Shake Shack

If you live in the greater New York area then you have seen the lines of people waiting in line at Danny Meyer's SHAKE SHACK. 

Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in Manhattan to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s first art installation. The cart was an epic success, with Shack Fans lined up daily for three summers. In 2004, it became a permanent kiosk in the Park: This modern day “roadside” burger stand serves up the most delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, shakes, beer, wine and more. An instant neighborhood fixture, Shake Shack welcomed people from all over the city, country and world who gathered together to enjoy fresh, simple, high-quality versions of the classics in a majestic setting.

Last week they opened a location in Boston and it was huge news! Everyone was talking about the arrival of this new restaurant and I can't wait to check out their shakes and their burgers. Have you been? 

The hot dogs, frozen custard and french fries are supposed to be fabulous as well. 

Decadent Dining (and Lodging) in Boston

If you are planning a trip to Boston and are looking for a luxurious boutique hotel in the ideal location then head to XV BEACON. The service, the rooms, the amenities (including complimentary Lexus transportation) make it a must. 

Or if you are like me and call Boston home, then you need to make a reservation at MOOO. The food, the service and the drool worthy design make it worth the splurge for a nice night out. We loved it!

Photos: XV Beacon, Just Luxe

To Die For Asian Fusion

Over the last month I have eating out....often. Living in Boston there are so many fabulous options of where to go which is one of the many benefits of living in the city. If you live here or plan to come visit be sure to put MYERS AND CHANG on your list.

The restaurant has a very mod almost edgy vibe which I loved. The dishes (either small bites or main dishes) are served family style and the food is phenomenal. From dumplings to wok charred calamari with grilled corn to steak salad to crispy fried chicken with sesame waffles. Yum!

The force behind the restaurant is Joanne Chang the uber talented Harvard educated chef who opened the oh-so-delicious bakery Flour. 

Boston Hot Spot

Last night I ventured out in the snow storm (don't get me started!) to have dinner with a friend in the burbs. It is hard to convince me to head to Metro West for dinner when I live in the city surrounded by great spots. But 51 LINCOLN lived up to the hype and was well worth the trip!

The food was excellent, as was the service. The restaurant has a separate bar area that was hopping despite the fact that is was a snowy, cold week night. I loved the clean modern decor too!

(Photos: 51 Lincoln)

Loved Lineage

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of trying a new restaurant in Boston (well at least new to me). LINEAGE is one of Boston's Top 50 Restaurants and I can see why! We loved it - the decor, the vibe, the hip music, the mixed crowd, the service, the wine list and especially the excellent food.

One of the best things I tried were the Spicy Fish Taco Appetizer. Yummmy! I will be sure to order it again. 

After trying various seafood appetizers for the table, I had the burger. So good with the best french fries. Ever.

The interior (truly doesn't do it justice)

Whether you call the Boston area home, or come to town as a tourist, be sure to put this spot on your list! Perfect for a birthday celebration.

Photos: Foodspotting, Boston Magazine, Twitter, Guidepost, D Dexter

Make a Reservation - Boston's Best

Boston has a long list of excellent restaurants. At the tippy top of my list is UPSTAIRS ON THE SQUARE - no contest. The food is excellent, as is the service. As soon as you walk in the friendly staff make you feel right at home and you will want to return again and again. 

Photos: Aodell, Lisa Rigby

Modern Blooms

I often drive by HANAYA FLORAL DESIGN, as the shop is not far from where I live in Cambridge. 

Hiroko Takeshita describes her work as minimalist, with a fusion of Japanese, French, and Western influence. She was born in Kyoto, Japan, taught and practiced in Osaka, and studied with a Japanese instructor in Paris before coming to the United States 13 years ago. 

Her work is often inspired by the European gardens she has explored with her husband, now a landscape architect. Takeshita says her work contrasts the structured, sharp edges of the gardens with soft lines. 

Takeshita’s list of clients include chef Barbara Lynch’s fine-dining outpost Menton, law firm Nutter, McClennen, and & Fish, the French Cultural Center of Boston, and the New England Conservatory of Music.

Want to learn how to style blooms like these at home for your own parties? They teach small classes on Saturdays - what fun!

Text from BizBash