So I like to think I get around... Boston, that is.
Every weekend I try to do something new in Boston. I like to call it "research" and commit to coming home with a good story, sore feet, a dry cleaning bill and, hopefully, a new favorite Boston dive, square, club, restaurant or scene.
Usually I share my exploits after the fact. You know you have to taste the Kool-Aid first before you can expect anyone else to get onboard. But this week I've heard of so much poppin' off in the Proper, I can't decide what to do or wait to tell you about it.
This is my itinerary for the weekend. I hope to see you there. I don't know if I'll make it to all of them, so if you do, let me know how the Kool-Aid tastes.
Thursday: I generally avoid the Redline in Harvard Square like it's the Joshua Tree, but this Thursday night, I'm going to make an exception and attend the YoYoYo '90s Jam at the Redline. That's right, dust off your Reeboks and neon, warm up your Hammer Time and Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go!
Friday: OK, frankly, this one might be a little square, but the Bostonian Society is staging a reenactment of the Boston Massacre at the Old State House in honor of the 238th anniversary of the event that set fire to the American Revolution. As a Southern girl, I've seen Civil War reenactments (the South won, of course), and I've got to say, these things are sweet. Also, it's important to know your local and American history. Oh, and it's free.
Let's move on to another fine Boston tradition: St. Patrick's Day. I was embittered to learn that, once again, St. Patty's Day is during Spring Break, and I will be out of town for the festivities. From the stories I've heard, if there is one day to be a Bostonian, this is it! But if you're like me and will be on a tropical beach this St. Pat's, the Harpoon Brewery is kicking off the holiday a little early this Friday and Saturday with its St. Patty's Day Festival. There's no parade or green river, but there is lots of drinking, which is really what the spirit of the holiday is all about, right?
The MFA and the SoWa galleries in the South End will also be holding their monthly "First Friday" events tomorrow. Don't let the artsy, fartsy vibe intimidate you; the crowd isn't all black turtlenecks and berets. Art History is not a prerequisite; these events are organized to bring young patrons to the arts and break the stuffy stereotype. There is a full bar at the MFA (not free), but from what I've heard, the SoWa passes out complimentary champagne.
Saturday: Aloha, Mr. Hand. Need I say more? That's right, Mr. Spicoli, Judge Reinhold and Pheobe Cates are at the Brattle this weekend for the '80s Rock Film Series. "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), "Purple Rain" (1984) and other '80s movies that rock (and don't star Rob Lowe and Molly Ringwald) will be playing all week at the Brattle.
Sunday: Although I will mostly be participating in this event by slaving away at the Elephant Walk, this Sunday kicks off Boston's Winter Restaurant Week. There are 150-plus restaurants participating. Swank places like Sel de la Terre, Toro and Excelsior offer prix fixe menus for only $22.08 for lunch and $33.08 for dinner. Most restaurants offer a reasonably-priced wine pairing too. Restaurant "Week" is actually for two weeks, so use the opportunity to try more than one new restaurant. But be sure to make reservations - even for lunch!
Although the weather is still a little crummy this week, it's good to be a Bostonian.
Robin Alberts-Marigza is a senior majoring in psychology. She can be reached at Robin.Alberts_Marigza@tufts.edu.
