Trying Something New

Well, if I'm going to try and write observations about the city, I might as well try some new things to expand my horizons .

New thing 1: Glasses
Well, any of you that actually know me know that wearing glasses (and for a brief period Contacts) is nothing new, been using vision correction since 8th grade. Literally, my mom took me to get new glasses the first weekend of summer vacation. So that was a fun filled summer of worrying about losing them while at a friend's and in their pool and what not. But earlier this year I received a coupon booklet from Lenscrafters basically saying "Hey, you haven't bought anything in 7 years...you O.K.?" And after my whole "Glasses lens popping out on 495" adventure back in September, I figured, why not? I have insurance.

So I go to the Lenscrafters in Boston. First off, they don't do that blue light and poke you in the eye test for glaucoma. Now they just shoot a puff of air at it. Any optomotrists reading this and verify but I'm guessing it measures how much air is reflected back, firmer eye = more reflected energy. Quick eye exam, except I did the dilation of my pupils. Back in Jersey they would leave you in the exam room with the lights off. here, thy only had one exam room so they make you go out into the lobby. And by lobby, I mean glasses show room, which is lit from every direction to show off the glasses. Ended up with a nice pair of Ray Bans. the ear pieces are a bit thicker than my old pair, but after 7 years I figure it's just a matter of time till I get used to them.

New thing 2: @Union
Now, most of my fellow Bostonians and Allstonians remember the Grecian Yearning Diner, the wonderful establishment on Harvard Ave in Allston. Amazing food but wierd hours. Tragically the diner and dry cleaning establishment were ravaged by a fire and closed. Earlier this year, construction work began and there was the glimmer of hope in every hipster's eye that it the Grecian Diner was coming back. Opening day finally came and alas, where the diner once stood, now stands @Union.

On my way home from the eye appointment, I decided to pop in for lunch. Was greeted by the staff upon entry and they brought a menu to my table as I was sitting down. I opted for a Turkey Club on toasted white bread. Being a rotisserie restaurant (or at least advertised as such with two chickens rotating behind the counter) I was hoping for maybe even recently cut turkey, but it was just the sliced stuff you'll find anywhere else. The bacon was crisp and the sandwich was over all tasty. They over salt their fries, so watch for that if you've got a condition. Sandwich was a little over priced, but I don't think the quick lunch crowd is their target market. More a coffee place that serves decent food and gives free wifi. Still, it's worth checking out.

New Thing 3: Absolut Boston
Again, the people that know me know that I'm a beer drinker. I'm not a beer snob, but I tend to prefer a beer over liquor except for special occasions, and then I'm a whiskey guy. But I figured, eh, what the heck? Blanchards' advertisement is "If you live in this city, you're obligated to buy it." And they're right.

It's a vodka infused with Black Tea (for the tea pahty) and Elderflowers. The second ingredient lead to many a Monty Python quote, but I think that's a common occurrence when you get nerds together. On recomendation of the cashier, I picked up some ginger ale to mix with it, and it definitely was a good call. It really doesn't taste (unless you go a little overboard with it) or smell like vodka. It still has that bite at the end but mixed with the ginger ale, it really tastes more like you're drinking a sweet tea than an alcoholic beverage. I recomend giving it a try. I almost wrote "giving it a shot" but would have had to throw myself from the St. Mary's bridge onto the Pike for that pun.


Well that's all for next weekend. Anyone with recommendations of things to try around the city for another one of these posts, please leave a comment.