Aside from next week’s Super Bowl appearance by the New England Patriots, there really aren’t that many reasons to get out and party in Boston this winter. Phantom Gourmet hopes to change that by inspiring fans to brave the cold and have some fun with the debut of its first ever Winter Phest.
As a Boston native through and through, Phantom Gourmet CEO Dave Andelman knows all too well that locals tend to shy away from hitting the town when the temperatures start to dip. However, he believes this weekend’s festivities will help heat things up.
“When the weather is cold there’s just not that much to do and we all have a tendency to kind of hibernate,” Andelman tells Metro. “So I said let’s give people something really fun and weird and silly to do.”
Dave Andelman talks Phantom Gourmet Winter Phest
While the foodie media empire puts on several events throughout the year, the Winter Phest will be a bit different from their previous outings. Set to take over Lansdowne Street next to Fenway Park on Saturday afternoon, the festivities will have a sillier element to it, as the first 300 attendees who show up to the indoor/outdoor event in a bathing suit will receive free admission.
“It’s going to be extra silly,” Andelman says. “It’s going to be something really fun and different.”
In addition to encouraging fans to embrace the winter chill, Phantom Gourmet is also giving back with its Winter Phest. Fans who donate one winter coat or 10 socks at Kings locations across Massachusetts will receive free admission as well.
Of course, the biggest element of the fest will be the food. Dozens of food samples will be on hand including several of Andelman’s favorites like Harrow’s Chicken Pies, clam chowder from Plymouth’s Cabby Shack, plus whatever New England Soup Factory is cooking up. Summer Shack will be on hand to serve up $1 oysters too.
If the weather ends up being a bit too brisk for you, don’t worry, because there’s plenty of indoor partying going. Game On is hosting a pre-party at 10 am..with ping-.pong, cornhole, a pizza buffet and, of course, “Phantom Gourmet” playing on its TVs.
Attendees can also expect a tropical party with Caribbean drinks at Bill’s, live country music at Loretta’s, pluis $1 hot dogs and Red Sox ticket giveaways at Bleacher Bar. Those who splurge for the VIP tickets can show up half an hour early to the fest at 11:30 a.m. as well as enjoy a special party with food and other offerings at Lansdowne Pub.
The fest is set to go down, rain or shine, however, Andelman wouldn’t little bit of snow at least.
“I’m hoping for a light dusting of snow that day,” says Andelman. “I think that would be the perfect vibe.”
If you go:
Jan. 26, noon-3 p.m., Lansdowne St., Boston, $20+, 21+, phantomgourmetwinterphest.com
