The good life - like good food - is all in the spices. And art and music are the spices of life, as you and your little paprika know. So on Friday, jettison the cares of the week and savor the richness of life in the Hub - and enjoy a satisfying meal as well.
The evening begins with art and wine at the Open Studios Preview Party from 6 to 8 p.m.at the Fenway Studios (30 Ipswich St., Boston, 617-695-9720, friendsoffenwaystudios.org), where you may stroll through the studios, view pieces by the artists who work there, and maybe pick up a gift or two. The event, sponsored by Friends of Fenway Studios, features wine tasting by Best Cellars and catering by East Meets West. Tickets are $60 at the door, $40 in advance. The open studios and holiday sale continues Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thus primed for pleasure, head the short distance to Petit Robert Bistro (480 Columbus Ave., South End, 617-867-0600, petitrobertbis tro.com) for a French repast in a cozy setting. Start with the trio of homemade patés with condiments ($7) or the six escargots bourguig- nons ($7.75). Continue with the soupe à l'onion gratinée ($6.25). For dinner try the coq au vin with buttered noodles ($15.75) or the beef short ribs pot au feu with vegetables, broth, and marrow bone ($15.95). Dinner is served until 11 p.m., so you have plenty of time to discuss the art you've seen that evening or debate dessert options. Crème caramel ($6.50) or trio of sorbet ($5.75)?
Restart the sizzle with a short walk to the venerable neighborhood club Wally's Café (427 Massachusetts Ave., 617-424-1408, wallys cafe.com). On Fridays, trumpet player Jason Palmer and his Jazz Collective start the show sometime after 9:30 p.m. and play until 2 a.m. No cover.
And if your evening needs more sugar, take that sizzle home and shake up the spice rack.
