plus oreo cake batter ice cream

Last night was pure, unashamed gluttony. I went to The Alchemist for the 100th time in the past few months with Alison, Andy and their dad. I cannot put into words how much I love the food and cocktails at this place. That's right - the bartender serves cocktails, not drinks - a distinction I rarely make since I'm the girl who enjoys whiskey with a splash of soda in a dixie cup. The cocktails are so good I never mind waiting at the bar on busy weekends.

The eating begins almost immediately with a plate of fresh bread coated in carmelized onions accompanied by the scientifically perfect olive oil for dipping. The bread is so soft and fresh, I want to invest in a breadmaker so I can eat carbs like this everyday. I always spend too much time reviewing the menu, only to pick my favorite standby - the Bianca - flatbread pizza with mashed potatoes (oh yes they did), cheese, and scallions. Not only is the flatbread utter bliss, but it's so massive I save half of it for dinner the following night - win! Between the chewing, I down my Mexipolitan - tequila, orange liquor, and cranberry juice in a martini glass. Shaken, naturally.

On top of the glorious food and drinks is the atomosphere. The Alchemist is the kind of unique restaurant you show off to your out of town friends and family. The DJ always plays the right song, as if he's watching me eat and converse and knows another Clash tune will just complete my evening. The lighting is moody, not too dark, but comfortable like a lazy rainy day spent indoors. The Alchemist is the ideal neighborhood hangout when you're snowed in but jonesing for quality food, music and company.

So maybe I can put my love for this restaurant into words.

music: death cab for cutie: plans

british songbirds

Pitchfork Media's review of Robyn's performance at SXSW is killing me. Please woman, come to Boston!! I'm still mourning over Kate Nash tickets. And everyone knows the best way to move on from one beautiful girl is to find another.

music: rancid: indestructible

shake & pop

I take back all those things I said about Boston's music scene. I went to the Phoenix Landing tonight for Derek Plastaiko and shit was it bumping. We all know house music is good for your mind, your body, and your soul, but techno pumps those fists in the air and causes you to make that "mMmm delicious bass" face. Sometimes I wonder how I lived so long without electronic music.

For those of you who don't know any better, Resident Advisor is your friend.

music: the faint: blank wave arcade

thank you

Every so often, something completely unexpected restores my faith in humanity. I was running for the train this morning and the conductor held the doors for me. A small gesture, I know, but it's the little things during rush hour that determine your mood for the entire day. If the conductor pretended I didn't exist and closed the doors like every other morning, I would have been late, just like every other morning. Thank you, stranger, for making my day, especially a dark and wet Wednesday such as today.

music: robert hood: fabric 39

prescription for a chill Sunday