Bloc 11 Cafe

The clouds threatened rain when I set out for Bloc 11 this morning. I went for their chai and the kind baristas who serve it, along with the plants that fill the cafe's interior and the ivy that decorates the walls outside. Owned by the same people who run Diesel Cafe in Davis Square, one can expect the same delicious pastries and drinks-though I must say, I greatly prefer this Union Square spot, with its exposed brick and peaceful patio.  Removed from the bustle of Davis and yet planted in the burgeoning Union Square, there's a greater sense of calm at Bloc 11 but one senses that won't always be the case. More and more people will find their way to Union Square, and once the expansion of the T has started and finished (who ever knows when that will happen??), I imagine it will be a struggle to find a seat at Bloc 11. It's a wonderful space with a comfortable vibe and even though I live something of a distance from it now, that won't stop me from visiting-even when the clouds threaten rain. 

Diesel Cafe

In two weeks time, I'll be moving my little life across the Charles and starting anew in Brookline/Allston. I LOVE Somerville and am quite sad to depart this area but circumstances have left little choice to stay put where I am-so I'm packing the few belongings I have here with me and getting ready for the change of scenery. Diesel Cafe is one place I will miss sorely-it is one of the beloved institutions on Elm Street in Davis Square, where students and hipsters and young families all gather for a reliable cup of coffee and the assurance that one will see a lot of flannel and backwards baseball caps. It is cool and sleek and nearly always packed (though the first picture suggests otherwise-a fluke of a moment, really). When I go on the weekends I make sure to go extra early if I want a seat to call my own. Unfortunately, the chances of doing so are dwindling-but whenever I return to Davis I'll surely stop at Diesel. And you should too. 

Somerville Winter Farmers Market

The Somerville Winter's Market is located in the Armory Building on Highland Ave, which is a pleasant, ten minute walk from Davis Square. My mother was the first to mention its existence to me (practically the first or second week I moved to the area), but I always postponed the visit. However, winter's departure heightened the necessity to see it, so I walked there last Saturday, encouraged by my fellow pedestrians who strode in the same direction. The Armory itself is an imposing building, like a castle and colored in the hue of winter, but strangely out of place. When I entered, I heard the sound of a pianist playing from inside the cafe and a moment later, saw several chickens on display captivating a small audience. Advancing a few steps forward, I was in the main section of the building, filled with vendors selling every kind of food imaginable (perhaps a stretch). Another band played upbeat tunes and the place was appropriately crowded. The market has everything one would expect to see and a bit more as well-like Q's Nuts from down the street. Sadly yet inevitably, the market is coming to an end with its final heyday next week. But I was encouraged by the strong community feel and will most certainly visit often next winter! 

Artifaktori Vintage

Like its collection of oddities and vintage finds, Artifaktori is a treasure. Located in Davis Square and Beacon Hill (but soon only Beacon Hill), Artifaktori is something of a vintage lover's dream. The space embraces you with its hip tunes and smartly curated offerings-it is small, but packed with tchotchkes and items that will leave you lingering. Boston is filled with thrifting spots, but this one is extra special and extra cool. 

A Snowy Sunday in Somerville

Winter has arrived in all her glory. Last night snow descended on the city and left our streets and homes covered in white. Wrapped in layers (and yet, not enough of them), we walked to Davis Square by passing Powder House Square and Nathan Tufts Park. Before today, I didn't know that the Powder House located in the park was originally built in the first decade of the 18th century and that in 1774, British troops usurped a substantial amount of gunpowder that had been stored there. Naturally, this enraged local residents and led to what is known as the "Powder Alarm," something I didn't know about either. It's a wonderful thing to discover such history in one's midst! 

Later I found myself wandering through the Public Garden downtown, where many others similarly walked to take note of the wintry environs. The bronze statue of George Washington is a favorite of mine. I don't think it could be any more perfect. The last photograph was shot on Beacon Street, just before I turned onto Charles to lead me through Beacon Hill. From there, I made my way home, but not before I picked up the beloved Sunday NYT, now eagerly waiting for my perusal. 

A Reunion in Two Establishments

Continuing on the theme of dining in Davis Square, I visited two additional restaurants last night with some very old, dear friends. Our first stop was a long-awaited destination for me: Saloon. Opened by the same owners of Foundry (see previous post), Saloon is designed in the style of a New York prohibition-era speakeasy and it truly feels as if you've stepped back in time and left the Elm Street of the 21st-century far behind. My girlfriends and I went for drinks (they specialize in brown liquors) and indulged in a delicious house-made charcuterie plate. It is a place I will venture again and again, I am sure, whenever I want to walk into the world of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, with the sounds of Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington swirling in my head. 

For dinner, we skipped down the street to Posto, an Italian restaurant also located on Elm Street (seen in the last three photos). I found myself loving this space as well: its ultra-high ceilings along with its large windows and most especially, the menu. On their website, they describe themselves perfectly, as a "modern interpretation of a classic Italian pizzeria, enoteca and trattoria all presented in a 'farm chic' open air concept." Everything I tasted was quite good, from the Vermont Burrata antipasta (pickled beets, moscato poached pear, aged balsamic, extra virgin olive oil) to the Lasagnette brought forth in a cast-iron dish (maitake mushrooms, chard, lemon whipped ricotta, pomodoro, parmesan) to my entree of Kabocha Squash Ravioli  (sauteed spinach, chestnuts, lemon-brown butter, asiago, sage). 

There was another wonderful little discovery at Posto and that was the publication of Edible Boston, which I picked up while waiting for our table. Though I have yet to read it in its entirety, I was drawn to the cover of the most recent issue, which seems to encapsulate the winter months so well. Check it out if you have a chance! That's all for now 

The Somerville Community Path

 The walk to Davis Square is a mile long, past rows of Victorian houses, convenience stores, and various offices. Half of the journey takes place along this trail, known as the Somerville Community Path, which I stumbled upon during the first day in the neighborhood. Our section of the path begins at Cedar Street and leads straight to the Davis Square T. Every day, the path is filled with pedestrians, cyclists and dogs alike. It is fairly well lit and seems well occupied throughout most of the evening. What a pleasant discovery it was to make! When I studied abroad in Berlin, there was nothing more enjoyable than all of the city's parks and meandering pathways. Not to mention I have just come from Mount Desert Island, where every day I lived amidst Acadia's natural splendor. Thus, the Somerville Community Path is a much appreciated addition to the daily commute!