Up On The Roof

Well, my friends, the end is near! With school (finally) coming to a close, the warm weather has officially begun! I don't know about all of you, but I'm ready for a drink (or two). The summer months are a time to enjoy being outside, so I've listed my top 5 roof bar recommendations below. Enjoy ;)

Fiore's- No, there is no relation. But this Italian eatery has one hell of a roof deck! Escape the hustle and bustle of the North End and relax with their signature pineapple cocktail, the Stoli Doli! The area is relatively small, so it's perfect for couples and small groups. They do offer a full course lunch and dinner menu outdoors, however, seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Rattlesnake- Nestled in Boston's Back Bay, the Rattlesnake is bumping seven nights a week. If you're looking for a fun spot, with uptempo music and a standard 'pub food' menu...check it out!

The Colonnade Hotel- This is probably the most luxurious of the cities roof decks. The Colonnade's pool offers a panorama view of the city from 11 stories up! As is usually the case with luxury, though, it comes with a price. I believe it's $20 per person, so head out early, grab a lounge chair and kick back with a pina colada!

Baseball Tavern- Located directly across from Fenway Park, the Baseball Tavern is an ideal place to watch the game on a hot summer night! Experience the excitement of the neighborhood, shoot some pool, and cool off with a nice, cold brew.

Tavern on the Water- Just across the bridge, in the historic Navy Yard of Charlestown, lays Tavern on the Water. As the name suggests, it is right on the water. The 200 person patio allows for a diverse crowd; so it's perfect for just about anyone! Oh, and they do a killer sangria!
( Be Smart..you can take the water taxi here!)

Restaurant Review:

Last night I had the pleasure of trying out the Back Bay's latest hotspot, Lolita. I've been meaning to go for months, but the lines have been around the block. Anyhow, I've heard nothing but great things about it so I decided to head into town early and see what all the buzz was about.

Lolita is on Dartmouth Street, in the location of the old Papa Razzi (another of my favorites!). At 8:00pm there was no line, but the place was already packed and had a 2 hour wait for dinner. Needless to say, we decided to forego food and head straight to the bar.

First of all, I have to say that this place is by far one of the best themed restaurant/bars I've been to since living in Boston. The ambiance and decor is really unique and fun. I mean, it's a tequila bar, but it's a little bit of rock, gothic-vampire, and Mexican all rolled into one. The lighting is dark (and red), and it's underground so it really has that trendy NYC feel that Boston has been lacking.

I decided to order myself a $14 glass of Embargo Punch. With bacardi, habiscus grenadine, orange, grapefruit, and lime it was worth every penny. We ordered an equally delicious, though very spicy queso dip at the bar. They followed it up with a serving of cotton candy. Yes, cotton candy. This threw off my theory of wherever I thought they were trying to go thematically. But hey, you're giving me candy so I'm not complaining.

Everything aside, I'd say the service was pretty good. The bartenders were attentive, the hosts were friendly, there was a solid and diverse crowd the whole 9. As the night goes on though, the music gets louder and the crowd gets younger. There isn't a lot of room to move around, or dance, and it becomes a little claustrophobic for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I will definitely be back. Only next time, I'm thinking I'll come in for dinner on a Wednesday or Thursday night.

Friday Night Tastings:

Looking for something different to do with a group of friends or co-workers? The Wine Bottega on Hanover St. offers FREE tastings between 5:00 and 8:00pm every Friday night! Tastings are held in the store's old-world wine cellar, and concentrate on a different theme each week. Previous tastings have included, "Wine Tasting 101", "Movers and Shakers", "A Tour of Italy", and "Great Grapes". Stop by after work, or before heading out for the night!
Please keep in mind that you can also schedule a private tasting, tailored to the needs of your guests to be held in your own home or office.

If you're simply interested in purchasing a bottle (or more), owner's, Kerri and Matt, want to make your experience as easy and relaxing as possible. Parking in the North End can be difficult, so Wine Bottega is now offering parking validation, curbside checkout, and delivery to all residents of the greater Boston area!

341 Hanover Street
Boston MA 02133
(617) 227-6607
*Open 7 Days a Week!*

Click here to check out current inventory!
http://thewinebottega.com/inventory/

Looking For a Last Minute Way to Spend Easter Sunday?!

Alright, so I know it's the day of, but many of us (including myself) have a hard time planning ahead for Easter. We're college students, so often times we work Saturdays, and then have class or work yet again on Monday. Not to mention the fact that it is conveniently right before finals! This can make getting home for the day rather difficult.

My boyfriend and I decided staying in the city would probably be our best option, because then we wouldn't have to worry about offending one of our families (they live on opposite sides of the state!). But anyway, it just seemed to be a waste to not take advantage of the elaborate brunch specials being held everywhere.

So yesterday, while I was working, I discovered that Odyssey Boston is offering a brunch tour on the harbor! In addition to a full menu, they also have live music, complimentary champagne, a sundae bar, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! It boards at 1:30 pm, departs at 2:00, and returns at 4:00. It's $59. per person, but if you're a party of four or more and book online you will receive 20% off by using the promo code EASTER4
Can't make it today? Please keep Odyssey Boston in mind for Mother's Day on May 8th!

Seating is still available. For more information on either cruise, and took book your tickets:
http://www.odysseycruises.com/Boston/easter-brunch-cruises

60 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
(866) 307-2469

Again, it's a fun way to spend the day, and see the city!

TODAY ONLY! 20% OFF JetBlue Airways

This is an atypical post for me, but I couldn't resist sharing such an awesome deal! I woke up to an email from JetBlue this morning, and they're offering 20%their already reasonable ticket prices! This promotion is available today only (until 11:59 pm), and can be used any time between 9/7 and 10/29 of this year! Please note: 10/7-10/10 are blackout dates due to it being Columbus Day weekend.


Start planning your fall getaway now!
Promo Code: FALL2011

MYRTLE BEACH HERE I COME!

Boston Harbor's Water Taxi

Have someplace to be? Consider taking a water taxi!

Water taxis function like land taxis--passengers can board at a dock or call ahead for a reservation. Tickets are $10. per passenger for a one-way ticket, or $17. round-trip regardless of your destination. So, where exactly can you take a water taxi? Lots of places!

Destinations include; Logan Airport, World Trade Center,Barking Crab, Boston Harbor Islands, Fan Pier, Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, JFK Library,Charlestown Navy Yard, The Children's Museum, service to Hull, Quincy, Winthrop and more!

It's a fun, scenic, and often less expense way to get to your destination! Not to mention, there is no traffic on the harbor! The vessels operate year round, but are covered and heated when need be.

For a complete list of dock locations, hours of operation, and to see more services offered on the waterfront click here;
http://www.roweswharfwatertransport.com/RWWT_2010/HOME.html

Join Us For The Grand Opening of Aragosta Bar and Bistro...Tonight!

Aragotsta Bar and Bistro is the latest addition to Boston's vibrant Waterfront dining scene. Located on Boston's Harbor Walk in the North End, Aragosta offers a warm, social atmosphere in a stunning Waterfront setting. The restaurant features an open kitchen with Chef's Counter and an outdoor terrace with views of Boston Harbor and the U.S. Coast Guard.

With influences from Marseille to Genoa, the contemporary Italian-Mediterranean cuisine by award-winning Chef David Daniels gives signature flair to hand-made pastas, prime meats, and New England seafood. All of which will be using quality, local farm-raised ingredients.

For dinner, drinks, or to lounge by the water for afternoon appetizers, join us at Aragosta-- where Italian-Mediterranean meets New England!


Please Note- Yes, this is the second time this semester I have shamelessly plugged a restaurant at my own hotel, Fairmont Battery Wharf! But rest assured, I've had the pleasure of sampling the menu and wouldn't dare to recommend anything short of wonderful!

"Like" Us on Facebook today & receive 20% off your first meal!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aragosta-Bar-Bistro/172886482759087