A.J. Hernandez

Time Out’s Drag Star Showdown was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of queer joy and self-expression, with a side of sequins and sass. Hosted by Time Out Market’s resident Drag Diva, Big Atlas, eight queens took the stage one by one to lip sync their hearts out and deliver showstopping runway looks.  The judges, who included RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 finalist Plane Jane and Boston’s “Singing Blonde Comedy Queen” Patty Bourée, ranked the queens based on criteria like originality and overall stage presence before announcing the two finalists who were asked to perform one final lip sync showdown to Lady Gaga’s “Vanish Into You.” But in the end, only one queen proved she had more than enough of the stuff to be crowned the winner. In fact, she had plenty. Describing her drag as “regal, radiant and relatable,” Landa Plenty’s drag is all about theatricality, joy and community. And while she may be new to the Boston drag scene, she proved that she’s certainly a force of fierceness to be reckoned with. “This competition felt like the perfect opportunity to step into the Boston scene and share a little Plenty with a new audience,” she said. “The performances I chose were all about storytelling and connecting. I wanted to showcase my range: from humor to glamor, from camp to concept. My runway look was a celebration of classic Plenty: elevated, polished and full of presence.”  Having been performing drag since 2007, Landa Plenty’s drag journey began at the American Re

The people have spoken, and the results are in!  On Sunday, May 25, master margarita mixologists from Boston’s best bars and restaurants competed at Time Out Market Boston for the title of Best Margarita in Fenway. One by one, guests sampled and savored samples of different margarita variations and cast their votes for who they thought should be crowned the Margarita King or Queen. In the end, the winner not only wowed the crowd, but proved that when it comes to margarita magic, they’ve got the recipe for perfection.  Here’s how Lolita Back Bay claimed the crown and what went into the drink that stole the show.  “We had a really fun time while competing, and it was awesome to see the turn out,” recalled Marcio Neto, Service Bar Manager at Lolita Back Bay. “Finding out that we had been voted the people’s choice for the best margarita felt amazing, and it was awesome getting to be there to represent Lolita and Coje Management Group.”  The recipe is the brainchild of Ray Tremblay, Coje Management Group’s Director of Bars, who said his inspiration for the winning recipe comes from the craving for bright, refreshing flavors during the summertime.  “There’s something about watermelon with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of Tajín that just hits right every time. So I wanted to channel that into a margarita that’s easy to love, but layered enough to stand out,” said Tremblay. “This particular cocktail is built around a mix of fresh watermelon juice and Fruitful Mixology’s watermelon

Time Out is a global authority on having fun in your city, and we hand-pick restaurants to represent that mission at Time Out Market. Boston is home to one such food hall and cultural market, with more than a dozen dining options—from eclectic Italian cuisine to festive doughnuts and seasonal cocktails. RECOMMENDED: How to order at Time Out Market Boston But just like on our website, showcasing the best of the city under one roof goes beyond food and drink. Time Out Market Boston also hosts frequent events like pop-up markets, free fitness, local beer fests, drag brunch and more. Here's an updated list about what's going on this month. 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for…New Zealand real fruit ice cream? Meet Far Out, the swirly treat shop with three locations in Greater Boston—including one at Time Out Market—that serves delicious, creamy ice cream always made with real fruit.  Founded by August Radbill and Drew Beja, Far Out Ice Cream has become a fan favorite since opening its first location in Brookline four years ago. “Not too long before we opened, I was working in tech and had begun to feel burnt out and ready for a change,” recalls Radbill. “I was getting ready to leave for a trip to New Zealand and was having dinner at my now business partner’s house when he made it a point to insist I try the ice cream there. I didn’t think much of it to be honest, but alas I took his advice and immediately understood what the hype was all about. When I got back home, it was all I could think about.”  Photograph: Courtesy Far Out Ice CreamFar Out Ice Cream founder Drew Beja (left) and August Radbill (right) at their flagship store in Brookline, MA. Unlike traditional ice cream, which is often premixed or frozen, Far Out’s New Zealand-style ice cream is always made fresh to order, blending a base of vanilla or chocolate ice cream with real fruit in a special machine. And Far Out’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients means everything is always fresh.  “Our new base uses dairy sourced from Mapleline Farm in Western Massachusetts. They raise these beautiful Jersey cattle, known as the cadillac of cow

It was a battle of bops, beats and ballads at this year’s Fenway’s Got Talent singing competition at Time Out Market. Five weeks, thirty-five contestants, and nine finalists…but only one act walked away with the grand prize of two weekend passes to this year’s Boston Calling music festival and the title of winner of Fenway’s Got Talent Season 3.  We caught up with this year’s winning act, Stardew—a duo made up of Berklee students Kiera and Isabella—to talk about what’s next, their musical inspirations and their showstopping finale performance.  First of all, congratulations on winning Season 3 of Fenway’s Got Talent. How did it feel to hear your name called at the finale?  Both of us feel like it’s pretty unreal, to be honest. We didn’t expect to hear our names called at all. Isabella saw the ad for the contest and we decided to enter as a way to put ourselves out there. We were excited to perform together and have a good time, and the prize sounded pretty cool. We are so grateful, and excited to go back to our first musical festival. It’s also super encouraging since music is what we love and want to do full-time someday. We still can’t believe it, but here we are.  You talked about performing together. How did you two meet?  We first met freshman year at Berklee in our college dorm. We were randomly paired as roommates for the year and immediately bonded over our love of music and performing. We started performing together and Stardew was born.  Who are your biggest musical

Known for their award-winning plant-based bites, Lulu Green brings its signature blend of bold flavors, locally-sourced ingredients and Lebanese-inspired hospitality to the heart of Fenway. Now open, Lulu Green and Café Lulu are for anyone who is looking for delicious and nourishing fare. It’s not just good vegan food—it’s good food that happens to be vegan. “We’re always looking to bring in cuisine that reflects the evolving tastes of Boston, and Lulu Green delivers that spirit,” said Michael Minichello, General Manager of Time Out Market Boston. “Its focus on bold, feel-good flavors adds a new dimension to our culinary line-up and we are proud to showcase them to our customers.”  Photograph: Courtesy Lulu Green Founded by sisters Mary and Nada Lattouf, Lulu Green and Café Lulu are a celebration of clean, conscious eating rooted in family and tradition. "I learned the craft of middle eastern food from our mother, Marie," said Mary Lattouf. "Our father, Joseph, grew vast gardens, hand-pressed olive oil, and harvested all kinds of fruit. Our house was always open to guests, the fridge stocke and ready for family and friends to arrive at any time. Lulu Green is an extension of home, a community gathering space for guests to come together and enjoy warm friendly hospitality and food made with heart."  Whether you’re plant-based or just excited to try something new, both menus offer something for everyone. Lulu Green will serve lunch and dinner, featuring everything from handhe

Heading to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park anytime soon? Make your way just down the street to Time Out Market for a pre-game feast that’s sure to be a home run. From lobster rolls and nachos to new seasonal spring cocktails and locally-brewed craft beers, we’ve rounded up a list of heavy hitters that deliver big-league flavor.  Hungry? Step up to the plate: your pre-game lineup awaits. 

Spring has sprung, and that means a new batch of cocktails are in bloom at Time Out Market Boston. One of the best kept secrets in the Fenway neighborhood, the Time Out Market bar boasts a top-shelf selection of local craft beer, cocktails and mocktails that are sure to please every palate. Now, they’re serving up even more exciting things to sip on. “Time Out Market is a special place for a lot of reasons, and the beverage program is no different,” said Meghan Murphy, Assistant General Manager and mastermind behind the seasonal cocktail program. “I think the beauty in creating a drink menu at a place like Time Out is leaning into the fact that we’re surrounded by the best food in the city. I had a lot of fun drawing inspiration from the different types of cuisine and combining flavors that you may not always think of as obvious, but are oh so delicious.”  The process of creating a seasonal menu begins with a list of seasonal flavors and produce that Murphy wants to highlight or feature. “I started designing this menu in the winter,” said Murphy. “I tried to picture the patio, Red Sox games, and longer, sunnier days, and the flavors those things made me think of.”  Murphy said that this menu has something for everyone. It features flavors ranging from sweet, tart, floral and fruity, to effervescent, boozy, spicy and earthy. Prefer something a bit hoppier? The new spring menu features a list of local New England brews.  “The beer list is another spot where we always make sure

It was a showdown of skill, creativity and bartending brilliance at Time Out Market Boston’s first-ever Battle of the Bartenders on Sunday, March 23. Sixteen of the city’s most masterful mixologists took their spot behind the bar in a tournament-style contest, each vying for the top spot in a high-stakes, rum-fueled competition. The pressure was on as bartenders were challenged to create a Bacardi Rum-based cocktail incorporating a mystery ingredient (think: coconut cream and pimento dram) revealed at the start of each round.  By the final round, the competition became so fierce that the judges sent the last two standing back behind the bar for a sudden-death showdown. With the crowd on the edges of their seats, the two finalists pulled out all the stops, this time challenged to create a showstopping signature rum-based cocktail. In the end, it was Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar’s very own Peyton Sumner who walked away with the grand prize of $500 and the title of 'Boston’s Best Bartender', proving she had what it takes to claim the top spot in this clash of the cocktails “Throughout the competition, I focused on staying true to Loco’s upbeat, fresh and fun style,” said Sumner. “When the bonus round came, I trusted my instincts and had some fun. I had been eyeing the cucumbers and was pretty excited to be able to make the judges one final drink behind the bar.”  Sumner’s winning cocktail was a refreshing and crushable cucumber and strawberry concoction that tasted like sunshine a

Calling all cocktail connoisseurs: gather round as some of the city’s best bartenders go head-to-head in an exciting competition where creativity, skill and flavor collide. Watch live as 16 master mixologists compete tournament-style to craft cocktails on the fly from a basket full of mystery ingredients as my fellow judges and I evaluate their creations based on creativity, taste and presentation. Expect bold favors, unexpected twists and a front-row seat to the ultimate test of skill behind the bar. Who will shake, stir and pour their way to victory? The mixology madness kicks off this Sunday at 1pm at Time Out Market Boston. Joining me on the judging panel is the “Queen of Cocktails” Claudiane Philippe a.k.a. @nailthecocktail and cocktail blogger, photographer and author Katie Stryjewski a.k.a. @garnish_girl. Claim your free ticket and RSVP today! Restaurants & Bars Competing:  D16  Bricco Oak Long Bar + Kitchen Shore Leave Dillon’s  Loco Taqueria and Oyster Bar Rochambeau Game On Fenway Hojoko Hecate Sloane’s  Sonsie Bistro du Midi Easter Standard Pig Beach x PKL Time Out Market Boston  

Nancy Cushman is no stranger to the challenges and triumphs that come with owning your own restaurant empire. As the co-founder of Cushman Concepts—the hospitality group behind critically-acclaimed O Ya and Time Out Market Boston’s very own Go Go Ya and Ms. Clucks Deluxe—she has spent her career blazing a trail marked by innovation, resilience and a passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences.  In honor of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Nancy to talk about the journey that led her to the helm of one of the most celebrated food and beverage portfolios in Boston and beyond. From risk-taking to her favorite way to relax and recharge, she shares her experiences and reflections on leadership, the importance of mentorship and her best advice for women looking to carve their own path in the industry. Nancy, you and your husband Tim [Cushman] co-founded O Ya, which has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Boston. What inspired you to open your first concept together? What many people might not know is that I didn’t grow up in the restaurant business. I actually had spent my entire career working in advertising, but my husband and I had always had this dream of opening up our own restaurant someday. One of our first dates was sushi and sake, and that’s where this shared intrigued and love and passion for Japanese culture and cuisine began. At the time, he was a chef, doing some consulting for other restaurants, and I completely fell in love with sake, so

Cafe Lulu is a café concept from Lulu Green, the award-winning vegan restaurant founded by sisters Mary and Nada Lattouf. Perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go, the menu features plant-based breakfast sandwiches, comfort food classics like grilled cheese and tomato basil soup and an assortment of baked goods, coffee, tea and matcha. Try the “Dubai Chocolate Stuffed Croissant,” Cafe Lulu’s spin on the viral trend, for a treat that’s both decadent and delicious. 

Lulu Green brings chef-driven, plant-based meals made with seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients to Time Out Market Boston. Founded by sisters Mary and Nada Lattouf, Lulu Green is based on their passion for clean eating and creating plant-based foods that are truly functional. Expect fresh takes on favorites, like a Korean BBQ Short Rib Burrito and Chick’n + Waffles, as well as nourishing salads and bowls. This isn’t just good vegan food—it’s good food that happens to be vegan.

Calling all Swifties! This event was Taylor-made just for you! Spend an Enchanted evening dancing to your favorite Taylor Swift tunes spun by DJ Tumi. Enjoy specialty drinks and show up dressed as your favorite era for your chance to win prizes. We’re gonna party like it’s 1989!