| The Scene In and Around Boston . . . By Hilda M. Morrill June 19, 2009  Celebrity Chef Todd English, center, celebrates the opening of his newest restaurant, Figs at 29 Fair Street, with his friends and partners, Peter Karlson, left, and attorney Danielle DeBenedictis, Nantucket husband-and-wife entrepreneurs. (Photo by Fifi Greenberg)Celebrity chef Todd English opened a new Figs restaurant on Nantucket last month in the midst of The Nantucket Wine Festival. The occasion has created quite the buzz. The well-received menu has been described as "Mediterranean cuisine with a heavy Italian influence." Our friend Betty Levin tells us that the evening she attended, Chef Todd himself was doing the honors, ably assisted by his three children: Oliver, Isabella, and Simon. "They were so professional in their tasks and a great help to the staff for the two seatings that were completely filled. The food, of course, was exceptional...." The new Figs is located a short stroll from Main Street, on the site of Nantucket's oldest inn, 29 Fair Street, dating back to 1709. Figs has three separate, candlelit dining rooms, each with original brick fireplaces, exposed beams and antique sconces. The property is owned by Danielle deBenedictis and her hubby Peter Karlson, owners of The Summer House in 'Sconset, the Summer House on India Street and The Pineapple Inn, among others. For information about the new Figs, call 508-228-7800 or visit www.thesummerhouse.com/29/index.html. Incidentally, we are told that The Summer House Restaurant in 'Sconset is back under the direction of Executive Chef, Marc Orfaly, a Beard House finalist for the Best Chef in the Northeast. He'll also be overseeing the food at the Beachside Bistro when it opens this month, weather permitting.
Martin Sheen and Steve Martin to appear at Tanglewood Hollywood icon Martin Sheen and legendary entertainer Steve Martin have joined the lineup for Garrison Keillor's live broadcast of "A Prairie Home Companion" on Saturday, June 27 at Tanglewood. Mr. Sheen, who is known for his starring roles in "Wall Street," "Apocalypse Now" as well as TV's "The West Wing," will perform with Keillor and the rest of the "Prairie Home Companion" cast. As part of the broadcast, Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers will perform bluegrass and banjo songs from Martin's recently released all-music album "The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo." The live broadcast of the season finale of "A Prairie Home Companion" has become a Tanglewood tradition since it was first broadcast from the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home in 1998. Tickets are available through Tanglewood's Web site, www.tanglewood.org, and through SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200. For further information and box office hours, please call the Boston Symphony Orchestra at 617-266-1492 or visit www.bso.org.
Unique July 4th Celebration at Top of the Hub Top of the Hub will once again present its annual Independence Day gourmet celebration 52 floors above the city. The evening begins on Saturday, July 4, with a complimentary "Chef's Hors d'Oeuvres & Cocktail Reception" from 7 - 8 p.m. A five-course dinner designed by Executive Chef Mark Porcaro follows at 8 p.m., accompanied by a simulcast of the Boston Pops concert, live from the Hatch Shell. The night will be capped with a sky-high view (weather permitting) of the fireworks spectacular at 10:30 p.m. Advance credit card reservations are required. The evening is ticketed, pre-paid and non-refundable. For information and reservations, call 617-536-1775. General Manager Raphael Oliver commented, "We're the only restaurant in the city with this unique vantage point. What could be better than a relaxing cocktail hour, a wonderful meal, the Pops concert in the background and a bird's eye view of the fireworks over The Charles River? It's the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day." Oliver also said that the Skywalk Observatory, located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Building, will be open the evening of July 4th for those interested solely in viewing the fireworks show. From 8 to 11 p.m., the Skywalk will admit guests with special ticketing. Enjoy! |
|
|
In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
|