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Hello
Just wanted to post a quick note to say "hello" to everyone here. My wife (as of 7/26) and I moved to Watertown last summer and are quite happy we did. And now that wedding planning and getting settled are done, we're taking some time to become more familiar with the town. So if anyone has restaurants, places, people, etc that we should be sure to check out, fire away. Hopefully we've already hit all the right spots, but I'm sure there's some hidden gems waiting for us.Thanks!
Watertown is a little communist town with no sense of community. It is run by a close knit good ole boy network - if you want to start a family move to a town where your yard is larger than a postage stamp.
Hey, I thought Cambridge was the little communist town around these parts! Must we start the tanks rolling from the Cambridge Common to Watertown Square? All Hail Marx and Lennon! How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all?
Waterown is in a convenient location and has reasonably priced homes and services. Granted the Townies have run things for years, but the winds of change are beginning to blow. New residents are moving in and the Townies are burning out and/or moving out.
I am not a Townie by any means but Waterown a communist town? Please !
BTW I am an Unregistered Pipsqueak! because my regisrtration has languished in Lisa's inbox for a week. Has she being taken hostage by the ComiTownies?
Nada Townie
Ummm. okay. What I want to know is how does the "communist" fit with the "good ol' boy"? Is it possible to have communist good ol'boys? Whatever. Watertown isn't all-purpose -- I find it challenging to raise children here at times. But what doesn't have challenges? It's all choices, after all. Welcome, PandaReserve (great handle) and enjoy what's here and no place else. Did you buy a dozen lahmejune yet? Go get a box from Sevan, you won't be disappointed.
One Unregistered Pipsqueak does not comprehend the meaning of communism. Perhaps he/she meant insular? provincial? in-bred? oligarchy? But communist? Uh...no. From dictionary.com: communism: a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state. or (often initial capital letter
) a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party. Somehow Watertown does not qualify for either definition. Totalitarian? All property held in common?Perhaps Pip sought an insult and that Red Scare is still around after all these years and darn handy for indiscriminate use. 
Welcome to Watertown. I didn't grow up here, but married into Watertown 25 years ago and it is a great place. Check out the Arsenal Center for the Arts next to Panera Bread at 341 Arsenal Street. It features plays, music, art classes for adults and children, and Watertown Children's Theatre - great place to come and visit. I think Watertown is the breakfast capital of the world - we have awesome breakfasts, and you can't go wrong with Tresca's on Church Street, Nick's Diner and Talk of the Town on Arsenal Street, New York Diner, Town Diner and Uncommon Grounds on Mt. Auburn, Crown Cafe and The Spot on Main Street and - best Irish breakfast at Donohue's on Nichol's Ave on Saturday and Sunday. Hope I didn't forget anyone. I can't imagine any other 4 square mile city that has as many Dunkin' Donuts as we do. Don't even get me started on pizza (Stella's -my favorite - that may start a spirited discussion). You have to try lamejun - it's Armenian pizza. Our Town Council is a mix of really dedicated, smart public servants and babyish tantrum-throwers hurling brickbats at each other that for some reason never get voted out (maybe because they are so amusing, we couldn't part with the weekly fireworks). Regardless, politics seems to be an oft discussed topic. The history of Watertown holds a pedigree as brilliant as Lexington or Concord, ask Karl, he'll fill you in (he is our official motorcycle-riding, Colonial dressing, art loving, community dedicated Town Crier and President of the Historical Society of Watertown). We are into huggin' the trees, embracing a variety of cultural heretages, loving the arts and welcoming everyone. We are four square miles of coolness, take my word for it. Don't you already love the trackless trolleys?
Does anyone know how to make several paragraphs when posting versus one big long one? It would be much easier to read. Thanks.
Yes, actually, Peg, I'd like to know how to break my texts into paragraphs - enter,enter doesn't work. Maybe it is a glitch that Lisa's ironing out cuz it also looks like her html tags aren't always working well either. If there is an html tag for paragraph breaks, feel free to let me know what it is so I can use it.
Wow, look what I started! Political debates, grammer police, but only 1.5 useful replies. That's not even a good batting average! (.250 if you're curious)Thanks for the tips Descal and H2otown! We have found a couple good places for b'fest and have tried pretty much all the pizza here on the west side and watertown sq. I guess it's time to try out the east side of town now.
Welcome to town, it has lots to offer. If you're into walking and exploring, try the paths along the river. Pick up one at the northwest side of the Galen Street Bridge and follow it west--lots of interesting buildings, flora, fauna, etc. There's also path along the other borders of the river--take a look at them.If you're interested in walking through interesting neighborhoods and architecture, try Lincoln Street and Spruce Street (good hill, too), the Windsor Avenue, Langdon Avenue and Hillside Road area, the Russell Avenue Garfield Street area, among others. There's lots of interesting architecture around--just start walking and you'll find interesting bits all over town.
I second the person who said start walking around town. I got to know it better just by going for a walk in a new section every weekend. In addition to the river walk, there are some beautiful streets off of Mount Auburn. The New Repertory Theatre is in the Arsenal Center for the Arts and they have some interesting shows each season. Coolidge Square (Mount Auburn and Bigelow Streets) has a bunch of Middle Eastern bakeries that are very good. I tend to go to Sevan, but any of them are good to try. In Est Watertown, Strip T's is a good inexpensive place for lunch or dinner and Porcini's is a good Italian restaurant. Both are on School Street. I also recommend Grappa's, a tiny Italian restaurant on Elm Street (the street that runs next to Target.) The Watertown Library is a great place as well and hosts several literary events. If you like to dance, two groups hold swing dances in Watertown. They are held at the St John's Armenian Church on Mt Auburn once a month on Saturdays, and every Friday at the Hellenic Cultural Center every Friday. There are also several possibilities for dance lessons in the area.
Panda,If you're hungry for a good breakfast try Victors on North Beacon Street, and bring your appetite!
Welcome to Watertown and congrats on your wedding! Here's my brain dump on our fair town: La Case De Pedro is, hands down, the best restaurant in these parts. The churasco steak is to die for. Watertown Diner is THE place to go for both a new twist on the familiar and comfort food. Be sure to try their pancakes; they're the best around and have been featured on The Food Network. I love attending the Friday afternoon wine tastings at Gordon's. The staff there (Rich, in particular) is friendly and knowledgeable. The Starbuck's in the square is a lively place with a whole cast of regulars. The Public Library has an incredible reading room with a great selection of periodicals. Their used book collection is a treasure trove of bargains ($1-2 per book). My wife and I have lived here for the past 2 years and we've come to love this place. In fact, we've recently decided to put some roots down, took advantage of the real estate market, and are finally becoming homeowners next month!
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