Boston Cocktail Week - Starts 7/15

Most likely playing off the success of Restaurant Week, there's a new week-long event that just started yesterday called Cocktail Week.

Fifty-three bars and restaurants in and around Boston have signed on to participate in Boston’s first annual “Cocktail Week.” The week-long celebration of the cocktail, presented by Stuff@night magazine and in association with Bacardi USA, is set to begin on July 15th, and run through July 21st.

Consumers will be treated to specially priced cocktail and appetizer “flights,” which each restaurant has created specially for Cocktail Week. Each flight (or pairing) will be priced at $20.08, and will be available only from July 15th through the 21st.

I'm not big on the super fancy drinks, but it has been a while since I've been to Douzo for some sushi. Maybe I'll swing by and have a few drinks too. Their Grey Goose Saketini and Bacardi Peach Red Blood Orange Martini sound pretty good.

Click (here) to see the entire list of participating restaurants.

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How Much Is Brody Paid to Hang Out With Us?

Ever wonder how much those special "VIPs" make when they make a stop off at one of our Boston nightclubs? Well the Globe had an article recently on Brody Jenner and, yes, they confirmed he makes more than you and me combined and then multiplied by ten.

If you'll recall, he was at the Estate in January (here) and then the grand opening of the Marina Beach Club (here). I don't think he showed up to the casting call for his new show "Bromance" (that's a vomit-inducing title by-the-way) (here). But it's safe to say he's been here a fair number of times.

The Marina Bay Beach Club management won't disclose exactly how much they're paying Jenner to be here, but they admit it's in the neighborhood of $20,000 for two hours.

That's right folks, $10K an hour to stand around in a VIP booth and drink.

I ask him if he has spent much time in Boston, and Jenner says that his half-sister (not to be confused with his step-sister Kim Kardashian, a fellow reality star ) and her husband live nearby, so he has been to the area a few times.

Sounds like a pretty nice life. Fly to Boston, go to a party, earn $20K, and then potentially visit your half-sister - all in a weekend's work I'd say.

Here's my favorite part of the article:

"All I want are two fatties and hotties. I want hotties and I want two fatties," he says. "You can't have all pretty people up here, you know what I mean?" The bouncer nods.

All pretty people and then two fat ones. That's one hilarious mental image I have right now.

Click (here) for the Globe article.

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Boston Harbor Hotel Summer In The City - 8/25

Every summer the Boston Harbor Hotel hosts a series of events during the evenings of the week - from Tuesdays through Fridays. I walked past a few of the events last year - it was pretty nice (here).

The events started this week and will run through the end of August. Now that I live so much closer to that area, I think I might try to swing by more of the events.

Summer Soul Tuesdays
Summer Soul will take place every Tuesday night, from late June to late August 2008 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Boston Harbor Hotel will host different R&B and soul singers with their bands.

Summer Swing Wednesdays
Summer Swing allows guests to come and dance the night away with family and friends to the sounds of the White Heat Orchestra on Wednesday nights, from late June to late August 2008 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Blues Barge Thursdays
The Blues Barge -- a floating stage anchored behind the Boston Harbor Hotel -- provides the setting for some of the hottest local and national blues artists. The 2008 series will include performances every Thursday evening until August 23rd, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Moonlight Movie Fridays
The Movies by Moonlight series offers guests a chance to revisit a few of time's most memorable films such as Some Like it Hot, Rio Bravo and The Hustler. The 2008 series will continue every Friday night until August 31st, starting at dusk.

Click (here) for additional details.

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Shrine Grand Opening at MGM - 6/19

So the MGM Grand at Foxwoods opened up about a month ago (here). Has anyone checked it out yet? If so, let me know how it is. It's on my to-do list but I needed to get this move into my new apartment taken care of first. Hopefully I'll be able to make it down within the next month or so.

Anyhoo, Ed Kane's nightclub down there is opening up tomorrow. The grand opening is June 19th and is being hosted by Karina Smirfnoff (from Dancing with the Stars) and DJ Riz.

Click (here) to go to the Shrine website.

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Jose McIntyre Block Party 2008 - 6/19

This was one of the most searched events on my blog last summer. Well it's that time of year again. The 16th Annual Jose McIntyre Block Party 2008 is going on this Thursday June 19th from 5pm to 11pm. Here's the only info I could find on their website:

JOSE McINTYRES 16TH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY!!!!!
16TH ANNUAL JOSE McINTYRE\'S BLOCK PARTY 5-10 OUTSIDE OF JOSE McINTYRE'S JOSHUA TREE PERFORMING LIVE. DONT MISS THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE SUMMER!

And from one of the ads I tore out of some magazine, it says that Joshua Tree will be performing outside and DJ Dan McCarthy will be spinning inside. Benefits go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

My friends and I have celebrated many a Hump Day at Jose Mac's. We always have a pretty good time there.

Click (here) to go to the Jose Mac website.

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Shu Uemura Anniversary Celebration - 6/18

Funny story for you. About a year or two ago, I was in Hong Kong on business and was shopping for gifts to bring back for folks. I decided to get my girlfriend some stuff from Shu Uemura because there wasn't a store in Boston.

I hand carried that makeup all the way back from Asia, returned to Boston, returned to work on Monday, and cracked open one of those free magazines (probably Improper Bostonian) and guess what I saw - a blurb on how Shu Uemura was opening a store on Newbury St. I think there's still a dent in the wall of my office from where I was banging my head against it that day. Anyhoo back to the topic at hand:

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the first shu uemura boutique opening in Tokyo, the shu uemura Boston boutique invites one and all to experience our legendary Tokyo Lash Bar, with complimentary eyelashes and lash application, every Thursday, beginning June 19th through July 31st, from 5 to 7 PM. Customers must call ahead to make their appointments for their personal shu uemura lash styling.

The summer celebration will kick off with a cocktail reception and shu uemura retrospective on June 18, 2008, from 6pm to 9pm. Guests can make their first appointments for complimentary eyelashes and lash application, and view a visual retrospective of the rich history and milestones of shu uemura. Guests will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a Tokyo Lash Box filled with shu uemura products, valued at $500.

Call to book your appointment or RSVP for the cocktail reception: (617) 247-3500

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DJ Tiesto @ The Estate - 6/18 & 6/19

My favorite DJ is going to be in town this week for an unprecedented appearance - two concerts. He usually does maybe one a year max in Boston. This time he's going to do two shows, one on 6/18 and one on 6/19. This is part of his In Search of Sunrise '08 tour. Personally, I love his In Search of Sunrise series - but none of them have been as good as ISOS2 and ISOS3.

Anyhoo, tickets are already sold out for the 6/19 concert, so if you want to go tickets are still available for 6/18 but get them quick. I bet that one will sell out too.

Click (here) to get your tickets.

PS. Mad props to The Estate. They've done a really great job this year of hosting some pretty awesome events.

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1st Ever Miss Boston Competition - 6/14

Felt (the club on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing) is holding the first ever Miss Boston Competition and it starts this weekend. The event will take place over the next three Saturdays (starting 6/14).

Felt Boston is producing and hosting the first ever Miss Boston 2008 Model Search. This three-week competition will give a beautiful, talented, and young Bostonian the opportunity to be crowned “Miss Boston 2008” with exciting modeling and exposure opportunities. The competition is dedicated to finding the ultimate local model to be the face of Boston for 2008.

What does the winner get?

1. An all-expense paid round trip to a tropical destination
2. A magazine spread in a local magazine
3. A Possible modeling contract
4. Cash prizes
5. A luxurious gift basket with items provided by event sponsors
6. A coaching session with high fashion model and Polina Fashion founder, Polina Raygorodskaya

Here's the schedule:

June 14 - Preliminaries
Bikini Competition

June 21 - Semi-finals
Personality Competition

June 28 - Finals & Crowning
Semi-formal Cocktail Wear Competition

Click (here) to go to the site and register.

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Sex and the City Pre-Party @ Vox - 5/30

Women everywhere I'm sure are waiting anxiously for this weekend for the opening of the movie version of Sex and the City.

Well, Vox Populi is capitalizing on that fact and they're throwing a Pre-Screening party on Friday May 30th. The evnet including cocktails, gift bags, and a fashion show. Lisa Roach from Kiss 108 will be the host for the evening. (Just a brief aside, I don't listen to the radio, so I went on the Kiss 108 website and couldn't find anyone named Lisa Roach on there)

Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Dress for Success a non profit that works to "promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life (here)."

To the guys out there - I'm guessing that there will be lots of ladies at Vox on Friday. Just a guess.

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Dancing on the Charles 2008 - 5/31

You may remember the Dancing on the Charles events from last year. Well, they're back and the DOTC events kick off this Saturday, May 31. Relish the warm weather, because as we all know - it doesn't last nearly long enough.

Ok, picture this… You’re dancing outside and another summer sunset is in full effect. Look around and the crowd is a sea of smiling faces. Cold beer in hand, you’re feeling the vibe as the DJ’s start to turn the party out for a night of dance music under the stars. Welcome to our idea of paradise; we call it Dancing On The Charles, a deliberate reaction to the people’s desire for a return to grassroots nightlife. Big sound system, great DJs, electronic music, BBQ, dancing outdoors and affordable prices.

Click (here) for more details on the Dancing on the Charles events.

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Armin Van Buuren @ The Estate Tonight!

Ok, forget Neil Gaiman (here) since the event is sold out, I just remembered something even better going on tonight. Armin Van Buuren is going to be here tonight at The Estate (thank you Ed Kane).

For those of you that are at least somewhat familiar with Trance music, AVB is one of the top guys. It's him and DJ Tiesto that take up the majority of the space on my ipod.

AVB just came out with a new CD called Imagine in the past month or so. It's a great album, I recommend you pick it up if you're a fan. My favorite song is Track 10 - Fine Without You.

Click (here) to buy tickets.

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Where to Find Cougars in Boston

This is courtesy of Boston Magazine. They have an article this month (May Issue) entitled: "On the Prowl with the Cougar Hunters." I had never heard the term 'cougar' before until the episode of How I Met Your Mother where Barney hooks up with Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman....

Apparently, it's a burgeoning um .. pasttime/occupation. Here are some of the most notable quotes from the article:

"The women here are looking for one of two types: old and rich or young and handsome," he says, taking an order for a cosmo. "And if it's just a one-night thing, they'll take young and handsome every time."

Rosa does paralegal work and plays a lot of high-stakes poker—both of which he makes sound like side ventures. His real gig, he tells me, is "banging older chicks who pay for my stuff." I laugh. He clears his throat. He's not kidding.

So where does the article tell you to look for cougars in Boston? Here's the list:

Wednesdays - Warren Tavern in Charlestown
Thursdays - Abe & Louie's
Fridays - Grill 23
Saturdays - Jurys

A couple other places mentioned in the article were: Azure and City Bar at the Lenox Hotel and the Bristol at the Four Seasons.

Click (here) to read the article for yourself. It's kinda like reading a trashy novel. Trashy but entertaining.

Click (here) to go to urbancougar.com which the article references over and over again.

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Marina Bay Beach Club Grand Opening

I had never been to Waterworks. I received a couple of invitations to go last summer, but was out of time both times. Well, Waterworks is no more - say hello to the Marina Bay Beach Club.

The Marina Bay nightspot favored by bronzed bodies and known for its “Buckwild Saturdays” and lingerie shows is bidding to refine its image.

“It’s going to be more of a boating, yacht club, Nantucket-y feel,” spokeswoman Jennifer Harvey said.

Harvey said brothers Ed and Joe Kane, who head up the club, are looking to cater more to young professionals. With that, they hope to attract more corporate parties.

The special guest for the Grand Opening is Brody Jenner. Owner Ed Kane must have this kid on speed dial. If you remember, Brody was here in January at one of Ed Kane's other clubs (here).

What do you guys think? Will they be able to change the image of the club?

Click (here) for the news article about the new club.

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Silent Rave Tonight @ Boston Common

If I was going to be in town tonight, I'd definitely go check this event out - maybe not participate - but at least see what was going on.

A silent rave is going to be held in Boston Common at the northwest corner (near intersection of Beacon St & Charles St). The event will be held from 7:19pm-11:19pm. Here's some more information I found from a craigslist listing for the event:

A Silent Rave, or Mobile Club, or Silent Disco, is a simple concept. Hundreds, hopefully thousands, of people from any background of life turn up in a public place at a pre-arranged time, turn on their Walkmans, CD players, and iPods and dance freely to whatever music they choose to listen to!

I think that's a pretty interesting concept. And hey, it's free entertainment on a Friday night. If anyone ends up going, would you mind sending me some pics? I'll post them here.

Click (here) to read the rest of the craigslist listing.

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Party with Topanga at McFadden's - 5/15

You read the title and thought to yourself, "the only person I know with the name Topanga is that chick from Boy Meets World." Well, you're right. And she's going to be at McFadden's tonight as they celebrate 90's night.

EVERYONE brings back the 80's at least once a year...instead of doing the same old thing, McFadden's decided it was time to bring back the 90's!

Thursday, May 15th, 2008 - 9:00 pm - 2:00 am

This party will be full of "remember that" paraphernalia...and what McFadden's theme party would be complete without a "remember them" host...your favorite female 90's TV personality, Topanga from "Boy Meets World" will be signing autographs and slinging drinks! Dress the part and receive VIP access

What do you think constitutes the 90's look? The 80's and 90's sort of blend together to me I just consider the both decades "childhood." Is it time to break out the hypercolor t-shirts and Girbauds?

Anyway, for those of you that go, tell Topanga hi for me.

Click (here) to go to McFadden's website.

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Excelsior Turns 5 Today - 5/15

I actually just went to Excelsior for the first time a few months ago during Restaurant Week after having walked past it hundreds of times. I have to say, it's pretty classy in there. Well today, Excelsior turns 5 and they're celebrating tonight.

Thursday May 15th at 10 p.m. Celebrate 5 years at Excelsior. DJ Eric Bettencourt spins until 2am while we sip on classic Excelsior cocktails that made us famous for $5! Complimentary passed hors d'eouvres from Chef Eric Brennan.

Classic Excelsior Cocktails for $5
Champagne L'Hereu de Raventos i Blanc, Reserva Brut Cava, NV
Executive Blues Smirnoff Vodka, Mathilde Pear, Blueberry Puree, Fresh Lime
Timeless Modern Makers Mark, Maraschino, Bitters, Splash of Grenadine, Fresh Citrus
Southern Drawl Maker's Mark muddled with fresh Lemon and Mint
Bajito Bacardi Rum muddled with fresh Lime, Mint and Basil

Not sure if I'm going to be able to make it, I'm going to the Kanye West concert tonight (I'm pretty psyched) but depending on how late it goes and how bad traffic is coming back from the Tweeter Center, I might be able to make the second half of the party.

If I had to pick though, it'd have to be either the Timeless Modern or the Southern Drawl - I'm a huge fan of bourbon.

Click (here) for a link to Excelsior

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Rock and Blues Cruise 2008

The Rock and Blues Cruise of '07 took place just a few months after I had launched the Beantown Bloggery (here). Now, it's coming back for their 4th season (and my 2nd). Looks like they have another great line up this year.

June 4 - The Radiators
June 7 - WERS Welcomes The Ryan Montbleau Band
June 27 - Rustic Overtones
June 28 - A night of A Capella with Hyannis Sound & Firedrill
July 11 - Ernie and The Automatics
July 25 - deSol
July 26 - Booty Vortex w/Evan Michael
August 8 - Entrain
August 15 - WERS welcomes Ellis Paul and Band
August 23 - Beatlejuice

I missed out last year, but you can be sure that I'll be going to at least a couple of the cruises this year. An evening boat ride, a couple of drinks, and a band called Booty Vortex ... how could it not be fun? I'm also kind of curious to hear Ernie & the Automatics. If you're not aware, Ernie is the CEO of Boch Enterprises. I hear their car commercials all the time on the radio, I wonder how their blues music is.

Click (here) to get your tickets and also details on how to get to Long Wharf.

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St Germain Elderflower Liqueur

Well first it was the re-introduction of absinthe (here) and then after that it was a new cane sugar rum called Beija (here) and now we there's a new French kid in town - St. Germains:

St-Germain liqueur is made from the Elderflower, a blossom of the Elder Tree, picked fresh from the Alps.

There's a very cute story on their website about how the flowers only blossom for a few days and they have them handpicked by bohemians on bicycles and so on and so forth.

Here's the fun part. DailyCandy is running a promotion that allows you to send your friends semi-risque e-card invitations to bars in Boston serving St Germains and according to the site, the first St Germain Cocktail is free.

Click (here) to go to the invitation site. There are only two bars in Boston participating in this event: B Side Lounge and Match.

Click (here) to go to the St. Germain website if you'd like to read more.

Man, I need to invent a new kind of liquor made from something exotic, like orchids from Singapore or something. Yum....orchid flavored liquor.

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Chris Rock Coming To Boston - 6/14

One of my all time favorite comedy performances was Chris Rock's Bigger and Blacker. It was a classic - I can't count on my hands how many times I've watched it.

Chris Rock is coming to Boston on June 14th at the Citi Wang Center and I bet it's going to be awesome. Tickets go on sale tomorrow - Saturday 4/19 at 10am EST.

And just so you know, you will be competing with me to get tickets. I definitely can't/won't pass up a chance to see him in person. Let's just hope I can wake up before 10am tomorrow.

Here's one of my favorite excerpts from the Bigger and Blacker Tour:

"You don't need no gun control. You know what you need? We need some bullet control. Man, we need to control the bullets, that's right. I think all bullets should cost $5000. $5000 for a bullet. You know why? 'Cause if a bullet costs $5000, there'd be no more innocent bystanders."

Click (here) for the link to Livenation.

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Ferry Corsten @ The Estate Tonight

Happy Hump Day Everyone! The title pretty much says it all - Ferry Corsten is going to be at The Estate tonight. So if you're in to trance music, it should be a good show.

I'm more of a Tiesto or Armin Van Buuren kind of guy - I haven't really heard anything from Ferry Corsten lately, but he's got some big hits from back in the day.

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