Whiskey Tasting and Iron Bartender Competition, “Monday Night Football Madness”

Whiskey Tasting and Iron Bartender Competition, “Monday Night Football Madness”

My week started off with a Whiskey Tasting and Iron Bartender Competition at M Bar and Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental in the heart of the Back Bay, courtesy of Whiskey. Hosted by Ace Gershfield from 6one7 Productions, it was all about the “The Art of the Cocktail” as bartenders from the area came up with a new whiskey drink. They competed for a first prize trip to Florida and a $500 spending spree.

 My favorite combination was “the Europa” and after tasting it, all I can remember is that it was a little sweet, with a hint of pineapple and topped off with fresh shavings of vanilla bean, and oh, so good!!! “Europa” was the big winner of the night and was created by two French bartenders (unfortunately, their names escape me…) from the Woodward, Morgans Hotel Group’s new restaurant-bar concept for the Ames Hotel. M Bar and Lounge is a great new spot in the heart of Copley Square on Boylston Street. You can meet up with friends after work and sit at a glass bar top or if you want a little privacy, you can chill in the intimate banquettes that offer a stunning view and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. M Bar and Lounge features a custom-designed wine wall, with some 300 vintages, and offers an extensive menu of classic and exotic cocktails. Guests can select from a variety of delicious light fare, ranging from artisan cheeses to a range of tempting Asian-style tapas.

After mingling in Back Bay, I headed out for more fun, food and networking at Rudi’s Restaurant and Lounge (located inside the Hampton Inn) for ‘Coach’ Willie Maye’s “Monday Night Football Madness Party.” Not being a true football fan, I was more interested in chatting with friends (both old and new) but the folks who were there to see the game didn’t seem to mind. For football fans, Rudi’s is a really chill spot that’s comfortable and casual and serves good food — like the 35-cent Chicken Wings. Best of all, there’s no cover charge.

 Catch the game on two 50” Flat Screen HD TVs and enter the raffle to win great prizes. It all benefits the Mission Hill/Fenway Buccaneers Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading program and you might just walk away with some great official-licensed gear from Reebok. On November 30th I expect a packed house for the game between the New England Patriots and the undefeated New Orleans Saints (sorry Pats fans but I can’t wait to watch cutie pie, Reggie Bush)….

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

My girl Pebbles, host of WJMN’s morning show “Ramiro and Pebbles” is a HUGE Twilight fan. I mean HUGE, to the point of obsession. I like the whole mythology of vampires, but I am nowhere close to being as fanatic as she is…..but, thanks to her, I had the chance to go to JAM’N’s advance screening of New Moon.

 It was held at the AMC Theatres Boston Common and let me tell you, security was tight! There were no cameras or any recording devices permitted inside the theater. You had to leave all of your electronic personal items in sealed zip lock bags before you could enter the theatre. On this night, it was a full house with screaming girls and women, yes, women. Once the lights went down, you could hear the buzz and feel the excitement for “New Moon,” and the “Twi-hards” (that’s fans of the book and movie).

The Muses: Models and Dior Through the Decades

Over at Dior in Copley Place, my favorite champagne, Veuve Clicquot was flowing. I had the opportunity to check out the Dior and Vogue exclusive presentation The Muses: Models and Dior Through the Decades. It was inspired by The Model as Muse exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Fashion Historian Stephane Houy-Towner took us through a visual tour of Dior from its inception in 1947 during what is known as “The Golden Age of Haute Couture.” The tour continued to the present with current muses of the moment: Charlize Theron, Liya Kebede, Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss.

If you’re into fashion as I am, you will notice that Dior’s distinctive trademark is its “hyper-feminized silhouette.” It is demonstrated through its cinched waist and padded hip and is recycled through the decades in various styles, textures and colors. The presentation was great but what really caught my attention, was a fabulous pair of snakeskin peephole heels in a bronzy/gold color. If I drank more champagne, I might have just bought the pair…but thankfully, I knew when to head out of Dior….

“Jonathon Gates Presents … Generation Next”

And topping off the week was a night of comedy and music with “Jonathon Gates Presents … Generation Next” at the Strand Theatre. The marquee out front was beaming with white lights. You would have thought you were in the Theatre District! It was really great to see folks from the area coming out to support comedy.

 The show was hosted by “Boston’s Bad Boy of Comedy” Jonathon Gates and the line-up included one of my favorites Bethany Van Delft, Chris Tabb (BET’s “Comic View”) who turned it out, along with Jay from Jersey and Terry Hodges, both veterans of “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam.” Coming out to support the show was mid-fielder Shalrie Joseph from the New England Revolution and Boston Celtics’ Tony Allen. DJ Wade turned it out a la Kid Capri-style!

Love to hear from ya! Reach out to me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.