Courtney Vivian was born to party. The Somerville resident is the event manager for Coppersmith in Southie and spends her downtime working with various nonprofits throughout the city to plan functions and fundraisers. Vivian, 29, extends her reach beyond Boston borders — having worked with Re-Member, an organization that works to improve the quality of life for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and St. Joan of Arc, assisting displaced students and teachers in New Orleans find educational resources following Hurricane Katrina. We chat with Vivian about where she likes to snack attack and relax — you know, when she has the time. Best late night meal?
You can’t go wrong with a late night stop at the Pour House. The only reason I’m eating after 11 p.m. is likely because I made a few stops down Boylston on my way to PoHo. You can’t beat a plate of Dippers — they’re sliders with dipping sauces — after a few drinks. 907 Boylston St., Boston, pourhouseboston.com Best meal under $5?
My initial choice, a Harpoon Pretzel, was already shouted out, but I’m glad it’s getting the attention it deserves. Another $5 favorite, no less amazing, would have to be a taco from Anna’s Taqueria. But let’s be honest, I never get just one. Various locations, annastaqueria.com Best place todine alone?
I could sit alone in Solas at the Lenox for hours and people watch while enjoying some drinks and the Guinness Onion Soup. Even though it seems touristy, being inside a hotel and all, it has a very chill vibe and the bartenders have good stories if you’re hanging out for a bit. 710 Boylston St., Boston, solasboston.com
Place you recommend for out-of-towners?
Zaftigsin Brookline for all-day breakfast! The French toast is better than any I’ve ever had. This place actually turned me into a breakfast food lover. Never had an item I didn’t like.335 Harvard St., Brookline,zatfigs.com Go-to date spot?
We haven’t been since they reopened after flooding this winter, but my boyfriend and I frequentedLocal 149in Southie. I love that it’s tucked inside our neighborhood and uses a housemade ginger beer to make unforgettable mules. They have very thoughtful cuisine.149 P St., South Boston,local149.com Best place to catch up with friends?
I absolutely loveSunset Grill and Tapin Allston — loaded beer selection to satisfy all pallets and a menu to match. When you’re done eating you can go upstairs to Patron’s and shoot some pool and drink margaritas all night.130 Brighton Ave., Allston,allstonsfinest.com Most Instagrammable dish in town?
I would be amiss not to mentionCoppersmith’sgigantic, feeds-20-hungry-bros nachos. They’re served up ina classic red Radio Flyer Wagonwith layers of 10-hour house-smoked pulled pork, queso, homemade chili-lime tortilla chips and the rest of the fixins. It makes for quite an impressive photo.40 W. Third St., South Boston,coppersmithboston.com
