in the Mix

Boston Celtics Courtney Lee, Dionte Christmas and Kris Joseph

Boston Celtics Courtney Lee, Dionte Christmas and Kris Joseph

Summer Soiree…

It was a warm night for the Boston Celtics’ annual summer soiree over at the Children’s Museum featuring live music from a Berklee band, a raffle courtesy of the Celtics Dancers and a silent auction. The outdoor cocktail reception benefited the Celtics Shamrock Foundation and was hosted in conjunction with New England Baptist Hospital and Comcast XFINITY.  Also supporting the cause were Boston Celtics Legends Tommy Heinsohn, JoJo White, Dave Cowens and Cedric Maxwell. Current players Avery Bradley, Kris Joseph, Dionte Christmas and Courtney Lee were there to support the foundation. Kicking the evening into high gear were the always hyped and energetic Lil’ Phunk, the official Junior Dance Troupe for the Celtics, along with Lucky the mascot (although I didn’t see him do any of his famous moves).

For all my foodies…

Here are a few of my top choices on what to order off their menus of some great restaurants in Jamaica Plain and Downtown Crossing.

Tonic serves the best crème brulee (barring the fruit on top), I think I’ve ever tasted. It is absolutely divine!

At The Haven, a Scottish restaurant, I began with the fish supper which included beer-battered fried haddock (yum), minted mushy peas (interesting concept, but not really my thing), and hand-cut big chips. The house tartar sauce added a nice zest to the haddock. The dessert was out of this world with their decadent deep fried Mars bar and the peach and rhubarb cobbler with an oatmeal crust coupled with a blackberry sorbet.   

Another great place to meet up with a friend for gourmet coffee or to grab a cup on the way to work is the recently opened Caffè Aromi in Hyde Square. It’s a cool, modern cafe with a slightly European feel.

JP Seafood has recently expanded and the new side is awesome. The look and feel is very chic yet casual and the food is as good as ever.  Make sure to stop by and sit at the communal table. You never know who you might meet!

And last but not least is Back Deck, which recently opened in Downtown Crossing on Washington Street. Back Deck is a great after-work spot to connect with friends, eat and people-watch, plus it’s reasonably priced. I recommend the Moroccan Chicken Kabob with black olive sauce and the grilled seasonal vegetables with lemon aioli.  It’s very good. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to try the Back Deck S’mores, but that just gives me another reason to return.

Bon Appetit!

Coming Up…

This Saturday, August 25, Kelly Clarkson and The Fray perform at the Comcast Center in Mansfield at 7pm.

If you’re up for a road trip, catch the hilarious Gabriel Iglesias on Sunday, September 2 at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Casino at 8pm.

It’s been a few years since Madonna has performed in town, and she comes to Boston to perform at the TD Garden on Tuesday, September 4 at 8pm.

The Berklee Performance Center presents the show “Rockapella: Motown and More” on Friday, September 14 at 8pm.  The show pays tribute to the music of Motown with unique versions of hit songs from The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and many more.

One of my favorite comics, DL Hughley, returns to The Wilbur Theater on Saturday, September 15 at 7pm.

On Saturday, September 15, The Citi Performing Arts Center presents Russell Brand at 8pm.

The Paradise presents Stephen Marley on Sunday, September 17 at 7pm. It’s an 18-plus show.

On Saturday, September 22, World Music/CRASHarts presents Mexico’s national dance company, Ballet Folklórico de México at 8pm at the Shubert Theater. The company of 48 dancers, musicians and singers incorporates a wide range of rituals, from Mayan and Aztec to modern traditions, all with spectacular theatrical flair.

If you would like me to cover or write about your event, email me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.