I hit Boston this weekend with some friends. Prior to this trip, the majority of my time in the Boston area had been spent in Cambridge (with the occasional trip to Newbury Street). Cambridge is a great town on it’s own, but it was nice to dig deep into Boston and really get a taste of the city.
If you’re looking for good Seafood in Boston (and why wouldn’t you be?), look no further than Neptune Oyster. Located in Boston’s North End, this quaint spot hits the mark on every detail. The lobster roll came highly recommended (for good reason). I went hot with butter.
Bobby’s from Boston is probably the best vintage store I’ve ever been to. Amazing men’s clothing and accessories from all eras…and at can’t miss prices. I need to plan another trip and dedicate it entirely to this store.
Craft cocktail bars continue to be the hot trend in drinking culture. Drink is Boston’s best offering. No menu, just tell the bartender what you’re looking for and they’ll craft something specific to your wants and desires. It was a hot day, but I whisky…they worked based off those two points and served me what was probably the best cocktail I’ve ever had.
The bar snacks are pretty killer too.
Ball & Buck is a new shop on high-end Newbury St. It’s a refreshing and relevant break from the designer and chain stores prominent of the block. Stacked high with Bill’s Khakis, Gitman shirting and other brands of that ilk, Ball & Buck only stocks brands that are made in America.
They also operate a one chair barber shop in the back.
As the warmer months near (sort of) I find myself starting to plan weekend trips to escape the concrete jungle. I recently stumbled upon a hotel group called King & Grove, which operates two (i hesitate to say “boutique”) hotels in Montauk, Ruschmeyer’s and the Surf Lodge…As well as one in Miami, Tide’s South Beach. With projects currently underway in Brooklyn and Manhattan, they might just be the coolest lodging operation going.
As most of you probably already know, the word “Pub” (as in bar), comes from the term Public House. In short, public houses we’re 19th century drinking establishments and restaurants, most of which also offered a small amount lodging upstairs for travelers (a beer and a bed…pretty much all a guy needs.)
With the opening of Longman & Eagle in Chicago, The Grazing Goat in London and Honor & Folly in Detroit, this concept has been experiencing a bit of a renaissance lately…with modern updates, of course.
The Grazing Goat (London)
Longman & Eagle (Chicago)
Honor & Folly (Detroit)
* While Honor & Folly does not operate it’s own bar, it is located above The Sugar House, a craft cocktail bar.
The second installment of Monocle Mediterraneo, the Media brands large-format summer newspaper, is set to hit newsstands on July 28th. With a report from Pitti Uomo, as well as the usual briefings on food, culture, retail and design, Mediterraneo is sure to please the cultural senses.
Tyler Brûlé, who along with his company, Monocle, frequents this site, is another person who I’d like to be like when I grow up. New York Magazine recently published a lengthy story regarding his brand, his view on the media landscape and his lifestyle.
I’ve been doing a lot of flying via the no-fun, no beverage, no leg room, and most notable…no carry-on airline, known as Spirit lately. If you haven’t heard, Spirit is charging extra for any carry-on bag that doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you, which doesn’t leave room for much. If you’re a frequent bargain traveler (Read: cheap ass) like me, check out Herschel Supply Co., they make some very simple, stylish and inexpensive bags that you won’t mind stuffing under the seat.
I just picked up a copy of Monocle’s summer edition, Monocle Mediterraneo, yesterday. As usual, it’s a great read.
I don’t know if it’s the content, the design or the fact that I feel a little more cultured when I carry it around, but I love Monocle, it’s my favorite publication at the moment.
Monocle was founded by Tyler Brule (who also founded Wallpaper Magazine) in February 2007. The publication covers international affairs, business, culture and design. Headquartered in London with offices in Tokyo, Zurich and New York, Monocle is published 10 times a year.
Usually in magazine form, Monocle Mediterraneo, is the media brands first newspaper style offering. Inspired by the hype of ipads and digital devices, Monocle wanted to offer content that people could indulge in at the beach or poolside during their summer vacations. Offered mostly in Mediterranean cities (hence the name), Monocle Mediterraneo, is also offered in select resort areas in the US and Europe.
If you don’t yet have the luxury to galavant around resort towns, you may also find it at a specialty magazine shop like I did.
Watch a recent Bloomberg interview with Monocle Editor, Tyler Brule, here.
