Taxes!

Sometimes, you have to celebrate the little things. 

Boston continues to melt...

Boston Eats: Ames Street Deli

One would think that working on a thesis would require an equal amount of drinking, but unfortunately my constitution doesn't agree with frequent drinking.  If it did, Ames Street would definitely have become another place to be a local.  Between the wonderful cocktails and the fact that it's a a four minute walk from work, it's great.  

I will say: their food prices are a little high for the small portions.  I just wish they consistently served bread and butter or some other carbohydrate-based treat to go with their excellent cocktail menu.  I can't handle two of their cocktails without something to nosh on, and one can't really get filled up on their petite options. 

The other bonus?  Science Trivia on the first Monday of every month.  Above you see the venerable Dr. Eric Lander, a founding member of the Broad Institute (the folks that did part of the human genome project).  He's also known as one of the best professor-educators at MIT, and was a great sport for this Star Wars-themed trivia night.  Questions about the units of parsecs, the organelle connected to midi-chlorians, and others were greeted with laughs and good cheer.

Boston Eats: Afternoon Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel

Snow is still on the ground in Boston, but with Sara in town and it being my birthday month, afternoon tea had to happen!

Irish Flag for St. Patrick's Day, and the water cooperated and looked slightly green in the bay!

...but definitely blue as you looked out into the ocean.

Afternoon Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel

(offered daily from 2:30 to 4 pm, as of March, 2015)

Ambiance - Quiet and peaceful, we had a beautiful spot near the windows (you can request window seating when you call to make a reservation).

Waitstaff - Kind as always.

Savory - Quite tasty!

Sweet -Lovely treats; they always make sure to have a mix of chocolate and fruit, which I appreciate.

Scones, clotted cream, and jam - Traditional.

Tea quality -Pots arrive while still being steeped, and hot water can be added for a second steep.

Cost - $35 per person

Overall - One of my favorite places to have tea in Boston.

Boston Eats: Sarma

Part of my birthday + hey guys I finished my thesis draft!!  celebration was an early bird dinner at Sarma up in Somerville.  It was a perfect way to get out of work early (well, 5 pm) on a Friday, and just spend some lovely time with girlfriends.

I had an amazing concoction, the Carum.  It had aquavit and yogurt in it, if you could believe it.  What a great idea.

Sarma does small Middle Eastern mezze, and while many are on their menu, many are brought around as house specials that evening, almost like dim sum. 

We thoroughly enjoyed the crispy fried chicken (brought around, not on their menu), beef jerky, cypriot raviolis, deviled eggs--it was so fun to have such a variety of tastes, all in one meal.

Blue Skies at MIT

Winter is slowly melting away

The brown stripe is from the steam tunnels underneath the dorm.  It keeps us warm and toasty, but also creates quite the eyesore when the snow hasn't quite all melted yet.

We did it!

Birthday package from Mom!

Moms are the best.

Pi Day Hack

March 14th (3.14) is an excuse for pie around here - whether in baked or hack form!

Turning in the draft

Good day?  No.  Great day.

Level 2

Level 2, Building 56.  A daily fixture of my walk to and from work.

Pizza Dinner!

Just one more pizza dinner left!  Hard to believe, that's for sure.

I always love the chance to have a giant brownie sundae with sprinkles.

Their beautiful hibiscus plant has the most vibrant flowers!

The wonderful whole wheat, twice-risen dough.

Being a local

While the wine is a bit on the expensive side at Central Bottle, the incredible array of cheese options, the cut-to-order charcuterie, and Iggy's bread all within a ten minute walk of my place has made it a frequent stop this year.  It's funny, the year I finally visit a place enough to be a bona fide local, that's the year I choose to move away.  And sure, Minnesota will have all of these things, but not in a convenient walkable package, with kind employees that go out of their way to make sure you've had a taste of whatever wine they're serving at their daily wine tasting session, or to try the newest cheese in the shop.  But I'll find something, I'm sure!  Until then, I'll be enjoying their delicious options as much as can.

Sunset over snow

Puppies!

Oh the cuteness!