Allston-Brighton

In a blur of one-way streets and bustling movement my Mother and I found ourselves lost amongst one of Boston's many quaint neighborhoods.  At the time the area was busy and exceptionally appealing because of it's vast diversity and abundant choices of places to eat, shop and more.  While driving through this area it seemed quite eclectic but after some research I found out it had way more to offer than what meets the eye. 

This underestimated town of Allston-Brighton, or Allston as it's "hipster" inhabitants call it, is known mostly for it's small ethnic restaurants, private karaoke studios, hookah bars and lively music scene.  If you're looking for something to do in this area, there are endless possibilities.  Liquid prizes are offered at Rock 'N' Roll bingo night at Model Cafe; Urban Renewal sells secondhand clothing and unique home furnishings in a secret home-goods section; and Big City, Boston's pool hall, pizza kitchen, and beer bar offers competitive foosball on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.  But the fun doesn't stop there.


One thing that most New Englander's miss out on is the freedom and fun found in city life.  One thing present in Allston that you can't find in a quiet little country town of Connecticut is karaoke.  When people think of karaoke, they often associate it with large rowdy crowds and an eager willingness to drunkenly belt out their favorite tune- but in Allston the karaoke crowds wish to be more secretive and unknown.  Within a strip of auto shops there is a world of "private karaoke suites" that can be rented out for private parties.  You can rent out a karaoke suite at Do Re Mi Karaoke on Cambridge Street by the hour and portray your inner rockstar in a secluded setting with leather couches and shiny disco balls. A regular room for 1-5 people start at $30 an hour and party rooms for 1-10 people start at $80.  Do Re Mi provides 19 private suites with new state of the art equipment including wide screen tv's, karaoke systems with new songs and a newly renovated lobby.  Do Re Mi also features 13 different language choices to suite the town's diverse community.  The options include languages from French to Vietnamese to Portuguese and a little bit of everything in between.

One hang out spot that is particularly underestimated is that of the hookah bar.  It is often given a negative connotation but in actuality it can be a trendy and interesting way to spice up an evening.  Habibi's Hookah Lounge in Allston is considered "Boston's most authentic hookah lounge." Walking down the steps into the underground lounge enters you into a new exotic world.  Although the menu is small the atmosphere is grand and eclectic.  Their food menu consists of drinks, snacks, sides and desserts but the main course is "Starbuzz" or "Al-Crakher" tobacco.  The flavors are especially enticing and should potentially catch the attention of even the least interested individual.   The list includes delicious flavors of apple cinnamon, classic mojito, bubblegum, licorice, cola, mango, honey, cafe latte and more.

What draws in most people to Allston is it's abundant character and and many charming qualities. This charm lures in artistic and expressive people to the area and provides a substantially positive stigma for incoming college students.  Like college students in any area, they thrive on the abundant options of cuisine such as vegetarian and vegan asian cuisine at Grasshopper, curry from Madina's Kitchen, Japanese ramen noodles from Ken's Noodle House, and traditional southern comfort food from Deep Ellum.  These restaurants are just few of the many hiding away in Allston waiting to be found and favored.

Although some see it's reputation fading as Harvard takes over and it becomes more of a college party town, it remains a lively and bustling area full of character and endless possibilities.







Sources:
http://mysecretboston.com/top-secret/rock-city-ramble
http://clearflourbread.com/
http://doremikaraoke.net/
http://Habibislounge.com/menu.html
http://mysecretboston.com/nightlife/bingo-night
http://allstonsfinest.com/allstonsfinest/bigcity/bigcity.swf

Jonathan Pasco's

Located on South Main Street in East Windsor, Connecticut, Jonathan Pasco's restaurant provides a homey environment, exceptional food and a lively history.  As a member of the Christmas campaign fighting in the Battle of Trenton, Pasco helped renew British spirit in the Revolutionary War.   Legends suggest that Pasco was captured by the Indians during this war along with hundreds of other soldiers.  As encouragement to not attempt an escape, he was forced to marry an Indian wife and carry around the skin of a fellow tortured soldiers. He managed to return from the war unharmed and built his home in East Windsor at 31 South Main Street.

The unique environment provides the perfect space for small weddings and rehearsal dinners, christenings, baby showers and bridal showers.  They offer special menu options for private parties as well.  Different menu options include special occasion, dinner buffet, lunch buffet, brunch party, cocktail party and dinner party appetizers. Their traditional menus include a wine and beer list, a dinner and brunch menu, and a lounge menu.  They also serve Thanksgiving dinner and provide a special menu for that including appetizers, salads, desserts, and traditional entrees, such as fresh roasted turkey, black oak ham and rotisserie prime rib of beef.

Not only is it home to traditional eats, but it's home to paranormal activity as well.  The Greater Hartford Paranormal Society visited the restaurant in 2010 and observed experiences that confirmed the events reported by it's staff and patrons.  Employees of the restaurant reported sightings of a tall old man as well as the paper towel dispenser automatically going off even with no movement in front of it.  They also heard unfamiliar voices after the restaurant had closed, and glasses would tip over.  The manager, Mary Jane Hill explained to a Coventry student interviewer in 1996 for a student news story, that an employee kept turning the heat off and it would repeatedly get turned back on. This happened 8 times to the same employee within that one night. She also explained that it is believed that two of the ghosts are those of Jonathan Pasco's children who died during a smallpox epidemic.  Patrons reported a cold uneasiness in particular corners of the restaurant. The team experienced a spirit running back and forth across the restaurant and communicated with the spirit to find that it's name was Ames and he was there for protection from men with guns.

Once they entered one of Jonathan Pasco's son's old rooms, they encountered a woman sitting in the corner wearing a long white dress.  After questioning, they learned that she didn't know where she was and that she was injured.  Her name was Jeannie and she suffered a miscarriage at age 18.  

Located on the first floor was the spirit of a young boy named Peter who was seriously injured.  There was another spirit named Billy who wandered into the room often to check on Peter. The last stop of the Paranormal Society was the ladies restroom which employees reported was the place of many strange occurrences in the restaurant.  Right as they walked in, they encountered a spirit walking back and forth repeatedly.  They found that her name was Beth and she was there because it was her job to clean the bathroom.

Although you may feel a cold spot, or see a spooky apparition, it is worth the risk for this unique restaurant.  The old brick home provides a place of tradition and delectable food for anyone with a big appetite and a curious mind.



Sources:
http://jonathanpascos.net/
http://www.myhouseishaunted.org/?p=2535
http://articles.courant.com/1996-10-08/news/9610080509_1_ghosts-haunts-project-restaurant-manager-challenge-program