Pop.Bop.Shop.'s Best of 2011

If Google can make a “Best of 2011”, why can’t I? Below you will find the Pop.Bop.Shop. Best of 2011 in the chronological order in which I experienced each gem. Thank you all for your incredible support this year. Your loyalty was my best gift in 2011. Enjoy the list!

Best Way to Start the New Year: Usher OMG Tour

I spent the first hour of January 1, 2011 dancing and singing at the top of my lungs at the Usher OMG Tour with my sister and her boyfriend. It was the absolute best way to ring in the new year.

Best Newbury Street Newbie: Lolita

Newbury Street is the most coveted location in Boston for any new restaurant, bar or retail store. I’m always skeptical when something new moves in, but my dinner at Lolita surpassed all of my expectations - sexy décor, exotic cocktails, delicious food and the most stylish ladies room in the city.

Best Person to Convince Me to Like Country Music: Garrett Hedlund in Country Strong

I hate country music. It gives me a tick. However, I was dying to see “Country Strong” and let me tell you, if anyone can convert me to a fan, it’s the smoldering Garrett Hedlund.

Best Oscar Caliber Film: The King’s Speech

“The King’s Speech” has all the necessary elements for the Oscar race: an A-list cast, British accents, a historical focus, political controversy and stunning costumes. This film lived up to every ounce of awards show buzz. Colin Firth can stutter for me any time.

Best App: Treemail

From the minute I discovered the Treemail iPhone app I thought it was the most charming and romantic way to utilize a smartphone.

Best YouTube Find: Daniel de Bourg

To be fair, I can’t take the credit for discovering Daniel de Bourg, as I was introduced to his YouTube channel by a college friend. Ever since that first listen to his cover of Alica Keys’ “Sleeping with a Broken Heart” I’ve been hooked. Book mark this channel and check back regularly.

Best Use of an Avatar Costume: 90210

I’d be ashamed to be twenty seven years old and watching 90210, but it’s just so damn good. This February sweeps episode had me in hysterics when Naomi dressed up as an “Avatar” character to try and win over her geeky crush, Max.

Best Go-To Spot: Cafeteria

Cafeteria on Newbury Street is like your most reliable friend. You know that no matter what, with every visit you are going to get a perfect seat on the patio or a cozy table inside, an attentive server and excellent twists on cafeteria classics.

Best New Neighbor: Naked Pizza

Naked Pizza moved into Brighton Center, three blocks up from my house in March. Since then it has become my go-to spot for pizza delivery, take out on my way home or as the place I take first time visitors to my neighborhood to show off our local grub.

Best Turn On: Burn the Floor

In March I went with two friends to see the dance performance “Burn the Floor” featuring many of my favorite dancers from “So You Think You Can Dance.” One word: hot.

Best Restaurant Week Dinner: Sandrine’s Bistro

I’ve been going out for every cycle of Restaurant Week for the last five years. This year, in March, I met a friend for a Restaurant Week dinner at Sandrine’s Bistro in Harvard Square. Though I consider myself a Harvard Square regular, I had never set foot in Sandrine’s before this year and boy am I happy I did. This was some of the best food I’ve had. Ever. The apple and gorgonzola salad was a work of art, the vegetable ravioli was the perfect winter dish and the sugar atop the crème brulee cracked exactly the way every crème brulee should.

Best Fruit Dessert to Convert a Chocoholic: Rendezvous

Those who read the blog regularly know I hate fruit dessert. I always opt for the chocolate option and in general, I am repulsed by the fruit offerings. That was until I had the pear crostada with caramel almond ice cream at Rendezvous in Central Square in Cambridge. Thanks to that night’s birthday girl for the dessert selection. Consider me converted.

Best Person to Take the Royale Stage: Ben Rector

On March 26th I went with one of my best friends to see our crush, Matt Wertz. Little did I know his opening act, Ben Rector, would steal my heart. After the show I went home and downloaded Ben’s album “Into the Morning.” I found myself listening to it on repeat for weeks. If you want a sample of what I’m talking about, download his tune “White Dress.”

Best Reference to a Blog Post in a Job Interview: Grey’s Anatomy

When I interviewed for my current job back in April I was nervous. I hadn’t interviewed anywhere in three years and wanted to be sure I was marketing my new skill set to the best of my ability. On this particular morning I was meeting with eight people and the second person I got introduced to opened our conversation by saying, “Molly, I have to tell you, I completely disagree with your assessment of the Grey’s Anatomy musical episode on your blog.” Wow. Didn’t see that one coming!

Best Brunch: Café Luna

Sunday brunch is my favorite meal of the week. I’ve been all over the city checking out brunch spots and who would have thought my favorite place would be an unassuming café in Central Square in Cambridge! Café Luna is an independently run café that serves delicious coffee and tea drinks, exceptional sweet and savory brunch options and no matter your age they bring you crayons to color on the white, paper table cloths. The best part? They take reservations.

Best Arancini: Bin 26 Enoteca

Boston’s North End is famous for superb Italian food, but the best arancini (fried rice balls) are actually on Charles Street in Beacon Hill at a beautiful restaurant called Bin 26 Enoteca. Once you’ve tasted these, no North End arancini will measure up.

Best Use of Buffalo Sauce in a Vegetarian Dish: Highland Kitchen

I love buffalo sauce, but as a vegetarian, there aren’t many opportunities to eat it. I usually get my fix from the Morning Star Farms Buffalo Bites, but once I discovered the buffalo Brussels sprouts appetizer at Highland Kitchen in Somerville, all bets were off. The chef douses a bowl of Brussels sprouts in hot, spicy, buffalo sauce and they are incredible! Even if you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this dish will make you a believer.

Best MFA Exibit: Chihuly

The MFA has had an amazing year. They unveiled a huge addition, a new contemporary wing (which has my favorite – the green beaded curtain!), a new café, they hosted a Degas exhibit, a jewels and gems exhibit and more. Despite all these new bells and whistles, the Dale Chihuly exhibit stole the show. Visitors of all ages were spellbound by these one of a kind glass creations. One of my pictures from this exhibit made it into Boston Innovation's “50 Incredible Photos of Boston 2011.” Check it out at #20.

Best Hybrid: Tres Gatos

Tres Gatos on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain is a combination of things I didn’t even know I wanted together until I experienced them. Tres Gatos is one part tapas bar, one part book store and one part vinyl record shop. The food and wine list are outstanding, the book selection is solid and the vinyl record collection will keep you browsing for hours.

Best Out of Town Neighborhood: Wynwood, Miami, FL

During my April trip to Miami to visit my parents and sister they took me to a neighborhood of Miami called Wynwood. In addition to funky bars and restaurants, Wynwood also boasts an area called the Wynwood Walls that showcase brightly colored, multi-feet high murals. Bravo to the city of Miami for giving these artists so much space to create.

Best Brick Oven Pizza: Posto

I have many close friends that live in Davis Square so I am always intrigued when a new place sets up shop there. The early buzz for Posto raved about their pizza, their wine list and their option to host a pig roast. With one bite of my first piece of Posto pizza it was clear what all the fuss was about. I was craving another pie on my way out the door.

Best Guacamole: Papagayo

Guacamole, who doesn’t love it? When it’s made fresh, guacamole is one of the best restaurant appetizers around. When Papagayo opened in South Boston I was invited by a coworker to join her birthday celebration there. Not only was the young server who made our guacamole gorgeous, but it was super fresh, flavorful and gone in about thirty seconds.

Best Music to Your Soul: Adele

In January when I saw Adele perform “Rolling in the Deep” on the Ellen DeGeneres show, I knew I had to have her new album. I pre-ordered it on the spot. Once it was on my iPod, on my phone and in my car, I listened to “21” on repeat. In May I was lucky enough to go to her concert at the House of Blues and enjoy her voice and her stories in person. Whether you cried along with “Someone Like You” or gave the middle finger with “Rumor Has It”, every girl can relate to these lyrics. I’m not the only one who thinks Adele killed it this year, Rolling Stone named “21” the album of 2011 and “Rolling in the Deep” the single of 2011. You go, girl.

Best Use of the Hora in Prime Time: Gossip Girl

In this May episode of Gossip Girl not only did I get to see Chuck and Blair reunited, but during their top secret night of fun they escaped to a bar mitzvah where they were hoisted up on chairs during the hora. Doesn’t get any better.

Best Read: The Paris Wife

Thanks to my new commute on the T I’ve had a ton of time to read this year. Of all the books I’ve read “The Paris Wife” is the one that moved me the most and the one I continue to recommend to fellow bookworms. Protagonist Hadley Richardson (Ernest Hemmingway’s first wife) spoke to me in a way few literary characters have. On top of my love for Hadley, this novel has the perfect mix of romance and U.S. history. Add it to your reading list!

Best Revenge on Bitchy Bridesmaids Everywhere: Bridesmaids

We’ve all been there. We’ve all been stuck in a bridal party with a girl who feels the need to prove that she’s the bride’s bestie at every possible opportunity and who wants to spend limitless funds to prove it. Thank you Kristen Wiig for writing a movie that finally brought some comic relief to the situation! “Bridesmaids” had me laughing so hard I could barely breathe. It also shined the spotlight on Melissa McCarthy who is finally getting some public recognition. Many of us have been rooting for her since she played Sookie on “Gilmore Girls.”

Best Way to Spend the Lunch Hour: The Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl

One of the things I was most excited about when I accepted my new job was being in the heart of downtown Boston. In my second month of working in the financial district the Jimmy Fund’s annual Scooper Bowl rolled into Government Center plaza. Let me tell you, there is no better way to spend your lunch hour than eating ice cream for charity.

Best Way to Spend a Summer Saturday: South End Garden Tour

I found out about the South End Garden Tour because one of the restaurants I follow on Twitter, 28 Degrees, shared a link to it. It sounded like a great way to see the beautiful homes of the South End so I corralled a friend to go with me. As I wrote in the review, “I have lived in Boston my entire life and this was easily one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had in my 26 years of exploring this city.” Not only did the tour reinvigorate my love for Boston, but an editor for Boston.com contacted me and turned my photos into a slideshow on their website!

Best Discovery in a Town You’ve Vacationed in Your Whole Life: Truro Vineyards

I have been summering in Truro on Cape Cod since elementary school. This year my family spend the entire July 4th week in Truro and on the one day it rained we decided to check out the Truro Vineyards. Not only was the vineyard itself absolutely gorgeous, the wines are delicious! My father, my sister and I each made several purchases that day and we continue to enjoy them throughout the year.

Best Hidden Gem: Marliave

I discovered the Marliave completely by accident. I was walking through Downtown Crossing and noticed a patio twinkling with white lights in between two huge office buildings. As it turns out, there is a beautiful French restaurant there! This July I went with a group of girls to celebrate a friend’s birthday and we all felt transported to Paris on their patio. In addition to the stellar dinner, when the desserts arrived they were all marked with a letter “M” in chocolate. How could I not love that?

Best Place to Rest Your Head: Hotel Palomar

I have been so lucky this year and had the opportunity to travel all of the country for work. On these trips I’ve stayed in some incredible hotels, but the one that stole the show was the Hotel Palomar in San Francisco. The hotel itself was designed impeccably and the staff were the friendliest and most helpful I’ve ever encountered. If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, this should be your first choice for accommodations.

Best Restaurant Concept: Vic’s Bagel Bar

On my August trip to New York City I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when my friend (who lives in Murray Hill) took me to a local joint called Vic’s Bagel Bar. Vic’s is basically the Pinkberry of bagels. You choose a bagel, then you choose a base for your cream cheese and then you choose mix ins for your cream cheese. Yes people, mix ins for cream cheese. Vic, if you can hear me, you need to come to Boston ASAP.

Best Reason to Hang Out on the Waterfront: ICA

Certainly you’d expect an art museum to be beautiful. The ICA on Boston’s waterfront is not only beautiful, but it’s thoughtful. Every element of the building's design, the décor and the placement of the artwork is so carefully thought out, planned and executed. It takes your breathe away.

Best Theme Brunch: Lucky’s Lounge

When I used to work at the World Trade Center my coworkers and I often walked to Lucky’s for drinks after a long day. I’d seen promotional materials for their Sunday brunch, but never made it. This year, in September, I went with a friend to experience the highly recommended Sunday Sinatra brunch. In addition to the delicious food, the Sinatra cover band is a blast! Their bass player is amazing and for one number our waitress even took the mic! I took my parents in October and they gave it an A+. If you know my parents, that’s a very big deal.

Best Veggie Burger: Hillstone

As a vegetarian I eat a lot of veggie burgers. It’s often the only vegetarian option at bars and pubs. Sometimes the veggie burger is great, but most of the time it tastes like shoe. Enter the Hillstone veggie burger. This veggie burger is not an after thought or an obligatory menu item, this veggie burger is hand crafted, topped with the fresh veggies and melted cheese and served on a fluffy bun alongside a heaping pile of McDonalds-like French fries. This is veggie burger nirvana. At a steak house.

Best Reminder of Why I Love Boston: Tavern on the Water

I’ve lived in the Boston area my entire life. As such, sometimes it’s easy for me to take the city for granted. This October when I went to brunch with two friends at Tavern on the Water in Charlestown, I was reminded why I love this city so much. As I noshed on some incredible French toast I had an unobstructed view of Boston Harbor and the entire city skyline. It literally took my breath away. “Love that dirty water, Boston you’re my home.”

Best Use of a Medical Device Designed by my Cousin: Grey’s Anatomy

During a recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy (known to most as “Heart in a Box”) my entire family was beaming with pride because the episode centered around a heart transplant device which just so happened to be designed by my cousin and his team at TransMedics. Bravo, Robby!

Best Bar Concept: Pourtal

When on a business trip to Los Angeles in November, I had one night to play. I met up with a friend who grew up in L.A. and was kind enough to give me a local’s night out. After a delicious Italian dinner we moved onto a wine bar called Pourtal. Pourtal is basically a vending machine of wine. You purchase a plastic card, put cash on it and then go around an insert the card above the bottles of wine you’re interested in tasting. This system lets you sample as many wines as you like without having to commit to a full glass. Genius!

Best Photography: Yardbird

Over the course of the past year I’ve really been focusing on improving the quality of my photos. While I was in Miami for Thanksgiving I went out for Sunday brunch with my family to a place called Yardbird. After posting my review I was feeling really proud of the quality of the photos in this particular post. Hopefully I can keep raising the bar!

Best Use of George Clooney: The Descendants

Two weeks ago I saw the new George Clooney movie “The Descendants.” I’ve always been a Clooney fan, but his performance in this movie was a notch above the rest. He portrayed a man facing some insanely difficult decisions and I believed every moment of his confusion, anger, resentment and relief. I can’t wait to watch him rack up the trophies during awards season.

If you made it to the bottom of this post, give yourself a cookie.

What makes your Best of 2011 list?

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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