Many of the best cocktails in Boston are thanks to this man

Voice of Boston is our series where we interview local tastemakers on their favorite neighborhoods, restaurants and hangouts around the city. If you missed our last one, catch up on our chat with Nia Grace of Grace by Nia. 

This week we are speaking with Ray Tremblay, Corporate Beverage Director COJE Management Group. He joined the COJE team in 2021, working closely with Managing Partner Chris Jamison to design the beverage program for the opening of Coquette, the group’s Mediterranean inspired brasserie. Today, Ray oversees the beverage programs across the entire restaurant portfolio including Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, Yvonne’s, RUKA, Mariel, Caveau and of course Coquette. So, it is safe to say he is no stranger to the Boston nightlife scene.

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Boston?  

I don’t know if I necessarily have favorites, but I tend to find myself around Back Bay, the Seaport, Downtown Crossing, Post Office Square, and Fort Point because of COJE’s restaurants, which are all great places to spend time. I live in Eastie now and used to live in Southie, so there’s a lot of love for both of those neighborhoods too. 

Where is your favorite place to go for a walk in the city?

I love walking through Boston Common and into Back Bay. I do my best to get outside and into nature when I’m not working downtown, so it’s a nice break to be around grass and trees. There’s a good chance you’ll find me on Summer Street walking between COJE’s restaurants on any given day though.

Where do you go for a late-night bite? 

I don’t find myself out as late as I used to be anymore, but back in the day, Bova’s in the North End and Peach Farm in Chinatown were my late-night staples. These days, I think JM Curley is crushing that late night fix. 

In general, what are some of your favorite restaurants and bars right now? 

One of my favorite places right now is Mahaniyom in Brookline, which is across the street from one of my forever favorites: Blossom Bar. I also think what the team at Wig Shop has brought over to Downtown Crossing is incredible. Barra over in Somerville blew me away as well. I love that style of authentic Mexican dining. Lastly, slices and conversation with the owner/operators over at Union Park Pizza in Back Bay has become a new favorite pastime of mine. 

Name a “hidden gem” where you always take friends or family when they are visiting from out of town?

When people come from out of town, they always want to see the North End, so that usually ends with a pop into Bova’s, a slice of pizza at Galleria Umberto, or a sandwich down the alley at Bricco’s Salumeria.  

What do you think is the best thing about Boston right now? 

I love the light you see in people’s eyes as the city has come back to life post-Covid shutdowns. You can feel the energy coming back.

What do you think is the worst thing about Boston right now?  

Infrastructure and traffic will always top this list. 

What is your go-to Dunkin Donuts coffee order? 

Black Cold Brew.