Goodness gracious. We've been in school now for about two-and-a-half weeks. Those first few carefree days of all fun and no work have come to an end. As sad as it is, we have no excuse now not to do our work. You're going to have to spend most of the weekend in the library - a truly sad fate. But you might want to spend one day simply living it up and pampering yourself before you become a slave to your studies. Take Friday off and head into Beantown for a relaxing and fun-filled day of complete pampering and self-indulgence. You deserve it!
First Destination: Bristol Lounge
Address: Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Bolyston Street
T Stop: Arlington
Nothing could possibly start your munificent day better off than high tea or cocktails at the Bristol Lounge in the tres elegant Four Seasons Hotel. Girls, wear your Chanel sunglasses and put on a classy pants outfit. Men, put on that designer suit. You'll want to fit in with the elegant crowd of Newbury ladies, CEOs, and the possible celebrity that might drop in at a moment's notice, such as Oprah or Al Gore. Sip your Earl Grey and munch on heavenly scones and muffins to your heart's delight. Don't worry about eating too much - you're certainly paying enough! You might want to bring the New York Times or the New Yorker along so that you can look truly erudite and sophisticated. Nobody will ever know that you're a college student.
Second Destination: Safar
Address: 235 Newbury Street
T Stop: Arlington
As long as you're in the area, you might as well hop on down to Newbury Street for the works - a facial massage and full-body massage. You'll feel like a million bucks after being treated to an enzyme mask and a facial steam bath. Ahhh... this is the life. Make sure you get a good masseuse to release all that extra tension in your shoulders and back. You might as well make the massage an hour rather than a half-hour. When the masseuse is done, you'll be hesitant to leave the massage table. Couldn't you just stay here forever?
Third Destination: Cardullo's
Address: 6 Brattle Street
T Stop: Harvard
Enough of this Newbury stuff. You were beginning to feel a bit too high-fallutin' for your own good. Your roommates have been complaining that there is no food in your apartment. Forget Star Market - head to Cardullo's instead, one of the premier gourmet food shops in the area. Pick up some Godiva coffee, champagne, brandied peaches, chocolate-dipped apricots, foie gras, caviar, and goose liver. Your roommates won't know what to say when you walk in the door with the goods. Be generous and share! They can't touch the goose liver, though!
Fourth Destination: L'Espalier
Address: 30 Gloucester Street
T Stop: Hynes/ICA
You've only been away from Newbury Street for an hour or two, but you're already itching to go back. After all, right off of Newbury Street is one of the finest French restaurants in the world, L'Espalier. This restaurant, which resides in a Back Bay brownstone, is a gourmand lover's dream come true. Don't worry about dining alone. Get there early, take a table in the back, and pretend your "friend" has stood you up. Enjoy the excessive attention of the waiter and make him wait on you hand and foot. Order the melt-in-your-mouth prix-fixe meal complete with seven scrumptious courses. Pretend not to notice the simultaneous marriage proposals going on around you. This might be the time to whip out some Rimbaud. Leave a generous tip... after all, the waiter was awfully nice and pretended to understand that you really were stood up. You'll walk out feeling like you've gained about ten pounds. But don't worry about that. You'll be back on the treadmill in Cousens soon enough. Savor the moment or, as the French would say, be a bon vivant!
Fifth and Final Stop: The Good Life
Address: 28 Kington Street, at Sumner Street
T-Stop: Downtown Crossing
You're pretty much beat. After having window-shopped around Newbury Street for a while, you're looking for something a little more substantial. Plus, you need someplace to rest those tired feet of yours. You are inexplicably drawn to The Good Life, a downtown restaurant and bar/lounge. Perhaps it is the music, the young, attractive crowd, or the lure of some swanky cocktails that brings you to the front door of this night hot-spot. Head downstairs into the smoky lounge and get a table right next to the swingin' jazz band. Order a chocolate martini or a cosmopolitan. Yes, this truly is the Good Life!
