THE SPIRIT(S) OF IRELAND
Boston's new upscale Irish watering hole the Whiskey Priest is just in front of the ICA, not far from the original settlement of Irish immigrants fleeing the great potato famine. Irreverently named, this pub is filled with devout sports fans who worship in front of its 23 flat screens. Celtic homeboys or the just plain adventurous dine on crubeens (that's pig's feet) and what better way to wash them down, says owner Ciaran McNelis, than with a shot of Middleton Rare or Glenrothes. The Irish gastro-pub with its nearly 30-metre mahogany bar has killer Irish music, 100 bottles of whisky on the wall, and the promise of endless Celtic camaraderie. Craic Agus Ceol! 150 Northern Ave.; 617-426-8111; www.whiskey-priest.com
LIVE LARGE
Menton is a new project from revered Boston chef Barbara Lynch, known for her fine food and impeccable vision of what Bostonians want to eat. (Pronounced mon-ton, it's named after Lynch's favourite French village.) Inspired by French and Italian cuisines, Menton is, for foodies feeling flush, a must-try. As Lynch says, “It's a place to get really dressed up.” The high ceilings, Austrian glassware, German porcelain, fine French linens and Le Cinq service from waistcoated waiters are an elegant prix fixe fantasy escape from underwater mortgages and collapsed pension funds. The menu, created by Lynch and her wunderkind executive chef, Colin Lynch (no relation), includes delicacies such as kataifi-wrapped langoustines with peas, pumpkin seed oil and pickled rhubarb. 354 Congress St.; 617-737-0099; MentonBoston.com
LOUNGE WIZARDS
With its speakeasy vibe and weekly live musical homage to Ol' Blue Eyes, Lucky's Lounge isn't new and isn't dolled up to look old. The joint is thoroughly old-school. This strictly local hangout, with a mix of dusty guys who just climbed down from a backhoe and dressed-to-the-nines singles from the financial district, is housed in an old brick warehouse below street level. There's no sign, a dimly lit interior with a reddish glow coming off the wood-panelled walls, and the cool tunes of Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra. This nightspot has well-worn, cozy booths and a supper-club ambience. The menu does buckle to current taste trends and has excellent Kobe sliders and such, but stick with a rib-eye or some fine fried chicken and feel as slick as the Rat Pack guys and their babes. 355 Congress St.; 617-357- 5825; www.luckyslounge.com
Bostonians cut loose each week for salsa dancing with Miriam Ortiz (right).
MIAMI IN BOSTON
Those PhDs, MBAs and MDs for which Beantown is so famous let loose once a week at after-work salsa, sushi and tequila fiestas. From June to September, Miriam Ortiz, a teacher of salsa dancing, joins friends at the harbourfront restaurant Sushi-Teq for Tequila Tuesdays. Palms (potted) sway, salty breezes cool the air and Chef Oga pairs sushi with 69 variants of tequila (reputedly the biggest tequila stash in Boston). All the while Ortiz demonstrates sultry salsa moves and invites Sushi-Teq diners and drinkers to join in. A few shots of Patron and the number of Latino wannabes increases exponentially, so get there early. The InterContinental ; 510 Atlantic Ave.; 617-217-5150
Where to stay
Fairmont Battery Wharf A must-stay for history-conscious travellers. The luxe Canadian managed hotel with superb views of the harbour is built right on the spot where U.S. Revolutionary hero Paul Revere hit the road for his famous journey. There are telescopes in some rooms and binoculars on demand for salty views. And no need to battle Boston traffic when arriving by air: The hotel organizes airport arrivals and departures by water taxi. Add in the hotel's restaurant, Sensing, with a menu created by Michelin three-star chef Guy Martin, and walk-a-block access to the Italian district's cafés. Rates from $249 to $2,200 for the Harbor Suite. 3 Battery Wharf; (800) 257-7544, fairmont.com/batterywharf.
Golden Slipper Weirder and wetter is this floating bed and breakfast. Boston is a seaside city so why not sleep aboard a Catalina Chris Craft tied up at one of the waterfront's historic wharves. Just steps from Boston's old Italian section and a 10-minute walk from historical sights, see Boston from the sea. Rates from $185. www.bostonsbedandbreakfastafloat.com
Special to The Globe and Mail
