Taking the Confusion Out of 'XLVI': Where to Go for the Superbowl

If you can't GO to the game in Indy, might we suggest one of these places?

With the big game less than a week away, and many of you wishing it was the weekend again, we thought we'd get you day dreaming about where you might be once kickoff rolls around on Sunday.

While many prefer the quaint and cozy party with family and friends, we realize that some socialites would rather be throwing one back with 40 of their closest friends (and neighbors) in the city.

If you happen to be one of those party people, we applaud your skills as you balance a tortilla chip dripping with salsa and dodge shoulder bumps and thunderous cheering. Here are the best places to make it happen!

• Trina's Starlite, Inman Square, Somerville: Named best neighborhood bar in 2011 and famous for their weekday brunches, fried chicken and sloppy joe's, this venue is not to be missed! The cocktail menu has an equal playing field with all drinks being $9 and an intriguing selection of beers from High Life bottles to keg specialities like a Coffeehouse porter. They're open until 1 a.m. on game day so we suggest you give them a shot!

• The Bone, Downtown, Framingham: If you're out in the 'burbs or just looking for a new spot, you should probably add this spot to your bucket list. Boasting their award winning food and sports viewing on HDTV, The (Chicken) Bone also offers delivery of their 13 flavors if you've already scored a venue to watch the game. We know some like it hot but we'd recommend being cautious with the sauces!

• The Biltmore Bar & Grille, Upper Falls, Newton: Originating as a speakeasy, this classy spot is festive from its tin ceilings to its polished mahogany paneling. With local produce and dairy, The Biltmore earns a seal of approval from true New Englanders who have an appreciation for local flavors. Pull up at their salvaged tables and order oysters from the raw bar, sample proscuitto wrapped scallops or sip on creamy Yukon Gold potato soup as Brady and Manning duke it out!

• The Stockyard, Brighton: After reading the history of this place, we were a little worried we'd be supporting the enemy, but never fear; Stockyard founder Corneilius Manning doesn't seem to have any common threads to the dastardly Eli. We were relieved because the seared ahi tuna appetizer seems too good to pass up! Of course, with traditional game day snacks like potato skins and mozzarella sticks, The Stockyard has plenty of screens and a vintage vibe that will getting you cheering to the leather heads of yore!

• Ruth's Chris, Boston: We too were skeptical when we read that this steakhouse is a Boston favorite for Superbowl viewing but like other city adventures, we just went with it! If you're compromising with a date on a Superbowl venue or romantic night out this weekend, this spot might be just the place to agree on. It surely has a "warm, comfortable atmosphere" and the bar recognizes Boston history through its namesake, James Michael Curley. It won't be open all hours of the night, which leaves plenty of time to barhop around Faneuil Hall or the Quincy Marketplace before locals starting singing "We are the Champions". (Knock on wood!)

• Game On, Fenway/ Landsdowne, Boston: It wouldn't truly be a comprehensive list if this watering hole wasn't listed somewhere. If you've never been to the city, Game On is one of the most popular sports bars neighboring Fenway Park. As with many city bars, the Game On menu features everything from a raw bar to soups and savory chicken wings to (not so) simple salads. While there's still time, sign-up for an All Star card to ensure return visits greet you with V.I.P. status, discounts and other cool benefits. It's like watching the game from a luxury box!

• Jillian's, Fenway/ Landsdowne, Boston: If Game On seems a little too tame for you (despite what the line out the door might indicate), turn the corner and head up the street to Jillian's for "dancing, bowling, professional billiards or great food and drink..." They'll be open long after closing ceremonies and confetti floats over the field so grab some friends and order up some coconut shrimp or beef teriyaki skewers and salute the Pats until 2 a.m.!

• 75 Chestnut, Beacon Hill, Boston: When you don't want to trek all over the city, a spot like 75 Chestnut is just what the doctor ordered! Nestled in the Beacon Hill district, this is more of a posh venue for those trying to avoid the "college crowd". With recipes such as beef stews, turkey sandwiches and clam chowder, there's something here for everyone even if you just park yourself at the bar. Personally, they had us at "tequila lime cocktail sauce"!

• Big City, Allston: The website of this hangout displays a banner advertising its claims to fame: "Pool Hale. Pizza Kitchen. Beer Bar". If this sounds like the kind of place you're into, start practicing your moves (and we don't mean Hail Mary). With 15 pool tables, 4 foosball tables, 80 beers on tap and "signature pizzas", we have a feeling the good times might go into over time if you choose this spot on Sunday. (Luckily they're open until 1 a.m.!)

• The Greatest Bar, Boston: This top locale is a frequent favorite among the twenty-somethings even on a regular weekend, so if you're looking for a fun crowd look no further! The menu is available until midnight and provides comfort food from pretzel sticks to quesadillas and you can enjoy an Amstel or Blue Moon from any one of the four levels. In addition, HDTV's will be aplenty as well as Jim Beam promotions and prizes! 

Where are YOU catching the game? Will you be with friends or family? Got any cool game day recipes or ideas to share? Send them to us at COSMOpolitique@gmail.com, in our comment box, on Facebook or by following us on Twitter @COSMOpolitique

We hope you enjoy the game and GO PATS!

"Looking Forward" to 2012: First Night in Boston

If you're sitting at your cubicle (or in your bedroom at your parents' house) daunted by the idea of an unplanned New Year's weekend, we can sympathize. In fact, with so much to do in one of the best cities in the world, its easy to forget just how easy planning can be without breaking the bank. And don't feel bad because you just couldn't swing that trip to NYC with your friends. Boston has a celebration all its own that honors the firsts and lasts of everything this holiday.

On firstnight.org, the official website of Boston's annual winter celebration, the facts page boats that "First Night is the oldest and largest New Year's Eve celebration of the arts in North America". However, if you're not a fan of all things artistic, don't fret. With over a million people expected to celebrate this year, there is something in the city for everyone. 

What to do:

• Beginning at 5:30, the annual holiday procession commences at 5:30 in front of the Hynes Convention Center. If you enjoy the pomp and circumstance of a holiday parade, grab a spot along Boylston St., or where Charles St. meets Beacon St. This is a great family activity and for those who might want to call it an early night.
• While considered art, the annual display of ice sculptures is an entertaining way to spend time between city adventures. This year's collection will include five masterpieces illuminated by a variety of lights. Weighing between 30 and 45 tons, each sculpture is impressive and might motivate you to take on a hands-on project in the coming year!
• Got plans during the day but want to see the year out with a colorful explosion of delight? Don't miss the midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor! The Zambelli family, famous in the firework business for a little under a century, has been making the skyline sparkle in more than 18,000 cities alone for nationwide July 4th celebrations. We can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves this year!
• If you're looking for a party, websites like Clubzone.com have full listings of the festivities going down at venues like the Seaport Hotel and Club Mantra. (But hurry because these can sell out up until the day before!) Ticket prices may include amenities such as bottle service, hors d'oeuvres and champagne tots at midnight.
• For the comedian (and comedienne alike), acts such as Dan Kelly and John Pinette, will be performing  at venues across the city. Their events, as well as others, can be found on Boston.com's calendar page.
• Despite the expected increase in visitors to the city this weekend, there are still plenty of ways and places to steal a moment or two of romance on this holiday. Thanks to this guide we found, you can sweep your significant other off their feet at midday or midnight if you check out Boston.com's "Best Places to Kiss" gallery.
• However, while some chose Boston because we know how to "do it big", some prefer the quaintness of a simple dinner out and watching Dick Clark in the comfort of their own home. We can understand that but don't miss out the celebrating entirely! From Aura Restaurant to The Beehive, there's a festive spot for everyone! (Reservations recommended!)

Like our tips? Have some of your own? Comment below, 'like' us on Facebook or send us a tweet! @COSMOpolitique 

And have a very Happy New Year! xoxo

Be Scene!

Another weekend is on the way and you're in need of a new watering hole. You'd try something hip but you don't know where to start. Lucky for you Boston.com does!

Meet "Spotted", your new go-to archive for "the faces and places that make up Boston's vibrant nightlife scene". Since August, Boston.com has been tracking the whereabouts of night owls all over the city from swanky South End hot spots to bootlegger parties in Jamaica Plain. Whether you're the type that prefers a concert at a venue like the MFA courtyard or a themed party at a stylish club like Royale, there's something for everyone who wants to venture out.

Ranked 11th in 2009 by Forbes for best nightlife (coming in just behind Miami!), Boston's culture, "coolness" and celebrity fan base (like actor Anthony Michael Hall, model Cameron Russell and comedian Dane Cook) has sky-rocketed it to fame on the silver screen as well as the party scene. But it not always a party here. A quick glance though the Spotted archive proves that being more casual is what some Bostonians do best. (And they look good doing it too!)

But wanna know the best part? Spotted takes suggestions from readers in search of the best places to be and be seen! Offer up your favorite spots and you might just make it into the gallery. Plus, you never know who you'll end up rubbing elbows with!