People, Places: Raison d’être

Good Bye Back Bay, Hello Davis Square!

Well, it’s official. I moved to the “suburbs” of Boston last week.  Although, I’m sure  the residents of Somerville would disagree with that characterization. In any case, it’s the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one.

For nearly seven years, I lived on the third floor of a beautiful brownstone on Newbury Street in Back Bay. The center of my universe happened to be the block between Gloucester and Hereford Streets.  Just around the corner from Tom Brady’s Comm Ave. condo at one point.

I have so many fond memories of this elegant neighborhood. I’m pretty sure I explored every inch of it over the years, and I loved what I saw every single day. I’ve seen many stores and restaurants come and go. Particularly on the corner of Gloucester. We’ll see how long Cafeteria lasts.  I bet I’ve eaten more than 100 of gyros at Steve’s Greek Food.  I”m not proud of this. 🙂  Similar to the amount of money I have paid in rent of the years, there are some numbers you should not think about.

I”ll miss the beautiful architecture and peaceful parks. Strolling along Newbury on a quiet Sunday evening or after a snow storm.  Lighted trees during the Christmas holiday season. Great people watching. Convenient access to everything including the Esplande and the Boston Public Library which has a beautiful courtyard and a fine collection of art, maps and of course books.  I’ll miss my regular visits to Lord & Taylor en route to Shaw’s.

Interestingly, after seven years, you  know all of the panhandlers in the neighborhood, and you hope they are OK when not found  in their usual spot. Some sing the same repetitive song such as the guy near CVS who sings, “Change, change, change, can anyone spare a little change, change, change.” Others just shake a cup. Most are middle aged men, but sadly, I’ve noticed younger people recently.

There are plenty of interesting characters in Back Bay.  There is the artist that paints in front of Sonsi‘s wearing cut off jean shorts and usually nothing else in the Summer. There are the usual suspects at popular Back Bay watering holes. “Champagne Tony” to name one.  Oh, there is a  biker who emerges each spring and rides his trike down Newbury yelling moo-ve, moo-ve.  Nobody really knows what he is saying, but they do know to get out of his way.

I’ll miss the annual Santa Speedo run in December. Men running in Speedos and Santa caps down Newbury Street. Yep. It’s a sight. Actually, women have  joined the ranks in recent years. Not sure why they would subject themselves to such a spectacle.

Berklee’s graduation is pretty cool.  The graduates parade around the block lead by a big band. I’ve always assumed it was Berklee, but I’m actually not sure.

My top five places for casual eats:

1) Piattini- great selection of salads, small plates of pasta and wine by the glass.

2) Trident cafe– Great place to read, people watch and have tea or another beverage of choice.

3) The Other Side Cafe- Decent sandwiches in a funky atmosphere.

4) Parrish Cafe- Regal Regis Sandwich is my favorite. Nice selection of food and drinks.

5) Bar Lola- for the outside deck and Sangria.

Mostly, I’ll miss being within walking distance to everything including many of my friends. Fortunately, I’m on the Red Line, and just a short trip away.

I look forward to exploring my new neighborhood, and I’ll write about my first impressions next.

June 11, 2009 Posted by aburnis | Boston, Food, Uncategorized | Back Bay, boston, Davis Square | Leave a comment