A Day of Great Reviews

Yesterday I decided to take a little break from studying for my OEM stream midterms (not really sure what OEM stands for but its Organizational Behavior, Managerial Accounting and Technology Operations Management). I have many great reviews of places I went that I wanted to share. 

1.  Christine's Day Spa & Electrolysis

I went to Christine's for the first time yesterday for a massage and had a great experience. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I have had many massages but this was definitely the best. She worked out the knots in my shoulders with great ease. The spa is very clean and also has a hair salon located inside. I would definitely recommend this location if you are looking for a great massage with reasonable pricing. You can find Christine's next to Pink Domino in Newton Center at 1280 Centre Street, Newton.

2. Kim's Nails & Skin Care








Although just about every Babson girl I know has been to Kim's nails in Newton, I have yet to experience this until yesterday. For Kappa's semi formal in the fall, I tried to go to Kim's, but ended up in Wellesley at a different "Kim's" salon. Note for the wise: NEVER go there: it is one small, dirty, cramped room and they do not have nail dryers. Moving on... in attempt to get to Kim's Newton (only 3 minutes from Newton Center) I ended up driving around for 65 minutes (no exaggeration) because of google maps. Although google had recognized I wanted to go to Lincoln Street, it continually took me to Lincoln Road on the other side of town. Can you say stressful disaster? Nevertheless, I eventually made it there and was very happy with the condition of the nail salon. It is one very large room with many nail stations and 10 plush pedicure chairs. The service wasn't exactly attentive, she would leave doing my nails to go clean something in the store, as well as haggled me 3 times to ask if I would additionally like a pedicure. However, this is the first I have heard of service being poor so I would definitely like to try going there again, minus what I see as being slightly overpriced. A shellac manicure is more than a pedicure ... $30 for shellac whereas in Marblehead is only $22... that's saying a lot. Overall, I am very happy with my nail color choice, iced cappuccino shellac. I would take a photo but apparently my brand new camera is broken again with the same problem as the last one.  It comes out a very pretty metallic champagne color.

3. Pairings Restaurant, Boston Park Plaza Hotel

Last night my amazing valentine took me to Pairings, located inside the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. When we arrived I was wondering why the restaurant looked so familiar. Pairings is Todd English's new restaurant, which was previously Bonfire. Todd English has so many incredible restaurants, including some of my favorites Figs (Beacon Hill and Nantucket) and Summer House (Siasconset, Nantucket). 

The restaurant is not only beautiful with the large columns and window side seating, but the staff is beyond incredible. From the beginning the hostess and waiter were very welcoming and attentive. Having a nut allergy, I have to be extremely careful when I go out to dinner. At Pairings, three different people came over to the table to assure me that the allergy was noted and the Chef was aware of it. This kind of extra attention is detail is crucial in customer service. As opposed to in North Conway when dining this winter, I was told it was "my own prerogative" if I wanted to eat their food that may contain nuts (what exactly was this waiter thinking?). I felt so comfortable at Pairings and would absolutely recommend dining here for any occasion. 

For special occasions, Pairings also offers a fabulous private dining area that has a very unique atmosphere. I know someone who had a birthday party in this room when the restaurant was still Bonfire and everyone had a great time. I am definitely putting this room on my list of future places to hold a birthday party.

Although my food was absolutely fantastic, I got the the Honey-Lemon Chicken and Greg got the Filet Mignon, the only downfall I would say for Pairings is they don't have a wide spread of options I enjoy on the menu. Overall 4.75 stars !!