The Greater Boston area has a lot of fine music rooms and a lot of fine eateries. Few of them, however, offer both.
Thank goodness for Johnny D’s in Somerville’s ever-hip and comfy Davis Square!
Restaurants
Pre-game Repast: Coolidge Corner Clubhouse a good choice for brunch…or ANYtime! (Originally posted 5/15)
While it may be known for having more TVs per seat than any other “sports bar” and for having both the area’s largest martini menu and general menu, the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse (www.thecoolidgecornerclubhouse.com) is also a great place to fuel up before the game or even your game!
Book a Date with Davio’s: Customer-focused restaurants make you part of expanding family (Originally posted 5/15)
Many Boston restaurateurs have written popular books that reveal their kitchen secrets, but when it comes to the secrets of how to run a successful restaurant, Davio’s Steve DiFillippo wrote the book – literally! With a forward by Patriots owner and community leader Robert Kraft, It’s All About the Guest (Lyons Press), is filled with personal stories, favorite recipes, and advice on how to keep the focus where it belongs- on the customer. This philosophy is evident from the moment you enter any of DiFillippo’s growing family of family-friendly, customer-catering restaurants.
Ventre Up to the Bar – Bar Boulud Boston offers savory savor faire (Originally published 2/15)
With its wine-inspired décor and world-famous “name” chef Daniel Boulud-inspired everything, Bar Boulud Boston (www.barboulud.com/boston) combines the classic flavors of Lyon, France with the comfort of a favorite Boston lounge and the best of both!
A Flora Grows in Arlington – Mass Ave eatery is a bank-able favorite (Originally published 1/15)
Housed in a 1920s bank and named for the owner’s mother, Flora (www.florarestaurant.com) has a lot of history behind it and a real sense of family. The man who helps craft the menu is the owner’s husband, the bartender is famous for getting to know every guest he can, and on the third Thursday of the month, entertainment is provided by one of Boston’s most famous musical families.
A Beer (and MORE) in the Garden – American Fresh assembles great local food and fun (Originally published 1/15)
While many come to Assembly Row in Somerville (http://assemblyrow.com) for the LegoLand Discovery Center or any of the myriad retail stores (everything from Brooks Brothers and Carter’s to Reebok and Sugar Heaven), one of he most popular and fun destinations is also one of the most delicious.
Cozy Coast to Coast – The Cottage offers home cookin’ and comfort from CA to MA (Originally published 1/15)
While more and more people are traveling further and further for taste sensations (as evidenced by the popularity of shows featuring tireless tasters like Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern), it is nice to know that, no matter which coast you are on, you are never too far from a place that combines the comforts of your home with ideas and inspirations from the homes of people who are in the know when it comes to good food.
Such is the case with The Cottage – a family-owned and operated restaurant where the family is bi-coastal but the flavor is just where you want to be.
A Diner with a DIFFERENCE – South Street Diner offers blue plate specials and SO much more! (Originally published 1/15)
Food trends and the restaurants that chase them come and go, but the diner will be for always. From the days of the horse-drawn carts to the Golden Age of the Worcester Lunch Cart Company, the diner has always been a place where people from all walks of life can gather and eat with friends or, if they come alone, to make new ones.
Such is certainly the case with the South Street Diner in Boston. However, it offers so much more!
Out of This World! – JP’s Bella Luna is a neighborhood place worth leaving your neighborhood for! (Originally published 1/15)
Every neighborhood has that place- That special place where the owners and bartenders know who you are and welcome you with a warm smile even if they do not. That place where you can come as you are and leave satisfied, knowing that you had a good meal and a good time.
For the denizens of Jamaica Plain, Bella Luna is that place. Fortunately, it is large and warm and welcoming enough to encourage and invite people from all neighborhoods with the same warm welcome and great food and entertainment.
It’s Only Rock and Roll, but I LOVE It! – Updated Hard Rock Cafe is easier to love than ever! (Originally published 12/14)
Time was when the Hard Rock Café was a place to drop in to get a bite of musical nostalgia washed down with a pricey burger and a drink.
While the nostalgia is still a high point, the food and beverage are gaining fast!