October 30, 2008

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

No plans? Scary.

DISGUISE
Mascherata Veneziana
What: Go undercover at The Greater Boston Food Bank’s tasty fund-raiser with drinks, Italian fare, and a bellisima raffle.
Why: Carnivalicious.
When: Thurs., 6-9 p.m.
Where: Rialto, The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Sq. Tickets online at gbfb.org.

INDULGE
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Opens
What: Slip into the new digs for the New England Retreat: a foot ritual, body brushing, tension-reducing massage, balancing face mask, rainwater shower, and destress muscle gel.
Why: Save time for a soak in the thermal spa, too.
When: Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 776 Boylston St., Back Bay (617-535-8820).

TASTE
Zing Pizza Opens
What: Quiet little shop does daily specials, salads, and roti (stuffed Trinidadian bread).
Why: Cheap and tasty ’za? Ama-zing.
When: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 1925 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Sq. (617-497-4300).

REFUEL
TC’s Coffeehouse Opens
What: Owners of gastropub Townsend’s open a cafe next door serving your favorite cuppa alongside fresh sandwiches and pastries.
Why: Beat the daily grind.
When: Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 87 Fairmount Ave., Hyde Park (617-333-0306).

STAY
Inn at St. Botolph
What: Swank little sister hotel of XV Beacon sits on the fringe of the South End offering private, apartment-like rooms.
Why: Get 30 percent off rooms and 20 percent off meals at Sorellina, Mooo, and Mistral thru Mar. 31.
When: Opens Sat.
Where: 99 St. Botolph St., South End (617-236-8099). Book online at reservations.ihotelier.com.