Art Bar Boston - A New Type of Boston Art Gallery

BLOG ON HIATUS I am sure some of you have noticed...

Art Bar Boston — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 16:55:00 +0000

BLOG ON HIATUS

I am sure some of you have noticed the lack of posts lately. It was always my goal to make the blog more fun and interactive than just a simple review site. Therefore, we have a new blogger coming on at the end of September who will take the blog to the next level.

You will be able to follow his exploits and adventures in Boston all while getting an informal look at what's hot and what's not. There will be plenty of [restaurant, art and lounge] name dropping, so you can still look to our blog to give you honest, fun critiques of all Boston has to offer. Also, we will still keep the tips of the week!

Look for the relaunch of the new blog on September 25th!

Giacomo's North End food and charm at its best! - ...

Art Bar Boston — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 21:26:00 +0000

Giacomo's
North End food and charm at its best!
- Scott (scott@artbarboston.com)

Sometimes I forget how delicious real Italian food can be.

I’m no stranger to a spicy meatball or a bountiful antipasto; don’t let the last name fool you, there’s more Italian than Irish blood main-coursing through these veins. Still, because Italian food is so easily replicated at home (who doesn’t have about ten boxes of Prince spaghetti in their pantry, and a jar of Prego sauce crusting up the fridge?) it’s rarely the cuisine we run to mangia when we’re out on the town. To the untrained palate, a good cut of steak - crusted with pepper, drizzled with gorgonzola and cooked to perfection - seems like a rare, exciting treat we would never be able to prepare for ourselves… while a ravioli by any other name still just seems like a ravioli.

For those who underestimate the power of real Italian cooking, Art Bar highly suggests a trip to Giacomo’s in – where else? – the North End. The ingredients are fresh as can be, the portions hearty, the atmosphere casual, and the price point entirely reasonable. But it’s the quality of the food that really surprised my clan on a Saturday night dinner… we couldn’t help but compare the food to any number of far more expensive downtown digs. My mushroom ravioli, a tasty, garlicky dish laden with pesto basil and sundried tomatoes, would have cost twice as much (for half the size, natch) nearly anywhere else in the city. Lobster ravioli that doesn’t break $20? Fried mozzarella that reminds you there is life for this appetizer beyond the “Applebees” menu? Garlic bread with (gasp) real garlic? Thank you, Giacomo’s, for all of the above.

Now, if convenience and a quick bite are your dealmakers when choosing a restaurant, there is at least one downside to this place: Reservations are graciously not accepted. Instead, it’s up to you to queue up with the other hungry diners outside its Hanover street location. The door swings open (and the smell wafts out) at 5pm, but the line is well formed by 4:30. First come, first served, first to leave with a full belly and a happy wallet. Truthfully, it’s probably wise to allot an hour or so for wait time. But it’s worth it, believe it or not. We’ve all waited at least that long for The Cheesecake Factory at some point in our urbanite lives… what excuse do we have for shirking a place like this??

Besides, it’s all part of the atmosphere. My pals and I had a blast having a few drinks as we moseyed down the sidewalk (don’t forget to cover it up with a paper bag!), chatting with our line-buddies and making like real North Enders. Most of us are probably guilty of the famous Boston Reserve: We have nothing to do, very, very fast, we count our carbs, and we only talk to three people at the bar that we already know. Why not slow down, take it easy, and spread some conversation that’s as warm as that marinara?

And, you know, mangia mangia. Cause as my grandmother would say:

“Yah too skinny!”

Madonna Party Tonight Tonight is, of course, the ...

Art Bar Boston — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 21:04:00 +0000

Madonna Party Tonight

Tonight is, of course, the Madonna Birthday Bash at Club Cafe.

Sorry for the lack of posts, but we have been really busy. But just because we have been busy, doesnt mean we havent been going out. Look for reviews of Giacomo's, Sanctuary, Boston Rocks, SoHo part 2, and Sorrelinas!

Art Bar Boston — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 13:16:00 +0000

Embassy Thursdays The “Phabulous Life” is a weekl...

Art Bar Boston — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:50:00 +0000

Embassy
Thursdays

The “Phabulous Life” is a weekly event at Embassy/The Modern on Thursday nights. This “gay hip hop” night is one of the more diverse alternative nights in the city. A fairly even blend of gay, lesbian and straight make up the night. Susan Esthera keeps the dance floor packed, and her mix of classic hip hop, top 40 and R&B hits makes dancing fun!

The good: The dance floor is packed. The club is jumping and the energy recalls the days when Lansdowne St was fun and full of life. Too many club night are filled to about 2/3 capacity or less. So it was a breath of fresh air that Embassy was packed! The music was good; Embassy’s hip-hop mix was danceable and the Modern’s 80’s music was right on! Finally, the service was great! (Joey the bartender was friendly, made good drinks and took great care of us)

The bad: The club looked run down. It was shabby, and not shabby chic! The carpet was so sticky that I nearly lost my shoes by the bar. The paint was chipped and the club looked as if it had been “ridden hard and put away wet.” Like Axis and Avalon, Embassy and the Modern are screaming for more than a facelift – they need a complete re-haul. All the clubs need to be rethought in a major way.

Bottom Line: the “phabulous life” is fun, but the club is far from fabulous!

More Updates More pictures and details have been ...

Art Bar Boston — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:26:00 +0000

More Updates

More pictures and details have been added to the Madonna site!

Make sure to RSVP for this exciting event! Remember, all net proceeds got to charity!

Art Bar Presents BlackWhite August 29th at Distri...

Art Bar Boston — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:59:00 +0000

Art Bar Presents Black&White

August 29th at District - 6 pm
Please see www.artbarboston.com/district for more information!

Even Ground Pictures Pictures from last weekends ...

Art Bar Boston — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:14:00 +0000

Even Ground Pictures

Pictures from last weekends charity event are online now. Please visit www.artbarboston.com/evenpics to see them!

Art Bar Boston — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 13:49:00 +0000

We just got this notice in. Announcing a Call for...

Art Bar Boston — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 17:44:00 +0000

We just got this notice in.
Announcing a Call for Entries for
RiverArt, A Sale of Handmade Crafts & Fine Art

Crafters and artists are invited to sell their work at RiverArt, Saturday, September 30th, on the scenic grounds of the Forbes House Museum in Milton, Massachusetts.

This year marks the debut of RiverArt’s handmade crafts and fine arts sale on the Museum’s grounds. In years past, RiverArt has solely exhibited fine art inside the Museum’s main building. We’re very excited to present this expanded arts and cultural opportunity to artisans throughout the region and to the residents of Milton, Boston and neighboring communities.

Exhibit spaces are approximately 10’ x 10’, on the Museum’s grounds. Exhibitors must bring all exhibit equipment.

Applications are being accepted now through September 15, space permitting. Exhibit fees are $50 for entries submitted by August 15, and $75 for entries submitted between August 15 and September 15. Exhibit fees will be returned to all artisans not accepted into the show. Three non-returnable photographs of work are required for the vendor selection process, in addition to the application. For more information, please visit http://www.neponset.org/RiverArt06.htm or contact Carly at the Neponset River Watershed Association: rocklen@neponset.org, 781-575-0354 tel.

RiverArt is an annual arts event in its twelfth year of production, coordinated by the cultural nonprofit organization the Forbes House Museum of Milton (www.forbeshousemuseum.org) in partnership with the environmental nonprofit organization, the Neponset River Watershed Association (www.neponset.org) of Canton.

To download a RiverArt application form, visit: http://www.neponset.org/RiverArt06.htm. Please join us!

Carly Rocklen
Outreach Coordinator
The Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA)
2173 Washington St., Canton, Massachusetts 02021
781-575-0354 (tel.), 781-575-9971 (fax), www.neponset.org

The “What’s Going Ons” of the Museum of Fine Arts ...

Art Bar Boston — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 20:08:00 +0000

The “What’s Going Ons” of the Museum of Fine Arts

Every Friday in July and August, the MFA has Summer Fridays. These events are very similar to the mfafirstfriday events that are hosted throughout the year. The one main difference is that these summer events are all outside in the Calderwood Courtyard. There is live music and a cash bar. The entry to this event is FREE with museum admission. The following entertainment is at the remaining nights:
Aug 4—Grupo Fantasia
Aug 11—Reggae Fantasia
Aug 18—Mariachi Fantasia
Aug 25—Sambita

Music is a huge part of MFA summers, and there are three more great shows coming up this season in the Concerts in the Courtyard series: 
• CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisana Band, Aug 9, 7:30 pm.  
• Naftule's Dream and Beat Circus, Aug 16, 7:30 pm. 
• Sharon Jones and Dap-Kings, Aug 23, 7:30 pm.
These concerts, also taking place in the Calderwood Courtyard, occur weekly on Wednesdays and are priced at $20 forMFA members, students, and senior and general admission is $25. Table seating available for an additional $30.

There are also some great exhibitions, as always. Check out the MFA website for more details about:
Light My Fire: Rock Posters from the Summer of Love

May 13, 2006 - Sep 17, 2006
Laura McPhee: River of No Return

Jul 1, 2006 - Sep 18, 2006
Sargent, Chase, Cassatt: Master Paintings from a Private Collection

Jun 25, 2006 - Sep 24, 2006
Americans in Paris, 1860–1900

G-Star Raw Newbury St (at the Mass Ave end near Vi...

Art Bar Boston — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 15:24:00 +0000

G-Star Raw
Newbury St (at the Mass Ave end near Virgin)
Boston, MA

Ozone and Allston Beat are but a distant memory, but their owner has a new boutique in Boston. G Star Raw is an international clothing company that now has a location on Newbury Street in the old Allston Beat storefront. Selling loads of denim, G Star reminds me of what Diesel once was, before it became the ridiculously overpriced store it is today. In all seriousness, the Diesel store now sees fit to charge upwards of 270 dollars for button down shirts. Please, the clothing is not that nice, the shows fall apart and the jeans look extremely dated. Diesel Jeans are so 5 years ago anyway! ;) Before I digress and rail Diesel, let me get back to what we were talking about: G Star Raw.

The G-Star store has a wall of really unique and nice jeans, and lots of fun clothing in styles that appeal to that chic urban crowd who want to look hip without looking like a hipster. Gray seems to be the dominant color scheme and the entire store feels like it. I wouldn’t say that I loved the store, but I wouldn’t write it off completely. Like Diesel, if you were to buy an entire outfit from here, you would look overly put together and give off the vibe of “trying too hard.” Yet, a few accessories, a jacket, or a shirt would really add to an outfit.

I didn’t bother trying on the jeans, mainly because I am hooked on Jean Therapy! They did all look really cool though. But some were overly cool, as in they were so trendy that they looked foolish. The price points threw me in the store. An awesome bomber jacket was only 79 dollars, yet there was a tank top for 65. The prices were like this throughout the store – erratic and senseless.

Bottom line: If you are on Newbury Street, stop in and shop around. If you aren’t on Newbury Street, don’t make a point just to visit G Star Raw.

Charity Auction! August 15th at 8 pmClub Cafe Art...

Art Bar Boston — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:53:00 +0000

Charity Auction!
August 15th at 8 pmClub Cafe

Art Bar's "Madonna Birthday Bash" to benefit the Boston Living Center is approaching fast. We have awesome items not only from talented local artists, but from the Hyatt, LA Sports Club, Boston Sports Club, Jean Therapy, Uniform and More!

This event will start at 8pm and go until 1 am. DJs will be spinning current to classic Madonna all night in the Video Bar. For all the details, visit www.artbarboston/madonna

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Art Bar Boston — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 17:52:00 +0000

A Motley Crew motley home 652 Tremont St motley ...

Art Bar Boston — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 13:56:00 +0000

A Motley Crew
motley home
652 Tremont St
motley
623A Tremont St
Boston, MA 02216

As this blog has mentioned before, Tremont Street is becoming the new Newbury Street ion the same way that the South End is becoming the new Back Bay. The two sister stores of motley and motley home only add to this slowly firming truth. Motley is the perfect boutique for men. Tee shirts, books, gadgets and fragrances fill the small space in an eclectic mix that is kept fresh and new. Like Uniform down the street, motley boasts great service because, unlike the chain “boutiques” on Newbury, the owner take such pride and care in his store.

More fun for me was motley home a few blocks up. I am moving soon (albeit across the hall from myself) and all the things in motley home were so damn unique and nice. I was particularly drawn to the placemats that looked like pebbles. If I had an outside garden and table, I would have bought a set of four! Simply put, the store is filled with cute things. From vases to pillows and everything in between, motley home is the best place to find a hostess gift or something interesting and distinctive for your own home.

I would recommend a trip to both stores sometime soon. Turn a lazy Sunday afternoon into a little trip to the South End. Hit up Uniform, the motley stores and check out all the little cafes and restaurants along the way. We would recommend staying away from Sibling Rivalry these days. The staff has become overly pretentious and bothered. When we went in we were promptly looked up and down and treated horribly, so we left straight away.

Bottom line: Both motley and motley home are great place to find one of a kind gifts, whether it be for the home or for the body!