Latest news with #Alcove
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Robot pets help care home dementia patients
An east London care home has been trialling technology such as robot pets and Amazon Alexas to help transform the lives of residents living with dementia. Kallar Lodge on Gregory Road, Marks Gate, is Barking and Dagenham's only remaining council-run care home is part of the Adults Care and Support integrated care service and currently supports 43 residents who are aged over 65 and have dementia. Following the launch of Barking and Dagenham Council's new care technology service with the provider Alcove in September 2023, Kallar Lodge has been using a range of devices to support its residents. The introduction of robot dogs and cats has significantly helped to reduce distress in residents, and has even seen non-verbal residents and those who are dysphasic speak to the animals and form emotional connections. Staff say the robot animals, which mimic the sounds of dogs and cats and respond when petted, have helped to distract residents as they stay in one place for longer and are left visibly happy from these interactions. Digital translators have also helped to improve the quality of life for residents who do not speak English, and it has helped address social isolation and improve connections with staff. Manager Pauline Humphrey said the translators have helped to improve people's self-esteem and social said: "A lot of people with dementia will revert back to their original language because they forget the English-speaking; it can be really, really difficult to understand what people want and they can be socially isolated. "You can also use the translator in group activities so residents can understand what's being asked and they can be a part of it so it's good for communicating with people."
Boston Globe
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Uniting across cultures, they planned a wedding that felt like home to them both
'Brina came across as very warm … and had a very pleasant, easygoing personality,' Taha says of his first impressions of his future wife. 'But then when we were playing board games, I realized she was secretly a shark,' he recalls. 'I was very impressed by that.' Advertisement As luck would have it, Brina noticed Taha, too — she says she remembers thinking he was 'so sincere and smart' — and the pair soon began spending time together. Within a few weeks of their meeting, Taha asked Brina to dinner at Alcove: one of the city's few outdoor dining options at the time. It was a 'very cold' spring night, Brina recalls, but thanks to the restaurant's water views and the nearby heat lamp keeping them warm, the couple hardly minded. Of course, the company didn't hurt either. Brina Dillon and Taha Bahktiyar described the dress code for their black tie wedding as "East or West, dress your best." Lovely Valentine 'It was just good, easy conversation,' Brina, now 31, says. The next few months passed just as effortlessly, even though 'on paper,' Brina says, the two of them could not be more different. Their close friends have likened their personalities to their homes of origin: Brina like a 'cool, New England summer breeze,' and Taha with 'the energy of rush hour in Karachi, [Pakistan],' where he grew up. Advertisement The contrast, they agree, is more of a help than a hindrance, particularly when making life decisions. 'We both bring something different to the conversation and have very different perspectives when planning anything,' says Taha. 'Brina can be much more organized. I can sort of be much more rapid-fire, on the go. … I'm somebody who can definitely swing much more work than balance. And Brina brings a lot more balance for me.' They also felt connected by their shared values. 'Once we got to know each other and we were telling stories about our childhood or the way our parents act … [we realized] the values that we have are surprisingly similar,' says Brina. As the months passed, Brina brought Taha to her family's Thanksgiving dinner in her hometown of Freeport. Taha soon followed suit by inviting Brina to Houston, where she met Taha's parents and older brother. With every new experience, it became clear to the couple that they were more compatible than they'd imagined, though they were in no rush in their relationship. For their welcome dinner the night before the wedding, Brina Dillon and Taha Bahktiyar wore traditional Pakistani clothes designed by his mother. Lovely Valentine 'I think we both were very happy about hanging out with each other,' says Taha, now 34. 'I don't think we were running toward a timeline.' A turning point for the pair came in fall 2022, when Taha landed a new job in San Francisco. Brina had a decision to make. Although she had the option to stay in Boston, she chose to relocate to the West Coast the following summer. Advertisement 'It was a leap-of-faith move,' she says. 'But at that point, we both were pretty sure that we were moving in a certain direction.' They were right. Within about six months, the couple found themselves shopping for an engagement ring. ('It was important for me to get her a ring she likes,' Taha says.) Next came Taha's surprise proposal during the pair's visit to the Bahamas in May 2024. Sure, Brina knew her boyfriend of three years had bought a ring. But that didn't stop her fiance-to-be from 'totally throwing [her] off the scent.' 'I just led her to believe the ring hadn't been delivered,' Taha says, adding that the vacation — which was technically also a work trip for the investor — afforded him an extra degree of cover. It's easy to imagine, then, why Brina was caught off guard when Taha got down on one knee and popped the question on their way to dinner one evening. A photographer, who Taha hired ahead of time, was hiding just out of sight — waiting to capture the romantic moment. Poppy Floral provided the wedding flowers, and Maryelle Artistry styled the bride's hair. Lovely Valentine 'He did actually surprise me in that way,' Brina says with a laugh. For their wedding, the pair returned to Boston — choosing to exchange vows in the city where they met and fell in love. 'When I first moved to America [for college in 2009] ... I lived in Boston,' says Taha, who finished his degree in New York. 'And Brina's whole family lives here; her extended family is based in the New England area. It made a ton of sense to take it back to where we met and where the journey, in many ways, began for both of us.' Advertisement Taha and Brina married on April 5 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, where loved ones from across the world gathered for a celebration that reflected elements of their respective New England and Pakistani roots. After a short ceremony officiated by a close friend, the newlyweds treated guests to cocktail hour with a raw bar featuring both New England oysters and poke — a subtle nod to the couple's new home base in California. Food continued to play a starring role at the ensuing reception, which (among other bites) included traditional Pakistani dishes that speak to Taha's heritage. The latter was also highlighted at the couple's welcome dinner the night before, where both the bride and groom donned traditional Pakistani garb — custom-made by Taha's mother — while enjoying fish and chips and other classic New England fare. For the wedding itself, the couple set the dress code as: 'East or West, dress your best.' 'We took the wedding planning on ourselves and made sure we were accommodating what family members on both sides expected,' Taha says. 'We wanted to make sure everyone felt like they were kept in mind.' Dessert Works Bakery provided the wedding cake. Lovely Valentine Late night revelers — who tore it up on the dance floor through Bollywood hits and 'wedding bangers,' Taha says — were treated to a 'curry delight' station, featuring aloo gobi, chicken jalfrezi, and coconut rice. 'Everyone is still talking about how full they were from the wedding, which is great,' Brina says with a laugh. 'That's what we want to hear.' Read more from , The Boston Globe's new weddings column. Andrea Timpano is a freelance journalist based in upstate New York. She is the former editor of Boston Weddings. Advertisement
Boston Globe
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Where to eat outside in Boston
Alcove Visit Alcove's waterfront patio for prime access to T.D. Garden; an updated small plates menu (grilled octopus, swordfish skewers); and aperol spritz pitchers. Patio is open now. 50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 617-248-0050, Aquitaine South End restaurants come and go, but not Aquitaine, thanks in large part to their cozy outdoor set-up: Enjoy rosé, steak frites, and street scenes on their patio. 569 Tremont St., Boston, 617-424-8577, Advertisement Atlantic Fish Co. A seafood standby after strolling Newbury Street: Dine outdoors beginning Thursday, May 1, at brunch, lunch, and dinner. Added bonus: a kids' menu. 761 Boylston St., Boston, 617-267-4000, The patio at Atlantic Fish Co. Handout Back Bay Social There's something for everyone at this Back Bay gathering spot, including a patio that opens at 8 a.m. on Marathon Monday. 867 Boylston St., Boston, 617-247-3200, Baleia This South End Portuguese hotspot debuts its patio for the first time on Monday, April 28. Snack on octopus carpaccio and grilled sardines. 264 East Berkeley St., Boston, 617-505-3243, Banyan Bar + Refuge One of the most soothing, shady patios in the South End, this sanctuary spot for bao buns and poke bowls traditionally opens their patio on Thursday, May 1. 553 Tremont St., Boston, 617-556-4211, Advertisement Baramor A dog-friendly, 150-seat patio, live music on Tuesdays, and Hawaiian cocktail flights? This Newton hangout has it all. 45 Union St., Newton, 617-202-6718, Bar Enza's patio. Handout Bar Enza This year-round heated escape at the Charles Hotel serves Italian standards from 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-5050, The Barking Crab You know it's springtime in Boston when the Barking Crab unveils its patio: It's now open daily at noon, with first-come, first-served seating. 88 Sleeper St., Boston, 617-426-2722, Bar Vlaha Try feta pie, snails in red wine, and other northern Greek specialties on a verdant 22-seat patio, open now (with an early 10 a.m. opening on Marathon Monday). 1653 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-906-8556, The Beehive Enjoy live music and South End style on a 100-seat patio that opens at the beginning of May; reservations are encouraged. 541 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-0069, Cosmica The South End's Cosmica, outside The Revolution Hotel, serves California-Mexican cuisine on a 120-seat patio starting in May. 40 Berkeley St., Boston, 617-313-7878, Deck 12 at Yotel Relax on the rooftop high above the Seaport; just be sure to make reservations. Feeling amorous? They even offer an al fresco proposal package, complete with rose petals, bespoke music, and a 'marry me' sign. 65 Seaport Blvd., 617-377-4747, Eastern Standard Garrett Harker's Kenmore Square classic, now a few blocks down the road from its original location, has it all — including a friendly patio. 775 Beacon St., Boston, 617-530-1590, Glass House A quick jaunt from Kendall Square, Glass House offers an outdoor bar and patio, with a firepit and comfy Adirondack chairs. 450 Kendall St., Cambridge, 617-945-9450, Advertisement Gufo Twinkling lights, a bocce court, and delicately charred pizza—what more could you ask for on a balmy spring eve? 660 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-945-9734, The patio at Harvest. Handout Harvest It's been a scene-y staple in the Square for 50 years. Get a lobster roll on the partially covered patio, which also offers a fireplace when the weather gets crisp. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255, The Koji Club Sip sake on this cheeky patio at the Charles River Speedway beneath a glittering disco ball. 525 Western Ave., Legal Harborside's The Overlook A four-season rooftop bar with retractable glass walls offers 180-degree views of Boston Harbor, paired with an updated Legal Sea Foods menu that includes sushi. 270 Northern Ave., Boston, 617-477-2900, The Lexington Chef Will Gilson's rooftop patio opens for cocktails and dinner on Tuesday, April 15, overlooking Cambridge Crossing. 219 Jacobs St., Cambridge, 617-945-1349, The patio at the Lexington. Handout Lolita Fort Point This glitzy Mexican cavern unveils their patio now — with a weekend-long Cinco de Mayo party happening next month with DJs and potent margaritas. 253 Summer St., Boston, 617-369-0931, Lovestruck Books Fresh air and a good book in Harvard Square: What could be nicer? Their patio opens on Saturday, April 26, with wine and coffee from George Howell. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-286-2346, Lucia Parms, calamari, a mammoth lasagne: The North End stalwart launches patio-and-umbrella season on Thursday, May 1, with all of your favorites. 415 Hanover St., Boston, 617-367-2353, Advertisement LUCIE Drink + Dine The Colonnade's in-house restaurant has a year-round, 40-seat patio, within easy walking distance of the Pru. 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-425-3400, Mare Oyster Bar Fire pits, couches, a skyline view, and a crudo bar, a tiny bit removed from the North End fray: What's not to like? Visit for dinner nightly; the patio is open now. 3 Mechanic St., Boston, 617-723-6273, Matria at InterContinental Boston A prime meeting place between the Financial District and the Seaport: There's a 90-seat terrace and a Northern Italian steakhouse menu, plus fire pits, with Fort Point Channel views, open daily until 10 p.m. 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston, 617-217-5151, Matria's terrace is conveniently tucked between downtown and the Seaport. Handout Midnight Morning A family-friendly urban oasis in Roslindale: Sip al fresco espresso in the morning or enjoy cocktails by night, along with a global menu (and a kids' version). 14 Birch St., Roslindale, 617-390-5830, Monteverdi Nightlife king Seth Greenberg's perch overlooking the Charles River at the Royal Sonesta has an outdoor bar and skyline views, and it's open now. 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, 617-806-4100, Nautilus Pier 4 Oysters, fried fish sandwiches, roast duck to serve a crowd—it's party time at this Seaport destination, which has a waterfront patio open for lunch and dinner. 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, 857-957-0998, Nautilus in the Seaport's scenic patio. Handout Ned Devine's A crowd-pleaser in Faneuil Hall, complete with outdoor TVs; the patio is open now. 1 North Market St., Boston, 617-248-8800, Porto Jody Adams's coastal Italian spot at the Pru opens their covered, lush garden patio on Tuesday, May 13, with seats for 100 people, plus an outdoor bar. Ring Road, Boston, 617-536-1234, Advertisement Puritan & Company Chef Will Gilson's cozy Puritan & Company has a conveniently covered patio, launching on Tuesday, April 15. Visit Monday through Saturday for dinner. 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-615-6195, Saltie Girl Seafood towers, champagne, tinned fish, and good vibes: Saltie Girl's got it all, plus a sunken patio ideal for Back Bay people-watching, overlooking Newbury Street, opening on Tuesday, April 15. Visit for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 279 Dartmouth St., Boston, 617-267-0691, The Salty Pig Straddling the Back Bay and the South End, this first-come, first-serve patio is open now for lunch and dinner, serving plentiful porcine delights: charcuterie, pate, sausage pizza. 130 Dartmouth St., Boston, 617-536-6200, Season to Taste This Cambridge gem enjoys larger digs and a longer menu since moving from North Cambridge to just outside Harvard Square. Visit their 16-seat patio for smoked trout toast and cheddar-thyme biscuits. 1678 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-826-9037, Source Relax on a 32-seat patio, open now, and feast on Neapolitan pizza — or swing by for their family-style, $36 Sunday supper. 27 Church St, Cambridge, 857-856-6800, The patio at Stephanie's. Handout Stephanie's on Newbury A Back Bay icon for three decades: Stephanie's opens their patio on Tuesday, April 15, for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 190 Newbury St., Boston, 617-236-0990, Stratus at View Boston Perched atop the Prudential Center observation deck's 51st floor, there's a 360-degree open air roof deck with jaw-dropping views and an approachable pub menu. 800 Boylston St., The Tip Tap Room Chef Brian Poe's convivial monument to meat opens their Beacon Hill patio on Thursday, May 1. 138 Cambridge St., Boston, 857-350-3344, Advertisement Trattoria Il Panino. Handout Trattoria Il Panino This North End classic has a fully covered patio, so it's a safe choice even when it rains. Get the homemade rigatoni. 280 Hanover St., 617-720-1336, Urban Hearth Starting in May, Urban Hearth reopens its patio and outdoor bar, with room for 26 people (make a reservation). Chef Erin Miller is fresh off a 2263 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-682-7295, Kara Baskin can be reached at
