Provided Courtesy of Aram Boghosian/Boston Globe

Winn Company and The California State Pension, developers of the Columbus Center project over the Massachusetts Turnpike, have agreed to a settlement payment of $5.5 million to Boston, MA, according to The Boston Globe. The settlement money is to be used towards the restoration of a parking lot(Bad) across from 33 Restaurant, and green space(Good), both located next to The Albert Pope Building at 221 Columbus between Berkley and Clarendon. The building is well known for its luxury condos and one of Boston’s best restaurants, Mistral. The “Air Rights” project would have added retail, apartments, condos, green space and most importantly, a cap over the eyesore we call the Turnpike which causes all sorts of noise and air pollution to residents of certain parts of the Back Bay and South End of Boston.

Luxury Residential Group advice to the State – go forward with capping the highway and build a beautiful, tree lined green space that will hopefully be the home of a great dog park, jungle gyms for kids to play on, a relaxing seating area for those outdoor Back Bay lunch breaks, and hopefully bring enjoyment, life and positive energy to an otherwise grey, noisy and downright unattractive part of town. This will also help create a vibrant, active area of Boston that will help bridge The South End and Back Bay.

As you can tell, we love our brunch at Luxury Residential Group. Today we had the opportunity to dine at Union Bar and Grille Restaurant (Not to be confused with Union Oyster House near Faneuil Hall) in Boston’s hot SOWA (South of Washington) area of the South End. The home of many new, trendy, high end Loft developments like Wilkes Passage, and Laconia Lofts.

Our experience was wonderful.  The decor was quite soothing, the Jazz music made for a chill, low key, laid back comfortable atmosphere and the food was delicious.  I had the special. French toast served Texas Style, filled with yummy melted chocolate, and finished off with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.  As if the chocolate filling was not enough, on the side came chocolate covered strawberries. It was de-lish.  My guest had the Goat Cheese and mushroom omlette which was good, but a little boring compared to the special. In the past, we have ordered the prix fixe brunch.  It includes a yummy piece of home made coffee cake, orange juice, coffee, and your choice of the chef’s special omlette of the day, salmon scrambled eggs w/homefries or their signature B-52 french toast all for $9.95. Without a doubt the best brunch value in the entire city for food of this quality. (Prix Fixe is only available Saturday 10am-3pm and Sunday 10am-11am).

We had no complaints about our experience at Union Bar and Grille. The staff was friendly, funny, and attentive.  The food was reasonably priced, prepared to order and absolutely delicious.  The coffee was strong and the orange juice was fresh squeezed. This has quickly become one of our favorite Saturday and Sunday “Comfort” brunch spots in Boston.

Union Bar and Grille is located at 1357 Washington St. in Boston, MA.  Please visit –>BRUNCH MENU<– to see their entire brunch selection.