Name: Paul Escobar
Age: 42
Hometown: Boston, MA
Occupation: Investments
Status: Badboy
Diva Minds Want to Know…
1. Where do you like to flirt?
Everywhere. But, coffee places like Starbucks or Peet’s in the financial district around 10am is great for a decent chat. Then, there’s always after work, Wed/Thurs are both good nights for a couple of drinks from 5:30-7 before heading out for appetizers. Typically we pop over to a local place, but hotel lounges and the bar at a decent restaurant is cool too. For a very cool night out, there’s always First Friday. The mundanes run over to the MFA on the first Friday of the month where they have live music and cash bars for socializing among the art. But, those in the know head out to Harrison Street, south of the children’s hospital to Gallery Hop. Most of the little eclectic galleries will have free wine and cheese bars, and there’s always a cool assortment of people to say “hi, what the hell is it” (referring to some obscure interpretive art piece).
2. Where is your favorite table for two?
In Boston, it’s all about fish, although there are more than a few places that know how to grill a steak. Legal Test Kitchen (LTK) by the convention center is a favorite—great airy bar and seafood that’s not on a typical Legal’s menu. There are two hot new hotels in town—The Intercontinental opened this massive glass thing right on the waterfront at Atlantic Ave. The bar is always hopping, and they serve a great burger along with other appetizers. Then, over by MGH (the hospital) the old jail was rebuilt into an amazing hotel, The Liberty, which houses three of Boston’s best restaurants which surround an open-space bar/lounge area. It’s almost worth popping in just to see the building. There are also several other cool restaurants, such as Davio’s over at 75 Arlington and Smith & Wollensky’s across the street. Boston also has a local Irish bar every three blocks…
3. Where should we stay when we visit?
Well, Boston has plenty of high rise hotels… there’ll even soon be a W here. But, for me, and I’m a road-warrior by profession, I prefer something a bit more upscale yet casual. There’s The Harborside Inn at 185 State Street, which is an exposed brick (inside) brownstone outside. A block from the Aquarium, Post Office Sqaure (fin-district) and Fanuel Hall (touristico district). The Omni Parker House on Tremont is a Boston landmark, and if you’re here over the weekend, it pays to stay just for the Brunch—lobster omelettes and mimosas—yum. Nine Zero‘s also around the corner from the Omni… this is a cozy very nice place. The Boston Park Plaza is also very nice, and has two fabulous bars (whiskey and fire-n-ice) in the hotel, close to the theater district. And, of course, the Liberty mentioned above is cool. I had a boss once who used to fly in from NYC weekly, and she stayed at the Eliot Suites and would recommend it’s brownstone B&B feel to almost actually living in town.
4. What qualities do you find irresistible in a woman?
A great smile and a quick wit. Hey, men don’t have good pickup lines, but I love a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and willing to chat, joke, and flirt a bit. I also like a woman who can take a compliment graciously—but i love a woman who can turn a compliment into an opportunity to make a smart comment with a laugh!
5. Where can we find you on a free Sunday afternoon?
Half the time, I’m out of town. I love to jump in the car and see a new place. Other weekends I’ll be either working on something with my hands or possibly watching a movie or a game on TV, while grilling something out on the deck.
6. What do you love most about your hometown (besides our arrival)?
I love that Boston is a town—physically the city’s tiny. And, everyone’s a Yankee—seemingly kind of tough exterior, potentially intimidating, but really we have everyone else’s best interests at heart. Spend a moment to roll with the punches and you’ll see Bostonians like to have a good laugh, often at our own expense. There’s also plenty to see and do. Lot’s of history, art, theater, bars, and good eats. If you can’t find it on Boston.com look at the Phoenix which often also carries what’s going on over at the campuses… MIT, Hah-vahd, and many of the smaller schools have museums, film, and lectures open to the public.
7. What should we bring when we visit? What should we leave with?
A coat or a couple of layers of sweaters, the weather can turn chilly any time of year—hey, we’re on the ocean. Comfortable shoes, this is a walking town, and lots of fun to see when there’s no freezing rain. Heels and boots, or better, boots with heels are always appreciated. We hope you leave with a warm feeling for our town, and something with a Boston Red Sox logo on it.
8. What do we absolutely have to see while we’re there?
Geez, this one’s a little harder. In the winter, I’d say the Common, especially the frog pond and people skating if it’s cold enough. In the summer, I’d say you need to see the Harbor and one of the Harbor Islands (I’ll take you out on a boat, if you have an afternoon!) And, although I didn’t tell you about the North End, there’s a number of fabulous Italian restaurants up there.
9. Any areas of town we should avoid?
Nope. Boston’s a pretty safe place… but keep your head on your shoulders.
10. Any local secrets you want to share?
See above.
