The London, Hollywood, CA

Believe it or not, this blog is read by people all over the world and some weeks international readers far outnumber people who actually reside in or near Boston. That's the only reason I can come up with to explain why we receive so many invitations to attend events around the country and, in fact, the globe. Some recent invites included a technology conference in Munich, art gallery openings in London and the one above, for an event in West Hollywood, California.


Of course, I don't have a Lear jet at my disposal to zip off to all of these or, believe me, I would. These all seem both fun and interesting but when we get them I have to admit that I chuckle. As if I am going to fly to California, from Boston, for a cocktail party tomorrow night.


When I received this invite to The London, a very nice hotel, indeed, I decided to jokingly post it on Facebook, saying that I am SO famous even Hollywood wants me. Friends made funny comments. "Let me get my jacket." "Let me know if you need a date." "haha"


Then, I received a late night message from a friend who was actually in Hollywood and said she was free the next evening and could really go to it. Suddenly, I was intrigued. I gave her the contact details and encouraged her to follow-up. Later the next morning, she messaged me that she was on the guest list.


What followed was an evening of Watermelon Basil Gazpacho by Gordon Ramsey at The London, cocktails with friends and an introduction to the art of Bocce on the rooftop.


My co-worker from a few years back, Kate Hamm (that's Kate in the teal dress) shot these photos with guests as she enjoyed the sunset over California within walking distance of the legendary intersection of Hollywood and Vine.


This story really hit home the fact that social media has become an amazing new way to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues that one might normally lose contact with and, not only keep that network open, but also expand it wider and wider, literally all over the world. It's not just for kids any more.

The London
1020 North San Vicente Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069-3802
Telephone: 310.854.1111

Detour

How often do you get a night with a legend? Boston Bruins Great Rick Middleton on concussions and losing the Stanley Cup. What an amazing night of stories, fun, food and people.

Prudential Cheeseboy Party

Boston Bruin Mike Krushelynski, TBF, Bruins Legend Rick Middleton and Cheeseboy Founder Michael Inwald enjoying a moment at the celebration tonight. Yes, that is the Celtics Cedric Maxwell in the background.

The weather was beautiful, the venue a gem and the people both fun and interesting tonight. And the Cheeseboy Prudential location donated 100% of their sales today to Hole In The Wall Camps, the organization founded by Paul Newman to send children with serious and terminal illnesses to camp for the first time in their lives! We had the chance to talk at length with legendary Boston sports stars and could have listened to their stories all night long. We'll have many more pics and videos coming up next week.

Sports Stars Eating

Boston Red Sox Rightfielder Josh Reddick, TBF, Wally The Green Monster and those gleaming trophies. Wouldn't it be sweet to see three trophies on that table?

What do Red Sox Josh Reddick, Bruins Rick Middleton and Mike Krushelynski, and Celtics great Cedric Maxwell all have in common? The Boston Foodie. We'll be hanging out and eating with all of them this week and letting you know all about it with plenty of pics. Next week is Sports Week at TBF!!!

Exploring More Foodie Apps

We left SCVNGR Headquarters yesterday after our morning class, part of their Social Media Summer School series, and headed over to Kendall Square only to discover this. It appears to be a QR code spray painted onto the sidewalk in what we'd consider our first encounter with QR code graffiti. I have to admit I scanned it - to no avail. Perhaps it was damaged by all that pedestrian traffic but it simply would not work.


(Left to Right) Clay Fox, Co-Founder Ryan Kuder and Lea Marino of Bizzy.com, Eric Leist and Mike Schneider.

In the evening we enjoyed a very impressive dinner at The Blue Room in Kendall Square with the cool people from the new mobile social media app Bizzy.com and the Allen and Gerritson emerging technology gurus. Finally had the chance to meet THE Eric Leist! A full review of the dinner to follow.

Splash Stuff Party

We could not miss the Stuff Magazine Party at Splash last week so we headed on over to enjoy some Stoli sponsored cocktails and mingle on the rooftop before dinner.




We had a sip of all three but agreed that the Blood Orange Martini was the best. Great to run into Patrick (Oh, those 30K Millionaires) from studio pk, inc. and lots of other friends. Here's more pics.














Splash
150 Kneeland Street, Boston MA
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 5pm-2am
CLOSED Sunday & Monday
Telephone: 617.426.6397

Monday Wine Club At Ashmont Grill

I have said before that the Monday Wine Club at Ashmont Grill is one of the best values for dining out in Boston. Where else can you get four courses, with wine, for $35.00? Last week's dinner featured Nantucket Vineyard wines and lots of seafood.


The best part of Monday Wine Club in July is that a portion of every dinner is donated to Future Chefs! It has been great to see the staffs of MARKET by Jean-Georges, rialto, Edible Boston and Allandale Farm all come out to support the cause. The last dinner is tonight so book your table now by calling after 2:00 PM.


We began with this gorgeous amuse bouche, a simple crostini with beet, goat cheese, walnuts and baby arugula.


The Grilled Clams, Oysters and Mussels were paired with a Pinot Gris, elevated in stainless steel for a a more fruity palate with just a hint of sugar.


The Corn and Lobster Risotto was paired with a Chardonnay made with grapes grown in the Columbia River Valley and richly aged in oak barrels.


Chef Chris Douglass at work.


Chefs Chris, John and Nuno came into the dining room to display the Whole Grilled Bluefish with Rosemary and Lemon before serving.




The staff at MARKET by Jean-Georges at the W Boston stopped in, including the brand new Chef de Cuisine, Matthew Barros, who was lucky enough to get an extra serving of the Grilled Bluefish.


For dessert we were served Chocolate Roulade With Cherry Compote. This was paired with Nantucket's dark red Syrah.


The very special frozen pear, puree and prosecco second dessert that was served to our table only. Thank you Chef Chris Douglass!

Ashmont Grill
555 Talbot Avenue
Dorchester Ctr, MA 02124
Telephone: 617.825.4300

Rihanna Live in Boston

Mikal was sending seriously cool wide shots last night before his transmission was interrupted. Oh well, it's a bloggers life. Great job Mikal.

Dinner at Del Frisco's

I pretty much had the best seat in the house. With Benson and Jackie on my left, Mike at the end of the table, and the fabulous waterfront view to my right, plus all the ladies who blog at the other table, how great is this? More pics and words to follow.

Oh, did I mention Terry Francona was hanging at the bar?

Boston Food Bloggers Tweetup

We stopped in last week to Lansdowne Pub to check in with fellow food bloggers and enjoy some Twisted Tea. Molly of CheapBeets was there. So was Lindsey of BeantownEats. The next event will be a Boston Harbor cruise in August. It's going to be a three hour tour. A three hour tour. I'll be playing the part of Thurston Howell III. All jokes aside, I am really looking forward to seeing all my Boston blogger friends at TECHmunch this weekend, where we will geek out on technology, stuff ourselves (of course) and have the chance to meet and greet all our fave foodies. That and tons of pics, I am sure. Rachel, who is the angel that organizes all these food blogger events, will be a panelist.


Mikal at his second TBF event. Luv the name badge you made Mikal!


With Adam of @ConciergeBoston. If you don't follow his Twitter feed then you don't know where to go or what to do, mostly for free, in and around Boston. He covers everything from food to sports to cultural events and tall ships. You should definitely follow him.

Splash

Kelly and Mikal at the Splash party tonight hosted by Stuff Magazine and Stoli. I love hanging with the beautiful people of Boston.

STUFF Magazine's Grand Marnier Smash Up

We joined STUFF Magazine last week as their guests on the patio at Liberty Hotel for their Grand Marnier Smash Up Party.


Mikal Smith with the ladies of Grand Marnier.


The real star of the show was this classic liqueur. I have always thought of Grand Marnier as very sweet but in the drinks we enjoyed it was quite light and refreshing.


We sipped Grand Marnier with cranberry juice and lime, perfect on a hot night.


The event was very well-attended by and quite crowded by the time we left. You may know that the Liberty was built on the site of the former Charles Street Jail. It's unique architecture incorporates some of the original parts of the building, including the jail cells.


Although it was very hot out the breeze from The Charles cooled us off and after sunset it was a great place to hang out.


The new TBF team, which will allow us to cover even more events and food news.


Mikal with STUFF Magazine photographer Natasha Moustache.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and announcements for some cool summer parties over the next few weeks. Remember, most of these events we find are totally free.

Scan it If u know How

QR codes are cool. Do you like the blue background? A restaurant named Helvetica? Great Idea.

The Lord Stanley Cup

We will be lifting Lord Stanley's Cup on July 28 with Rick Middleton and Mike Krushelynski of the Boston Bruins if anyone wants to join us for a cool photo opp. Dreams come true.

On The Town

We enjoyed a sumptuous four courses, sipped wine and laughed the night away at Ashmont Grill for their Monday Wine Club this week. I love an evening of great dinner conversation! Don't forget, each Wine Club dinner in July benefits Future Chefs so be sure to stop by next week. We dined and mingled with Chef Jody Adams and the staff at rialto (keep in mind their upcoming PMC fundraiser), the Edible Boston team, folks from Allandale Farm and practically the whole staff of Market by Jean-Georges at the W Hotel, Boston. This is THE place to be on a Monday night! More on our Wine Club dinner to follow. Special thanks to PR Diva Chris Lyons for updating us on the Bastille Day Waiter's Run winner. And, oh yeah, Juelle you are crazy!


Meanwhile, Mikal was across town representing at the Stuff Magazine VIP Party at Grand Canal. And represent in style he does. Just look at that pic!


Mikal's guest for the event was the very glamorous Janina.


Guests sipped Calypso Coolers and enjoyed appetizers on the rooftop. This is a great location to relax a bit before attending a TD Garden event.

On Wednesday night we'll be at the Splash party, again hosted by Stuff Magazine and Thursday night taking advantage of the cool ocean breezes by dining at the Del Frisco's blogger dinner. See you there!