what to do • where to go • what to see November 21–December 4, 2005 ThTheeeOfO Offficficiaiaiall GuidGuideeetot too BOSTBOSTONON TINY DANCER Head Backstage with a First-time Clara as Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Debuts at The Opera House PLUS: Santa BreaksBreaks Out His List of Holiday Events Around TownTownb wwwwww.panoramamagazine.com.panoramamagazine.com contents COVER STORY DEPARTMENTS 6 around the hub 16 Tiny Dancer 6 news & notes 13 dining 10 performing arts 14 nightlife Panorama takes you behind the 12 on exhibit 15 style scenes with a first-time Clara as Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker debuts 22 the hub directory in its new home at The Opera House 23 current events 31 clubs & bars 33 museums & galleries FEATURE 38 maps 43 sightseeing 20 He’s Coming to Town 48 freedom trail 50 shopping Catch up with the Man in the Red 54 mind & body Suit himself as he runs through a 55 restaurants host of holiday events around town 68 NEIGHBORHOODS 78 5 questions with… Superstar chef WOLFGANG PUCK THINGS ARE LOOKING UP: The recently restored Opera House becomes the new home of Boston Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker this holiday season. Refer to story, page 16. PHOTO BY TANIT S AKAKINI on the cover: Andria Ronne stars as Clara in Boston Ballet’s At The Corner Mall you’ll find a world of shops, boutiques and The Nutcracker, which an international food court offering something for every palate. begins at the Opera House November 25. Photo: Tanit Sakakini ___ NOVEMBER 21–DECEMBER 4, 2005 3 The Official Guide to BOSTON www.panoramamagazine.com November 21–December 4, 2005 Volume 55 • Number 14 Jerome Rosenfeld • CHAIRMAN Tim Montgomery • PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Christine Celli • EDITOR Scott Roberto • ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Josh B. Wardrop • ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sharon Hudak Miller • ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Heather S. Burke • PHOTO EDITOR Christopher Wallenberg • CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Marketa Hulpachova • EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Della Huff, Derek Kouyoumjian, Juli Rubijono, Tanit Sakakini • CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Coulter, Reshma Melwani, James Sligh, Kevin Spak • EDITORIAL INTERNS Jacolyn Ann Firestone • VICE PRESIDENT, ADVERTISING Rita A. Fucillo • DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Tyler Montgomery • ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Angela Belanger, Colby Ann Burlingame • SALES/MARKETING INTERNS Peter Ng • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER Melissa J. O’Reilly • BUSINESS MANAGER George Ghareeb • TECHNICAL CONSULTANT While three-quarters of Boston is sleeping, PANORAMA is published bi-weekly by Jerome Press Publications Inc. Editorial and advertising offices at 332 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210. Telephone (617) 423- 3400. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced with- out written permission of the publisher. PANORAMA is a member of the Massachusetts Lodging Association, The Back Bay Association, The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, the there’s a party going on at the Top of the Hub. Greater Boston Concierge Association, the Harvard Square Business Association, the Newbury Street League and the Downtown Crossing Association. PANORAMA is audited by BPA Worldwide, an 4 independent audit bureau recognized by the 0 fabulous years American Association of Advertising Agencies. LATE NIGHT BISTRO • LIVE JAZZ NIGHTLY CALL 617.536.1775 a magazine affiliate 800 Boylston Street, Prudential Center, Boston ___ ___ 4 PANORAMA NOVEMBER 21–DECEMBER 4, 2005 5 calendar of events aroundthehubby Josh B. Wardrop news&notes THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Tonight and through November 26 at the Brattle Theatre, kick off the theater’s tribute to Humphrey Bogart with showings of the timeless romance Casablanca. Proceeds from the 7:30 p.m. show go towards the campaign to save the historic and beloved theater from closing its doors. Refer to listing, page 24. 20 YEARS OF FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 CRAFTINESS Vermont clown duo Gould & Stearns Everyone’s been to a craft bring their comedic holiday show for fair or two around the families, Simple Gifts, to the John F. holidays—sorting through Kennedy Presidential Library and the clothespin-and-pipe Museum. Refer to listing, page 33. cleaner Santas and the hand-knitted Christmas FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 stockings in search of Continuing the legacy of iconic something for Grandma. modern dance choreographer Martha However, if you’re ready Graham, the Martha Graham Dance to get serious about craft Company performs an 80th anniver- festivals, you’ll want to sary program through December 4 check out the 20th annual at the Shubert Theatre. Refer to Crafts at the Castle exhibi- listing, page 24. tion and sale December 2–4 A Choice Event at the Hynes Convention SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 oston’s a city filled with exquisite culinary experiences, cultural and historical diver- Center. This yearly event Celebrate the Christmas season at Bsions to amuse visitors, and practically endless luxury shopping options. So, how’s a draws more than 150 of the the TD Banknorth Garden with vocal- newcomer to the city supposed to sample the cream of the crop during a short stay? top artists in the U.S. to ist Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of The task has just been made easier, with the first annual red carpet Boston’s Choice show off stained glass scenes from The Nutcracker in A Awards, being handed out November 30 from 7–10 p.m. at the Park Plaza Hotel. pieces, modern sculpture, Royal Christmas. Bocelli (pictured Concierges from hotels across Boston selected nominees for the top restaurants, night- handblown glass pieces, fur- right) is backed by the Royal clubs, fun attractions for kids, theatrical performances and much more. Those nominees niture, jewelry, handmade Philharmonic Concert Orchestra & were then voted on by Bostonians and visitors, with the winners to be unveiled at the clothing and much more. Westminster Concert Choir, as well awards ceremony. The ceremony will be followed by a VIP afterparty at Todd English’s Crafts at the Castle as dancers from the London Royal restaurant Bonfire. offers an opportunity to Ballet. Refer to listing, page 28. So, if you want to get the real inside scoop on the best Boston has to offer, slip your find that one-of-a-kind gift gladdest rags on, and celebrate the freedom of choice at the inaugural BCAs. Refer to for anyone on your holiday SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 listing, page 28. shopping list, and in the Listen this afternoon at 3 p.m. as spirit of the season, pro- acclaimed pianist Richard Goode news & notes 6 • on stage 10 • on exhibit 12 • ceeds from the event go to performs the great sonatas of benefit Family Service of Beethoven live at Jordan Hall. Refer to dining 13 • nightlife 14 • style 15 cont. on page 8 >> listing, page 23. ___ ___ 6 PANORAMA NOVEMBER 21–DECEMBER 4, 2005 7 around the hub NEWS & NOTES KISS 108-FM and Maria AIRPORT SPECIAL Stephanos of FOX 25 News, OWNTOWN TO OGAN ACK AY TO OGAN and features guest appear- D L : $20 B B L : $25 ances by former members of the Boston Red Sox. Items up for bid include signed Boston sports memorabilia, “The Best Ride tickets to local cultural attractions, vacation get- in Town” aways and much more. Visit www.cheersforchildren.cmar ket.com for a complete list of items or call 617-854-7667 for ticket information. THEY’RE GREEN, BUT THEY’VE GOT GAME Larry Bird may not (to para- phrase a legendary rant by former Boston Celtics coach Your own Private Limousine and Chauffeur Rick Pitino) be walking through that locker room from your downtown hotel to Logan Airport... door. But even if he did, there’s no saying that many of N Luxurious Lincoln Town Car Fleet the 2005–2006 Boston Celtics would recognize him anyway. N Courteous, Reliable Service The young Celtics team (really young—rookie Gerald N Transportation to Theatres, Restaurants and Green was born in 1986, the the Casinos << cont. Greater Boston, an Started in 1980 by Eddie last year the Celts won the from page 7 organization devot- Doyle and John Grasso— NBA championship) may lack N Shopping and Sightseeing Tours ed to serving trou- bartender and manager, experience, but one month bled families and children respectively—the first into their season, they’ve Tours include Cambridge, Concord and Lexington, throughout the Boston area. impromptu Cheers for treated Boston roundball fans Salem, Plymouth, Newport,Cape Cod and Cape Ann Refer to listing, page 28. Children event raised $570. to some of the most exciting, Flash forward 25 years, and high-energy, down-to-the- Equally attractive rates from hotels outside of the total raised for The wire games they’ve seen in HOLIDAY CHEERS Globe Santa Fund, The Cam years. And captain Paul Boston to the Logan airport. All Major Credit Cards Accepted The season of giving is in Neely Foundation for Cancer Pierce (pictured left) and crew full swing here in Boston, Care, The Jimmy Fund and are issuing notice to oppo- and there’s no better exam- The Friends of Floating nents throughout the league ple of that than the 26th Hospital for Children has that youth must be served. annual Cheers for Children topped the $1 million mark. Our advice? The kids are Holiday Auction, taking place This year’s silent auction alright, and you best check Boston Town Car November 30 from 5:30–9 and cocktail party is hosted ‘em out now. After all, they p.m. at Boston’s Hampshire by local radio and television grow up so fast. Refer to For Reservations, call (617) 782-4000 House, 84 Beacon St. personalities Matt Siegel of listing, page 28. ___ [email protected] Toll Free (888) 765-LIMO PHOTO BY S TEVE L IPOFSKY/ BASKETBALLPHOTO.