Archive for the ‘Drink Boston’ Category

Fort Point Channel: Boston's Newest Destination

A recent USA Today Travel article spoke about the ongoing revitalization of the Fort Point Channel neighborhood.

The author of the article, Rodrique Ngowi, emphasizes the improvements made to this 55-acre landmark district abutting South Boston over the last 3 decades, noting that the revitalization efforts have been paying off and attracting trendy bars and restaurants and Fort Point is now becoming a popular tourist destination.  Barbara Lynch‘s establishments on the ground floor of FP3 are on the short list of places to visit while in the Fort Point area:

Bartender John Gertsen of Drink at FP3

Bartender John Gertsen of Drink at FP3

” Fort Point Channel’s culinary scene is booming too. Notable spots include three restaurants from chef Barbara Lynch: upscale Menton, where the standard prix fixe dinner menu is $95; Sportello (the Italian word for “counter”), specializing in simple Italian dishes; and Drink, a laid-back bar known for creative cocktails. “

Fort Point attracts families with amenities like the Boston Children’s Museum and fun activities planned by the Friends of Fort Point Channel and other organizations in the area.

The author spoke with Gabrielle Schaffner of Fort Point Arts Community, a neighborhood nonprofit group run by members of the creative community.  She estimates there are currently about 300 artists live in the area now, making the Fort Point area one of the highest concentrations of artists in New England.  Twice each year thousands of tourists are drawn to visit the neighborhood during the Fort Point Open Studios, in which area artist simultaneously host open houses allowing people to tour their workspace and purchase their art.

If you missed the fall Open Studios this year, you can still stop by the FP3 Gallery at 346 Congress Street during regular business hours and view our current installation featuring creative works by two local Fort Point Artists, Jeff Smith and David Moore.

Follow this link to read the rest of the original article about the Fort Point Channel.

Fort Point Fall Events Calendar

Busy, busy, busy….

Pull out your fall social calendar…and costumes!!  There’s a lot going on in the Fort Point Channel area this weekend and the coming weeks.  While you explore the area, keep your eyes open for FPAC’s Fall Public Art Series which features temporary public art works installed throughout in the Fort Point neighborhood and even floating in the Fort Point Channel!

FPAC Gallery Group Show Opening Reception

Thursday, October 14th from 5:30pm-8pm

Stop by the FPAC Gallery on Summer Street after work tonight for their kick-off to Open Studios weekend, and view works from a variety of Fort Point artists.  This event is sponsored by the Channel Cafe.

FP3 Gallery Artists Reception

Friday, October 15th from 6-8p

Join us as we welcome two new artists, David Moore and Jeff Smith, both with strong connections to FPAC, into our FP3 Gallery space.  Gather with friends and neighbors for our Opening Reception and let these two talented artists kick-off a fun-filled, art-inspired weekend.  You’ll love David’s vibrant, large oil paintings and self-taught sculptor and master woodworker, Jeff Smith, brings an exciting edge to the Gallery.  The FP3 Gallery is free and also open to the public during regular business hours (Mon- Fri 10am-6pm and Sat & Sun 10am-4pm).

2010 FPAC ad

FPAC 31st Annual Open Studios

Saturday, October 16 + Sunday, October 17th from 11AM-6PM

Fort Point Open Studios is an opportunity to meet artists, visit Fort Point neighborhood studios, and see some amazing work in the environment where it was created!  Most artwork is available for purchase…so if you’re looking to start your holiday shopping, or decorate your new home at FP3, this is the time to buy!  More info here.

FP3 OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, October 17th from 1-3p

Stop by and take a tour our luxurious model units at FP3 designed by David Hacin and JFS Design Studios.

With our recent FHA Approval, it’s now more affordable than ever to live near Boston’s waterfront, just minutes away from the Financial District in Boston’s newest hot neighborhood, Fort Point!  While you’re here, treat yourself to brunch at Barbara Lynch’s restaurant, Sportello on the ground floor- tell them we sent you!

Made in Fort Point Opening Reception

Thursday October 21st from 5-7pm

Meet the artist and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages at this great Farnsworth Street location.  Made in Fort Point sells the art, craft and designs of over 65 Fort Point Arts Community members.  Made in Fort Point/Art at 12 is hosting a dozen artists on site during Open Studios hours, plus fun art making activities for kids Saturday and Sunday.

Fort Point Pumpkin Pageant 2009Fort Point Pumpkin Pageant

Thursday, October 28th from 12-4pm

Every year, Friends of Fort Point Channel hosts the annual Fort Point Pumpkin Pageant.  Local businesses carve pumpkins and display them in front of the Childrens Museum where children and adults can vote for the best pumpkin!  Children can carve and decorate their own pumpkins while enjoying face painting and complimentary refreshments.  Costumes are more than welcome!  Visit the FP3 Facebook Page to see our entry from last year!

Halloween on the Harbor

Thursday, October 28th from 6:30 – 10pm

Join us for the first annual Halloween on the Harbor, a progressive Halloween Party for adult trick-or-treaters at restaurants and bars in the Seaport District, Fort Point Channel and Fan Pier neighborhoods!  Area hotels, restaurants, and bars are hosting Halloween festivities, contests, and serving refreshments, and Old Town Trolleys will shuttle patrons to all participating venues.  The $5 cost to ride the Trolley will benefit the Friends of Fort Point Channel Pumpkin Pageant.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costume, so dress to impress!!  For more info visit http://www.facebook.com/HalloweenOnTheHarbor.

Drink Bartender Featured by Public Radio Kitchen

Fp3 is proud to be home the 3 of celebrity chef Barbara Lynch’s culinary creations; Drink, Sportello, and Menton.  Each space offers visitors a unique atmosphere, exquisite food, and unparalleled service (did we mention FP3 residents get special treatment?).

Public Radio Kitchen recently featured an interview with (and a delicious cocktail recipe by) Drink’s cocktail master, John Gertsen, as part of PKR’s ‘Meet Your Bartender Series.  The author notes that John has been mentioned and admired by all the previous local bartenders featured in the series thus far- a testament to his amazing talents and hospitable personality.

“John Gertsen is one of Boston’s most respected and talented bartenders.  For six years, he manned the bar at No. 9 Park, developing a reputation not only as a supremely inventive mixologist, but also as an expert on the history of cocktails, particularly drinks from the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Then, two years ago, with chef Barbara Lynch, Gertsen helped found Drink in Fort Point.  The bar quickly established itself as one of the finest and most original in the city, if not the country.”

Read the Full Interview and get John’s spin on a Sazerac, a classic New Orleans cocktail recipe he considers the one drink he’d choose as his ‘desert island’ drink, if he could only pick one favorite.  Try the recipe at home, or stop into Drink at FP3 next time you’re in the Fort Point area and ask John to make one for you!

Sazerac Cocktail by John Gertsen of Drink

Sazerac Cocktail by John Gertsen of Drink

Just think, if you lived in one of the luxury condos at FP3, you wouldn’t have to drive home after a night at Drink, and you could try a new creation by John every week!

Smooth Sailing for Fort Point Channel Public Docks & Programs

The Fort Point Channel’s revitalization should be ‘smooth sailing’ from this point forward!

The Harbor Line Exemption legislation (originally filed by Senator Jack Hart of South Boston) was signed by Governor Deval Patrick on August 3, 2010 as part of the Watersheet Activation Plan, which was the 2003 winner of the American Planning Association’s Massachusetts Chapter for Comprehensive Planning, proposed by Friends of Fort Point Channel, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, The Boston Harbor Association, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA).

The legislation is designed to improve public access to Boston’s Fort Point Channel through boating programs, increased water transportation, and touch-and-go-docks as part of Mayor Menino’s mission to transform the fifty acre land-and-water Fort Point area into Boston’s next great public space.  The Fort Point Channel is being touted as  the next “Boston Common”, with, of course, the added bonus of being on the water.  The Watersheet Activation Plan also calls for creative water-based uses, including small boat activities, performances, art installations, and special events and festivals, as well as public space to relax and enjoy the waterfront.

If you’ve visited the Fort Point area, you may have seen some of these goals already coming to fruition with events like synchronized sailing and various art installations on the water created by Fort Point area artists, such as the floating art installation, ‘House of Cards’ by Lisa Greenfield (photographed below).

House of Cards, a 2008 art installation by Lisa Greenfield

'House of Cards', by Lisa Greenfield in 2008

With the passing of this legislation, you can expect to start seeing a lot more activity in the Fort Point Channel and the surrounding Fort Point area!

FP3 is proud to be part of the exciting changes that have been improving the Fort Point Channel and Boston Seaport neighborhoods.

Come see what all the buzz is about!  Stop by one of Barbara Lynch’s restaurants on our ground floor, take a tour of FP3, and become a resident of one of the most dynamic areas of Boston!

Check our Home Page for the latest announcement of upcoming Open Houses, or ‘Like’ our Facebook Page for Open House notices and information on special events hosted at FP3!  We’ve got a great schedule of events planned for the fall, so keep checking back for updates!  Recent events include art openings at the FP3 Art Gallery, Rooftop Yoga on one of our Penthouse Suite terraces, a Boston Pride Party, and more!

As you can see from the rendering of the Fort Point Channel as it appears in the Watersheet Activation Plan, the Channel will begin to see a lot more recreational boating and activities with the passing of this legislation!

Rendering of Fort Point Channel with Increased Usage

Plugged In: Fort Point Channel

FP3 featured by StyleBoston!

Click Here to Watch the Video from NECN>>>

(styleboston) – Get Plugged In to Fort Point Channel, former industrial hub, now, home to much of Boston’s artist community. Tony Corey chats with Joanne Chang, the mastermind behind Flour Bakery + Café, the newest of which just opened in Cambridge. When Joanne Chang came to Fort Point they thought she was crazy. Now, Fort Point Channel is a creative, vibrant neighborhood, so close to downtown crossing, that on any given day it’s all abuzz.

Joanne Chang, owner of Flour Bakery

Joanne Chang, owner of Flour Bakery

Chang isn’t the only one who’s made her home there. Barbara Lynch’s food empire is based in Fort Point, Thompson Reuters spans an entire street and, of course, ADD Inc and Rue La La brighten the skyline.

What’s most compelling about living or working in Fort Point? According to ADD Inc.’s Fred Kramer – the people. He said, on any given day, walking down the street, you’re likely to bump into another creative soul, someone who’s young, up and coming, and part of the movement. When you walk down the street in Fort Point, you mingle with artists, designers, green urban planners and a whole lot of intellectuals.

If that doesn’t get you down to Fort Point, Joanne Chang’s cupcakes will! Not only do they “taste like air” according to Tony, but most of them are Vegan! Just like the neighborhood’s credo – there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Flour: http://flourbakery.com
Add Inc: http://www.addinc.com
Rue La La: https://www.ruelala.com
Thompson Reuters: http://thomsonreuters.com

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY! DON'T MISS IT!

FP3 will be holding its next Open House THIS Sunday, June 6 from 1 to 3 pm.

Stop by to see what living in Boston’s hottest neighborhood could look like for you!  Tour our luxurious model units designed by David Hacin and JFS Design Studios.

With our recent FHA Approval, it’s now more affordable than ever to live in Fort Point, just minutes away from the Waterfront and the Financial District!  While you’re here, treat yourself to brunch at Barbara Lynch’s restaurant, Sportello on the ground floor!

open-house

Next OPEN HOUSE May 23rd!

Have you been curious about the renovations at 346-348 Congress Street in Boston Fort Point neighborhood?  Do you want to see why FP3 has won several awards for it’s design and interior or see the amazing terrace spaces?

Now’s your chance!

On May 23rd, from 1pm through 3pm FP3 will be hosting our next Open House.  We will be providing tours of the property, including our fabulous model units furnished by JFS Design Studios and David Hacin!  If you’ve missed out on our other events, here’s your chance to see why the Boston Herald named FP3 as one of the Top Ten Boston Buildings of the Decade!

open-house-sign

And with FP3′s recent FHA Approval, qualified buyers can put as little as down as 3.5% of a loan amount up to $523, 750.  Just FYI, over half our units are priced under $500,000- making FP3 one of the few luxury buildings that offer new construction at an affordable rate!

No need to make an appointment, just stop by 346 Congress Street between the hours of 1pm and 3pm.  Make a day of it and grab a cocktail at Barbara Lynch’s Drink or lunch at Sportello in the ground floor of the building while you’re here!

Foodies Love Menton!

Have you been thinking about trying Barbara Lynch’s new restaurant, Menton, at FP3 in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood?  Menton opened earlier this month, and is already receiving accolades in the blogosphere and on social websites.  As we all know, the best way to find out about a restaurant is to read what the ‘Foodies’ are saying about it, right?  Here are some excerpts from recent reviews we found online:

Menton, photo by Justin Ide

Menton, photo by Justin Ide

“I am still trying to get my arms around the right words to describe one of the most incredible dining experiences I have ever enjoyed…. Every member of your staff carried out their duties with precision and perfection – true professionals…. My experience at Menton has forever raised the standard by which I will judge fine restaurants in the future. Congratulations to you and your fine team of professionals. I am a fan! Outstanding job!”

-Jeff S. on Yelp.com

“We spent nearly 4hours at Menton with our food, our servers (including the utterly professional and knowledgeable Paige, who patiently fielded our questions about her life in the restaurant industry and her background), and the restaurant staff (thank you Alec for showing us the kitchen and explaining how it was designed). The pace was leisurely and conversational; we never felt rushed and the kitchen was very accommodating of our needs.”

-J.W. on Yelp.com

“Barbara Lynch strikes again. As though it wasn’t enough that she delighted us with the best oysters at B & G Oyster or perfection in charcuterie at The Butcher Shop or special nights out at No. 9 Park or the whimsy of her mixologists at Drink (not to mention Stir and 9 at Home), but she really hits one out of the park with her latest restaurant, the fine dining wonder, Menton, in her Fort Point complex. Sleek, elegant, and comfortable, Menton is a glammed up dining experience that we Bostonians mightn’t be totally accustomed to, but I think we will learn pretty quickly to love it. “

- Meghan M. on Yelp.com

“Wow! Barbara Lynch was aiming for the stars and hit the mark. Each course is a visual delight and a taste sensation. The service is gracious and impeccable. If you haven’t visited the Fort Point neighborhood lately, this is the reason to go.”

-Marco on Zagat.com

So, if you’re looking for a fancy place to go for a fine dining experience- Mother’s Day IS just around the corner, after all- make a reservation at Menton and then write your own review!  If you’re a fan of Barbara Lynch, but are looking for a more affordable meal, you can head upstairs to Sportello, or just go for appetizers and amazing mixed drinks at the downstairs bar, Drink, instead!

Menton, Chef Barbara Lynch's Fort Point Dining Restaurant, To Open Saturday, April 3, 2010

Chef Lynch’s Eagerly Anticipated Menton Will Offer Boston an Unforgettable New Option in Fine Dining Between classic and modern in the beautiful place that is Menton.

March 16, 2010, Boston, MA….James Beard Award-winning chef Barbara Lynch will open the final concept to complete her Fort Point trifecta on Saturday, April 3, 2010. Menton, which will join neighbors Drink and Sportello, is named for a small French village near the Italian border.
The restaurant will be a glamorous expression of fine dining that will reflect Chef Barbara Lynch’s shared love for the cuisine of these two countries.

“I am so excited that the moment has finally come to open Menton,” said Chef Barbara Lynch. “I have such an amazing team that has been working incredibly hard over the last four years to make this dream a reality. As Boston continues to grow and evolve, it is nothing short of exhilarating to be a part of that growth and we hope that Menton will represent Boston on a national and international stage. From the sourcing of ingredients and the design of the dining room to the selection of beautiful wine offerings, china and glassware, the creative process has been a dream – we can’t wait for guests to experience Menton!”

For the opening of Menton, Chef Barbara Lynch has assembled an incredibly talented team of both longtime employees and welcome additions to the company. Chef Colin Lynch, the Executive Chef for Barbara Lynch Gruppo and former Co-Executive Chef of No.9 Park, will be the Executive Chef of Menton and has worked closely with Chef Barbara Lynch (no relation) over the last four years to design the kitchen, source the china, select purveyors, and create the menu. Chef Colin will oversee the daily operations of the kitchen and will be assisted by Executive Sous Chef Wyatt Maguire. Kevin Gravito, formerly of No.9 Park, will be the Pastry Chef.  Front of House operations will be led by General Manager Alec Riveros, who most recently served as the General Manager and Wine Director at Clio and Uni Sashimi Bar. Wine Director Cat Silirie, with whom Chef Barbara Lynch has worked with for over 20 years, has created a stellar wine program for Menton. The list celebrates Cat’s love for old world wines from some of France, Italy, and Austria’s most beloved and distinguished producers and, as with all of Cat’s selections, will pair beautifully with the cuisine.

Often described as Boston’s new frontier, Fort Point features an artsy, urban cityscape with a sense of history and an eager eye towards the future. Neighborhood architecture varies from the historic brick buildings that once housed warehouses to sleek, futuristic design statements. Menton, which captures the duality of being both classic and modern, is perfectly at home in this old/new neighborhood as well as within FP3, the Berkeley Investments-owned, AIA award-winning luxury condominium complex that has been praised for its impressive historical-modern design. The interior space was designed by Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz of C&J Katz Studio. Longtime friends of Chef Barbara Lynch, Cheryl and Jeffrey also designed No.9 Park, Stir, Drink, and Sportello.
Using a palette of gray with touches of silver and black, C&J Katz created a glamorous yet inviting aesthetic in a space which was expertly constructed by Ed McCabe, David O’Connor, and John Cash of Cafco, a Boston-based construction management and general contracting firm.
Artwork for Menton was created by Burgundy, France-based artist Matt McClune, a one-time bartender at No.9 Park and B&G Oysters. In addition to the elegant dining room which will seat 6o guests, Menton will feature a private dining room that can accommodate up to 50 guests for a seated dinner and the Chef’s Table, an intimate space with a dynamic view of the kitchen which can seat up to 14.

Menton will offer dinner Sunday through Saturday; the lounge will open at 5pm each evening and the dining room will begin serving at 5:30pm.
Reservations for Menton may be made beginning Tuesday, March 16th online (www.MentonBoston.com) or daily from 10am-10pm by phone (617.737.0099).
Two menu formats will be offered: a four-course prix-fixe menu ($95) and a seven-course chef’s tasting menu ($145). The cuisine of Menton, an artful blend of French technique and Italian soul, will display Executive Chef Colin’s preference for precision, purity, and visual artistry. Guests will relax and enjoy a carefully choreographed culinary experience under the direction of Chef Colin and his team.

About Barbara Lynch Gruppo:
Barbara Lynch Gruppo, founded by Chef Barbara Lynch, is a collection of entities offering unique and memorable culinary experiences including acclaimed Boston restaurants No.9 Park, B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop, and Sportello, as well as catering company 9 at Home (PKA Niche Catour), Stir, a demonstration kitchen and cookbook store, and Drink, a bar dedicated to the craft of the cocktail.  Ranging from the most elegant of fine dining experiences at Menton to the casual and energetic Sportello, all are united by the mission to provide exceptional food, inspired wine and cocktail programs, and gracious hospitality to our guests. Barbara Lynch Gruppo continually strives for excellence – a pursuit which is supported by the talent and passion of our teams, nurtured by our relationships with farmers, purveyors, and winemakers, and inspired by the vision of Chef Barbara Lynch. For more information, please visit www.barbaralynch.com.

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FP3 Benefits from Lynch's Kingdom

Barbara Lynch quoteBy 6 p.m. one recent wintry Saturday, the basement bar of a residential block on a quietly populated street a hike from downtown Boston is wall-to-wall with people.  It’s not an after-work crowd; it’s a destination crowd soaking up the haute-luxe suds at Drink, the quaffing cognoscenti’s bar of choice.

The block is home of the Seaport District’s FP3, a mixed-use residential building that also includes the neodiner Sportello, and will soon add a fine dining restaurant, Menton.

Read the full article on FP3 and Barbara Lynch from the Metro here >>

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