Who, Wolf?

The Where: Jamaica Plain

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:53:22 -0400

Jamaica Plain never truly gets the love that it deserves. Eager to escape everybody buzzing about Boston proper? A short jaunt on the Orange Line is just what the doctor ordered. Filled with trendy, hole-in-the-wall eateries and nightlife that’s so wonderfully off the radar, you might think twice about telling your friends. Thankfully, Who, Wolf? has you covered. Here are three of JP’s can’t miss spots guaranteed to have you coming back for more.

Tres Gatos
A career multitasker like myself? Tres Gatos understands. Located right on Centre Street, this combined bookstore (!), record shop (!!), and tapas bar (!!!) is a perfect weekend morning stop. Rummaging through a diverse selection of books and records before making your way to your table? I’m game. As immense as the book and record selection is, the 10-2 brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings takes the cake. I’ve been craving the chickpea pancakes since my last visit two weekends ago, and the bloody mary (citrus vodka, tomato juice and horseradish sprinkled with fresh paprika) adds just the right amount of spice to a sleepy Saturday morning. (470 Centre St, Jamaica Plain)

Boyfriends
A fairly new-ish addition to JP, Boyfriends boasts the tagline ‘for boys who like boys.’ Granted, this monthly dance night is marketed towards the gentlemen, but the ladies are more than welcome to join in on the fun. Held every third Friday at the Milky Way, Boyfriends sees DJs spin everything from Kylie Minogue to Kraftwerk, creating an eclectic soundscape that practically forces you to take over the dancefloor. (284 Armory St, Jamaica Plain)

Arnold Arboretum
You can’t mention JP without somehow discussing the Arboretum. Owned and maintained by Harvard University, the 281 acre botanical garden is a perfect destination for those looking to take advantage of the nice weather. Whether you fancy a picnic or are just looking to take a nice scenic stroll on a summer’s day, the Arboretum (and its 14,000+ plants) is always a surefire good bet.

- Evan

The Weekly Three: Tay

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:11:00 -0400

Spring has sprung! …right? I wore shorts yesterday, so we’re going to say yes. It is indeed spring. Students are agonizing over finals and, in my case, final papers. It’s significantly easier to be, ahem, borderline naked in public, and we’ve all got summer jobs, trips, and summer lovin’ on the brain. Here are my fairly relevant weekly three.

Tove Lo - Habits

My neighbors hate me for this. I’ve had this song blasting on repeat for days now, thanks to one of my best friends. It’s a little bit angsty, a lot sexy, and addicting, which is not at all ironic, ‘cause it’s sort of about weed? In a roundabout way. The people who made the fatal decision to sit next to me on the red line hate it too, because I’m always breaking my eardrums with it and my headphones are crappy. Anyways, it’s a great song, and it’s poppy enough to pump in the heat.

Dem gold chains

Inappropriate… but I’m digging the whole giant chain deal. I’m sure there are some bizarre implications, but Marc Jacobs does it, so I’m down. However, hi, I’m poor, so I got the chain bracelet pictured above at H&M for maybe $6, and it hasn’t turned me green yet so I consider it a win. Gold accessories are also an official spring 2013 trend… wait, does this make me cool? What’s happening?

Evernote

For those summer jobs, trips and romances (if you’re really THAT organized) Evernote is the perfect app to keep track of all your to-do lists. It links to all your devices, allows you to take a picture and save it as a note, and is free. TIME calls it one of the must-have iPad apps, and I have to agree. I only wish it would allow you to drag and drop stuff. Someday.

The Who: Erika Butler, a.k.a. The Fashionesta

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:02:00 -0400

Erika and I met at a Women In Business conference back in the fall. When I found out she had a blog, I knew it would be awesome, and therefore had to be featured on Who, Wolf? Her outfit killed in a crowd of Boston’s most ambitious lady business students (as in, women in head to toe black and 5 inch heels). Her blog was better than I could have imagined, so it’s my pleasure to share with you : The Fashionesta.

Self-described shoe addict Erika Butler is originally from the DC metro area, and is about to graduate from Harvard with a degree in History and Literature. She created The Fashionesta in September of 2012 after a few friends urged her to start a fashion blog. The site, which recently underwent layout changes and looks amazing, features Butler in a super stylish outfit every week or so, and pairs it with a song.

“I began to see [the blog] as a great opportunity to get my foot in the door of the industry and to share my personal style with anyone who is interested,” said Butler, who is pursuing a career in fashion.

The outfits are wildly accessible - even I was able to imitate this one, despite my inability to dress myself. They’re also attainable in that they utilize pieces from places that your average Boston/Cambridge student can afford (H&M, NY&Co, Urban Outfitters etc.). The looks that she puts together are edgy, current, and unique. Lucky for all of us, she offers personal styling sessions.

Butler is pretty much the new Stacy London, which is sort of perfect, as her fashion icons are London, Solange Knowles and Julia Sarr-Jamois. Although if I had to choose between London and Butler, I’d choose Butler any day. I love Stacy London, but she scares me a bit (a lot). Butler, on the other hand, is astonishingly kind and polite, despite the fact that she dresses better than… well… all of us. And goes to Harvard.

When asked about the reasoning behind the corresponding songs, Butler replied “I really wanted the blog to be a clear expression of who I am, and I’m always listening to music while I get ready in the morning, so I though it might be cool to link each outfit with a song that I’ve been listening to.” Butler is also a singer and pianist, and is a member of Harvard’s a cappella group, KeyChange.

The Fashionesta also has a section called Fashion Finds, where Butler compiles a few seasonal items for her most recent wish list. It’s a cool mixture of Butler’s personal style and up and coming trends.

Butler would never say this, because she’s a nice person, so I’ll say it for her. If this blog isn’t added to your bookmarks immediately, then you’re doomed to live out an unfashionable existence. And if you’re trying to dress to impress, I’d suggest booking her for a stylish session.

Keep on keeping on, Boston.

The What: skinnyskinny

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:31:00 -0500

Who, Wolf? cares deeply about your well-being. You might think I’m joking, but Evan and I lie awake at night, wondering if our readers are drinking enough water, getting enough rest, and eating enough kale. That’s why I’m going to drop some knowledge into your life: shower less, sleep more.

“Don’t be gross, Tay.” Shut up, reader, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Obviously I want you to shower (although if you smell bad you might get a whole subway car to yourself, just saying), but it’s not necessary to shower every day. First of all, it’s bad for your hair, and second of all, it cuts into your sleeping/re watching all of 30 Rock time. Dry shampoo, y’all. Make your ‘do last by sprinkling your luscious locks with the delicious smelling skinny skinny concoction. The cornstarch based powder is 100% organic, and the company gives a lot back to non profits dedicated to sustainable living. The stuff is expensive, but the travel sized is only $9 and lasts forever. I can’t emphasize “forever” enough. It lasts a very, very long time, and works really well on all hair types. It also comes in a bunch of weird and awesome scents, such as Jasmine, and Rose & Black Pepper. Dudes, you can use it too, we won’t tell. If we do tell, we’ll make up awesome nom de plumes for you. Get more shut-eye, read more, do what you will with all your extra time. And be sure to follow Who, Wolf? because unlike your friends and family, we care about you.

- T

Gifting Through The Snow: Tay

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 16:36:00 -0500

Hi, my name’s Taylor, and I’m here to tell you that the age of the personalized gift lives on. The days of gifting novelty socks are over (unless that’s what you really want). Show those dearest to you that you care by taking note of their preferences. And don’t underestimate books as a gift. Who, Wolf? will be with you every step of your last minute holiday shopping, you slacker.

For the iPhone fanatic in your life

This could always go for the avid Android user, but I’m noticing more and more that iPhone cases are the most adorable. How long until we all succumb to Apple products? Anyways, this gift is specific to the types of people in your life who match their nails to the season and their shoelaces to their backpacks. They’re fun, because they’re cheap (awesome stocking stuffers, or as part of a larger gift) and they come in a lot of styles. For your coworker with a flair for bling, for your preppy older sibling, for your 80s style bestie, the cutie with the organized, classic vibe, and for the festive barista at Starbucks. If you use this gift idea for more than one person, you can bulk order them from Amazon! This idea also applies to laptop or tablet accessories.

Find it here: J. Crew, 100 Huntington Ave, Boston.
Or here: Marshalls, 500 Boylston St, Boston.

For someone special

If you’re having trouble thinking of something that is specific to your crush/boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/mistress, I’ve always found the idea of giving a watch really romantic. This doesn’t work for everyone; the guy I’m seeing wouldn’t wear a watch, and some people hate wrist clutter (don’t ask), but I do think it’s a very personal gift that allows for a wide price range. There are watch styles for the athlete, the snappy dresser, the chic, and the alternative. Ideally, the watch will come in a fancy case. Do not lead them to believe it’s a ring, because that’s just cruel.

Find it here: Suffolk Jewelers & Pawn Shop, 1888 Washington St, Boston.
Or here: American Apparel, 138 or 330 Newbury St, Boston.

For the father figure

This term includes uncles, older coworkers, brother-in-laws, stepdads and dads. It’s not creepy, it’s true. Unless you know something personal about them that could translate into a gift (i.e.; hiking enthusiast = compass/anything from L.L. Bean), I like the idea of a sweater. It’s seasonal, most older gentlemen hate shopping for themselves, and it’s simple. Pay attention to the palette of colors that they gravitate towards and what flatters them (eye color is a safe bet). Then focus on their style. Are they simple? Gap or Old Navy. Are they rustic? L.L. Bean. Are they preppy? J. Crew. Don’t get them anything too fruity though. Their words, not mine.

For the close lady friend

I think the most fun presents are the ones that combine a few smaller gifts. Photos of you and your girlfriend in a cute frame. Smaller beauty products. Funny or serious books. Phone cases! Posters, or drink ware (think wine glasses, tea cups, or coffee mugs!). Put together maybe three of these things for a thoughtful gift basket. Here are some of my favorite combinations for:

The girly friend (frame, lip stain, book, phone case, calendar, wine glasses);

the sporty friend (frame, face mask, book, phone case, poster, water bottle);

the artist friend (frame, eyeliner, book, phone case, poster, coffee mug)

and the minimalist friend (frame, moisturizer, book, phone case, poster, coffee mug).

(For the record, I’m the minimalist friend)

Find it here: TJ Maxx, 350 Washington Street, Boston.
Or Here: Target, 7 Allstate Road, Dorchester.

If you’re poor like me (lets face it, we all are) or want to make something special and memorable, here is a list of DIY gifts you’d actually want to receive.

The What: Slutcracker

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:02:00 -0500

Put up holiday decorations, snag some gifts, admire Christmas lights, roast chestnuts over an open fire, and see the Nutcracker. Bing, bang, boom, holiday complete. Right? Wrong. There’s a new holiday tradition in town, and I assure you, it’s going to blow those chestnuts out of the water.

The Boston Herald described the Slutcracker as “the perfect legacy for Tchaikovsky.” I couldn’t have put it better myself, so I won’t. But beware; if you choose to be awesome and see this killer production, you will never see the Nutcracker in quite the same light.

The creator of the Slutcracker, Vanessa White, is ridiculously cool. When asked about how she came up with the concept, she said, matter-of-factly that she was on the couch, watching ballet under the, err, influence, and thought …Nutcracker… SLUTcracker! Her then boyfriend, now husband, asked her why she was laughing hysterically, and kept prompting her to tell him more about what the Slutcracker would actually be.

What it is now is an adult version of the Nutcracker at Somerville Theater, a show complete with drag, pole dancing, burlesque, whips, and adult toys. All this, while still containing traditional ballet. Or as traditional as you can get while wearing a negligé. And if you think that your innocent mind won’t be able to handle it, relax. It’s not offensive unless you’ve really never seen a partially naked person.

If you’ve seen the Slutcracker in previous years, I suggest you go again. Vanessa and her husband travelled to Europe over the summer to have an orchestra record their very own soundtrack, and the choreography changes every year. So go! Tickets are almost sold out for the season!

Gifting Through The Snow: Evan

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:42:00 -0500

Real talk. Its the middle of December and you haven’t picked out any of your presents yet. Are you even exchanging presents? How much are you spending? Should you just get them a gift card? (Hint, no.) Thankfully, Who, Wolf? has got you covered with our super handy holiday gift guide, Gifting Through The Snow. With suggestions for nearly every personality on your list, you’ll end up with the perfect gift without any of the post traumatic stress disorder that comes with holiday crowds.

For The Workaholic
If any functioning workaholic needs one thing besides that extra shot of espresso, it’s a planner. Not just any planner, a PLANNER. Not only do you need something functional, but something that screams I’m great at what I do and look great doing it. For something that’s both haute and hardworking, you can never go wrong with a Moleskine. It’s classic, compact, and extremely aesthetically pleasing. This red hardcover model is my personal favorite, I was so determined to have one that I bought it in October because I thought it would sell out. It’s still in the shrinkwrap on my desk, waiting for January 1st to arrive. Daily, weekly, or monthly, Moleskine has something for every workaholic on your list.

Find it here: Brookline Booksmith, 297 Harvard Street, Brookline.
Or here: Barnes and Noble, various locations.

For The Crush
What goes best with falling snow and your fourth viewing of Love Actually on basic cable? Someone special to share it with, of course. Winter is the perfect excuse for calling in sick to work, not getting dressed, and spending time with your significant other. Make that time worthwhile by gifting something that could be shared between the two of you. Sharing is caring, right? For the holidays, I’d go with some nice chocolate. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Practical, sweet, and decadent; chocolate is something you’re always satisfied with whether you pay ten dollars or a hundred dollars. My favorite? Drinking chocolate. It’s a dessert and a beverage all in one. Pair it with a cute mug and some Bailey’s and you’ve got yourself a foolproof way to endure family (or even potential in-laws) around the holidays.

For the chocolate: Hotel Chocolat, 141A Newbury Street, Boston.
For the mugs: Black Ink, 101 Charles Street, Boston.

For The Techie
We all have that one person in our lives who swears by the latest and greatest gadgets. They’re the first person you call when you spill booze on your keyboard or accidentally delete that presentation you’ve been working on, and chances are they do it all for free. Show them some appreciation with some extra protection for their favorite device. Are they a bit more old fashioned? Maybe a bit edg y? Or are they a little more artsy? Maybe they’re not any of these? Never fear, Society6 has THOUSANDS of user-created art, most which can be made into strong yet equally stylish iPhone cases. Whatever personality they might have, there’s no doubt that you’ll find a great new home for their iPhone or iPad that’s totally eye-catching to boot.

Find it here: Banana Republic, various locations.
Or here: Urban Outfitters, various locations.
Or here: Society6, online only.

For The Caffeine Fiend
Know a friend (Ahem, me.) that’s this close to being hooked on a caffeine drip? These next few options may technically brand you an enabler, but whatever. For the person who spends more time in Starbucks than you do at home, I suggest a french press. Let me tell you, I swear by mine. These make the perfect cup of coffee hassle free. Portable, eye-catching, and known for producing much richer flavor, what’s not to love? They even come in a variety of colors! An added plus? They’re super hip. Even Chantal of Gallery Girls fame needs a cup of only the french press coffee… before arriving to work at noon.

Find it here: Crate and Barrel, various locations.
Or here: Starbucks, every street corner in the city.

For The Fashionista
Fashion is expensive, let me tell you. A fashion wish list can easily turn into a “you wish” list if you don’t pay attention to price. Luckily, with a little extra effort, you can score some serious cheap finds that look just as impressive as something you could get in any high street shop, and this one doesn’t even involve leaving your bed. Refinery29’s Tinseltown shop is key for those bitten by the fashion bug. Not only do I swear by the gospel that is R29, but they churn out some killer products as well, and most are under $50. This stainless steel flask is a totally cool (and cheap) way to kick off any night on the town, and at only $28, you’d be a fool not to pick up one for yourself as well. Not a drinker? This chic t-shirt features the original fashionista herself, Twiggy. Whether you’ve got someone obsessed with accessories, someone who always has the perfect manicure, or anyone in between, Refinery29 surely has the perfect gift for the fashionable friends in your life.

Find it here: Refinery 29, online only.

For Your Parents
Look at you, on your own in the city and visiting mom and dad back home for Christmas. You’re also on a budget. All those times they’ve picked you up from school and put a little extra cash in your bank account might add up to the equivalent of a mortgage payment, but they’re your parents, and anything from their pride and joy is something they’ll cherish, so why not make it something they’ll actually use? Spruce up the oh-so-cliche tie and get dad something a bit more hip. A knit tie is something both practical and stylish (dare I say t rendy?) that looks good with any blazer. A friendly tip, Club Monaco is a great one-stop shop for these. With a wide selection and a 20% off discount for students with a valid ID, it’s too good of a deal to pass up.

Find it here: Club Monaco at the Prudential, 800 Boylston Street, Boston.
Or here: Ben Sherman, 154 Newbury Street, Boston.
Or here: J.Crew, various locations.

The best part of winter besides the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book? Layering! So what better gift for mom (or any other woman in your life, for that matter) than an infinity scarf? Not only does this one look hundreds more than what it really costs, it’s also a neutral, so it goes with anything, giving it even more bang for your buck. The great thing about infinity scarves is that they come in all kinds of styles, whether you’re looking for something a bit more casual, luxe, or just something simply eye-catching, there’s a style that suits just about everyone.

Find them here: Club Monaco at the Prudential, 800 Boylston Street, Boston.
Or here: Neiman Marcus, 100 Copley Place, Boston.
Or here: Gap, various locations.

Sound Bites: Holiday Happenings

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:25:47 -0500

The same scenario plays out every year without fail; Black Friday hits you like a yule log to the skull and BAM, you never seem to be able to escape the same three holiday songs until New Year’s Eve. Working in retail, this is something that hits terribly close to home. So like all great artists, my misery has inspired me to create something great. In this case, a batch of holiday tunes that won’t leave you pulling your hair out come Christmas day, because the last thing anyone wants to encounter on Christmas is a Scrooge.

The Where: South Street Diner

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:45:00 -0500

Have y’all noticed how topical we are here at Who, Wolf? We’re constantly talking about how it’s winter, the holiday season, or finals, as if you didn’t already know. Of course you know what time of year it is, you’re brilliant and attractive, which is why you read Who, Wolf? in the first place. But in case you forgot… Finals are here. I don’t know about you guys, but my college library closes at midnight, and I usually start studying around 9pm. Clearly there is a problem here.

And as always, we’re bringing you a solution. Pack up your back breaking textbooks, Bostonians, and head to South Street!

South Street Diner is currently Boston’s only 24 hour dining establishment. It’s located by South Station on the Red Line, and as long as you’re not sporting a broken leg, is within walking distance of most places. The menu is typical diner style (can you say cheeseburger with a fried egg on it?), but they also serve beer and wine until 1am. This is the kind of place that a drugged up Hunter S. Thompson would go to write. Juke box, classic booths, bar complete with bar stools. This place is a modern take on your typical 50s style diner. The staff rocks (Evan got called a stylish motherfucker there once), the food is perfect, and movies get filmed there all the time, so your best bet to become besties with Marky Mark is to go to this diner. Immediately.

- Tay

The Weekly Three - Tay

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:01:33 -0500

I welcome you to the holiday edition of The Weekly Three! Is it just me, or have my Three not been the most glamorous lately? It doesn’t matter, these are things you may actually use and buy, as opposed to this season’s $1,200 boots that only the 1% can afford and will be out of style in a year anyway. These are things that become necessities as we get deeper into winter. The sudden approach of 30 degree weather can be a bit of a shock, and Who, Wolf? is here to help you out.

EOS lip balm

As the most recent “What” mentioned, the holiday season brings chapped lips, which are gross on even the most attractive of people. Other than the lip scrub, one of my favorite ways of combatting this is the new(ish) EOS lip balms. They come in gnarly flavors, and break the mold of the traditional battery shaped Chapstick. Also they’re cheap (just under $4), which is kind of a big deal. (Buy)

Infinity Scarves

Infinity scarves became popular last year, and I suspect that their continued popularity is due to the fact that they’re simple. Simple to knit, and simple to wear. Forget everything you thought you knew about tying scarves, because that knowledge has been rendered useless. With these endless scarves, you can use that previously occupied brain-space for learning Korean, or how to brew your own beer, or perhaps the lyrics to that fancy new rap song that all the youngsters are talking about. The one I’m wearing in the photo above was made by my sister, but H&M has a brilliant and soft selection for those of us that aren’t crafty. (Find)

Open MBTA

Waiting for the T is always lame and will never not suck. But Open MBTA has brought me peace of mind when waiting for the D line. My stop at the D line is above ground, about 5 minutes from my residence. Rather than wait in the cold slush of December, I use Open MBTA (available for free on all smartphones and tablets) to see when the next scheduled train is. It’s usually off by a few minutes or so, but it’s better than going in blind and waiting until you die. (Download)

The What: Lip Scrub

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:56:12 -0500

Chapped lips are just one of life in Boston’s many grievances. The price we pay for being better than any other city (seriously Paris, suck it) includes running the risk of splitting your lip when you so much as sneeze. No matter the amount of product you smear on your beautiful mouth, the walk from Kenmore to El Pelon leaves it dry, and that’s just gross.

But the products we use, Burt’s Bees, EOS, Chapstick, only solve part of the dry lip conundrum. In order to make people want to make out with you again, you have to scrub away the dry skin, THEN apply product. Confused or grossed out? Don’t worry. Who, Wolf has got you covered.

Lush is kind of my go-to for vegan skin/hair/life care ever since my favorite farm stand got shut down for selling illegal drugs. One of their less expensive products is this little jar of lip scrub, for your “ultimate ethical pout.” They say this because it contains fair trade sugar. The kind of stuff we keep track of these days astounds me, but that’s not the point.

The scrub comes in popcorn, bubblegum, chocolate and mint julep. The only one I’ve ever bought and consequently tried has been the mint julep, because popcorn flavored lip scrub sounds disgusting. I can thoroughly vouch for the mint julep though, which tastes awesome (yes you can eat it) and works well. It makes a good stocking stuffer or small gift for that girl you don’t know very well but have to get a secret santa gift for! Or dude. Whatever.

Buy it at your local Lush store (or off the Internet) today! And follow Who, Wolf!

-Tay

The Who: Sky Ferreira

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:48:00 -0500

It’s been a difficult five years for Sky Ferreira.

The twenty year-old, who signed with Capitol/EMI Records when she was just fifteen, was discovered on MySpace by Swedish production duo Bloodshy & Avant after a chance response to one of her messages. Three failed electro-pop singles and an endorsement deal with Calvin Klein later, the singer’s debut album was shelved, and it seemed that Ferreira’s star seemed to burn out just as it started to shine. The L.A. born chanteuse changed her base to New York and managed to revive her image, trading slinky electro-pop for the more melancholy new wave sound on her new EP, Ghost. Ferreira stopped by TT the Bear’s in Cambridge yesterday evening for an intimate showcase of new tracks, which all but confirmed the fact that the former pop princess has surely morphed into the indie queen she was so destined to be.

Taking the stage a few minutes after ten o’clock, Ferriera immediately launched into “Lost In My Bedroom,” a final mastered version of a demo that had been floating around for months on the internet. Stoic and barely audible over the drone from the guitar, Ferreira looked every bit a fine tuned performer. Clad in a pair of black skintight jeans and a black hoodie, Ferreira swayed in place as a long mane of blonde hair obscured her face. Saying only a few muffled thank you’s in between songs, Ferreira’s interaction with the audience of 200 was short and sweet, but seemed infinitely thankful for the turnout nonetheless. Rock cut “Red Lips” was next, with saw Ferreira growl and pout throughout the massive chorus of the song; co-penned by Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson.

Where we saw Ferreira really shine, however, came when accompanied only by an acoustic guitar. On the Ghost opener “Sad Dream,” Ferriera yearns for somebody she can only seem to wrap her arms around in her sleep. With a vocal delivery so close to a quiver, Ferreira’s heartache was one aspect of the performance that was completely on display. Current single “Everything Is Embarrassing,” an indie dance ballad produced by ‘it’ producer Blood Orange, closed out the short set, which showcased Ferreira’s incredible range, going from heartbroken torch song chanteuse, to post-grunge riot grrrl, to an electro-pop superstar, all in less than 45 minutes. While it all seems like a game of trial and error to some, it’s no doubt that whatever direction Ferreira decides to head in, she’ll do so with relative ease, showing up performers twice her age, who undeniably only have half of her drive.

The Where: El Pelón

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:32:45 -0500

Enchiladas were created by the god of tastebuds to get awesome people through the drearier parts of their lives (Hurricane Sandy, for example). Same with burritos, quesadillas, tortas, antojitos… et cetra. El Pelon does Mexican food the way it’s supposed to be done. Authentic and simple. None of this tequila bar crap. It gets major points for being by my campus, and while I’ve never been to the one in Brighton, I’m sure it’s equally lovely. If you don’t like Mexican food, there’s something wrong with you and you should seek help. If you do like Mexican food, read more about magical enchiladas.

Huge menu. El Pelon GETS IT. There are tons of great Mexican joints that you go into knowing exactly what you want. But go to El Pelon, pick out something you’ve never heard of that sounds like it has ingredients you’d like, and boom! You have a new favorite Mexican dish. Do you know what a Mexican Coca-Cola is? I don’t, but I will after I go to El Pelon later.

Menu aside, I love the atmosphere in the Fenway location. Small, window seating, outdoor seating, perfect people watching on Peterborough. Which is perfect for No Shave November, because of beard watching. (It’s like bird watching but better.) I do hear that people aren’t super into the burritos, but you know what? You can get a burrito anywhere. Like Beantown Burrito, for example, which is actually amazing. But, concentrating on El Pelon, get a quesadilla or enchiladas.

Now I’m hungry. Lets go on an El Pelon date. Immediately.

-Tay

The What: Kale

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:30:18 -0400

It’s no secret that I love kale. Gwyneth (Paltrow, if you guys aren’t on a first name basis with her like I am) turned me on to it. At first I was doubtful, I mean, I’m a good boy who always eats his vegetables but I just wasn’t totally sold at first. It’s kind of bitter, sort of expensive, and a little hard to get used to. After finding a few recipes I decided to try it out, and just like that, it became my go-to vegetable. I honestly swear by it in every way, shape and form. Whether it be sauteed, in a smoothie, or baked into a chip, kale is a nutritious, and quite frankly delicious way to get some much-needed nutrients into your diet.

Why kale?

As coined by one of my dear friends, kale is definitely “hot right now.” Regarded as a nutrition stand-out among vegetables, the green is unusually high in fiber, and along with fighting weight gain, the vegetable is chock full of nutrients, especially vitamin A and calcium. Rich in antioxidants, kale is also one of the best sources of beta carotene; so maybe if I had started eating it at a younger age, my eyesight wouldn’t be nearly as screwed up as it is now. In addition to beta-carotene, kale posses other important carotenoids: lutein and zeaxathin. These carotenoids help keep UV rays from damaging the eyes and causing cataracts.

Preparation and storage

Truly versatile, kale can be prepared in a variety of ways. From salads, to soups, to smoothies, it’s remarkably easy to include kale in your daily diet. Here are a few delicious (and simple!) recipies involving the vegetable.

Kale soup - A personal favorite. Perfect for fall and winter, this warm and hearty soup will fill you up without dragging you down.
Kale chips - Looking for a healthy alternative to potato chips? Drizzle some olive oil and spices on chopped kale before popping it in the oven. (Hint: Don’t have an oven or not so skilled in the kitchen? Trader Joe’s makes a great kale chip with a spicy kick.)
Kale smoothie - There’s no better way to sneak vegetables into your diet than with a fresh-blended smoothie. Mix with some soy milk, fresh or frozen strawberries, and a banana and you’ve got yourself a breakfast packed with nutrients.

Still don’t know what to do with your kale? Never fear! Store it until you do. Wrap the kale in a damp towel or in a plastic bag and refrigerate in your crisper drawer for up to one week. If the leaves dry out, submerge in cold water for ten minutes to rehydrate it. If you freeze your kale, rinse it in cold water, and pack into freezer bags for up to 12 months. After thawing, frozen kale is perfect in soups or sauteed dishes.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your diet, bypass that winter weight gain, or simply get a little more bang for your buck, kale is definitely the way to do so, so stock up and chow down.

- Evan

Sound Bites: Cross Campus Strut

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:00:48 -0400

Late for class? Haven’t had your morning cup of coffee? No fear, because these jams are just the thing for that extra burst of attitude. From that dreaded walk to your 8 a.m. class or something to soundtrack you turning heads on the quad, Who, Wolf? has you covered with the perfect playlist for that stroll across campus.

The Who: Dum Dum Girls

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:53:45 -0400

Around 11 p.m. yesterday evening, four young women, standing almost completely stoic, took the stage last night at Boston’s Brighton Music Hall. Clad in all black, save for the lead singer’s bleach blonde hair, the group stood silently for a few seconds, taking in the crowd that braved the cold weather to watch them perform. In what seemed like an instant, the once stoic group, with the first strum of guitar, suddenly flipped a switch and captivated an entire crowd. These four women are collectively known as the Dum Dum Girls.

Made up of Jules, Sandy, Malia, and lead singer Dee Dee, Dum Dum Girls powered through a sixteen song set, complete with encore, in a little less than an hour. Coupled with what seemed an endless amount of energy and stage presence, the group had the packed venue wrapped around their meticulously manicured fingers. Songs like “He Gets Me High” and the new cut “Mine Tonight” had the entire audience united in sing-along, a strident liveliness that was clearly contagious.

The group, formed by Dee Dee in order to tour to support the group’s major label release I Will Be, have all but mastered the art of looking woefully uninterested on stage while still conveying as much emotion as possible. While the girls’ bodies never stopped moving, the looks on their faces rarely changed. With merely a coy smile to the front row or inside joke between the girls; the emotion was most definitely there. Slower numbers “Lord Knows” and “Hold Your Hand” were delivered with as much passion as their studio recordings, basking in the euphoric glow of the stage lights behind them.

Picking a highlight out of the set is a little bit like Sophie’s Choice, as many of the songs have been rendered personal favorites, however I’ll have to give it up to the coincidental (or not?) start of the group’s massive Only In Dreams cut “Bedroom Eyes”, which just so happened to start at the tick of 11:11. Wish granted, indeed.

To learn more about Dum Dum Girls, visit their Facebook page or official website. To purchase the band’s latest EP, End of Daze, click here.

- Evan

The Where: Busy Bee

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:00:00 -0400

I am truly my father’s daughter. I listen to Rolling Stones albums too often, I am really into bread (I justify this by saying it’s a “French thing”), and I am incredibly absent minded. I also love diners. When I lived at home and my dad worked as a bartender, every Sunday we would go to our local diner in Beverly, and I carried our shared love of diners to Boston. I am always on the hunt for my next batch of hash browns. This week Evan and I visited Busy Bee, a diner by our campuses.

If you don’t like getting quickly prepared, cheap and delicious food while being called ‘hon’ and drinking perfectly made coffee, don’t go here. And unfollow this blog because I want nothing to do with you. Hang your head in shame, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. The only downside to Busy Bee may be that they don’t really have vegan options, but we all know that isn’t an issue for me. Also, I wish they were open always, because I am perpetually in the mood for breakfast, day and night.

They’re located at 1046 on lovely Beacon St, on the way to Brookline (I know I know, I need to get out more), and are usually open from 6am to 6pm or so. The place is also really well decorated. It’s not one of those diners that doesn’t look like a diner… It looks like it time traveled from the 50’s. Think Grease, and pictures of James Dean on the walls.

So if life has got you down, go to the wonderfully bright, comforting, and uplifting Busy Bee. Take the C line to St. Mary’s street and look forward to being called hon by a lady with pink lipstick over chocolate chip pancakes.

The Weekly Three - Evan

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 08:58:22 -0400

Fall is officially here in the city of Boston. The sky changes to depressing shades of grey, it’s perpetually raining, and everyone brings layers into the forefront of their wardrobe. Make the transition to autumn that much easier with this week’s edition of The Weekly Three.

Fall television
What’s one of the greatest things that accompany changing leaves and the smell of apple cider? All that new fall television, of course. From returning favorites like New Girl, Revenge, and Community, to promising new series like The Mindy Project, Go On, and The New Normal, there’s something for everyone this fall. Of course, with every fall television schedule comes the inevitable cancellation and finale streak as well. So say your goodbyes to Parks & Recreation, The Office, and (sniff sniff) 30 Rock, three cornerstones of NBC coveted Thursday night comedy block. (Watch)

Consignment shopping
Another great thing about fall? New fall fashions. This fall, the look is all about structure and layering. We’re talking military-style pea and trenchcoats, cable knit sweaters, and patterned tights. We know this sounds like a lot of money, but the thrill of shopping is all about mixing and matching high price with pieces that work for you. Where better to find deals like that at one of Boston’s finest consignment stores? My favorites include Buffalo Exchange, which has locations in Allston and Somerville, Rescue on Newbury Street, and Boomerangs, with locations sprawling around the city. Some of my favorite finds have been the result of a cold day spent searching every nook and cranny of these stores, as you’re bound to find something good. (Shop)

Google Drive
One thing about fall that many people aren’t too crazy about (speak for yourselves, guys) is school starting back up again. What goes great with fresh, new (or used!) textbooks and hours spent slaving away in the library? An office suite, of course! With Microsoft’s Office and Apple’s iWork both at pretty hefty price tags, it’s hard to find an office suite that incorporates all of the programs you need to get those straight A’s with a price tag that won’t take your bank account for a joyride; enter Google Drive. Drive, an updated version of the Google Docs software, incorporates Dropbox like synchronization with all of the office programs you need for the most affordable price tag of all, totally and completely free, all without using any space on your hard drive. All you need is a Google account. An added bonus: Offline editing. So even if you’re without a wi-fi signal, you can still edit your documents without hesitation. (Download)

The Who: Kara Korab

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 20:27:00 -0400

Kara is wonderful and perfect in every way. We met at a party and bonded over Maryland (Go Orioles), but I didn’t learn until months later that she’s an amazing photographer. Now, there are a lot of photographers out there, especially now that everyone with an iPhone can take high quality photos, but Kara is truly talented. She describes her style as “in the moment,” and I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Ms. Korab began shooting in high school on a 35mm, and has preferred film every since. “I was lucky enough to go to a school that, though it was public, had a special focus in the arts… Going from darkroom to digital was a strange transition for me, all of a sudden I could take an endless amount of photos and instantly view and edit them.”

Kara was the photo editor of her high school newspaper, The Blake Beat back in Maryland. She now works for Boston University’s online magazine, The Quad, and has been published in BU literary magazines. Her biggest accomplishment to date was being published on the cover of a textbook. “That was a crazy experience… [being] copy-written into the text and everything.”

The girl is your go-to Boston photographer, whether you need head-shots, an event photographer, or a perfect and unusual print. And her best feature? She’s not your typical club photographer douche! Thank god for that, Boston has enough of those.

Check out Kara Korab’s work here!

-Tay

Sound Bites: Strange Love

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 16:22:00 -0400

Strange love is all around us. Speaking from experience, no relationship is as conventional as it may seem. This mix celebrates such a love, the prelude to something great, the progression of it all, good times, bad times, and when the line finally begins to blur. An eclectic group of artists adorn this playlist, as strange love is anything but particular.

Evan