I've got a JAM packed weekend ahead. Almost too packed. When I tell you what I've got planned you might wonder how I am going to do / afford it all and I'll tell you I'm going to Press On / whip out my credit card.
-Tonight I'm going out to dinner. I'm excited spend time with some of my favorite girls and to check out a new restaurant in my old neighborhood!
-Tomorrow I have an all day Bachelorette Party. For the fourth weekend in a row, I've packed my bags. It's not an overnight bag, and I'm not going to far, but a bag is packed none the less. A spa day begins bright and early and celebrations continue with dinner and a night on the town. (Outfit & makeup change for sure = packed bag = planning ahead.)
-Sunday I'm going out for a blogger brunch at another restaurant I am super excited to try. Early. Early considering I will have been at a bachelorette party the night before.
At least it's a Boston weekend at heart and you know I love nothing more than to frolic around this city with good people.
Did I mention I woke up this morning with my nose dripping faster than a leaky faucet, my sneezing uncontrollable, and the left side of my throat swollen and itching as if I swallowed a golf ball covered in freshly cut grass? (Press On?)
The other day I ran into an old high school friend who I hadn't seen in years. We decided to catch up over drinks at Downtown's newest locale occupying the second story of a tiny space off Bosworth Street - The Barracuda Tavern. 
An unfamiliar dark alleyway way of a street, at the entrance it felt sort of speakeasy-ish. If not for the timid neon sign blinking 'open' coaxing me in, it was as if I wasn't supposed to be entering in the first place. 
I realize there is a sign but all things considered, it is pretty small and placed appropriately well overhead. 
I made my way up the dim lit stairwell painted in black and to my surprise entered a polished, brightly lit space with high ceilings, vivid blue walls, shiny hardwood floors and bumpin' music. No I'm serious. The music was pretty loud and the crowd at first glance was intimidating. Feeling like I had entered a secret society, the tiny L shaped bar to my left sat only, I repeat, only middle to upper aged men. A quick glance around at the tables set me a little more at ease when I spotted a group of twenty or thirty somethings enjoying beers and laughs. 
I also spotted the USS Barracuda. The momentary uneasiness quickly disappeared when multiple members of the staff welcomed me, and made me feel like this was somewhere I'd been stopping to have a drink for years. Just my luck, two seats at the bar opened up. I was impressed by the selection of beer on tap as well as the unique list of bottled beers and micro brews. I love debating over new-to-me and intriguing beer options. I spotted Woodchuck Pear Cider ($5) on tap. I recalled a reader commenting on the post where I drank Woodchuck Apple Cider bottles at a BBQ, recommending I try it on draft. This crisp cider with a slightly sweet pear effervescence went down easy. Good recommend Clarice! 
Scanning the beer & wine list and observing behind the bar, there is definitely no liquor for sale here. Not sure if they don't have their license, or if they are simply keeping it to a beer and wine only kinda spot. Time will tell. 
Matt and I decided to share a plate (actually, a bowl!) of the Fried Calamari ($9).
An unfamiliar dark alleyway way of a street, at the entrance it felt sort of speakeasy-ish. If not for the timid neon sign blinking 'open' coaxing me in, it was as if I wasn't supposed to be entering in the first place. I realize there is a sign but all things considered, it is pretty small and placed appropriately well overhead. I made my way up the dim lit stairwell painted in black and to my surprise entered a polished, brightly lit space with high ceilings, vivid blue walls, shiny hardwood floors and bumpin' music. No I'm serious. The music was pretty loud and the crowd at first glance was intimidating. Feeling like I had entered a secret society, the tiny L shaped bar to my left sat only, I repeat, only middle to upper aged men. A quick glance around at the tables set me a little more at ease when I spotted a group of twenty or thirty somethings enjoying beers and laughs. I also spotted the USS Barracuda. The momentary uneasiness quickly disappeared when multiple members of the staff welcomed me, and made me feel like this was somewhere I'd been stopping to have a drink for years. Just my luck, two seats at the bar opened up. I was impressed by the selection of beer on tap as well as the unique list of bottled beers and micro brews. I love debating over new-to-me and intriguing beer options. I spotted Woodchuck Pear Cider ($5) on tap. I recalled a reader commenting on the post where I drank Woodchuck Apple Cider bottles at a BBQ, recommending I try it on draft. This crisp cider with a slightly sweet pear effervescence went down easy. Good recommend Clarice! Scanning the beer & wine list and observing behind the bar, there is definitely no liquor for sale here. Not sure if they don't have their license, or if they are simply keeping it to a beer and wine only kinda spot. Time will tell. Matt and I decided to share a plate (actually, a bowl!) of the Fried Calamari ($9).
Deep fried calamari was served with spicy cherry peppers pan seared in a garlic sauce and coated in a spicy aoli with plenty of lemon wedges. I've only ever been served calamari with dipping sauces on the side, so I thought this was a risky move. I could picture any number of people turning their nose at the presentation. Matt and I were rather pleased at how the calamari maintained its crispiness throughout. The squid was fresh and the sauce drizzled on top really worked in the dishes favor. 
Barracuda Tavern impressed at elevating what is a typically predictable appetizer to a unique dish that impressed with bold flavors and crispy textures!
As we caught up over our second and third round of drinks, the music grew louder, the average age of patrons leveled off, and the smells of fried seafood wafted through the tavern. I almost forgot I was in Downtown Crossing and felt like I was transported to Key West Florida or the like. I've got a good feeling about this place. A feeling that this tiny yet to be discovered by mainstream YPs upstairs oasis is destined to become a local favorite to grab a beer and enjoy a quality bite of seafood.
And can we talk about Thursday night TV for a minute?! I'm excited that back on the DVR we've got Grey's Anatomy & The Office. Last night we watched our favorites: Big Bang Theory and Community. Two of the best shows on television if you ask me. What are your must watch fall TV shows?
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