimated 75 jobs for Fall River, which currently has an 11.8 percent unemployment rate.

South End to get steakhouse on Washington Street

2012-01-11T16:57:00.008-05:00

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today (via MC Slim JB) that the people behind Deux Ave and dbar are planning to open a steakhouse in the former Ginger Park space on Washington Street in the South End. Ginger Park, formerly Banq, closed in December of 2010.

Panera to open in Theater District

2012-01-09T22:22:00.010-05:00

Panera Bread will open a location in the State Transportation Building in Boston's Theater District. A call to neighboring restaurant Rock Bottom indicates that Panera Bread will open in the former 7-11 space at the corner of Stuart Street & Tremont Streets where construction has recently started. It appears that Panera will expand past the 2,693 square foot area of the former and 7-11 space into a new 3,286 square foot space that is being created. Panera has recently opened Boston locations in the Back Bay, by Symphony Hall, South Bay, Porter Square, and has plans for a Harvard Square location as it continues its expansion in eastern Massachusetts.

Grillo's Pickle store to open Friday

2012-01-09T21:52:00.005-05:00

Grillo's Pickles today tweets that the company's new pop up pickle store will open this Friday January 13th at 1075 Cambridge Street near Inman Square in Cambridge.

Will Radisson name survive renovations?

2012-01-09T17:24:00.030-05:00

Stuff Magazine speculates in its latest issue that the Radisson Boston, currently being renovated into an upscale property, could change names as part of the process. The renovated property will include a new nightclub in the old Theater Cafe space as well as a luxury cinema and 7,000 square foot event space in place of the Stuart Street Playhouse

But is there more to the story? Last year, the property was purchased by Northwood Hospitality, the same group that owns the New York Palace hotel in Midtown Manhattan. They brought on a new general manager, pinched from NYC's Hudson Hotel. And this fall they added a director of events straight from West Hollywood's swank Mondrian. Hmm. The Palace, the Hudson, the Mondrian, and the Radisson. One of these does not belong. Frankly, we don't associate happening nightspots with vanilla hotel chains.

Radisson Boston management says that the property will at this time remain a Radisson, though Revereiscoming.com has been launched to tout the unveiling in 25 days of a new hospitality experience in Boston's Theater District called Revere Boston Common. Whatever happens, the renovated Radisson looks to be an exciting addition to the hotel and nightlife scene in Boston.

Trident seeks to expand on Newbury Street

2012-01-09T17:02:00.005-05:00

Back Bay Patch reports today that Trident Booksellers & Cafe is looking to expand its Newbury Street location into the same building. Trident goes before the licensing and building use committee of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay to present its plan. It would be great to see the cafe part of Trident expand as it's always very crowded there on the weekends.

Thanks to Eater Boston for the heads up on this!

Mare to become Mare Oyster Bar

2012-01-09T12:59:00.004-05:00

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that Mare in the North End has closed and DePasquale Ventures will open Mare Oyster Bar in the same location.

New Balance store coming to Back Bay

2012-01-05T13:25:00.010-05:00

The Boston Herald reports today that Boston-based shoe maker New Balance will open a New Balance Experience store at 583 Boylston Street in Copley Square. The store will take over the space formerly occupied by Copley Flair which had been once eyed by Chipotle.

It will be the second Experience location in the United States for New Balance, which opened a 4,000-square-foot store in New York City in August that sells its clothing and footwear.

Hopefully the new store will be open in time for the Boston Marathon.

Legal Seafoods to offer $1 chowder on January 11th

2012-01-05T07:50:00.006-05:00

Legal Seafoods will offer diners a cup of its famous clam chowder for $1 (with the purchase of an entree) on January 11th in celebration of national soup month. Legal's Chowdah Day will also be celebrated online where on January 11th one can purchase a quart of chowder for $11. Legal Seafood's award winning clam chowder has been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981.

DC Cupcake shop coming to Newbury Street

2012-01-04T22:47:00.005-05:00

Georgetown Cupcake will be opening this spring at 83 Newbury Street reports The Washington Business Journal.

For the past two seasons, the pair has been featured on TLC’s "DC Cupcakes," the series which follows the sisters and business partners and their colorful crew. Armed with their grandmother’s recipes, Sophie and Katherine have expanded the reach of their sweets including baking 10,000 cupcakes that were shipped to U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Georgetown Cupcake will join Sweet, Cakeology, Curly Cakes, Kickass Cupcakes,and the The Cupcakory truck in the Greater Boston cupcake market.

Thanks to @lisa_decanio for the heads up on this!

Vlora seeks neighborhood ok for new patio

2012-01-04T10:52:00.006-05:00

Back Bay Patch reports today that Vlora, a Mediterranean restaurant on Boylston Street, is seeking permission from the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) to build a street level patio.

With stairs leading to an entrance below the street, the restaurant tends to get overlooked by pedestrians, and the sunken area can sometimes become a pit for bottles and other trash, Tsai said.

It is important to note that the NABB has no legal power to block development proposals, but the city values its opinion highly in making zoning decisions. Perhaps the NABB is too powerful in this area? What do you think?

Woman attacked near Sam Adams Brewery

2012-01-04T10:21:00.005-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that a woman was mugged at knife point last week just after sunset steps from the Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain. From her email to Universal Hub.

E13 police did show up to do a quick drive by and take my information but all in all I found them to be rude, insensitive, and lackadaisical. I'm still dealing with back pain from the attack. It's so disheartening that this type of dangerous assault happened to close to a hub of JP and it's shocking to me that there hasn't been a shred of publicity warning the community.

Hopefully the Boston Police will be able to catch whoever committed this crime.

Morton's eyeing new Back Bay location

2012-01-04T09:58:00.007-05:00

The Boston Herald reports today that Morton's The Steakhouse may soon move into the recently vacated Border's space on at the corner of Boylston Street and Clarendon Street. Morton's is currently located in a below ground space at Boylston and Exeter. This new location would give the restaurant an opportunity to have a much coveted patio seating like rivals Abe & Louie's and The Capital Grill.

The location would be a prominent one for Morton’s, according to Andy LaGrega, a principal of the Wilder Cos., a Boston retail development and management firm. “It has great visibility, and the traffic is going in the right direction for full exposure,” LaGrega said.

It was reported back in February that this space could be attractive to restaurants.

Schlow to open new restuarant in the Fenway

2012-01-03T15:43:00.006-05:00

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Michael Schlow (Tico, Alta Strada, Radius) will open a "modern rock 'n' roll diner" to be called Happy's Bar & Kitchen in the former Burton's space on Boylston Street in the Fenway.

A Time to Taste opens in downtown Boston

2012-01-03T15:05:00.005-05:00

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that a new restaurant called A Time to Taste is now open at 185 Devonshire Street in the Financial District, where sandwich shop Roly Poly used to operate.

Island Creek Oyster Bar named top oyster spot

2012-01-02T10:36:00.007-05:00

Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston's Hotel Commonwealth was named one of the top ten places in the country to eat oysters on the half shell by USA Today.

"It's really a stunning example of a farm-to-table type restaurant," she says. The oyster selection varies but is chosen by the farmers. She recommends trying an oyster slider — a miniature fried oyster on a brioche bun — accompanied by the house pilsner.

Thank you to @HotelCommonwlth for the heads up on this!

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to reopen January 19th

2012-01-01T21:42:00.011-05:00

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is set to unveil its new Renzo Piano-designed wing when the museum reopens on January 19th.

The museum's 70,000 square foot new wing will feature a 2,000 square foot special exhibition space, a restaurant called Cafe G, and a 300 seat performance center. The Museum's entrance has been reoriented into the new wing, which faces Evans Way in the Fenway. Visitors will pass from the new building to the original building through glass corridor surrounded by trees.

Upon its reopening the Gardner Museum will be open Wednesdays-Mondays from 11am-5pm and until 9pm on Thursdays. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for college students with current ID. Admission is free for all under 18 and anyone named Isabella.

Timed tickets will be required for admission through the end of February.

Could Woodward at Ames Hotel soon be closing?

2011-12-31T14:48:00.005-05:00

The Improper Bostonian reports in its latest issue that Woodward at The Ames Hotel could be closing soon. The piece, in the magazine's Dish column on page 10, says that real estate company CBRE/Grossman Retail Advisors is currently marketing a lease for the Woodward space, though the hotel denies any closure is imminent.

First Night told to not publicize popular New Year's Eve event

2011-12-31T13:34:00.006-05:00

Universal Hub reports that Boston 4 Productions, the group that produces Boston's 4th of July celebration on the Esplanade and also the early New Year's Eve fireworks on Boston Common has asked First Night not to mention the event on its web page.

Does anyone know why?

Woman dies in fall from Radisson garage

2011-12-31T13:04:00.006-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that a woman died last night as a result of a fall from the Radisson Hotel garage at 200 Stuart Street.

GEM coming to downtown Boston

2011-12-30T20:59:00.013-05:00

Stuff Magazine reports in its latest issue that Big Night Entertainment Group (Red Lantern & The Estate in Boston along with Shrine, High Rollers, and the Scorpion Bar at Foxwoods) will open a new restaurant called GEM at 42 Province Street early next year. GEM will replace Kennedy's Midtown, which quietly closed earlier this year.

Head designer John Stefanon (who crafted the interior for another area hotspot, District) will bring jewel-toned colors, mosaic floors, and dark wood furnishings. And chef Long will serve up an extensive menu of comfort food that's been tricked out like Xzibit's latest ride: think white-corn quesadillas with duck confit or tater tots with green onions and Russian dressing.

Super Hunger Brunch weekend coming

2011-12-30T16:11:00.012-05:00

Super Hunger Brunch weekend is coming to the Boston area January 28th and 28th. The participating restaurants generously donate their time, food and services to offer special brunches at $25, $35, or $50 – all to support the Greater Boston Food Bank. In the past three years the event has raised more than $181,000 to provide over 456,000 meals to the hungry.

The following restaurants will be offering Super Hunger Brunch deals: Saturday for $25: The Fireplace in Brookline & Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport. Sunday for $25: Appetito in Newton, Bin 26, The Elephant Walk in Waltham, Garden At The Cellar in Cambridge, La Morra in Brookline, North 26, Stella, and Ten Center Street in Newburyport. Saturday for $35: Grill 23 & Bar, Harvest, & Sel de la Terre (Back Bay). Sunday for $35: Chez Henri, CLINK, Hamersley’s Bistro, Post 390, Rialto, Tosca in Hingham, and 80 Thoreau in Concord. Saturday for $50: L’Espalier. Sunday for $50: Blue Ginger, & Cragie on Main.

Grillo's Pickles featured in Boston Business Journal

2011-12-29T20:47:00.009-05:00

Grillo's Pickle's, soon to open the area's first pickle store, is featured today in The Boston Business Journal.

The privately-held pickle merchant won’t reveal financial details. But he said since the launch of the single cart in 2009, he has added 18 employees and the company’s revenue’s increased by 600 percent. Grillo said the business started to take off when he went wholesale with placement of $6.99 packages of pickles at Whole Foods and Stop & Shop as well as $3 pickles on a stick at Fenway Park.

2012 to bring lots of convention attendees to Boston

2011-12-29T13:49:00.010-05:00

The Boston Globe reported last week that 2012 will be the city's busiest year for convention business since 2007 with over 600,000 hotel room stays, including the BIO International Convention at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in June.

BIO organizers said they like holding the annual event here because the city is a biotech hub, and attendees flock to Boston to meet the local players. Next year, the BIO conference expects more than 15,500 people, pumping an estimated $25 million into the city’s economy.

Boston cab driver helps catch bank robber

2011-12-29T12:50:00.005-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that a Boston taxi driver helped police nab a woman who robbed a the Citizens Bank location in Downtown Crossing. From the Boston Police report.

Officers then interviewed the cab driver who reported picking up the suspect in front of the Ritz Carlton on Avery Street. The suspect got in the cab and asked the cab driver to take her to Pine Street Inn. The driver turned onto Washington Street and attempted to make a right on Ave. De Lafayette when the suspect screamed, “Don’t go right!” and laid down in the back of the seat so as to avoid being seen. The cab driver asked suspect why and she told him that they were looking for her. The suspect then told the cab driver that she had just robbed a bank. The suspect then asked the cab driver if he knew where any other banks were so that she could commit another robbery and told the cab driver that she would give him a big tip if he drove her to go rob another bank.

Guest Chef Mondays returns to Stella

2011-12-29T10:46:00.008-05:00

Stella will kick off its third annual "Guest Chef Mondays" series on January 2nd with Michael Schlow from Tico, Radius, and Alta Strada reports South End Patch this week. Each Monday until March 26th a different guest chef will create a special $40 menu, available along with the regular Stella menu begining at 5:30pm.

The guest chef lineup is impressive and includes Dante de Magistris (January 9), Anthony Caturano (January 16th), Marc Orfaly (January 23rd), Tony Ambrose (January 30th), Louis DiBiccari (February 6th), Will Gilson (February 13th), Robin King (February 20th), Adam Fuller (February 27th), Rodney Murillo (March 5th), Jay Silva (March 12th), Kevin Long (March 19th), and Jamie Bissonnette (March 26th).

GrassFed coming soon to JP

2011-12-27T21:37:00.006-05:00

Ten Tables tweets this evening that the restaurant's proprietor, Krista Kranyak, is opening a burger bar called GrassFed in early February in the former Bon Savor space in Jamaica Plain.

Valet industry, city regulators, called out in Boston Globe piece

2011-12-26T21:43:00.020-05:00

The Boston Globe last week did an in-depth story on the valet parking industry in Boston and the regulatory process surrounding it. The paper observed valets at several popular Boston restaurants and hotels violating city regulations.

Valet parkers, the Globe found, pay little heed to the requirement that arriving cars be quickly moved to garages or lots. They routinely ignore regulations that forbid double parking and taking up metered spaces. Some grab resident parking spots and even handicapped parking to squirrel away cars belonging to diners. Such violations make it even more difficult for local residents to negotiate already congested streets and park their cars.

And the companies ignore the rules with relative impunity: Indeed, when a City Valet employee working at Umbria on Franklin Street threatened to kill a traffic enforcement officer in 2007, the city listed the incident as “disrespectful behavior.’’ And the sanction for Umbria? “Probation’’ for six months, though there is no record city officials ever checked up on the restaurant.

City regulations also govern valet parking at hotels, hospitals, and residential buildings.

The violations are not confined to restaurants. Several hotels that have valet licenses, including the Ritz Carlton and the Mandarin Oriental, often keep cars at curbside spaces for hours.

The Globe piece even attempts to connect political donations with the level of city enforcement, especially at Jillian's where employees have donated $8500 to Mayor Menino since 2005.

Jillian’s appears to have escaped sanctions after its valet parkers were cited with three violations in 2009 and 2010. Malone, the licensing official, said in an interview that her policy is to issue a warning for a first offense, and suspend the entertainment license for one night for a second offense and for two nights for a third. But Jillian’s received only warnings, instead of a loss of entertainment privileges.

It's worth reading through this whole in depth piece which covers the issues surrounding valet parking in Boston from all sides. It appears that the city and the valet companies are responding to the pressure created by the Globe story and starting to step up the regulation and self policing to avoid any future problems.

JM Curley now open

2011-12-26T18:28:00.004-05:00

JM Curley, an American restaurant and bar, is now open at 21 Temple Place in Downtown Crossing. You can also follow the restaurant on Twitter at @jmCurleyBar.

Zinga to open Tuesday

2011-12-24T21:11:00.005-05:00

Zinga! Frozen Yogurt will open Tuesday December 27th at The Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square the shop announced on its Facebook page today. Welcome to Boston Zinga!

New ultra lounge coming to Radisson Boston

2011-12-23T20:51:00.018-05:00

A new nightlife venue is coming to a hotel in Boston's Theater District this spring. A craigslist posting indicates that a Director of Bars and Nightlife is being sought for the new venue.

The 6,000 square foot ultra lounge is designed to be a one of a kind destination for a diverse and eclectic mix of patrons from the after work professional to the local late night reveler who will enjoy a wide variety of music, entertainment, creative craft cocktails and utensil free cuisine. All of this will be complimented by a whimsical and alluring design and engaging and personal service. Our goal is to create a glamorous and sexy experience for each guest that comes through our door, leaving them with a desire to return and discover something new with each visit.

The posting does not mention which hotel the ultra lounge is coming to but it is mostly like the Radisson Boston Hotel, which is currently undergoing major renovations as it transforms into a more upscale property.

Morton's to be acquired by Landry's

2011-12-22T19:51:00.005-05:00

Landry's Inc. will acquire the Morton's steakhouse chain for $116.6 million reported Boston Restaurant Talk last week. Morton's has locations in the Back Bay and in the Seaport District.

Landry's, also the parent company of The Chart House and The Oceanaire, last month acquired McCormick & Schmick's which has Boston locations in Park Plaza and Fanieul Hall.

Blue Wave to close

2011-12-22T18:10:00.005-05:00

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that this Saturday will be the last day of business for Blue Wave, a restaurant and nightclub on Congress Street in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood.

Clio to close for renovations in Januray

2011-12-22T11:39:00.007-05:00

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Clio at The Eliot Hotel will close in mid January for renovations. The Ken Oringer restaurant will soon celebrate its 15th anniversary. From January 9th-14th Clio will offer a special $125 menu highlighting the restaurant's past, present, and future offerings.

Boston rental car companies to share info with police

2011-12-21T21:38:00.005-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that rental car companies in Boston are now sharing customer information with the Boston Police upon request. The city had considered passing a law to require the sharing of information but the companies agreed to do so voluntarily to help track down criminals who attempt to get away in rental cars.

The Otherside Cafe to remain open

2011-12-21T17:07:00.010-05:00

The Otherside Cafe on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, which was slated to close next month to make way for an upscale furniture chain from the Midwest, announced today on its Facebook page that the restaurant will not be closing reports Boston Restaurant Talk. The restaurant's statement on its page said in part,

the building we rent kicked us out before they had made the deal to replace, and then failed to make the deal. This makes me wanna watch the Goonies!"

This is great news for the neighborhood and the city. Boston does not need another upscale place to buy furniture, especially not in the Back Bay. Cities are made unique and fun places to live partly because of the diversity of their restaurants and bars, not because of how many places exist to sell expensive furniture. I'm hoping that Bhindi Bazaar and Island Hopper will stay open as well.

Lululemon to open second Boston store

2011-12-20T15:07:00.009-05:00

Yoga shop Lululemon Athletica will open a second location in Boston early next year at 337 Newbury Street reports The Boston Herald today. The first location is in the Shops at the Prudential Center, less than a five minute walk away.

But the new store will have its own set of “ambassadors” — local athletes and instructors who lead free in-store classes, including yoga and running groups, and also test Lululemon gear for its design, fit and function

Mandarin to feed cab drivers lunch today

2011-12-20T10:26:00.006-05:00

If you drive a cab in Boston you definitely want to head over to the Mandarin Oriental Boston later this morning. The hotel will be distributing free five star to-go lunches to all Boston taxi drivers today outside the hotel from 11:30am-12:30pm. This is a great move by the hotel as taxi drivers are some of the hardest working and most overlooked work forces in the city.

New enforcement unit to streamline oversight of city's nightclubs and bars

2011-12-19T19:37:00.011-05:00

The City of Boston announced today the formation of team of inspectors from six city agencies to conduct a more streamlined inspection process for the city's nightclubs and bars reports The Boston Globe.

The nightclub enforcement unit will conduct unannounced inspections every several months at late-night establishments in different parts of the city to ensure that regulations against underage drinking, overcrowding, and other health and safety issues are enforced. The six person unit will have a representative each from the police, fire, Inspectional Services Department (building and health division), the Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing, and the Boston Licensing Board.

Patricia Malone, director of the Licensing Division, described the new unit as a kind of one-stop shop for inspections of local bars and nightclubs: Rather than conduct separate inspections for different types of violations at nighttime establishments, she said, the unit will be able to check on all potential violations at once.

I think this sounds like a idea that makes a lot of sense particularly after after the shooting last month outside of Venu that left four people wounded. It will most likely encourage nightclub and bar owners to take even more proactive steps than they already are to ensure the safety of their patrons. It's important to note that at the end of the story, the city says this is not about trying to shut places down but rather to help them address small problems before become larger ones.

Thank you to Curbed Boston for the heads up on this!

Pigalle to offer free bar bites

2011-12-19T16:33:00.003-05:00

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Pigalle in Boston's Theater District will offer free small bites at its bar Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Expect delicacies like short rib and sharp cheddar arancini, mini Monte Cristo sandwiches, and shots of pumpkin soup. The freebies last from 5 until 7, so it's a happy hour-ish situation.

Symphony Hall purse snatcher arrested at concert

2011-12-18T21:53:00.009-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that a lady was arrested for snatching two fellow concertgoers' purses at a Holiday Pops show at Symphony yesterday afternoon. From the Boston Police report (complete with Keith Lockhart photo).

When asked if she had been on the floor level of Symphony Hall earlier in the evening, ever though her ticket required her to be in the balcony area, the suspect confirmed that she had been but she was simply walking around. When told that surveillance video had captured her discarding or hiding a pocketbook in the lobby area, the suspect had little to say.

South Station vending machine dispenses the essentials

2011-12-18T00:45:00.005-05:00

The Boston Herald reports today on a vending machine dispening t shirts, socks, underwear, sunglasses and other personal items which is now available at South Station (and maybe soon at Logan Airport) from the Boston start-up company Automatic Apparel.

Moro knew almost exactly what she wanted the machines to be like — sleek, touch screen, attention-drawing contraptions. Finding someone to build them, however, proved to be daunting.

Boston Jewish Spirit presents Chanukah celebration Sunday

2011-12-18T00:10:00.004-05:00

Boston Jewish Spirit presents a Chanukah celebration concert experience entitled A Light Through the Ages on Sunday December 18th at 4pm at Emmanuel Church (15 Newbury Street) in Boston's Back Bay.

The original text of “A Light Through the Ages,” written by Rabbi Howard A. Berman, was first performed in New York City 34 years ago, and provides a chronicle of the holiday from different times and places over the centuries. Choral selections of traditional and contemporary holiday music highlight the narrative, and the program concludes with a dramatic candlelight ceremony.

This event is free and open to the public.

CBC beers now for sale in selected liquor stores

2011-12-17T23:16:00.007-05:00

Eater Boston reported Friday the Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square is now bottling its beers for sale in local retail outlets such as Central Bottle, Boston Wine Exchange, and Craft Beer Cellar.

Next week Meyers will bottle a Belgian double I.P.A. called The Audacity of Hops and he plans to release a single batch of Bannatyne's Scotch Ale before New Year's. After that there will be bottled Sgt. Pepper (a peppercorn saison), Red Gold (another double I.P.A.) and two herbal beers made without hops: Weekapaug Gruit and the Heather Ale.

New Year's Eve hotel packages highlighted

2011-12-17T00:57:00.006-05:00

Boston.com highlights some of the most intriguing New Year's Eve hotel packages from around New England including the XV Beacon Hotel, Hyatt Regency Cambridge, The Boston Harbor Hotel, Hotel Commonwealth, The Back Bay Hotel, The Eliot, Hotel Marlowe, Nine Zero, Onyx Hotel, Hyatt Regency Boston, Langham Hotel and the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Goodbar to seek ABCC input on Boston Licensing Board water pong decision

2011-12-16T11:25:00.009-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that Goodbar will appeal a Boston Licensing Board decision to close it for three days due to a police citation for the presence of water pong at the State Street bar. The appeal will be made to the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

The State Street bar's attorney, Carolyn Conway, said today the bar is seeking clarification from the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission on water pong. Conway said that unlike with classic beer pong, as played in states with less stringent controls on bars, Goodbar's water pong involved no prizes or other incentives to swill beer: The bar simply made a water-pong table available for any customers who wanted to try their skill at tossing ping-pong balls into plastic cups filled with H2O.

Man passes out at Hell Night in Cambridge restaurant

2011-12-16T10:44:00.006-05:00

Eater Boston reports today (via CBSBoston.com) that an ambulance was called to Cambridge's East Coast Grill & Raw Bar this past Tuesday after a diner passed out during one of the restaurant's famous Hell Nights. It's a good thing diners must sign a waiver before eating some of the spiciest food in the Boston area.

NEC Millennium Gospel Choir at MFA tonight

2011-12-15T21:06:00.008-05:00

The New England Conservatory Millennium Gospel Choir will present a holiday concert at the Museum of Fine Arts this Friday December 16th at 8pm.

Founded in 2000 through NEC’s Community Collaborations Program, the NEC Millennium Gospel Choir was created to give praise and prayerful welcome to the coming of a new age. The 200 members, drawn from church choirs throughout the greater Boston area, were individually selected because of their superior dedication, vocal technique, range, and commitment to gospel music. (MFA website)

Tickets are $25 ($20 for MFA members).

Goodbar faces three day closure following underage drinking, water pong citation

2011-12-15T16:08:00.012-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board has decided that Goodbar on State Street in Downtown Boston must close for three days following a police citation for underage drinking and water pong. Universal Hub notes that it is not known how much of the punishment is for the underage and how much is for the presence of water pong at bar.

But after hearing a police detective say he observed a customer taking swigs from a bottle of beer in his hand whenever his opponent scored, board Chairwoman Nicole Murati Ferrer said she didn't see any real difference between chugging down a cup with a ping-pong ball and beer in it and a bottle of beer

It's surprising how a club that attracted a patron who shot four people outside the club at closing time is not penalized, but Goodbar gets a three day shutdown order.

JM Curley eyes Monday opening

2011-12-14T17:14:00.007-05:00

JM Curley is set to soft open this Monday at 21 Temple Place in Downtown Crossing. The casual American restaurant from BiNA Family Hospitality (BiNA Osteria, La La Rokh, and Bin 26) is named for former Boston Mayor James Michael Curley. UrbanDaddy has a preview today.

That’s when you’ll come here to devour plates of the Porterhouse Pork Chop and Applesauce and Louisiana-style coleslaw (it’s like regular slaw, only jazzier) at the poured-concrete bar. Or if it happens to be Sunday, you’ll stop in for the Death Row Burger featuring a nine-ounce patty, pulled pork and bacon (the holy triumvirate of heart-stoppers).

Enjoy the Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall even more

2011-12-14T10:22:00.011-05:00

The Boston Symphony is offering a $50 food and beverage coupon with the purchase of any pair of tickets for selected Holiday Pops concerts with Keith Lockhart this week and next. The offer is available for the following concerts: December 15th at 4pm, December 16th at 4pm, Monday December 19th at 4pm & 8pm, Tuesday December 20th at 4pm & 8pm, and Wednesday December 21st at 4pm and 8pm.

Tickets be purchased online, by calling 617-266-1200, or at the Symphony Hall Box office.

Check out the Boston Pops Kitchen menu (available at table seating on the orchestra level).

Improv Asylum to host 24 hour comedy fundraiser

2011-12-14T09:24:00.007-05:00

The Improv Asylum in Boston's North End is hosting a 24 hour improv comedy performance called No Rest for the Wicked Funny this Friday December 16th at 8pm-Saturday December 17th at 8pm to benefit Globe Santa. The event will feature celebrity guests, live auctions along with some of the best improv performances in the city.

Tickets are $20, however a donation of $35 will help Globe Santa provide a holiday package to one child.

Boston Licensing Board could end water pong in Boston bars

2011-12-13T23:45:00.005-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board on Thursday could vote to take action against The Good Bar on State Street which was cited by Boston Police for allowing a game called water pong to be played in the bar. Apparently the resemblance to beer pong was too close because participants were drinking beer from bottles while playing the game.

Bar manager Ann Marie King and attorney Carolyn Conway said there's really no comparison between water pong and beer pong. In fact, King said the water pong her bar - and, she said, most other bars in Boston - offer is more akin to backgammon, foosball or ring toss than the drinking man's drinking game, because only water is involved.

What I want to know is why Licensing Board member Suzanne Ianella expressed no opinion on the matter? Is she secretly a big beer pong fan? Why was the third board member not even present? What action can the Boston Licensing Board take if only one of its members takes an active role in this case? Does not the Boston Licensing Board have more important matters to deal with?

Oak Bar to host fashion show tonight

2011-12-13T14:44:00.005-05:00

The Oak Bar at The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel will host a Denise Hajjar Holiday Fashion show this evening from 6pm to 8pm. Denise Hajjar is the hotel's "Designer in Residence" and her boutique in the hotel lobby will stay open later after the show's conclusion. Everything in the store will be 20% off this evening.

The dinner and drinks menu will be served throughout the show. Reservations are encouraged. There will also be a Denise Hajjar fashion show on December 20th.

Eat breakfast with the Gorillas this Saturday

2011-12-13T14:34:00.005-05:00

Franklin Park Zoo will host a special breakfast with the Gorillas this Saturday from 9:15-10:15am as part of Zoo New England's Breakfast with the Animals for Families educational initiative. Families will enjoy special early entry to the zoo and continental breakfast in the Gorilla exhibit along with a zoo staff member who will discuss the animals and take questions. The cost is $10 per person and $7 for each additional person. Registration is required.

Fuji at Kendall now open

2011-12-13T14:23:00.004-05:00

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that new Japanese restaurant Fuji at Kendall is now open at 300 Third Street in Cambridge.

Olives eyes January reopening

2011-12-13T13:52:00.007-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that Olives in Charlestown could reopen as soon as next month Todd English told the Boston Licensing Board today.

The Licensing Board, which has had repeated quarterly visits from English at which he pleads to keep his liquor license as renovations continue and issues what in hindsight turn out to be wildly optimistic re-opening dates, didn't just take English's word: At the board's direction, Boston Police Lt. Stephen Meade made three visits to City Square over the past week. Each time, he said, he saw considerable construction activity in a restaurant that looks like it's nearing completion. This past Friday, he told the board, he saw a truck drop off what appeared to be deep fryers.

This is exciting news and I eagerly await the opening of Olives! Hopefully the Boston Licensing Board will not stand in the way.

Fairmont Copley to begin Oak Room, Oak Bar renovations soon

2011-12-12T21:30:00.010-05:00

The Oak Room and The Oak Bar at the Fairmont Copley will be under going renovations beginning January 2nd, 2012 with The Fairmont Copley Plaza restaurant operations temporarily moving to the hotel's St. James room that date per the hotel's public relations director. It has not yet been announced by the hotel what the new restaurant will be like so it will be exciting to see what happens. Hopefully Fairmont will keep the live music component, an important part of The Oak Bar, in the renovated space.

Kendall Square Ice Skating rink opens Tuesday

2011-12-12T16:28:00.010-05:00

The Kendall Square Community Ice Skating rink will be opening for the season on Tuesday December 13th. The rink is located at 300 Athenauem Street, just off of Third Street in the heart of Kendall Square.

Skate rentals, lessons, private rink rentals, skate sharpening, and a cafe serving hot drinks and snacks are offered at the 8400 square foot rink, which is located in a landscaped courtyard steps away from Kendall Square's many excellent new restaurants including Kika Tapas, Abigail's, Za, Area Four, Evoo, Catalyst, Meadhall, Champions, Fuji at Kendall, Firebrand Saints, Redbones, and The Venture Cafe.

This Saturday December 17th at 2pm the rink will present a free "Holiday On Ice Show" produced by Frozen Frog Productions featuring local skating talent. (there will be no public skating during the show).

The rink will be open Tuesdays-Thursdays from Noon - 8:00 pm, Fridays from Noon - 9:00pm, Saturdays from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Sundays & Holidays from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, and non holidays Mondays from Noon - 5:00 pm (until 8pm if no private events scheduled).

Additional hours include New Years Eve from 11am to 7pm, Christmas Eve from 11am to 5pm, MLK Day from 11am to 6pm, Presidents Day from 11am to 6pm, and January 2nd from 11am to 6pm.

Griddlers now open in Beacon Hill

2011-12-12T12:52:00.006-05:00

Griddler's Burgers and Dogs, a casual hamburger and hot dog restaurant, is now open at 204 Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill. Located in the former space of The Federal, Griddler's is run by Boston Nightlife Ventures, the company behind Noche, Forum, and The Tap.

Kika Tapas to open Monday

2011-12-11T22:56:00.006-05:00

Kika Tapas will open on Monday December 12th in Kendall Square. The modern Spanish tapas restauarant, from the owners of Tapeo and Solea, is located at 9 Broad Canal Way in The Watermark Building.

Thanks to UrbanDaddy and Boston Restaurant Talk for the heads up on this.

Tavern in the Square coming to Burlington

2011-12-11T20:49:00.009-05:00

Tavern in the Square will open a location in Burlington next year Boston Restaurant Talk reported this week. This will be the fifth Tavern in the Square in the chain.

Boston Restaurant Talk also reports that Burlington's Middlesex Commons Shopping Center is now home to a new Chateau restaurant, a Burton's Grill (opening December 12th) and a future location of Five Guys Burgers.

Burlington is also set to get a Wegmans in 2013. Kings and Dave & Busters have also expressed interest in opening locations in the town.

Thornton's Fenway Grill reopens

2011-12-11T16:32:00.011-05:00

Thornton's Fenway Grill reopened this past Friday on Peterborough Street in the Fenway. Thornton's, along with several other local restaurants, were destroyed in a January 2009 fire. El Pelon reopened last month, the first of the restaurants to return.

Thank you to Eater Boston for the heads up on this!

Former Cambridge restauarant to become day care center

2011-12-10T23:54:00.005-05:00

The former Marino's Ristorante on Massachusetts Avenue in North Cambridge will soon become a Bright Horizon's child care center. The large Italian restaurant in has been vacant for several years.

Mandarin visitor swipes lobby painting

2011-12-10T21:56:00.010-05:00

The Boston Herald's Inside Track reported this week that a visitor to M Bar The Mandarin Oriental Hotel walked out the door with one of the hotel's $2000 lobby paintings under her coat after having a few (possibly too many?) drinks there. It was later recovered by police.

City will not penalize nightclub in Theater District shooting

2011-12-10T13:27:00.009-05:00

Universal Hub reported Thursday that after a Tuesday hearing the Boston nightclub Venu will not be penalized by the Boston Licensing Board for a November 18th incident in which one of its patrons shot and wounded four people outside of the club on Warrenton Street around closing time.

The hearing was called to determine whether the board would roll the club's hours back because of both the quadruple shooting and a series of other incidents over the past two years, many at closing, which have tied up police officers from across the city.

Universal Hub also has excellent coverage of the Boston Licensing Board hearing on Tuesday in which the club argued that it should not be held responsible for an incident which happened outside of the club.

Club attorney Walter Prince compared the November incident to the 2009 Craigslist Killer murder at the Marriott in Copley Square, and said that if the hotel didn't have its hours curtailed after that, then neither should Venu.

Sharuck Reza, another manager, said more than 200 people rely either directly or indirectly on the club for employment and that forcing the club to close earlier than its current 2 a.m. would effectively put it out of business and them out of jobs.

Boston strip club forced to close temporarily

2011-12-09T20:21:00.007-05:00

Universal Hub reports that The Boston Licensing Board this week mandated The Glass Slipper close for two days after one its strippers was observed by police giving a $300 lap dance that involved contact with the patron.

Grillos Pickles store to open near Inman Square

2011-12-09T15:53:00.004-05:00

Boston Magazine's Chowder Blog today reports on the details of the Grillos Pickles store that is coming soon to the Boston area. The pop-up store, to be located off of Prospect Street near Inman Square, could become permanent depending on its level of success.

The Paramount to open South Boston location

2011-12-09T01:01:00.004-05:00

The Paramount, a popular Beacon Hill breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot, is set to open in South Boston on Monday December 12th reports the restaurant's website. The South Boston location will be at 667 East Broadway in the former Fish Pier restaurant and market space. The restaurant will have a full liquor license and like the original location will serve breakfast & lunch along with dinner. The Paramount is part of the East Drink Laugh Restaurant Group which also owns West on Centre, The Blarney Stone, and The 21st Amendment.

Sebastian's Cafe now open near Symphony

2011-12-08T21:44:00.008-05:00

Sebastian's Cafe is now open at 251 Massachusetts Avenue in the Church Park complex near Symphony Hall. Sebastian's Cafe replaces Au Bon Pain, which closed in July.

Grillos Pickles to open store

2011-12-08T17:36:00.003-05:00

Grillo's Pickles today tweets that the company will open the first ever pickle shop in Boston sometime between January and March of next year! This sounds really exciting.

The Palm to close Westin location this month

2011-12-06T21:44:00.007-05:00

A call to The Palm at The Westin Copley Place indicates the last day of operation for The Palm at this location will be December 31st. The restaurant, which was unable to renew its lease with hotel, will relocate to One International Place where it plans to reopen in the fall of next year. International Place is located on the edge of the Financial District adjacent to The Rose Kennedy Greenway. Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse chain will likely take over The Palm spot (and possibly more space) at The Westin Copley.

Later T service on weekends sought

2011-12-06T11:37:00.009-05:00

Boston area restaurant owners are advocating for later MBTA service on weekends reports The Boston Herald today though the T is hesitant to go along with the later hours.

Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis said the T is saddled with $161 million of debt and uses off-hours to perform maintenance on the tracks and cars. Extending service, even while increasing late-night fares, would boost the T’s staff, electricity and maintenance costs, he said.

A state legislator from Arlington intends to soon file a bill to extend T service until 2am on Friday and Saturdays, with the cost of a ride going up after 11pm.

The restaurant and bar owners argue it also would benefit the city’s burgeoning student population, the developing Seaport District and a possible casino at Suffolk Downs, and want to stage a trial run sometime in 2012.

The push is being lead by the Restaurant and Business Alliance, which has previously successfully advocated for restaurants to be able to serve alcohol before noon on Sundays (aka "The Brunch Bill). The group, lead by Phantom Gourmet CEO Dave Andelman, also pushed for an amendment in the recently passed casino bill that would help regular restaurants compete with the proposed casinos by letting them operate by the same rules as those at the casinos. This amendment became known as "The Happy Hour Amendment" and was eventually amended by the bill's authors to allow for a year long study of Massachusetts liquor laws to determine if any of them are no longer needed.

I think expanding service on the weekends would be a really good idea, however charging more for later service would hurt those who use the trains and buses to and from their jobs. The legislature also needs to help the T figure out its debt and financing issues before any consideration of the expansion of service hours can be implemented.

Legal Harborside seeks ok for live music

2011-12-05T22:49:00.011-05:00

Universal Hub reports today that Legal Harborside will seek permission next week from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing to host live music and a dance floor. Having live music on the roof deck level would be awesome. I sincerely hope the city will approve this request.

Kelly's Roast Beef to close Allston location

2011-12-05T20:54:00.006-05:00

Kelly's Roast Beef will close its location in Allston this Sunday reports Boston.com today. For the first time in the company's history it will have to lay off workers. The location opened in late of last year.

With no parking lot of its own, few available spots nearby and no drive-thru, Kelly's business concept struggled to bring in enough revenue to stay in operation, according to Murphy.

He said four of the other five Kelly's restaurants -- in Saugus, Natick, Danvers and Medford -- have a drive-thru window and offer parking. The flagship location on Revere Beach has neither, but benefits from heavy beach pedestrian traffic, a walk-up window and available parking options nearby.

Boloco to open in DC

2011-12-05T17:21:00.014-05:00

Boloco is expanding south next year. The Washington Business Journal reports that Boloco will be opening locations in Bethesda, MD, and Washington, D.C. in 2012. The DC location will located next to one of DC's Hubway like bike sharing stations.

Boloco's store model has evolved from its roots. It used to cost about $150,000 to build a Boloco location; now, the D.C. locations will average about $750,000. They are equipped with Internet and are designed to be a comfortable place for people to hang out. They're also clearly gaining steam nationally; Boloco is poised to bring in $19 million in revenue for 2011, and its existing store sales are up 9 percent.

Upper Crust also opened a D.C. location earlier this year.

Hometown Authors Reception set for Monday

2011-12-05T00:19:00.008-05:00

The Hotel Commonwealth will host a Hometown Authors Reception to benefit ReadBoston on Monday December 5th at 6pm. Mayor Thomas Menino will join nearly twenty of Boston's top authors at the holiday party which will also feature a performance by Buffalo Tom.

The authors present to sell and sign their works include: David Becker, Michael Blanding, Marianne Leone Cooper, Jef Czekaj, Mary Ann Esposito, Joseph Finder, William Henderson, Chuck Hogan, Dennis Lehane, William Martin, Michele McPhee, Ben Mezrich, Erin Byers Murray, Victoria Abbott Riccardi, Andrew Rimas, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Casey Sherman, Amy Traverso, and Dawn Tripp.

Tickets are $35, which includes complimentary beer, wine and light hors d'oeuvres. Admission does not include books, but they will be available for purchase.

Call 617-918-5289 with any questions.

Will city's strip clubs survive gentrification?

2011-12-04T21:28:00.007-05:00

Universal Hub today wonders what could be the fate of the city's last two remaining strip clubs once The Kensington, a luxury high rise apartment building currently under construction across the street, opens in 2013. My guess is that they will continue to stay in business.

Rwandan coffee shop coming to Cambridge this month

2011-12-04T18:03:00.006-05:00

A Rwandan coffee shop called Bourbon Coffee is set to open soon at the Porter Exchange Building in Porter Square reports The Boston Herald today. The Cambridge location will be the company's third in the United States after Washington, D.C., and New York City.

With 2,400 square feet of African-style architecture, artwork and free Wi-Fi, Bourbon Coffee will hold art exhibits and welcomes community and business meetings. Store manager Stacey Manley describes it as a cross between a Starbucks and an independent shop.

The Slutcracker now playing in Davis Square

2011-12-03T17:46:00.014-05:00

The Slutcracker, a burlesque version of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet, is now playing until December 24th at The Somerville Theatre in Davis Square. Performances are December 8th-10th at 8pm, December 11th at 2pm & 8pm, December 15th-17th at 8pm, December 18th at 2pm & 8pm, December 19th at 8pm, and December 24th at 7pm.

Boston-area performance artists band together to bring you Boston's newest holiday tradition: The Slutcracker. This scene-by-scene retelling of the Nutcracker, resplendent with ribald parody, "whisks the audience away to a carefree realm of sexual fantasy." The Slutcracker is the sexy-freaky holiday zeitgeist spectacular that will make you squeal--and it just might get you laid. (Slutcracker Facebook page).

Update: The Slutcracker has just added a New Year's Eve show!

The original Ten Tables turns nine

2011-12-03T15:41:00.003-05:00

Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain turns 9 years old this Tuesday. In celebration all of the cocktails at the JP location will be $9 on Tuesday. Ten Tables also has locations in Cambridge and Provincetown. Happy Birthday Ten Tables!

Ticketmaster to refund customers

2011-12-02T19:16:00.014-05:00

Business Insider reports today that everyone who used Ticketmaster.com to order tickets from October 21, 1999 until October 19th, 2011 is entititled to $1.50 per order (for up to 17 orders) as part of a class action lawsuit settlement against the company. The suit found that Ticketmaster indeed profited off handling fees without disclosing this fact to its customers.

This could end up costing Ticketmaster a hefty amount of money. If, in any given year over the four-year redemption period, less than $11.25 million is redeemed by customers, Ticketmaster is going to donate the remainder to charity.

I wonder what the effect of this lawsuit could be for other ticket companies, sports, and arts organizations that charge a handling fee for online ticket sales?

Some interesting Tripadvisor comments on Boston hotels

2011-12-02T18:17:00.023-05:00

Here's a roundup of some of the latest thought-provoking Tripadvisor comments on Boston area hotels. Note that these excerpts are quoted directly from the website and have not been edited.

The next day we were gone mostly and upon coming back to our room we ordered room service which is what broke our back... We ordered Scrod not Scrod with 10 hairs in the lemon juice when I called down to room service the waiter was non caring and when I requested a F&B supervisor I was told one was not on duty... We ended up fighting our bill and left that hotel.. I will never return to that hotel

Arrived at the hotel just before midnight after a long flight from Sydney - hotel has a massive lobby but totally devoid of staff. Literally waited at reception for 10 minutes until someone finally appeared from the back office to check us in.

Obviously been a grand hotel in it's heyday, BUT, that was a long tome ago. The pictures are great but it's quite a bit shabbier in reality. Plus Point, the staff were really friendly and gave " GOOD OLD AMERICAN SERVICE ". I HAVE STAYED IN PLACES A LOT WORSE BUT I REALLY DID EXPECT BETTER IN AMERICA.

On arriving at this hotel, I thought the Big Dig was back in Boston - because the place is being turned upside-down in a major refurbishment. From the car park to the non-existent lobby, staying at this hotel requires patience and ear-plugs.

Breakfast was noteworthy in that when I ordered the "New England" breakfast on the menu the person taking the order had no idea what I was talking about. When the breakfast arrived it was incomplete & I had to make another call to get the rest of the breakfast. Pancakes were as heavy as you hear in horror stories. No light & fluffy in the description here. Very large, portions were huge, just VERY heavy. Sausage was delicious.

The bar was a little snobby for my taste. But the hotel is centrally located so you have many food & bar options to choose from if you prefer to walk around Boston. Celebs are also known to stay there. I saw Derek Jeter at the bar the night I stayed. Didn't say hi though; loyalty to the Soxs but still, cool to see a celebrity staying at the same hotel I was. Means Jeter has good taste :) Though very pricy, highly recommended.

The staff is absolutely outstanding -- helpful, attentive and extremely professional. For all the attention to detail and great service, it's cheesy to charge extra for using WiFi.

For all the price of over $400 per night the towel in my room was so worn out that it literally was shredded to pieces. Door hinges in the bathroom were rusted throughout. All this means that the hotel is gradually falling apart.Also the hotel does not provide free WiFi. It took over 30 minutes to get my car from the parking garage.

The bed was terrible and we had to be up early to get to the airport. Upon attempting to take a shower we found that it was unpleasantly tepid. No "hot" water to speak of. So, if you care about sleeping or showering, perhaps this is not the place for you. But, if you like ambiance and location, go for it.

we stayed for 3 nights in Sept on our arrival the incompetant doorman failed to get all our bags from the trunk of the taxi and then allowed the taxi to leave the hotel. The bag that he left in the trunk contained our money,passports and various other items.The doormans first lie was that most things left in taxis were returned.we never got our bag back.Don't complain to management they will state that it wasn't their fault.Because of the incompetant doorman we had to fly to New York to replace our passports at our expense.You will not get an apology from the management remember it was your fault you allowed the members of his staff to get your bags from the taxi. this is one Hotel we will never say at again.