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April 4, 2016
Featured Stories
In The News
Meetings & Notices
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
BID Services & Links
In The News
Globe: Proposed Downtown Crossing Skyscraper Would Rival Millennium Tower 4/4/16

Zagat Boston: 9 Outrageous New Desserts, Including at Legal Crossing and Yvonne's 4/1/16

Globe: As Maria, Newcomer Glows in 'The Sound of Music' 3/31/16
 



Globe: How Do You Cast a Part Like Maria? 3/24/16
Meetings & Notices
Vendors Wanted: Downtown Boston 
Arts & Crafts Market 2016

The BID is pleased to announce we are expanding the Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts program for 2016 and are seeking vendors.

The market will be operated in various locations throughout the BID district on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May 18th to September 17th.

All artwork, crafts and food offerings must be original and handmade by the vendor, vendor studio or enterprise. No mass produced or imported goods are allowed.

Arts and crafts in many categories are desirable, including fiber arts, paintings, photography, stained glass, ceramics, metal, wood, furniture, clothing, children's clothing, toys, items for pets, artisan foods, jewelry and more.

Click here for the vendor application packet, which includes info about the market, participation criteria, cost and regulations. 
 
Next Midtown Cultural District Residents' Association Meeting on April 11th

The Midtown Cultural District Residents' Association will meet on Monday, April 11th at 7 pm at the Modern Theatre (525 Washington St.). The agenda was not available yet. This is a public meeting. Click here for more info about the association.

This Week's Featured Event
Boston By Foot Kicks Off 40th Anniversary with a Special Selection of Pre-Season Tours in April

Boston By Foot is marking its 40th anniversary with several pre-season walking tours during April. Stops on some of the tours include King's Chapel, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and more. There's also a tour geared for children.

Below are three tours that go through the BID, but there are more tours. Click here for more information on Boston By Foot tours.
 
The Heart of the Freedom Trail tour is on Saturdays at 1 pm and Sundays at 10 am. This tour meets at the Samuel Adams statue, in front of Faneuil Hall on Congress Street. This tour includes numerous sites such as the Old State House, King's Chapel, Old South Meeting House and more. In May (through October) this tour will also be on Mondays and Fridays at 11 am.
 
The Road to the Revolution tour is on Saturdays at 10 am and Sundays at 1 pm. This tour meets at Tremont/Beacon streets across from King's Chapel. The tour includes historical landmarks such as King's Chapel, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, site of the Boston Massacre and more. In May (through October) this tour will also be on Mondays and Fridays at 1 pm.  
 
The Boston by Little Feet tour starts during school vacation week April 19-22  (Tues-Friday) at 2 pm. It meets in front of Faneuil Hall at the Samuel Adams statue. This tour visits the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and the Boston Massacre site. This is a tour for children 6 to 12. In May (through October) this tour is on Saturdays at 10 am and Sundays at 1 pm.
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Free Movies: 'Carol' and 'The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution' at Emerson College's 
Bright Lights Film Series 

Emerson College's Bright Lights Film Series is a free movie series that is open to the public at the Paramount Center's Bright Family Screening Room (559 Washington St.).

On Tuesday, April 5th watch the Academy-award nominated movie "Carol," which is about two women who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York.

Showing on Thursday, April 7th will be the documentary "The Black Panther: Vanguard of the Revolution," which is about the Black Panther Party. A discussion with director Stanley Nelson will follow the screening.

All screenings start at 7 pm and seating is first come, first served. There is no advance registration. Please click here for more info about screenings and updates on special guests
. Click here for a trailer about the spring Bright Lights Film Series.
Discuss 'Curation and the Politics of Listening' at Emerson College's 
Public Dialogue Series

Emerson College's Public Dialogue Series continues on Tuesday, April 5th with "Curation and the Politics of Listening."

How do we choose what art an audience gets to see? How do we know what they will like, what we like, what will entertain and provoke, and what will sell tickets? How is our curatorial practice a reflection of our own identities and the identities of the audiences we imagine? These questions and more will be discussed at this free event at the Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre at the Paramount Center. It will be moderated by Abe Rybeck, artistic director of The Theater Offensive. Click here to RSVP. This event is at 7 pm.
Celebrate Women in Fitness on April 5th

You're invited to Celebrate Women in Fitness on April 5th at Women's Fitness Together (27 School St.).

Women's Fitness of Boston is hosting a festive celebration of a community of women committed to fitness and fun in Downtown Boston. No RSVP is required to attend. Meet with any enjoy free samples from vendors including David's Tea, The Vitamin Shoppe, Salon Euphoria and more. This event is from 5 to 7 pm.
 
Music at the Meeting House: New England Conservatory Jazz Ensemble on April 7th

The New England Conservatory free concert series at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) continues on Thursday, April 7th. The New England Conservatory Jazz Ensemble will be performing.

Each concert is free and open to the public. There is a pre-concert reception at 5:30 pm and the concert is at 6 pm
Tasting at Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars on April 7th

Enjoy a casual tasting of the superb 2013 vintage from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars at Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors (39 Temple Place) on Thursday, April 7th

Considered one of Napa Valley's first-growths, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars produces world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignons from its historic estate vineyards. Six different wines will be tasted. 

There is no cost for this tasting, but spots will fill up so email [email protected] to reserve your seat. This tasting is taking place from 5 to 7 pm.
Learn About 'Frederick Douglass: Orator for the Ages' at Old South Meeting House on April 8th

On July 5th, 1852, Frederick Douglass told a group of abolitionists, "This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn." His speech "What to the Slave is the 4th of July," will be discussed during Middays at the Meeting House -- Frederick Douglass: Orator for the Ages on Friday, April 8th

Harvard professor and Mass Humanities board member John Stauffer will discuss the significance of Douglass' speech at its time, the public programs it has inspired and its resonance in 21st Century America. This is part of the Oratory and the Power of Talk series, and is cosponsored by Northeastern University's Department of History. The cost is $6, and it is free for OSMH members. This is taking place at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.). Click here to purchase tickets.
Siena College Music Ministry Performing with Arch Street Band on April 9th

The Siena College Music Ministry, also known as Psalm 150, will be performing with the Arch Street Band at St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St.) on Saturday, April 9th. They will perform at the 4 and 5:40 pm Masses.
16th Annual Brides of Distinction Bridal Brunch & Fashion Show on April 10th

The 16th Annual Brides of Distinction Bridal Brunch & Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, April 10th at the Omni Parker House (60 School St.).

Jenny Johnson will emcee the event that features butler-passed mimosas as you mingle with the industry's top professionals. Enjoy a plated brunch while discussing the latest wedding trends with Boston Weddings editor Brittany Jasnoff. There will also be confections from area bakeries and a fashion show featuring collections from L'elite Boston of Newbury Street.

For more info click here. Reservations are required by calling 617-305-1857. The cost is $39 per person. This event is from 11 am to 2 pm.
 
The Hills are Alive with 'The Sound of Music' at the Boston Opera House 

The American musical classic "The Sound of Music" will be at the Boston Opera House through April 10th.

Enjoy the story of Maria and the Von Trapp family as they sing lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. "The Sound of Music" has won Tony, Grammy and Academy awards. Click here for tickets and showtimes.
 
BID Services & Links
BID Ambassadors Provide Walking Escorts and Directions 
24 Hours a Day in Downtown 

The Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. BID Ambassadors provide walking escorts all day or night -- they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining or snowing! 

Please call 617-261-0066 to arrange an escort or for other BID Ambassador services. Please call 20 to 30 minutes prior to desired escort. You can also email [email protected], which is encouraged. 
Additional BID Services & Info
  • Ambassadors encourage a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incident, etc. 
  • Ambassadors clear handicapped ramps and storm drain openings so they are not clogged.
  • Ambassadors clean and powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather. 
  • Ambassadors maintain landscaping, watering flowers during warm weather.
  • Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
  • Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about the transformation of Downtown Crossing. 
  • Contact [email protected] for more.
Featured Stories
Four New Menu Items to Try at 
Downtown Boston Restaurants

Spring has sprung lots of new menu items at Downtown Boston restaurants. Here are just a few of the new options to tease your palate. 

Serafina Boston (10 High St.) is offering a
Beet Tagliolini with red beets, burrata and hazelnut gremolata for $18.

Back Deck's (2 West St.) new spring dinner menu includes Asado Argentino, which is a mixed grill, gaucho-style spice-rubbed flank steak, short ribs, spicy smoked pork loin, smoked chorizo, charred onion and red pepper, papas fritas and chimichurri. This dish is $24.The new menu also includes a grilled rainbow trout and a 12-ounce rib eye steak. 

Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen (581 Washington St.) is now offering a seared domestic Wagyu burger served with cave-aged Swiss, crispy tempura onion strings and a savory horseradish sauce on a rich Brioche roll. If you're ordering just the burger it's $18, get it with a glass of J Lohr Cabernet for $25. This is only available at the bar after 5 pm

Fajitas & 'Ritas (25 West St.) new spring menu includes
fish tacos that are cornmeal-fried tilapia in soft corn tortillas with lime crema and curtido (Mexican slaw), served with rice and black beans. There are three tacos for lunch at $9, and four tacos for dinner at $12. 
Zermatt Gelatria & Cafe Now Open in Corner Mall Serving Gelato Made In-House;
20% Off for BID Newsletter Readers

The Zermatt Gelatria & Cafe serves 18 different gelato flavors and they're all made in-house daily. The new business opened in The Corner Mall on Friday.

"We do it all from scratch," said Khaled Almondar, owner, above, whose favorite flavor is pistachio. "It's a lot better (than purchasing it from somewhere else). It's high quality. It's less fat than (regular) ice cream."

The restaurant also serves panini sandwiches, salads, and Italian cuisine like spaghetti meatballs and shrimp linguine. Coffee drinks such as lattes and espresso are also available, as are milkshakes, sundaes and more.
 

Zermatt Gelatria & Cafe is also offering 20% off for anyone who presents the BID newsletter (on your phone or printout). The business is open daily 10 am to 6:30 pm. For more info call the cafe at 857-350-4131.
Vendor Kiosks Wrapped and 
Open for Business 

The BID's vendor kiosks were recently decorated with several wraps to brighten up the outside of the freestanding units when they are closed. The vendor kiosks will be open for business this week outside of the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) and Old State House (above the State Street MBTA station).

The wraps were designed by OmLoop and made by Bluebird Graphic Solutions and feature the BID logo with ice cream cones, takeout containers, scarves, shoes and more.

The Unique Boutique kiosks (outside Old South Meeting House) sell Boston themed t-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women and children, as well as all the Boston teams' licensed merchandise. A full line of Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Patriots and Revolution caps and Boston hats, too. Backpacks, travel bags and luggage are also sold at amazing discount prices, and a full line of Boston themed bags and Boston souvenirs like magnets, key chains and more. Craig Caplan and Melissa Charney are the owners of the Unique Boutique.  

The two vendor kiosks outside the Old State House sell college t-shirts and apparel, stuffed animals and more.  
Announcements
Flagship Restaurant Opportunity Available at OneBostonPlace 

A flagship restaurant opportunity is available at OneBostonPlace (corner of Court and Washington streets). The space is 7,086 sq. ft. 

The space is complete with sunny outdoor patio seating, ventilation shaft and this property is being prepared for delivery this fall.

Click here to download the retail brochure. Please contact Andrea DeSimone, First Vice President of CBRE New England at 617-912-6873 or [email protected]
 
Free WiFi Now Available at The Corner Mall

Free WiFi is now available at The Corner Mall. Users do not need to have a passcode -- simply search for TheCornerMall network and accept the login page.

Walk or Donate for FriendshipWorks' First Annual Walk-A-Thon to Raise Awareness for Elder Isolation

FriendshipWorks (105 Chauncy St.) recently announced its first Annual Walk-a-Thon for May 15th. The Walk-a-thon will not only raise money for FriendshipWorks' programs, but also raise awareness about elder isolation and the importance of physical activity.

There will be three walk route options, with one starting from the Chauncy Street office. There will be a celebratory party after the walks. Click here for more information, to register to walk or to donate. 
 
Donate to One Boston Day Children's Book Drive at Hyatt Regency Boston

The Hyatt Regency Boston (1 Ave de Lafayette) is hosting a One Boston Day Children's Book Drive now until April 30th. The Hyatt is collecting 502 children's books to match the number of rooms in the hotel and is welcoming donations.

To commemorate the Boston Marathon bombing, the City of Boston declared April 15th as One Boston Day. Many organizations are creating One Boston day events -- click here for more info or to let the city know about your One Boston Day event.

All children's books will be donated to schools and organizations in need of books. Please donate children's books for kindergarten to middle school or donations to purchase books and book cases. Please drop off books in the 3rd floor lobby.
 
Deals & Promos
Tag Central Bistro on Tuesdays and Save $$

If you tag Central Bistro (34 Summer St.) on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook on Tuesdays you will receive 15% off your meal.

Mass Mobile Massage Offering 
Boston Marathon Deal

Mass Mobile Massage, the official masseuse of the Hyatt Regency Boston and The Ritz-Carlton, is offering a limited time only Boston Marathon deal.


The Runner's Special is available through Monday, April 18th. The cost is: 
$99 for 60 minutes, $139 for 90 minutes and $199 for 120 minutes. Limit is one massage per person (packages and memberships offer additional discounts). Click here for additional info or to book a massage. 
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
What's Being Built? Millennium Tower, Congress Square and More 

Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. Looking for the latest updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click here.

Photo of Congress Square development by BLDUP.com
City of Boston Services

THANK YOU!
BID Internships Available 

The Downtown Boston BID is seeking qualified, enthusiastic interns to assist with the following projects:

  • Office administration and customer service
  • Policy research and analysis
  • Data collection, input and management
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].  
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected]