Takumi Douzo is a modern Japanese restaurant and lounge located in the South End of Boston. They specialize in Sushi, Sashimi, Maki, and all kinds of Hand Rolls. Items on the menu include sushi and sashimi such as: Octopus($4.25/6.25), Tuna($5.75/7.75), Sea Eel($6.50/8.50), Escolar($7.00/9.00), and rolls such as: California Roll($6.50), Spicy Salmon($6.50) and Kanpyo($3.50). They also have platter options available for large group events. The menu features a full selection for any curious eater, and the restaurant has a modern vibe that gives you the feeling of an upscale restaurant(without incredibly steep prices). For more information, check out their website at http://douzosushi.com

The Firefly American Bistro is nestled in between the Copley Mall and Back Bay Station. The restaurant has many tables in an intimate setting, and during the warmer months, offers patio seating. This restaurant is the sister restaurant to Laurel Grill and Bar, just a few streets over. The Firefly restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The prices are reasonable, portions large. Little or no vegetables with entrees.

This Prudential center based Shaw's is everything the average Joe would need and more. Not only do they have a full beer and wine shop built into the second level, but they are also open 24 hours a day. With large departments of produce, meat, bakery, and seafood, this Shaw's is def. stocked for the single shopper or the family of four. Also features an extensive organic and international selection.

A vast majority of the menu is offered on flavor infused wooden skewers, the other half a mix of international fusion cuisine. Great cocktails and patio. The new dining and entertainment venture from the owners of neighboring 33 Restaurant & Lounge. Stix is right in the crossroads of the Back Bay and the South End, and offers a sleek design, wine bar (that allows you to bring your own collection in at a small cost) takeout, patio seating and live entertainment a few nights a week. The menu is diverse and international with 50% of the plates on flavor infused skewers, and 50% in entree or small plate form.

Where's the beef? The first Daily Grill to open in New England, Daily Grill Boston is located at The Shops at Prudential Center. The venue has a bar area boasting its array of signature cocktails as well as a stellar selection of surf and turf including a New York Strip Steak that has been aged for 28 days ($28.75) and prime rib with au jus only served on Saturdays and Sundays ($27.95). Their sauce seems to be, well, their secret sauce ranging from savory red wine to creamy horseradish. Also, the dining area and bar is completely open--or alfresco--on sunny days and is the perfect spot to people watch as tourists trek up and down Huntington Ave.

Thai cuisine- that combines gentle spices and often a coconut milk, or something to off-set kick. Part of the Asain food catagory, Thai is a great alternative to your traditional General Taos- on the high end scale. For a great judge of a good dining place, it's been opened for a while on Boylston, and always draws a crowd.

Laurel Grill and Bar is ideally located on the edge of the Back Bay and the South End. Convenient to all the Back Bay has to offer the trendier South End location is a little more relaxed than its Back Bay counterparts. The contemporary American restaurant specializes in a variety of fresh fish, steaks as well as pastas and vegetarian selections. The location was home to the owner's first restaurant the Blue Wave over since 1991. Several years ago the chef owners transformed the large open space into more intimate and less noisy dining environment. Originally designed as an urban oasis the restaurant continues to remain both a relaxing place to enjoy your meal and still feel the buzz of the South End dining experience.

At this Boston Mediterranean Restuarant, located in the heart of the Back Bay, lives the soul of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Vlora, named after Chef/Owner Aldo Velaj’s hometown in Albania, opened to the public in Fall 2007. With a menu brimming with old family recipes and unique versions of traditional favorites, Vlora embraces the true Mediterranean lifestyle. The dishes reflect the age-old adage of “eat better and live better.” Believing that food should taste like food, the natural tastes and flavors of the freshest ingredients are enhanced primarily with olive oil and fresh herbs. With an emphasis on freshness and a minimalist cooking style, the naturally healthy menu covers tastes from the Northern Mediterranean region encompassing Southern Italy, Greece, and Albania. The menu and wine list are an extension of the flavors and dishes served in Aldo’s own home, including exclusive hand-picked wines and lovingly prepared signature dishes that are unmatched in the city. The entire restaurant was designed by Aldo to emulate the warm and inviting environment that one would feel in Vlora, Albania. Located below the bustling streets of Boylston, this subterranean space complete with private outdoor patio offers guests a unique atmosphere commonly found in parts of Europe. From the antique wooden door, to the custom-designed water wall that greets you upon entry, Vlora makes guests feel a welcoming sense of escape from the busy Back Bay. Fresh reviving colors and customized lighting set the tone while captivating artwork and sleek furniture evoke an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and hip. The menu features a diverse variety of options of both original and authentic mediterranean food, fitting for all palates and lifestyles including carnivorous, vegetarian and vegan options. The food is prepared using the freshest possible ingredients and authentic minimalist cooking techniques that primarily rely on olive oil, fresh herbs, and the natural tastes and flavors of the ingredient being prepared. Vlora’s signature dishes include watermelon-feta, lemon potatoes, arancini siciliani, barbounia and fork-tender grilled octopus. From authentic Albanian Tava and home-made potato gnocchi, to trio of phyllo pies and vegetarian Pasticcio, Vlora’s menu can satisfy a very diverse set of lifestyles. This family friendly Mediterranean dining restaurant offers a variety of “On the Side” items and smaller hot and cold dishes, all for diners to share. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, no diners will feel left out at Vlora. Thanksgiving Menu
Three Courses – Prix Fixe $28.95
(This offer cannot be combined with other promotional offers.) First Course
Apple Butternut Squash Soup or
Greek Peasant Salad
Second Course
Traditional Roast Turkey with Bacon and Sage Stuffing, Baked Sweet Potato topped with Mallow and Brown Sugar Crust, Sauteed Local Green Beans and Cranberry-Orange Relish or
North Atlantic Salmon with Lemon Potatoes, Green Beans and Lobster Reduction
*Vegetarian options available, upon request Third Course
Old Fashioned Homemade Pumpkin Pie with Freshly Whipped Cream or
Traditional Fresh Apple Crisp with Vanilla Crisp Night Cap
Hot Mulled Apple Cider
For Reservations, call 617.638.9699