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Get out chat

Get tips on what's hot this weekend from Sidekick's Meredith Goldstein. Goldstein was online Thursday, April 12, at 11 a.m. to chat with you about your weekend plans.

The transcript follows.

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Meredith_Goldstein: Hi everybody. It’s Meredith from Sidekick. Let’s chat about the weekend and how to cope with this April snow.
dk_in_jp__Guest_: Meredith, I'm semi-embarassed to be asking this question: Do you know any dog-friendly restaurants? My father is visiting with his pooch. The dog is basically my brother, my dad's favorite child, except worse because it's a canine. I was thinking that it would be a treat for my dad if we could eat somewhere where we could bring the dog.
Meredith_Goldstein: DK, sounds like there’s some sibling rivalry here. There is a place where you and your doggie brother can coexist peacefully – the South End. Tremont 647 teams up with the Polka Dog Bakery each weekend for a Saturday doggie brunch. You may want to check on this based on weather.
Meredith_Goldstein: http://www.polkadog.com/community_events.htm
Meredith_Goldstein: The Globe also did a good story a while back about good doggie spots. Might be worth a quick read: www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/06/11/lapping_up_luxuries/
griffey1804__Guest_: where can I meet nice, professional, athletic guys in the 35-45 age range
Meredith_Goldstein: Wow. Good question. If athletic is really a priority here, you may want to check out blu – the restaurant next to the Sports Club/LA by the Ritz. There are often eligible bachelors in sweatpants just hanging around and grazing.
Meredith_Goldstein: www.blurestaurant.com
partygirlz__Guest_: have you been to Blue Wave on a Saturday? If so, what's the scene?
Meredith_Goldstein: It’s been a while, but I have been there and have had a great time. It’s one of the only places around that is reliable for hip-hop and soul music. Diverse crowd. Good music. Sometimes they showcase great rising talent. And if the scene is slow, you can head over to Lucky’s.
2e__Guest_: Hey Meredith, I have some friends from NYC coming in this weekend. Where should we go to hang out? (Please don't say a Sox game.)
Meredith_Goldstein: What’s wrong with the Red Sox?
Meredith_Goldstein: Sorry. In fan mode.
Meredith_Goldstein: If these are snobby New Yorkers who think Boston is slow, you may want to take them to the Future Classic party at Revolution Rock Bar. It’s being hosted by Oxy Cottontail, a New York-based socialite/DJ/party planner.
Meredith_Goldstein: Forgive her name, of course.
Meredith_Goldstein: www.myspace.com/oxycottontail
dk_in_jp__Guest_: That's genius. I'm totally going to do that. Treats for everyone!
Meredith_Goldstein: DK, Daddy loves you more than the dog. I'm sure of it.
trae__Guest_: looks like the weather is goign to stink- any hot spots to avoid the rain but enjoy the marathon
Meredith_Goldstein: FNX is hosting a party inside the Cactus Club. It should be packed, so you should probably register online. It’s being sponsored by Corona, so it should feel warm, even if it’s freezing.
sea_captain__Guest_: arrrghhhh matey....
Meredith_Goldstein: Amen.
william_dawes__Guest_: Anything good going on sunday night
Meredith_Goldstein: I might be skipping “The Sopranos” to head over to the Paradise. There’s Gary Jules on the Lounge side and Son Volt on the Rock Club Side. Two good options for live music.
KO__Guest_: Good advice re: dog places. Tealuxe (outside) is dog friendly for lunches too. I have a Red SOx (day) game date on Saturday w a guy I barely know. We're 37 & 47. Any good ideas for before or after the game?
Meredith_Goldstein: Thanks KO. DK thanks you, too. Sounds like a good first date. You might want to stop at Audubon Circle for a quick bite before or after the game. Should be quieter than the pubs around the ballpark and the lighting is flattering. Plus, it’s cheap.
Meredith_Goldstein: http://www.boston.com/dining/restaurant/242
annernanner__Guest_: Merideth! You are the cutest and always have the most exciting things going on! Don't know if that's a question or not, but whatever... Anne. :)
Meredith_Goldstein: Everyone, meet Anne. She’s brilliant.
scot__Guest_: any good rock bands playing?
Meredith_Goldstein: Not sure what kind of rock you like, but I spent most of yesterday afternoon listening to the Mystix (they used to be the Mystics but changed their name). It’s a group of Boston and New York musicians who have played with everyone from Peter Wolf to New Kids on the Block (yes, PW and NKOTB -- it's possible). They have a great sound. They’re at Johnny D’s on Saturday.
Meredith_Goldstein: www.themysticsmusic.com
Affi_Komen__Guest_: can you recommend a hagadah that will help me release my inner ecstacies?
Meredith_Goldstein: Wow. Something tells me we should ask the sea captain.
doogie__Guest_: any good shows?
Meredith_Goldstein: Ok, if the Mystix aren’t your thing, I’m recommending the next round of WBCN’s Rock N’ Roll Rumble on Saturday. I was there last week and fell for Eli “Paperboy” Reed and his band. He’s something like James Brown. Except he’s alive – and from Massachusetts. He has made it to this weekend’s semi-finals, thankfully.
Meredith_Goldstein: harpersferryboston.com
bostonia__Guest_: Anything fun and low key to do on Sunday night?
Meredith_Goldstein: Eating is fun and low key. The Met Club in Chestnut Hill is doing a Dice-K-inspired menu for its Sunday dinner. Might be fun.
Meredith_Goldstein: metclubandbar.com/experience/introduction/sunday_suppers.php
d__Guest_: My best friend is turning 32 next thurs and we are trying to find a place to go out and have a few drinks and mingle. We were thinking of District, but would you have any other suggestions?? Thanks! GO SOX!!
Meredith_Goldstein: Wait – by mingle, do you mean pick up?
Meredith_Goldstein: If the idea is talking to strangers, I’d push Vox. It’s not always my favorite scene, but when I’m there, people seem to talk to each other even if they don’t know each other. And there are fun drinks.
Rick__Guest_: hello everyone
Rick__Guest_: what is the crowd like older(ish) youger(ish)
Rick__Guest_: The Atrium Lounge at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel
Meredith_Goldstein: Hi there, Rick. It’s not one of my regular hang-out spots, but my sources tell me it’s much like the other hotel bars/restaurants in town. Some out-of-towners, more of an upscale hotel crowd … more of a professional and visiting scene than a hometown bar, for sure. A lounge vibe.
Roman__Guest_: To me, Bostonians don't seem like a friendly bunch....what are some places you would recommend to go to meet people in mid/late twenties?
Meredith_Goldstein: We have a tough exterior, but inside, we are mushy. Just give us a chance. The Boston Young Professionals Association is actually very good about helping twentysomethings find one another. The group is having a networking party at the Good Life on Tuesday. Might be worth checking out.
Meredith_Goldstein: http://www.bostonypa.com/event.asp?id=498
Meredith_Goldstein: Well, it’s noon. I’m off to eat. Goodbye DK, and good luck with the dog. I hope you find a nice bachelor, griffey1804. And thank you Anne. See you all next Thursday at 11.

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