Social Senses

Buon Natale Holiday Shopping Stroll

2008-12-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Sweet scented candles and Scanty pajamas.
Bright colored scarves and mittens for mamas.
All for my family and something for me.
These are my favorites at Shake the Tree.

Warm cozy sweaters and a Made U Look tee.
Plenty and Hazel, I'm shopping with glee!
Velvet Fly girls with a cocktail in hand.
These are my favorites in all the land.

Pick up a few of your favorite things 7:00 to 11:00 tonight (Friday, December 12).
Cookies, cocktails, and holiday savings at North End boutiques. http://tinyurl.com/5bu7ag

- Shake the Tree
- Velvet Fly
- A Matter of Face
- Acquire
- Twilight
- in•jean•ius
- Casa di Stile
- High Gear Jewelry

Deck the Faneuil Hall with Shopping and Dining...Fa la la la la

2008-11-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

Kick off the holiday season this Saturday, November 22nd, at the Faneuil Hall tree lighting ceremony festivities. Free entertainment will keep up your spirit as you hit the shops during the day and take-in the tree illumination at 5:30 p.m. There are are plenty of places to grab a bite and wet your whistle including one of my favorites, Kingfish Hall (188 Faneuil Hall Market Pl., 617. 523.8862)

Simply The Best

2008-11-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

Tina Turner hits the TD Banknorth Garden on November 16th and 17th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $57-$150. Available at www.ticketmaster.com or 617-931-2000.

Trunk Show at Velvet Fly

2008-11-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

Come meet one of my favorite jewelry designers at one of the best boutiques in Boston, Velvet Fly (http://www.thevelvetfly.com/), on Thursday, November 20th from 5-9pm. Local artist Amy McClure of Olaria Studio will have on-hand her entire collection including seasonal handmade ornaments and votive holders. Friends and I fell in love with her jewerly over the summer - - one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings. Not sold yet? There will be wine too!

The Velvet Fly
424 Hanover Street
Boston, MA 02113
617.557.4FLY
http://www.thevelvetfly.com/

2008-11-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

A Soggy Saturday in Little Italy

Last night was unusually warm for an early November Saturday in Boston. Even though it was a little rainy, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that every restaurant in the North End was filled to the brim. My friend and I were scouting out the places we know that have a bar as we were looking to keep it lively and dine a little more casual.

We decided to first check out the new bar at Antico Forno (http://www.anticofornoboston.com/), but it was packed. Not surprising as the food is excellent and the atmosphere is lively with a touch of cozy thanks to the signature brick oven.

The next stop was Lucca (http://www.luccaboston.com/). With my fingers crossed, I walked in to check out my favorite North End bar, but to no avail. I would have to live without the rigatoni with wild boar this particular night. While disappointed, it gave me hope that in this tough economy people are still out enjoying amazing food and fun cocktails.

Where to next? This is when living in the neighborhood for 10 years pays off as you essentially have a North End Zagat in your head.

The choice was Prezza (www.prezza.com). Like salmon swimming up stream, we headed up Hanover to Fleet Street. Arriving at the maroon awning covered door, I looked through the window and spotted two open seats at the dark wood bar. Finally!

The bartender immediately approached us with a smile – recognizing my friend and me – and a wine and cocktail menu. My friend chose the Allegrini Valpolichella and I ordered a glass of Prosecco. We each started with a yummy salad, the Bibb Lettuce and the Baby Arugula. One of the perks of dining at the bar is you can order appetizer portions of the pasta dishes. The pumpkin ravioli with lobster did not disappoint. Nor did the flourless chocolate torte with vanilla bean ice cream – a full order, but shared of course.