So… I finally actually went out with another human being in Boston. It only took five months and three days, but who’s counting. Actually, Sonia thinks I’m doing pretty well because she knows exactly three more people in the neighborhood than I do and she’s been here since September (though she was born here, grew up here, and her family lives down the way in Jamaica Plain).

We hopped the train to Coolidge Corner Wine and Spirits in Brookline. My second trip to Brookline this week, actually. I think if I were staying here, I would totally move to Brookline. It’s a fun neighborhood. Anyway, they were having a wine and food tasting – supposedly – and it was free. My favorite price. I should have known better, though, as I left with two new lagers. But they were sampling beer and pizza instead of wine, so I had to buy some of the beer I tasted. It’s not what we were in the mood for, but we adjusted. Because I *still* don’t have a permanent license (the DMV is resending), they almost didn’t let me in, but the guy said “1974 – I believe that.” WTF was THAT supposed to mean? Am I suddenly looking my age? I certainly hope not!!! lol.

They had eight beers to sample. I walked up and said “I’m from beer country – what do you have?” The guy pouring was from Minnesota and I said “Oh, so this is all new to you, huh?” He laughed. The samples were stingy, but there were some good beers. I wish I could remember the name of this one lager that had a banana flavor to it. It wasn’t like a banana slurpee or something, it just had a hint of banana behind the wheat. It was thick like a stout, but lighter in color like a nut brown, and even lighter in flavor. Not too expensive, either. I bought a bottle and drank that at Sonia’s before dinner.

They also had the obligatory Sam Adams selection – the Chocolate Bach was DELICIOUS. Didn’t buy that, but I did buy this citrus ale – Affligem – from Belgium. $8 for 750ml. The only beer I didn’t try was Brooklyn Lager. I dunno – I just don’t feel like I’d be impressed with a beer from Brooklyn. I did try this coffee stout they had – not a fan.

Anyway, we decided to go to Trader Joe’s since it was right across the street. What I thought was funny was that the bottles of Rogue they were selling at the wine shop for $13 were selling for $3 at TJs. Apparently Oregon beers are trendy enough out here for a 300% mark-up – if you don’t know to cross the street and buy it. While at TJ’s I added a little taste of home to my beer selection with a Dead Guy Ale.

We took the train back to Eastie and headed to Angela’s for dinner. It’s an inexpensive fine dining Mexican restaurant – yes, the great thing about Eastie is that you can dine well for very little money because nobody comes here and everyone who lives here is poor. Though somehow it’s not ghetto, just eclectic. Anyway, there was a wait so they took our number and we walked home, hung out and drank our beers, before they called and told us our table was ready (take that Olive Garden with your ridiculous vibrating, flashing coasters – they actually call us when our table is ready!). So we trekked back down the street to eat.

I had heard that they have some of the best guacamole in the universe. We decided to split the small. The reviews were right – that is some of the best damned guac I’ve ever had. They make it right there in the bowl. Very limey. Delicious! Papa, I know you’re reading – your guacamole is still *the* best, IMHO – it’s just a different recipe!

I had a little taco al pastor and some flautas while Sonia, who is a fishitarian, had fried plantains and a cactus salad. I tried cactus for the first time – it was actually pretty good. Had the texture of a mushy pickle. Not something I’m going to run out and stock my cupboard with, but it was good.

Then back to Sonia’s apartment where I met her friend Pete. He was pretty cool – nice guy. They had some stuff to do, so I excused myself and came home.

I spent a liiiiiiiiiittle bit more than I’d planned, but since I haven’t gone out since October and since  I haven’t gone out with another person (besides my trip to Portland) EVER, I figured I deserved it. And the Affligem lager is delicious. It had a cork – like champagne. Pretty nifty.

Anyway, tomorrow – not sure what’s on the agenda for tomorrow. But next Sunday, Sonia and I are doing brunch at Scups on the Harbor – this strange little inexpensive eatery that is actually in one of the marina buildings. That’s right – I’m brunching. I’ve finally arrived. ;-)

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