This is how they do it in Berlin: If you get to see the winner walking around after the race, we encourage you to invite him or her over to your table to partake in some refreshments.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Matthias Kern/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Metro decided to leave the running to those better prepared and instead embark on a marathon bar crawl along the route. By the time the first marathoners reach Brookline — around 11 a.m. — the Fireplace’s outdoor grill will be fired up, as normal lunch service is swapped to cheer on the athletes by giving them a waft of barbeque as they run by. Goodies include grilled vegetable sandwiches and Creekstone Farms short rib sandwich with creamed horseradish.
Just past mile marker 25, An Tua Nua’s two-story window walls offer race viewing, while its signature meatball selection offers a Marathon chicken and mozzarella special served on Iggy’s baguette. As the marathon hits Kenmore Square, crowds start to thicken. Get to Eastern Standard early to secure a patio table for curbside race views. (It opens for breakfast at 7 a.m., but that might be a little extreme… Or not.) Indulge in a leisurely brunch, say an egg “dish” like the Vin Amer Fizz, comprising in-housemade vermouth, apricot brandy, Champagne, and topped with egg white foam.
Towne Stove and Spirits patio and bar offer a comfy seat for the final stretch. Figuring that we all need carbs in honor of these magnificent runners, chef Lydia Shire and co. have a quartet of pasta specials (available Fri.-Mon.), including ricotta and lemon ravioli with asparagus and chervil, and fettuccine Alfredo with poached soft egg and truffle.
M Bar won’t have any specials for Marathon Monday, but the window seats are perfect for race watching – come rain or shine. Set a block away from the finish line, inside the Mandarin Oriental, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the action into the room. Get your toasts ready: go pink with Mumm or Veuve rosé.
There probably isn’t a better spot to catch the last drop of sweat than Solas’ patio, but New Balance has rented it for a private party! However, City Bar and City Table, inside the Lenox Hotel, have it covered. City Table usually opens for dinner only, but will open for the day Marathon Monday, serving up menu favorites like the indomitable jerk chicken mac ‘n’ cheese and vegetable risotto with beets and escarole. As the athletes may or may not say: Fuel up; chow down.
Venue details
The Fireplace
1634 Beacon St., Boston
617-975-1900
www.fireplacerest.com
An Tua Nua
835 Beacon St., Boston
617-262-2121
www.antuanuabar.com
Eastern Standard
528 Comm. Ave., Boston
617-532-9100
www.easternstandardboston.com
Towne Stove and Spirits
900 Boylston St., Boston
617-247-0400
www.towneboston.com
M Bar
776 Boylston St., Boston
617-535-8800
www.mandarinoriental.com/boston
Solas
710 Boylston St., Bosto
617-933-4803
www.solasboston.com
City Table
65 Exeter St., Boston
617-933-4800
www.citytableboston.com
