Meredith Goldstein is keen on DJs who spin pop music and restaurants that serve real food after 11 p.m. She answered your questions about what to do this weekend.
Meredith_Goldstein: Hi everybody. It's Meredith Goldstein with the Boston Globe. Let's chat about the weekend. Need plans? Let me help.
gmag__Guest_: so what is the big thing this weekend in Boston
Meredith_Goldstein: Hi there gmag. Well, the big thing (sadly enough) is that Audrina from MTV's "The Hills" is at the Estate in the Alley on Saturday night. It's big -- if you're an MTV reality show person.
Meredith_Goldstein: If not, there are great bands in town this weekend. The Dirty Projectors at the MFA on Sunday night ... the Hard Lessons at O'Brien's on Saturday
Aja1__Guest_: If you were a married guy in your mid-thirties, and your wife was out of town for the weekend, what would you do?
Meredith_Goldstein: Wow. Well, if my wife was out of town, I might spend the entire weekend thinking up a romantic date for when she returns. Or maybe I'd spend 10 hours watching college basketball.
Meredith_Goldstein: Really, though, I'd do something she doesn't like to do. If she's not into live music that goes on late, I'd stop by the Middle East. If she hates pubs, I'd grab some friends and take them out for a good pint. If she dislikes sports, I'd hit up Game On! and stare at flat screens.
gmag__Guest_: lol naw. they paid her 10grand to come and she'll hang out for half hour.
Meredith_Goldstein: Audrina? Probably. Although, Paris Hilton stayed at the club for a good hour, I think. Although, there was no one-on-one time with fans.
gmag__Guest_: the new Golden Banana with the guys lol
Meredith_Goldstein: Ah, the Golden Banana.
katie__Guest_: if you were pregnant and couldn't drink, what would you do this weekend?
Meredith_Goldstein: You know, I think the big thing about drinks is feeling like you're sipping something fantastic. So I'd probably hit up an Indian restaurant (maybe Diva in Davis) and get myself a big old mango lassi. Maybe I'd stop by the Somerville Theatre after that to see "On Broadway," a film that was shot locally and stars Joey from New Kids. (he probably doesn't like to be called that -- sorry joey)
readyforspring__Guest_: hi meredith, i have question you get a lot, but with a twist. do you recommend a club/bar that plays top 40, r&b music..but here's the twist - that doesn't have a dj that remixes every song? a friend and i are kinda done with the alley scene. thanks.
Meredith_Goldstein: This is a tough one. DJs really like to put their mark on the music by mashing it up, mixing it up, and sometimes, messing it up. But recently, I was at Tavern in the Square in Central Square and I noticed that I was hearing Top 40 songs from start to finish. A good crowd (I got a strong grad student vibe on a Saturday night) and no mixing and mashing.
44__Guest_: Hey Meredith! Where do a couple of 30 year old single women go for post-work drinks on Friday? Ideally to chat, have a nice cocktail and of course see some cute professional guys!!!
Meredith_Goldstein: Ah, sounds like a nice Friday plan. I think I'd start at the Bubbly Bar at the Four Seasons. It runs on Fridays from 5 to 7. fourseasons.com/boston/dining/aujourd_hui.html
Meredith_Goldstein: Then I'd head to Alibi in the new Liberty Hotel if you feel like getting snazzy (Although, get there by 9 to avoid the line) ... or I'd walk from the Four Seasons to Back Bay for drinks at Cuffs at the Jurys hotel, which generally has a good 30something crowd.
gmag__Guest_: after work... those ladies can just come do bikini bull riding at the Liquor Store haha
Meredith_Goldstein: Wow, gmag. I just don't know that I can endorse that plan. I think 44 and her 30something friends should avoid the bull. At all costs.
macy__Guest_: Hi Meredith! What about a couple of 20-somethings, past college age, who want a night out Friday without the college kids?
Meredith_Goldstein: I always say that to avoid college kids, find a neighborhood where they don't live. (JP is always a nice option.) I'd say you're good though at most places without appetizer specials (50 cent wings draws the wrong crowd). Harvard Gardens should work. Delux in the South End has a nice age range. Audubon and Foundation Lounge in Kenmore ...
The_Fliz__Guest_: I'm going out to dinner with a few co-workers tonight to Jacob Wirth in the Theater District and am looking for something fun for the group after. We're mostly 20-somthings, but have a couple older guys (in their 30's, yikes) coming out. Can you suggest a "fun for all ages" place to go post-game?
Meredith_Goldstein: Oh wow. You mean you're hanging out with people who are 30???? :) Just kidding. Be nice to the 30-year-olds. They're (we're) not so bad. You won't be too far from Felt, which yes, caters to 20somethings, but has plenty of 30somethings. Yes, it's a big clubby, but there are pool tables. Always good for a group.
joe__Guest_: What's wrong with 30 something guy's? yikes?!?
Meredith_Goldstein: Don't worry Joe. I just got the same "yikes." You're fine. I'm fine. 30 is the new 10, apparently.
Aja1__Guest_: I think the plan is coming together. While the wife is away I should just throw a party for the 20 and 30 somethings looking for a nice night. I love this plan.
Meredith_Goldstein: Good one, Aja. I mean, if my sig. other left town, I would probably sit around and eat frozen waffles and watch my Simpsons DVDs. Now I've said too much.
Aja1__Guest_: the 20 somethings have no idea how good things will get post 30.
Meredith_Goldstein: It does get quite good, I'm finding.
johnny__Guest_: Hi Meredith. Tomorrow is my wife's 49th birthday and she wants to do something with the whole family (2 boys; ages 16 and 11). I was thinking maybe Blue Man Group. Do you have any other ideas?
Meredith_Goldstein: Blue Man Group is a great old standard. Although, I might offer up another old standard if you've never done it. My pal Chris (he covers the Patriots for the Globe) went on a Duck Tour last year. He's a lifetime Mass. resident and had never taken one. He really loved it and said that more locals should try it. Great for the family and if the weather isn't bad, it might be a lot of fun. After, I'd get dinner at Picco in the South End. Cheap enough for kids. And good ice cream. Tell her happy birthday.
JoshyR__Guest_: WHere is a good place to meet Jewish singles like yourself?
Meredith_Goldstein: You assume so much, Joshy. I know this group plans many events. cjp.org
Aja1__Guest_: in reality my weekend won't be too far off from what you described, just swap your Simpsons with NCAA and Familuy Guy. I'll free up the airwaves now. Thanks!
Meredith_Goldstein: Enjoy, Aja. Just remember to stop to bathe at some point during the weekend.
kelleygun__Guest_: hi
Meredith_Goldstein: hello, kellygun.
Giddeyup__Guest_: The Rock Bottom Tonight has the Firefighter Bachelor Auction, always a good time, anyone going
Meredith_Goldstein: Very nice offering. Are you on the bachelor list, Giddeyup?
gmag__Guest_: ohh meredith dont hate on the Bull. still draws a 2+ hour line wait on a saturday nite!! lol but its ok if your to old for it now.
Meredith_Goldstein: Wait, now that you've put it that way, bring on the bull. Bring. On. The. Bull. Really? Two hours??
Giddeyup__Guest_: Maybe you'll have find out, come it's for charity
Meredith_Goldstein: Starts at 8, yes? Is there a cover charge Giddeyup? Anthing we should know?
joe__Guest_: Where's the best bar\club to pick up some loose girls?
Meredith_Goldstein: Oh come on, Joe. Really.
Giddeyup__Guest_: I think there is a cover charge and yeah 8 but get there early sometimes it fills up
joe__Guest_: jk
Meredith_Goldstein: I figured.
Meredith_Goldstein: Also, while you're all quiet, there is a very good alt-country festival at Church on Friday and Saturday. myspace.com/altcountryextravaganza
The_Fliz__Guest_: I'm no longer scared of people in their 30's. Thanks chat team!
Meredith_Goldstein: You're welcome, Fliz.
Belle_of_the_Ball__Guest_: My sister and I and some married, 40+ girlfriends want to party like it's 1999 for a birthday celebration -- music we know, fun atmosphere -- and just dance dance dance. Nothing too fancy or cool. Just a bunch of Moms who want to have a blast -- any suggestions in and around Boston of where we might go?? Many thanks.
Meredith_Goldstein: Hello Belle. I think you might have a good time at Lucky's. There's always a nice age range and good music. Also, this may sound like an odd suggestion, but there's a fun crowd (usually over 40) and 80s music at the Golden Temple in Brookline.
Meredith_Goldstein: healthyfreshfood.com
Meredith_Goldstein: luckyslounge.com
Giddeyup__Guest_: ISn't lucky's always crowded?
Meredith_Goldstein: It can be. I find that the first room (the one by the door) can be too packed, but the back room isn't so bad. And if you get there early enough, you can guard some space. I actually think Belle might have a better time at the Temple, though. Plus, you can get a good meal before you hit the dance floor.
diski__Guest_: I love lucky's!
Meredith_Goldstein: Hello, diski. You love Luckys and Snoop.
Meredith_Goldstein: Ok, everybody. I'm out to lunch. If you want my "official picks," they're here: www.boston.com/thingstodo/gallery/weekend_picks/
Meredith_Goldstein: And if you have any other questions, I'm at mgoldstein@globe.com. See you next Thursday at 11.
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