Restaurant Week Boston: Aquitaine

On Friday night we happened to be out with two of our chicest friends in the South End (you know who you are). After we got out of what was an un-remarakle "art" show, we were STARVING! Well, we were in one of the busiest restaurant neighborhoods in the city during what we soon found out was "restaurant week". This is not good news when trying to find a table without reservations. So after a little wandering, and a few very full hot spots...we go into Aquitaine. Aquitaine is a romantic French bistro on Tremont know for is great food and sophisticated atmosphere. At first we were told there were no tables to be had...but after a little eye batting, and a fortuitous cancellation WE WERE IN! The drinks were unique and delicious. The roasted beet salad was amazing. Then the main entrees came! I had a fantastic tagliatelle with chanterelle mushrooms, which was some of the best pasta I've ever had (I know lofty statement). And because it was restaurant week...we of course had dessert. Chocolate torte and profiteroles with chocolate sauce are not to be missed. I can't believe we have lived in this city for almost six years and haven't been to Aquitaine before. This won't be the last time, for sure! Yummm.

Craft Boston- 2009

"A Show of Contemporary Art, Craft & Design"

March 27-29, 2009

Seaport World Trade Center

200 Seaport Blvd., Boston

Presented by the Society of Arts and Crafts

http://www.craftboston.org/

Sounds like a fun way to "stimulate the economy"!

*Image from the craftboston website

Sol LeWitt @ Mass MOCA

Check out the massive Sol LeWitt "Wall Drawing Retrospective" at Mass MOCA in North Adams, MA. The exhibition is on now though 2033! So there isn't exactly a rush, but don't you want to be the first on your block to see this! I do! Plus you get to go out to MOCA, and that is a pleasure in its own right. If you haven't been out there yet.. GO...what are you waiting for!!

http://www.massmoca.org/

The Black Keys: Attack & Release

The Black Keys are the guitar and drums duo that made me believe that rock-and-roll was not dead. On the contrary, they have brought it back with a such a hard driving soul that I am now a true believer. Their prior albums possess a raw rock honesty that had me at "thickfreakness". Their newest album, "Attack & Release," is the first album which has been produced with "Danger Mouse". You might remember "Danger Mouse" from his 2004 project with Jay-Z that remixed the revered Beatles' "White Album" with Jay-Z's "Black Album" to create the "Gray Album"... a risky move, but brilliant nonetheless. So back to the Keys... The new album definitely possesses a polish that had yet to been achieved on their earlier albums. The result is a much more hard rock meets psychedelia feel reminiscent of Black Sabbath. I also like their added instrumentation. The banjo is not-to-be-missed on "Psychotic Girl," and the flute line on "Same Old Thing" would make Ian Anderson proud. The new tracks and polished sound on "Attack & Release" makes me even more excited to see The Black Keys again when they come to Boston in May! Mark your calenders, kids, they will knock your socks off!

Crocs: The shoe I never thought I'd wear

I was taking a walk in Faneuil Hall in Boston a few weeks back and came across the Crocs shoe store. I was persuaded to go in by one of the friends I was with, although Crocs never really interested me before. Typically I go for fashion above comfort, which has consistently gotten me in trouble with long walks around town (or trying to catch a bus in 4" heals...no fun). When we walk in the intense smell of VOC off-gassing was apparent. I don't think I've ever been in a shoe store that indoor air quality was ever a concern, but I guess when your main product is made entirely of a strange space-aged plastic this might become a problem. "New car smell" aside, the store is more reminiscent of a candy store than a shoe store with all its array of colorful offerings. As I was browsing the vast selection of colorful, yet orthopedic inspired footwear, I spotted a little pair of Mary Janes across the room. They had an interesting raked texture that transformed the typical rubber-esqe look into what appeared to be suede. They were sleek and comfortable. When I put them on I was in love. These could be the perfect commuter shoes. I highly recommend them.



https://shop.crocs.com/pc-454-4-sueded-alice.aspx?reqid=454&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=footwear&section=products