National Sangria Day and More

National Sangria Day

• Even as the weather gets a little colder, you can pretend you’re on a tropical vacation on December 20, National Sangria Day. Plenty of Back Bay restos are getting in on the action: Avila will have Sangria Rosa (Cave De Cairanne Rose with Stoli Raspberry and Crème de Peche); Davio’s will serve up Rose Sangria (rosé wine with Cointreau, brandy and fresh fruit juices); Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake’s version will be Spanish-style with fresh fruits; and Towne Stove and Spirits will offer up an Autumn Sangria with fresh apples, peaches and citrus steeped in red wine with brandy and spices. Bottoms up!

New Menu and Midnight Specials at The Rattlesnake

• Speaking of Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake, they’ve recently rolled out a new menu with a little bit of heat to keep those winter chills away. These South of the border snacks include choices like smoked jalapeno rubbed chipotle wings ($9), grilled bacon, steak, and cheese bites with homemade jalapeno A1 sauce ($10), and Sobriety Fries ($6) – cilantro curried crushed red pepper fries served with sriracha. In addition, it’s time to forget those greasy pizza slices when the evening goes late – every night Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake will feature a new Midnight Special with a super-spicy kick.

Brahmin Social Sundays

• Beginning this past weekend, the Brahmin American Cuisine & Cocktails began hosting Brahmin Social Sundays, daytime parties featuring a DJ, a brand-new brunch menu, and drink specials ($3 screwdrivers, anyone?). The events run every Sunday from 11:30a-6p – you can make reservations at 617.723.3131.

Crepes and Cupcakes on Newbury Street

• This neighborhood is getting sweeter all the time – according to our sources, The Creperie on Newbury is planning on opening today on (where else?) Newbury Street at the Newbury Guest House. In addition, our sources also report that another cupcake spot is coming to town: Georgetown Cupcake out of the Washington, D.C., area will be hot out of the oven on Newbury sometime in the spring.

The Palm Is Closing

• In restaurant closing news, it seems that The Palm at the Westin Copley Place will be shuttering its doors at the end of the year and moving to a new location on the Waterfront in the fall of 2012. Seems they were unable to renew their lease. There are rumors that a Brazilian steakhouse chain called Fogo de Chao might be stepping into the old Palm space, but stay tuned for more details as they emerge.