Lodging: Residence Inn, Framingham, MA

December 13, 2012 -- Now that I'm working for an extended period in the Sudbury/Framingham, MA area, I needed to find myself a suitable Marriott.  Of course the area is loaded with them and I settled on the Residence Inn in Framingham, MA.  If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a Platinum Elite Marriott Rewards member, so staying with the chain is a must!  This hotel offers several different styles of rooms and I've stayed in just about every one!  The building is a bit older and could use upgrading, but it's more than adequate for what I need.  It's situated just off of Rt. 9, which is both a good and bad thing.  Rt. 9 has a ton of stores, restaurants, and bars, which is great, but if you happen to have a room facing the road it can be quite noisy.  There's traffic literally all times of the day and night, and if you're trying to sleep in you better be used to the sound of cars driving by.  And depending on the time of day, traffic to and from Boston can get backed up.  You've been warned!

All in all, the staff is very friendly, the hotel is clean, and the Internet service is free as well as breakfast and happy hour (no, not drinks but food!).  I'll be here during the week for the next few months so if you see me be sure to say hi!

Lodging: Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, Providence, RI

November 19, 2012 -- As you might already know, I'm a Platinum Elite Marriott Rewards member and I have several eCertificates built up that I need to use before they expire.  That was the case Saturday night.  I wanted to surprise my wife with a nice dinner in Providence followed by an overnight stay.  I used my expiring eCertificate for the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel and later that afternoon we made the drive to Providence.  The area was hopping since their was a show at The Vet, a wedding in the hotel, and a dance competition held close by.  When we got to the check-in counter we were told that our room was not ready.  I was a little disappointed, but Amy at the front desk went to work making sure I would be able to check in.  While we waited, Casey (another front desk helper) asked what our plans were for the evening and I told her we were going to Hemenway's Restaurant for dinner.  She excused herself and quickly came back with a coupon for a complimentary appetizer!  Nice!

After a few minutes, Amy told me that she found an available room and said I'd be happy and surprised.  She handed me the keys and my wife and I headed for the elevators.  We arrived on the sixth floor and proceeded to walk the length of the hallway until we came to a set of double doors.  I checked my room key -- #616 -- and it was the same as the placard on the wall.  I'm having problems uploading the video directly to this blog, but if you go to my Facebook page you can watch it there.  You really need to watch this video to appreciate what we saw next!  Here are some pictures to hold you over:

Not only was the room ridiculous, but the whole staff treated us like we were royalty.  My wife and I were so happy with everything and you can bet that we will stay at the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel again soon.  Can we get the same room, please?

NEWS: Sudbury/Framingham, MA

November 8, 2012 -- Once again, like Willie Nelson sings, I'm on the road again!  This time I'll be spending some time in the Sudbury/Framingham, MA area.  I'll be sure to gather my knowledge on hotels, restaurants, fitness centers, and the social scene while I'm in the area.  Stay tuned for updates, they'll be sure to come!

Food: The Venus De Milo, Swansea, MA

October 9, 2012 -- Oh boy, where do I begin.  OK, let me start by saying that my wife and I have frequented the Venus De Milo many times in the past and it's one of the restaurants in our "rotation", you might say.  However, that might all change.  We visited the Venus this past Saturday night and when we got there the main dining room was under construction for remodeling.  I'm perfectly fine with a restaurant closing parts of its main dining area and kitchen to perform upgrades.  I'm also fine with a limited menu, decor, furnishings, staff, you name it, while the place readies itself for a re-opening.  I blame myself for not checking before I left for dinner.

This was the case on Saturday.  However, after being seated we were handed "new" menus.  As I just stated, I'm fine with limited offerings during a renovation.  Sadly, this wasn't the case; this was their new menu.  You know when you go to a specific restaurant to order that specific dish you can't get anywhere else?  The Venus De Milo just blew themselves up!  My wife and I went specifically for their signature Seafood Alfredo dish only to find it's no longer offered.  Furthermore, they have downsized their menu so much, nothing looked appealing.  Seriously.

Thoroughly disappointed to the point where I had to talk my wife into not getting up and leaving -- it would have been rude -- we decided to stay and choose something else.  After a long debate, we both settled on the Shrimp Scampi.  In the past, the entree came with a choice of soup or salad, and vegetable.  Not anymore.  Now let me say that I felt the meal was very good, but my wife was able to finish her whole plate then and there.  This is the same woman who takes home restaurant food in a doggy bag and eats it for three more meals.  What I'm saying is, the prices went up but the portions are smaller.  Furthermore, the new menu is a major step backwards in my opinion.

The Venus is also famous for their three-pound baked stuffed lobster.  The old menu prominently boasted this fact and that Emiril Lagasse gives it a big thumbs up.  The new menu has this listed inconspicuously on the bottom of the first page.  I hate to say this, but we're most likely not going back to the Venus.  Way too many signature dishes are gone -- signature dishes for crying out loud! -- and the new menu is lacking in quantity, variety, and portion size.  Very sad indeed.

Health: Andover Massage Therapy, Andover, MA

September 21, 2012 -- My body has been taking a beating from baseball, TRX training, and my routine running schedule, so a massage was in order.  Since I'm working away from home during the week and that my regular masseuse doesn't book appointments on weekends, I needed to find someone in the Andover area.  I searched Yelp and found favorable reviews for Andover Massage Therapy. I went to their website and used their appointment schedule to easily choose a masseuse and book an appointment.  The technical aspect of the visit had worked flawlessly.  Now, on to the actual massage.

My massage therapist, Adrienne Gill, was very professional, a gifted masseuse, and above all showed a genuine concern for my overall well-being.  The hour massage was fantastic!  She was able to massage away my stored up lactic acid and I left feeling rejuvenated.  The massage studio is in downtown Andover and is exactly what you would expect when looking for a massage.  The price was equivalent to the service provided and in the range of other massages that I had received in the past at other studios.  When I need another rub down, I'll definitely go back and see Adrienne at Andover Massage Therapy.  And if you're in the area, be sure to check them out as well, it'll be well worth the visit!

Fitness: Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover, MA

September 6, 2012 -- Well, I bit the bullet, signed up for TRX Training at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, and attended my first group class yesterday.  Let me tell you, I'm sore today!  The TRX class is a 40-minute session where you use suspended cables and your own body weight to do multiple exercises.  The workout is a cross between weight training, cardio, and yoga.  There's plenty of movement to get a good sweat going, exercises to hit your larger muscle groups, and plenty of core training to tighten your abs.  I'm a bit clumsy when trying to adjust the straps to my handles, as well as to hook them over my heels and ankles, but the reward is worth it!  I'm sure after a few more sessions I'll get the hang of the straps and be able to zip through the workouts more smoothly.

I did have to pay extra to take these classes.  I spent $120 for the Fall session on top of my monthly membership fee.  Also, since I'm a visiting member, I had to pay the community price, which is a bit more than for a local member.  All in all, its been a great experience.  I can feel the fat melting off of me now!  Hope to see you there for the next session!

Food: The Chateau, Andover, MA

September 6, 2012 -- Papa Jim has found a restaurant suitable to his liking!  Mr. Jim is very particular in his food intake, so trying to get him to the perfect place has been a little of a challenge.  The Chateau Italian Restaurant is now Jim's #1 food spot!  I have to admit, I like their food and menu myself.  I've had everything from steamers and stuffies, to New England clam chowder and minestrone soup.  Yesterday I had shrimp cocktail followed by Tuscany Styled Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables over rice -- fantastic!  However, I really like their Lobster, Shrimp, & Scallop Diavalo -- I've had this dish more than once!

Papa Jim has only had fried scallops and hamburgers, but he swears by them!  If Papa Jim says it's good, then you know it's good!  If you're around Andover, or anywhere in Massachusetts for that matter, give The Chateau Italian Restaurant a try.  You'll be glad you came!

Food: On the Bone, Wyndham Hotel, Andover, MA

August 30, 2012 -- On the recommendation of AP (remember him from San Diego?  He's terrorizing Andover too!), he said that I needed to try On the Bone at the Wyndham Hotel.  With anticipation of yet another stellar meal, a coworker of mine, let's call him Papa Jim, and I visited the restaurant a couple of weeks ago.  Well, let's just say I didn't share AP's enthusiasm.

First off, I can say that we didn't have very long to wait for a table.  Now I know Tuesday night isn't a big dinner night, but me and Papa Jim arrived around 7:00 PM and there was NO ONE in the restaurant!  Needless to say, we were seated immediately.  After sitting and ordering our drinks, we both turned our attention to the menu.  The prices are ridiculous and this is coming from someone whose company is paying for meals!  We both had to calculate how much we could spend (and our per diem is generous) before ordering.

Being known for its steaks (it's not called On the Bone for nothing!), I figured a good steak was in order.  I ended up getting a NY Strip steak for $29 and Papa Jim ordered a scallops dish.  The waitress first brought us our salads, which were probably the best part of the meal.  The salads for cripe's sake!  The bread that was brought to our table was hard and not to my liking.  Finally, the main entrees arrived.

My steak was fine, but it had too much fat and grizzle for a $29 piece of meat.  It was OK, but for the price and reputation I expected spectacular.  Nope.  The vegetables were fine but the baked potato was hard and not fluffy.  Again, this might sound knit picky, but when you spend over $45 for a meal, it better be good.  I was very disappointed.  Even Papa Jim's meal was below average and overpriced.

AP, I know you liked the place, but I can't justify the cost.  Too expensive, even for per diem.  Maybe that's why there was no one in the place.  I'm all for giving second chances to places, but the only reason why I would give On the Bone another chance is because someone else is paying for it.  Sorry.

Food: Sushi Restaurants, Andover, MA

August 30, 2012 -- If you had read any of my San Diego posts, you know that I love sushi.  With that in mind, I set out to find sushi restaurants that can compete with their West Coast brothers.  Not an easy task to live up to, since sushi arrived and thrived on the other coast before coming here.

My first sushi bar I visited was Mootone Fine Japanese Cuisine.  I went with two co-workers, Donna and Sue, and we had a great time.  I still believe that sushi places in La Jolla and San Diego were better, but I did like the California rolls and rainbow rolls, as well the Beef Negima.  Not bad, but still below SD.

The next week I visited Kyoto Japanese Restaurant.  This place had sushi and traditional Japanese and Chinese food.  It also had a hibachi area if you wanted to partake in that arena.  My coworker enjoyed the beef teriyaki and I had my traditional rainbow rolls.  I liked this place better than Mootone, just because of their wider menu.  Still nothing compared to La Jolla!

The last place I've tried is Thyme Japanese Cuisine and I really like this place! From what I gather it's a new place in town with a sushi bar, restaurant, and hibachi.  The sushi is fantastic, the atmosphere nice, and the wait staff very attentive.  Plus, it's just around the corner from the Merrimack Valley YMCA, so I can easily get there after my workouts.  And, don't let this get around, it rivals my West Coast sushi joints!

Be sure to check out these places if you're in the Andover area and are looking for good sushi.  Enjoy!

Food: Longhorn Steakhouse, Tewksbury, MA

August 29, 2012 -- I don't usually blog about chain restaurants but I have to put my two cents worth for the Longhorn Steakhouse in Tewksbury, MA.  I drive to work early Monday morning, work all day, and go to the Merrimack Valley YMCA after that, so by the time the workout's over I'm starving!  The Longhorn Steakhouse is right next to the Residence Inn where I stay, so it's the easy choice for dinner.  The steaks are always good as well as the seafood dishes.  I've had the filet mignon, prime rib, salmon, trout, you name it!  All the dishes have been great and I have no complaints.  Sara, the bartender, is starting to notice that I'm a regular, even though she did just come back from a honeymoon in Aruba -- and still recognized me.  I must have a face you can't forget!  :)

If you're working up in the Andover/Tewksbury area, I'd give the Longhorn Steakhouse a try.  The place does get pretty busy around dinnertime since there are a lot of local businesses in the area, and the bar is smaller than I'd like, so be sure to give yourself some extra time.  See you there!

Sports: The Red Sox Reset

August 28, 2012 -- You knew I had to weigh in on the happenings in Boston after the mega-deal went down this weekend.  To be honest, I think this is a good deal for both sides.  The Dodgers, fresh with billions of dollars to spend (or so it seems) have put together even more pieces to their championship puzzle.  The Red Sox relieved themselves of about $260 million of unproductive salary.  Now, let's see what happens.

In my opinion, Ben Cherrington is blowing up Theo Epstein's vision in Boston.  Hey, don't blame John Lackey, Adrian Gonzalez, Dice-K, and Carl Crawford for taking the Sox' money -- I would have too!  Now, Ben is putting his stamp on what should be his club, though one could argue that the ownership group (i.e. Larry Lucchino) calls the shots.  However, after last season's epic collapse and this year's unproductive start, it seems that ownership is giving Ben a chance to start over and clearing salary space is the first step.  As for the prospects Boston received in return for the big name stars, time will tell.  As with most prospects, not all of them reach the big leagues and become stars, but this situation is different.  Don't get me wrong, if Boston couldn't find a way to clear so much salary space, then this deal would make no sense.  Just don't expect miracles to happen until 2014.  And don't expect Bobby Valentine to be around much longer after the season; he wasn't on Ben's short list if you recall and the GM will want to work with HIS handpicked manager and staff.  (Jason Varitek maybe ...)

As for LA, well they remind me of another favorite team of mine, the Washington Redskins.  Dan Snyder acquired the Skins several years back and he immediately went into a free agency buying frenzy.  Bruce Smith and Deion Sanders happily took the money Mr. Snyder offered, but the franchise went nowhere.  Sure there was a lot of fanfare and tickets were sold, but the team never advanced in the playoffs very far and have become a cellar dweller way too often. Only until they smarted up, traded three first rounders and a second rounder for Robert Griffin III (RG3) do they have a chance to succeed (sounds like a reboot of Boston proportions.)

Can the same happen in Los Angeles?  The new ownership group invested over $2 billion dollars to acquire the club and they are determined to make a big splash, to rejuvenate the franchise, and bring the fans back to the ballpark.  In one tumultuous season, the Dodgers have traded for Hanley Ramirez, Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino, Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, and Carl Crawford (forgive me if I missed anyone!)  We're talking mega-millions here folks!  Their desire is obviously to win now and with this team they should at the very least make some noise in the playoffs.  But as history tells us, nothing is for certain.  What should worry the fans is what's going to happen a couple of years down the road when these bloated contracts hinder the club to go after more players and rebuild, which all teams need to do in time.  Unless, of course, they "have a plan."  I'm not sold on that idea, other than the win now scenario I just mentioned.

At the very least, this trade has given baseball something new to talk about, a new "Evil Empire" on the West Coast, and a very interesting post season to be.

Fitness: Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover/North Andover, MA

August 22, 2012 -- Being on travel again, I knew I needed to find myself another new fitness regiment.  That said, I looked about the Andover area for a YMCA and was pleased to find the Merrimack Valley YMCA of Andover/North Andover. I have utilized their reciprocal program with my home YMCA of Newport County, RI, and all has worked well.  Now, I will admit that I will always feel that the Newport County YMCA is the nicest Y I've been to, but I'll agree that I'm biased.  So, if I rate that Y and A and use that as my benchmark, then the Merrimack Valley YMCA of Andover/North Andover is a solid B.  In comparison, I'd rate the La Jolla YMCA an A-, so this place is pretty good.

There's plenty of fitness machines, a free weight room, group exercise classes, spinning, yoga, pool, basketball court, decent locker room, and a lot less elderly people than in La Jolla!  My only gripes are that their equipment is a bit dated and could definitely use an overhaul, and that there are no running routes that can come close to Newport, RI.  However, I'll be starting a new TRX Training routine when their next session begins on 9/4.  Next week they're making upgrades to the facilities, so maybe their rating will go up to a B+!

All in all, I'm very satisfied with the place, it's a short drive from work and my hotel, and I get my much-needed workout every day.  Couldn't be happier!

Lodging: Marriott Hotels, Andover, MA

August 22, 2012 -- Well I've been working up in the Andover area for the better have of five weeks and I'm starting to know my way around.  The first thing I needed to do was to find a place to stay and being a Marriott Rewards member I looked for the right Marriott hotel.  The first week I stayed was the Courtyard Marriott in Andover, MA.  Not a bad place, but a little out of the way of everything.  Knowing that, I looked for something a little better for my subsequent weeks.

Not too far from where I'd be working is the Residence Inn in Tewksbury, MA.  This place is far better!  The rooms have a kitchen, living area, two flat screen HD TVs, and bedroom with a king size bed that's separated from the rest of the living quarters by sliding doors.  And if you know me, you know that I get acquainted with the right people.  Victoria Ashworth, Marriott's Director of Sales, was kind enough to book me for the next eight work weeks, in the same room!  It's like my home away from home!  If you need to go on travel or if you're looking for a place to stay north of Boston, give this place a try.

NEWS: Reports from Andover, MA

August 17, 2012 -- With my blogs about San Diego finally behind me, I can now start blogging about my latest work assignment area, Andover, MA.  Over the next couple of months I'll be writing about places I've seen and visited in hopes of helping those out that might be heading to this area for work or pleasure.  Check in from time to time, I'm sure I'll have plenty to say!

Nightlife: The Gaslamp District, San Diego, Day 26

July 13, 2012 -- "All good things come to an end."  That's a quote that we've all heard, and when I hear it I make sure I make the best of the situation.  With tonight being the final night in San Diego, me, Enrique, and Rocco hit the Gaslamp District.  Of course the first place we went to was the Rockin' Baja.  Did I mention before that we love Brooke?!?  Once her eyes locked on us, she started pouring the beers!  Being Comic-Con weekend, we saw plenty of sights, including the Zombie Walk down 5th Avenue.  Keeping in the spirit of the day, Brooke made me where a crown with horns -- how could I refuse.  I told her that if I needed to wear the crown, I wanted a picture with her.  Nice shot, huh?

Believe me, I hated having to leave my favorite spot in San Diego, but you know the phrase.  I said goodbye to Brooke, Drew, and Jay and vowed to be back sooner than later.

We ended our night at the Searsucker one last time where we saw Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots.  I tried to get his attention -- I was even wearing a Patriots shirt, just look at the picture above! -- but he was too busy heading to his table of friends.  I didn't recognize any other pro athletes and I'm not one of those guys that gets all stupid when it comes to celebrities and athletes.  At least Rocco saw him as well and confirmed that we had a celebrity sighting.

With a 6:30 AM flight out in the morning, I headed to the Residence Inn in La Jolla for my last quiet night in one of the best places I've ever been.  Twenty-six days went by faster than you might think, but it was time to come back home to RI.

Food: Yummy Maki Yummy Box, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 25

July 12, 2012 -- It's the second to the last night in San Diego.  I've chosen to lay low, get my final load of laundry done before flying home (a suitcase full of dirty clothes is not a good thing) and get some sushi.  I called Enrique, he comes out to dinner every night and he's NOT on per diem, and we went to Yummy Maki Yummy Box.  I found this little hole in the wall last time in La Jolla and I make sure I stop by for Rainbow and California rolls all the time.  Enrique didn't know about the place and he lives in La Jolla!  Not to sound like a broken record, but I needed to come here one last time.  Now, I head to bed and await my last night downtown ...

Food: The Spot, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 24

July 11, 2012 -- The days are winding down ... sadly.  Knowing that the last night in San Diego will in the Gaslamp District, I needed to go to La Jolla Cove one last time and check on my seals.  But before checking up on my flippered friends, I called Enrique and we went down Prospect St. to The Spot.  I've been to The Spot a few times and it's a reasonably priced, sports bar-like restaurant.  I had a nice meal and a ridiculous slab of five layer chocolate cake.  Enrique once again picked a wonderful dessert -- he's never seen a flambe he didn't like! -- then we left to check up on the seals.

I love downtown La Jolla, Prospect Street with all the eclectic shops and boutiques, the perfect sunny weather, palm trees, and exquisite views.  We strolled along the Ellen Browning Scripps Park, taking in the rolling waves ...

 until we came up to the Cove's main attraction -- the seals!

Though it was my last time here on this trip, I won't be my last time ever.  I fell in love with La Jolla and the next time I come I'll be bringing the family.  Bye for now seals, take care and watch out for Great Whites!

Sports: 2012 MLB All-Star Game, San Diego, Day 23

July 10, 2012 -- Being a huge baseball fan, and fantastic knuckleball pitcher myself, there was no way I was going to miss the MLB All-Star Game.  The nice thing about being on the West Coast is that you get to go home around 9:00, after the game is over.  The bad part?  The game starts at 5:00!  I told Rocco and Enrique to meet me at the Tilted Kilt -- where else do you think we'd go? -- and we made it just in time to see Justin Verlander give up five runs in the top of the first inning.  I didn't give the National League a prayer in the world to beat the AL's formidable line up.  Boy was I wrong!  Not only did the NL squad win, they shutout the AL 8-0!  Surprising doesn't even begin to tell the story!  At least the wings were great, the clams were fresh, and the waitresses looked great.  See:

Unfortunately, this would be my last time visiting the Tilted Kilt while in San Diego on this trip, but you bet I'll be back some day!!!

Lodging: Residence Inn, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 22

July 9, 2012 -- The end is near!  I checked out of the Manchester Grand Hyatt for the last time this morning and after work I checked in to my home-away-from-home, the Residence Inn in La Jolla.  I really do enjoy staying here; it's quiet, central to everything in the San Diego area, next to the La Jolla YMCA, and not as noisy as being downtown.  Don't get me wrong, being in the Gaslamp District has its advantages, but when you realize that most people at the hotel are on vacation and you need to get up at 5:15 AM to get ready for work, it makes for a difficult combination.

Sadly, this is my last week in San Diego, so I need to see my spots one last time before I go.  I called Enrique, who lives in La Jolla, and we went to the Rock Bottom restaurant to catch the Home Run Derby at the 2012 MLB All-Star game.  I frequented this place many times since it's walking distance from my hotel.  They serve a great spicy shrimp and chicken jambalaya, which I had to have, and washed it down with some local brews.  The Home Run Derby was entertaining, but we made it an early evening; 5:15 AM comes pretty quick!!!

Food: KC BBQ, San Diego, Day 21

July 8, 2012 -- After spending almost three hours at Point Loma, I was starving!  Right across the street from the Manchester Grand Hyatt is the Kansas City Barbecue.  This place serves the best barbecue ribs and pull pork sandwiches in the city.  However, the establishment's claim to fame is that the dive bar scene filled in Top Gun was shot here!  The decor hasn't changed since the '80's and it's a quaint place to visit.

With lunch taken care of, I needed to hit the laundromat again.  Get It Clean was the spot once again, and I was able to reach Enrique for a drink afterwards.  With my belly still full of pulled pork, Enrique and I found a local watering hole called True North.  Not a bad place if I do say so myself!  Alas, it was a Sunday and I needed to pack since I would be leaving downtown San Diego for La Jolla once again ...