Dottie Hottie

If the mention of the YMCA conjures up images of Aunt Mabel throwing her whole body into a Richard Simmons’ like dance at your wedding reception, perhaps you should visit the Y at Codman Square in Dorchester. It will dash those images from your pretty little head. The Y is clean, the equipment appears to be fairly good and new, and the staff have impressed the Dottie Hottie as friendly and kind. The Dottie Hottie has had some experiences where organization was clearly lacking, but this can be forgiven in light of the kindness of the staffers and their willingness to be so accommodating. Membership is very affordable and child watch is even available after 6 p.m.

Plus, you can hang out with all the boys. And girls.

How has your experience been with the Dot Y? Any classes to recommend?

Dorchester YMCA
776 Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
617 436 7750
http://www.ymcaboston.org/dorchester/

The Dot2Dot cafe was recently burglarized and the losses caused the cafe to close for several weeks, according to the Dorchester Reporter. In light of its recent setback, now is a great time to support this wonderful local business. Here are a couple of ways, in addition to visiting for breakfast, lunch, or coffee, that you can help to put the cafe back on its feet:

- Host your holiday gathering at Dot2Dot.

- Order a pie for Thanksgiving! From the website:
Last few days left to order your pies. Choices are: Apple, Apple and
Blueberry, Blueberry or Pumpkin. To place your order, please call the
shop on 617 436 2368 or talk to me (Karen) when you next visit. Cost of
all pies - $12.00. Orders should be placed no later than November 22.

The Dottie Hottie is launching an informal campaign with a target audience: Strollerparents. Or strollernannies. Or anyone pushing a stroller. Much like the Jeep wave, a friendly albeit esoteric social rite shared by those who drive Jeeps, the Dottie Hottie would like to institute a tacit policy of cordiality for those passing by another strollerperson. Please say Hi. Or at least acknowledge the other stroller roller with a simple nod, a warm smile, or feel free to stop and talk and compare the attributes of the Bugaboo versus the Micralite. The Dottie Hottie is a little lonely and feels a bit dejected when other stroller pushin’ peeps are cold.

What have you got to lose?

We’ll see you out on the pavement (at least until it’s covered in snow….)

Well, it should come as no surprise that the Boston Globe’s sunday magazine categorically dismissed Dorchester when it reviewed the top 30 brunches in the city. It’s a little frustrating, particularly because brunch is the Dottie Hottie’s favorite meal to enjoy in Dorchester. In fact, a Dottie need not compete with all of the tourists for patio space at Stephanie’s on Newbury (just after the tourists discover Johnny Cupcakes does not indeed sell anything edible).

Which Dottie establishments do you suggest for the Globe to take into stock for next year’s picks?

The Dottie Hottie suggests the Ashmont Grill - The patio in the back is a thin slice of Heaven in warmer weather. Eggs benedict are the fluffy Hollandaise-drizzled cloud you’ll be sitting on in the celestial realm.

Since meandering around Dorchester Open Studios, admiring the novelties of the Pearl Street Studios galleristas and waxing poetic with the artists at First Parish Church, the Dottie Hottie has been in a HUGE post-studio FUNK! What’s a Dottie Hottie to do when the studios have shuttered, all the cheese and crackers have been put away, and the artists have gone on with their busy paint-spackled lives?

I’ll tell you what the Dottie Hottie does. The Dottie Hottie goes to see more art.

And here are just a couple of places you, too, can see it in Dot.

Did you know, for example, that Dottie artist Raine Newman believes “every day is open studio”? His studio is on Juliette St. and he gives tutorials on glass etching and makes some wicked awesome stained glass. Holler at him 617/436.3303

Also, check out Sierra and her Planet Goga wares EVEN AT THREE IN THE MORNING if you’ve got a hankering for original screenprinted art T’s for baby and you. Her etsy shop is open 24-7!