Boston

Now That's Yogurt

With locations in Harvard, Porter, and Fenway, Berryline is pretty obviously trying to capitalize on the success of Pinkberry out west. But I've got to hand it to Berryline: they're not afraid to tell you the actual ingredients that go into their froyo, unlike Pinkberry. (Reminds me of that old SNL commercial for That's Not Yogurt.) In fact, they've got the ingredients posted right there on their website, and there's nothing in there that your grandmother wouldn't be able to identify, so you know it's good. It's also really cheap, with a nice big bowl and toppings weighing in around $5. Expect the expected tangy, yogurt taste, and might I suggest a nice sweet topping to offset it: fresh fruits, honey, candy, cookie crumbs, and cereal (awesome. I love seeing cereal make an appearance in the dessert menu, where it belongs). And it's apparently fat free, so get back in line for seconds when you're done. Stand by for brain freeze...

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Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Dirty Water

Take four Bostonians and one Cajun, fill them with cheap beer, give them a topic to what to argue about, and sit back and enjoy. That's Dirty Water, and on Friday, April 3rd at 10 pm you can find me at Improv Boston chugging beers with them and chuckling along at their accents. Set in a South Boston dive bar--these five athletes of boozing will debate the finer points of cartoons, how Johnny Pesky is the finest Red Sox alive, and whether or not Cobra Kai got a bad rap in Karate Kid. You'll be a fly on the wall for their ongoing improvised insanity. I will warn you, I'm a damn good suggester. My first Dirty Water show involved a long discussion about the merits of the Lion Voltron vs. Vehicle Voltron--so I'd advise you to bone up on your esoteric pop culture trivia, so when these five drunken jesters ask for something to talk about, you'll have some topics ready like  "Was Jem truly truly truly that outrageous?" Come on out and support the hometown boys at Improv Boston, and for the record, Lion Voltron would destroy Vehicle Voltron with one lion tied behind his back.

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Theaters-Performing Arts Centers • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Soul, Man

When I was a kid, my favorite food was fried chicken. But as I grew older, I became jaded after suffering through one too many half-assed versions. I had to go all the way to Boston to find the redeemer of fried chicken: Coast Café. The most unassuming, tiny little soul food spoon in probably all of New England has the best fried chicken I've had in years. I'm not sure how they do it. Maybe because they pan fry it. Regardless, you need to eat it. And you also need to get a side of mac and cheese, because it's equally awesome. (They put breadcrumbs in it. Breadcrumbs, damn it!) It's also worth mentioning that the people running the place are exactly the kind of people you need for proper soul food preparation: they're happy and they're nice. They work in Central Square, the angriest spot on the planet, but somehow they're happy. Please check out Coast Café, because I need to make sure that this isn't some kind of mirage.

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Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

The Time of Your Life!

It took me five years of living in Boston to finally step inside the mysterious Cantab Lounge in Central Square. I was a little apprehensive, as it seemed to have quite the godforsaken scene--drunken old men, trashy ladies, and cheap beers--an unholy sight. But I was convinced to enter upon hearing it would be playing host to a good live band. Surprisingly, I had one of the best Saturday nights in a long time--dancing like this town has never seen. The band covered songs by Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Al Green, as well as dozens of other dance-yer-socks-off favorites. I unfortunately was right about the "scene"--but I got over it, because for some reason it all doesn't seem to matter. Give me a PBR, comfortable dancing shoes, and the saxophone--and I am good to go.

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Nightlife • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Beats White Castle

From the outside, Moody's Falafel Palace is unremarkable, save for the fact that it obviously used to be a White Castle. But it really is worth checking out, even if you don't normally enjoy a trip to the "Hoboton" of Central Square. Inside, there's not a tinge of White Castle to be found, with exposed brick and an unpretentious Mediterranean vibe inhabiting the tiny space. The menu is what you'd expect for fast food Greek: gyros, spanakopita, schwarma, hummus, baklava. But it's really, really good. I can see why they've dubbed themselves a falafel palace, because they have truly mastered the chickpea: perfectly seasoned and crispy. Other highlights include vegetarian options, pickle presence, and excellent hot sauce. Their prices are quite low, considering how good they are. The best part is that they're open until 3 am most nights of the week, which will really come in handy once the addiction kicks in. Service can be somewhat indifferent, but, hey, they've never claimed to be the Shangri-La. And honestly, a hidden gem this awesome could have the Soup Nazi running the show for all I care. What I won't do for good falafel!

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Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

The Anarchy of White Walls

Oh, the burdens of the white-walled, no-painting-allowed apartment! As many renters know all too well, it is a challenge to fully express oneself at home when the anarchy of white walls keeps trying to conquer the room. Ikea and Pottery Barn can't save you; you'll need something stronger, something that can prove victorious over the scrounging infinite void that is the color white. This incessant domestic struggle is what has led me to my newest obsession: switch plates and outlet covers. And the best place to buy them: Buckaroo's Mercantile. Offering a multitude of images, including Mexicana figures, tongue-in-cheek renderings of religious and mild sexual propaganda, and kitsch icons such as Elvis, robots, cowboys, and Audrey Hepburn, Buckaroo's Mercantile gives the retro new life through function. Switch plates, outlet covers, lamps, shower curtains, toilet seats, door mats, posters, night lights, mirrors, salt and pepper shakers, aprons, apparel, clocks... drown out your white walls with an extreme assault of dazzling, vibrant vintage!

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Shopping • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Extensive Temptress

Zoe's is one of those places you randomly find, just outside of Harvard Square, tucked into a little mini-mall, all concrete and plastic signs. Once you step inside, Formica and washes of color greet you as you sit down and crack open the menu, and find yourself staring at one of the most extensive breakfast/lunch spots in Cambridge. Greek classics, American staples, shakes, flavored cokes, wraps, sandwiches, kabobs, you pretty much name it, Zoe's will grill it up and lay it in front of you. My personal recommendations extend from the pastrami and swiss to the steak and eggs (usually a risky choice, but good here) and my personal favorite: the My 3 Sons. Three eggs, homefries, three sausage, three bacon, and choice of 3 pancakes or french toast slices. If you can even walk out of the place after that, I commend you. So the food will make your day, the prices are what you’d expect, but it's a busy spot, so be prepared to have a leisurely meal, as the waitstaff tend to take their time. That's the only negative thing I can say about the place though, so if you can eat slow, take the trip.

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Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

So It's Named After a Mythical Nordic Country

With a name like Patrick, you tend to look favorably upon Irish bars. It's in the blood, really. Throw a few Celtic crosses up, some Chieftains on the juke, and I'm in. Having said all that, the Asgard seems to be missing something. Don't get me wrong, it's a decent enough joint. They have a sizeable bar selection, HUGE amounts of space, and a pretty decent menu. Yes, I know, decent, menu, and Irish bar rarely go together, but they do alright here. I'm a fan of the Shepherds Pie myself, but don't look at the menu too long, as the Italian dishes with some Gaelic name attached to make it Irishy will make you lose your appetite. There's just something missing. It feels like they're trying too hard to be that bar the regulars flock to. Still, they throw a very good trivia night, seeing as they're down the street from Trivia Nerd Heaven, MIT, and they grab a few good locals for Saturday night music as well. I say, check out some of the more interesting spots in Central first, and if they're packed, I guarantee the Asgard will have plenty of room for you.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Peace

Find me another restaurant serving Coq au Vin for $6.95, and then keep it to yourself, or risk local inflation. This is the kind of secret I shouldn't be divulging since once you know, I'll be behind you in line. On the other hand, these are probably good, hard-working people who need more business. Back to the miracle menu: How's about Beef Burgundy for $6.50? Cashew chicken salad for $4.50? Chicken Teriyaki for $6.00, or swordfish for $6.50? That’s that fish with the funny nose for $6.50! These people must be independently wealthy. The style is Jordanian overall with a few forays over the border, as shown above. There's a Cairo Chicken salad made with warm meat, mixed nuts, dates, and greens. There are the kebabs and hummus you might expect. Try the vegetable curry on rice. You can even smoke the Sheesha pipes with tobacco flavors of fruit and flowers. And examine the cool laminated polyurethane 1970's style counter. It's studded with Confederate dollars. What's that about?

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Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Wholesome Gluttony

I take breakfast very seriously. Grease, eggs, bacon, cheeses of all varieties, etc are all necessary for me to feel satisfied when sitting down to a bite in the morning. Occasionally one of your friends will suggest that due to his/her diet, vegetarianism, cholesterol, religion, what have you, they need something a bit less grease-choked but still filling. That, dear readers, is where the Brookline Lunch in Central Square comes in. An unassuming storefront opens up to a rather charming interior, all old benches and exposed brick. One look at the menu alone does not show the difference between here and the other greasebomb-laden spots around the corner, as it's all your excellent delicious standard breakfast fare, but once that plate arrives at your table you see: giant portions with homefries on the side but alongside a pile of hot-off-the-grill veggies like mushrooms and tomatoes that all tastes wonderful. Also, the prices are incredibly low. I've never spent more then fifteen dollars for two people, including tip. It's a cute place, family run, and as you can see by the picture, these are people who are proud of their work. It's ten steps from the Redline, so is well worth the stroll.

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Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Clear Conscience Café

Next time you’re Central-Squaring, square yourself up to the modest space that abuts the Harvest Market. That place would be your friendly neighborhood health-conscious bistro- Clear Conscience Café. Billed as a needed community café space, C3 (as it’s called on the placard placed outside on the street) delivers clean, comfortable and pretty spacious seating and free wi-fi for up to an hour of use. As for the food: there’s a decent range of sandwiches available, cold or pressed as paninis. There are also soups on tap—including chili—that are rotated daily, because, as an apparent manager behind the counted recounted when I was there, the café is kept on its toes by a demanding, regular lunch crowd. All in all, C3 is a pretty fine example of an eatery where you can lounge and get some work done, all while treating your body right.

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Coffee • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Rangzen Tibetan Restaurant

Being rather unfamiliar with Tibetan food, I can’t say whether His Holiness the Dalai Lama would sing the praises of Rangzen Tibetan Restaurant or not. That aside, signature Tibetan prayer flags were hung invitingly over the entry, the lack of trans fats impressed me, and complimentary crispy bread sweetened the deal. Though little was familiar in taste or pronunciation, the steamed veggie Momo dumplings (they have meatlovers, too) totally hit the spot and the house special, a Gyakor Tibetan Hot Pot, was quite the feast. An ornate soup pedestal with a candle underneath to keep it warm, the hot pot was a helluva lot more food than expected ($37.95 for three). Filled with veggies, chicken, and beef, it also came with yshang phaley (whole wheat fried bread), tingmo (steamed bun), rice, and a tasty tomato onion salad. The poecha, on the other hand, a milk, butter and salt tea, didn’t quite top my delicacy list. Whether it was made traditionally with yak butter, I can’t say. Somehow I’m not sure that would’ve changed my opinion. Rangzen doesn’t have a working website but mixmenu.com has delivery. I say try it—for 2,500 year old politically correct cuisine you would be challenged to find better!

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Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Toscanini's

Capuccino. Belgian Chocolate. Hydrox. Mocha. Burnt Caramel…I’ll stop there before I drown in my own pile of drool. Toscanini’s is the perfect ice cream shop for us grown ups—laid back and helpful service, cool music on the speakers, and free samples galore. The focus is on unique and classic flavors that are bold and not too sweet. There is just no beating the quality and taste of this ice cream. And it kind of makes sense that the best can be found right in the heart of Cambridge not far from MIT. In fact, maybe it’s proximity to the brilliant MIT students that fuels the mad scientist-like inspiration that creates these amazing flavors. Something has to explain the most amazing hot fudge your mouth will ever experience. In a town that cherishes ice cream like Seattle idolizes coffee, Toscanini’s never disappoints. Chocolate Chip, Malted Heath, Cake Batter, Honey Almond…

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Shopping • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Naked Stand Up Comedy

Naked stand-up comedy? Yep, it’s as cringeworthy and awkward as it sounds. At ImprovBoston’s The Naked Comedy Showcase held the first Wednesday of every month, Boston’s up-and-coming comics are literally, um, the butt of the jokes. For the past two years, Andy Ohfiesh and his troupe of fearless comedians tackle everyone’s worst fear: standing in front of a packed house in the buff. That’s right—completely naked. And if you’re turned on by the idea, think again. There are strict rules the performers must adhere to—no sexual acts, no touching the audience and no tips. If it kind of sounds like a gimmick, well, it is. At $10 a pop, Improv Boston consistently fills all of its 75 seats on word-of-mouth marketing alone. Once patrons make it past the initial shock, it’s oddly refreshing to see acts like Myq Kaplan, The Walsh Brothers, and Rev. Tim McIntire let it all hang out. Check out The Naked Comedy Showcase at 10 pm August 1 before the troupe heads out to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

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Theaters-Performing Arts Centers • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Public Art Around Town

Boston has some great museums—the MFA, ICA,the Stewart Gardner, and so on. These cultural institutions have given us access to some of the most amazing works the art world has to offer. But there is always a price and frequent visits to museums can be costly. And with the arrival of summer who wants to spend an afternoon inside galleries with no windows? There is free, public art all over the city; you just have to, well, look at it. Take a walk through Harvard Yard and check out this bronze sculpture by British artist Henry Moore. It sits across the street from Harvard’s Carpenter Center, designed by famous Swiss-born architect, artist and writer Le Corbusier; this is his only building in North America. From Harvard head down Mass Ave, towards Central Square and check out Cambridge City Hall. This massive stone building was designed by master architect H.H. Richardson, who also designed Boston’s famous landmark, Trinity Church in Copley Square. Arriving in Central Square you will be in public art Mecca, as there are murals on many of the buildings showcasing the ethnic and cultural diversity of the neighborhood. In Central Square the people themselves are works of art.

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Landmarks • Central Square / Cambridgeport

River Gods

Yes, River Gods is yet another Irish pub in Boston. Its owners are Irish and they serve a great pint of Guinness. But, you won’t find any shamrocks hanging on the walls here. What you will find is a contemporary (shamrocks have been replaced by gargoyles and goddesses, creating a bit of a Wiccan motif), cozy bar featuring some of the most awesome chow around. The menu is vast and eclectic, offering everything from kimchee hand rolls to burgers and it’s all incredibly delicious (their french fries have actually won awards). They haven’t forgotten anyone either; they also offer a vegan and vegetarian menu. The small space fills up quickly, around 9 pm, as the DJ’s, who rotate nightly, do their thing. Even though the kitchen is open nightly until 10 pm, it is best to get there early to get a table.

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Nightlife • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Miracle of Science Bar and Grill

A restaurant with a name like Miracle of Science Bar & Grill could only be located in Cambridge by MIT. Science nerds will appreciate the unique theme. There’s a full bar, and drinks are served in beaker-shaped glasses. While they don’t have a huge selection, you can read the menu on the chalkboard on the wall—it’s in the shape of a periodic table! It’s a small establishment, so seating can be a bit rough. The food, which includes thin burgers and some great quesadillas, is good, but it’d just be another college hangout if it weren’t for that awesome periodic table.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Central Square / Cambridgeport

The Field

I’ve never even been to Ireland, but whenever I go to The Field I feel like an Irish ex-pat suddenly cured of homesickness. The Field is friendly, comforting, and just tucked away enough that you know you won’t spend your time there awash in young drunklings—at least not until later, but then they’re hip little Cambridge drunklings, which is just a notch more tolerable than the ones you’d encounter elsewhere. The sunset-colored walls are festooned with classic Irish décor. The narrow back room sports a pool table and dart board, which turns getting to the bathroom later in the evening into a kind of gauntlet run to avoid getting impaled in the temple or liver by a dart or pool cue. But it’s all part of the fun. If you love Guinness and Boddingtons and would order bangers off a menu, this place is your boy. Proof of this can also be found in the number of Irish who actually do work at or patronize the place. The fact that credit cards aren’t accepted helps to simplify an already mellow experience.

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Nightlife • Central Square / Cambridgeport

People’s Republik

I guess one of the best ways to illustrate the diversity of this place is to first tell you about the dude on crutches playing Rod Stewart’s timeless classic, “IIIF you want my body, AAAAND you think I’m sexy …” ON THE KAZOO. No, I’m not kidding. Evidently the preamble to that performance was a little ditty on a harmonica followed by a request for everyone’s iPods. Yeah, I don’t know. We hadn’t arrived yet. But behind him, unfazed, stood a posse of apparent Brooks Brothers models. Some MIT students smoked cigarettes outside. In walked a girl with a pierced forehead and her boyfriend whose earlobes hung to his shoulders. This place is, truly, a bar by the people, of the people and for the people. ALL …the people. Who drink, dart, and kazoo in perfect harmony. The only dark aspect of the place is the interior–literally. It’s a bit dingy but there’s tons of helpful signage for those feeling a bit lost (“Be nice or leave,” for instance). The beer selection is unbeatable. Bizarre as it sounds, it’s a difficult place not to feel like you belong. No matter who you are.

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Nightlife • Central Square / Cambridgeport

Great Eastern Trading Company

This is one of those places you need to know about to find—and that you just plain need to know about. It’s like the Garment District’s little sister on crack. One is lured inside by the sequins apparel and fluorescent hair always featured in the window displays. There’s limited space inside, spawning the need to get right down to the point—the clothes are truly vintage; the accessories, genuinely funky. Purposes for coming here (besides the entertainment factor) might include: transvestite night, punk rock air band competition, ‘60s party, ‘70s party, ‘80s party, acid party. Also note that the magic clothing rack in the back wall swings around 180 degrees to reveal all of the pimpin’ leather coats, retro crocheted ponchos, and Molly Ringwald taffeta dresses you may have overlooked. What with the secretive location, it’s also a fantastic alternative to the better-known thrift stores for some last-minute Halloween shopping.

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Shopping • Central Square / Cambridgeport