TUES 8/16: National Rum Day -- in Cambridge

6pm to 8pm
National Rum Day: Tasting Pop-Up
at Zinc Apartments Outdoor Terrace, 22 Water St, Cambridge (near Lechmere)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

You can celebrate National Rum Day anywhere, nowhere, or in your kitchen; however there is a nearby spot where it won't cost you anything.

The beautiful thing about this sampling is that the all of these rums were distilled within Route 128 with the furthest site being about 80 miles away.

When celebrating Rum Day, it's worth noting that Boston had a rich rum history before the Civil War (i.e. part of the slave economy), but don't let history ruin every rum & cola or mojito.

Much like everything else made, bought, or sold in America before 1860; many people suffered while others partied. Perhaps we should appreciate that we have made progress in the last 150 years -- AND that local jobs are being created (with wages) by getting sloshed on locavore liquor.

It sounds like 5 local rums will be available at the top of the apartment building. Who knows how many people live in this building, but most will probably try to muscle in.

Reserve your spot and taste spirits from Privateer (Ipswich, MA), GrandTen Distilling (Boston, MA), Deacon Giles Distillery (Salem, MA), Short Path Distillery (Everett, MA), and New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery (Winchester, NH).

Extra points for anyone who says "Happy Rumadan" to a stranger on the terrace...

PS: The CTB Calendar is currently updated through Friday...

"Two See or Not Two See": Free Outdoor Shakespeare in Boston & Chelsea

Othello, Boston Common, 2010

Cyrano, O'Malley Park, 2010

Now Thru SUN 7/31

8pm to 10:30pm
"Hamlet": Apollinaire in the Park
at Port Park, 99 Marginal St, Chelsea
FREE

Wednesdays to Sundays -- 8pm

"Bring Lawn Chairs or Blankets and come ready to move with the action!"

Now Thru SUN 8/7

Various Times
Shakespeare on the Common: "Love's Labour's Lost"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
FREE

Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm
Saturday 8/6: Extra Matinee -- 3pm

We usually get only one free Shakespeare production per hot, humid Boston summer. The Bard asked whether one can desire too much of a good thing, but we can handle a double-shot of classic theatre al fresco.

The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has been performing in Boston Common for two decades. There is high production value with big, stylized sets and actors who have appeared on Broadway and TV. Although "Love's Labour's Lost" is not one of the most accessible comedies in the body of work, this is always a delightful way to sit in the park for a couple hours.

On the other hand, I watched Apollinaire's thoroughly entertaining version of "Cyrano" a few years back in a different Chelsea park. The actors were wearing period costumes, but it was a bare-bones affair. I am seriously considering hopping on the #111 bus to catch their inventive approach to the travails of our favorite moody Danish prince. Instead of set changes, the audience will watch the drama move to 10 different locations in the park.

CTB Calendar: First 10 Days of July

As I get back on the Cheap Thrills horse, I have some fun for the next week or so on the calendar.

This guy is heading to the Cape tomorrow morning. If I don't post anything in the next couple days, I want to share my idea for watching the fireworks on July 4th:

The roof of this MIT parking garage that should have a good, elevated view. You can't park there, but you should be able to walk up there with a chair and cold beverages...

Stay tuned...

SAT 2/21: Pix from Bit Fest 2

Noon to Midnight
"Bit Fest 2: Electronic Boogaloo": Arcade & Video Game Festival
at Aeronaut Brewery, 14 Tyler St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE / 21+ after 6pm

Just got back from Bit Fest 2, and the party is still rolling. As I write this, you still have 7 hours to enjoy. I would have stayed longer if I didn't have other plans tonight.

Much like my recollections of going to the arcade as a little brat, someone is usually playing what you really want to play. The bright side is that there are tasty brews to sip while you practice patience. Keep in mind that half-pints let you try different beers more quickly...

It seemed like a perfect opportunity to play multi-player games with strangers on arcade machines or home consoles. (Yes, there is "Dark Castle" a vintage Mackintosh Plus.)

There were some folks playing Jenga, and you can see above that they have a variety of non-electronic games available.

Aeronaut Brewery is just a short walk from Union Square, however I did see a parking lot on Tyler street that said "Ames Business Park" -- where the action is happening.

Cheap Eats: DIY Lobster Roll

When I stopped at Shaw's last night, I saw that chicken lobsters were on sale for $4.99 per pound. That sucks for the lobstermen, but it's not going to stop me from taking advantage of the deal (if any are left).

This is basically a repost that I did for Bostonist's lobster roll series in 2008 that has been altered slightly.

I did call New Deal Fish Market to check on their current lobster price, and it's the same as below. (FYI: They only had one left.) I assume the chips and hot dog buns are priced in the same range.

The New Deal guy did share a tip with me, and it's not just bad-talking his competition: Lobsters that sit in a tank with salted tap water are going to taste like the tank. If you find someone who sells them without keeping them in a tank, that's a place that really cares about good-tasting seafood.

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Homemade Lobster Roll
at Somerville or wherever you cook
$4.17 to $6.32 per roll (chips included)

There's no reason to pay big money for a good lobster roll. With a little effort, the yumminess-to-dollar ratio can be high.

Part of a lobster roll's beauty is that you simply eat it without getting your hands dirty. Just like other aspects of life, self-service can be quite satisfying.

This is New England! There are plenty of places to get a fresh, lively lobba-lobba for your belly. Hit your favorite search engine with "lobster market [your town]." You might pay a dollar or two more, but it will be worth it.

I picked up a 1.75-pounder at New Deal Fish Market in East Cambridge for $21.09 (at $12.99 per lb. -- vs. $4.99 at Shaw's).

With total control over the meal, a generous yet neat amount of lobster salad was laid into a bed of lightly-toasted hot dog buns (8-pack, $1.67). Like a bookworm-ish cousin, the bread's flavor added little to the party, but good-flavor times rolled on without giving it much thought.

An 8.5oz bag of sea salt & vinegar Cape Cod potato chips ($2.50) matched superbly as a delightful side for a goog ol' lobster roll. As far as I'm concerned these are the best potato chips in the world.

A better lobster roll could be found, but very few can beat a homemade lobster made with love. Certainly no restaurant or shack can beat the price!

My Preparation:

Some people just throw them in a pot, but I add aromatics. It's debatable how much flavor they add, but from what I've learned today, it might counter-balance the 'tank flavor' of your chain market crustacean.

If harbor water isn't within a block of your heat source, be sure to salt your water. These are items usually in my pantry are dropped into the water:

- a quartered onion
- a couple stalks of celery (cut into a few pieces)
- a clove or two of garlic
- some peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- a halved lemon

Boiling has been my typical method for 10 to 12 minutes depending on the size, but I'm leaning towards steaming for 8 to 10 minutes these days.

After it's cool enough to handle, the fun part is next. Without making this a lengthy how-to: break off the tail and arms, let sections drain over the sink, and don't eat the stuff near the head.

Crack open every nook and cranny where meat can be found, and don't forget about the legs where each segment can be squeezed like a toothpaste tube. While some love the vibrantly green tomalley, it's not lobster roll material.

I like to keep the tail and claw pieces in relatively big chunks while giving the rest of the meat a rough chop to maximize the premium flavor.

The greatness of lobster is best enjoyed with as little distraction as possible. Some flavor took a bath with the main attraction, so little else should end up in the roll.

Only be enough mayo to coat everything should be added, and celery doesn't usually enter the mix. A wee bit of celery leaves sat underneath for a hint of greens and added texture.

I might add a touch of lemon, and I currently have some fresh thyme in the house that might get in...

The high-road cost:

Lobster: $21.09 +
hot dog buns: $1.67 +
potato chips: $2.50 = $25.28

Divided by 4 = $6.32 per roll.

The Shaw's special:

2 Lobsters (about 2.5 pounds): $12.50 +
hot dog buns: $1.67 +
potato chips: $2.50 = $16.67

Divided by 4 = $4.17 per roll.

If you're troubled about plunging a lobster to its death, Alton Brown explains (about 5 minutes in) that it should be as guiltless as squashing a bug.

SUN 8/12: Sunday Night On-Topic Video

My favorite Cheap Thrill every year is probably HonkFest.

It's a free weekend in October when horn street bands put smiles on faces and booties in motion. Think about supporting the good times.

SAT 6/16: Walk for Charity (and Free Food)

10:30am tp 6pm
6th Annual Anna's Walqueria
from Anna's Taqueria, 1412 Beacon St, Brookline (near Coolidge Corner)
to Anna's Taqueria, 242 Cambridge St, Boston (Beacon Hill/MGH)
to Anna's Taqueria, 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
to Anna's Taqueria, 822 Somerville Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
to Anna's Taqueria, 236A Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
to Anna's Taqueria, 446 Harvard St, Brookline (near Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Of the potential activities for the weekend, you might want some time to think about this one. Boston's favorite burrito chain wants you to help them give money to The Home For Little Wanderers.

They'll give $5 for everyone who shows up tomorrow morning and $5 more for every other location you visit with the crowd. Your incentive is free food and drink at each stop as well as raising funds that don't come out of your pocket. (It is okay to leave tips for the workers serving you along the way.)

It's a nice twist on the corporate donation if you think about it. They want to give money to charity, and they want their patrons to help.

It is going to be a walk, but the loop is about 13 miles. There's a burrito at the beginning and snacks (chips/salsa/guac, taco/small cheese quesadilla) until you get another burrito at the 6th stop along with a coupon for a free burrito. Can you eat Mexican food all day and walk half of a marathon?

Even for orphans...?

It would be nice to let them know you're coming on Facebook.

Some Cheap, Sparkly Tipple for NYE

Whether you go to a party, host a party, or sit in the dark with your cat; there are bubbly beverages with big dollar-to-flavor ratios. Okay, I mainly hope you keep your hands and mouths away from Andre and Korbel. It doesn't matter if you have a fake ID...

Any cava or prosecco will probably be better, but I culled a few bottles that received some positive reviews while costing few dollars.

I won't say "Under $10", because your results may vary. Here are a few ideas when you hit the packie.

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Cristalino Brut Cava (Spain)

Comments:

"...both dry and full of flavor. Spanish cavas are generally not very sweet, making them the best champagne alternative (over California sparklers or Italian proseccos), and the Cristalino scores off the popularity charts in online wine tasting communities and traditional rankings, like those from Wine Spectator."

"With notes of green apple and bright citrus ...delivers the best bang for your buck"

Good stuff! Most of your ccompany will not know this is discount bubbly. Some like the rose version too.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva (Spain)

Comments:

"The wine tastes the way it smells: apple, pear, bread, and minerals. There’s good, crisp acidity too."

"It’s fragrant and clean, and lasts on fruit, a rich style with balance."

Pretty sure I've tried it and made an "Ooooh" sound.

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (Spain)

Comments:

"It has a nice smell that’s a balance between fruity and buttery bread, and tasters dug the bubbles’ smoothness."

"...a noticeably balanced wine with crisp flavors and a smooth finish. Consider this brut for a variety of food options, from the fancy and formal to the informal summer gathering"

"On your tongue, it will taste quite dry, meaning there isn't an overwhelming sweetness to the wine."

"...a sparkling wine that offers excellent value and has been dubbed a 'Champagne killer.'"

"...this is a crowd-pleasing bubbly that's slightly sweet and slightly dry and everything mellow in the middle."

The multiple comments give you the idea: always dependable when you feel like a cheap sparkling wine any time of year.

Zardetto Prosecco (Italy)

Comments:

"It’s light-bodied and fruity, neither yeasty nor toasty. …dry and super-sparkling, with aggressive fizz and a fast finish."

"Soft and delicate... layering subtle nuances of lemon-lime and ripe pear."

Good flavor and a solid value.

Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut (Washington)

Comments:

"...its fresher style that’s lighter than Champagne. The apple-ness turns the mouth almost cidery for some; the finish is fresh and dry."

"...for the celebrant who wants flavor -— specifically, the toasty or oaky flavor typically found in both chardonnay and true French Champagne."

I think I've had it, and it's not bad, especially in a mimosa or a cocktail.

Gruet Brut (New Mexico)

Comments:

"...a simple, crisp sparkler with lots of appley notes."

"...crisp and full of green apple fruit, without the overdone oak and tastiness..."

The label looks fancy -- just don't let people see it's from Albuquerque.

Presto Prosecco Brut (Italy)

Comments:

"Crisp and festive, this Italian sparkler reminded blind tasters of hard cider"

"...with soft fruit, citrus, and yeast notes. The wine is very well balanced between acidity and richness."

Presto, you've made the booze disappear!

Lunetta Prosecco (Italy)

Comments:

"...a well-rounded sparkling wine. Refreshing, crisp, and medium dry, it is a delightful substitute for the much higher priced Champagne."

"Aromatic with white peach and apple on the nose; more apple, white peach, and a hint of lemon on the palate. Dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long finish."

It could be on sale.

SAT 12/10: Want a Free Sailor Jerry Tattoo?

Noon to 9pm
Sailor Jerry Tattoo
at Regeneration Tattoo, 155 Harvard Ave, Allston
FREE

RSVP suggested (probably to schedule a time)

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A little birdie-daddy told me about an opportunity for free ink, so I had to pass it on.

Many years ago my skin-art friends schooled me that Sailor Jerry was the original tattoo auteur. (Or tatteur?)

The man is gone, but his art lives on in people's hearts and other body parts. We also have a bunch of photos.

Based on the RSVP email, this is a promotion for the eponymous rum. Does it matter? It's a free tat...

Don't expect to get your whole back covered, but you could walk out with a tiny lady on your arm -- an arm that perhaps only needed to pass a gratuity and lift a shot of rum.

If they do give you a free tattoo and maybe some Sailor Jerry rum, I imagine a tip would be a decent thing to do...

You Ask, I Answer: Bingo?

This is an easy one.

Jessica "asked":

Quick question -- have you been to Rock N Roll Bingo at Bella Luna/Milky Way?

Is it fun?

No, I haven't.

But I did enjoy my bingo when I went to the same game (i.e. same people) at the Model Cafe.

Isn't the secret that you don't have to be old to enjoy bingo?

It's another way to compete with others in the room -- without having to know the longest-running sitcom or being able to hit a double-bullseye.

It's been a while since I've listed it on the front page, but I leave it on the calendar as a regular thing on the last Wednesday of the month.

Before the Milky Way moved, there was another regular bingo night. So JP folks might have an inclination for inkspotting numbers as quickly as possible.

I suspect people are still having fun, and a few people are still winning prizes (like free drinks).

There might even be free cupcakes every now and then...

Stay Cool (Cheaply)

Since it's getting pretty damn hot, I thought I'd offer a couple ideas to stay cool without running the air conditioner.

If you have any ideas, leave a comment and I'll probably add it to the list.

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1) Go to the Library

There are lots of books, and you don't have to buy anything. Did you know about free Wi-Fi at Boston Public and Minuteman libraries?

2) Go for a Dip

Is it going to be the most relaxing experience? No, but there are more free swimming pools than you might think. And some are open until 9pm.

On the City of Boston heat advisory page, there's various information including a PDF that lists locations in: North End, South End, Southie, Eastie, Chinatown, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury, West Roxbury, and Roslindale.

The Mass DCR site has more locations in Brighton, Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown. I could even go farther and mention spots from Chelsea to Worcester (although some are wading pools).

Heck, I don't have a problem jumping into one of the fountains like those on the Greenway, Copley Square, or even Christian Science Plaza (not the pool). Personally, there's too many kids at the Frog Pond.

3) Cold Wet Towel

It's an oldie but a goodie, and it works well enough. Better than ice cubes in your underwear...

SUN 7/17: Sunday Night On-Topic Video

Ah, I hope everyone had a good weekend.

In case you didn't go to ArtBeat or the New England Sand Sculpting Festival or Festival Betances, 2 out of the three videos below were filmed in the past two days.

You Ask, I Answer: First Time in Boston?

I have another "Ask Cheap Thrills" pending. This was a comment on the previous post and seemed like it required a quick response:

My girlfriend and I are planning on going to Boston tomorrow. It's our first time in Boston so we'll see the Freedom trail, but want to get a real Boston-experience.

Do you have any suggestions on what to do and see? Any interesting events you can recommend?

This is the best quick response off the top of my head...

The Freedom Trail is always good for a first visit.

Don't skip the Haymarket on your way to North End; the pushcart vendors will be out tomorrow selling produce, fish, etc.

It's a concentrated version of the Boston experience with uncooperative people packed together and trying to push their way down the rows.

The vendors are loud & rude, and you'll probably hear someone yell at a customer. (The only place where the customer is wrong.)

The best cheap lunch in town is Galleria Umberto in North End. I usually get a spinach & cheese calzone, but there is pizza/arancini/etc. They make a certain amount of food then they close when it's gone. And how many places serve wine in a dixie cup?

There are cheap Saturday events on the calendar already, and I hope more detailed weekend cheapness will be up soon...

There are also links to some Boston sites on the right side of the page for other ideas.

My tip to every visitor is go to the Mapparium. Your time inside the giant stained-glass 1935 map of the world isn't long enough (about 15 minutes?), but you can't see it anywhere else.

The Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market area is touristy although still historical...

Real Boston experience? There are so many ways to go. Walking down Newbury Street is a good stroll for visitors. You should end up near Mass Ave, and there a places like Bukowskis Tavern or The Other Side Cafe or even Steve's Greek.

You could take the Red Line to Harvard Sq or Davis Sq, and pick a spot that looks good to you.

Faves 2010: Flyers I Posted, Part 1

There were some ideas for other 'year-end' posts, but this is easy to complete...

My favorite flyer that I posted each month in 2010. I'm doing it in 4 segments to reduce the space it takes up on the home page.

The next part will be up tomorrow night.

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JANUARY

I almost picked SAT 1/23 that has a similar format, but this one has bolder colors -- and the bell boy & sheep intrigued me:



FEBRUARY

There were several really good ones (like an edgy V-Day show and old racing photo with text), but it's all over for me when you put sexy legs on a Fender JazzMaster:



MARCH

Yeah, it was a close tie between Foxy Shazam and a red-white-blue one in classic rock poster style followed by The Lights Out's sexy pregnant woman.

Tuesday "Dig-chronicity"

For the record, I regularly pick up the Weekly Dig and generally enjoy reading it for more than Savage Love in the back. I even subscribe to their daily email, which made me wonder if they read my li'l blog.

It's one of the few the daily event updates that shows up later than mine (below), and these were the four items on their list:

- The Big Pink, at The Paradise (good, but $13 is too much for CTB)
- It's From the Sky & Double Nines, at Enormous Room (on CTB)
- Mo Lotman, at Harvard Book Store (on CTB)
- World Cup Boston 2010, at Artists For Humanity Boston (on CTB; they listed a dead link for venue)

I'm not suggesting they ripped me off -- because they would've also added the "Medicine Wheel" -- but it was just surprising how closely we matched today.

I told you that it's hard to find interesting Tuesday events...

10/23: Slap Your Co-worker Day

Other days are considered to be "Slap Your Irritating Co-workers Holiday", but my office is celebrating on October 23.

Sure... It says "irritating", but doesn't that apply to everyone at one time or another. (My cubicle neighbor seems to fit the definition on a daily basis.)

The rules seem to be consistent:

* You can only slap one person per hour -- no more.
* You can slap the same person again if they irritate you again in the same day.
* You are allowed to hold someone down as other co-workers take their turns slapping the irritant.
* No weapons are allowed -- other than going upside somebody's head with a stapler or a hole-puncher.
* If questioned by a supervisor (or police if the supervisor is the irritant), you are allowed to LIE, LIE, LIE!

This blog is not responsible for any consequences relating to any participation!

For the record, this is going overboard:

My Thoughts: Happiness (Part I)

Let's not get old.

Let's not become wiser.

Never grow up.

Never mature.

Keep living.

Have fun.

Make less mistakes,

Or make smaller mistakes.

(At least know when someone is watching.)

Eat.

Drink.

Be happy.

Repeat.

July 4: Adventure Opportunity

Sunday events are coming, but you only have a day act upon this idea...

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Do you want to get close to the fireworks on Independence Day? These people do packages at $45 or less in rafts.

My buddy who has worked on tourist boats was skeptical of this idea. He was wondering about the crowded river that is almost like sitting on the crowded Esplanade, but these folks have been doing it for 5 years...

You could get the equipment yourself, but they do the foot work for you...

It seems like there's enough room for a few adult beverages on the raft, but you have to register by 8pm on Sunday night 6/28.

All the details are here.

5/2: Taza Chocolate Factory Tour

10am to 6pm
Open House and Tour
at Taza Chocolate Factory, 561 Windsor St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

See some of the operation and taste uniquely delicious chocolate. Also check out Albertine Press and QRST's Shirt in the same building. When I went to the Taza Factory, we also stopped in on Albertine Press, who do some very cool letterpress printing (including Taza labels).

(It will be busiest from Noon to 5pm.) My best description of how to get there is to go to the very end of Windsor St; the building is on the corner, and the entrance (with a sign)is on Windsor Pl.

You might want to walk around Somerville anyway, since it's "Open Studios" weekend.

* * *

Last Saturday I went there and did meet the Willy Wonka of Somerville, and his name is Alex Whitmore. He didn't wear a crazy outfit, the oompa-loompa's looked like normal people, and I didn't get into a glass elevator (but I still felt like I had a golden ticket).

He did have a gleam in his eye when he talked about his chocolate. And he did personally prepare the Mexican granite millstones in the traditional style to grind the cacao. (He learned the technique to "dress the molinos" on trips to Oaxaca.)

Even before the cacao arrives in Somerville, he described the process with adjectives like "tangy" and "olive-y". Late in the day, I tried some fresh product that we made; the flavor was intense, and so was Alex's enthusiasm after I tried it.

Since late 2006, Taza has been making their product with cacao, sugar, and some flavorings like vanilla and cinnamon. It's dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free goodness. Yes, they use nuts. Nuts and chocolate are delicious together. I did find it interesting to learn the original idea was to open a "chocolate lounge", but they name comes from "taza de chocolate" or a cup of (hot) chocolate.

When you go, you'll hear, see, and taste why there truly is no other chocolate like Taza. From the way the free-trade and organic ingredients to the way it's shipped to the actual chocolate-making that ends with the hand-wrapped final product. I remember Whitmore saying something like, "It's good to eat, good for the environment, and good for the farmers."

It would be logistically difficult to let a stream of visitors into the heart of the operations (see pix and video below), but you can check out their vintage roaster and winnower. Most importantly, you'll get to eat the most delicious chocolate you've ever had.

Although I've likely eaten less chocolate than most people, I've never tasted it like this ever before. It won't taste like a Hershey bar. They don't mash it to a homogenous goo; there's real texture to it, and there are unexpected (to me) flavors that might have you thinking like a wine connoisseur. It's not cheap stuff, but I believe it's worth it. Hey -- it's friggin' hand-made with the top-quality, organic ingredients!

Haven't noticed them in stores? You can buy some at the open house, order online, or in these places. (My favorite was the disc with guajillo chili!)

Click on images for a larger view in a new window (fyi: some are larger than others):









Check out my shaky camera work inside the grinding room...