The new (but not improved) Tannery Boutique

The other night, I visited the new Tannery Boutique on 39 Brattle St. in Harvard Square, Cambridge. The first store (which is underground below the GAP also on Brattle Street) has a relaxed/sporty atmosphere and very helpful employees. I expected a similar vibe or at least the same level of comfort from this new boutique only a few steps away. . . However, I was rudely surprised from the moment the big glass doors swung closed behind me. A saleswoman rushed up to me immediately asking if I needed anything - but she did not ask with genuine concern but rather with an annoyed and blank expression and voice. I wasn't necessarily offended because I expect a certain standoffish-ness at such places, but even after I (politely) told her I was just browsing, she followed my every move about two feet behind me and asked probably three more times if I needed help. Besides her almost suffocating closeness (which seems difficult to achieve in such a bare, wide room), she had to adjust every single item of clothing that I touched or pulled off the rack to look at which made me feel as if I shouldn't even be looking at the clothing! Enough of my ranting about the service.
The "look" of the boutique is fine, but maybe even a bit too large and bare (could be accounted for because the store just recently opened). Shoes congregate in the middle of the floor with the women's clothing bordering the left side and men's clothing on the right. The shoes seemed very ugly to be honest - I was looking for a basic black boot to wear over jeans and do not recall seeing any style that was remotely feminine or attractive, yet the costs of all the shoes was ridiculous. Perhaps they are extremely well-made, but if they are not appealing, I will not wear them. While I looked through the racks of women's clothing, I expected to see high-quality (defined for me as pure fabrics with good stitching and a slightly durable feel), interesting clothing that would be different from the flagship store as well as other boutiques in the area. Instead, the clothing lacked shape, color, and texture. Everything I touched felt thin and very temporary - too trendy to last past the new year even. I don't see a reason why a savvy Bostonian should choose this clothing, all priced far too high, from that of the lower quality, but equally lower priced clothing of H&M, for example.
Another "attribute" that did not contribute at all to the Tannery was their choice of (and I can't even call it this) music. In fact, the sound coming out of overly loud speakers was Justin Timberlake's voice talking about an upcoming movie he will be in. This noise was distracting when I just wanted to look peacefully at upcoming winter styles and not hear the whine of a former N*SYNC band member. To say the least, I was not inspired to buy anything. Maybe I will try going back again in a few weeks to see if they have updated their acoustics and options of product selection. Boston College students - you are better off shopping at the Chestnut Hill Mall or nearby Newbury Street.

- Meg K.

NEW! Fun, Fast Sushi!

Whew, after a few tiring weeks of midterms and the feeling of imprisonment on campus, I finally ventured out again into the real world to take delight in a very new restaurant: Fin's - a sushi establishment on Chestnut Hill Avenue (directly next to Roggie's). From Boston College, the place is only about a 20 minute walk or from the Green Line (C line - Cleveland Circle stop/D-line - Reservoir stop) a 5 minute walk.
I admit I was skeptical of a sushi restaurant so close to the more rambunctious Roggie's and I questioned how good the quality would be, but I was pleasantly surprised by everything! I know many college students worry about the pricey-ness of sushi and that they could never afford anything. However, Fins has delicious food ranging in price from $1.95 (miso soup appetizer) to more expensive, larger dinner entrees around $18-20.
As I walked into the restaurant, I was greeted by a large tank with beautiful tropical fish and a friendly host who immediately sat me. My server was attentive (not annoying) and very quick to bring the food out promptly (but not rushing me). The *free* green tea was soothing on such a gray, cold autumn day and my glass was never empty. As an appetizer I ordered the seaweed salad which tasted fresh and relatively similar to others I've had at other various restaurants. Also, I tried the Caterpillar Maki (rolls made with grilled eel, avocado, fish eggs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce). These sushi rolls were made perfectly and did not fall apart as I dipped them into soy sauce. Interestingly, I noted how sweet the fresh ginger was - not dry or bland like the types you may buy at the grocery - but really moist and bursting with flavor. For eight rolls, the cost was only a little over $8.00; extremely fair for a filling and healthy lunch.
For those students or people who dislike sushi, Fins offers other Japanese inspired dishes: noodle bowls, tempura, salads, agedashi tofu, rice entrees, etc. Although I only tried a few items from the menu, I will definitely return to savor other plates of this tasty cuisine.
Furthermore, I recommend Fins for the atmosphere. Very calming with mint colored walls and dark wood tables and chairs. The bright red lights above the sushi bar provided a nice contrast to the lighter walls and every person working treated me with utmost politeness and graciousness. The two TV's were neither visually distracting nor loud (compare to Roggie's next door!) and the light jazz music provided casual ambiance.
The single problem with Fins is that there were hardly any customers! Of course it is new, but students and others should go support this friendly sushi restaurant! I think it could be the new, trendy "hot spot" around BC. Check it out and note they are BYOB. . . www.FinsBoston.com

- Meg K.

Review of Cafe Nicholas

http://wbztv.cityvoter.com/

So, I believe that writing from a college girl's perspective is important when giving my opinions of the different places I visit around Boston. I'm very active and therefore like to eat good quality, healthy food (which can become difficult when lulled by the cafeteria food and late night take out). Tonight I visited Cafe Nicholas in Washington Square (take the green C line) - a small Italian-ish deli. They offer salads/soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and pasta: all of the usual! BUT one thing that makes this place stand out from other sub shops is the type of meat they use: Boar's Head. Very delicious and hearty - the sandwiches always have a ton of meat in them, which I like since many places skimp on the meat and add a lot of bread.
This is the perfect place to stop for a casual lunch or dinner with girls and/or guys. The guys will love the seasoned fries, jalapeño poppers, mozzarella sticks, and any kind of pizza imaginable. Girls will appreciate the whole grain wraps, foccacia bread, and filling salads. Service is quick and easy. The only warning: very warm inside, which is uncomfortable in this already abnormal fall.
The decor is somewhat tacky with silly Italian proverbs and vintage French alcohol posters on the wall. All is negligible once you try the food. They have a large screen TV against one wall which could make the place a fun, new hangout to watch the upcoming World Series and Patriot games.
I would recommend the oven gold Turkey in a honey-wheat wrap! (They warm the sandwiches up to melt the cheese and bring out the full flavors). Try the place out and let me know what YOU think about Cafe Nicholas especially compared to the typical Quiznos, Subway, or other fast food chain!
** Plus - they deliver to areas of Brookline! Visit their website. . . www.cafenicholas.com

- Meg K.